☺️ Happy staff, happier guests

This week, we’re all about travel that feels good and does good. Microcations are gaining momentum as guests crave quick trips with maximum style, and smart hoteliers are keeping pace. We’re also looking at how social procurement can add real heart (and local love) to your brand, and spotlighting a Tennessee hotel that proves nostalgia and innovation can absolutely share a room. Fast trips, smart tips—here's your playbook for staying current and compelling.

Small but mighty. Who says vacations have to be long to be luxurious? Microcations are on the rise and guests are squeezing more fun into fewer days, like a weekend wine escape or a quick beach break.

Operational advantages. AI-powered predictive maintenance is helping hotels avoid costly breakdowns and keep everything running smoothly. Hotel operators are using AI to work smarter, not harder.

Grounds for celebration. Embracing coffee culture is the hottest trend that keeps guests buzzing.

Social savvy. Social procurement shows your support of local businesses while adding serious heart to your brand. Turn everyday purchasing into powerful community change with this game-changing approach. 

A chocolate shake with a side of nostalgia. Summer in NYC hits different on the High Line. The Standard is serving up a retro-futuristic spin on the classic soda fountain—its take on the all-American diner with custom sodas, old school milkshakes and diner classics that are anything but, well... standard.

‘Sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all'

As founder and president of Greenluxe, sustainable hospitality consultant Amy Wald helps hotels thrive without trashing the Earth. She has a knack for turning eco-challenges into stylish, planet-friendly wins, blending green practices with smart business sense. Here, she shares how environmentally conscious touches actually improve the guest experience, what “green” means on the operational front and more. —Jennifer Glatt

What’s one small change that can make a big sustainability impact in hotel operations?

Diverting food waste from landfill is hands-down one of the most impactful things a hotel can do. It cuts costs—food waste is 80–90% water, so hauling fees drop fast. It slashes methane emissions. And maybe most importantly, it’s visible. Staff see it happening and often take part, which builds trust and engagement.

How can hotel leaders get their whole team on board with sustainability?

Honestly? Just ask them. Invite employees to share what they value and what they think could make a difference. You’ll quickly spot the people who are eager to lead. From there, build a green team. You’d be amazed how energized staff get when they feel heard and can help shape change.

When a hotel says it’s "green," what should that really mean from an  operations perspective?

There are levels to “green,” but the most credible path is third-party certification—whether for operations, the building itself, or both. It’s not one-size-fits-all, but it is how you avoid greenwashing and ensure your efforts are verifiable. Bonus: Google and Booking.com now require it to market [your property] as sustainable.

What’s the best way to get guests involved in sustainability without being pushy?

It depends on your guest. Geography, income level and travel style all shape what they care about. So ask. Add a question to your departure survey, run a poll on social media or offer a small incentive for insights at check-in. It’s about understanding their values, then aligning with them.

What eco-friendly touches actually improve the guest experience?

Let’s start with the obvious: offering plastic water bottles instead of refillable stations or glass is a complete oversight. It signals convenience over care—and today’s guests are paying attention. But the best eco-friendly touches don’t just remove waste—they enhance the experience through story, emotion and delight. Here are a few that do just that:

• Nature-based scent experiences. Replace synthetic room sprays with locally inspired scents—eucalyptus, lavender, pine—infused into public spaces or spa areas. It evokes place, calms the nervous system and creates a sensory memory guests associate with your property.
• Watch the water. Shower timers help remind guests to visualize their water use. Some hotels tie water savings to donations, giving guests a sense of participation in a bigger impact.
• A curated in-room sustainability video. Created by our company, Greenluxe, this custom video introduces guests to your hotel’s sustainability story in a way that’s emotionally resonant and visually compelling. It builds trust, sparks curiosity and makes guests feel like they are part of the movement, not just bystanders.

When sustainability becomes personal and beautiful, it stops feeling like a compromise and starts feeling like luxury with a conscience.

What’s exciting you most right now in the sustainable hospitality space?
That sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that’s exactly the opportunity. As it becomes the standard, how you do it is what sets you apart. When it’s truly woven into your culture and DNA, it can’t be copied. Yes, it takes up-front thought and investment, but in the long run, it becomes your competitive edge. It’s so fun to watch hotels find their groove, innovate and really bulletproof their offering.

 Above: Casa Cipriani New York, one of Wald's clients. (Courtesy)

Design that’s off the rails (in the best way)

All aboard! The Hotel Chalet in Chattanooga, Tenn., is rolling in with serious style. Think vintage Pullman train cars decked out in lilac, houndstooth and Tiffany glass paired with modern perks like heated marble floors and smart tech. The whole place is a playful mashup of golden-age travel and lodge charm, with a courtyard straight out of a Wes Anderson daydream. It’s like stepping back in time, but with room service and Type-C charging ports.

Why it matters: The Hotel Chalet nails the balance between memory and modernity—a formula that independent hotels can uniquely deliver. By blending nostalgia with a modern twist, the hotel creates emotional connections from an immersive aesthetic. Even small design flourishes, when done with intention, can boost perceived value and encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Guests walk away remembering not just the amenities, but how the space made them feel. (Chattanooga Local 3 News)

Above: Hotel Chalet (Courtesy)

Service on call

Remember last week when we told you phone calls are a key driver of revenue? Here's proof. Cali BBQ’s Father’s Day was sizzling—and not just from the grill. “Shawn,” a voicebot created by AI firm Palona trained to sound just like Cali BBQ's founder, Shawn Walchef, answered 150 calls with personality and precision, driving an 18% jump in sales. With walk‑in pickup orders skyrocketing 92% year-over-year, Shawn AI transformed busy-day chaos into seamless guest flow. Guests were charmed, staff kept their cool and table-turn times dropped nearly 50%.

Why it matters: AI-powered voice agents trained in your brand's tone and services can significantly elevate the guest experience, especially during high-demand periods. As Cali BBQ showed, these tools don't just automate; they personalize, delivering human-like interactions that delight customers while reducing errors and wait times. With routine calls and booking requests handled efficiently, your staff can stay focused on in-person service, improving both speed and satisfaction. The ability to handle volume without sacrificing hospitality also translates to revenue gains. Case in point? Cali’s 18% sales bump and faster table turns. For hotels juggling front desk calls, reservation changes or room service requests, AI agents offer a scalable, always-on solution that keeps guests happy and operations humming. (Adweek)

Mobile magic

Chicago-based hotel management company First Hospitality is upgrading its tech game with Stayntouch’s mobile-first PMS, rolling out the platform to support its independent hotels. Known for its forward-thinking approach, First Hospitality sees this move as a way to boost both guest satisfaction and operational agility. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes magic that makes both staff and travelers smile—think fewer headaches, faster check-ins and happier guests.

Why it matters: A cloud-based PMS like Stayntouch streamlines daily operations, reduces training time and keeps your property running even during internet outages. With mobile functionality, teams can assist guests anywhere on property, boosting both efficiency and satisfaction. Plus, faster implementation and an open API mean you can scale smarter without sacrificing guest experience or bottom-line results. Stayntouch’s platform aligns with First Hospitality’s commitment to lean, guest-focused service models and continuous innovation, and its ability to integrate seamlessly with other systems supports the company's growing, tech-forward portfolio. (HospitalityNet)

'Happy wife, happy life'—hotel version

Did you know happy staff make happy guests? It’s true. Hotels that put their employees’ well-being first are seeing a serious upgrade in guest glow. Prioritizing employee wellness pays off: it boosts engagement, lowers turnover and leads to more consistent, high-quality service. When teams feel supported, they show up with authenticity and empathy, qualities today’s guests genuinely notice and appreciate. It’s not just good hospitality. It’s smart business.

Why it matters: Your staff are the heart and soul of your hotel, and when they’re feeling good, it shows. Happy employees stick around longer, serve better and bring positive vibes that guests can’t help but notice. Creating a culture where your team feels valued turns everyday interactions into memorable moments. Plus, word spreads fast. Guests love returning to places where kindness and care are part of the package. Bottom line? Investing in your people means winning big on guest satisfaction and repeat business. (Newsweek)

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