Mobile-Friendly Hotels and 3 Other Hospitality Trends This Week

Throughout the week we post dozens of original stories, connecting the dots across the travel industry, and every weekend we sum it all up. This weekend roundup examines hospitality.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>Premier Inn’s proportion of direct bookings is pretty eye-opening, but the brand operates under a particular set of circumstances. If it decides to ramp up its international expansion, it will be interesting to see if it chooses to make more use of online travel agents: The Hotel Chain That Doesn’t Need Booking.com or Expedia

>>If travel really is all about the experiences, travel companies — with or without loyalty programs — better do all they can to make sure our experiences aren’t just good, but great: The Business of Loyalty: How Hotels Build Loyalty Beyond the Stay

>>Monte Carlo might be known for its traditional luxury offering, but a deeper look shows a hospitality group that’s keenly aware of its positioning, the changing market and how it must adapt to ensure a spot of the ultra-wealthy’s jet set itineraries: How Monte Carlo Embraces Change for a New Luxury Customer

>>Where online travel agencies make it easy for guests to book hotel rooms from their smartphones, hotels need to do a much better job if they want more direct bookings. And they need to make better apps while they’re at it: Guests Are More Satisfied at Hotels That Are Mobile Friendly