There is a material change in the way hotel developers are doing business today. Hotel owners are looking inward, examining their own portfolios and determining how to keep hotels atop their respective markets.

More than $15 million has been invested in renovations to the property, including the guestrooms, corridors, lobby, health club, meeting rooms, restrooms, conference center, grand ballroom, onsite dining areas, exterior landscape and new porte coche.

Casinos no longer are dark, smoky, windowless areas meant to encourage an isolated gambling experience. More states and cities have legalized gambling and casinos are popping up across the U.S. Casinos are mainstream, and that must be reflected in the design.

We've heard countless times in the last few months that renovations are on the rise. That message was echoed recently both at HD Expo and the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference.

Even in the most challenging economy, new bathroom product and design innovations are shining at the major hotel and residential conventions this year. Electronics, showering, accessible design, more luxurious therapies and the "greening of bath" are at the forefront of the trends.

Live updates from "transform: design differently," taking place July 13-14, at the St. Regis Deer Crest Resort in Park City, Utah. The HWN event is focused on universal and socially responsible design that puts the traveler at the center of every project.

Joe Long told me Kimpton is in the early idea stages of developing a 3½-star concept that would be specifically for markets like Cleveland.

Take advantage of low labor and material costs, faster access to inventory and timeless trends now, designers say.

The design of a medical spa should be viewed as an important aspect of the market position and brand message of the business.

Spa treatments have their roots in many ancient Asian and European cultures, and because of their deep spa heritage, those regions are pioneering most of today's innovative spa techniques.