The motel renaissance is here
As any independent hotel owner-operator worth their weight in fluffy towels knows, many larger hospitality trends get their start in boutique properties. "We are the idea makers," Kurt Bjorkman of The Ranch at Laguna Beach tells Hospitality Net. Part of that is chalked up to the flexibility that comes with the smaller size of these hotels, which allows them to be more responsive to guests' needs. Plus, read on to see why investing in personalized experiences is more important than ever before. -Lesley McKenzie, editor
In this issue:
🏩 Motel Renaissance has been unleashed
🤑 Balancing experiences vs. expenses
🕺 Louisville hotels boogie into the past
🤖 Bot massage? Yes, please
Motels are back for nostalgic getaways
Roadside motels, once considered outdated, are experiencing a resurgence as younger travelers embrace their nostalgic charm. Notable examples include the Bluebird Spa City Motor Lodge in Saratoga Springs, NY, which transformed from a dilapidated property into a stylish boutique hotel, and the Interstate Inn in Stephenville, Tex., which is being renovated to capture its unique Space Age design. This renewed interest in motels is driven by a combination of their retro appeal, pandemic-driven shifts in travel preferences, and successful renovations that blend classic aesthetics with modern amenities. (New York Times)
Summer Update: Chasing the ROI of cool experiences
Hotel guests increasingly value unique experiences, but tracking the return on investment for these amenities is challenging due to the difficulty in quantifying indirect benefits and high operational costs, as highlighted by hospitality leaders attending the ALIS Summer Update. Despite these challenges, investing in personalized experiences — such as enhanced golf options and innovative activities — is crucial for driving bookings and improving guest satisfaction, while also requiring technology and marketing investments to effectively communicate and manage these offerings. Panelists also emphasized the need for substantial investments in infrastructure and housing to address labor shortages and support extensive guest experiences. (CoStar)
Bourbon City properties blend history, hip vibes
Louisville's hotel scene is booming with new boutique hotels like The Myriad in the Highlands and Hotel Genevieve in NuLu. The Myriad features design elements that pay homage to its past as a disco ball factory, including subtle 1970s flair, preserved concrete floors, exposed brick, and original windows. Hotel Genevieve incorporates Kentucky's heritage with quilt-inspired decor, a mural depicting the history of Louisville's Haymarket, and supports local artisans with displays of their work throughout the hotel, offering unique and immersive experiences for guests. (The Points Guy)
Robot masseuse kneads guests’ stress away
Lotte New York Palace has introduced a cutting-edge AI massage experience through a partnership with robotics company Aescape, offering guests a customizable robotic massage at its ila Only Spa. This new service features a massage table equipped with robotic arms that use AI to create a personalized treatment based on each guest's unique needs, priced at $75 for 30 minutes compared to $260 for a traditional human massage. Aescape, which has also collaborated with luxury fitness brand Equinox, is expanding its offerings across New York City and is poised to enter other sectors, capitalizing on the growing wellness tourism market. (Robb Report)
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