Gas Prices, Flight Cancellations Show We Need Better Rail Options
Over the last several months, Hotel News Now has run several stories about U.S. hoteliers’ high expectations for summer travel demand in all guest segments.
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Good Doctors Do It - The Life of a Hotel Doctor
“I’m coughing my head off. My head is plugged. I have a fever. I’m on vacation, and I need something.” I’ve seen over 4,000 guests with respiratory infections. To the average hotel doctor, this is an easy visit. He arrives, performs the traditional exam, prescribes the traditional antibiotic, and accepts his fee and the guest’s thanks. What’s not to like?
73% of Americans Plan to Travel This Summer – But Inflation Has Forced Some to Alter Their Plans
After a 2-year slump, summer travel is heating up. A new ValuePenguin Survey finds that 73% of Americans are ready to cross off coveted destinations from their bucket lists but not everyone is ready to splurge. Soaring costs and a lingering pandemic have some opting out and staying home.
Getting Back to Getaways: 2022 Deloitte Summer Travel Survey
As the COVID-19 pandemic moves through unpredictable ups and downs, intent to travel continues to climb higher. Unhindered by continued news about variants or by rising airfares and hotel rates, travel intent has reached a level that would have been high before the pandemic—46% of Americans are planning a trip involving stays in hotels or other types of paid lodging. Young Americans are traveling the most, but those over 55 are also dropping some of their hesitance to return to the roads and skies in greater numbers.
Ascend Hotel Collection Adds to Lineup of Boutique Hotels
The growing Ascend Hotel Collection from Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) recently added three new properties to its global portfolio of resort, boutique and historic hotels: The Harborview in Port Washington, Wisconsin; The Crossroads Hotel – Newburgh in Newburgh, New York; and the 17 West Hotel in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to providing upscale guests with the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, each of the brand's newest additions – conveniently located within driving distance of nearby metropolitan areas – are owned and operated by longtime Choice franchise owners, further underscoring the brand's continued appeal and commitment to growth-minded hoteliers.
Sticking With the Errant Doctor - The Life of a Hotel Doctor
A guest had a flight in a few hours, explained the front desk manager of the Marina Marriott. His wife was ill and needed a doctor’s note to reschedule. How fast could I get there?
Searching for a Doctor on the Internet - The Life of a Hotel Doctor
If you get sick in a local hotel, you might google “Los Angeles hotel doctor.” My name turns up but only with links to my blog. I don’t have a web site. Nor do my long-established competitors.
Magnuson Hotels Brand Flourishes in Crises by 'Helping People'
Magnuson Hotels co-founder and CEO Tom Magnuson is "superstitious" about setting growth numbers for the company's portfolio of branded and independent hotels.
Nearing the End of the Road - The Life of a Hotel Doctor
I have never denied being America’s most successful hotel doctor. No one has made as many visits (passing 18,000) or works at it exclusively. All others do it as a sideline.
Choice Hotels Recognizes Franchisee Resilience And Chart How To 'GO' Into Next Era Of Growth At 66th Annual Convention
Embarking on its next era of growth and success, Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, is kicking off its 66th annual convention today in Las Vegas with more than 5,000 hotel owners, general managers and staff in attendance. Appropriately themed "GO," the three-day event will spotlight the countless stories of franchisee resilience and determination over the last few years, as well as the company's vision for the future of the business.
Choice Hotels Awards MainStay Suites Franchise Agreements To Its Largest Privately Owned Extended Stay Franchisee
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) has awarded two MainStay Suites franchise agreements to longtime Choice franchisee and multi-unit developer Gulf Coast Hotel Management, Inc. The latest signings add to Gulf Coasts' growing portfolio of extended stay properties, which now total 39 hotels and make them the largest privately owned extended stay franchisee in the Choice system.
More Humor - The Life of a Hotel Doctor
“Bloating and nausea,” was the reply when I asked for the patient’s symptoms. Once I arrived at the Pasadena Hilton, I learned that, besides bloating and nausea, the guest was suffering hot and cold flashes, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and blurred vision.
More Worries - The Life of a Hotel Doctor
At the end of a visit, a guest showed me her credit card. I wrote its number at the bottom of my medical record form. Seeing this, the guest frowned
Waterparks Riding a Recovery Wave in 2022
After two years of pandemic concerns that saw many waterparks remain closed throughout 2020 and suffer continued disruption in 2021, 2022 is anticipated to be a pivot back to normal for the industry. As vaccines are now widely available and COVID becomes endemic, waterparks are poised to capitalize on pent-up demand and return to pre-COVID performance levels. While 2021 saw robust growth in pricing at many properties, 2022 will see the industry open a number of expansions and new developments. Several large-scale projects will alter the waterpark landscape at both indoor and outdoor waterparks and continue to encourage properties to innovate and update to keep market share. A number of larger developments are planned for 2023 and beyond at waterparks and surf parks throughout North America.
By David Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC, is President of Hotel & Leisure Advisors, Hotel & Leisure Advisors (H&LA)
Why You Get Sick, Part 2 - The Life of a Hotel Doctor
Last week I explained the wrong reasons guests give for getting sick. Here are the correct ones. You get sick because:
Survey: 84% of Business Travelers Expect to Attend Conferences, Conventions or Trade Shows in Next Six Months
Key findings from a new survey reveal that 84% of business travelers expect to take at least one trip to attend conferences, conventions or trade shows in the next six months. The Quarterly Business Travel Tracker also revealed that, while less than one in 10 U.S. business travelers are uncertain if they would travel in the next six months, the top reason for uncertainty was that meetings and events are not occurring. Corporate policies restricting business travel was the second-highest reason for uncertainty.
Why You Get Sick - The Life of a Hotel Doctor
When I walk into a hotel room, guests often tell me why they fell ill. They also blame themselves. In both cases they’re usually wrong.
Motel 6 Unveils Top Pet-Friendly Road Trip Destinations Across The U.S.
Just in time for National Pet Day on April 11, Motel 6, proud sponsor of pets™, and BestPlaces have teamed up to help pet owners explore the country with their furry companions – many pets for the first time given the amount of time spent at home over the last two years.
hihotels Expands Reach of its Properties Through New Partnership with Getaroom
(ATLANTA, March 30, 2022) – hihotels by Hospitality International, a recognized leader in franchising of conversion and new-build hotels for economy lodging, is pleased to announce a partnership with Getaroom, which offers travelers access to competitive rates via its state-of-the-art hotel and lodging website and toll-free call center.
Having the Proper Credentials - The Life of a Hotel Doctor
A Brazilian woman had suffered abdominal pain off and on, but her doctor in Rio had found nothing abnormal, so she flew to the US where the pain returned.