A Montana cowboy ranch wrangles adventure and comfort
If you haven't already opened your fantasy hotel, what would it look like? One writer handpicks his favorite elements from recent openings and re-openings to envision his dream hideaway — Italian beach club included. Back in reality, we're looking at a stylish new guesthouse in Seattle, how travelers are looking for promos while booking, and a whole lot more.
Meanwhile, Mint Pillow editor Bianca Prieto spent a few days on the ground at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami, where she was thrilled to connect with so many subscribers. Received this newsletter from a friend? Sign up here! We'd love to have you join our community.
-Edited by Lesley McKenzie and written by Pam Morales Worsham
Roping adventure and luxury in Montana
The Ranch at Rock Creek aims to blend the ruggedness of Montana’s landscape with upscale comfort. Set across 6,000 acres, the luxury boutique offers a variety of activities like horseback riding, fly fishing and hiking, all included in the stay. Guests can unwind in well-appointed cabins, lodge rooms or luxury tents while enjoying the seamless all-inclusive experience that eliminates the need to worry about bills. (Robb Report)
How customized promos are boosting revenue
New data reveals that 11% of hotel guests opted for personalized upgrade offers during booking, leading to higher additional sales and enhanced guest satisfaction. Net Affinity’s report highlights that tailoring offers like dining, spa services and celebratory packages to match the guest’s booking can significantly increase revenue. By making relevant and transparent upgrade options available, hotels can boost average booking values while elevating the guest experience. (Boutique Hotelier)
Destination of the Week: Harry's Guest House
Located in: Seattle, Wash.
Opened in: January 2024
Owned by: Chef Julian Hagood and Jake Santelli, the husband-and-husband team behind Harry’s Good Times Co., which includes Harry’s Fine Foods and Harry’s Beach House.
Number of rooms: Two suites
Dining options: Daily continental breakfast picnic baskets, delivered to your doorstep, and priority reservations for the duo's restaurants.
What to expect: "We placed our focus on marrying the best of both the luxurious amenities and services of a top-tier hotel with the warmth and comfort of staying at a friend's house," says co-owner Santelli. The downstairs Lucy Suite includes a full kitchen, dining area and elegantly appointed bedroom, while the upstairs Winnie Suite features two bedrooms, a kitchenette and a cozy living space.
Secret to success: "Recognizing the importance of online presence in today's digital age, we invested in robust digital campaigns tailored to our target demographic," notes Santelli. "This included search engine optimization (SEO) to improve our visibility in online searches, targeted social media advertising to reach potential guests, and email marketing campaigns to engage with past and potential customers. By utilizing data analytics and customer insights, we were able to refine our marketing efforts and effectively reach our desired audience through various online channels."
Starting rate: $375 per night.
Cashless tipping supercharges staff morale
Hotels are increasingly exploring cashless tipping options to allow guests to reward individual staff members, like housekeepers, but widespread adoption remains a challenge. Despite growing popularity, only 24% of Americans currently tip hotel staff, highlighting the need for greater awareness and acceptance. Industry experts believe that making mobile tipping easier can boost employee morale and help retain staff in a sector known for high turnover rates. (CoStar)
Automated tech gives hotel experiences a refresh
Leaders at the Hotel Data Conference highlighted how technology and automation are transforming hotel operations for employees and guests. They noted that seamless tech integration enhances staff training, retention and overall efficiency while creating a smoother guest experience. The panel urged hoteliers to focus on long-term tech strategies that provide cost-effective solutions for improving both employee workflows and guest interactions. (CoStar)
Why smart design is the future of hotel ops
Hotel design can greatly enhance operations by boosting staff efficiency and improving guest experiences, according to Sonja Haviland, co-founder and creative director of interiors at Superette Studio. Key strategies include using smart room controls for energy management, creating multifunctional spaces and optimizing staff workflows with ergonomic design choices. Additionally, sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems reduce costs and appeal to eco-conscious guests, all while ensuring a practical and aesthetically pleasing environment for long-term success. (Hotel Dive)
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