When a refrigerator is kept in proper operating condition, the refrigeration system does not have to work as hard to remove heat from inside the unit, according to Randy Augustine, product manager–reach-ins, Hoshizaki America.

Brands say scents make sense in the guest experience Jun 4, 2007 By: Harvey Chipkin

Executives from Westin, Marriott, Hyatt and Mandarin Oriental share their experience with creating and deploying signature brand scents.

The impending digital television transition gets an expanded treatment on our Web site. Find out how digital rights management technologies will affect hotels as they upgrade to high-definition TV and why television vendors now find themselves marketing to hotel designers and technology consultants instead of engineers.

Consumer Insight: Internet access preferences Apr 2, 2007

Exclusive results of a January 2007 survey of 305 overnight business travelers conducted by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell's AmeriLink Internet Surveying Service. This eight-page article contains six pages of charts and tables not available in the print magazine. Powered by YPB&R | H&MM | IHG. (PDF, 80k)

To win the hearts of your leisure travelers, make guestroom wireless or wired high-speed Internet access free. That's the conclusion of a study of 304 leisure travelers conducted by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell's AmeriLink Internet Surveying Service. Find out more about travelers' wireless preferences. This "Online Extra" version includes seven pages of charts not included in the print magazine. (PDF, 144k)

Bethesda, Md.–If Robert Johnson could turn the tables and put hotel company executives on "The Hot Seat" at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit, he would talk about television. Coming from the television and entertainment industry, Johnson would suggest creating a better guestroom experience.

Technology: Safe and sound Nov 6, 2006 By: Paul Rusnak

Manufacturers continue to refine guestroom safe technology and adapt the shape and size of safes to the needs of today's guests. Check out these tips for selecting safes and our links to some of the major vendors of safe technology for the lodging industry. (Originally published in Hotel & Motel Management, October 16, 2006)

Business travel once again is in full swing, and the road warriors have weighed in with their views on the hotel amenities they consider most important. Is it the bed? The breakfast? Or maybe the Wi-Fi? The answers are disclosed in our 2006 National Business Travel Monitor, a nationally representative survey of the travel habits, preferences and intentions of business travelers we co-author each year with Yankelovich that is now in its 10th year.

Luxury Hotel Bath & Spa 2006 Design trends, ideas and products Aug 1, 2006

Inside: "Luxury baths boost guest satisfaction rates,"; "Fixture Fix: Fabulous faucets make a statement,"; "Creativity combines luxury, ADA compliance,"; "Functional Art: Toilets and sinks take center stage,"; "Soaking in Style: Luxury bathroom design hits high water mark,"; "Bath products an easy sell to guests." (PDF, 1MB)

Recent data collected by STR for the American Hotel & Lodging Assn. shows how different amenities are by chain-scale segment. The data was obtained from more than 9,500 hotels representing all segments and geographic regions of the United States.

LAS VEGAS--The industry issues panel held during the annual Asian American Hotel Owners Assn. conference and trade show in March had its usual flair as franchisees and franchisors discussed topics ranging from amenity creep to preferred-vendor programs to defaults and liquidated damages.

Music: Vibe variations May 1, 2006 By: Heather Gunter

Different areas of a hotel serve different functions, and they should have music to match, according to subscription music service providers. Up-tempo tunes work well for the gym, but more soothing melodies suit the spa. H&MM talks to technology experts about how to multi-zone.

As hotel chains transform guestroom appearance and services to have a more residential feel, many operators are revamping their guest bathroom experience as well.

NATIONAL REPORT--At many high-end hotels, guests relax by the pool holding a drink in one hand and a portable PlayStation in the other. Responding to consumers' love for high-tech toys, some hoteliers believe that putting these gaming devices and Internet connections for free in guestrooms might win them repeat customers and garner more loyalty.

National Report--Whether you are a luxury resort tucked away in the desert or an urban upscale hotel amid the hustle and bustle of the city, putting together an all-encompassing in-room entertainment package with the latest movies, games, music and Internet surfing features is a must.

NATIONAL REPORT--If you have to light up, please go outside.

A growing number of hotels are concentrating on the television set as a key vehicle for improving the in-room guest experience.

Hoteliers must weigh the availability of quality service providers who can offer free-to-guest services and the cost of retrofitting existing properties with these services. Then they must balance revenue lost from formerly paid services versus potential lost business should guests who are expecting the service not book if the service is not free or available.

Music should connect with guests and support the hotel brand and service style, said Mark Furey, director of commercial accounts for Sirius Satellite Radio.

MEMPHIS -- Amenity creep and competition among hotel brands are staples in the lodging industry, and neither issue will go away any time soon, according to panelists who spoke during the Third Annual Memphis Industry Summit in mid-August.