This Week's BLLA Commentary

Hoteliers and Technologists: A Love Story

Hospitality and tech. A topic that deserves to be highly discussed. And is. With our annual investment conference fresh on the brain, and the big HFTP (Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals) slowly but surely approaching, the status of technology as it pertains to the boutique, lifestyle, and lodging industries is definitely the source of buzz.

Kicking off with more press from our very own Boutique Hotel Investment Conference, here is what’s currently happening in the hotel tech world:

• BLLA Conference touts boutique hotels’ faster technology adoption at annual investment conference
  • Buying the right technology can increase a hotel assets value
• Beekeeper Adds SIXTY Hotels to Its Portfolio
  • Operational communication platform is helping the brand’s five iconic urban hotels increase employee engagement and build a strong culture
• Amazon launches Alexa for Hospitality
  • Amazon's first official foray into the travel industry for a few years is here, with Alexa for Hospitality bringing the voice-activated device into hotel rooms
• Enterprise software companies Intelity and Keypr on Monday announced a merger in an effort to combine resources to serve hotels and other businesses.
  • The companies will combine by September and be called Intelity. Its main focus will remain the hotel industry, with its electronic door locks, mobile apps for guests and employees, and other services. But it will also offer software support services to cruise ships, hospitals, condominiums, and other property owners.

View the video coverage of the tech-focused panel at 2018’s Boutique Hotel Investment Conference hosted by your favorite boutique association 😉

Industry News

scmp

How the Zaha Hadid-designed Morpheus hotel in Macau found solutions to an unusual set of challenges

The Morpheus hotel's futuristic-looking design – which boasts the world's first free-form exoskeleton – has carved out its own distinctive visual identity, while accommodating 780 ultra-luxurious hotel rooms and a VIP casino

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What's Developing

travelweekly

Amazon launches Alexa for Hospitality

The ecommerce giant's Echo will now allow guests to ask questions about hotel information, contact guest services, play music in their room and tap into other hotel-related services.

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robbreport

Sneak Peek: Heckfield Place Revives English Country Elegance

Nearly a decade in the making, the long-awaited Hampshire hotel is finally ready to make its quietly luxurious debut.

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hotel-online

Beekeeper Adds SIXTY Hotels to Its Portfolio

"What's really cool about SIXTY Hotels is the way it provides artful service," said Connie Rheams, Beekeeper Global Head of Hospitality Sales. "Guests choose to stay at one of these iconic properties to get a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience.

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travelmarketreport

Is Belize the Caribbean’s Next Luxury Getaway Destination?

With a diverse typography, activities go beyond the beach. Land excursions include experiencing the country’s rich culture, visiting more than 200 cayes filled with several preserved Mayan Temples, as well as lush jungles and rainforest canopies.

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Boutique Hotel Spotlights

forbeS

A Luxury Hotel Guide To Malta

Surrounded by the jewel-blue Mediterranean Sea, the ancient country of Malta is a beautiful blend of exotic influences that extends into the luxury hospitality sector.

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This Week's Resources