Hotel Operations

🍴 Bret Thorn, a Colorado native based in Brooklyn, has served as Senior Food & Beverage Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999. He graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University in 1990 and studied at Le Cordon Bleu. Thorn, former president of the International Foodservice Editorial Council (2005), wrote for The New York Sun from 2005-2008. He won a 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and authored entries in the Oxford Encyclopedia in 2012 and 2015.

🛁 Direct bookings are crucial as they save on commissions and build guest trust, offering a seamless experience, best-rate guarantees, and flexible cancellations. Essential tools include mobile-friendly booking engines, analytics, and secure payment gateways. STAAH SwiftBook excels with features like real-time syncing and smart pricing. SEO, paid ads, and social media enhance reach, while reviews and strategic offers convert lookers into bookers. Effective email marketing nurtures relationships, leveraging automations like cart abandonment reminders and pre-arrival upsells.

🍴 Bret Thorn, a senior food & beverage editor since 1999 at Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, focuses on food trends and operations. Previously, he wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008) and spent five years in Thailand writing for Manager magazine and Asia Times. Thorn, a Tufts University graduate, studied at Le Cordon Bleu and in China. He won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and was inducted into the Disciples d’Escoffier in 2014, residing now in Brooklyn, NY.

🏨 In competitive hotel markets, packaging offerings can boost bookings by up to 30%. Tailored packages for couples, families, and business travelers increase value and reduce cancellations. Examples include romantic retreats, family stay & play, and wellness packages. Utilize technology like STAAH for guest insights and package management. Flexible payment options such as "Buy Now, Pay Later" can enhance booking rates. Craft packages around the guest's journey for seamless and memorable experiences.

🍲 Bret Thorn is the Senior Food & Beverage Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999 and has been with Restaurant Hospitality since 2016. He is a podcast host and award-winning columnist. Thorn wrote for the New York Sun (2005-2008) and Asia Times (1995-1997). A Tufts University alumnus, he studied at Le Cordon Bleu and was involved in the 1989 Tiananmen Square events. Inducted into Disciples d’Escoffier in 2014, Thorn resides in Brooklyn.

🍴 Bret Thorn is a senior food & beverage editor for Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999, spotting trends nationwide. From 2005-2008, he wrote for The New York Sun. Bret's career includes time in Thailand (1992-1997) and winning a 2006 journalism award. Educated at Tufts University, Le Cordon Bleu, and Chinese universities, he worked with ABC News during Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. He lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., focusing on restaurant trends and Asian and French cuisines.

🏨 Hotels must adopt booking engines to boost profitability, owning guest relationships while avoiding up to 25% OTA commissions. Essential features include mobile optimization, real-time rates, and secure payment gateways. STAAH SwiftBook enhances guest experience and performance with features like PCI DSS compliance and multi-property booking. Without booking engines, hotels risk revenue loss and poor guest experiences. SwiftBook increased an Indonesian resort’s direct bookings by 50%. Schedule a demo today to transform your booking strategy.

🎉 Your 3rd Spot, an eatertainment concept in Atlanta, opened in 2023 with a 30,000 square-foot space, without a tipping model, opting instead for a 20% service charge. Run by Amp Up1 Hospitality Management, the company ensures higher hourly wages for staff, spreading the charge across all team members. Post-opening, the employee turnover rate stands below 50%, hinting at a successful model as the brand plans national expansion. Additionally, the no-tipping model, which includes healthcare and 401ks, has been well-received by customers and employees alike.

🔍 81% of travelers read reviews before booking a hotel. High ratings increase direct bookings and revenue. TripAdvisor, Google, OTAs are key for decisions. Strategies to boost reviews include automated emails/SMS, QR codes, Wi-Fi prompts, staff requests, lucky draws, social shoutouts, and gamification. Responding to reviews should be within 24-48 hours. Focus on areas like cleanliness, service, comfort, F&B, and check-in/out efficiency. Social media can amplify reviews. Training staff enhances guest experiences. ReviewMinder consolidates feedback and offers analytics.

🏨 STAAH's Weekly Hotel Industry Quiz challenges hospitality professionals to stay current with trends. The quiz is a recurring event, designed for both seasoned hoteliers and newcomers. Participants can catch up on previous quizzes and are encouraged to share with colleagues. STAAH fosters ongoing education through these weekly knowledge tests.