CORONAVIRUS
What’s a Hotel Worth Today?
CORONAVIRUS
As U.S. hotels close or dramatically scale back business during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s difficult to assess the value of a lodging asset that may or may not be able to recover from steep losses in revenue. And some hotel segments, such as economy extended stay, are doing well when compared to their higher priced competitors. Suzanne Mellen and her cohorts at HVS have attempted to paint a picture of what hotel values may look like in the coming months. Presenters at Long Live Lodging’s LodgingStream digital conference on April 30 said it’s too early to tell if and by how much hotel market values may change, though one speaker said he’s seeing discounts of 25 percent to 30 percent emerging. This article is part of our special report on the coronavirus and its impact on the hotel industry.
CORONAVIRUS
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329 | Ruff and Ready: ADA gives hotels a short leash when accommodating guests with service animals
Many hotels these days have made room for guests with disabilities. Hotel managers and staff should also know what the Americans with Disabilities Act says about accommodating guests with pets. During the pandemic lockdowns, a lot of people added a pet to their household and now they’re bringing Fido along on vacation. Hotel employees need to know how to cater to both consumers who are pet owners as well as guests who travel with a trained service animal. Episode 329 of Lodging Leaders podcast reports on how the ADA defines a service animal and how a hotel is legally obligated to serve a guest who comes with a dog or any other animal.
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328 | Curb Appeal: Hotels’ refreshed images designed to attract road trippers
Nearly 48 million Americans plan to travel over the Fourth of July weekend, predicts AAA. Most of them will drive and many of them plan to stay in hotels. What makes a travel consumer choose your hotel? Price can be a factor but so can the story the property tells through its online photos and its real-life curb appeal. First impressions of a hotel set the tone for the guest’s entire stay. Its roadside image is more important than ever as the lodging industry this summer hangs its hopes on a comeback driven by domestic travelers. Lodging Leaders podcast explores the importance of a hotel’s curb appeal as hoteliers think of ways to attract travelers seeking safety and assurance as the nation emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.