Hotels: Gear up for record summer travel

The busy summer travel season is nearly upon us -- are you ready for an influx of guests? It's time to check in for today's Mint Pillow.

In today's newsletter:
📈 U.S. forecast to take flight
🏨 Cleveland hotel honors its history
🎰 Vegas goes future forward with tech
🏩 Family roots inspire RI hotel design
🤝 GMs share secrets to winning culture

U.S. demand for travel is predicted to soar

In January 2024, the U.S. Travel Insights Dashboard revealed 93% of travelers reported having travel plans within the next six months, indicating a strong appetite for leisure travel. Despite a slight contraction in hotel room demand by 1% compared to the previous year, group room demand within the top 25 markets showed solid growth of 9%, reflecting positive industry trends.

Read more about these trends at the U.S. Travel Association.

Cleveland’s historic Baker Building welcome boutique hotel

Fidelity Hotel, a boutique establishment, is scheduled to open in December in downtown Cleveland, boasting 97 rooms and suites within the historic Baker Building alongside a restaurant, bar and meeting space. With custom-designed furniture, locally-sourced amenities, and a social-impact component, it promises a unique hospitality experience reflective of Cleveland's spirit. It was financed through a mix of public and private funding, including Ohio historic tax credits and a tax-increment-financing plan.

Read more about this opening at Cleveland.com.

How automation is reshaping Las Vegas hospitality

Las Vegas hotels are embracing automation, with robots like Aura enhancing guest experiences and efficiency in services such as check-ins and bar operations. From humanoid assistants to automated food runners like Minty, hotel tech is revolutionizing traditional hospitality roles, albeit with concerns about job displacement amid this technological evolution. As automation becomes increasingly prevalent, hotels are navigating the balance between streamlining operations and ensuring human-centric guest experiences.

Read more about this myriad of tech at Washington Post.

Newport’s Gardiner House unveils historical design

Gardiner House, Newport's newest hotel located on Rhode Island’s Lees Wharf, draws inspiration from the town's rich design legacy and historical connections. With views of Newport Harbor and Fort Adams State Park, Gardiner House offers unique guest experiences, from beach picnics to sunset cruises, and plans to open a coastal Mediterranean restaurant later this summer, adding to Newport's vibrant culinary scene.

Read more about this property at Vogue.

Report: How to create a standout hotel service culture

In the competitive world of luxury hotels, exceptional service is the key differentiator and creating a culture of excellence among staff is the secret weapon, according to a recent McKinsey study. By hiring friendly, outgoing staff and empowering them to anticipate guests' needs, hotels can cultivate an environment that goes above and beyond. Leaders who treat their staff well, celebrate achievements, and lead by example further contribute to a service-oriented atmosphere, creating lasting memories and loyal guests.

Join the conversation at McKinsey & Company.