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Here are six things you should know this week...
1. The hotel industry is calling on Congress to pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and UNITE HERE, the largest hospitality workers union in North America, have joined forces to call on Congress to pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act. The bill, introduced by Hawaii senator Brian Schatz and Florida representative Charlie Crist, provides critical support to hotels and their workers until travel returns to prepandemic levels; provisions include direct payroll grants, worker-friendly tax credits and more. “No industry has been more affected by the pandemic than hospitality," said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA, in a statement. "Congress must step up now to support the hotel industry workforce with targeted relief.”
2. This Los Angeles club requires proof of vaccination.
North Hollywood cocktail lounge and music venue The Other Door is launching a new members-only club called Risky Business. The catch? The venue requires proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to enter. According to Eater, “The club will allow members to eat and drink indoors, or even play a game of pool, without the need for masks or social distancing measures. … The club will check vaccine cards much like they would IDs before entry into the bar. Those paying for memberships will have to fill out a questionnaire verifying information such as their identity, vaccination date and vaccine type."
Also on site at Bottleworks District? A 30,000-square-foot food hall, a variety of bars and restaurants and a 139-room hotel.Photo: Courtesy of Bottleworks District
Bottleworks District, a new mixed-use cultural hub, recently opened in Indianapolis. The massive former bottling factory has eight unique event spaces, all with wall-mounted LED screens with HDMI connectivity. Highlights include Star Room, a 1,634-square-foot space that holds 128 and features original terrazzo flooring and natural light; the open-air Gallery Courtyard, which holds 280; Samuelson Room, a multifunction space that holds 88 and was named after the designer of the iconic Coca-Cola bottle; and Preston Room, which holds 72 and has a private entrance.
4. Google is launching new services for U.S.-based hotels.
This week, Google teamed up with hospitality companies Guest Supply and Volara to announce Google for Hotels, which will offer voice-based, contactless solutions for properties in the United States. According to Gizmodo, “The program enables hotels to install the 7-inch, camera-less, first-generation Google Nest Hub in every guest room. Each smart display is programmed to work as a digital concierge of sorts. You can say, 'Hey Google' to set up a wake alarm, speak with the front desk, ask for restaurant recommendations or request extra pillows. The hotel can also configure the Nest Hub to allow you to control devices in the room, like smart bulbs and automatic drapes.”
5. Hyatt has debuted a new suite of hybrid event offerings.
Launched this week, Together by Hyatt aims to simplify and streamline the hybrid event-planning process, with attendee safety and well-being as its top priorities. The hotel chain has partnered with virtual platform Swapcard to use AI technology for integrated virtual and on-site experiences; there’s also a team of hybrid experts on call, as well as new well-being experiences including exclusive content from Headspace. “Together by Hyatt is designed to support planners at every step of the way as we reimagine what events can look like and collaborate to bring their vision to life,” said Jack Horne, Hyatt’s global head of sales and revenue, in a statement.
6. Stella Artois has a new bottle that supports the restaurant industry’s recovery.
The beer brand will debut its new “Open for Good” bottle, a 14-ounce aluminum bottle available exclusively at bars and restaurants starting June 7; a portion of proceeds from each bottle sold will go directly to the James Beard Foundation’s Open For Good campaign, which advocates for direct financial relief and resources for the industry. The bottles are a part of Stella Artois’ upcoming campaign called “Your Table Is Ready,” dedicated to bringing people back to restaurants.
“Over the last year, our work with the James Beard Foundation has allowed us to support restaurants from the start of the pandemic. With the return to full capacity, we hope this new product offering can further support the industry to safely return to operating as we remember them,” said Lara Krug, Stella Artois' vice president of marketing, in a statement.Photo: Courtesy of Stella Artois
