As the newly rebranded Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) continues to expand in the region and provide marketing value for its members, the organization is about to kick off its annual conference. Taking place December 3rd to 5th in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the Midwest Association of Independent Inns Conference & Trade Show will gather ind…

In 2004, when Julie McAferty and her husband Blayne purchased a 1920s-era home in Seattle, WA they did not anticipate the obstacles that they would encounter. From facing cease-and-desist orders to navigating changes in local laws, their perseverance and advocacy for the lodging industry were key to their triumphs. Overcoming these obstacles early …

The challenges of independent lodging professionals can be overwhelming. Sometimes innkeepers need to be reminded to simplify their approach and connect more effectively with guests in order to grow. Jan Smith, owner of Maple Cove Bed & Breakfast and the August House, shares how she has transformed her business by improving the experience of her gu…

In today’s uncertain world, the need for lodging insurance has become more critical for property owners. Though, lodging insurance is not always black and white. There are many often-unknown liabilities to consider. Thankfully, Mitch Pies of the Mitchell J. Pies Insurance Agency, which is part of Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality, can provide the ri…

Whether you just bought a property or are looking to sell one, innkeepers should always focus on enhancing the value of their properties. Enhancing value is a critical component of any business strategy for independent lodging owners – and it is a continual process, as highlighted by Marilyn Bushnell and Chuck Anderson of Marilyn Bushnell & Associa…

ThinkReservations, led by CEO Richard Aday, acquired Acorn Marketing in April 2024, and proceeded to launch its latest major offering, ThinkWeb, soon thereafter. Making a major acquisition and launching a new product around the same time required strong leadership to help ensure its success. Richard discusses the Acorn acquisition, ThinkWeb launch,…

For state independent lodging associations to thrive, there’s a need to be nimble and continually provide value to their members. The Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association recently rebranded itself as the Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) to expand its market to 13 Midwest states. MWInns also focuses more on marketing the region and …

Providing high-quality bedding and linens is a critical part of elevating the guest experience to ensure a dream-worthy stay. With a storied history in U.S.-based manufacturing since 1889, American Blossom Linens, a brand of bedding made by Thomaston Mills, is a pioneer in providing American-made bedding and linens for independent lodging. We are v…

Often overlooked, having a professionally designed interior can make your property truly stand out, reflect your brand and maximize the guest experience. Starting out as a designer of home furnishings, James Kuester of Küster Design, transitioned his business to focus on interior design for the independent lodging sector. His firm’s focus is on int…

When it comes to elevating the guest experience, serving high-quality coffee can really make a difference. When Ann Brownell and Jeff Raybourn purchased the Cozy Cup Coffee Company in 2023, they had a vision of expanding their small batch roasted coffee beyond the walls of their coffee shop and into the innkeeping arena. They now have a customized …

A number of years ago, aerospace engineer Craig Steele’s frustration over a malfunctioning hotel shower head led him on a journey to design a better version of a device typically taken for granted. This quest led Craig to bootstrap Samson Shower Systems, which offers high pressure, water-saving shower heads that are made from quality, aerospace-gra…

From hosting expanded educational events, enhancing partnerships, advancing regional efforts to increasing membership and launching a new website, it’s been a busy first year for Sarah Gazi in her role as the CEO of the Association of Lodging Professionals (ALP). The must-attend 2024 ALP Conference & Marketplace is also around the corner on March 2…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has officially made its way into the hospitality industry with TakeUp, a recent start-up that offers a dynamic pricing platform which leverages the power of AI and machine learning to optimize room rates and increase revenue. Patty Sung, Founder and CEO at TakeUp; and Chris McPherson, Founder & CTO at TakeUp, tell us ab…

Google Business Profile helps lodging professionals manage their business information across Google products like Search and Maps. In addition to ensuring that potential guests can find information about their property and eventually book, lodging owners can use their account to review traffic metrics, gather customer insights, as well as view and …

Independent lodging properties are ideal destinations for weddings and those that offer wedding services, regardless of size and complexity, can attest that they are an excellent source of revenue. There is a range of options for a property to consider when deciding to offer on-site wedding services. Lela Pohlmann is a Wedding Coordinator for Herma…

State and regional independent lodging associations play a vital role in promoting properties in their areas, as well as ensuring quality lodging standards and providing educational opportunities for members. As former innkeepers who had successes in owning two properties, Donna and Byron Cain became Co-Executive Directors at the Michigan Bed and B…

During the COVID-19 pandemic, lodging professionals often needed to find creative ways to incent guests to stay at their properties. Some owners and managers did so by developing new on-property experiences for their guests which they had never offered in the past. Doug Bagnasco and Jim DeBlasi, the co-owners of the Devonfield Inn, were among that …

Marty and Carmel Etzel bought the Flag House Inn in Annapolis, Maryland, in 2017, with no prior experience or even informal knowledge of running a lodging business. In less than five years, they were able to more than double their bookings and sell the property for twice the amount they paid for it. Marty discusses their journey, how they were able…

Nothing quite entices guests to book better than high-end, professional photos of your property. Rather than relying on your mobile device for taking amateur photos, there can be a significant return to your investment if you hire a professional. Tom Krueger is a professional commercial photographer who is focused on the independent lodging niche, …

The Association of Lodging Professionals (ALP) has undergone some significant changes recently, including bringing on Sarah Gazi as its new CEO, taking over for the former Interim CEO, E. Scot Fuller-Beatty. Sarah has been in association management for more than 20 years and she envisions shaping a new direction for ALP through listening to its mem…

Unbeknownst to many independent lodging professionals, Google Travel is playing a significant role in impacting booking by diverting potential guests from the Google Search into its online travel marketplace. Lisa Kolb, Owner and Co-Founder of Acorn Marketing, discusses everything property owners need to be aware of about Google Travel for maximizi…

Often the most significant business challenges can lead to true transformation. This was the case for Rita Sleys, owner and operator of the Rosemont Inn Bed & Breakfast, who found her business at a crossroads. In 2019, she sought out help from Randy Bangs, owner of Get Heads in Beds, which led to a renovation of her property, an update to the prope…

Working with a travel influencer may seem like something only larger hotel brands can afford. In reality, independent lodging properties can also leverage travel influencers to increase visibility for their area and bookings for their property. Valerie Stimac, a travel blogger and founder of Valerie & Valise, works with a variety of clients and off…

Enhancing direct and online bookings is paramount for any hospitality provider. Success often comes down to taking advantage of modern, digital marketing strategies. For nearly 14 years, Q4Launch has helped property owners leverage multiple channels for driving additional revenue. Service offerings include marketing strategy development, web design…

It is estimated that there are more than 10 million vegans in the United States. For Michele Salisbury, Owner & Chef of Salisbury House at Bethany Beach, this presents an opportunity for differentiation – as her property offers three-course gourmet vegan breakfasts for guests. Michele discusses her new vegan-only bed and breakfast, and how other lo…