Tips & Tricks of the Trade

Partnerships

IRP #Citygram: Denver

Nestled against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is the perfect winter destination that blends urban allure with alpine charm. From world-class skiing to a vibrant arts scene, the Mile High City beckons winter enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. There is something for everyone! While many flock to the beaches this time of year, we are championing the snow-capped mountains and urban adventure to be had in Denver! This town thrives in the cold and snow. Pick and choose between outdoor ice skating, grabbing a cozy drink and leafing through some used books at...

There is No Minibar Set-Up Too Big (or Small!) for In-Room Plus

Like fingerprints or snowflakes, no two properties or in-room programs are exactly alike. From cozy boutique hotels to mega-resorts boasting more than 1,000 rooms, In-Room Plus helps each and everyone create a unique set-up just right for their brand and guests. From grab-and-gos to minibars to kid’s clubs, here are 9 of the many tailored ways we scale to serve In-Room Plus clients of every size and stripe. We hope they inspire you to refresh and innovate your own in-room program in new and exciting ways! 6+ ROOMS The 1770 House Restaurant & Inn in...

These Haunted Hotels are Perfect Halloween Haunts

These properties (which we’re proud to call In-Room Plus clients) make for wonderful getaways any time of year, but beware, at Halloween time, you may have to share your delicious in-room snacks with an uninvited, plus-one! The Hay-Adams Hotel, Washington D.C. This stately, beautiful hotel is perhaps D.C.’s most famous – and infamous. Located on the former site of the homes of both former U.S. Secretary of State John Hay, and Henry Adams (related to both Presidents John and John Quincy Adams), the hotel opened in 1928 and played hosts to presidents, celebrities, and the...

The Death of the Minibar [Has Been Greatly Exaggerated]

Rumor has it that a reporter once called Mark Twain to confirm if he had died. Though historians dispute the exact wording, the great humorist was reported to quip something along the lines of, “The report of my death has been greatly exaggerated.” Today, rumors of another death run rampant: that of the minibar. Once a staple of seemingly every room, operational frustrations, dwindling profits and the rise of nearby convenience stores and on-property shops led some hotel chains to scale back their in-room hospitality programs or remove them entirely. In other words, the original iteration...

Thinking Outside the Minibar: Alder & Tweed

It probably comes as no surprise to hear that we love minibars. Traditional, innovative, themed--we like ‘em all. That said, we also tremendously enjoy working with companies who imagine new and creative ways to share our products with their valued customers. Our blog series Thinking Outside the Minibar recognizes some of these incredible In-Room Plus clients, highlighting their great ideas and refreshing approaches to hospitality and customer loyalty programs. Alder & Tweed is a boutique wholesale furniture company headquartered in California. We asked the company’s owner Leslie Humphrey to share her insights into how Alder...

We Deliver...Even to These Exotic Tropical Island Destinations!

In theory, luxuries and conveniences can be harder to come by on an island, surrounded in all directions by the seemingly endless sea. But luxury properties, even those in far-flung tropical destinations, are famous for expertly catering to their guests every need and want. How do they do it? With a little help from their friends like us, who help supply their in-room hospitality programs with products that arrive fresh, custom-branded and on-time. Now that it’s officially summer, we’re kicking up our feet and daydreaming at our desks about island hopping to these three exotic...

Thinking Outside the Minibar: Towne BMW

While we’re proud to serve a range of top hotel properties, we supply snacks to a plethora of clients in far-reaching industries and verticals. We’re so impressed with the unique, personal touch some of our clients built into their hospitality or client-appreciation programs, we launched a new blog series last summer called Thinking Outside the Minibar. In each installment, one of our amazing In-Room Plus clients shares practical tips and inspiration on how to bring a creative touch that steps beyond a standard minibar set-up. Towne BMW is a dealership located in Williamsville, New York,...

Stand by Your Brand: Custom Packaging for JW Marriott

We recently had the pleasure of designing a suite of custom product packaging for the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, in close collaboration with their branding team. The stunning and sophisticated South-Florida luxury hotel boasts a pair of 18-hole golf courses, a 7500 square-foot pool, world-class spa, fitness and dining destinations, and even an on-site waterpark; it’s no wonder it’s been celebrated by Forbes and Travel + Leisure. Photo from JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa website As such, Turnberry needed minibar product packaging as sleek and beautiful as the property itself. Our...

Masters of the Minibar: The Evolution of the Private Bar at the Iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach

The Fontainebleau Hotel has been a crown jewel of Miami Beach (oceanfront in the heart of Millionaire’s Row) since hotelier Ben Novack first purchased it in 1952. By the time the sprawling, opulent personal mansion of tire magnate Harvey Firestone was converted and opened its doors to visitors for the first time two years later, it began its reign as the largest, most historically significant and luxe hotel in South Florida.Its legend loomed so large, in fact, that the hotel lacked any identifying outdoor signage for nearly 25 years. Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, Judy Garland,...

IRP #Citygram: New Orleans

As we proudly celebrated In-Room Plus’s 30th anniversary last fall, we looked back on how precious and rare a milestone three decades in business truly is. That gives us an even larger appreciation for the magnitude of New Orleans’ own 2018 milestone: the city’s tricentennial–that’s 300 years! NoLa is a place close to our hearts, as In-Room Plus founder Wanda (the current owners’ mother) was born and raised in the area; in fact, many extended family members still reside throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. So as we mark our respective milestones, there’s no better time for...

6 Hotels That Go All Out for the Ho-Ho-Holidays!

Traveling over the winter holidays? Whether you’re planning a special end-of-year getaway or are just trying to get away from staying with certain members of your family, these hotels (all of which we’re proud to call clients!) go above and beyond to bring holiday cheer.   1. Hotel Del Coronado, CA Hotel Del Coronado (or “The Del” as its known by guests) doesn’t let their beachfront California setting stop them from winter holiday fun. Each year they construct a seasonal ice skating rink where guests enjoy their once-in-a-lifetime Skating by the Sea, gliding across the...

Happy International Housekeeping Week: How to Celebrate Your Most Valuable Employees

  Ask someone to think of an extra-special hotel stay they’ve had. They’re likely to reminisce about a time when towels were artfully folded on the bed, or the friendly staff went out of their way to fulfill requests and make a room sparkle. Your diligent housekeeping staff work hard to deliver thoughtful and skillful touches that elevate guest experiences. While they deserve our deep appreciation always, this week (Sept. 9-15) is International Housekeeping Week--what better time to highlight their massive behind-the-scenes contributions to the hospitality industry?To help inspire creative and meaningful ways to say thank you to...

IRP #Citygram: Miami

Is summer winding down? Not in Miami. South Florida’s chic city is always ready for its sunny, stylish close-up. That’s why it’s the perfect destination for our first IRP #Citygram! Our new blog series will showcase some of our favorite recent posts from a few In-Room Plus client properties--each one is giving us serious #FOMO (that’s Fear of Missing Out, NOT Fear of Miami Overload!) with their swoon-worthy Instagram snaps. Who can blame us for paging through these feeds for major inspo while we craft their custom-branded in-room treats?Note: This is not a paid or sponsored...

Thinking Outside the Minibar: Barton & Gray Mariners Club

While we all love to savor snacks from a hotel minibar, you might assume that if you’ve seen one minibar, you’ve seen them all. Not so! In fact, we’re so impressed with the on-brand touches and innovative ideas many of our clients have designed into their hospitality programs, we can’t keep the fun to ourselves. We’re launching a new blog series today: thinking outside the minibar. In each installment, we’ll highlight the creativity of one of our amazing In-Room Plus clients, and ask them to provide practical tips and spark inspiration.   Image source: www.bartonandgray.com...

In-Room Plus Gives Back: The Dominican Joe Foundation

At In-Room Plus, giving back is built into the fiber of our business and core values. While we’re privileged to work with many luxury brands and products, we never stop working to also help those in need. From corporate donations to employee volunteerism, we’re building a culture of community involvement, one inspired and lived out by top leadership. Our CEO, Elizabeth Jones, recently returned from the Dominican Republic as part of the Dominican Joe Foundation’s annual fundraiser. Jones serves on the organization’s board and gives her time and resources to help the group in Las...

Little Steps, Big Impact: How In-Room Plus and Our Partners Celebrate Earth Day Every Day

This Sunday, we celebrate Earth Day; A day dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging action toward greater environmental responsibility. But here at IRP, we understand it takes more than one day a year to build and sustain environmentally responsible policy. While we continue to learn and grow, we’re proud of these small but meaningful steps we take throughout the year to cultivate an environmentally responsible culture for ourselves and our business partners.   We Reuse & Recycle While we have always practiced recycling at our In-Room Plus headquarters, we have moved away from disposable paper products to reusable...

Staff Picks: Stylish Seasonal Getaways For Non-Spring Breakers

  Here at In-Room HQ in New York state, it feels like we just lived through three winters in a row. After this extended freeze, we’re in dire need of a sunny getaway (Even if you’re lucky enough to reside in warmer climates, we’re guessing you wouldn’t be opposed to a Spring weekend trip!). There’s just one problem: our hard-partying Spring Breaker days are behind us. We’re after a slightly more sophisticated adventure, where we can relax, explore, shop--maybe even learn something new!   Here are our staff picks for stylish Spring getaways far from...

In The Mix: The Evolution & Revolution of the W Hotels Minibar

Anyone who has been to a W Hotels property can attest to the fact that this clever, cheeky and original hospitality brand sees the world through a lens of limitless possibilities and thrives on maintaining a bold and consistent visual identity. Their brand manifesto states that their “irreverent attitude and taste for excess redefine revelry for the modern jet set.” And their in-room minibar product design is certainly no exception. W Hotels began their minibar makeover journey 13 years ago with an inventive and carefully designed collection of heavily branded geometric containers that created the opportunity...