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THE ANALYSIS
RISKS OF DITCHING THE HOUSEKEEPER
hotelsm . ag / HousekeepingYes A guest-crediting incentive has been gaining traction lately , writes HOTELS blogger Larry Mogelonsky : Properties have begun offering guests a credit for opting out of housekeeping that can be applied to other operations like F & B , gift shop , loyalty points or other resort amenities . The trend is fueled by the notion that many travelers today don ’ t want or need cleaning services , but such an opt-out — no matter the compensatory lure — removes one of the core sales propositions of a hotel guestroom . Not only does it take away from the restorative sensation guests get from a clean room , it also poses a security risk , Mogelonsky says , effectively removing a property ’ s eyes and the ears around every corridor .
THE NEWS
ACCOR RAMPS UP ACQUISITION
hotelsm . ag / AccorSbe AccorHotels ’ acquisition spree continues with its deal for 21c , which in turn introduces its MGallery soft brand to the United States . This comes after its announced intent to acquire a 50 % stake in Sbe Entertainment Group , further expanding Accor ’ s reach into the luxury and lifestyle segments and growing its limited portfolio in North America . It adds gateways like New York , Los Angeles , Las Vegas and Miami from sbe and secondary markets like Nashville and Kansas City from 21c . “ The drumbeat of consolidation continues ,” David Loeb , managing director of Dirigo Consulting , told HOTELS . He said the deal for sbe brings Accor another growth engine and gives sbe a platform for wider distribution .
THE BLOG
WELLNESS FOR TYKES
hotelsm . ag / KidsWellness HOTELS blogger Anna Bjurstam notes that family travel has evolved into a US $ 500 billion industry . But many parents aren ' t content to ship their kids off to the hotel " club " — they want their children to be stimulated and engaged , without the distraction of social media . Taking it a step further , they want ways to bond and connect more with their kids physically , spiritually , emotionally and mentally . Kids ' wellness is here to stay , Bjurstam says , and hotels had better jump on the bandwagon now .
4 hotelsmag . com September 2018