Yes, there's a hotel with in-room beer taps

What's shaping the future of hospitality? Experts had a lot to say at this year's Lodging Conference, which took place in Phoenix Oct. 7-10. Trends including the implementation of eco-friendly practices, experiential travel and the integration of technology are among the forward-thinking approaches hotels are taking to adapt to guests' preferences, according to Hotel News Resource. Keep reading to find out what else is piquing our interest this week.

Hotels create memorable stays with quirky perks

Hotels like the Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast, The DogHouse by BrewDog and The Sinclair are stepping up their game by offering unique and personalized amenities that enhance the guest experience beyond standard perks. Creative offerings range from pie turndown service (you read that right) and in-room beer taps, to professional podcast studios and plantable bookmarks. These eclectic touches not only make stays memorable but also reflect the individuality of each property, inviting guests to indulge in fun and unique experiences during their visit. (Travel+Leisure)

How to crack the code to revenue during the slow season

During the hotel shoulder season, which falls between peak and off-peak travel times, there are opportunities for hotels to grow revenue despite reduced demand. Heather Apse of Tripleseat suggests strategies like offering exclusive packages, promoting local attractions and targeting corporate retreats to attract more guests. By focusing on flexible pricing, wellness offerings and personalized marketing, hotels can improve performance and create memorable guest experiences during slower periods. (Hotel News Resource)

Destination of the Week: Gjelina Hotel

Location: Venice, Calif.

Opened in: 2023

Owned by: Gjelina Group, which oversees the famed seasonally driven Gjelina restaurants in Venice, NYC and Las Vegas, as well as Venice-based bakery Gjusta, and nearby spin-offs Gjusta Goods and Gjusta Grocer.

Number of rooms: 26 rooms and suites.

What to expect: A hotel, guest house and event space, just one block from Venice's iconic Boardwalk and beach, interconnected with other local Gjelina Group offerings.

Dining options: Fast-track reservations at Gjelina, breakfast at Gjusta and a kitchen stocked with essentials from Gjusta Grocer.

What stands out: We love the cozy spaces (especially the courtyard), touches such as Coyuchi linens and Smeg refrigerators and the wraparound terrace, perfect for watching sunrise and sunset over the ocean.

Starting rate: $235 per night.

Above: All rooms feature one-of-a-kind furnishings. (Courtesy of Gjelina)

Training teams to master the art of 'omotenashi'

Omotenashi, the Japanese philosophy of hospitality, emphasizes anticipating guests' needs and providing selfless, genuine care without expecting anything in return. Monique Donahue, Hilton's director of commercial learning, shares how her experience with omotenashi in Japan transformed her perspective, highlighting the contrast with the more transactional Western approach to hospitality. Donahue suggests training staff to embrace proactive, thoughtful gestures that foster deeper connections and create lasting, meaningful guest experiences. (Hotel Management)

Tech-driven experiences boost profits, create memories

Tock, a reservation platform originally designed for restaurants, has expanded into the hotel industry to help guests book unique on-property experiences. In addition to dining, the tech allows hotels to monetize underutilized spaces by hosting curated events like jazz brunches or lecture series. This provides hoteliers with creative ways to engage guests and drive revenue. (Hotel Dive)

Motels get a mod-forward makeover

Motels across the country are being transformed into stylish, modern retreats, blending vintage charm with contemporary comforts. The Vagabond Hotel Miami, for example, has been meticulously renovated to restore its 1950s MiMo style, complete with a retro pool bar and diner. In North Carolina, Rhode's Motor Lodge has been reimagined as a boutique hotel, featuring mid-century modern design, cozy fire pits and a Southern-inspired bar. Over in Greenport, the Silver Sands Motel offers a pastel-colored beachfront escape, repurposing nostalgic elements like original motel tiles for countertops and adding beach houses and shacks for a unique coastal stay. (Thrillist)

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