Apparently, many Americans are not satisfied with the memberships they have in many loyalty programs.  This was the finding in a recent study conducted by Hotels.com.  According to this survey, 93% feel that improvements need to be made to their memberships.

A large percentage (59%) seek to use their benefits with less restrictions, while 37% don’t believe the added bonuses are really as great as the companies make them sound.  Nearly half of the respondents did not use their program in the last year for hotel stays, flights and car rentals.

When it comes to the travel sector, loyalty programs have long had problems.  These programs were nearly impossible for anyone to attain other than those who travel frequently, because of heavy restrictions, confusing terms and large redemption requirements.  Hotels.com created a simple program to change this problem with welcomerewards.  Now, the program member can receive one free night’s stay after every 10 that are booked.

The key benefits of welcomerewards are:

A large variety of choices.  Worldwide, there are more than 53,000 property choices.  Members can redeem a night up to $400 in value as long as they have spent a minimum of $40 each night for the 10 nights that are booked.

A wide array of resort types.  Members are allowed to stay at boutique properties, condos, chain hotels and B&B’s to build up their free night.

The program is simple.  No need to collect points, and there are no blackout dates.  Simply book 10 nights at any location and get a free night.

Respondents of the survey named off a variety of things they would give up in order to stay free for one night at a hotel.  Some of these sacrifices included giving up chocolate, dropping their cell phone and clothes shopping.  Hotels.com makes this easy for them - without the harsh sacrifices!

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts have teamed up with National Geographic Kids to re-launch its year-round Camp Hyatt program, which will give children ages 3 to 12 more opportunities to have fun and experience cultural activities at participating North American Hyatt resorts.

The program kicked off on May 29 with a new website, which you can visit at www.camphyatt.com.  The website and the renovated Camp Hyatt program are designed to teach children about topics such as culture, animals, recycling and water in fun and interactive ways.

Each program will be different, according to the natural environment of each Hyatt resort location.  Kids are invited to visit the website at www.camphyatt.com to see what all of the excitement is about, and to help build anticipation for their family vacation.

Some of the features kids will find on the site include environmental awareness and appreciation, animal games and art, arts and crafts related to culture, and a National Geographic kids entertainment library.

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is reviving the classic family vacation to celebrate the new Camp Hyatt program.  This new package includes:

15% savings on restaurant dining for registered guests

15% savings on Hyatt Pure spa services in locations that offer this service

Complimentary half day of Camp Hyatt for one child

Exclusive access to a 20% shopping discount on NationalGeographic.com

Registered guests receive full daily breakfast

Now through September 7, 2009 this family package is offered at participating Hyatt hotels.  You can learn more by visiting classicfamilyvacation.com.  Be sure to use offer code FAMVAC, or you can call 1-800-233-1234 for more information.

According to Michael George, president and CEO of Crescent Hotels & Resorts, properly setting beer and food prices, along with other services offered by hotels, can help drive room sales.  This seems to be especially true of full-service hotels that have an attractive staff and nice atmosphere.

Also being noted is that banquets and meetings are more frequently being booked as day meetings instead of overnight meetings.  The Hilton brand Embassy Suites has been less affected by this trend because if offers value and extra services.  For example, some incentives include a manager’s cocktail hour and free breakfast.  It seems that adding value helps book rooms as well.

Style and design is another issue that is being looked into, according to Fredrik Korallus, executive VP and COO Radisson Hotels and Resorts.  Although people are looking to save money in a recession, they still notice properties that are attractive when it comes to style and design.  According to Korallus, ugly costs just as much as attractive.

The consensus seems to be that by adding value, lowering food and bar prices, and offering attractive properties with a good atmosphere, this may be the “new normal” when it comes to generating better revenues in the hotel industry.

These days, it seems that everyone is too busy (or maybe too automated) to deliver real customer service to our customers and clients.  Everyone knows that delivering that “little extra” or personal touch when it comes to customer service will make our business a winner, but still we don’t take the time to do it.

Current economic conditions are calling for cost reduction and cut backs in many businesses, but it seems that customer service is often the area where these reductions are made.  Will this lack of attention to customers have a long-term effect on how our business is regarded in the eyes of our customers?  Absolutely!  Today’s markets are overcrowded, so clients and customers have a wide range of choices - and may choose to do business with a company who offers superb personal care for their clients.

Even in this economic climate, companies like Zappo’s are thriving.  Why is this?  Every aspect of their business relates directly to excellence in the customers’ experience.  Developing personal, emotional connections with customers through popular networking tools like Twitter and Facebook makes the customers’ experience an unforgettable one.

Organizations that are successful know that you must engage people, employees, partners and customers.  Why is this so difficult for many companies?  There is a gap between “knowing” that you should implement great customer service and “doing” it.  It seems that there is plenty of talk, but very little action when it comes to personalized customer service.

Is there a set plan when it comes to improving your customer relations?  Not really.  By listening to what your customers want and responding to their requests, you can train your staff and employees to respond according to that customers needs.  When your people change, your organization will experience real change as well.

The Hotel Casanova in Barcelona,Spain is offering guests a one-for-one dollar to euro exchange rate through December 20, 2009.

At the time of this writing, that will save hotel guests about 20% on hotel services such as spa treatments, body scrubs, aromatherapy, and room service, and the savings extend even to restaurant and bar charges.

Hotel Managing Director Juan Escudero said “Locking in a premium foreign currency exchange rate for hotel purchases is unprecedented in the industry and is designed as a sort of vacation stimulus package. We want to make it easier for non-European travelers to experience the wonders of Barcelona, even though the world economy is struggling.”

The Hotel Casanova has 124 rooms, and was converted from an 18th century residence. The Casanova of a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and is part of the Rafael chain.