In the 1990's, I interviewed several futurists who, amongst other predictions, anticipated the omnipresence of robots in the workforce. In 2001 (unrelated to Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey), I spoke at a butler convention about a convergence of "hominids" (humans) and robots: the robots becoming more human and the humans becoming more robotic-and warned that this did not augur (signal) well for humans who preferred superior service. Hospitality, basic definition is friendly, which comes from an Indo-European root word meaning love. Met any friendly robots recently, ones who expressed their heartfelt love? Or for that matter, from staff who lack passion for service? READ MORE

When compared to older generations, millennials may not be the most well-traveled group, but they are on their way to becoming top travel consumers. According to a Harris Poll survey, millennials, those born from the early 1980s to the early 2000s, already plan to spend about $226 billion on travel this year. For this reason, it is important hotels and restaurants truly understand the consumer power of millennials, and the importance of capturing and keeping their business. READ MORE

The rise of millennials in the workforce is challenging conventional rules of employment. Driven by a desire for better work-life balance, the new majority generation is demanding greater flexibility in how and when they work. For forward-looking hoteliers, this creates an opportunity to rethink the way they schedule labor in favor of flex systems that allow them to fill shifts based on projected and actual demand while empowering their workers to structure their time to better meet personal as well as business needs. READ MORE

Hotel architecture and design is a hot topic in the hospitality industry lately, as new hotels are constantly being built around the world and existing hotels are showcasing million dollar renovations. Owners and investors are getting more involved with interior designers and architects in order to spend time discussing the hotel or brand vision before going any further. Owners and hoteliers are understanding more and more the need for smart design concepts and smart decisions in terms of renovations, as they do not happen often. READ MORE

As this edition of Hotel Business Review studies the characteristic qualities of unique, timeless and memorable design- we began to think about the essence of these three qualities and how they are realized. We also determined that it would be a helpful exercise for everyone in the industry to consider how these elements work within business strategy for hospitality industry success - and whether they are always inherently appropriate. We hope to provoke thought in advancing an always thorough consideration of as the industry progresses in this era of vibrant hospitality growth worldwide. READ MORE

Much has been said about the changing traveler, and what he demands of the hotels in which he stays, whether he's among the ranks of the millennial generation we talk about so much or is simply a savvy guest. What's been addressed with less frequency is how designers can respond to these new demands and desires and implement them in the architecture of hotels. How can I, as a designer, create a space that this new traveler craves and then raves about on social media? I believe it all comes down to a few simple (but not easy) principles of great design: Creating a unique sense of place, creating memorable moments, and, just as importantly, designing hotels that perform. READ MORE

The hotel market is more competitive than ever before. Tapping the talent of experienced design professionals can help industry leaders gain a needed, game changing edge. Guest columnist Paula Azevedo, a principal at dash design, explores how the proper use of technology, materials, luxurious appointments and destination estaurants can provide a true return on investment for hotel owners, developers and operators. Tapping the hands-on knowledge of design professionals is one way that hoteliers can gain an edge and, therefore, capture market share. READ MORE

The market landscape has truly undergone a major metamorphosis in the past decade. The way businesses woo customers has consequently also changed dramatically. Gone are the days when businesses craved for referrals through direct communication. The new referral engine is social proof - the positive influence that is created when someone comes across something that many others are doing. In a way, it is using experiences of others to choose a product. READ MORE

The Miami of today - the "It" city of art, tourism, fashion, culture and business - was really born over a decade ago, when Samuel Keller, the former director and leader of Art Basel, an internationally renowned Switzerland-based art show, had the vision to use Miami Beach as a host city for a temporary traveling Art Basel exhibition in 2002. The show did more than bring a good deal of attention to South Florida. Art Basel partnered with the city and its local institutions to create parallel programming, bringing Miami alive with galleries, street fairs and events at its convention center as attendees poured in. READ MORE

In the dictionary, rebranding is defined as the changing of a company or organization's corporate image. In reality, for businesses that are rebranding their hotels, the term exudes a much less simplistic picture. It can be a daunting task, even one that seems overwhelmingly complex and trying. But irrespective of how challenging the overhaul of a brand might first appear, it's not impossible if approached methodically and with an outlined strategy. In the end, it's a worthwhile undertaking for establishments looking to reinvent themselves in their respective markets. Which brings me to the first most pivotal point: understanding your market. Delving from that comprehension into the personality of your hotel will help prepare you, step by step, for a successful transition by creating an identity that resonates. So, how exactly is it done? READ MORE

Typically, when we attempt to control insurance claims costs in hospitality, we find ways to reduce the number of claims. That means yet another conversation about slips, trips and falls, the most frequent source of any insurance claim filed by a hotel. What about the most costly claims, the ones that draw settlements in the hundreds of thousands of dollars? Hotels must also reduce their exposure to risks that result in these sometimes catastrophic claims, from Legionnaires' outbreaks to back strain injuries among hospitality staff. In this article, I will discuss five emerging risks and one all-too-familiar risk that generate costly insurance claims. READ MORE

A couple of years ago, I wrote a piece in HotelExecutive about how the Hotel Lobby was evolving from an arrival and circulation zone with the various program elements of food and beverage outlets, business centers, and the expected array of arrival components and moving towards a self-contained destination; becoming something quite independent of the hotel itself. READ MORE

So a man walks into bar…no lets change that, a couple walks into a hotel room and immediately they look at the bathroom and make an evaluation, what are they considering…..small, large and luxurious, is there space for my toiletries, lighting, outlets, shower size, and then there is the wc, where is it….and is the bathroom private or is it open to the rest of the room…? Well I have seen them all, as a designer and have probably made some of the same decisions other designers have done to make the bathroom special, unusual, chic, etc. READ MORE

Design is only good if it works. Hospitality designers are charged with plenty to think about at the onset of a new project. Most importantly, what will make the space work for the clientele and bring people back. People have many diverse needs and desires when travelling but each property has to find their niche and maximize the return on their investments. Luckily, at this time, hotel redesign is being mandated everywhere. PIPs that have been on hold during the recently weak economic times are shaking loose now, and hotel designers are being called to task. The difference between a good hotel room and a great hotel room is design. A well thought out interior can enhance the travel experience, but remember this newly renovated space has to last up to twelve years. READ MORE

Designing a hotel oriented towards Millennials, or Generation Y, means addressing the revolutionary shift in society's “gestalt” created by the instant accessibility of information. Although people of all ages are participating in this transformation, those born in the last two decades of the 20th century are shaping how these changes materialise through their attitudes towards the accessibility of technology, sense of community, work / life balance, experiences vs. possessions, memory-making, and personalised service - all of which impact a hotel's interior design. READ MORE