Cool hotel news and other trends

Many South Florida hotels are hiring social media managers to engage with guests and others. But Miami’s boutique Hotel Urbano at Brickell has found a new use for a "concierge"  —  one who "cools off" guests to keep them chilled and free of sunburn during their stay.

The concierge offers complimentary amenities that include chilled cucumber slices, refreshing citrus water, a "sun screen" bar" and a special "cool-off" bar menu with specialized drinks.

And those social media managers?

The managers handle Facebook, Twitter and other sites, seeking to boost their hotel’s reputation and sales.

"The task had been part-time, but as social media explodes, it has gone full-time," says the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel.

Hilton helps news-starved visitors

Another trendy development that is expected to be emulated by others is at Hilton Worldwide, where the chain and USA Today announced that news-anxious travelers can use their laptop, iPad or other devices to get their news online.Access is available 24-hours a day. But the service also supplies entertainment books, magazines and games.

Hilton’s most frequent customers – the top-tier members of Hilton HHonors loyalty program – will receive exclusive access to online entertainment.

Travelers staying in Hilton, Conrad, Embassy Suites and other Hilton-brand hotels, such as Hilton Garden Inn, will begin to see the new guest portal offerings this summer. The full roll-out will happen this fall, said Dave Hunke, chairman of USA TODAY.

Sheraton responds to spa demand

Sheraton Hotels this year plans a major expansion of its portfolio of Shine Spas, with ten to open this year and eventually almost two dozen, primarily in Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

The move is in part a response to research that shows that 8 out of 10 Shearton guests say they are likely to use spa services when traveling. That includes male guests. Half of Sheraton’s guests say they only visit spas when traveling.

"The spa distribution has picked up (in Asia)," Sheraton executive Hoyt Harper told Hotel Check-in. "Since then, we’ve moved to Europe. We’re expanding to the Middle East and Eastern Europe. And we’ll get to the United States in a couple of years."

Marriott is expansion-minded

Marriott International outlined plans to double the number of properties in the Caribbean and Latin America region within the next five years to take advantage of growing demand. They currently have 69 hotels in 25 countries for a room count of 17,500.

By 2017, Marriott envisions its portfolio in the region to include 140 hotels and 30000 rooms, according to CEO Arne Sorenson.

"Worldwide we are seeing a golden age of travel, and Latin America is at the forefront," Sorenson said.

By David Wilkening