An $80K per night room + a Nantucket renovation

Would you pay $80,000 for a single night's stay? Find out which NYC property commands it for its new penthouse suite. But first, what do you think of Marriott's plan to target the inherited wealth of Millennials and Gen Z? Let's dive into the latest edition of Mint Pillow.

In today's newsletter:

🧒 Game on for kid-approved stays
🍵 Ditching booze for better brews
🤝 Comms key to retention
📱 Safety first with smart tech
🏩 Nantucket gem gets crafty

Fold, fold, fold: These two robots work seamlessly, and relentlessly, to fold towels and can do so 24-hours a day. This mundane task is one we're willing to turn over to the 'bots. 

$80,000 per night penthouse? Yep. That's the price tag on the newly renovated Ty Warner Penthouse suite at The Four Seasons New York. Situated on the 52nd floor, it features four balconies with iconic views.

Inclusive hiring delights UK guests: American hotels, take note. A new study from the University of Surrey shows that UK guests have positive feelings about properties if the staff includes people with disabilities. 

How hotels can tap into $175B kid-focused potential

Wanderland’s Kids Hospitality Report highlights a $175 billion global potential for hotels to enhance kid-focused amenities, particularly in urban luxury properties where such offerings are often minimal. The report notes that while children influence many family vacation choices, hotels rarely go beyond basics like activity books or bath products. Suggested upgrades include features such as arcade rooms, swimming pools with slides, treasure hunts, personalized storybooks or interactive spaces that create memorable and engaging experiences for young guests. (Hotel Dive)

Hotels mix up mocktail magic for Gen Z

Gen Z’s shift towards low- and no-alcohol beverages is reshaping the hospitality industry, with many hotels responding by offering a variety of creative, spirit-free mocktails. This trend is driven by health concerns, the popularity of marijuana and a preference for quality over quantity when it comes to drinking, with Gen Z willing to pay more for well-crafted alcohol alternatives. To stay competitive, hotels are focusing on experiences, including unique drink offerings, sustainability, and wellness-focused menus, while also enhancing their digital presence to engage this socially conscious generation. (Hospitality Investor)

Communication tools give hiring and retention a boost

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier podcast, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran speaks with Derek Pando, director of product marketing at Relay, about how communication tools impact hiring, staff retention, and efficiency in the hospitality industry. Pando shares an inspiring example of a staff member who was promoted after using Relay's translation tools to improve communication skills. “[People] want to work in a place where they feel valued and they feel safe and they feel empowered,” says Pando. (The Modern Hotelier)

How next-gen tech is shaping the future of staff safety

The American Hotel & Lodging Association has updated its purchasing guide for staff safety devices, providing hoteliers with essential tools to evaluate modern personal safety technology. The update focuses on innovations like real-time location tracking, modular options and AI-driven systems that boost staff protection. The initiative is part of broader industry efforts, including Safe Stay and anti-human trafficking programs, to improve hotel safety standards and safeguard employees across the nation. (Hotel Management)

Nantucket hotel's redesign evokes handcrafted charm

The Beachside Hotel on Nantucket, originally built in the 1960s, has been renovated by Parts and Labor Design and Blue Flag Capital to evoke a nostalgic connection to the island’s craft movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The updated interiors feature warm color tones along with natural wood, complemented by hand-crafted furniture and custom designs inspired by childhood memories and films like The Sandlot. In the lobby, cushioned lounge sofas and woven chairs create a nostalgic atmosphere that sets the tone for the family-friendly and design-focused property. (dezeen)

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