In The News: William F. Harrah College of Hospitality

Las Vegas Review Journal

An artificial intelligence-powered “aparthotel” under construction near Allegiant Stadium plans to “disrupt” the hotel industry. The off-Strip Otonomus Hotel, located at the intersection of West Russell Road and South Decatur Boulevard, is an all-suite, apartment and hotel hybrid from developers Growth Holdings. Located on 13 acres, the property will have 303 units and around 1,100 beds. Visitors will be able to book or rent one to six rooms at the property.

Urban Land Magazine

Las Vegas is unlike any other place in America. Each year it draws more than 40 million visitors to the dazzling casinos and hotels that “turn night into daytime”—and transform the city into a glittering jewel in the desert. With 164,000 hotel rooms, Las Vegas is the largest hospitality market in the U.S.—outpacing Orlando, Florida, the next biggest market, by approximately 15 percent, according to JLL.

Inc.

When Nick Price was asked how much he'd like to tip at a Michigan sandwich shop's self-serve kiosk, he realized that things had gone too far.

KNPR News

In Las Vegas, ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, and short-term rental apps like Airbnb have changed — really changed — the landscape for taxi companies and, perhaps, hotels. In July 2014, for instance, the Nevada Taxicab Authority said cab drivers gave more than 2 million rides to customers. In July of this year, that was down about 50% to around a million riders. A big question, though, is if things are changing back. And there’s some evidence indicating that it might be doing just that.

Washington Post

To check out of the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans in August, Cameron Sperance planned to leave the key in the room and bolt. His mother preferred a more genteel exit strategy. “She’s definitely of the generation that goes to the desk and does a line-item review,” said Sperance, 35, a senior hotels reporter at the Points Guy. “I’ll forget to check out and make my way to the airport as quickly as possible.”

CNBC

Many hotel chains are racing to replace the plastic room key with digital options, including Apple Wallet and Google Wallet apps. Plastic hotel key cards have had a rough few years. During the pandemic, touch was taboo, so touchless trends accelerated. And cybersecurity concerns have mounted around hotel key technology. Earlier this year, researchers found a vulnerability in plastic hotel keys that could render up to three million keys easy prey for hackers and take years to fix.

KNPR News

Golf courses in Nevada use a lot of water, 236 million gallons annually. And, unlike water used indoors, this water cannot be reclaimed and sent back to Lake Mead. That’s why lawmakers cut water allotments for courses by a third beginning this year. And, since 2021, new golf courses are not allowed to use Colorado River water. 

Hospitality Upgrade

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Hospitality Upgrade today announced the recipient of the 2024 John Cahill student seat is Andrew Pham, a student at the College of Hospitality, University of Nevada in Las Vegas (UNLV). In its 22nd year, the upcoming CIO Summit will be held Sept. 4-6, 2024, at the Thompson Hotel by Hyatt in Nashville, Tennessee.

Hospitality Upgrade

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Hospitality Upgrade today announced the recipient of the 2024 John Cahill student seat is Andrew Pham, a student at the College of Hospitality, University of Nevada in Las Vegas (UNLV). In its 22nd year, the upcoming CIO Summit will be held Sept. 4-6, 2024, at the Thompson Hotel by Hyatt in Nashville, Tennessee.

Las Vegas Review Journal

Clark County residents have more options of where to play video poker and grab a bite as some gaming operators see opportunities for growth in taverns and other restricted licensed spots.

Las Vegas Review-Journal En Español

Reducing free play offers to gamblers has a minimal impact on the likelihood that they will return to a casino, according to a new academic study. However, completely removing free play incentives could prove problematic for casino operators, according to the same study.

Las Vegas Review Journal

Reducing free play offers to gamblers has minimal impact on whether customers will return to a casino property, according to a new academic research study. Eliminating free-play incentives, however, might prove to be problematic for casino operators, the study found.