Hotels are not only looking for industry partners that provide them access to a diverse breadth of travelers, but also for tools and technologies that will help them optimize their revenue and overall business. Business needs constantly evolve at the pace of the consumer today, and by better leveraging technology partner tools, they can drive insights and efficiencies that will not only grow their business, but can maximize occupancy and ADR, and even improve guest relations. This byline will explore how technology partners, like Expedia Group, are powering the travel industry and mobilizing technical expertise to offer data-driven and tested technology solutions. READ MORE

What distinguishes a luxury hotel these days? User experience was the catalyst that drove designers as they created the architecture and interiors for The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston. A mesmerizing custom-designed chandelier that sparkles and glistens with 15,719 handblown Bohemian crystal glass components graces the lobby. A two-story Rolls-Royce showroom wraps around a sculptural white marble and polished chrome spiral staircase near the Grand Ballroom. Sybaritic white marble bathrooms feature five fixtures. A helipad on the rooftop awaits guests who like to arrive by helicopter. These distinctive elements create ambiance, a wonderful sense of discovery and memories. READ MORE

How do hotels and resorts maintain a competitive edge in the increasingly competitive Airbnb landscape? This article reviews some of the important and challenging operational and programming circumstances effecting hotels and resorts as they compete for the global tourism spend. Many times, this is like comparing apples to oranges. However, as Airbnb continues to expand their offerings, it is becoming essential for hotels to understand their own performance and comparative conditions. This article also reviews ways hotels can add value and differentiate themselves to boost capture by leveraging their principal and unique selling points. READ MORE

Wage and hour class actions are one of the biggest financial risks to employers. They can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorneys' fees and could require a multimillion dollar settlement. Employers should protect themselves from this risk by complying with federal and state wage and hour laws. However, the recent US Supreme Court decision in Epic Systems gives employers another critical line of protection: an arbitration agreement with a class action waiver. The Supreme Court affirmed that class action waivers are enforceable and do not violate the National Labor Relations Act. What is a class action waiver and how can your hotel capitalize on this ruling? READ MORE

With the ever-changing culinary scene and demands from millennials for locally-sourced ingredients, the executive chef of Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Chef Dan Vargo, discusses his role at the resort and how he's managed seven on-site restaurants, from the property's AAA Four-Diamond restaurant to its pool-side market. The resort's culinary offerings have evolved drastically with the help of trend research and outstanding relationships with local farms. In this piece, Chef Dan will dive into challenges, best practices and new ideas for keeping up with the evolving culinary scene. READ MORE