News
[BU Today] Does “Tipping Fatigue” Justify Paying Minimum Wage to Tipped Workers?
“Tipping fatigue has hit American consumers hard,” ABC News reported about the backlash to burgeoning gratuity requests for things such as takeout. Two-thirds of Americans have negative views of tipping, according to a 2023 survey. The Massachusetts legislature has until tomorrow, April 30, to place a tipping-related question on the November ballot; if it doesn’t, More
[AFAR] Michelin Unveils New Hotel Ratings, Michelin “Keys”
Only 11 hotels in the United States were awarded Michelin's highest distinction as part of the company's newly announced hotel rating system. The system is similar to Michelin's restaurant guide but instead of stars, hotels are given "keys": three denoting the top honor, or an "extraordinary stay"; two marking hotels that... More
My Secrets to Stamina – Interview: The Collaborative Leader, BU School of Hospitality Administration, Dean Arun Upneja
"Welcome to the 2nd quarter! So excited to have this guest on - Dr. Arun Upneja, the Dean of Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration since 2013. Dean Arun is a forward-looking strategic thinker with an inclusive and collaborative leadership style. As Dean, he has embarked on a transformational change... More
[The American Bazaar] Padma Lakshmi receives Boston University’s 2024 ICON Award
ICON award recognizes innovators who create new and transformative paradigms in hospitality Indian American Emmy-nominated producer, television host, New York Times bestselling author and food connoisseur Padma Lakshmi has received the ICON Award from Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration. Lakshmi received the annual ICON award recognizing innovators who create new and... More
[BU Today] $100,000 Awarded to Student Entrepreneurs at SHA’s Annual Hospitality Leadership Summit
Laundry is one of the worst parts of “adulting” facing college students. But what if there was a way to make it a little more bougie? At last week’s $100K Poyiadjis Hospitality Innovation Competition, a team of School of Hospitality Administration undergrads pitched their business idea of an upscale modern laundromat to... More
[WGBH] Food expert Padma Lakshmi gears up to receive BU award
Padma Lakshmi is slated to receive the ICON Award from Boston University's School of Hospitality Administration this Thursday, April 4, and for good reason. The Emmy-nominated producer, television host, New York Times bestselling author and food connoisseur became a household name as host and producer of "Top Chef," and now carries... More
[Wall Street Journal] Should You Trust a Hotel’s Star Rating? Depends Where You Look.
In a sea of hotel reviews and star ratings, it’s hard to know who to rely upon. Here’s how to get a vetted measure of what you’re in for before a trip. For a five-day trip to Mexico with her college-age daughter, Arlana Keller of Calgary, Alberta, insisted they book a hotel... More
[GPB News] What is the new etiquette for tipping?
What are the new rules for tipping? Businesses that never seemed to ask for a tip before — like grocery stores, self-checkout machines and fast food restaurants — are now asking for one these days. To answer this question, it helps to understand the purpose of tipping and why requests have increased... More
[CBS News] Making a restaurant reservation? That’ll be $100 — without food or drinks.
It's become increasingly common for restaurants to charge customers' credit cards even before they step foot into an establishment, let alone order food or drinks. Referred to as a "reservation fee" and applied at the time of booking, the charge ranges in amount but inevitably peeves diners who don't want to be... More
[AFAR] Airbnb Just Banned Security Cameras Inside Rentals
The new indoor-camera ban takes effect April 30, but it’s unclear how much will change under the updated privacy policy. For Meg St-Esprit, seeing cameras inside Airbnb vacation homes she has stayed at with her husband and their four kids “creeped me out.” The Pittsburgh-based writer says a newly implemented camera... More
[Boston.com] Should the tipped minimum wage be abolished? Lawmakers hear from advocates, servers on proposed ballot question.
State lawmakers heard arguments for and against a proposed ballot question to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers Tuesday — a measure some say would mean less money for workers and others say would protect workers’ rights. One Fair Wage, a national coalition, is sponsoring a proposed ballot question to raise... More
[New York Times] $1,780 to Spend the Night in a ‘Cocoon’? Hotels Are Betting on Sleep Tourism.
To sleep, perchance to dream. Or if not dream, at least to feel vaguely rested the next day, especially on vacation. Is that too much to ask? For many people, yes. The United States is tired, according to the National Sleep Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, More
[Morning Brew] Why Do the Biggest Hotel Chains Create So Many Different Brands?
When you're planning a trip, it may seem like you're wading through a sea of endless hotel options, but many of those hotel brands are hiding a secret – they're owned by the same company. Why do hotel mega-chains spend so much time and money creating these different brands? We've... More
[Luxury Daily] Luxury hospitality heating up in South Pacific
Ultra-high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are demonstrating a thirst for far-flung getaways. To appease their adventurous spirits, top-end travel brands are increasingly taking to the sparkling waters and lush islands of Oceania. Heating up operations in remote spots around the South Pacific, the expansion efforts and exclusive programming of international luxury names reveal... More
BU School of Hospitality Administration to Bestow ICON Award to Padma Lakshmi at the Hospitality Leadership Summit 2024
(February 27, 2024) Boston, MA – Boston University School of Hospitality Administration (BU SHA) is proud to announce that the fourth annual ICON award will be presented to Padma Lakshmi, an Emmy-nominated producer, television host, food expert, and a New York Times best-selling author, as well as one of Time Magazine's 100 Most... More