In good economic times, and even more so in bad, it's essential to do almost anything to keep the customers you have. They not only return to your property over and over, but when loyal, they become promoters. My article highlight several strategies that hotel staff can implement to keep guests returning and keep your hotel on their "evoked set" of preferred properties. Whether a large hotel chain or small boutique property, customer experience is key to keeping up occupancy rates. By taking care of complaints, empowering and training your customer-facing employees, and paying close attention to your customer service initiatives, you are sure to earn repeat guests and referrals. READ MORE

Over the last two years, the value of the US Dollar has significantly declined against foreign currencies significantly deflating Americans spending power abroad. The hotel and travel industries have been among the hardest hit by the drop in the dollar value as exchange rates have kept Americans from traveling to places where the dollar was once king and spending was frivolous. In today's market, room rates and occupancies have been drastically affected by the global economic condition. Small Luxury Hotels of the World sees 65% of their global business originating within the United States, thus making it crucial for member hotels to react to the current economic situation and reach out to the US traveler. With both the British Pound Sterling and Euro at their highest levels in decades, the challenges of hotels in the international markets are not only to maintain business levels but continue growth within them at the same time. READ MORE

The hotel executive must be very sensitive to the relationship between the Hotel Concierge and the guest, as it is undoubtedly a key element in the success of your property. The concierge is the link between the guest and your property and a professional concierge can develop and nurture loyal relationships between your guests, your brand and your property. After careful examination of this relationship, we must acknowledge that every element of this relationship comes down to one word, and that is "trust". Let's examine some of the qualities that a concierge must present in order to gain and build the trust of their guests. READ MORE

I believe it's safe to say that most of today's travelers are much more "travel-savvy" than ever before. They surf the internet for the best deals, the best amenities, and they are very loyal to their favorite brand or property. Are you putting your concierge team at the forefront of your best amenities and services? Is your concierge team fully prepared to surpass the expectations of even the most discerning guest? READ MORE

Working in the meetings and conferences industry has given us insight into the essential role that technology plays in nearly every group event held today. Whether the company you are catering to is a Silicon Valley Fortune 500 or a smaller, independent business, properties that think big in terms of their technological ambitions while remaining detail-oriented in execution will maintain the upper-hand in booking and planning successful, smooth meetings that have the ability to literally bring attendees 'out of the box'. The following are some tips for ensuring and maximizing meeting success through the use of what I see as the most important technologies and technological services available today. Investing in a varying scope of technological upgrades is a prime way to simultaneously ensure happy clients and to add valuable amenity draws to your property. READ MORE