No matter how glamorous, there comes a time when every hotel requires renovation. Years of wear and tear, new fashion trends, and shifts in technology can prematurely age a property, leading to customer complaints and the need to lower room rates to remain competitive. Also, in this age of social media and online reviews, an aging property means lost revenue as travelers increasingly turn to the Internet for advice and not the hotel's website. READ MORE

A hotel without a customer-centric philosophy is a hotel without customers. Nowhere is that statement more urgent, and nowhere is that assertion more visible, than among the thousands of websites - and the tens of thousands of generic pages, filled with marketing boilerplate and stock photographs - that make the hospitality industry appear indifferent or rather inhospitable to potential guests. Changing this outlook, and converting this non-style into a marvel of design and attentive service, must be at forefront of every hotel executive's agenda. The alternative, which is a do-nothing response to the power and influence of the Web, is neither wise nor sustainable. Hoteliers need to resolve this challenge immediately. READ MORE

It is no secret consumer experiences today are significantly influenced by technology. Many brands are innovating products and services to make routine activities faster, more convenient and more user-friendly. Leaders in the hospitality industry may know this better than anyone. Internet travel booking has exploded, increasing by more than 73 percent during the last five years, and 65 percent of same-day hotel reservations are now made via smartphones . Consumer reviews could be the epitome of economic Darwinism, with survival of the fittest being a reflection of an organization's ability to be nimble and closely connected to its guests. READ MORE

Revenue management is taking on a more strategic role with growing responsibilities and new opportunities to expand the influence of the discipline. One thing remains constant: the revenue manager is the key to a successful revenue management program. This role requires an analytically minded leader, who can successfully work across the organization to drive results. Revenue management has traditionally been a detail-oriented, analytical discipline obsessed with data and consumed with spreadsheets. The more analytical, the better. As the discipline has matured, technology has become more sophisticated and the role has expanded, the requirements of the job are evolving. READ MORE

Once a hotel is build, it is especially difficult to modify the exterior structure in order to improve a guest's first impression of the property. However, by borrowing curb appeal tactics used by realtors, there are smaller, incremental upgrades that a hotelier can undertake to heighten one's appreciation of the hotel before they even set foot inside. These range from small material changes to the structure and lighting to the inclusion of outdoor art, plants and water. As well, the demand for exterior third places is also a viable option. READ MORE