😊 Happier hotel staff = happier stays: What’s the secret?

At the end of the day, the staff of a hotel are what guests often remember. So how can keeping that staff happy improve the bottom line? Find out in this week’s edition of Mint Pillow.

In today's newsletter:
🙌 Staff perks that improve a hotel’s aura
🏨 Chip and Joanna Gaines go boutique 
🛎 The regression of check in policies

Luxury hotels highlight staff satisfaction to boost experience

Do happy staff members result in happier guest experiences?

For luxury hotels – both big-name and boutique – employee satisfaction is one of the keys to an elevated stay for guests.

Investing in employee well-being, offering competitive salaries, promoting work-life balance, and providing development opportunities to employees can keep good workers on staff – and serve as a strong recruitment tool.

Read more common luxury hotel staff policies at MarTech Outlook. 

Local talent designed and built hotel to match landmark

The Commune at the Great Wall in Yangqing, China was designed by husband-and-wife developers Pan Shiyi and Zhang Xin. With the help of other hyper-local architects and designers, the unique property with several buildings started welcoming guests in 2002. It is the only hotel property within walking distance of The Great Wall of China.

Read more about the design elements on CNN.com.

Chip and Joanna Gaines open first boutique hotel

Iconic renovators and designers Chip and Joanna Gaines have unveiled their first first boutique property, Hotel 1928, located in Waco, Texas. The couple incorporated rich colors, patterns and textures to create a space that was both glamorous and historically accurate.

Check out the aesthetic at Architectural Digest.

Check in policies tighten back up post-COVID

Many hotels expanded hotel check in policies at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, including mobile and other contactless check ins and early/late checkout times. With travel picking back up globally, some hotels are reverting to old check in policies – leading to some consumer pushback.

FInd out what’s changing at SCMP.

5-star spots that get guest services right

Chic bars, unique restaurants and luxurious spas are on the menu at some of the top five-star locations in the U.S., including hotels in Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta. Catering to local tastes and experiences also lend to their appeal – and low vacancy rates.

 Take a look for yourself at Nashville Lifestyles. 

Welcome to Mint Pillow – the extra touch in hospitality, right in your inbox. You’ll hear from me once per week on Wednesdays, when I’ll bring you insights into the issues facing independent hotel owners.

Have a suggestion for content you’d like to see in Mint Pillow each week? Reply to this email and let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.