Guest satisfaction among hotels improved slightly in the first quarter of 2010, but satisfaction with airlines declined by 3 points, representing the steepest fall since 9/11. Drury Hotels, Jet Blue and Enterprise Rent–A–Car ranked No. 1 in hotel, airline and rental car satisfaction, respectively.

Elite-status road warriors don't hold back when it comes to sharing what they expect from a hotel loyalty program.

Loyalty programs have spread to most industries fighting for today's customer: grocery stores, gas stations, retail chains, restaurants and, of course, hotels. But as the old adage goes, nothing in this world is free. Check out H&MM's special report on hotel loyalty programs and what they mean for brands, owners and guests.

Each of the six hotel segments has improved in satisfaction scores this year compared to 2009, with extended-stay properties and midscale, full-service hotels demonstrating the greatest gains. Across all segments, satisfaction with costs and fees, reservations and guestroom measures were most improved.

Although providing excellent guest service always has been important for future word-of-mouth advertising, the numbers today are exponentially that much greater. It is vital to communicate just how important frontline team members are to the hotel's brand-management efforts.

At the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resort, guests custom-order snack and drink items for their in-room mini-fridge. The items are then delivered and stocked with no delivery or service charge.

Associate Editor Chris Crowell kicks off H&MM's In Your Shoes campaign live from the Mystic Marriott (Conn.), where he has already set out to win an iPod for offering exceptional guest service.

Since its launch a month ago, the loyalty program for independent hotels has signed on 73 properties in 55 cities.

Before arriving at your hotel, a guest has a variety of decisions to make, many of which turn into obstacles. Airline tickets, rental cars, and yes, hotel reservations all add to the travel headache. Airport hotels are in the unique position to offer several solutions all at once.

Airport hotels benefit from a fairly steady, built-in customer base, which helps fill rooms but also creates operational issues.