The California Legislature had a busy year in 2019, once again enacting a number of new laws that significantly affect California employers and their businesses, most of which will take effect on January 1, 2020. With the new year fast approaching, hotel executives and human resource professionals should take the time to educate themselves about these new laws, review their employee handbooks and evaluate current practices to ensure they are in compliance. Cox, Castle & Nicholson attorneys Dwayne McKenzie and Cathy Moses provide a brief summary of the most notable laws as well as best practices for hospitality companies. READ MORE

In the competitive hotel industry, it is sometimes hard to successfully market a property's history and heritage in a cost-effective manner. In 1989, the National Trust for Historic Preservation created Historic Hotels of America, a marketing organization specifically charged with capturing the heritage tourism market. Thirty years forward, the organization has grown to represent 300 properties nationwide, including nearly every major brand. The success of HHA can also be found in the average daily room rate and per room revenues. This article explores both the growth of heritage hotels and the programs of HHA. READ MORE

Businesses in the hotel industry, and the executives that lead them, face countless challenges each day: navigating the ebbs and flows of the market, employee retention, managing inventory, and remaining compliant with all IRS regulations and reporting. And, these challenges are compounded by the very nature of the hotel business. Shift work, seasonality and employees working across multiple locations increase the complexity of meeting requirements, especially those mandated by the Affordable Care Act. This article will discuss what leaders in the hotel industry can do to successfully navigate the nuances of Affordable Care Act compliance and avoid any costly fines. READ MORE

A persistent criticism of American business is that a significant gap exists between the wages paid to men and women for performing similar work. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Labor, a variety of occupations in the hospitality industry suffer from this problem. Although federal legislation guaranteeing equal pay regardless of gender has existed for years, commentators claim that these measures are inadequate. A proposed law is pending in Congress that would substantially rewrite the current federal requirements governing equal pay. A number of states have pushed ahead in this area and enacted their own laws. A hotel manager today faces the challenge of staying abreast of rapidly changing equal pay obligations at the federal, state and local levels. READ MORE

Jeff Hart, General Manager of the Los Angeles Airport Marriott explores airport hotels and their unique advantage to meetings and events. Hart discusses tactical tips and strategies that airport properties can take to stand out as a premier event destination. From challenges to opportunities, Hart gives a 360-degree look at the unique ways in which travel hubs can bring a destination to life and tell a story to potential clients that extends beyond near convenience and proximity to the airport. According to Hart and the team at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott, airport hotels are raising the bar, and now is the time for properties to look at the ways (small or large) in which they can level up their spaces, offerings and approach. READ MORE