Miscellaneous

💬 Customer service sayings need an update. Shep Hyken, a customer service expert, argues that traditional sayings are outdated. "The customer is always right" isn't true; rather, customers should be treated with dignity. Customer service is a philosophy, not just a department. Hyken's 2026 research found 23% of "satisfied" customers didn't return. Consistent service is more achievable than exceeding expectations. Employee empowerment is crucial, leading to loyal, not just satisfied, customers.

🏨 Stonebridge Companies, a hotel management firm, has added the dual-branded Courtyard by Marriott and Element by Marriott Atlanta Midtown to its portfolio. Built in 2021, this 282-room hotel is located in Midtown Atlanta, near the Fox Theatre, enhancing its cultural appeal. Stonebridge aims to boost dining experiences through the Ponce Room Bar & Kitchen and expand breakfast options. The hotel offers 11,000 square feet of event space, supporting Stonebridge's growth in urban markets across over 25 states.

📋 Sep 23, 2026, hotel check-ins reveal discrepancies between AI-generated property descriptions and reality. Guests arrive with outdated or incorrect information, such as a closed dining room or spa hours, due to unupdated sources. Staff can mitigate issues by asking guests, “What had you heard about us before you came?” to gather actionable feedback and improve services. Even small insights, like knowing courtyard rooms are a selling point, can be valuable for future marketing strategies.

🍽 In 2024, Barcelona's Disfrutar topped the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. The city boasts 29 Michelin-starred venues. Barcelona's cuisine blends traditional and modern flavors, with dishes influenced by Mexican, Peruvian, and Japanese elements. Seasonal ingredients, including Mediterranean seafood and locally-grown produce, enhance freshness. Event spending on food and drink is four times higher than venue costs, highlighting the cultural significance of gastronomy. Explore local markets like Mercat del Ninot and Mercat de Sant Antoni for a quieter culinary experience.

🍴 Kenny Atkinson's Michelin-starred House of Tides will take over Solaya, a Mediterranean restaurant in London, on Wednesday, 7th October. Located on the 25th floor of art'otel London Hoxton, this event offers a five-course tasting menu at £95 per person. Optional wine pairings are available for £70 or £95. Enjoy dishes like Lindisfarne Oyster and Highland Venison. Experience this unique Northern dining experience amidst stunning skyline views of London.

🏈 IHG Hotels & Resorts, a leading hospitality company with over 6,000 hotels, is the Official Hotel Partner for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia from October 1 to November 13. This tournament will feature 24 teams in 52 matches across seven cities. The partnership aims to enhance fan experiences and utilize IHG's network and 160 million Rewards members, boosting brand awareness and accommodation demand globally and locally.

🍴 Minor Hotels secured 22 Michelin Keys across 18 properties in 2026, with recognition announced on 18 September. Three brands—Anantara, Avani, and Tivoli—are covered. Nine properties received their first Key, including Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel in India. Africa’s Anantara Stanley and Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel earned 2 Keys. In Europe, three properties gained recognition; Anantara Vienna Hotel received 2 Keys and holds a Michelin Star. Tivoli São Paulo Mofarrej Hotel in the Americas earned 1 Key.

🚗 Škoda, part of VW Group, is expanding its EV lineup with the Epiq, Elroq, and Peaq models. The Elroq offers a range of up to 372 miles with its 84kWh battery. The Epiq is smaller with up to 273 miles range, while the Peaq, a 7-seater, offers up to 397 miles. Prices start at £26,200 for Epiq, £33,970 for Elroq, and £51,980 for Peaq. Škoda ranks 4th among EV makers in Europe, with 30,000 pre-orders for Epiq.

📈 CapitaLand Investment Ltd acquired the 550-key ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan for HKD2.3 billion, equating to HKD4.2 million per key. Star Asia Investment Management purchased KOKO Hotel Osaka Shinsekai for JPY3.926 billion, and sold Washington R&B Hotel Umeda East for JPY3.01 billion. Banyan Tree Holdings gained a 70% stake in Newmark Hotels for ZAR756 million. Megaworld targets 12,000 hotel keys by 2032, with a PHP27 billion asset infusion into MREIT.

🏨 In the 1970s and early '80s, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, known for the Algonquin Resort, saw an influx of hotel staff each spring from Ontario and Quebec. Local staff mainly worked in maintenance and golf course roles. David Lund, growing up there, experienced the hotel's exclusivity and later gained insight into the hospitality world through a high school romance with the general manager's daughter. This exposure led him to a four-decade career in hospitality management and coaching.