Cameron Sperance

Coronavirus liability lawsuits may seem like catnip for lawyers who advertise on daytime TV, but the proof hurdle is a high one to clear when it comes to a highly infectious disease.

Hotel tech innovations that were just beginning to roll out before coronavirus will likely become tech necessities, as companies look to limit guest interactions and do everything they can to assure a safe stay.

Hotel companies' similar new and heightened health and safety standards don't leave a lot of room for brand distinction unless the brand is the one lacking a new approach to cleaning.

Hoteliers should spend less time worrying about recovery timelines and focus more on boosting occupancy rates above break-even operational cost levels as quickly as possible. That may mean considering some non-traditional factors.

Depending on whether global brands or independent operators are the ones talking, there is a lot of money to be won or left on the table in a hotel brand conversion. Run the numbers on renovation costs and fee structures before making the plunge into one of these deals.

Hoteliers are expected to rely heavily on technology to run properties in the coronavirus recovery, but Unite Here expects heightened cleaning standards will usher in a need for more workers. Cost-cutting for near-term survival may delay the opportunities the labor movement desires.

A full economic recovery is years away, and the path it takes is largely uncertain. Germany, with its strong domestic traveler base, could be a surprisingly strong performer in a hotel industry on the rebound.

It’s never too early to start planning for growth, but even bullish leadership teams need to focus on the uncertain near-term before playing offense with conversion targets.

Marriott sees early signs of travel demand coming back to properties in China and North America. But its plans to mount an aggressive marketing campaign to take as much of the early recovery market share as possible recognizes it will be tough competition on the rebound.

Group travel is crucial for massive convention hotels to bounce back from coronavirus, but a vaccine or treatment is needed before major bookings materialize.