Scientists say that scent memory is humans’ strongest kind of memory. Most people can instantly recognize the scent of their grandmother’s perfume, an elementary school classroom or their favorite vacation spot. Luxury hotels are capitalizing on the strength of scent memory by partnering with local scent companies to choose unique scents that enhance guests’ experiences and ensure their guests will remember their stay long after they’ve checked out.

Guest request communication cards, a service providing frequently forgotten items and new healthy, balanced menu offerings are a sampling of new features available at Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world as a result of Hyatt's effort to listen more to guests and provide an experience tailored to their individual preferences.

By Kaleel Sakakeeny: What would you guess most determines how we choose a hotel? Price? Location? Recommendation by a friend or  someone else?

By Bryan K. Williams: Two of the most important phrases in service excellence are, "I don't know" and "Let me find out". As opposite as they may be, both phrases speak volumes about the service culture on a team. One wreaks of indifference and apathy, while the other expresses ownership and initiative. One of the words, has absolutely no business on a team where service is supposed to be paramount. The other should be the minimum standard that EVERYONE is held accountable to.

By Steve Cokkinias: A veteran of the hospitality industry, Steve has many entertaining stories up his sleeve. Each Wednesday he will share a story on ehotelier.

By Joan King: Technology has been consistently identified as one of the key contributing factors for meeting planner venue choices and, for the most part, venue operators have responded to that need. In order to get a better understanding of the current technology trends in the meeting industry, UniFocus surveyed an array of certified meeting planners who had planned in excess of 500 meetings and events during 2012. The participating planners were all involved with either corporate or association events, and the short survey was designed with the intent to gather insight on both the planner's personal technological preferences and those of their clients and attendees.

By Swetha Kabra: A Recent survey showed that around 85% of travelers repeat their holiday destinations… As an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry, does my business show a consistent performance graph year after year?

By Claudette Covey: The majority of hotels will have booking engines integrated into their social media channels and mobile websites in 2013, according to a recent survey from TravelClick, a provider of revenue generating solutions for hoteliers.

By Vivan Gomez: Oscar night is coming, folks! Sunday, Feb. 24, some of you will be sipping your Manhattans, your Cosmopolitans, your gin-and-tonics, and your Harvey Wallbangers while checking out who's wearing what and which overrated film is going to give your favourite a run for its money.