NATIONAL REPORT—Even though guests may sign a waiver acknowledging that smoking is not permitted in the guestroom, that policy is increasingly being violated—by cigarette smokers, marijuana users, and by those who vape. In fact, currently 24 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana use for adults 21 years and older, while 38 states have legal medical marijuana programs. Fortunately for hoteliers, there are now smoking detection systems that can send an alert immediately if smoking is taking place and that can provide time-stamped, scientific proof that a room has been smoked in—critical information when a guest or even...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, unveils its latest offering in Washington, DC—Westin Washington, DC Downtown. After a nearly $80 million investment by ownership group, Sunstone Hotel Investors, the 807-room hotel will offer a sophisticated and contemporary blend of well-being experiences, designed for guests to feel inspired, to rejuvenate, and to maintain their wellness routines while on the road. “From the moment they arrive at Westin Washington, DC Downtown, guests will have endless opportunities to recharge and recover,” said Jennifer Connell, Global Brand Leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts and Vice President, Distinctive...

NATIONAL REPORT—It’s no secret that the hospitality industry has had one of the highest employee turnover rates—since well before the pandemic. High turnover rates in any industry are a big cost to the company, and in a high-pressure sector like hospitality, the associated costs can be huge. Not only tangible costs, such as the expenses of recruiting and training new employees, but also the substantial cost of lost productivity among staff. In fact, reduced productivity costs the global economy around 1 trillion dollars each year. Luckily, recent research shows that concentrating on the mental health of your talent can not only increase staff...

NATIONAL REPORT—Minimizing the spread of germs should be top-of-mind for facility managers, especially this time of year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 11 percent of the U.S. comes down with the flu each year. Businesses can help facility occupants stay safe from infections, like influenza or the common cold, by taking the time to analyze and enhance their cleaning programs. Upticks in infections lead to increased absences in schools, offices and other businesses, resulting in lost productivity. Outbreaks can also negatively affect the public’s perception of a business. Implementing cleaning and hygiene best...

MONTEGROTTO TERME, ITALY—An eco-friendly approach to hospitality, in full respect of the region and its preexisting elements: the new Green Lodges of the Terme Preistoriche Resort & Spa in Montegrotto Terme, designed by Studio Apostoli, is meant to be a manifesto of zero-emission wellness hospitality. Seven suites are incorporated into four wooden stilted structures and interconnected through a raised system of ramps, walkways, and accessible terraces. They also include a historically preserved villa, the eighth and most extensive offering within this entrepreneurial endeavor. A total of 160 micro piles support the new constructions and outdoor spaces, preserving the roots...

MIAMI—The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the foremost gathering of international leaders in the $5.6 trillion global wellness economy, successfully concluded its 2023 event recently and announced Kohler Co. as next year’s host sponsor. This prestigious gathering of international thought leaders shaping the business of wellness will take place from November 4-7, 2024, at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St. Andrews, Scotland—a Kohler Destination. The storied Kohler Co. may best be known for its stylish kitchen and bath products, but the company also owns and operates luxury hospitality destinations, including the Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews,...

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, ILL.—PathoSans, a leading provider of sustainable and socially-responsible cleaning and disinfecting solutions, has teamed up with Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino to provide a healthier environment for guests and staff. Westgate Las Vegas, an iconic Las Vegas property known for its legendary entertainment and spacious guestrooms, is using PathoSans sustainable and socially responsible cleaning solutions to clean guestrooms efficiently, safely, and sustainably. “People would rave about the cleanliness of guestrooms, and we would explain how we use safe and effective products with PathoSans,” said Deborrah Ong, Vice President of Hotel Operations for Westgate Las Vegas. “Clean has no smell....

UMLUJ, SAUDI ARABIA—Enveloped by the majestic Arabian desert, The Red Sea Destination blends visionary tourism with sustainability and heritage. This is where Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea has found its home, inviting guests on an out-of-the-ordinary journey of discovery and enrichment. Inspired by the pillars of innovation, adventure, and heritage, the resort embodies the brand’s trademark wellness formula and respect for centuries past. Fredrik Blomqvist, General Manager of Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea said: “Everything we’re doing here reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, while also pushing the boundaries of adventure and wellness. This...

With its LEED Green Building Program, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has certainly changed the way developers and architects approach hotel design and operations. Walking its talk, USGBC has made its new headquarters in Washington, D.C. a standing example of what to strive for. In fact, USGBC just announced that its headquarters has been awarded a prestigious triple Platinum certification in LEED, TRUE, and WELL. This trio of certifications reflects USGBC’s commitment to healthy, productive, sustainable, and responsible work environments. The headquarters, which also houses Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI), reflects the changing office landscape, with a clear emphasis on decarbonization, indoor environmental...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced its Wellbeing Collective, a collection of Hyatt properties around the globe that offer tailored wellbeing experiences to meet the specific needs of travelers. At launch, the Wellbeing Collective boasts 30+ hotels globally with plans to expand in 2024. According to a recent Global Business Traveler report, nearly all (93 percent) corporate travel managers report that most employees take advantage of health and wellness services at least occasionally while traveling. The Wellbeing Collective includes a collection of properties across Hyatt’s portfolio of brands that provide unique wellbeing offerings to all guests, including groups of all sizes and meeting attendees. Through the...