No stars…we need everyone! In the hospitality industry more so than any other, knowing how to replace the individual excellence model in favor of building effective workgroups is vital. Across the world, a competitive spirit is instilled on our children from a very early age. It is from that point onward which gives us armies […]

If I have learned anything after twenty years of managing engineering departments it’s this: the most successful engineers thrive in an environment where their leadership has a thorough understanding and appreciation for what the hotel’s maintenance team does, and how its efforts contribute to the overall success of the property. Sounds obvious, right? But how […]

When we think about alternative dispute resolutions, our first thoughts are likely go to mediation and arbitration. For these situations, a neutral third party is called upon to resolve the issue. In the case of a mediator, it’s by skillful intermediation to bring about a compromise. And in the case of an arbitrator, it’s a […]

Hospitality operators borrow money from lenders in various manners. Whether you borrow from a local community bank or complete a commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS) transaction on Wall Street, in the loan documents you will be required to maintain a certain level of insurance. And with this comes stipulations that may be a tad burdensome […]

The operation of a successful spa demands a combination of operational skills, systems and creative promotion. No longer is it possible to develop a spa or fitness/wellness facility and expect that “if I build it, they will come.” While all studies show that the addition of a spa positively impacts both occupancy and average daily […]

It is readily apparent that terrorist and active shooter events around the world have experienced s dramatic increase of late. Up until recently, 9/11 was looked upon as a one-time event and billions were subsequently spent to combat terrorism in the US. But the rise of ISIS, lone wolves and active shooters has not been […]

 Click here to download a PDF version of this case study, complete with graphic analyses. PROJECT SUMMARY The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company embarked on a three year program centered on reducing energy consumption. The purpose of the program was not only to reduce the portfolio’s energy consumption and cost, but also to raise the awareness of […]

Before I started my own business, I was heavily entrenched in the Marriott International corporate brass, where group meetings business accounts for 40% of the overall revenue for their US hotels. As a leader in marketing and e-commerce disciplines, my team’s focus was largely devoted to driving demand and revenue from the direct consumer segments […]

‘Book direct’ is the war cry of hotel owners, management company executives, chain CEOs and many marketing consulting groups. Like real war, the costs and benefits must be evaluated, particularly by those who will be paying for it – hotel owners. This is even more critical for a war that is unwinnable. “Wars are won […]

Having represented management companies and owner/developers in projects ranging from five-star mixed-use luxury branded resorts to limited-service highway franchised hotels, I have had the opportunity to work on many branded management agreements, third-party management agreements (non-branded) and franchise agreements. From my years of experience, I’ve compiled a list of key terms and tips for you […]