New shine for the Koenigshof. Polishing the employer image.

Kirsten Posautz D.Blaser, © photoresque.jpg

Dear Insider,

Today is Friday the 13th - though this is not the bad omen it’s usually taken to be. Superstition is largely alien to the industry, even if some hotels do not have a 13th floor.

The Koenigshof in Munich, which officially opened yesterday, has nine floors. The grand hotel legend is a thing of the past, 5 stars are wrapped in travertine, large windows offer fantastic views of Munich's rooftops and sights. Spanish star architect Nieto Sobejano has catapulted the traditional hotel into the modern age with cubist forms and the delicate shimmer of gold.

With small, subtle differences, Marriott's new Luxury Collection member aims to position itself alongside the RevPAR leader Mandarin Oriental and the upscale Rosewood, which opened just a year ago. All three are boutique hotels, but will drive competition in Munich's luxury hotel sector. Maria Pütz-Willems brings us a summary.

Many hotel employees in the German-speaking Europe region are now also enjoying a dose of luxury, as new buildings and extensions are being built for them. Home, sweet home instead of servants' quarters - we show examples in words and pictures (gallery). But it's not just the staff accommodation that’s contributing to the positive image. In a webinar, Susanne Stauss learned how hoteliers can actively use employer rating portals for their own benefit instead of fearing them.

On the other hand, the heat records in large cities are indeed something to be feared, and not just for people. Extreme weather increasingly threatens real estate values. An analysis shows in which German cities the climate risks are highest. Another incentive to stress sustainability in all its facets: The EEA, Energy & Environment Alliance, launches a task force for sustainability standards. And HRS has analysed how hotels can increase low-carbon business travel.

And what else? Google must pay: The recent ECJ ruling confirmed the €2.4bn fine. In US hotels, guests pay for parking - an extremely profitable business. Furthermore, according to a trend report, the United States is the world's strongest travel and tourism market. That could change very soon though. The news mix is once again full to bursting, as investments, construction and openings are taking place around the world.

Incidentally, there won't be another "Friday the 13th" until December - in between there are twelve HI editions and major events such as Expo Real (7-9 October) with the "World of Hospitality". See you there.

Kirsten Posautz

Deputy Editor-in-Chief

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