Hotel Operations

🏨 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.

🏨 The article emphasizes the importance of small details in a hotel room that contribute to guest satisfaction, beyond the basics like cleanliness and comfort. These include functional curtains, powerful hairdryers, clear air conditioning instructions, complimentary water and coffee, modern charging sockets, smart TVs, slippers, ample storage space, local welcome treats, cosmetic extras, and personalized touches such as notes and tailored in-room fridge contents. The focus is on providing convenience and showing thoughtfulness to make guests feel valued, thus encouraging repeat visits.

🏨 On December 28, 2024, an article titled "The Evolution of Luxury Hospitality From Comfort to Connection" by Guillaume Benezech was featured on the Hospitality Daily Podcast website. The podcast, hosted by Josiah Mackenzie, aims to educate listeners on how to delight customers, earn revenue, and succeed daily with insights from the industry's top professionals. The article included an image, presumably related to the podcast episode or the guest. The podcast is accessible on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The website also highlighted various categories like "Featured Episodes" and "Most Popular Episodes" for users to explore more content.

📅 On December 25, 2024, a global hospitality leader and former CEO of The Viceroy Hotel Group, Bill Walshe, shared a tradition in hospitality leadership. The episode, part of "Hospitality Daily Podcast" hosted by Josiah Mackenzie, aimed to provide insights and actionable business ideas. The show also featured a State of Hotel Industry Survey for current hospitality challenges and opportunities. Music for the show was by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound.

🎊 Nobu Hotel Barcelona presents a New Year's Eve package for 2025, offering a nine-course Omakase tasting menu on the 23rd floor, panoramic city views, cocktails, and DJ entertainment. The package includes a breakfast, access to Nobu Spa, and festive menus with local wines. The hotel’s Christmas tree, designed by Belén Salinas with Indissoluble, features natural materials and LED lights. Priced from €890 for two adults in a Premium Room, the package emphasizes luxury and celebration.

📰 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, 76% find them important for travel choices (BrightLocal, 2024). 59% won't use a business with under 20 reviews (BrightLocal, 2024). Responding to reviews increases the likelihood of business use by 41% (BrightLocal). 69% of consumers wrote a review when prompted by the business. Utilize high-season reviews to improve SEO, service, and online reputation. 94% avoid businesses after reading negative reviews, emphasizing the importance of addressing criticism.

📈 Planday, a shift scheduling software from Xero, has announced the addition of Sasha Bilton as interim CTO, Pushpa Reddy as CPO, and Marc Stewart as VP of Operations and Strategy. Key statistics include 85% of hospitality employees suffering poor mental health in the past year and 67% believing more shift notice would improve their lives. Reddy's prior work at the BBC led to a 10% annual increase in weekly users. Stewart comes from Xero, having expanded operations across the UK, Canada, and the US. These leaders aim to enhance workplace flexibility and mental wellbeing.

🍴 Tim Meyers, formerly of NYC culinary giants like Eleven Madison Park, opened Field Guide in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on November 1. Partnered with wine director Mackenzie Khosla, the 60-seat restaurant showcases central New York flavors with complimentary sourdough rolls and cultured butter from Meyers’ hometown in Chenango County. The opening menu features four main courses, such as rainbow trout and beef filet, accompanied by a selection of global wines and creative cocktails. Field Guide aims to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a distinctive approach to dining in a competitive neighborhood.

🍽 The Women’s Foodservice Forum’s annual Leadership Development Workshop concluded last week at Coca-Cola’s HQ in Atlanta. Key speakers included Courtney Ramsey and Candace Doby. The event, largest in this year's series, emphasized professional growth, courage, and leveraging one's "superpower" for collaboration and productivity. Panelists, like CFO Kate Jaspon and VP Tanika Cabral, advised on overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing risk and change for women in the workplace.