The basic answer to the guest from hell is to focus on educating employees on this kind of personality and then letting them have fun predicting what the guest will do or say next. When employees recognize the characteristics in a guest, they also know why they behave as they do, see them for what they are, and can predict how they will behave. Employees no longer think "mea culpa" and "mea lose my job" when assailed by such guests. One sees through the intensely mean-spirited and unjust smokescreen and confusion to a miserable individual whose only ability to create an effect has been reduced to upsetting others. READ MORE

Nearly two-thirds of affluent travelers surveyed in a Pepperdine study last summer stated they set their sites primarily on being pampered-luxury and premium service being key elements-when deciding where to stay while away from home. This is good news for those hotels and resorts with spas that have invested in the latest industry concept of spa butlers. READ MORE

Hotels offer an array of job opportunities for every level of worker; yet many people aren't aware of the benefits of working at a hotel and the career advancement prospects that exist. As the labor market tightens in the current economic downturn, attracting and capturing the right candidates for your open positions is crucial to your success. Effectively branding your hotel to jobseekers and potential candidates is one of the best tools in your pocket to achieve that success. READ MORE

In this challenging economy, any kind of decision-making can be difficult, as the pressures to maintain your staff and profitability can be strained in ways you may not have expected. As a leader, some of your decisions regarding budgets may have to do with your recruiting strategies; and chances are you're trying to do more with less and figuring out how to spend the money you do have in the best ways as possible. To do that, you have to design the right recruiting mix. This article offers details on what vehicles can be used in these challenging times to create an effective and efficient recruitment plan. READ MORE

In the hotel industry, your employees truly are your brand and as the labor market continues to tighten, understanding and appealing to the next generation will be critical to your organization's long-term success. Beyond salary and benefits, what are you doing to attract recent or prospective college graduates? How are you distinguishing your employment opportunities? What are you doing to dispel some of the myths about hospitality jobs and raise awareness about the lucrative career paths the industry offers? READ MORE