Are Hotels Making Cost Reductions Which Sacrifice Your Comfort and Safety? - Philadelphia Negligent Hotel Security and Premises Liability Lawyer Weighs In.
The United States hospitality and hotel industry is struggling through one of the worst financial crisis in more than 20 years. I recently stayed at a brand new 5 star luxury hotel in Florida and the desk manager mentioned to me that his occupancy rate was 30%. Occupancy rates nationwide have been hovering at below 60% this summer. Revenue has taken the steepest dive in 22 years according to industry analysts, and hotel analysts do not expect the hotel industry to rebound to profitability until 2011 or later. Not so surprisingly, headlines are now claiming that terrorists are aiming for hotel and other easier to hit “soft” targets as government security measures continue to improve for more noteworthy and populated facilities. Additionally, there has been an increase in criminal activity and premise liability claims in United States hotels.
Despite the increasing threats and criminal activity, many hotel owners and managers have been reluctant to equip buildings with more security measures which are expensive, cumbersome, and serve to inconvenience guests, but in the long run prove to be worthwhile. More than a billion travelers stay at hotels each year and many of them become victims despite the false sense of security that a locked door and staff provide. As hotels cut back on costs and personnel as the recession worsens, several veterans of the hotel industry state there is greater likelihood of increased burglary and criminal assault. These economic times are prompting cuts in security and driving up incidents of theft including thefts and assaults perpetrated by hotel staff and other premise liability offenses.
The experienced premise liability and inadequate hotel security lawyers of Reiff and Bily have received an increasing amount of calls regarding these issues to represent the unfortunate victims. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of inadequate security at a hotel, please feel free to contact one of our lawyers for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.
