A change in your management company means more to foreign national employees than it does to most others at your hotel. It could mean a potential loss of work authorization and a violation of status in the United States. Because most management companies "sponsor" foreign national visa holders, when the company changes, the petitioning entity changes. When the petitioning entity changes, an amendment of the current visa classification, or a petition for a new visa classification, must be filed in advance of the change. If not, the new company may be jeopardizing the ability to retain key executive and management employees who need to remain in valid status. READ MORE

The past few years have witnessed a number of high-profile mergers and acquisitions in the hotel industry - a trend that some commentators have referred to as a "merger frenzy." This trend may have broad repercussions across the industry, as large hotel companies seek to join forces with smaller operators to avoid being outpaced in the market. Aside from the general impacts on the hotel industry as a whole, mergers and acquisitions can raise significant labor and employment issues that operators need to keep in mind. A fundamental issue involves whether the transaction involves a sale of stock or a sale of assets. READ MORE

Short Term Rentals Companies ("STRs") are companies that have an internet booking platform which facilitates and participates in the short-term transient rental of private homes and apartments. Participants in the market are, for example, Airbnb, HomeAway, and onefinestay. The model is often described as part of the sharing economy, in the sense that it facilitates the "sharing" of residential space between transient guests and the primary occupant of that space. The companies are said to be "disruptors," because their business model differs from accepted models in an industry. It is difficult to determine what they are. READ MORE

There are two main challenges the hospitality industry faces from the new Administration's immigration policies - increased labor costs and decreased demand. With regard to labor, policies are likely to be promulgated that may remove millions of non-U.S. citizen workers from the U.S. workforce and make it far more challenging for the hospitality industry to obtain the labor needed operate its facilities. With regard to demand, policies have already been put in place, and are likely to continue to expand, that will reduce the demand from foreign visitors to enter the United States and consume hospitality resources. READ MORE

In the sea of ready options, limited service properties that define who they are get noticed. No one wants to choose a hotel by price alone and there's no need to. Because a place has reasonable prices, no longer negates the presence of good design. In fact, some guests even leave inspired to replicate the look of a hotel's public spaces or furnishings in their own homes, the hallmark of engaging, aspirational design. Like the new Hyatt Place near Cleveland, complete with spacious rooms with mini-refrigerators and free Wi-Fi; complimentary hot breakfast and Starbucks coffee; beer, wine and mixed drinks; a fitness gym; and eco-friendly heated indoor pool, today's limited service brands are pushing the envelope while staying affordable and providing guests with a memorable experience. READ MORE