HOTELS

Derek Gale

Soak Up The Sun
April 22, 2008

Today is Earth Day, and with temperatures in the 70s (that’s 21-24 Celsius) in Chicago, I’m reminded daily how great life can be when one enjoys the outdoors. Though I’m stuck inside in our office during business hours on most days, I do spend at least a couple of nights each week coaching youth soccer or going for a run outside.

That said, here are a few ways hoteliers can get outdoors before, during or after the work day:

- No matter your role in a hotel or hotel company, and no matter how much work you feel the need to do, make time to exercise at least a couple of times per week, and do so outside when the weather is cooperative. Perhaps this means walking to/from work.

- If you spend all day in the executive office at a hotel property, take 30 minutes in the afternoon to mingle with guests on the terrace, in the courtyard or by the pool. And if your property does not have any such spaces, try assisting the bell staff outside the front doors for the same amount of time.

- Go out for lunch to a restaurant with outdoor seating, or bring your lunch to work but eat it outside the hotel or your office, picnic-style.

- Visit a local farmers' market with one of your chefs.

- Come up with a new event, promotion or package for your hotel or brand that involves both staff and guests spending time outdoors.

Have other ideas on how to enjoy the great outdoors? Please share them with your colleagues in the industry by commenting on this blog post.

Posted by Derek Gale on April 22, 2008 | Comments (0)