Hotel property managers are tasked with ensuring that the ROI goals for their portfolio of properties are met. As part of that responsibility they are an integral to the budgeting process. Budget season is the perfect time to evaluate the efficacy of existing group sources of business to determine if they will continue to produce the same level of return going forward. As we approach economic uncertainty, it will be important to focus on controlling the bottom line and the impact derived from group business. Read on...

Interests in the hotel industry are bought and sold. Contracts in furtherance of the sale of those interests may contain restrictive covenants. In some cases, restrictive covenants might take the form of contractual provisions that, among other things, restrict competition from a new owner or prevent certain uses. Use of a restrictive covenant may lead to litigation when one party contends that another party is in violation of a restrictive covenant. Hospitality industry players should be aware of the risks associated with restrictive covenants, and aware of the hospitality-related litigation that can result from them. Read on...

Hospitality has always provided a great entryway to the world of work for younger individuals, while also attracting older individuals who wish to embark on a new career in an exciting service-driven industry. This is fortunate at a time when the industry faces a labor shortage, especially in areas like housekeeping. This article discusses how available technologies, including today's best hotel task optimization software platforms, can help bring newcomers to hospitality on board and up to speed quickly, and propelling those inclined on to a rewarding career path. Read on...

Regardless of the number of employment law best practices a hotel successfully embraces, one factor can be a strong indicator for future litigation – a problematic, underperforming employee. Therefore, one the best ways to protect your hotel from litigation is to hire right at the outset. In the chaos of peak season, it may be tempting to impulsively hire the first application for help received; however, hiring is a process that should not be rushed. An employee who fails to meet performance expectations or mesh with the hotel's company culture, not only can create a toxic environment at work for other employees but will likely harbor resentment which frequently motivates litigation. Read on...

Today, some of the foremost hotel security threats are crimes on which insurers have started to tighten the reigns. These include abuse (both sexual and physical), battery and molestation. Adding to the mix is the despicable global crime of human trafficking. Each of these emerging threats brings new questions for hotels and their employees, including how employees can identify this type of deviant activity. This article walks you through each of these emerging threats and explores the risks, the potential solutions, the value of getting it right, and the ever-expanding costs of allowing this type of activity at your hotel. Read on...