Private-equity group Starwood Capital has parted with 40 Louvre Hotels, a move made to reduce to reduce debt and also finance more international expansion. More sales cpould be imminent, Property Investor Europe reports.

By Feature Writer Bryan K. Williams: Some people don’t like where they work…at all. They may even despise who they report to. And since their work environment is so “toxic”, they choose to withhold their best quality of work. “THIS PLACE does not deserve the best I have to offer. I will come to work, only do what is expected of me, collect my paycheck, and go home.” Do you know anyone like that?

By Feature Writer Steve Curtin: We struggle at times with long wait times before a customer receives service. What are some tips for creating positive outcomes in those situations?

By Feature Writer Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers: Employer practices with tips at hotels and restaurants have spawned a lot of employee discontent, class actions and other litigation. Some employers have withheld all or a portion of employee tips to cover administrative costs and others have redistributed tips amongst employees, some of whom (like bus staff and kitchen crews) have no opportunity to earn tips. Even the IRS has gotten into the game by adopting new rules that go into effect in January 2014.

"This book was written out of my passion for customer service and to help my employees be the best they can be…and earn BIGGER tips at the same time."

By Glenn Llopis: Whether you are a leader for a large corporation or a small business owner, here are the four most effective ways to solve problems.

By TravelClick: The hotel industry outlook for the top 25 North American Markets is showing an increase of 7.4% in committed occupancy for October 2013 – September 2014, based on group commitments and individual reservations on the books as of September 29, 2013 compared to the same time last year.

Boutique hotel experts Mr & Mrs Smith last night (Thursday 7 November) announced the winners of their first ever hotel awards – a celebration of the world’s best boltholes and a marker of the evolution of the boutique hotel industry over the last decade. Hundreds of people gathered in London for the landmark event where winners in 12 categories, including Sexiest Bedroom, Hottest Hotel Bar and – the big one – the Best Smith Hotel 2013 were unveiled. After the public vote, shortlists of the top 10 hotels in each category were put to a panel of 36 specialist judges, including journalist and presenter Neale Whitaker, chef Marcus Wareing and design guru Ilse Crawford. The judges cast their votes, and the 12 winning hotels were named as follows (drumroll please…)

By Feature Writer Melody Ciria: Hoteliers are always finding ways to increase the guest satisfaction before guests even set foot into the property.  Since the majority of travelers’ base their booking decision on the research they do online, it is important to present your hotel in the most appealing way possible. Creating a positive first impression is key to persuading the potential guest to book directly with your hotel.  By making a great first impression, your hotel will in turn have better reviews and generate more bookings in the future.  Here are some effective ways in which to entice an online visitor to book with your hotel.