Out of the Blue

Key Examples of Hotel Branding to Incorporate Within Your Strategy Picture the world’s most memorable hotels. The Ritz-Carlton’s crown and lion. The sleek W Hotels’ edge. The unmistakable luxury of Four Seasons. These hospitality icons have figured out a fundamental truth: exceptional branding transforms properties into destinations. Studies suggest effective hotel branding may contribute to […]

Helping Prevent Common Hotel Scams With Network Cybersecurity The hospitality industry faces a surge in sophisticated cyber threats and scams. Some industry reports indicate social engineering attacks against hotels increased 300% in the first half of 2024, with vishing emerging as a notable threat vector. These attacks target everything from guest data and payment systems […]

Supercharge Hospitality Staff Efficiencies Using These 10 Key Hotel PMS Integrations In today’s competitive hospitality industry, a hotel’s Property Management System (PMS) is only as powerful as its ability to seamlessly connect with other critical operational tools. As hotels continue to adapt to digital transformation, the integration capabilities of modern PMS platforms have grown beyond […]

Your Guide to Building a Guest WiFi Network That Can Help You Earn 5-Star Reviews A guest WiFi network creates a separate and secure internet connection specifically for your visitors, running parallel to but isolated from your hotel’s main operational network. This dedicated setup ensures your guests enjoy reliable connectivity throughout their stay while keeping […]

Learn the Key KPIs That Can Make or Break Hotel Success Providing exceptional guest experiences is only one facet of success in today’s data-driven hotel industry; measuring and optimizing every aspect of hotel operations proves equally crucial. Hoteliers leverage sophisticated Property Management Systems (PMS), Business Intelligence (BI) tools, and Revenue Management Systems (RMS) to track, […]

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a cornerstone of modern hospitality, fundamentally transforming how hotels operate and serve their guests. Starfleet Research’s 2024 survey of 372 hotel organizations and lodging properties found that 76% of hotels have already integrated IoT to improve guest engagement and operations. This digital revolution isn’t devoid of risk, as […]

In the modern hotel environment, every network connection should be treated as potentially hostile. This is the foundation of zero trust security. Whether it’s a guest logging into the WiFi, a staff member accessing the property management system, or a vendor maintaining HVAC controls, zero trust cyber security assumes that no user or device can […]

In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of a “microcation” is gaining traction as a way to escape the daily grind without the commitment of a long vacation. These short trips, typically lasting just a few days, provide the perfect opportunity for a quick getaway, allowing travelers to recharge and explore new destinations without the need […]

Smart motion sensors have emerged as a viable technology for improving cost efficiency and sustainability in hotels by helping manage energy consumption, streamline operations, and enhance guest experiences. Beyond simply detecting movement, motion sensors in hotel rooms provide multiple benefits, including: Automating lighting control Improving HVAC system performance Supporting security measures Improving indoor air quality […]

Dynamic pricing has become an essential strategy for hotels. In a saturated hospitality market, dynamic pricing is pivotal for increasing bookings, optimizing revenue, enhancing customer satisfaction, and gaining a competitive edge. The utilization of a dynamic pricing strategy in hotels, however, takes many shapes. To successfully leverage dynamic pricing, hotels need to combine foresight into […]

Just like the Roomba has revolutionized cleaning at home, hotels have increasingly adopted housekeeping technology for many reasons. Housekeeping is one of the most manual and labor-intensive departments in hotels, standing to benefit from innovation. Compared to hotel desk jobs, housekeeping is characterized by time-consuming, laborious roles riddled with psychological stress due to time pressures […]

Protect Your Hotel Guests & Staff From Cyber Attacks With These Strategies Cyber attacks are coming for everyone, everywhere. According to Forbes, 94% of organizations have reported email security incidents, and that’s not even counting the many other ways hackers can infiltrate a network. Cybersecurity should be of paramount concern to every industry, hospitality included. […]

Over the past decade, fitness has become more than just a trend. With regular exercise linked to disease prevention, longevity, and a general desire to look good and feel better, more and more people are making fitness a priority in their everyday lives, even when they travel. Technology is playing a pivotal role in reshaping […]

Baby boomers represent one of the most distinct and lucrative segments in the hospitality and tourism industry, with unique travel preferences and behaviors that set them apart from other generations. Born between 1946 and 1964, this generation is now entering their peak travel years with more free time, disposable income, and a desire for new […]

Once viewed as a rarity, remote work has become an integral part of modern professional life. Employees are increasingly seeking flexible work arrangements that allow them to conduct their day-to-day duties from the flexibility of any location. Driven by workforce demand, operational efficiency, and the pandemic, this shift has led to a surge in people […]

Family travel continues to be a substantial segment of the tourism industry, with millions of families planning vacations each year. Traveling families also represent one of the highest spending categories. This year and moving forward, the landscape of family travel is expanding, driven by evolving demographics and emerging family travel trends. Understanding family travel trends […]

Generation X travelers, a demographic cohort within baby boomers and millennials born between 1965 and 1980, carry substantial weight in the hospitality and travel industry due to their unique characteristics and spending patterns. Not only do they often have more financial stability and freedom than other demographics, providing greater disposable income for travel, but a […]

For hotel management teams and hospitality leaders, benchmarking in the hotel industry and hotel benchmarking metrics serve as a compass, guiding decision-making and strategic planning. By comparing performance against similar properties or industry leaders, hotels and hospitality businesses can identify best practices, set realistic goals, and develop targeted strategies to improve their operations and guest […]

Harness the Next-Generation WiFi to Power Innovative Hotel Technology The digital landscape is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, and hospitality finds itself at the forefront of this transformation. As we look ahead, future WiFi technology promises to advance guest experiences and operational efficiencies in ways we’ve never imagined. Buckle up, because the journey towards lightning-fast, […]

Integrate These Business Travel Technology Trends Transforming Hospitality The world of business travel is evolving rapidly, and the hotel industry is scrambling to keep up. From the rise of bleisure travel to the growing demand for sustainable practices, the way we work and travel is transforming the hospitality landscape for business professionals. Savvy hoteliers are […]

Benefits of Using VPN on Hotel WiFi In today’s digital age, the internet has become an indispensable part of travel, whether it’s used for checking emails, navigating one’s surroundings, or staying connected to loved ones while on-the-go. However, the convenience of easily accessible hotel WiFi networks comes with its own set of challenges, primarily concerning […]

Discover Must-Have Features, Benefits & Trends for Hotel Property Management Software Systems In today’s competitive standards of hospitality service, hotel property management software (PMS) has become a crucial investment. When integrated effectively, hotel PMS platforms can improve the efficiency, guest experience, and level of automation across various aspects of a hotel’s operations. Hotel property management […]

Advancements in hotel technology are swiftly evolving, and at the forefront of this revolution is Augmented Reality (AR). With the ability to overlay computer-generated images onto our physical world, AR provides a massive upgrade in how hotels engage with their guests and streamline their day-to-day operations. The use of AR (and its counterpart, Virtual Reality) […]

Hotel guest profiles are invaluable assets in hospitality. A well-crafted profile can offer a wealth of information, painting a detailed picture of who your guests really are. This knowledge enables hoteliers to anticipate their guests’ preferences almost instinctively and tailor guest experiences to meet and exceed their expectations. The use of guest profiles in hotels […]

Reducing the carbon footprint of hotels is important for a number of reasons. According to the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the hospitality industry accounts for around 1% of global carbon emissions. While 1% may seem like a small number, it’s relatively significant given that over 90% of carbon emissions come from energy, agriculture, forestry, and land […]

The emergence of hotel mobile check-in systems is more than just a trend. It’s a pivotal technology adoption that’s reshaping the guest experience. Initially driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and a growing appreciation for contactless services among guests, studies show that guests are more than willing to use hotel mobile check-in systems, even long after […]

The hotel guest journey can be likened to an extended road trip. Beyond the basics of finding a room, booking a room, and staying for one or two nights, the entire hotel guest journey covers multiple guest touchpoints that occur during and after their stay. Hotel guest journey touchpoints consist of any interaction or point […]

Imagine checking into a hotel, where instead of fumbling around for your ID and credit card at the front desk, you’re greeted by name and handed your key within seconds. While this may seem like a futuristic idea, it’s quickly becoming a reality with facial recognition technology in hotels. Parallel with the adoption of artificial […]

The Benefits of Mobile Room Key Integration Into Guest Rooms Mobile room keys have become a staple technology across many types of hotels. Global hotel chains like Marriott, IHG, and AccorHotels, as well as luxury resorts like The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Mandarin Oriental, have all adopted mobile room keys for guests. Using cell phones […]

Streamline Your Hotel Operations With AI Chatbots AI chatbot technology has become a new normal in hospitality. Hotel chatbots are able to communicate with guests across multiple channels, including the hotel’s website, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and other communication channels. They’re able to instantaneously provide answers to commonly asked questions and handle room reservations, check-ins, and […]

Integrate Virtual Reality for Powerful New Guest Experiences Virtual reality in the hotel industry is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s here, and it’s transforming the guest experience — even before they book their accommodations. The integration of virtual reality in hotels isn’t just about entertainment. It extends to various aspects like bookings, tours, and […]

Modern Travel Preferences Survey Results The Hospitality Innovation and Technology (HIT) Lab at West Virginia University (WVU) asked 1,222 Travelers about how they traveled before and during the pandemic, alongside what they expect their future travel to look like. Continue on to discover traveler’s current expectations and desires for tourism in today’s post-pandemic world.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Connecting Your Favorite Streaming Devices If there’s one trend that’s evolving the delivery of in-room entertainment for hotel guests, it’s enabling the connection between guests’ preferred streaming services and the hotel room’s TVs and WiFi networks. Unfortunately, connecting streaming services and devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast to hotel WiFi networks […]

As the hospitality industry continues to devise new and innovative solutions, service robots in hotels are becoming increasingly adopted to enhance guest experiences and streamline the efficiency of day-to-day operations. From assisting with luggage transport to automating front desk processes, there’s a lot to unpack with the utilization of robots in hotels and the value […]

  Hotel guest room technology has advanced dramatically in recent years, revolutionizing the hospitality sector and transforming what it means to offer remarkable stays. Today, hotels now have access to an array of automated, AI-driven, and mobile technologies that can improve guest experiences while streamlining their operations. From smart thermostats that optimize temperature control to […]

As hospitality continues to evolve and adapt to changing guest expectations, savvy hoteliers are always on the lookout for innovative ways to improve their operations while enhancing guests’ stays. One promising solution that has gained traction in recent years is hotel automation, which leverages the latest technological advancements to streamline various aspects of the hospitality […]

  Millennial travel has rapidly evolved in recent years, with this generation seeking unique and authentic experiences that differ from the traditional tourism industry. There are several compelling trends that are a driving force behind millennial travel, prompting hospitality providers to rethink how they approach and accommodate this massive demographic. Especially notable compared to older […]

“Do hotels have free WiFi?” This simple question comes with less obvious answers that are worth unpacking. The short answer is yes, most hotels do offer free WiFi to guests. But not all hotel WiFi networks are treated equally. Some hotels charge a premium for higher bandwidth use, which can be a necessary upgrade depending […]

More than just a marketing tool, social media has become an integral way for hotels to engage with guests and enhance their overall experience. From building a rapport, cultivating community, and fostering loyalty with guests, social media effectively establishes an authentic reputation and following while providing a valuable mechanism for hotel guest engagement. Engaging with […]

As more and more people vote with their dollars to combat climate change, reduce waste, and curtail damages we inflict on the planet, hoteliers are compelled to re-examine their priorities and cater to the growing environmental and sustainability concerns of guests. In a 2021 Sustainable Travel Report published by Booking.com, 83 percent of travelers believe […]

Generation Z, more commonly known as “Gen Z” or “zoomers,” is the younger demographic cohort that comes after the Millennials. According to Pew Research, this demographic consists of people born between 1997 and 2012, so most Gen Zers are currently in their late teens and early twenties. Travel-savvy and adventurous, the Gen Z cohort is […]

Bleisure travel – the newfound way of combining business and leisure travel – is on the rise in the hospitality industry. As working remotely becomes increasingly common and the gig economy breeds more freelancers and digital nomads, the modern workforce as we know it is melding both work and pleasure amid their travels. What Exactly […]

Hotel WiFi connectivity is an essential service for modern hotel guests. Great connectivity has become a standard amenity for all types of travelers — when a hotel’s WiFi fails to work on a guest’s device, it can be a frustrating experience. Each hotel has its own WiFi infrastructure, which may be maintained internally by a […]

Hotel business centers have grown to become an essential commodity for guest satisfaction and experience. These hubs provide a dedicated space for business travelers to take care of essential duties and tasks, such as taking conference calls, printing important documents, or hunkering down to focus on work. These centers are not limited to executives and […]

How do Hotels Get WiFi in Every Room? Deploying a hotel WiFi network is both an art and a science. It demands the right balance of tech selection and tech utilization, all in an effort to maximize connectivity, reliability, and security. WiFi technology today is vastly different than it was just a few years ago. […]

Providing quality WiFi access to guests remains one of the biggest challenges facing the hotel industry today. As travelers continue to demand more from hotel WiFi networks, hoteliers need to ensure that all aspects of their services are consistently up to modern standards — even down to nuanced data and changes in speed. How, then, […]

Public perception of hotel WiFi is not very positive. Like airplanes, airports, and other public spaces with free WiFi, the reputation of hotel WiFi for slow connections and poor reception can cheapen the overall guest experience.  Today’s hotel guests depend on WiFi like they depend on air to breathe. Spotty WiFi during a hotel stay […]

It’s a hotelier’s worst nightmare. A guest is mad about a failure of service, and they’re letting everyone within earshot know. How should a hotel associate handle an angry guest?  It’s not always going to be easy — the day-to-day experience of the hospitality industry can be mentally and physically taxing, especially when dealing with […]

No matter how good of service a business provides, successful marketing doesn’t just happen in a vacuum. In order to be successful, businesses need to carefully and methodically approach their marketing. Successful marketing is done through executing the right blend of strategies — and doing so consistently. Finding the right formula for a business can be […]

Working in the hospitality industry is not easy. Work is physically exhausting, and employees focus solely on putting guest’s needs first, helping them get what they need while providing an exceptional experience. That constant focus on a patrons’ needs can be mentally challenging and fatiguing, which may put hospitality employees at risk of burnout. Beginning […]

Management isn’t easy. Applying good management is even tougher. Mastering management is nearly impossible. To become the best manager possible, one must constantly analyze themselves, focusing on what’s working and what’s not. Most of the time, managers are the ones in charge — making this level of self-reflection nearly impossible. Thus, achieving growth in a […]

Hospitality businesses are subject to a wide range of changing business practices. Facing new consumer demands, growing competition, and stringent regulatory requirements, hospitality professionals must adapt. This blog post will explore post-pandemic trends that have the potential to transform your workplace. We’ll touch on everything from disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, to […]

The hotel industry is in a constant state of advancement, whether in the form of luxury, customer care, or innovation. To keep up with societal shifts, hoteliers must keep pace with ever-changing technology and innovation trends. Any challenge tied to a franchise’s success and revenue can pose a major threat to its advancement. The 2020 […]

The global pandemic caused a major shift in the workforce. As the world came to a screeching halt, workers explored new career avenues. Remote work especially revolutionized the labor market in 2020. The practice saves employees hundreds in monthly commuting expenses and hours of exerted energy to travel back and forth to work. With employees […]

Technology is having an immense impact on how guests experience in-room entertainment. With the rise of streaming services, hotels have begun to offer direct in-room access to content streaming. While pre-installed streaming options are convenient, guests desire access to even more versatile content. The solution? Casting. TV casting gives hotel guests customizable, dynamic access to […]

Research shows that today’s hotel guests expect intuitive WiFi access in their hotels. In a study by Hotel WiFi in 2019, researchers determined that more than 90 percent of hotel owners have experienced an increase in the demand for good WiFi connectivity from customers. To meet this need, hotels need the appropriate network infrastructure. One […]

Great managers are not made overnight – building an effective management technique takes time and experience to cultivate. Offering good management requires a hodgepodge of skills, an elegant blend of patience and firmness, pushing yourself to challenge your team members in order to achieve full potential. It’s a lot harder than it sounds. Leaders are […]

COVID-19 has shifted the world forever, including nearly every facet of the hospitality industry.  As a virus most easily avoided through strict social distancing, COVID-19 has created countless unique challenges for hotel safety. While these challenges are daunting, the hospitality industry has emphatically responded. Even before the pandemic, hotel technology catered towards efficient travel and […]

Do you know that networking as a hospitality professional can help unlock the next successful step in your own career? While this may seem obvious, it actually is incredibly valuable to know how to network effectively and strategically to get where you want in your professional path. A study from Apollo Technical shows that 80 […]

Nearly every modern device seems to be “smart” — from phones and tablets, to even our cars and kitchen appliances. Technology has evolved and transformed our day-to-day lives, making little tasks easier, streamlining larger lifts, and overall improving our lives. Today, these smart developments are going even further than our gadgets or cars. Connectivity is […]

There’s a common misconception that a successful leader is a workaholic, pouring 100% of themselves into their work with little regard or time for anything else. While hard work is certainly a trait of successful leaders, a truly successful leader recognizes the importance of self care. After all, workplace burnout can have significant negative effects […]

If you have a passion for sports, you may think there’s no good way to incorporate that passion into your work. Many sports-related job functions tend to go to former athletes, coaches, and those who have gone to school for sports science; people outside of those categories might feel like they’re on the outside looking […]

In today’s connected world, customers expect internet access at your retail store. Due to the structure of retail buildings, many people struggle to get a strong cell signal. As such, many customers  rely on a store’s WiFi network. While it’s easy to view having a guest WiFi connection as a luxury rather than a necessity […]

Hospitality professionals open up new worlds. They invite people to have experiences often outside of the everyday and work diligently to make those experiences ones to remember. They provide service in four, often overlapping, sectors. Travel and Tourism Travel and tourism professionals help people get to where they want to go and schedule the experiences […]

The true measure of a leader is how many leaders are found within their legacy. It is easy to measure leadership through outcomes. Success metrics tell you how your hospitality product or service resonates with your guests. But carrying those successes into the future will require a team who is both qualified and eager to […]

Technological glitches can turn a glowing 5-star guest review into a devastating 1-star rant. When guests stay in a hotel, they expect everything to go smoothly. This means efficient check-in processes, a stay with reliable modern amenities, and a seamless check-out experience. Any sort of hiccup, like a data interruption, can negatively impact guest experience. […]

Just because a motel is small does not mean it shouldn’t include the same modern amenities and conveniences of its larger hotel counterparts. Like any lodging provider, a motel’s number one goal should always be guest satisfaction. By focusing on consistently providing a superior guest experience, you’re setting yourself up for financial success by turning […]

The hospitality industry has seen its fair share of upheaval in the last couple of years, starting with lockdowns and continuing into the “new normal” of life during a persistent pandemic. Even before COVID-19 hit, the hospitality industry expected a lot from their workers. Employees constantly have to keep a polite face while dealing with […]

Every service industry professional wants both their day and workplace to run smoothly. However, that isn’t always a guarantee. When a guest isn’t satisfied with your services, you need to recuperate with a good service recovery strategy. These strategies provide a solution to your unhappy customer, reduce customer complaints, and promote customer loyalty and satisfaction. […]

The current technology trends in hospitality have advanced beyond just offering free WiFi, in-room entertainment, and providing USB chargers for smart devices. Hotels are now offering guests a technology-first approach to address their expectations for a fully connected, highly digital experience. Hotel guests expect their stay to be an augmented extension of everything they can […]

The hospitality industry is one of the world’s longest established industries, and also one of the most ever-changing. The need to be cutting edge – but also comforting and consistent – proves to be a constant challenge. As a General Manager, the friction between managing your hotel on a daily basis and staying on top of […]

Hotel management is the essential backbone behind overseeing the general operations of a hotel business. In many cases, these duties are distributed across a management team comprised of a general manager and other senior-level professionals. However, in other cases, the strategic operations of a hotel are handled by a third-party management company. What’s a Hotel […]

Both customer and employee job satisfaction are priority matters of concern for any organization in hospitality. In a fast-paced, high-stress environment where employee turnover reaches some of the highest rates, retaining quality team members for the long term is an uphill battle. In hospitality, satisfied employees are more likely to provide exceptional guest service. They […]

Free WiFi connectivity is commonplace for hotels, coffee shops, and airports. But just in the last several years has WiFi become an integrated feature for apartment complexes, condominiums, and other multiple-dwelling units, or MDUs. In most housing complexes and MDUs, tenants are responsible for acquiring their own Internet service. However, this general approach comes with […]

Security is a top priority for both private and public networks. It’s a foundation for trust among guests, vendors, and employees. Network Access Control is a security solution that functions to ensure that whoever has access to the network has the proper authorization. In simple terms, Network Access Control controls who has access to what […]

Hospitality professionals are a special breed. Sociability, amiability, and a perpetual drive to deliver guests a great experience are second nature to them. They are the face of a hospitality business and often remain in constant contact with customers. These professionals are the go-to people when guests’ needs must be fulfilled or when things go […]

With the rise of competition and guest expectations in hospitality, the importance of delivering an exceptional guest experience is a top priority for occupancy and profitability. A positive guest experience is what keeps guests coming back to your hotel stay after stay. So if you want to go above and beyond for your guests, consider […]

Wireless networks, which provide WiFi signals or hotspots, have become the most popular means of Internet connectivity for homes and businesses. Today, most mobile devices now come with a wireless network associated with the device’s carrier. Cafes, restaurants, hotels, and airports are just a few examples where you can expect to find public WiFi. Despite […]

Tourism and hospitality conferences come in many forms. Not only are there events for niche areas of hospitality, such as finance or technology, but there are also conferences tailored for specific industry professionals, such as executives and leaders.  With the last couple of years shaken up from pandemic-induced cancellations and postponed events, the outlook for […]

Anyone who’s spent time working in hospitality over the last several years knows that the role of technology in hotels has drastically expanded. Hotel technology trends continue to drive efficiency on many fronts as well as provide better service for guests. From streamlined check-in and service automation to enhance connectivity and smart technology integration, many […]

WiFi for senior living and long-term care facilities provides more than just enhanced Internet connectivity for residents. WiFi can significantly improve the delivery of care and maximize operational efficiencies among care providers and staff. Senior living facility WiFi establishes a valuable connection that benefits many parties, thereby allowing: Residents to connect to their loved ones […]

From the front desk to concierge, most hospitality jobs are generalized as entry-level positions with room for growth and advancement. So how do you go about climbing the ladder and securing yourself a career in hotel management and leadership? Hotel management jobs encompass a diverse range of opportunities for professionals interested in tourism, guest relations, […]

Hoteliers are always looking for ways to innovate, keep guests satisfied, and drive more bookings. Strategically sound hotel operations don’t only maximize efficiency internally but can also help improve the guest experience and market it in creative ways. There are various measures hotels can take to optimize their operations to reduce costs and maximize guest […]

Simply put, change can be both daunting and difficult. Most people prefer to maintain their existing habits and comfort zones versus venturing into unknown territory. Organizational change comes with a unique share of challenges. Opting to change one’s personal life is very different from embracing top-down change in the workplace. Resistance to organizational change occurs […]

Wireless networks play an essential role in most hotels. Any downtime or interruption in connection can severely disrupt both the guest experience and critical business operations. This is why maintaining the optimal performance of a hotel’s WiFi networks should be a top priority. Aiding this effort are several key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure the […]

The options for hospitality certifications are vast with opportunities, ranging from online courses and exams to in-person training and internships. Not only can professionals earn industry-specific skills and experience, but many hospitality certification programs are hyper-focused on specific areas of business, such as revenue management, administration, analytics, destination management, and marketing. To highlight some of […]

Blueprint RF will provide the nation’s largest equestrian complex with property-wide WiFi solutions ATLANTA and OCALA, FL., May 19, 2021 – Blueprint RF, a Cox Business company, today announced it will become a connectivity provider for the World Equestrian Center, the nation’s largest equestrian complex located in Ocala, Florida. Blueprint RF will power WiFi network […]

Resilience development is a powerful strategy that enables professionals to tackle stress better, address workplace conflicts, and embrace challenges while on the job. Because professionals place work as the number one stressor in their lives, cultivating resilience is essential to overcome stress and burnout. In competitive industries like hospitality, work stress can intensify. In a […]

It’s inevitable that any hospitality business will eventually encounter some type of conflict. Research indicates that an overwhelming 85% of workers experience some degree of workplace conflict. That same report found that on average, each employee spends 2.1 hours every week (or approximately one day a month) dealing with conflict in some manner. Time is […]

Property-wide wireless Internet in multiple-dwelling unit (MDU) complexes has become a standard expectation. Managed WiFi for MDUs has become increasingly in-demand as today’s property owners and managers compete to provide the most appealing and up-to-date amenities for their communities. Whether it’s an apartment complex, assisted living facility, or college dorm, there are unique challenges when […]

In order to design a high-performing WiFi network that delivers optimal coverage across the entire premise, the strategic placement of wireless access points is fundamentally critical. Access points, which are positioned throughout a property and connect to a wired network, allow devices to connect to that network via a wireless signal. They are the foundation […]

Starting your own hotel extends well beyond offering a place for people to sleep. Successful hotel businesses center on providing an exceptional experience that exceeds guests’ expectations, whether they’re vacationing tourists or business travelers. Like any hospitality business, entrepreneurs must exercise a sense of empathy and know their target customers’ needs. The type of guests […]

Not only is it critical to stay on top of the latest technology trends in hospitality, but given the highly competitive nature of the industry, hotel entrepreneurs and managers need to evolve alongside these trends. Between augmented and virtual reality, AI-driven automation, and IoT integrations that streamline the guest experience, the technology trends and cutting-edge […]

The Hospitality industry is infamous for staffing and employee retention issues. Job burnout and dissatisfaction are frequent challenges for hospitality managers and leaders. With this in mind, it’s crucial for hotel managers and hospitality HR departments to invest in their employees well beyond just a paycheck. Below we share five employee incentive ideas that motivate […]

As anyone in Hospitality will confirm, hotel General Managers (GMs) have their work cut out for them. According to Indeed, hotel managers typically need at least five years of on-the-job hospitality experience working in varying departments, and that’s on the early end of the career spectrum. The long and bumpy road of growing one’s career […]

For the several last decades, the idea of being productive has centered on working hard, working smart, and putting in the hours. But these productivity measures are arbitrary societal constructs that fail to acknowledge the key habits and routines that ultimately shape our lifestyle as a whole. In today’s modern mindset of working smarter and […]

As more and more seniors adopt smartphones, tablets, and Internet-enabled technologies, residences like assisted living facilities and senior care centers must keep pace with adequate WiFi solutions to remain competitive. In the world of multiple dwelling units, or MDU’s, assisted living WiFi is crucial for residents and guests. Unlike college campuses and other residential living […]

Many factors can shape an entrepreneur’s success as they launch, operate, and scale their hospitality business. These factors often include the timing of their business launch, the amount of capital they can obtain, the market’s competitive nature, their supply chain’s dependability, and the current economic climate. In addition to these external factors, successful entrepreneurs have […]

The Hospitality industry is notorious for high rates of employee burnout. With most job roles being highly labor-intensive and emotionally consuming due to intense interpersonal relationships, Hospitality employees encounter higher burnout rates than most other industries. Mayo Clinic describes burnout as a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced […]

Maintaining a secure and effective internet network is a rather difficult job if you lack the know-how. Most businesses understand this is something they cannot often handle themselves. To ensure their WiFi is up and running, most organizations decide to go with a managed internet service. Investing in managed internet should guarantee high-performance internet connectivity […]

Great leaders are people whom one would never expect to lead. They come from all walks of life and usually never end up following the predetermined path to leadership. Now, some people are born leaders, but more often than not, leaders are people who wish to see change and use that fire inside of themselves […]

Unlike retail shops and restaurants, running a successful hotel business requires a unique set of entrepreneurial and leadership skills. Having a convenient location, great amenities, and a solid business plan is one thing. But how you go about organizing your team and delivering impeccable guest experiences is another. With more than 74,000 hospitality providers in […]

Picture this: You are on a business trip, pacing back and forth across your hotel room floor while you take a very important business call. The person on the other end of the line is just about to give you a piece of crucial information when all of a sudden… they cut off mid-sentence. You […]

While your personal identity sets you apart from every other individual on the planet, a brand identity can be the special factor that helps a business distinguish itself from other businesses. Much like an attitude, the ways in which you spend your time, or how you treat other people, a successful company must collect certain […]

Julia Sugarbaker said it best, “Hospitality is simply an opportunity to show love and care.”  There is no other industry in the world where people get to care for people the way that they do in the hospitality industry. Whether you are waiting tables at a diner, mixing drinks at a local watering hole, checking […]

If you aren’t a tech guru or even someone who hasn’t spent time on the phone with a WiFi provider setting-up WiFi in your home, then the acronym ‘IoT’ is probably just a jumble of random letters to your brain. IoT stands for the “internet of things”. To put it plainly, IoT is a system […]

To quote the award-winning author and speech-coach, Patricia Fripp, “It’s not your customer’s job to remember you, it is your obligation and responsibility to make sure they don’t have the chance to forget you.” Operating a successful hotel can be made or broken by hotel management. Like all in a management position, a hotel manager […]

Online reputation management is a cornerstone of any successful business- be it hospitality, technology, or retail. Reputation management involves utilizing platforms (i.e. Google, Facebook, and Yelp) to monitor customer reviews. Reading reviews gives businesses insight into what is working for their consumers and what is not. A recent TripAdvisor study showed that 83% of those […]

Keeping your visitors and hospitality staff connected is essential. Nevertheless, the sheer number of guest devices and streaming activities makes it difficult for wireless networks to keep up. A guest WiFi as a Service platform puts the control in your hands while eliminating the headache of managing your hotel internet. Learn how high-speed WiFi solutions […]

DG2 is redefining managed WiFi with enhanced capabilities and comprehensive modern architecture. ATLANTA, Oct. 27, 2020 – Blueprint RF, a Cox Business company, today announced the launch of its new all-in-one managed WiFi platform – DG2. Built with the needs of modern hotels and other businesses in mind, this out-of-the-box solution integrates network appliances into […]

Sales veteran Kathy Hatala brings a long history of increasing revenue, delivering results ATLANTA. – Sept. 17, 2020 – Blueprint RF, a Cox Business company, announced the appointment of Kathy Hatala as its new director of sales. In this role, she will lead Blueprint RF’s sales efforts with a renewed focus on developing and nurturing […]

Can your guests safely use their banking app on your wireless network? What happens if an unsuspecting traveler downloads malware? With cybercrime rising, a recent survey shows that 85% of hoteliers believe it’s very important “for guests to know that the hotel WiFi service they’re using is secure and able to safeguard their privacy.” However, […]

New hospitality technologies support efficient operations and stellar guest experiences. Yet, adding IoT solutions or hosting large conferences may strain your existing system. Your tech amenities won’t deliver a high return on investment without a stable and secure wireless network. Therein lies another challenge.  Overseeing your WiFi system is a full-time job. It requires time and financial […]

Co-Founder and industry pioneer Ron Peterson to retire effective July 1, 2020   ATLANTA. – June 30, 2020 – Blueprint RF, a Cox Business company, announced today two new executive appointments as the company pursues continued growth and celebrates the retirement of its CEO and founder, Ron Peterson. Jady West, an industry veteran with Cox […]

Choosing the best internet for hotels is no easy task. Along with assessing your WiFi installation cost, you need a strategy to ensure a return on your investment. However, estimating a price tag for your wireless amenities is challenging, as each building needs a custom solution. Although your final hotel WiFi cost may vary, the […]

Does your hotel guest WiFi network delight business and leisure clients? A stable and fast connection using the latest security protocols gives an excellent first impression of your brand. Your guests don’t have to question your internet capability because it works well as soon as they step foot on your property. But, legacy systems weren’t […]

As private users embrace the internet of things (IoT), hotels look for connected solutions to add extra value. Your hotel guests want every comfort of home, including voice-activated services. Hoteliers need more ways to reduce expenses while improving customer experience. Smart technology, like IoT solutions, delivers both. According to CSGI, “94% of organizations that have […]

Is it time to update your hotel WiFi network design? Boosting your internet speed or server capacity helps deliver fast WiFi to guests. But, using a system designed for offices as opposed to a custom hotel WiFi solution creates issues. It may limit your conference presenters from live streaming during the event. Or you find […]

The world around us has changed rapidly in recent months, and nowhere is that more true than in the Hospitality and travel industry. And while the next few months are unclear, our commitment to this community is unwavering. To address the quickly-changing landscape, we have reached out to some of our industry partners to learn […]

Are your guests concerned about hotel WiFi security and privacy? Travelers want convenience. But, it’s expensive and time-consuming to monitor data breaches or, worse, fraudulent activity. As more consumers use data tracking tools, their awareness about cybersecurity grows. Secure websites using HTTPS soothes some worries. Yet, customers also want to know their data is safe […]

ATLANTA – Feb. 12, 2020 – Blueprint RF, a Cox Communications Company, was recently awarded first place in Overall Partner Performance, Americas Region, in the inaugural Property Internet Award of Excellence from Marriott International. Acquired by Cox in August 2017, Blueprint RF is a leading managed network solutions provider serving major hotel brands and properties […]

Will you adjust your hotel’s High Speed Internet Access (HSIA) pricing structure this year? As hoteliers prioritize technology investments while reducing costs in other areas, the question of free or fee-based Wifi often comes up. The answer plays a substantial role in overall guest experience and, ultimately, your hotel’s revenue. As the recent Hospitality Technology […]

So much about management, marketing, and entrepreneurship centers around knowing your competitors and your client base. While understanding the layout of the field and the key players involved is crucial in reaching your goals, your attitude, outlook, and the daily practices you employ can easily undermine you. To help you keep ahead of the game, […]

In the hospitality industry, customer experience is king. What does it take to succeed, grow as a professional, and lead better in a business that is chaotic and ever-changing? Here’s what 15 hospitality leaders, past and present, had to say. Gray Shealy, AVP of Architectural Design and Innovation, Royal Caribbean Cruises “Respect for others will […]

Looking for help upgrading or installing your hotel WiFi? You’re not alone. According to a 2019 Lodging Technology Study by Hospitality Tech magazine, hoteliers are increasing their IT budgets in 2019 to invest in equipment and system upgrades. One of the core areas of investment is hotel WiFi hardware and software systems to manage the […]

You’ve heard it already: to get ahead in business, you need to work smarter, not harder. It’s a nugget of wisdom that applies to any area of life, but it’s become such a cliche that the idea behind the saying needs revisiting. At the end of the day, working hard isn’t what delivers your results. […]

MINNEAPOLIS and ATLANTA – June 12, 2019 – Blueprint RF, a Cox Business company, will be showcasing their latest technology and upgrades to their network intelligence platform at booth #2926 at the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference. Blueprint RF delivers a comprehensive suite of network controls through its comprehensive cloud-based data-warehouse and adapted toolkit. […]

ATLANTA – June 3, 2019 – Blueprint RF, a Cox Business company, welcomes both David Elrod and Sunshine K. Hodges to the sales team. Blueprint RF, a division of Cox Business, is a leading provider of technology solutions to hospitality clients. Built from the ground up by a team of highly qualified industry leaders and […]

Viral blog post “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do” became a cultural phenomenon that inspired two books. Written by a social worker after the death of her husband, the list shows ways most people unconsciously make life more challenging with bad mental habits, fears, and subliminal thought patterns. We thought we’d flip the script with […]

What’s the difference between hearing and listening? While it might seem like they’re two sides of the same coin, there’s actually a huge gap between them. The classic research on the subject, Edgar Dales’ Cone of Experience, suggests that we only remember between 25 and 50 percent of what we hear. In an hour-long meeting, […]

Your hotel’s WiFi network is a crucial part of your guests’ experience. The hotel marketing experts at Revinate dug through over 53 million hotel reviews on sites like Yelp! and proprietary customer data from the hospitality industry. What they found was astonishing: internet-related reviews have a much lower overall score than those that don’t mention […]

ATLANTA – April 2, 2018 – Guests of Augusta, Georgia’s exclusive, five-star Club Magnolia will once again enjoy high-speed wireless connectivity compliments of Blueprint RF, which is owned by Cox Communications, Inc., who also owns Cox Business. Blueprint RF will provide high-bandwidth connectivity for the VIP guests who visit the Club during Master’s week. “From our putting green […]

Today’s travelers demand top of the line technology packages from their lodging providers. Uptown Suites surpasses its guests’ expectations by providing amenities such as free super fast Wi-Fi, 43″ Smart HDTVs, rapid charge USB ports, an electric car charging station, and even cellular signal boosters in their latest Homestead, FL property.

Strategic acquisition expands Cox Business’ network solutions for hotels nationwide ATLANTA (Aug.9, 2017)– Cox Communications today announced that it has finalized its acquisition of Blueprint RF, a leading managed network solutions provider serving major hotel brands and hotel properties across the United States. The acquisition of Blueprint RF, based in Norcross, Ga., immediately expands Cox […]

Norcross, GA (November 9) – To meet the needs of today’s mobile, posting, streaming and gaming family travelers, Great Wolf Resorts has upgraded its system network from the guest room to the water park. Recently, Blueprint RF installed a top-of-the line, Cisco® Enterprise-Grade Network in 10 Great Wolf Lodge Resorts. Providing coverage across the expansive family destination resorts required […]

Norcross, Georgia & Raleigh, North Carolina – July 19, 2016 – Bulk TV and Internet (Bulk TV) has expanded its portfolio of offerings to include Blueprint RF‘s turn-key network systems, providing customers a secure, managed, and rules-based Internet connection. Blueprint RF services are approved by most major hotel brands and offer Bulk TV’s customers the same reliability as […]

Norcross, GA (June 20) – Blueprint RF announces the launch of a revolutionary and propriety Network Operations Center (NOC) technology platform designed to accelerate network issues response times and successful resolution, no matter how large or small the issue. Drawing from Blueprint RF’s broad data storage and analytics architecture, Help Desk agents now actively leverage […]

ATLANTA (June 15) – Blueprint RF (Hospitality Core Services, LLC), a next-generation hotel network systems provider, has entered into a settlement agreement with Nomadix, Inc. to resolve their patent litigation filed in the Central District Court of California. Under the terms of the settlement, Nomadix has agreed to dismiss all claims in the lawsuit, and […]

It’s Blueprint RF’s fifth consecutive year helping guests stay connected during the Masters Atlanta (March 10) – Augusta, Georgia’s exclusive five-star hospitality venue, Club Magnolia, has chosen Blueprint RF as their WiFi provider during The Masters golf tournament for the fifth consecutive year. Blueprint RF will provide connectivity for elite guests who are expected to […]