Hotel Operations

🏨 In 1998, Jonathan Raggett moved to London to manage The Rubens at the Palace, a three-and-a-half-star hotel that underwent a £15 million refurbishment. He joined Red Carnation Hotels, which expanded to 17 global locations, including the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Botswana, and Switzerland. Raggett, who has completed 10 marathons and cycled the Tour de France route in 2022, emphasizes training, leadership, and a path to management by age 40.

🏨 Scott Rohm, Chief Development Officer, and Ryan Magnon, Chief Operating Officer of Ithaka Hospitality Partners, share insights on transforming vision into reality in hospitality projects. They discuss lessons learned from Auburn University and the power of independent hospitality with the right partners. The conversation emphasizes the impact of collaborating with owners for unique projects in teaching hotels and culinary ventures.

🏨 Palette Hotels has taken over operations of Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown Lehigh Valley in Breinigsville, PA. Located at 7736 Adrienne Drive, the hotel features 11,000 sq. ft. of event space, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. This marks Palette's 26th hotel nationwide and third in PA. They aim to double their portfolio in 3-5 years. Palette operates 25 hotels across nine states, focusing on guest satisfaction and community engagement.

💰 Sep 3, 2025, hotels are leveraging cross-selling to enhance guest experiences and boost revenues by up to 20%, increasing profit margins by 30%. Maison Albar offers luxury car rentals, while Hotel Royal Luxembourg tailors adventures based on guest preferences. Le Narcisse Blanc transforms stays with spa and dining promotions, and Hotel Forsthaus Fürth increases in-house dining via timely offers. Effective cross-selling enhances convenience, personalization, and guest satisfaction.

📍 Palette Hotels has taken over management of the Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown Lehigh Valley in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania. This marks Palette's 26th hotel nationwide and third in Pennsylvania. The hotel features 11,000 square feet of meeting space, making it the largest in the area. Palette aims to double its portfolio in the next three to five years. The hotel offers amenities like free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.

🏨 On September 1, Washington, D.C. celebrated National Hotel Employee Day, honoring millions of U.S. hotel employees. Industry groups like AHLA, AAHOA, NABHOOD, and the Latino Hotel Association highlighted career advancement from entry-level roles to executive positions. Over 200 career pathways exist, supported by training and certification. More than half of U.S. hotel general managers began in entry-level jobs. Industry leaders praised employees' dedication and contribution to the hospitality sector's vibrancy and economic impact.

📈 In Fall 2025, hotel owners face a dynamic environment, with David Lund advising proactive operational reviews and financial management for thriving. Key strategies include using rolling forecasts to address revenue gaps, managing budgets carefully, and ensuring managers are financially literate. Lund emphasizes regular, detailed financial reviews to enhance performance. Hotels must focus on metrics like revenue tracking and labor efficiency. Owners seek superior management; financial orderliness attracts more contracts. Effective cost reviews offer significant benefits.

🛌 Hotel deposits are upfront payments made via credit or debit cards to secure reservations and cover potential charges. They can be security, incidental, damage, advance, or check-in deposits. Deposits differ from pre-authorizations, which only hold funds. Not all hotels require deposits; larger chains often do, while smaller ones may not. Deposits help minimize no-shows, protect against damages, and streamline payments. Challenges include inconsistencies and errors, but automation and clear policies enhance efficiency and guest trust.

🍴 Six tips for boosting restaurant revenue: Highlighting the importance of well-trained staff, strategic process optimization, and consistent dish presentation, restaurants can enhance customer experiences. Effective menu design considering food costs and seasonal ingredients supports profitability. Listening to customer feedback for continuous improvement increases loyalty. Balancing service excellence with financial goals ensures sustainable growth. These insights, contributed by UK-based consultant Trevor Walford, emphasize that operational discipline drives both guest satisfaction and profitability.

📚 Steven Hesketh, CEO of Savvy Hotel Group, celebrates Labor Day and National Hotel Employee Day by highlighting the importance of recognition in hospitality. At 15, Steven's career began in Australia, where his boss and aunt inspired his passion for hospitality. Now, he runs the Liverpool Hospitality People Awards and Hospitality Hero, emphasizing recognition through nominations, storytelling, and interviews. His work with SEN schools showcases how simple acts, like a bed-making competition, can inspire and transform lives.