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Great hospitality has a way of making complicated things look easy.
We're diving into the mindset that helps hotels stay ahead of revenue instead of playing catch-up, the surprising case for in-room tablets over hotel apps and why even the best tech can't replace the trust that keeps a hotel running. Let's get into it.
And in your inbox tomorrow: A Mint Pillow Q&A with Cole Rubin, CEO and co-founder of Conduit, who believes AI should feel less like a technology project and more like a member of the operations team.
QUICK CLICKS
Declaration of Independence. The conversation around independence usually centers on luxury and lifestyle hotels, but don't be surprised if the economy segment gets there first. “With 1,200+ economy agreements hitting end-of-term by 2030, the off-ramp is more viable than ever,” writes This Week in Hospitality.
Gen Z has left the lobby. A new Alchemer study shows that the under-30 crowd is ditching traditional hotels for short-term rentals with higher Net Promoter Scores and more active engagement with reviewers.
Table stakes. Woven by Raines has tapped Chris Hall and Ryan Turner of Unsukay to shape food and beverage across its lifestyle portfolio, doubling down on the idea that dining is a defining part of the guest experience.
Skip the script. “Tell your story” is good advice—it’s just no longer enough on its own. These six branding ideas challenge the copy-and-paste approach and make room for your property’s personality.
There’s still time to network like it’s your job. The back half of 2026 is packed with some of the industry’s biggest events.
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SPACE & DESIGN
The Junto lobby. (Courtesy The Junto)
An invitation to gather
At The Junto in Columbus, Ohio, the arrival experience unfolds in a space called the Trade Room, where the front desk is intentionally tucked away to make room for conversation, coworking, cocktails and community. Flexible seating, oversized sectionals and intimate corners encourage guests and locals to settle in and stay awhile.
Why it matters: Every design decision circles back to connection. Partnering with local artisans and designing spaces that welcome both travelers and neighbors helps the property feel woven into the community rather than separated from it. That approach is especially meaningful in Franklinton, the Columbus neighborhood where The Junto is located, which is in the midst of a long-term revitalization focused on creating a place where people can live, work and play while preserving its creative character. (Hospitality Design)
TECHNOLOGY
“The more that the hotel brand knows about the guest, the more that targeted information can be delivered to impact that guest’s visit, journey and travel experience. All of that makes a big difference to the guest and to the hotel.”
The app alternative
Hotels have spent years trying to get guests to download an app. Kevin Bidner, founder and CEO of Hotel Communication Network (HCN), says the better answer may already be sitting on the nightstand.
Why it matters: “An engaged guest is a happier guest,” says Bidner. Asking guests to download a hotel app requires an extra step on their part, while an in-room tablet is already part of the experience, giving hotels a dependable channel to showcase services, promote on-property amenities, offer hotel information and local recommendations and connect with guests throughout their stay. That can translate into more guest interaction without adding friction to the experience. (The Modern Hotelier)
POLL
If you could invest in only one, what would you choose?
REVENUE & INVESTMENTS
Less “wait and see,” more “go ahead and book”
CoStar reports Americans are still traveling despite the macro noise in the background. The surprising part isn’t just that trips are happening, it’s that people aren’t really slowing down on booking them, and that steadiness is showing up in real demand rather than just intent.
Why it matters: Steady demand is a gift from the travel gods. It takes some of the pressure off having to chase occupancy with rate cuts, especially in softer windows, while offering more room to protect pricing instead of reacting to every dip in pickup. When demand behaves like this, you can spend more energy shaping revenue instead of rescuing it. (CoStar)
PEOPLE & STAFF
Reputation in the making
Strong teams are built on dependable people. From closing the loop on a request to being upfront about your bandwidth, these 12 behaviors make working together smoother for everyone involved. Consider it a refresher on the little things colleagues never forget.
Why it matters: Hotels run on trust between people as much as they run on systems. When leaders set clear expectations and follow through, teams spend less time chasing answers and more time moving forward. That kind of culture is one employees remember—and one they're more likely to stay for. (George Stern on LinkedIn)
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Mint Pillow is curated and written by Jennifer Glatt and edited by Bianca Prieto.
