National Report—When disaster strikes, hoteliers work hard to protect their guests and properties. But after the fact, disasters can turn into opportunities and learning experiences. Even after the worst manmade and natural catastrophes, hotels often can recover and rebound for the better. Having a property shut down for months or even more than a year offers a great opportunity to make changes and learn to prepare for another crisis.

What jams or preserves do you wish with your toast this morning?" the waiter asked me as the ship plowed through the Atlantic headed for New York.

On the Road: Researcher challenges revenue managers to change their assumptions Jun 26, 2007 By: Lynne Brakeman

At HSMAI's Revenue Management Strategy Conference in Orlando this week, Garrett van Ryzin, a professor and researcher at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business, presented cutting-edge research into the use of customer behavior to model demand and set prices. Van Ryzin (left) suggested revenue managers consider changing their perspective from the focus on the product, to a focus on customer behavior.

Hong Kong-based Top Spring Group will develop and InterContinental Hotels Group will operate more than 800 guestrooms at the Landmark International Commercial Center in Changzhou near Shanghai.

National Report–In the race for guests, the hotel industry has added amenities and touted customer focus. Has the effort paid off in customer satisfaction?

Washington–"Real clothes that real people wear" are what employees at Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites properties will be dressed in as part of the brand's new uniform standard.

Paris—With an emphasis on creating global strategies, Carlson Hotels Worldwide gathered in Paris in May to redefine its goals as a truly international hotel company.

Orlando–It's all systems go for economy brands at Wyndham Hotel Group.

Paris?Innovation was a word Jay Witzel, Carlson Hotels Worldwide president and c.e.o., used many times during the company?s global meeting in Paris in May. Marilyn Carlson Nelson, company chairman and c.e.o., addressed the company?s overall plans to emphasize the global nature of the Carlson name.

Consultant's Corner: Relationship audits help revenue bloom Jun 4, 2007 By: Rob Hunden

Are your key managers hurting your business? They might be if you have not reviewed your community relationships. Owners are not always aware of the relationship "decisions" their management team makes that can impact business and community good will. Just as an internal financial audit can expose areas of weakness, a relationship audit can expose areas of weakness that impact top-line revenue.

Q I've heard meteorologists predict that this year's hurricane season will be "very active." What can I do to prepare my property for a hurricane or any other type of natural disaster?

Information was gathered from surveys faxed to management companies in March.

Twenty-four-year-old Ikimi Dubose is a C-CAP success story. As a teenager growing up in a Brooklyn, N.Y., neighborhood "where you were either pregnant or a basketball star," she said, she was missing a lot of school because of shuttling between her divorced parents. She needed a part-time job to pay rent for a place of her own.

CHEVY CHASE, MD.—The new brand extension from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., The Reserve, is smaller than a typical Ritz-Carlton, but greater in scope.

Editor-in-Chief Jeff Higley moderated a roundtable on the subject of brand relevance. Get insights on how to control costs while keeping older brands competitive. Participants: Greg O?Stean, GE Capital Solutions; Peggy Berg, The Highland Group; Steve Mogck, Carlson Hotels Worldwide; Danny Patel, Peachstate Hospitality; John Sturgess, Carlson Hotels Worldwide; and Teague Hunter, Hunter Realty.

Reduce flux during a transition period by being prepared May 7, 2007 By: Chad Crandell

The volume of U.S. hotel transactions is at an all-time high and these days, an active market typically means a lot of change: renovation, repositioning, redevelopment, brand/operator conversions—all strategic moves aimed at ultimately enhancing asset value. While significant resources are devoted to planning an asset's future success, there is an interim period that all owners must endure—the dreaded transition phase. With so much time and effort focused on posturing for the future, the transition period can be overlooked, leaving hotels in a state of operating paralysis.

On the Road: Conference conveys positive vibe for Vista May 3, 2007 By: Paul Rusnak

NASHVILLE--It's nice to be part of something new. This was the feeling that came to mind during my visit to the Vista brand 2007 national conference at the Hotel Preston in Nashville.

On the Road: AmericInn works to deliver on 'delight' May 3, 2007 By: Heather Gunter

St. Paul, Minn.--A lineup of high-energy keynote speakers conveyed the importance of connecting with guests during AmericInn International's annual conference. At right: Arnold Angeloni, c.e.o. of AmericInn (right), interviews owner Paul Krienke about how to delight guests.

Define values to drive employee efficiency Apr 16, 2007 By: Renie Cavallari

Managers frequently ask themselves, "How do I get these people to do what I need, in the way I need them to do it, without me telling them over and over?" The answer: Attract and retain people who hold the same values you do. Defining your organization's values helps communicate expectations about behaviors and beliefs that will make your employees more effective and your business more successful.

Chevy Chase, Md.–The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. opened its 63rd hotel and will open 26 more by 2009. Its growing global portfolio will be characterized by subtle shifts in service and design.