New York—Stressing that relief from stress is the bedrock of their industry's growth, more than 150 spa executives met in May to discuss and strategize critical issues at the first Global Spa Summit.

Hotel operators have become enlightened on the importance of bathroom lighting in the guestroom. Once among the top guest complaints, lighting in guest baths has become a highlight of hotel design.

Las Vegas–One thing was obvious during the HD Expo & Conference in early May: Sustainability has the green light.

At the recent HD 2007 Expo and Conference, the company used kiosks and Elabrient Surfaces Touchpoint Imagery to digitize the process of locating and ordering samples on its Web site.

On the Road: Green means go at design show May 17, 2007 By: Paul Rusnak

Las Vegas--"Green" was the buzzword during the HD Expo & Conference in early May, and I'm not talking about the color. The challenges and benefits of applying sustainable practices in design and architecture were top-of-mind issues during the four-day event held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas. At left, Vito Lotta, hospitality director-North Central Region, Gensler, discusses sustainability issues during a panel session.

Since the advent of iPods, music is again becoming a way of life. That's according to Frank Zumbo, g.m., The Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel in New Orleans, which uses the tagline: "Dreaming with the legends of jazz."

I've switched to compact fluorescent bulbs in my guestrooms. What else can I do to save energy?

Proper and consistent maintenance is critical to extend the life of carpet, according to Tim Greeson, v.p. of sales, Signature Hospitality Carpets.

"Without a doubt, the most common customer complaint that a service tech receives concerning ice machines is low production," said Danny Moore, director of technical support, Hoshizaki America.

Candlewood Suites is replacing its entire bedding package this year and plans to roll the package out to all its hotels within six months. It is one of several midscale-segment brands upgrading bedding.

The top design trends at timeshare resorts are more comfortable beds, better lighting and more open space.

Hotel companies are stacking more importance on fitness centers, with many creating brand standards.

Options for window treatments no longer limit guests to "open" or "closed." The gamut now includes light filtering and semi-privacy options.

Business Planner: Green design, technology to shape future of hotel design Dec 11, 2006 By: Heather Gunter

Consultants foresee a variety of trends and factors shaping hotel design in 2007. It doesn't take a crystal ball to see that hotels need to become lean, green machines.

Voice over Internet protocol is not a new technology, but experts say VoIP has arrived at the "tipping point" for widespread adoption by consumers and corporations.

Boutique vehicle takes designers for ride Nov 20, 2006 By: Paul Rusnak

Hospitality designers discuss the challenges in generating and creating fresh concepts for the growing boutique-hotel segment during a roundtable hosted by Hotel Design and Hotel & Motel Management at the Catalina Hotel & Beach Club in Miami Beach.

Investing in new equipment, including switching to front-loading washers, can save hotels 20 percent to 30 percent in electrical and water costs annually.

MIAMI BEACH, FLA.—The ability to stay ahead of the curve by understanding guests' needs and knowing the latest trends is vital for hospitality designers in the current lodging environment, according to those participating in a roundtable hosted by HOTEL DESIGN and HOTEL & MOTEL MANAGEMENT in September at the Catalina Hotel & Beach Club in Miami Beach.

Marriott develops 'great room' concept Nov 20, 2006 By: Heather Gunter

Phoenix?Marriott International?s great room concept is expected to make lobbies more functional for guests and more profitable for owners.

Gettys finding niche in lodging industry Nov 20, 2006 By: Jeff Higley

As design and procurement firms find themselves more and more in the lodging industry?s inner circles, companies such as The Gettys Group are becoming more involved than ever. Roger Hill, c.e.o.