A booming German leisure market is welcome relief for European hoteliers, reports recent research from BDRC Continental READ MORE

Designing a hotel for operational efficiency can save owners money and increase a bottom line, while still offering guests aesthetically pleasing and comfortable rooms with competitive guests. In this article, Value Place's Chief Operating Officer and President Kyle Rogg will discuss how hotel owners can improve a hotel's efficiency through design changes in lighting, flooring, fixtures, geographic building designs, and energy management systems, as well as the monetary savings that can be achieved. READ MORE

Aligning your departments' goals with your overall hotel goals will ensure you sleep better at night. If you involve your staff in the goal-setting process, not only will you have slept like a baby but you will be so relaxed the next morning that you will savor your morning cup of coffee. Why? Because, giving your staff one goal to focus on regardless of their department reduces cross-departmental friction. Additionally, involving them in the process gives them a sense of purpose and belonging which reduces attrition and improves morale. You know what they say? A happy employee makes a happy guest. READ MORE

The notion that diners go out with strict limits on their spending is a myth, but one that many floor staff implicitly accept. The cost of this is heavy. In reality there's a direct relationship between higher spend and happier diners. Diners want to have their choices informed, and they secretly want the pleasant dining experience to be an exceptional one. These desires are far more important than the moderately higher bill that accompanies them. The challenge is to ensure that all staff members recognize the many opportunities that exist to boost revenue and diner satisfaction simultaneously. READ MORE

It doesn't matter whether you're a luxury resort, boutique hotel, large chain, eco lodge or even a surf shack, social media marketing will boost your brand awareness and generate targeted website traffic all while engaging your past, present and potential guests. Were you aware that 55% of travelers liked Facebook pages specific to their vacation, while 76% posted their vacation photos to their social networks? Implementing a strong social media strategy can catapult your hotel into an entirely new playing field of guest engagement. Social media has the power to sway travelers' decision making process and in this article I will discuss why every hotel needs a comprehensive social media strategy, recent social media statistics, real success stories and how to get things started if you haven't already. READ MORE