TRINITY, N.C.—As ADRs slump in today’s difficult economy, guest satisfaction is more critical than ever. Research indicates that one of the primary drivers of guest satisfaction is a good night’s sleep—and, more importantly, guests will actually pay more for it. Sealy Global Hospitality will exhibit its newest sleep systems at HD Expo in Las Vegas at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, May 13 through 16. The new Sealy Posturepedic Monogram Collection is the result of years of extensive research to identify uncomfortable pressure points. The innovative sleep systems utilize state-of-the-art pressure management components that help reduce tossing and turning,...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—The Refinishing Touch, a leader in on-site, environmentally friendly furniture refinishing and reupholstery to governmental agencies, universities, hotels and resorts, has completed several new hotel projects in Arizona, Georgia and Washington State. The projects included armoire modification, granite installation, refinishing, and reupholstering for Hilton Atlanta Northeast, Hilton Bellevue (Wash.), and Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort—three hotels that have undergone room refurbishment as part of Hilton’s ongoing initiatives to maintain its world-class reputation and leading standards for the tens of millions of guests it welcomes every year. The newly renovated Hilton Atlanta Northeast is locally known as the...

ADELPHI, MD.—The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Inn and Conference Center by Marriott announced significant savings from its recycling and composting programs implemented in February 2008. At the program’s one-year anniversary, the UMUC Inn and Conference Center has figures showing that it has significantly reduced its waste stream. In 2008, approximately 28 tons of trash per month (336 tons per year) left the hotel, as compared to 2007, with 37 tons per month (444 tons per year). Of the 336 tons, 10 percent is recycled (glass, metal, paper, cardboard), 32 percent is composted (food scraps, plant materials), and...

PORTLAND, ORE.—The Heathman Hotel, Portland’s independent luxury arts hotel, will complete a 99 percent landfill-free remodel in late April. The renovation, involving the historic hotel’s 155 guest bathrooms, was planned in accordance with the property’s commitment to sustainability which includes ensuring energy efficiency, utilizing local resources, and re-using existing materials whenever possible. The renovation is projected to reduce gas usage by 20 percent and water consumption by 50 percent. “We are proud to lead the hospitality industry in our commitment to sustainability,” said Chris Erickson, general manager of the Heathman Hotel. “We find that our guests appreciate our effort to...

NATIONAL REPORT—If you have a top 10 list of “to do” items to green your property, there is a good chance key cards are not on that list. Traditional plastic (PVC) cards carry a high environmental price tag. PVC, of course, is an oil-based product and when incinerated releases harmful dioxins. In the environment, dioxins tend to accumulate in the food chain. The higher in the animal food chain one goes, the higher the concentration of dioxins. Left to rot in a landfill, PVC cards can take centuries to biodegrade. Fortunately, a number of suppliers have emerged in the...

ANAHEIM, CALIF.—As part of its ongoing commitment to the environment, Disneyland Resort announced two innovative environmental initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The resort has begun using compressed natural gas to fuel its guest trams and recycled cooking oil to power its Disneyland Railroad steam trains and Mark Twain riverboat. “These initiatives demonstrate Disneyland Resort’s ongoing commitment to balancing environmental stewardship throughout our operations,” said Michael O’Grattan, senior vice president of resort operations. “These are just a few steps in our ongoing journey to reduce Disneyland Resort’s environmental footprint.” The Disneyland Railroad is being fueled by a special biodiesel made from...

DOVER, DEL.—Three grants have been awarded to the Delaware hospitality industry for projects that will prevent pollution by conserving energy and water resources, recycling and other sustainable practices. The grant funds, which total $13,290, were provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Delaware Pollution Prevention Program grant. According to Crystal Nagyiski, manager of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Pollution Prevention Program, the proposals were accepted based on the project’s plans to implement sustainable practices that reduce pollution and conserve energy and natural resources. The grants include: • $4950 to the Delaware Hotel and Lodging...

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF.—What was once a tired Days Inn here has been transformed into a vibrant resort that blends modern architecture with a “Rustic-Zen” feel. Owned by G8 Partners, 968 Park Spa Resort features items such as organic linens, towels and duvets, organic food and wines, and a day spa that offers treatments heavy on homemade ingredients. Throughout the property, every attempt was made to use reclaimed materials from the old Days Inn or other sources to create a style unique to Tahoe. Standing outside the resort, one is struck by the rust-friendly sheet metal that accents the...

ATLANTA—IHG, the world’s largest hotel company by number of rooms, is trialing a new online system called “Green Engage,” which will help hotel general managers manage energy consumption more effectively. Early trials have shown potential energy savings of up to 25 percent. If fully adopted by all hotels across the 4,000-strong IHG portfolio, it is estimated that the savings for hotel owners could be as much as $200 million. The system, which was developed by IHG, will be rolled out across IHG’s seven brands including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and InterContinental following final trials in 650 hotels which started in...

VAN NUYES, CALIF.—CaesarStone, a quartz surface manufacturer, is now offering six different colors that contain recycled materials. CaesarStone’s Carbone, Marrone, Ruby Reflections, Quartz Reflections, Smoky Ash and Chocolate Truffle colors all have the distinction of being part of this collection. Ruby and Quartz Reflections have been two of CaesarStone’s colors for the past several years. The colors contain post-consumer recycled glass. Carbone and Marrone colors both contain recycled CaesarStone material. These wondrous colors are created by taking remnants from fabricators after production and mixing in new CaesarStone material. These two shades are only available in New York, the Northwest or...