C-suite tips for tackling labor woes and SoCal's newest beachfront escape

Experiencing Aurora Borealis could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some, and these hotels want to make sure you don't miss them. (Keep an eye on the skies tonight, northern friends, for a chance to view this incredible light show.)

Speaking of things you don't want to miss, this issue is packed with insights and inspirations, from a sexy new beachfront property in Laguna Beach to an AI-powered tool for the visually impaired that connects Hilton guests with trained staff for assistance. Plus, we scraped the web for the weird, wild and wonderful in our new Quick Clicks section. Someone or something on your radar we should know about? Shoot us a note. And please share us with your colleagues! Thanks for reading.

What we're signing up for: The Wheelchair Travel newsletter, founded by triple amputee and wheelchair user John Morris, who uses his platform to not only educate readers about traveling with a mobility impairment, but to create a reliable resource for accessible travel.

What we're watching: A resurfaced TED Talk from 2022, in which restaurateur Will Guidara delves into three different ways to create meaningful human connection as part of his "unreasonable hospitality" philosophy.

Where we wish we were checking in: One of these festive hotels (including an Arizona property with an outdoor skating rink) — is it ever too early to start thinking about the holidays?

What we can't stop following: This Reddit thread, composed of Tales From the Front Desk, which spans everything from the weirdest questions asked by guests to a situation involving an emotional support chicken 🤔.

Destination of the Week: Casa Loma

Location: Laguna Beach, Calif.

Opened in: October 2023, following a $15 million overhaul of the property formerly known as The Inn at Laguna Beach by design firms Electric Bowery, LAND and ORCA.

Owned by: Marc & Rose Hospitality, whose hotel portfolio includes Carmel's La Playa, and Northern Arizona's High Country Motor Lodge, as well as restaurants such as El Chorro Lodge in Paradise Valley, Ariz., and Brophy's in downtown Carmel.

What to expect: A Mediterranean-meets-coastal California getaway with a bohemian sensibility to match its beachy surrounds.

Number of rooms: 70 coastal-inspired rooms, including 38 featuring private balconies or patios.

Dining options: A beach club-type experience, available only to hotel guests, which features poolside tapas-style bites, and wine and cocktails on the oceanfront terrace.

What stands out: The hotel’s onsite radio station that serves as a soundtrack to each stay, blending coastal music with homegrown California tunes that play throughout the property, and the groovy lobby bar and lounge area, complete with a sculpted mural of a sun-worshipping goddess.

Starting rate: $499

🎧 Switching to 'wyld' mode with tech-free escapades

 In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, Eric D. Moeller, founder and CEO of Freewyld, discusses his shift from real estate to hospitality, driven by his passion for creating immersive nature-based experiences. Moeller highlights Freewyld's unique approach of blending technology with opportunities for guests to disconnect and reconnect with their surroundings. "The idea is, let’s put our phones down, let’s be present, and let’s create some experiences," says Moeller. (The Hospitality Mentor)

Historic Cali inn unveils $25M revamp

The historic Paso Robles Inn, located in downtown Paso Robles, California, has reopened after an eight-month, $25 million renovation that updated its 135-year-old property with 98 remodeled rooms, redesigned suites and improved amenities. The project preserved the hotel’s historic charm while adding modern touches like new floors, high-end bathroom products and an expanded pool deck with cabanas. Guests can also now enjoy the renovated gardens, e-bike rentals, and outdoor spaces designed for events and relaxation. (The Tribune)

Hospitality C-suite shares recipe to solve labor woes

Hotel leaders at The Lodging Conference emphasized the importance of fair wages, career development and incentives in addressing the hospitality industry’s labor challenges. Panelists highlighted efforts like mentorship, leadership training and competitive compensation to attract and retain workers in a tight labor market. "So much of it ... is beginning your career with the right amount of training, the right amount of support, the right amount of feeling this is where I belong, and that takes a lot of intention and it takes a lot of effort, and I don't think it gets enough attention in our business," said Joe Berger, BRE Hotels & Resorts CEO and president. (CoStar)

AI-powered visual assistant is your new hotel guide

Be My Eyes is partnering with Hilton to enhance accessibility for blind and visually impaired hotel guests. Through the Be My Eyes app, users can connect with trained hotel staff via video calls for assistance with various tasks, such as adjusting thermostats or navigating the hotel. The collaboration began last year to help train Be My Eyes' AI language model, which uses GPT-4 to improve object recognition in Hilton hotel rooms and assist users in understanding text from menus and toiletry bottles. (Engadget)

London show spotlights future design trends

The Independent Hotel Show London 2024 showcased innovative trends in interior design, highlighting the growing connection between independent hoteliers and the design community. Key themes included playful nature-inspired aesthetics, multifunctional furniture, retro-futurism, and the use of sustainable materials, such as mycelium and hemp, reflecting a commitment to both creativity and environmental responsibility. The event underscored ways boutique hotels can enhance guest experiences by incorporating comfort, modern technology and eco-friendly solutions into their designs. (Hospitality Interiors)

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