Uncommon Hospitality to Open Boutique Hotel in Portland, Maine’s Historic West End District
Post Company | December 13, 2022
5 Telltale Signs It’s Time to Change Your S&C System and Why It’s Quicker and Easier Than You Might Think
Ryan Hamilton | July 6, 2022
All Things Independent
Driftwood Hospitality Acquires Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort in Florida; Renovation To Begin
Driftwood Hospitality Management | October 7, 2013
North Palm Beach, FL - October 7, 2013 - Driftwood Hospitality Management today announced its acquisition of the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort. Perfectly positioned on the white-sand shoreline of Florida's famous Cocoa Beach, the 295-room resort will undergo a phased $14M renovation, including upgrades to the guestrooms, public spaces and expansion of the pool bar. "One of the reasons Driftwood acquired the Hilton Cocoa Beach is due to the resort's location, just minutes from Cape Canaveral, which is the second busiest cruise port in North America, as well as Orlando, which welcomed more than 57 million tourists in 2012," said St...
The Oceanside Inn & Suites, Jekyll Island, Georgia to be Liquidated by Public Sale, Oct. 10, 2013
NCL, National Content Liquidators, Inc. | October 7, 2013
Sale Begins Thursday, October 10th At 10:00 A.M. GEORGIA (October, 2013)-- National Content Liquidators, Inc. (NCL), the leading liquidation management company for the hospitability industry, will open the doors of the Oceanside Inn and Suites, Jekyll Island, Georgia to the public on Thursday, October 10th at 10:00 A.M. for a liquidation sale. Hundreds of pieces of furniture, fixtures, equipment, décor and accessories will be sold at this oceanfront, 178-room hotel, located at 711 North Beachview Drive. The sale will continue for the next 30 days or until sold out. Early arrival is encouraged as the sale is first come, first serve. Adm...
The 191-key Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait Re-Opens after a Three Year Extensive Renovation
the Rezidor Hotel Group | October 7, 2013
07 Oct 2013 - Carlson Rezidor, one of the ten largest hotel groups worldwide, announces the re-opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait in September, 2013, after a three year renovation period. The property holds particular significance, both within the company history - as the first Radisson Blu hotel outside of Scandinavia, and as an iconic meeting place for the capital city. Wolfgang M. Neumann, President & CEO of The Rezidor Hotel Group, commented, "The re-opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait signifies the launch of a new chapter of history for the property, which opened in 1980 with my predecessor, Kurt Ritter, as General M...
Kay French Named as General Manager for Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Downtown-Tutwiler in LA
HRI Lodging | October 7, 2013
NEW ORLEANS, LA (October 7, 2013) - Kay French has been named general manager for the Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Downtown-Tutwiler, announced Gary Gutierrez, president of HRI Lodging, which manages the historic downtown property. French was most recently the general manager of The Hotel Highland at Five Points South in Birmingham. There, she assisted in the renovation and conversion of the hotel and managed all day-to-day operations. Prior to that, French worked for Integral Hospitality for three years as a human resources director for the Tutwiler Hotel and a general manager for the Hampton Inn in Rome, Georgia. She was also p...
Seeing the Industry Through Rose Colored Glasses by Fritz Kummer
Fritz Kummer, LLC | October 7, 2013
Has the hospitality industry turned the corner to improved prosperity? Recent studies and conference presentations surely suggest business is on the upswing. But after recently sitting through two days of presentations at The Lodging Conference 2013 in Phoenix and afterward personally experiencing the sub-par service everyday guests often receive, I sometimes wonder, 'Are we seeing the industry through rose-colored glasses?' An executive's perception often is not reality. With a significant portion of the attendees and general session presenters being C-level individuals and who run their own company or business unit I heard that the ne...
Robert Vitale Joins Prestige Hospitality Group as Director of Operations
Prestige Hospitality Group | October 7, 2013
ALBANY, NY, October 7, 2013 - James C. Frenis, CHA, Chief Executive Officer of Prestige Hospitality Group has announced that Robert Vitale has joined the company as Director of Operations. As Director of Operations, Mr. Vitale will focus on operational and financial strategies to improve performance and guest satisfaction at existing and new hotel management assignments across the Northeast. "Mr. Vitale brings two decades of experience with all facets of hotel management including financial, sales and marketing, training, and property operations," said Mr. Frenis. "We are delighted that he has joined our team." Mr. Vitale has nearly twe...
Defenders Lodge, Free Hotel for Veterans Undergoing Medical Care, to Open in Palo Alto, CA in 2014
the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation (the PenFed Foundation) | October 7, 2013
To Offer 52 First-Class Private Rooms, 104 Beds for VA Patients October 7, 2013, WASHINGTON - The Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation (PenFed Foundation), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization working to meet the unmet needs of military personnel and their families, is putting the finishing touches on the nation's largest free hotel for short-term stay for veterans undergoing medical care. The Defenders Lodge, made possible through a generous donation by Lee and Penny Anderson, will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony next week with doors to officially open for guests in January 2014. "For years, veterans and service members g...
The Southern Living Hotel Collection Welcomes Four New Hotels
the Southern Living Hotel Collection | October 7, 2013
The Willcox Inn, The Henderson Park Inn, The Swag, and The Inn at Willow Grove ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2013 -- The Southern Living Hotel Collection, (www.SouthernLivingHotelCollection.com) a small, curated group of independent, four-and five-star level hotels, resorts and inns that span 18 Southern states and offers the best in authentic Southern hospitality is pleased to welcome its newest members: The Willcox Inn (Aiken, SC), The Henderson Park Inn (Destin, FL), The Swag (Waynesville, NC), and The Inn at Willow Grove (Orange, VA). Since its launch this past July, the Collection has grown from its 15 premier hotels, resorts and inns to 19 car...
Hotel & Resort Digital Marketing Budgets: Avoid the Headaches & Get it Right! – Part 3 of 3
Vizergy | October 7, 2013
By: William Bellis III, Senior Corporate Marketing Manager at Vizergy®, with contributions from Joe Hyman, President & CEO, and Paul Fraser, Director of Product Management _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Part one of this series helped you get confidently set up for your 2014 digital marketing budget planning. It shed light on key issues that you should consider. Part two highlighted primary digital marketing channels and initiatives vital to all property types in 2014. Part three will now recommend dollar percentage alloc...
Hotel Ella Opens in Austin, Texas Completing the Restoration of Historic Goodall Wooten Mansion
Hotel Ella | October 7, 2013
Austin, TX (October 7, 2013) - The highly-anticipated opening of Austin's Hotel Ella has arrived today, following a multi-million dollar restoration of the historic city landmark known as the Goodall Wooten Mansion. A gorgeous Greek Revival property built at the turn of the 20th century by notable Austinites, Dr. Goodall and Ella Wooten, it is only fitting that the hotel's grand opening coincides with what would be the couple's 116th wedding anniversary. "I'm most excited about paying homage to the couple through what we think their home would have been like today," says General Manager Steve Shotsberger. "I cannot wait to welcome guest...
Bernstein Companies & Bell View Partners to Open 135-room Aloft Raleigh in 2015 in North Carolina
Aloft Hotels | October 7, 2013
STAMFORD, Conn. - October 7, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) today announced that its sizzling Aloft brand is set to arrive in Raleigh, North Carolina. Aloft Raleigh is slated to open in mid-2015 on Hillsborough Street, across the street from North Carolina State University's iconic bell tower. Owned by a joint venture between the Bernstein Companies and Bell View Partners, Aloft Raleigh will feature 135 spacious, loft-like rooms, tech-forward innovation and a buzzing social atmosphere. It will be the brand's fifth hotel in North Carolina. "We are delighted to debut Aloft in Raleigh and expect the hotel...
IHG and Bierwirth & Kluth Hotelmanagement GmbH to Develop Five Hotels Across Germany
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | October 7, 2013
7 October, 2013 - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world's largest hotel companies, has concluded a multi-development franchise agreement with Bierwirth & Kluth Hotelmanagement GmbH to develop five hotels across Germany. The first hotel under the agreement – Holiday Inn Hamburg - City Nord – has already been signed. This is IHG's sixth multiple development agreement (MDA) with a partner in Germany, continuing the momentum of the growth of its brands in Europe. The hotels signed under this agreement will include up to four of IHG's hotel brands – Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn® and Holiday Inn Exp...
Dublin, Ireland’s The Burlington to Become DoubleTree by Hilton Dublin – Burlington Road
DoubleTree By Hilton | October 4, 2013
October 04, 2013 - DUBLIN, Ireland and MCLEAN, Va. - DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the rebranding of one of Dublin's most renowned hotels, formerly The Burlington, to become DoubleTree by Hilton Dublin - Burlington Road. A phased programme of investment is underway to renovate the hotel, expected to complete by spring 2014, rejuvenating it with all the hallmarks of the upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand. DoubleTree by Hilton Dublin - Burlington Road is the largest hotel in the M50 belt, with 2,100 square metres of banqueting, ballroom space and conference facilities for up to 1,400 delegates. The introduction of a dedicated floor...
Man with Checkered Past Clears Slate; Renovation Going Forward for Metropolitan Hotel, Hilton Head
New California Hotels Corporation | October 4, 2013
HILTON HEAD, S.C., Oct. 4, 2013 - The Man with the Checkered past (as mentioned in an article dated by June 19, 2013 Island Packet) has cleared the slate to move forward on renovations of the Metropolitan Hotel Hilton Head, South Carolina. New California Hotels Corporation has paid $111,300 to the Beaufort County Treasurer as of Tuesday, October 1, 2013. The payment settled all of the property tax certificates that were outstanding on the property. "I'm clearing the way for development of our hotel, we've had a lot of challenges, and I feel like I'm playing chess navigating through the various setbacks such as code and fire issues, yet ...
Colin Sanderson Named Director of Sales & Marketing for Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, Illinois
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa | October 4, 2013
GALENA, Ill. (Oct. 4, 2013) - Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa (www.eagleridge.com) is pleased to announce Colin Sanderson as the new director of sales and marketing for the renowned resort located in Galena, Ill. As director of sales and marketing, Sanderson is responsible for all aspects of sales and marketing for the resort including marketing of 63 holes on four award-winning golf courses, accommodations that range from quaint Inn rooms to more than 200 villas and distinctive homes, over 15,000 square feet of meeting space, award-winning restaurants, and spa. A 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Sanderson has a successful trac...
Embassy Suites Denver Downtown – Convention Center Names Mike Rayburn Director of Sales & Marketing
the Embassy Suites Denver Downtown Convention Center | October 4, 2013
Denver, Colo. (Oct. 4, 2013) - The Embassy Suites Denver Downtown - Convention Center is pleased to announce that Mike Rayburn is now serving as the Director of Sales & Marketing. Rayburn brings more than 15 years of diverse hospitality industry experience to the Embassy Suites Denver Downtown, which is managed by Denver's Sage Hospitality. Rayburn has worked for Sage Hospitality since 2009, most recently serving as the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Denver Airport Marriott, where his team was named Sage's 2012 "Sales Team of the Year." A graduate of Purdue University, he also previously served as the Director of Group Sal...
Hotel Math: Two Plus Two: This is meant for hoteliers only. If you aren’t one, stop reading.
Dr. Gabor Forgacs | October 4, 2013
by Dr. Gabor Forgacs There is a new GM appointed to the hotel. He is keen to get to know his team as fast as possible. He has an idea: he goes around and asks the same question from each manager. Based on their answers, he figures he can see what expectations would be realistic. His question to each manager is: "How much is two plus two?" The answers he got from the department heads were as follows: Director of Housekeeping: There is no way we can get it up to four. My girls are so overstretched, they need to be paid overtime to meet this target. Director of Rooms: You know Boss, I can explain this. On most days, yes, it would be around...
Six Senses Appoints Julia Gajcak to Group Role as VP Marketing and Communications
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas | October 4, 2013
Six Senses Home Office, Bangkok - 4 October 2013 - Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is pleased to announce that Julia Gajcak has joined as Vice President Marketing and Communications. A seasoned professional who brings a wealth of experience from her previous global roles, Julia will focus on all avenues of communication and public relations, responsible for corporate, hotels, resorts and spas. Julia will work closely with Marie Giuge-Perry, Vice President Sales & Marketing, who will continue to be responsible for overall group sales and marketing strategies. She will report directly to Marie. "We are delighted be welcome Julia to the...
The Best Western Plus Glenview Chicagoland Inn & Suites to Open Next Month Through Conversion
| October 4, 2013
GLENVIEW, Ill., Oct. 4, 2013 -- The Glenview Inn & Suites is preparing to reopen as the new Best Western Plus - Glenview Chicagoland Inn & Suites following a multi-million dollar renovation and remodeling. The renovation and rebranding of the 110 room hotel, at 4514 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, Illinois 60026, will be complete in November 2013. The new Best Western Plus - Glenview Chicagoland Inn & Suites (www.GlenviewSuites.com), formerly a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, has undergone a massive renovation and enhancement to all of its 110 guestrooms and suites. In addition the Lobby, public areas, and onsite meeting...
Marriott CEO Tells U.S. Congress: Get Back to Work; Shutdown Is a Failure of Political Leadership
Arne Sorenson, President & CEO of Marriott International | October 4, 2013
by Arne Sorenson, President & CEO of Marriott International Marriott International's headquarters is just a few miles north of America's Capitol, the epicenter of the profoundly disappointing federal government shutdown and a looming confrontation on the debt ceiling. The impacts ripple well beyond Washington, D.C. and past U.S. borders. Others from around the world are watching this circus, which is embarrassing at best. Just like in each of the last few years, we are confronted with a failure of our political leadership that threatens an economy that wants to turn the corner to higher growth and employment. With the major attracti...
Robert Finvarb Companies & Hyatt to Develop New Hyatt South Beach; Island Hospitality to Manage
Hyatt | October 4, 2013
Will be the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Miami Beach, Fla. CHICAGO (October 4, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with an affiliate of Robert Finvarb Companies to develop Hyatt South Beach, a hotel to be located at 1600 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, Fla. An affiliate of Robert Finvarb Companies, led by Robert Finvarb, will develop the property and the hotel will be managed by Island Hospitality Management. Construction of Hyatt South Beach is expected to begin in late 2013, and the hotel is slated to open in 2015. "We are excited to be bringing the ...
The Resort Sector Makes a Comeback After a Facelift Accounting for 18.4% of Investment Transactions
Jones Lang LaSalle | October 4, 2013
Resort trades at 18.4% account for highest proportion of hotels sales in eight years CHICAGO, Oct.4, 2013 — As one of the hardest hit asset classes during the recession due to diminished capacity from leisure and incentive group travelers, the resort sector has dramatically improved this year accounting for 18.4 percent of total investment transaction volume in the hospitality sector. The $2.46 billion of transactions through year-to-date August 2013 marks the highest volume in the segment since 2007 and more than triple the prior-year period. The U.S. resort sector represents 13 percent of the total U.S. hotel room supply, comprised ...
Radisson Porto Alegre to Open in Brazil Later This Month; Renovation Planned for the 132-room Hotel
October 4, 2013
PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (Oct. 04, 2013) - Radisson, one of the world's best-recognized hotel brands, today announced the signing of the Radisson Porto Alegre, Brazil with an expected opening of Oct. 31, 2013. A multi-million dollar renovation is planned for the 132-room designer hotel. As Radisson further expands in South America, this hotel marks the seventh Radisson in Brazil, with several additional properties joining the portfolio by first quarter 2014. "Investing in Brazil requires patience and strong local connectivity. Through our strategic partnership with Atlantica Hotels International (Brazil), we have a strong foothold in key ma...
LHR Hospitality Management Opens 102-room Four Points By Sheraton Minot; A Debut for Starwood in ND
Four Points by Sheraton | October 4, 2013
Stamford, CT - October 4, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced it has made its debut in North Dakota with the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Minot. Locally owned, it is operated by LHR Hospitality Management of St. Paul, MN. The 102-room property which opened in November 2012 recently completed a $900,000 renovation to implement all the Four Points by Sheraton brand standards and signature amenities. "We are proud that Four Points by Sheraton is the first brand to launch in North Dakota and look forward to giving travelers a fresh, new option in Minot's busting business district," said Bri...