It’s no secret hotels are looking to spread their offerings this year – surveys showing that guests are more interested in amenities and unique experiences have prompted hotels to think outside the box, and offer more to guests than just room upgrades and complimentary WiFi. But what hotels will do to attract and retain new guests has been anything but dull, especially for the traveler.
At Mandarin Oriental, for example, new bar concepts have merged social media with speciality cocktails. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of its new brand EVEN, which is aimed entirely at the healthy traveler; and Marriott International recently announced the new “Future of Work” meetings space, which will take the traditional “boring” out of the boardroom and offer more tech-savvy amenities to meeting planners.
Now comes word that Starwood Hotels & Resorts, focusing on guests with a finer palate, is launching a preferred guest program aimed at its foodie-frenzied guests.
Starwood just released their Restaurants & Bars program for members, and some would argue the rewards are worth every calorie. Instead of accruing and redeeming points for hotel stays and room upgrades, Starwood preferred guest members can trade in points for meals and drinks at more than 500 hotel restaurants, bars, and cafés around the world.
Read more from my exclusive column at 4Hoteliers.com
