As hotel owners invest in sustainable systems and obtain LEED certification they look for the benefits that derive from their investments. Savings in energy costs and water bills may be evident on the hotel's financial books but the hotel's contribution to the health of the planet may not always be evident to the guests. Many hotels feel it is important to wear their LEED badge on their sleeve by having visible attributes such as solar panels, retention ponds, solar shading and wind generators as physical evidence of their good deeds. These hotels are striving to be conspicuously sustainable. READ MORE

It was only natural that the son of legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau would carry on his father's legacy of conservation through education. Thrown overboard into the ocean by his father when he was seven years old, Jean-Michel Cousteau has since dedicated his life to preserving the seas. As the founder of the Ocean Futures Society, Cousteau has produced dozens of films, written hundreds of articles and developed school curricula that strengthen the critical bond between people and the sea. In 1989, seeking to demonstrate the economic benefits of sound environmental practices, Cousteau first associated himself with the Jean-Michel Cousteau resort in Fiji. READ MORE

As kids we probably all heard our parents tell us not to waste our food. Ever since our opening in the restored historic Miller & Rhoads department store building, our Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown takes that sentiment to heart. Our hotel established a baseline environmental program in 2010 and made commitments to continuously improve our environmental performance over time. In March 2011, we made the decision to begin composting our food wastes. Since then, the hotel has diverted nearly 30 tons of food waste from piling up in landfills. We are the first and only hotel in the region to compost its food wastes. READ MORE

A brand name carries with it intangible value inherent which can translate into a higher average daily rate, a positive image, or a higher market share. In order to maintain that value, the brand must ensure that there is consistency in the guest experience no matter where in the world the branded hotel is located. This is where the interaction between the brand standards and the hotel management agreement comes into play! Our article in this week's Hotel Business Review, What's in a Name - Everything! How Brand Standards Play into the Hotel Management Agreement, will focus on what brand standards are, and how a hotel owner knows if it is "measuring up" and maintaining brand standards - and in fact complying with the obligation to operate the hotel in accordance with brand standards. READ MORE

When it comes to luxury, nobody is under the misapprehension that a Ford, as good as it is in its context, can be passed off as a car that would cost $100,000 because it is built of the finest materials and is designed with a host of features that would warrant such a price tag. The same goes for a hotel: as good as Hiltons are, for instance, few if any of them are rated as five stars/diamonds for the simple reason that their furnishings and appointments are not so designed. So while the obvious features visible to the naked eye are clearly evident and determinable as to their quality, the less visible but no less palpable features of service levels receive less scrutiny when it comes to assigning quality. READ MORE

Leading multiple generations in the workforce is a challenging responsibility, but a true leader will take time to listen, learn and understand what is needed. Knowing key generational traits, values and characteristics will help any leader gain a better perspective on how to adapt and lead various age groups in the workplace. Most importantly, understanding what motivates each team member and then providing constructive and personalized feedback will foster open communication so goals and dreams can be achieved. READ MORE

As we move forward in the highly competitive hospitality industry, Four Seasons finds itself holding a position of leadership in customer service and satisfaction. Through our hotel's dedication to innovation and top-of-the-line service, we fulfill our pledge to deliver the most dynamic experience a guest can receive. We are constantly thinking of new and exciting ways to reinvent five- star service, and we will continue to strive for excellence in every aspect of our business to generate a loyal, lasting customer base. READ MORE

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) or sustainability? When comparing them, the one difference that is primarily pointed out is that sustainability includes a commitment to protecting the environment, in addition to community and economic success, whereas traditionally, CSR does not include an element about sustainability. Today that seems to have changed because there are several lodging companies practicing CSR that do include sustainability as one aspect of CSR. This blurs the line even further for making a clear distinction between the two. Which one is best for you? READ MORE

When a brand is represented in the market, it most likely has a certain type of reputation, and may be well known for specific items that it may offer to its target market. The expectations of the end user are demanding, given that nowadays, plenty of research, based on other's experiences, as well as their personal own experiences with a brand, develop a sense of knowing what they will get for their money. How we will attend to this challenge and see it as an opportunity to analyze and improve service consistency? Let's read on further to find out. READ MORE

There's no question that we have entered a new technological era. So why are so many hoteliers still using the same network platforms and service providers that they always have? It's a costly mistake and one we see all too frequently. As we connect the dots between a hotel's network, guest experience and profitability, you'll see just how the benefits of managed network services far outweigh the capital investment. READ MORE

Vail Resorts Hospitality is made up of six flagship RockResorts properties including The Arrabelle at Vail Square, The Lodge at Vail, The Osprey at Beaver Creek, The Pines Lodge in Beaver Creek and One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge in Colorado and Half Moon, Jamaica, as well as hotels and condominiums located in proximity to Vail Resorts' mountain resorts in Colorado and Lake Tahoe, and four destination resorts at the Grand Teton Lodge Company near Jackson, Wyo. Throughout our hospitality division, we provide a variety of green elements couples can incorporate into their wedding plans, from requesting organic and local cuisine, to creating beautiful and sustainable decorative arrangements. Moreover, sustainability practices such as recycling, waste reduction and energy/water conservation are automatically part of all resort events. We believe couples can say "I do," without saying "I don't" to Mother Nature. READ MORE

Sustainability is not just the most responsible approach to hotel operations, but can be an efficient and powerful tool for generating revenue. Hoteliers generally agree sustainable operations are financially beneficial and most have realized savings from reductions around waste, water, energy and chemicals. But many still hesitate to market their properties' green initiatives. Inn by the Sea, on the coast of Maine, has had green design features coupled with guest-centric programs around sustainability in place for over a decade, and has had great success marketing the property as both a luxury and a green hotel. READ MORE

Sustainability has become an important part of the lodging industry. In addition to our responsibility to the guest, the staff, and the ownership, we have a responsibility to the environment. Many articles have been written about the programs that can be incorporated into properties operations to promote sustainability. However, managing a historic property's environmental footprint may increase the challenge. READ MORE

For more than over 10 years there has been a tendency that the wellness industry is following the “Steve Jobs Syndrome - We sell the Customers what we think they need, rather than serve them on their current Requirements!” He certainly has been very successful in creating and selling products that have never been seen before on the market, and have created a new awareness and understanding of how humans communicate. The wellness industry is booming and it is growing in a pace similar to his company in the best days. But is this growth based on what people really need and want or is it because some hotel and wellness companies just want to increase their business portfolio to attract more financial funds. READ MORE

The topic of environmental stewardship is a hot one, especially at the historic Glenwood Hot Springs. Located in the mountains of central Colorado, the world-famous resort is known for its prolific natural hot springs that have been attracting people for healing and relaxation for well over a century. The 125-year-old attraction is steadily gaining a reputation for its innovative green practices. In addition to providing an unparalleled hot springs visitor experience, by tapping into the readily available geothermal power of Mother Nature, Glenwood Hot Springs has successfully implemented eco-friendly programs that embrace a unique model for sustainability. READ MORE