Marketing

🍴 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality since 1999, previously wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008). In Thailand (1992-1997), he contributed to Manager magazine and Asia Times. Graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University (1990), studied at Peking University and Nanjing University (1988-1989), and attended Le Cordon Bleu (1986). Thorn's column won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and he was president of IFEC in 2005. Inducted into Disciples d’Escoffier (2014), authored entries in Oxford food encyclopedias (2012, 2015). Hosts a podcast, expert in French cuisine, Asian cuisines, restaurant trends. Contact: [email protected], LinkedIn, Facebook: Bret Thorn, Twitter and Instagram: @foodwriterdiary.

💸 The quote from a media planner highlights skepticism towards retail media investment, noting that while being findable is necessary, it's not the top priority for the first dollar spent. After a period of rapid growth in retail media, marked by platform launches and high year-over-year (YOY) growth figures, 2025 brings a new phase of maturity due to economic uncertainty. Media planners and brands are applying a critical lens, questioning retail media's value in media plans and joint business plans. An ADWEEK article suggests that retail media may not provide advertising value but rather acts as a forced spend to increase retailers' margins without driving incremental sales. The industry is moving towards a more transactional phase with increased negotiation and scrutiny between brands and retail media owners.

🥂 Sinners, a new venue for dining, drinking, and entertainment, will open in Hoxton with The Eden Lounge starting on 1st May. The lounge caters to remote workers and offers an all-day menu with options like French Toast for £5, and dishes from The Forbidden Feast section cooked over an open fire grill. It provides high-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets, and transforms into an entertainment space by night.

📍 In a recent episode of Hospitality Daily, Suzie Thompson, Vice President of Commercial at Red Carnation Hotels, was interviewed by Danica Smith about guest experience. Red Carnation Hotels, a family-owned collection of 18 boutique hotels worldwide, prides itself on exceptional guest experiences. The interview delved into how the company blends data, culture, and creativity to personalize stays, emphasizing the importance of guest satisfaction and the empowerment of staff to exceed expectations. Suzie shared insights into the company's strategy for creating unique and personalized experiences, such as curated tours with chefs and partnerships with local theaters. Red Carnation Hotels focuses on the entire traveling party's experience, including pets, and has worked on optimizing their tech stack for future-proofing. They also prioritize getting their data in good shape to leverage AI and other tech tools effectively. The conversation highlighted the shift in guest expectations post-COVID, with a demand for more personalized and unique experiences.

🍫 Titanic Hotel Liverpool celebrates Easter with specials from April 7-21. Choc-tastic Afternoon Tea is £28.50 for adults, £14.50 for children, featuring sandwiches, scones, and chocolate delights. Salted Caramel Martini available in Rum Bar. Easter Sunday offers a feast with a range of succulent meats. Children’s meals with a mocktail cost £10; Choc-tastic Children’s Afternoon Tea is £14.50. Bookings opened for the family-friendly festivities or indulgent experiences at www.titanichotelliverpool.com/dining/easter-at-titanic.

```html 🏨 ``` In April 2025, Hotelogix highlighted "Hotel Booking Tips: What Travelers Look for in Hotels in 2025", focusing on 11 key points travelers consider when booking hotels online. The blog aims to help hotels increase bookings by understanding and catering to these preferences.

🏥 Hotel podcasts in 2025 are essential for staying informed and inspired on the go. Hotel professionals can learn from industry experts to remain ahead in their field. Content was published on April 4, 2025, by Vanshikha Dhar and shared via Hotelogix Blog. The article emphasizes podcasts as a learning tool for hotel pros.

🐇 MJ Holidays boosted their Easter campaign using THN's Personalization platform, leading to increased engagement and direct bookings. The campaign, from March 29 to April 1, featured a high-visibility Layer on the homepage, a hidden Easter egg challenge, and a game resulting in over 600 emails collected for future marketing. Users could win a promo code and a two-night stay, driving both immediate conversions and long-term loyalty. The gamified experience enhanced brand awareness and website performance.

🍽️ Renowned chef celebrates with a 25-course retrospective tasting menu from May 2-6, highlighting culinary milestones and innovations.

🏠 Aldar unveils 113 homes at Mandarin Oriental Residences, Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi. This includes 1-to 4-bedroom homes and 5-bedroom penthouses with prices starting at USD 1.8 million. Designed by BIG—Bjarke Ingels Group with interiors by Lillian Wu Studio, the residences offer amenities and services from Mandarin Oriental. The location provides views of Zayed National Museum and access to Mamsha Beach, emphasizing luxury, innovation, and cultural fusion.