The hospitality industry's crystal ball is, unfortunately, just as cloudy this year as it was this time last year. Though we can perhaps take comfort in the fact that those clouds are just grey instead of black and stormy, uncertainty is still the only thing that is certain for the hotel and lodging industry in general. Even with positive GDP last quarter (indicating that the recession is technically ending), hotels, resorts and other lodging properties are still experiencing depressed demand, low average daily rates and stagnant occupancy. In other words, low RevPAR. No one can know for certain whether these negative trends will persist through 2010 but following are my thoughts and projections for what 2010 has in store for the hotel industry. READ MORE

Avatar is the second-highest grossing film of all time and has a legitimate shot at toppling the all-time worldwide box office record. 3D movies are taking the entertainment industry by storm as consumers seek more satisfying entertainment moments. Guests are seeking those more than satisfying moments in hospitality too. Hoteliers can actually capitalize on the 3D entertainment phenomenon with a multi-dimensional focus on exceptional service delivery. This article introduces a powerful methodology focusing on the procedural, personal and perceptual sides of service which lead to exceptional service delivery and a deeper understanding of guest experience management." READ MORE

Like other industries, the hotel industry has followed the environmentally friendly trend of going "green". Hotel developers have recognized the cost-saving and marketing benefits of going green, because apart from being environmentally responsible, green development could literally translate into more green in the bank by increasing revenues and reducing costs. However, now there is a compelling new reason to design and build green projects - increasingly, it is becoming the law. As green projects become mandatory, and as projects come to fruition, litigation is sure to follow as hotel developers and others go top court to resolve issues relating to going green. READ MORE

In this article, I explore potential ways that a hotel, restaurant, or similar hospitality establishment can use exceptions to discrimination laws to capitalize on sex appeal while still remaining within the bounds of the law. Gender or sex discrimination is, of course, never appropriate. However, the fact that a hospitality establishment capitalizes on sex appeal is not in and of itself illegal. The distinction likely turns upon whether gender-specific hiring enhances the "authenticity" of the establishment, and whether provocative dress is reasonable under the circumstances and is applied equally to both male and female employees. READ MORE

Any discussion of the benefits of arbitration over litigation generally parrots the "well known" benefits. That is, arbitration is generally viewed, by both lay persons and even by most attorneys, as a more economical and efficient method of resolving disputes than traditional litigation. Attorneys and parties are often surprised when arbitration includes complex and burdensome discovery, motion practice, and expensive hearings. As explained below, the line between arbitration and litigation has, at least in some instances, disappeared. READ MORE