Heeere’s Johnny! Welcome to a haunting stay

How to build staff loyalty and consistency

Heeere’s Johnny! Welcome to a haunting stay
Photo by Jeremy Wilkinson / Unsplash

Looking for a way to give guests a haunted hotel fix? One legendary property has teamed up with a Hollywood master of horror to do just that. Plus, Las Vegas is set to debut an AI-powered Airbnb-hotel mashup and an outdoor-centric hotel brand transforms an iconic seaside stay. Surf's up!

-Written by Pam Morales Worsham and edited by Lesley McKenzie

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GUEST EXPERIENCE

All work and no play at The Stanley’s immersive horror getaway

The Stanley Hotel is set to host an immersive horror-themed weekend in October called "Overnightmare,” featuring interactive events and film screenings in collaboration with Blumhouse Productions. Guests can expect spine-chilling experiences from check-in, complete with themed rooms, engaging characters and frightful activities inspired by popular Blumhouse films. With a ticket that includes a two-night stay and various amenities, visitors will enjoy a unique blend of horror entertainment in the iconic hotel known for its ties to The Shining. (Denver Post)

REVENUE & INVESTMENT

Trailborn makes waves with Surf & Sound revamp

Trailborn is transforming the Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., into a boutique hotel named Trailborn Surf & Sound. The renovation will feature design-forward upgrades, including revamped guest rooms with water views, smart TVs and a pool bar, elevating the boutique-style guest experience. This marks Trailborn’s continued expansion in outdoor-centric, experience-driven hotels, offering travelers a blend of comfort and nature-focused stays. (Hotel Dive)

PEOPLE & STAFF

Culture wins: Why recognizing staff matters

Rachel MonizHEI Hotels & Resorts’ chief operating officer, underscores that recognizing and celebrating hotel staff is key to building loyalty and consistency. By investing in training, onboarding and addressing individual goals, hotel leaders can reduce turnover and enhance both employee satisfaction and guest experiences. “Even guests can tell when hotels put in the effort to support their associates. It’s time our industry commits to reducing turnover for all the right reasons,” says Moniz. (Hotels Magazine)

TECHNOLOGY

Las Vegas AI-powered hotel checks into the future

The Otonomus Hotel, set to open in Las Vegas in early 2025, will offer a tech-driven experience using AI to tailor every aspect of a guest's stay. Visitors can customize room layouts, adjust settings to personal preferences and rely on virtual assistants to handle requests like room service or cleaning. With features like Tesla Superchargers, mobile access and a focus on convenience, the hotel aims to blend the luxury of traditional accommodations with cutting-edge technology for a personalized stay. (Las Vegas Sun)

SPACE & DESIGN

The Georgian steps back in time with art deco vibe

The Georgian Hotel, a historic landmark in Santa Monica, has undergone a significant transformation, reopening in April 2023 after a two-year renovation that restored its art deco charm. Designed by M. Eugene Durfee and originally opened in 1933, the hotel now features 84 rooms adorned with stylish velvet furnishings, brass accents and Havana vibe capturing a blend of modern comfort and vintage elegance. The renovation not only preserved its historical character but also included contemporary amenities, making it an inviting destination for guests seeking a unique and luxurious experience by the beach. (The Points Guy)

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