Hoteliers will tell you that dealing with online travel agencies (OTAs) is a necessary cost of doing business. Yet, in recent history, they have been much more than that for hotels - in fact, for some hotels, particularly in 2009, OTAs were an essential marketing channel for staying alive. However, 2010 has been a different story, and 2011 will be an even more different story. READ MORE

When planning a family vacation, most families pick and choose a hotel based on the amenities and programs in place for families and their kids. Families are loyal and committed to brands that have proven themselves worthy of such affection by offering exceptional services and well designed family programs. This article will provide an overview of many well established initiatives taken by some of the largest names in the hospitality industry. The time is now for your property to seize the opportunity, become a destination for families, and earn your share of the lucrative family travel market. READ MORE

Just like with Automobiles, the 2011 Model Year Website is finally here! We've spent the last month scouring the net to determine what is coming out from the best hospitality web shops around the globe. While the last few years have been somewhat challenging for the online lodging industry, it is poised to roar out of the gates in 2011 with many new exciting models, and without any government bailouts, we should add! READ MORE

Recent changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations require many hotels and resorts to make significant changes to their recreational facilities by 2012. The new ADA rules include specifications for recreational boating areas, exercise machines, golf facilities, play areas, swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, and court sports facilities. Legal compliance is not the only reason to take note of these new rules. Since one out of every ten persons today has a disability, these accommodations make business sense, providing an opportunity to increase sales and services by expanding the hospitality market to travelers with disabilities and their companions. READ MORE

Why have butler service in a hotel? In the cases canvassed, there were two basic reasons: either because the hotel owners conceived they had the best property in the world/on the PGA tour/etc. and they believed the corollary on the service side could only be supplied by the addition of butlers. Or because they wanted to give their most important guests such a level of service. The five hotels participating in this article have provided guests with this butler service for the last 6-16 years, building the desired reputation and reaping the rewards. Contrasting this with hotels that have signed onto the butler concept and then disbanded the service, it is obvious that butler departments are not always guaranteed success. How did they do it, those who succeeded? READ MORE