Hoteliers Circle Editorial

The front desk team of any hotel is the heart and soul of the hotel. They play an important role in shaping the experience of the guests and, ultimately, the success of the establishment. The first impression In all, what makes the front desk services unique? Exceptional services are not limited to luxury. But they are in the simple things that go beyond expectations, like offering personalized touches, anticipating needs, and exceeding expectations. Being the first and last point of contact for guests, the front desk sets the tone for their entire stay. An efficient and welcoming front desk team puts the guests at ease and fosters a great first impression. Here are a few hotels renowned for their exceptional front desk approach.   1. The Plaza, New York City The team members of The Plaza are known for anticipating their guests' needs even before they arise, which shows the level of thoughtfulness that goes into satisfying them. Their staff also remember the preferences of the guests and surprise them with thoughtful gestures. If guests check in on their birthday, they might have a birthday cake ready on arrival. The Plaza, New York City 2. The Peninsula, Hong Kong The Peninsula's “Guest Experience Ambassadors' do more than standard duties and act as personal concierges. They also plan custom itineraries for their guests, helping them lift the weight of what to do and where to go while putting them on interesting places and activities. They also assist their guests with reservations and offer unpacking services upon request. The Peninsula, Hong Kong 3. Hyatt Zilara Cancun An adults-only all-inclusive resort, Hyatt Zilara Cancun provides personalized, exceptional services by learning their guest’s interests and giving tailored and personal recommendations, from private dinners on the beach to hidden cenotes. They are always in tune with their guests’ needs and willing to help them feel relaxed.  Hyatt Zilara Cancun 4. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco This renowned international brand has a philosophy called ‘Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton’ that emphasizes genuine care, like surprising you with your coffee preference and personalized amenities. Therefore, the guests or Ritz-Carlton, San Fransisco are treated like royalty. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco 5. Ace Hotel, New York A boutique city hotel, Ace Hotel New York, offers a laid-back atmosphere, with their front desk teams being very friendly and knowledgeable about the local scene, which encourages guest interaction. The team is happy to recommend exploring the less-known neighborhoods that tourists might not know about, making the stay memorable for their guests. Ace Hotel, New York Lasting memories Proactive assistance, anticipating needs, and exceeding expectations are all important factors that transform an ordinary stay into a memorable one. A front desk team that touches on all these key touchpoints from check-in to check-out and everything in between impacts guest satisfaction positively. Exceptional hotel service does not need anything luxurious or out of this world. Little things like remembering the names of guests and their preferences show genuine care and create a sense of individual attention that fosters loyalty, which leads to repeated business with them. Not only do guests want to come back, but they would also leave positive reviews and recommend such hotels to others around them. All these factors determine the hotel's reputation and, largely, its revenue. Leveraging local knowledge to enrich the guest experience and foster a connection to that destination. Overall, creating a warm and welcoming environment always resonates with guests. Hero shot: Helena Lopes: https://www.pexels.com/uk-ua/photo/2017802/

Several factors play crucial roles in shaping the satisfaction, memories, and experiences of guests, but food is an essential part of any travel experience. A well-crafted culinary experience goes beyond filling bellies to having a thoughtful hotel restaurant service. It caters to different taste buds and dietary needs by offering diverse dining options. Let us take a look at a few approaches that have been tested and trusted for immaculate culinary experiences in hotel restaurants.   Farm-to-Table Cuisine Farm-to-table cuisine does not just highlight fresh and high-quality produce. It also offers seasonal produce, giving the guests a better travel experience. For this cuisine, ingredients are sourced directly from local farms, connecting the diners to the land and the people. This is a unique selling point for resorts as it differentiates them from the generic, mass-produced offerings of other resorts and attracts diners looking for authentic experiences. The peak flavor and nutritional value elevate the culinary experience and tell a story that connects diners to the local community. Resorts are also empowering locals by incorporating this approach. This approach can be further enhanced by collaborating with local farms to showcase their produce, highlighting seasonal ingredients through special menus and dishes, offering farm tours, cooking classes, hands-on harvesting experiences, and more. It’s the perfect spot for a chef job in hotels. Blackberry Farm Luxury Hotel and Resort is not just a luxury resort in the great smoky mountains of Tennessee. They boast an award-winning restaurant that offers multi-course menus made from ingredients harvested from around the region and even a few feet from their front door! Blackberry Farm Luxury Hotel and Resort    Sustainable Kitchens Sustainable kitchens are not just a culinary trend; they are beyond food, and they prioritize the production and consumption of food. The principles aim at minimizing the environmental impact and ensuring the long-term availability of resources, and these principles include: Procuring ingredients from nearby farms that adhere to ethical treatment of animals and environmental standards to reduce transportation emissions and source for produce ethically. Minimizing waste by menu planning, portion control, and composting. Use of energy-saving appliances and optimization of water usage Efficient waste management by composting and recycling. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Beach Resort and Hotel in Vietnam is an eco-luxury resort that integrates sustainability in every aspect, including its kitchen.  They provide fresh, seasonal, local produce and transform scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizers for their gardens. 12,983 organic vegetables were produced from their organic gardens in 2023.   Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Beach Resort   Organic Products Organic products are often grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, allowing natural flavors and ingredients to shine through any dish, giving a more authentic experience. This approach is suitable for resorts looking to satisfy diners who appreciate fresher and richer tastes and vibrancy of colors and aromas. Resorts catering to diners with dietary restrictions like veganism can also benefit from the natural nutrient profile of organic products. Such vegan hotels show the diners the thoughtfulness that goes into their meals in the kitchen. COMO Uma Canggu in Bali prioritizes organic and locally sourced ingredients by partnering with local farms to promote sustainable agriculture, highlighting organic options on their menus, and educating diners on their options. COMO Uma Canggu   Locally Inspired Menu A locally inspired menu transports guests into the heart of their destination through the true flavors and traditions of the region, giving them a more memorable and distinctive experience. The palates of guests or diners are expanded with new ingredients, dishes, and culinary techniques. The resort also stands out by reflecting the essence of the location. Soneva Kiri in Thailand, a secluded eco-luxury resort, boasts of this approach with their organic gardens and orchards to grow fresh, local produce and their Thai-inspired menu featuring local flavors.   Soneva Kiri Other than enhancing the satisfaction of guests and attracting or retaining guests, new culinary experiences set a resort apart from its competition and attract specific clientele. Hero image: Pexels

In the dynamic world of hospitality, hotels are on a quest to create enchanting experiences that linger in the hearts of their guests. One standout strategy that consistently wins hearts is the art of upgrading services to luxury standards. Let's delve into the realm of enhancing a guest journey with real-world examples from the properties which managed to do it perfectly.   Personalized Concierge Magic: Embarking on a delightful journey begins with a concierge who not only assists but magically anticipates guest's every need. Picture the Ritz-Carlton experience, where the staff doesn't just provide guidance but crafts journeys tailor-made to your preferences. Whether it's surprising the guest with personalized celebrations or curating unique local tours based on interests, these thoughtful and personalized touches transform a stay into a memorable adventure. The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka   Treats Galore with High-End Amenities: Luxury is in the details, and hotels committed to crafting opulent experiences spare no expense in making guests feel extraordinarily special. Consider the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where the commitment to luxury extends to upgraded toiletries boasting fancy brands, plush bathrobes, and slippers that feel like a warm embrace. Guess what, there is even a Four Seasons online shop where a guest you can purchase the favorites, to extend the luxury experience to home. These small but significant touches set the stage for an opulent and comforting stay. Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens   Culinary Bliss: Elevating a dining adventure is a cornerstone of the luxury upgrade. Imagine having a Michelin-starred restaurant right within your hotel premises. Or just hosting one for a limiter period of time, to make the event extra special. The Burj Al Arab in Dubai exemplifies this by housing the renowned underwater restaurant, Al Mahara. Here, guests are treated to an extraordinary dining experience that not only satisfies the palate but also immerses them in a world of culinary delight. Al Mahara, Burj Al Arab   VIP Treatment Fit for Royalty: For an extra dash of royalty delivered to a guest, many hotels embrace exclusive VIP treatment for every visitor, starting from the first step into the lobby. Picture private check-ins, personalized welcome amenities, and access to upscale club lounges to unwind in style. The St. Regis hotels are virtuosos in this regard, offering guests personal butlers who elevate their stay from exceptional to truly VIP. The St. Regis New York   Tech That Wows: Modern luxury seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology to wow guests. Imagine walking into a room where everything, from lighting to room temperature, is at your fingertips. The ARIA Resort and Casino in Las Vegas takes this to the next level, allowing guests to control their room's ambiance with a few taps on a tablet. This not only provides a seamless experience but also showcases a commitment to modernity and luxury. ARIA Resort & Casino   Wellness Wonderland: Prioritizing well-being is a fundamental aspect of luxury hospitality. Beyond a standard gym, luxury hotels are creating wellness wonderlands, offering world-class spa treatments, yoga classes, and holistic wellness programs. The Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort, for instance, welcomes guests into a warm and inviting environment that seamlessly blends luxury with a holistic approach to well-being. Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort   Thoughtful Design and Ambiance: Luxury hotels pay meticulous attention to design and ambiance, creating spaces that are not just comfortable but also visually stunning. The interior decor, choice of furnishings, and overall aesthetic contribute to a sense of luxury. The Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India, a former royal residence turned luxury hotel, is a striking example where the ambiance transports guests to a bygone era of opulence and grandeur. Rambagh Palace   Cultural Experiences and Local Immersion: Luxury hotels are increasingly focusing on providing guests with authentic cultural experiences and opportunities for local immersion. This goes beyond the standard tourist offerings and includes curated experiences such as private art tours, local cooking classes, and personalized city guides. The Rosewood London, for instance, offers a private night exploration of at The National Gallery in the atmospheric Trafalgar Square, where a Royal Art expert will personally welcome you and take you through the majestic galleries. Rosewood London In a nutshell, turning a usual hotel stay experience into a luxury adventure involves embracing a holistic approach that incorporates personalized service, high-end amenities, delectable dining, VIP treatment, cutting-edge technology, top-notch wellness offerings, thoughtful design, and opportunities for cultural immersion. Why not take inspiration from these properties to transform your guest journey into not just a trip but a delightful escapade into a world where luxury is not just a standard but a way of life.  Cover photo: The St. Regis Residences, Boston

What makes movies about hotels so special is that you have to really live through all the back of the house challenges to fully understand the humour and tragedy of those. Below is a selection of must-watch pieces for everyone passionate about hospitality life. 1. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) A sarcastic contemporary comedy-drama film written and directed by Wes Anderson. The movie tells about the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel, who was wrongly framed for murder at the Grand Budapest Hotel. In the process of proving his innocence, he becomes close friends with a new lobby boy. 2. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) An uplifting story of seven retired British tourists who come to Jaipur, India, to stay in the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, advertised as an exotic retirement home. While each one of them brings their own past and a new ambition to the place, their lives also intertwine with their host, who is also trying to get a grip on life. 3. Four Rooms (1995) Four Rooms is an American anthology black comedy film co-written and co-directed by Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, Robert Rodriguez, and Quentin Tarantino. On his first night on the job at a Hollywood hotel, Ted is asked to help a coven of witches, gets involved in a domestic argument, takes care of a gangster's kid and referees a ghastly wager. A must-watch if you have ever worked night shifts. 4. Tower Heist (2011) A light comedy caper about a luxury condo manager who leads his team to seek payback on the Wall Street swindler and the condo's owner who defrauded them. Furious and desperate for revenge, they come together for a heist plan. A reminder on the importance of honestly at work and appreciation of your team members. 5. Maid In Manhattan (2002) A lovely Cinderella-style romcom for a light night watch. The story of a single mother living in the boroughs of New York City and working as a maid in a first-class Manhattan hotel. By a twist of fate, she meets her Prince Charming among the guests who doesn't know she's one of the staff. Watch to see Jennifer Lopez making beautiful bed setup in maid's uniform and get inspired by a true love story.  

Rina Rizzi, a Guardian of the LGBT+ Culture and Inclusive Tourism Inspector, has been involved in tourism for almost 30 years, paying special attention to the needs of LGBT community. For 12 years Rina has been designated in Europe to coordinate all tourism inspections with the goal of verifying compliance with local and international standards for the inclusion of guests with disabilities, of all cultures, genders and religions. Today, Rina is the CEO of LGBT+GO International Travel - a unique tour operator that soon will face new challenges in a major and remarkable corporate merger. In this exclusive article, she is sharing her advice on inclusivity as the new normal for hospitality. Why is inclusivity important for hospitality?Inclusivity is critical to hospitality because it ensures that all guests, regardless of their background or identity, feel welcomed and valued in the facility. When acompany shows commitment to inclusivity, it helps create an environment of mutual respect and understanding, which leads to greater customer loyalty andsatisfaction. Moreover, having a diverse and inclusive workforce can help attract a wider range of customers and provide unique perspectives that enhance theguest experience. Basically, creating an inclusive environment in hospitality is essential to foster a sense of belonging, promote equality and ensure that everyguest feels heard, seen and valued.Inclusive tourism for the LGBT community means offering tourism destinations and services that are open and welcoming to lesbian, gay, bisexual, andtransgender travellers. The goal is to make LGBT people feel comfortable and safe while travelling, without worrying about discrimination or hostility.Creating inclusive tourism means recognizing and respecting the diversity of the LGBT community and taking steps to ensure that every aspect of the travelexperience is inclusive, from accommodations and transportation to restaurants, bars and entertainment.The benefits of inclusive tourism for the LGBT community are clear: it provides a feeling of safety, comfort and security during the trip and helps foster a sense ofcommunity and connection. It also helps break down stereotypes and prejudices about the LGBT community and promotes greater understanding andacceptance. For businesses addressing to the LGBT community, it can also be good for the bottom line, as LGBT travellers tend to be particularly loyal andfrequent customers.Overall, creating an inclusive tourism industry for the LGBT community is a win-win: it benefits both the LGBT community and local businesses and economies,and helps make travel a more welcoming and positive experience for all. What are the ways to implement inclusive practices in hotels?In general, promoting inclusivity in hotels is not just a trending topic, but a need. Hotels that make inclusivity as a part of their core mission not only become morerelevant, but can benefit from media, positive feedback and increased customer satisfaction. Some rules:● Using gender-neutral language in all hotel communications and advertising, including websites, brochures, signs, and menus.● Diversity and inclusion in hiring: Hotel management can ensure that the hiring process is inclusive and actively seeks people from a wide range of backgrounds. Providing training to all hotel staff on gender and LGBTQ+ issues, including how to provide culturally sensitive and respectful services and support.● Educating hotel employees on the importance of treating all the guests fairly and respectfully, regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, or religion,can ensure that all the guests receive equal treatment.● Providing accessible facilities: The hotel can make available rooms, ramps, and other features to accommodate guests with disabilities.● LGBTQ+-friendly policies: Developing policies that promote inclusivity, diversity, and respect for guests and employees who identify as LGBTQ+.● Engaging with the local LGBTQ+ community to create visibility and promote inclusivity in the surrounding community. What are the new challenges related to your tour operator?For our TO, while waiting to finalize all the formalities of revisiting and reinterpreting our brand, we are approaching towards new markets that we had initially put on the back burner.We are looking for new hotels and resorts that can satisfy our most demanding customers in the Maldives, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE and Africa.We want to offer our clients true excellence with new partners sharing our idea of holidays. About LGBT+GO International TravelLGBT+ Go International Travel is part of the LGBT International Group with 40 years of experience in the Travel industry, putting together distinctive tours and holidays and ensuring every traveller gets the experience they deserve.

One city - more than half of the world's tallest hotels... Dubai, the most popular tourist destination of the UAE, locates 6 out of the Top-10 tallest hotels in the world, offering the most astonishing views and experiences to the visitors of the Emirate. Here is the list of the skyscraping properties of Dubai. 1. Gevora Hotel  Built in 2017, this 4-star property boasts 75 floors up to the sky, being 356.3 metres (1,169 ft) tall. 2. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Being just one meter lower than its top competitor, this stunning hotel is 355 metres (1,165 ft) high and offers 82 floors of exceptional guest facilities. 3. SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences This new 5-star hotel is already on the top list among the established properties of Dubai, with 78 floors of luxurious rooms, entertainment, and culinary offerings, rising up to 336 metres (1,102 ft). 4. Rose Rayhaan by Rotana With 72 floors going as high as 333 metres (1,093 ft), this 4-star hotel is located on the Sheikh Zayed Road and offers bird-eye views of the city's business district. 5. Burj Al Arab The resident of many world's hotel ratings, this unique property stands tall at 321 metres (1,053 ft) with it 56 floors of ultraluxury guest experiences and open sea views. 6. Jumeirah Emirates Towers Another Jumeirah property closes the Top list with its 309 metres (1,014 ft) - high sister towers and 56 floors of exceptional guest rooms and restaurants.

During pre-opening, the hotel is in the final stages of construction and handover. This period is when senior management gets on board to join, depending on their roles and responsibilities.

Carry out research No matter what kind of issues you are experience, lack of bookings, slow walk-in pickup, rating decline, you should always start with discovering the problem to tackle. Menus, service, venue location, social or economic situations, technology upgrades, booking and marketing challenges, shifting trends, etc., could all be impacting factors.  It is recommended to give your business a frequent sober gaze, asking family and friends to stay at the property or dine at the restaurant and share their honest feedback to help determine what's doing well, what may be better, and what changes are needed, in addition to completing the market survey and monitoring it with opponents.   Fix the problems, then spread the news Inform others about the improvements made when identified problems have been reviewed, discovered, and corrected. Involve social networks and devote time and effort to various marketing methods to spread the word.   Consider redesigning your menus and refreshing interiors Travelers and diners today, especially the younger crowd, prefer places that appear to be bustling and lively. Layout modifications and adding attractive details to interiors can indicate that the company is heading through a time of change. It does not have to be a complete overhaul; a fresh coat of paint or some indoor plants can brighten up the space.   Keep your hand on the pulse Measures must be applied appropriately and timely, right after they've been detected, otherwise even your loyal guests might reconsider their choices and look out for new places. This entails regular trainings, revising procedures and regulations and making sure that everyone in the venue is aware of the new track.   Photo credits Andrea Piacquadio

Today, QR codes are well-known, becoming an essential part of almost every business. Starting as something new for most of users, now they are a handy part of daily lives, and here we will talk about how you can successfully integrate codes into your operations, using them for advertising, recruitment, and day-to-day activities at the site.   Create your code To attach a website or function to a code, use a specialized site or a QR generating app, widely available online with most of basic features free of charge. You will then need to save the graphics you've created to use it on your menus, posters, or stickers.   Attract talents Connect the recruitment QR code to the careers homepage or make a special page with staff testimonials to make it more interesting. This would make your company appear more developed and approachable to candidates, who would be more likely to apply immediately using their phone.   Host your digital menus and brochures Table tents, banners, takeaway menus can all have QR codes printed on them. This will let the customers access a digital copy of the file and even keep it in their phone as a reminder.   Provide immediate access to services   Create a code taking your customers directly to the booking page, allowing them to reserve a room, restaurant table or additional services without needing to dial reservations.   Share your favorite recipes and culinary tales Keep a small QR code beside your signature dishes in the printed menus. Customers might be directed to recipes or cooking tips by scanning the code.    Tell the wine stories While you may not always have a sommelier in every outlet, QR codes in your beverage menus can be a great alternative, telling stories about selected drinks and their perfect pairings.   Collect priceless feedback Ask for guest feedback by placing a QR code on the tabletop or receipt. Even not having special programming, you can use open-source software like Google Forms to collect surveys.   Photo credits Keegan Checks

Across the globe, humanity experienced emotional trauma these past two years. As we are closer to seeing the light at the end of this bumpy road, there are important ways you can help your clients and guests heal. 

Passionate about luxury lifestyle branding, service excellence and adding value through innovation, Vinicius Viana believes that Luxury and Lifestyle are constantly moving. 

A wide network of contacts is essential for your success, especially if you work in a fast-paced international environment. Here is how you can multiply your contacts and make maximum use of the upcoming meetups. Meetup events are not only about dating. Although, it is amazing if you can find your soulmate at one of those, this kind of gatherings are great networking opportunities and can get you plenty of useful business contacts or even open a new career door.  1. Don't forget your business cards  If your want to create an impression of a professional, grab some business cards with you to share. Even if the event is set up at a bar or at the beach, a neat card with all the necessary details is a much better way to share your contacts than giving your WhatsApp number or connecting on Facebook. 2. Step out of your usual circle  It is always easier to communicate with someone from the same country, speaking the same language or working in the same department. However, staying inside a bubble, you are losing great opportunities of meeting new exciting people that might really help you in your career or become your good friends. Moreover, if your potential new boss is around, he would surely appreciate someone whose communication skills are not limited by the comfort zone. The best thing is that these kinds of events are made for people to talk to each other, so you will rarely have awkward silence moments. So get out and mingle!  3. Don't talk only about work  Although hotelier networking events are made for the people of the same industry, discussing the daily operations shouldn't be the only option. As we all come from the same sector, we know pretty well how the thing works, so talking about the same things all evening, even if it is about different companies, can be somehow boring. Use this chance to show yourself as an interesting person and pick a topic outside of your office routine. It can be hobbies, funny stories, countries and cities you have been to etc. And as the attendees are coming from the same industry, most probably you also have a lot of common contacts. That also can start a good conversation! 4. Get use of your LinkedIn page  While Facebook is made for sharing your personal life, your LinkedIn profile is a great tool to show your professional experience and skills. A well-presented page, filled with the details, is a good enhancement of your usual resume and will help you stay in touch with the people you met at the networking event. Who knows, maybe one of them will be interested enough to offer you a new job. And don't be shy to ask for references from your previous colleagues, it also creates a great impression. 5. Opt for a smart casual look We all want to feel maximum comfort while having a drink at the bar or dancing at a club. But remember that the first impression is very important, and most probably people you met will remember that you were wearing that inappropriate baseball t-shirt or extremely short skirt for a networking event. The same applies to untidy clothes and dirty shoes. This might let them imagine you as a lousy person, not taking care of the details. So better at the mirror twice before you go out for the next event.