Uncommon Hospitality to Open Boutique Hotel in Portland, Maine’s Historic West End District
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Ryan Hamilton | July 6, 2022
All Things Independent
Golden Nugget Acquires 800-key Hotel and Casino Development in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Golden Nugget | July 26, 2013
HOUSTON, July 26, 2013 -- Tilman J. Fertitta, owner of Golden Nugget Casinos, announced today the expansion of the Golden Nugget brand into the Louisiana and South Texas market with the acquisition of the Casino Resort and Hotel currently under construction and next door to the highly successful L'Auberge Lake Charles Casino Resort located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, which is currently under construction, and the last gaming license issued by the state of Louisiana, will be one of the most luxurious gaming resorts outside of the Las Vegas strip. The property, only two hours from Houston, Texas, will c...
Starwood Reports Q2 2013 Net Income of $137M, Worldwide Systemwide RevPAR increased 4.4%
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | July 26, 2013
STAMFORD, Conn.---Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today reported second quarter 2013 financial results. View the full press release with tables. Second Quarter 2013 Highlights Excluding special items, EPS from continuing operations was $0.79. Including special items, EPS from continuing operations was $0.71. Adjusted EBITDA was $333 million, which included $30 million of EBITDA from the St. Regis Bal Harbour residential project. Excluding special items, income from continuing operations was $153 million. Including special items, income from continuing operations was $137 million. Worldwide Systemwide REVPA...
Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff Johannesburg to Open in South Africa in Q2 2014
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | July 26, 2013
Following the Renovation and Conversion of The Westcliff Hotel TORONTO, July 26, 2013 -- Four Seasons continues to expand its presence in Africa, signing a long term management agreement with the owners of The Westcliff hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. The iconic property, set on a cliffside garden estate in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, was closed on June 30, 2013 to undergo significant enhancements including renovations and new construction and will reopen as Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff Johannesburg in the second quarter of 2014. "Africa's economic growth, improved stability and ease of travel have made the continent incr...
Choice Hotels Reports Q2 2013 Net Income of $28.2M, Domestic system-wide RevPAR Grows 3.5%
Choice Hotels | July 26, 2013
ROCKVILLE, Md., July 26, 2013 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc., (NYSE: CHH) today reported the following highlights for the second quarter of 2013: View the full press release with tables. Franchising revenues increased 6% to $82.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 from $77.8 million for the same period of 2012. Total revenues increased 6% to $183.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012. Domestic royalty fees for the three months ended June 30, 2013 increased 4% to $62.2 million from $59.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012. Domestic system-wide revenue...
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust to Re-Brand the Delfina Santa Monica as Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | July 26, 2013
BETHESDA, Md. - July 26, 2013 - Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) (the "Company") today announced that it will be re-branding its 310-room Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica as the Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica. This conversion is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2013. Viceroy Hotels and Resorts will continue to manage the property. "We're very excited about the up-branding of our Delfina Santa Monica hotel to the Le Méridien brand," said Jon E. Bortz, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust. "Starwood and Viceroy have been excellent contributors to our success at this property and w...
New Google Maps for Desktop and What it Means for Hoteliers / Denise Cooper
Denise Cooper | July 26, 2013
Google is rolling out a new immersive map experience for the web – fully interactive and tailored just for you. The more you use the map, the more it learns from you based on your searches and your favorites (if you're signed into Google). Be it finding the nearest ice cream shop or an ideal fitness center, the new Google Maps for desktop is everything but judgmental. It offers not only ways to get where you want to go but also interesting information (via cards) and comparisons to help you make a decision that is right for you. You can gain insight from Google+ friends and reviews on places you search. As you use it over time, it bec...
New Study Says Government Travel for Meetings Leads to Greater Productivity, Efficiency
The U.S. Travel Association | July 26, 2013
July 26, 2013 - Washington, D.C. - Traveling for meetings and conferences is vital to making government more efficient and effective, according to a new study conducted by Rockport Analytics for the U.S. Travel Association. In contrast, cancelling government participation in key events carries significant costs and undermines important functions of government. "The Value of Government Meetings" report, a comprehensive study of the benefits of government meetings and events, is the first to evaluate the impact of sweeping cuts made to federal and state government travel budgets on the public and private sectors. "Public agencies at all l...
Interstate Hotels & Resorts’ Jim Abrahamson Named U.S. Travel National Chair
The U.S. Travel Association | July 26, 2013
July 26, 2013 - Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Travel Association today announced the appointment of Jim Abrahamson, CEO of Interstate Hotels & Resorts, as its new national chair. Abrahamson, who previously served as first vice chair, succeeds Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Rossi Ralenkotter in this role. He will serve as national chair through December 2014. "It is with great excitement that we welcome Jim as our new national chair," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "With the travel industry operating as one of the most vigorous sectors of the U.S. economy and ranking as Ame...
Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. Awarded Hampton Developer of the Year by Hilton
Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. | July 26, 2013
Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. announced that it was named the 2012 Developer of the Year for the Hampton Brand by Hilton Worldwide. President & CEO Mitch Patel of the Chattanooga-based company said, "We couldn't be happier about this accomplishment and our longstanding partnership with Hilton. We have the greatest confidence in the Hampton Brand and the team at Hilton." Vision is currently on pace to open five Hampton-branded properties this year. ...
Renovations Are Complete at the New Aqua Skyline at Island Colony in Honolulu, Hawaii
July 26, 2013
Honolulu, Hawaii - July 26, 2013 - Renovations are officially complete as Aqua Hotels and Resorts' unveils the new Aqua Skyline at Island Colony. Featuring 110 rooms within the 740-room building, the property underwent a $6 million renovation to emerge as a modern hotel experience with restyled guest rooms, a fashionable new lobby area with coffee bar, upgraded pool and outdoor areas, meeting space and a new fitness center. "Aqua Skyline is fresh and contemporary, with an ideal location just steps from all Waikiki has to offer," said Elizabeth Churchill, senior vice president of sales and marketing. "The upgraded hotel amenities along w...
Jin Jiang International to Open Liangdu Jin Jiang Hotspring International Hotel in China in Q2 2014
Jin Jiang International Hotel Management Company Ltd. | July 26, 2013
SHANGHAI, July 26, 2013 -- Jin Jiang International Hotel Management Company officially announces the securing of the management contract of Liangdu Jin Jiang Hotspring International Hotel with Liangdu Hotel Management Co. Ltd. The hotel is scheduled to open at the end of May, 2014. Liangdu Jin Jiang Hotspring International Hotel is located in the prefecture level municipality, Liupanshui City in Western Guizhou Province, Southwest China. It is connected to the West with Yunnan Province and to the East with Anshun City. Also known as 'Cool City,' Liupanshui is a rapidly developing industrial city and one of the most important resource de...
Hyatt Affiliate and Kamala Bay Ventures to Open Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort in Thailand in Late 2013
Kamala Bay Ventures | July 26, 2013
CHICAGO (July 26, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Kamala Bay Ventures Co., Ltd. for a Hyatt Regency hotel in Phuket, Thailand. The hotel will be the first Hyatt-branded resort to open in Phuket, one of Southeast Asia's premier resort destinations. Expected to open in late 2013, Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort will join two existing Hyatt-branded hotels in Thailand, including Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok and Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. "We are excited to bring the Hyatt Regency brand to one of the region's most sought after resort destinations," said Ra...
The 525-room San Juan Marriott Resort in Puerto Rico Begins $8 Million Guestroom Renovation
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino | July 26, 2013
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - July 26, 2013 - The San Juan Marriott Resort has begun an $8 million renovation, focused on upgrades to all 525 guestrooms and balconies. The redesign will bring the look and feel of the rooms in line with the ongoing modernization of the rest of the resort, geared to meet demands of the ever-changing customer. Renovations are slated for completion by early December. The new room product will reflect a more upscale, residential ambience, combining warm wooden tones in furnishings with fresh splashes of color to signify the tropical location. Additionally, new 47-inch TVs, balcony furniture, and sandy textured car...
Best Western International Plans For 13 Hotels in West Africa; Adds New Hotels in Nigeria and Ghana
Best Western International, Inc. | July 26, 2013
PHOENIX - July 26, 2013 - Best Western International has announced the addition of three new hotels to the brand's West African portfolio and with eight properties open, and five additional hotels in the pipeline, the World's Biggest Hotel Family® plans to have more than 1,300 rooms in West Africa. The newest additions to the Best Western hotel family are the BEST WESTERN PLUS Ajuji Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria and the BEST WESTERN Starfire Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, giving the brand six hotels in Africa's most populous country. Best Western also announced the addition of the BEST WESTERN PLUS Atlantic Hotel in industrial and commercial hub o...
Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center Wins Prestigious “Pinnacle Award” for 26th Year
Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center | July 26, 2013
The Benchmark Resort also a recipient of the Excellence Award, Travelocity The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, July 2013 ... Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading US-based hospitality management company, has announced that Successful Meetings, a national magazine, has recognized Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center as one of the best meeting venues in the United States. This is the 26th year Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center has won the prestigious award, more than any other property in the country or in the history of the award. It was also announced that Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center received the Excellenc...
Pro Invest Group to Open 15 Holiday Inn Express Hotels in Australia Totaling 2100 Bedrooms
July 26, 2013
New Delhi, India, 26 July 2013: IHG (InterContinental Hotel Group) today announced that international investment company, Pro Invest Group, has established a $150 million fund to develop a portfolio of 15 Holiday Inn Express hotels across Australia. Pro Invest has created a property development and hotel operating company to build and operate an initial 15 Holiday Inn Express hotels, totalling approximately 2,100 rooms, in central business, suburban and airport locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. IHG will enter into franchise agreements for each of the hotels under a multiple development agreement signed between the two ...
Babson Executive Conference Center Maximizes Customer Experience with UniFocus Satisfaction Survey
Babson Executive Conference Center (BECC) | July 26, 2013
Babson Executive Conference Center (BECC) is escalating their guests' experience with the help of UniFocus' Survey Solutions. With a diverse and wide-ranging customer base, BECC is committed to their brand promise of giving guests a meeting experience that defies ordinary, while delivering service that defines extraordinary. GUESTScope provides the management teams at BECC the insight necessary to deliver their brand promise. "Flexibility to meet the needs of our customers is the biggest key," says Chuck Currid, General Manager of Babson Executive Conference Center. "We have the ability to personalize the experience for each of our gues...
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What really matters to guests in resort hotels is personal transfer, wi-fi, and property safety
Status Solutions | July 25, 2013
Jennifer Dunphey and Konrad Rzasa, hoteliers, travel connoisseurs, and serial entrepreneurs, have a popular Facebook destination for high end global travel, White Collar Vagabond. From tips to traveling with your dog across borders to how to outfit your Costa Rican cabina on the cheap (get goods in Panama), the site is a treasure trove of how global citizens live the good life. Recently, in conjunction with hotel situational awareness authority Status Solutions, the pair posted a few questions to their 9,000 followers about what really matters in the boutique hotel experience. They asked questions about safety and service that are top o...
Developer Sagar Kumar Reveals Plans for New Hotel Fuel, a 142-room Boutique Hotel in Midland, TX
Yatra & Travelguru.com | July 25, 2013
July 25--A developer announced Wednesday afternoon his intent to bring a high end hotel to the Midland's downtown district, with a grand opening scheduled for Winter 2014. Hotel Fuel, a 142-unit boutique-style hotel, will take over the vacant Western United Life Building at 301 W. Texas Ave. It will include a restaurant, bar, fitness center, several meeting and board rooms and hotel rooms. For parking, hotel developer Sagar Kumar will donate the neighboring Building of the Southwest to the city of Midland, which he currently owns and is west of the hotel site. The city will then demolish the building, which will become parking exclusive...
Wyndham Reports Q2 2013 Net Income of $133 million and System-wide RevPAR Increase of 2.1%
Wyndham Worldwide | July 24, 2013
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (July 24, 2013) – Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:WYN) today announced results for the three months ended June 30, 2013. "We once again delivered strong results this quarter, reflecting great operating momentum and disciplined capital allocation," said Stephen P. Holmes, chairman and CEO. "This winning combination, along with continued innovation and a commitment to customer service, has enabled us to achieve outstanding results for our shareholders during our seven years as a public company, which is an anniversary we mark next week. The decision by our Board of Directors to increase our share repurchase authoriz...
Lodging Interactive to Launch Innovative New Service for Hospitality Industry
Lodging Interactive | July 24, 2013
Parsippany, N.J. — July 24, 2013 — Lodging Interactive announced today an innovative new service for the hospitality industry, www.HotelFAQs.info. Powered by proprietary technology developed by Lodging Interactive and enhanced by professional copywriting services of its CoMMingle Social Media Marketing division, HotelFAQs.info enables hotel websites to offer comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions ("FAQs") pages. The results are increased booking conversion rates, reduced customer calls to the front desk and exceptional online customer service. "Online shopping websites clearly understand the value of offering their shoppers Frequ...
The Hotel Group Completes Renovations of Twelve Hotels in its Portfolio; Upgrades Total $22 Million
The Hotel Group (THG) | July 24, 2013
Edmonds, Wash. (July 24, 2013) - Edmonds, Wash.-based The Hotel Group (THG) is pleased to announce the completion of a $22 million renovation of 12 hotels in six states since January 2012. As the property management company overseeing the renovations, The Hotel Group provides support to hotel owners renovating properties with fresh, contemporary enhancements to provide inviting accommodations and updated spaces for business and leisure travelers alike. "The Hotel Group and our owners have a strong commitment to transforming properties and continually evolving the experience for our guests," said Doug Dreher, president and CEO of The Hot...
Kimpton’s Historic 416-key Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco Completes $10 Million Renovation
| July 24, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO, July 24, 2013 -- Originally built in 1928, Kimpton's Sir Francis Drake unveils the completion of its multi-million dollar renovation during its 85th anniversary. The iconic boutique hotel sits 21 stories high in the heart of the city, mere steps from Union Square. The completed renovation features a sophisticated and opulent modern design that perfectly complements the historic spirit and original Gothic Revival and Regency architecture of the hotel. All popular public spaces, including the famed Starlight Room; 18,000 square feet of meeting and event space; and 416 guest rooms and suites have been completely redesigned b...
Wheelock Street Capital Acquires Six Hotel Portfolio Totaling 703 Rooms in Texas, Tennessee and Ohio
Wheelock Street Capital, L.L.C. | July 24, 2013
GREENWICH, Conn. - July 24, 2103 - Wheelock Street Capital announced today that affiliates of Wheelock have acquired a six hotel portfolio, with a total of 703 rooms located in Texas, Tennessee and Ohio. The portfolio includes five Marriott-branded hotels and one Hilton-branded asset. On July 1st, Wheelock acquired the hotels from affiliates of Lingate Hospitality Group, a well-regarded owner-operator and developer. The hotels include three assets in Texas, the 138-room Hilton Garden Inn – Austin Arboretum, the 113-room Marriott Courtyard – Round Rock, and the 125-room Marriott Courtyard - College Station, along with two hotels in N...
