Hotels Prioritizing Guest Comfort in 2018

Many of our FedRooms partner hoteliers are taking action this year to prioritize traveler comfort. In a world where traveler expectations are high, hoteliers continue to adapt their spaces to maximize guest satisfaction. One major trend in 2018 is minimizing guest room noise to promote an optimal sleep experience.

Larger brands like Wyndham and IHG have opted to install double-insulated walls, noise reducing windows, thicker headboards and quieter air-conditioning units for a more relaxed guest sleep environment. Hilton is testing out several noise-cancelling initiatives, including a chain of “Sound Sleep” rooms where speakers around the room emit white noise that can be controlled through a knob next to the thermostat. Other initiatives include the use of blackout curtains, night lighting and padded walls that act as a noise barrier. According to a National Sleep Foundation study cited in this USA Today article, 74% of 1,004 travelers said a quiet room was key to getting a good night’s rest.

In addition to focusing on minimizing noise impact, innovative FedRooms hoteliers have also evolved their lobbies into interactive and collaborative spaces. In the past, hotel lobbies assumed the role of a waiting area for travelers to check-in and check-out. Many newer or redesigned hotels have chosen to take advantage of the lobby area by transforming the space into a multi-functional area where guests wish to spend time.

The lobby is the first impression that guests have of a property. Optimizing this space as a communal area where travelers can work, socialize and relax is crucial to the 2018 traveler experience. Some brands like Drury Inn and Suites offer a “Kickback” option for travelers to enjoy snacks, complimentary drinks and popcorn in the lobby every day from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Other brands are replacing traditional front desks with sit-down, comfortable concierge desks that incorporate easy-to-use smart technology for a simplified check-in process.

Visit the “loyalty perks” section of our updated website for more updates on our participating hotel brands and to see how our partners are prioritizing guest comfort in 2018.

Additional 2018 Hotel Loyalty Program Changes

In last quarter's Check-In newsletter, we outlined a few major hotelier mergers that took place in 2017 and the subsequent merging of their loyalty programs. 2018 brings additional loyalty program updates with two major changes:

1. The rebrand of the Calson Rezidor Hotel Group to the Radisson Hotel Group. On March 5th, Radisson Rewards replaced the previous Club Carlson rewards program. The updated program includes lower thresholds to advance through the program's tiers. The old Club Carlson Red will now be known as the entry-level Club tier. The new Silver tier will require 40% fewer nights and stays than Club Carlson Silver, and the new Gold level will require about 15% fewer nights and stays than Club Carlson Gold. Read on for more details. 
2. The AmericInn Easy Rewards program has transitioned to Wyndham Rewards. The Wyndham Hotel Group acquired AmericInn in late 2017. As of March 4, 2018, the AmericInn Easy Rewards program was discontinued and memberships have since been transitioned to Wyndham Rewards. After March 15, 2018, any points leftover in traveler's Easy Rewards accounts have been converted into Wyndham Rewards points. Read on for more details.  

As always, FedRooms travelers can look forward to earning loyalty program points at their favorite brands while resting assured that they booked the best rate. 

FedRooms.com Site Refresh

We have some exciting news to share about our FedRooms website! At the end of February, we launched the newly re-designed FedRooms.com. The user-friendly interface is now more visually driven, features easier navigation and is mobile friendly. We wanted to refresh the website to reflect current trends in the industry and give our travelers, hoteliers and travel arrangers an easier-to-navigate experience. Click here to check it out.* 

Along with our site, the FedRooms program has also changed over the last couple of years, improving property value and choices for our travelers. We encourage travelers and travel managers to please take our quick 5 question survey on our 2017 FedRooms properties and amenities. If you cannot open this survey due to an agency firewall, please cut and paste the link into your browser when you are outside of your agency’s network to answer the survey questions.

* Please note the website change is for our main site only and does not affect the FedRooms booking site.

Traveler Webinar: Introduction to Fedrooms

Please join us for our WebEx webinar presentation, Introduction to FedRooms Lodging Program for Government Travelers and Travel Arrangers, to learn more about our FedRooms program. Details can be found below.

Agenda:

• What is FedRooms?
• Lodging In the News
• Benefits of Booking FedRooms
• Case Study: A Tale of Three Travelers                                                                                                                          

Upcoming Sessions:

• Thursday, April 12th at 2:00pm Eastern/1:00pm Central/12:00pm Mountain/11:00am Pacific
• Thursday, May 31st at 2:00pm Eastern/1:00pm Central/12:00pm Mountain/11:00am Pacific

Both sessions will include the same content, so you can choose the date/time that works best for your schedule. Please e-mail webinars@fedrooms.com for a WebEx invitation and we look forward to having you join us for this informational session.

Let's Talk Sustainability

In 2006, Wyndham Worldwide launched Wyndham Green, a sustainable program that focuses on innovative practices across the company. The program focuses on education and innovation that will enhance customers’ lives by improving the environment and supporting communities. Wyndham is also working to:

• Develop environmental programs, products and services
• Set environmental impact targets and measure performance
• Work with partners to minimize their environmental impact
• Comply with climate policies and environmental laws

Wyndham hotels are prioritizing a reduction in water use and the company’s overall carbon footprint  by educating guests and employees through events and trainings. To learn more, visit here. 

Lots of Loyalty Love: La Quinta and Red Roof

La Quinta Returns

Looking for a hotel loyalty program that allows more freedom in redeeming your points? La Quinta Returns, La Quinta’s loyalty reward program, lets you use points on the go for everyday purchases like groceries and meals. The program gives you the opportunity to use points plus cash for luxury stays at more than 20,000 hotels and resorts around the globe. Earning points with La Quinta Returns is easy and there are more ways than just hotel stays to get you extra points. Simply link your Returns account to your social media accounts to earn points for sharing. Every night counts toward credit for your tier level, even if the rate doesn’t qualify for points. Interested in joining? Visit http://www.lq.com/en/la-quinta-returns.html.

Red Roof RediCard

With Red Roof RediCard, free nights are just 7,000 points at every Red Roof location. When you stay at a Red Roof property, you can earn up to 10 points per dollar. In addition to free nights, you can spend points on gift cards and merchandise. RediCard members also enjoy a complimentary bottle of water every night of the stay, savings on Premium Rooms, bonus point offers and more. At Red Roof Inn, travelers get comfort and value with each stay. Red Roof Inn offers free Wi-Fi, kids and pets stay free, complimentary coffee and more perks. To learn more visit https://www.redroof.com/.