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Opinion Articles

Opinion Article

Artificial Intelligence Is Checking Into Your Hotel – Are You Ready?

Even though artificial intelligence has been a part of our lexicon for more than seventy years, artificial intelligence remains the latest bright shiny thing. Businesses large and small feel compelled to incorporate artificial intelligence into their company descriptions even with a limited understanding of what artificial intelligence is, or how it could help their business. Hotels and hotel companies are no different; just take a look at the online newsletters and announcements hitting your mailbox; it’s a rare day that a hotel company doesn’t announce that it is incorporating artificial intelligence into their business, whether to increase guest satisfaction, offer new services, improve reservations, or any of a variety of reasons.

Robert Braun
By Robert Braun, Partner, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, LLP, JMM
Opinion Article

Onto The Hill, Into a New Chapter: My LAS/Hotels on the Hill Experience

This was the main thought I had when looking to attend AH&LA’s Legislative Action Summit in DC (Hyatt Regency at Capitol Hill). It came at a time when I had left the hotel industry, wondering if I had hit my ceiling and didn’t know my path forward. I enjoyed working in hotels but told myself I’d try food and beverage in other avenues, to see if there was something I enjoyed. But during that time away there was something pulling me to keep researching, keep watching, and I discovered the Under 30 Gateway Group, a group dedicated to connecting young and aspiring professionals in the hotel space.

Andrew Hopson
By Andrew Hopson, Food and Beverage Leader, Andrew Hopson
United States
Opinion Article

ADA Defense Lawyer: How to Respond to a Lawsuit filed by The Reddy Law Firm for Violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act, California Disabled Persons Act, or ADA

An offshoot of the well-established Potter Handy firm, The Reddy Law Firm is quickly becoming known for its aggressive pursuit of claims under the California Unruh Civil Rights Act and the California Disabled Persons Act. These lawsuits, often referencing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are primarily filed by serial plaintiffs who challenge businesses on a variety of accessibility issues, from parking and entrances to sales counters.

Stuart Tubis
By Stuart Tubis, Lawyer, JMM
California, United States
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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
Opinion Article

The House passes HR 6543 and enters the ring to regulate Junk Fees for hotels and short-term lodging

On June 11, 2024, the United States House of Representatives passed HR 6543, the so-called “No Hidden FEES Act of 2023” which introduces federal regulations aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness in the advertising of hotel room and short-term lodging prices. A critical component of this Act is its preemption clause, found in Section 4(a), which establishes a national standard prohibiting states from enforcing any laws that conflict with the federal mandate. This provision has significant implications for state regulations, such as California’s SB 478, which also aims to protect consumers from hidden fees in various transactions. The scope and application of this preemption clause are essential for assessing how state laws will be affected and ensuring compliance with the new federal standards.

Mark Adams
By Mark Adams, Partner at Blank Rome LLP, Blank Rome
United States
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Mews
Opinion Article

Junk Fees are banned in California as of July 1, 2024! What does the California Junk Fee Law (SB 478) mean?

California businesses brace for Senate Bill 478‘s impact. SB 478 was signed by Governor Newsom in October 2023 and became effective July 1, 2024. It cracks down on hidden fees, often referred to as “junk fees” and “drip pricing” (because the full cost is only disclosed drip by drip). It will likely change how businesses approach pricing strategies. Many say it is part of a nationwide response to President Joe Biden’s call to eliminate Junk Fees.

Mark Adams
By Mark Adams, Partner at Blank Rome LLP, Blank Rome
California, United States