NATIONAL REPORT—Tobacco and marijuana have been smoked in nonsmoking hotel guestrooms for as long as nonsmoking rooms have existed. The task of calculating the costs associated with unauthorized smoking in guestrooms is so challenging that most hoteliers have viewed smoking as a problem without a solution. Now, exhaustive primary and secondary research provides methodically sourced data detailing both obvious short-term and hidden long-term costs of unauthorized smoking. Study results reveal that unauthorized smoking costs hoteliers $5.4 billion each year. Research Digs Deep into True Costs of Smoking To get a handle on all the true costs associated with smoking, FreshAir Sensor...

CYPRESS, CALIF.—As we continue to see relaxed COVID-19 restrictions—leaving the onus of safety in the hands of business operators, owners and facilities managers—global visual technologies company Christie has introduced its newest CE- and UL- certified commercial UVC-LED disinfection light fixture for occupied, indoor spaces. Christie CounterAct UR10 with UVC-LED and patented Care222 far-UVC - plus visible light, in a single unit, is recommended for commercial offices, government facilities, schools, transit hubs, retail shops, and medical buildings—for enhanced and safe airborne and surface disinfection wherever people gather indoors, in public places. CounterAct UR10 builds on the release of the CA20, Christie’s...

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA.—Grand Richmond Hotel, one of Bangkok’s premier hotels, was awarded WellHotel Accreditation for Medical Travel & Well-being by Global Healthcare Accreditation. The hotel is operated by the Richmond Group. Setting the standard for luxury events and business and leisure stays, the Grand Richmond Hotel is a distinctive five-star convention venue and hotel located in northern Bangkok just a short drive from the city center. The hotel is operated by the Richmond Group, one of Thailand's premier hoteliers, who recently added a new 35-story tower to the property and upgraded the existing facilities with an elegant remodel and redesign. The hotel welcomes travelers from all over the world...

OSLO, NORWAY—Nordic Hotels & Resorts announced the grand opening of its newest luxury hotel, Sommerro, located in the heart of Frogner in Oslo’s West End. One of Europe’s most anticipated launches of 2022, the urban retreat is set within the former headquarters of Oslo Lysverker, the city’s original electrical company, and is energizing the neighborhood and its surroundings with a new sense of creative spirit that pays tribute to Norway’s cultural heritage. Providing a home away from home for both travelers and locals, the iconic 231-room Art Deco hotel is complete with 56 branded residences, seven restaurants and bars, meeting...

NEW YORK—Finding the right best practices for a bike or e-bike lending program should not be taken lightly. Your choice of bike supplier could mean the difference between happy, satisfied guests and staff and both groups getting stressed due to middle-of-nowhere breakdowns and mechanical messes. If you do get your bike and e-bike program right, it can be a shining, brand-building amenity for your property—and keep guests coming back for more. Green Lodging News recently spoke with Lauren Jones, Director of Partnerships for New York-based Priority Bicycles, to not only learn more about her company but to also get a...

CHICAGO—Miraval Resorts & Spas, a global leader in wellness destinations, announces its first ever wellbeing wedding offering, the Miraval mindful wedding. Available to book beginning this fall at Miraval Berkshires, the Miraval mindful wedding is a multi-day, immersive experience customized to honor the couple’s intentions. This one-of-a-kind wedding journey includes a thoughtful wellbeing itinerary for the couple, experiential reconnection opportunities for their guests, and a ceremony and reception filled with mindful touch points. Couples and their wedding party will experience Miraval Berkshires’ signature wellness programs and spa services, culminating in a bespoke wedding celebration that opens the door to...

DENHAM, ENGLAND—IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) recently unveiled the latest evolution of its upscale EVEN Hotels brand through an updated design, refreshed restaurant and integrated wellness experience. Developed in collaboration with franchisees, the new EVEN Hotels prototype will be more efficient to build and operate, making investment in the brand more attractive in more markets and driving future growth. With 50 global hotels open or in the pipeline, EVEN Hotels was created to keep travelers’ wellness routines going however they choose to define them. The brand’s evolution will broaden EVEN Hotels’ appeal and capture more demand from guests looking to...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton and Peloton Interactive, Inc.v announced an industry-first partnership, making Hilton the first hospitality brand to feature Peloton Bikes across its entire U.S. hotel portfolio of 18 award-winning brands. By the end of the year, nearly all 5,400 U.S. Hilton-branded hotels—from Hampton by Hilton to Waldorf Astoria—will feature at least one Peloton Bike in every fitness center, providing guests with a more holistic wellness experience, including access to Peloton’s world-class instructors and expansive connected fitness content. A recent Hilton survey of U.S. travelers indicated an overwhelming 98 percent of respondents are prioritizing wellness activities while on the road, and...

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA—Argentina’s renowned female winemaker, Susana Balbo, has opened her first hotel, SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, in the famed wine region of Mendoza. After four decades dedicated to the wine industry and international recognitions, Balbo created the bespoke estate and luxury boutique hotel with her daughter, Ana Lovaglio Balbo. The hotel features a sense of place as well as the hostesses’ authentic wine roots in everything from design, décor, and setting to culinary experiences, art, wellness, and nature. It’s also about exclusivity. Guests will feel as if they’re staying in a private estate, where Susana and Ana become...

CHICAGO—Hyatt recently launched a new collaboration between Thompson Hotels and the nation’s largest yoga studio brand, CorePower Yoga, to offer a series of not-your-average rooftop workout classes rooted in the mindfulness of yoga, designed to transform the minds and bodies of guests, CorePower Yoga members and locals. Classes are available complimentary to Thompson Hotels guests at participating properties and accessible to CorePower Yoga members and locals. “At Thompson Hotels, we aim to create valuable experiences that align with the priorities of our guests and that includes how they stay well and fit on the road,” said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Vice President & Global...