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All Things Independent
Newly Renovated and Rebranded, the 265-room Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort Opens in the UAE
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | February 3, 2014
February 03, 2014 - DUBAI, UAE & MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today announced the official opening of the 265-room Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort, formerly known as Al Hamra Fort & Beach Resort, following an extensive two-year refurbishment. With direct access to an 18-hole championship golf course and with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and nearby Hajar Mountains, Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort features an inspired mix of 181 villas and suites, 75 deluxe guest rooms and nine luxurious suites. Regarded as a landmark hotel in the prestigious Al Hamra district of Ras Al Khaimah, the comprehensive conversion...
Mobile Bookings Surge in 2013
Pegasus Solutions | February 3, 2014
Reservations Booked via Mobile Devices Using the OpenView Internet Booking Engine Surpass 2013 Levels, as Presented by PhoCusWright at FITUR DALLAS (February 3, 2014) – Mobile and tablet bookings for Pegasus client hotels made using the OpenView Internet booking engine amounted to more than 15% of all reservations in 2013. Clients of Pegasus Solutions' web services division enjoyed a boost from the channel, surpassing the industry-wide 11% for the year, as presented by PhoCusWright at FITUR in Madrid. "A year ago, we suggested hotels were responsible for the prevalence or lack of mobile bookings for their hotels," said David Millili, ...
Autograph Collection Set to Debut in Sydney, Australia, San Diego, California and Chicago
Autograph Collection | February 3, 2014
To Welcome Pier One Sydney Harbour, Pier South Resort in San Diego and the Hotel Chicago Bethesda, Md., February 3, 2014 – The Autograph Collection, an exclusive portfolio of hotels recognized for championing independence, is thrilled to announce its debut in three of the world's most exciting destinations. This season, Autograph Collection proudly welcomes Pier One Sydney Harbour in Sydney, Australia, the ocean front Pier South Resort in San Diego, California, and the Hotel Chicago (formerly the Hotel Sax) in Chicago, Illinois. Nearing 60 hotels worldwide, these three new extraordinary hotel experiences represent Autograph Collectio...
Accuracy Remains High for PKF’s Latest Forecast Assessment of Lodging Industry
PKF Consulting USA, LLC | February 3, 2014
February 3, 2014, Atlanta, Ga. - PKF Hospitality Research, LLC (PKF-HR) released the results of their latest assessment of the accuracy of their Hotel Horizons® forecasts for the U.S. lodging industry. This is the third periodic review conducted by PKF-HR since 2005 and is an important and critical component of the firm's forecasting efforts. "When we initially entered the econometric forecasting business 14 years ago, we committed ourselves to a process of continuous self-evaluation," said R. Mark Woodworth, president of PKF-HR. "The findings from these analyses inform the nuts and bolts of our ongoing forecasting efforts. Plus it ena...
George Sotelo Appointed General Manager of Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Puerto Rico
The Reserve | February 3, 2014
DORADO BEACH, PUERTO RICO (February 3, 2014) - George Sotelo has been named General Manager of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve announced Katharine Monahan, Market Vice President, Caribbean & Latin America region for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Sotelo will serve at the helm of the exclusive ultra-luxury resort in Puerto Rico which opened December 2012 as the first Reserve property in North America, a new collection of bespoke luxury properties in secluded settings around the world. With its iconic heritage, cherished Laurance Rockefeller legacy and distinctive amenities, the luxury resort in Puerto Rico offers the per...
B4Checkin Elevates City Clubs’ Guest Service with Customizable Online Member Feedback Solution
B4Checkin | February 3, 2014
University Club of Chicago, New York Athletic Club among properties reporting enhanced member/guest satisfaction following implementation of B4Feedback Orlando - February 3, 2014 - Two of the nation's leading city clubs are benefitting from enhanced service levels and a wealth of member/guest intelligence resulting from implementation of an online member feedback solution from B4Checkin, producer of the hospitality industry's premier fully customizable reservations system and guest satisfaction feedback tools. With B4Feedback, B4Checkin's electronic feedback and reporting solution, University Club of Chicago and New York Athletic Club h...
Highgate Hotels Names John Trovato Managing Director of the 725-key Lexington New York City
The Lexington New York City | February 3, 2014
New York (NY) - February 3, 2014 - Highgate Hotels announced today the appointment of John Trovato as Managing Director of the storied Lexington New York City located in the heart of midtown Manhattan. A dedicated manager who draws upon 20 plus years' experience in the hospitality industry, Trovato is responsible for all operations at the 725-room property, which recently joined Marriott International's prestigious Autograph Collection and completed a $46 million transformation. Trovato joins The Lexington New York City following a ten-year run as General Manager of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York. During his tenure, Trovato managed dai...
Hotel Industry Veteran Sharon Duffy Joins Nor1 as SVP of Global Operations
Nor1, Inc. | February 3, 2014
Upsell Leader Expands its Footprint Worldwide February 3, 2014 - Santa Clara, CA - Nor1, Inc., the technology leader in upsell solutions, today announced that Sharon Duffy has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Global Operations. Duffy brings 30 years of hospitality experience to Nor1, most recently serving as VP, Brand and Franchise Revenue, at Hilton Worldwide. The appointment comes as Nor1's products gain increasing market share worldwide. The company has offices in London, Frankfurt, Singapore and Mexico,, in addition to its corporate headquarters in Silicon Valley. "We are excited to have Sharon join our team. Her leade...
Meliá Hotels to Debut in Morocco with Management of Three New Hotels Under Development in Saidia Med
the Company Saidia Development | February 3, 2014
3rd February 2014: Meliá Hotels International signed an agreement to manage three new hotels under the Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand, to be developed in the tourist destination of Saidia Med, including a beach hotel, club hotel and luxury serviced apartments. Meliá Hotels International has joined forces with SDS, a partnership between the major Moroccan group CDG and the Moroccan Tourism Development Fund. Anasshouir Alami, Chairman of SDS explained that "Meliá has been chosen to operate the new luxury hotels due to its leadership and international experience in leisure travel, which will be key to the development and success of S...
Plans for Oxford Suites Paso Robles in California Approved by City
BuildCentral | February 3, 2014
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Add/Update 167 Hotel Projects to the New Hotel Construction Projects Database Chicago, IL. February 3, 2014 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have added or updated 167 hotel projects in the last two weeks to Hotel Construction, a nationwide database of hotel construction projects, openings, and key decision makers (Owner/Developers, Architects and Contractors). These proposed hotels are still in the planning stages. Now is the perfect time to have your product drawn into plans, or offer construction services: Harbor Bay Club Hotel (Alameda , CA) Statler Hotel Site Redevelopment/Fitzgerald Place Complex (D...
Acoustic Privacy for Hotel Rooms Achieved with New Product
STC Architectural Products, LLC | February 3, 2014
Buffalo, NY - February 3, 2014 - Hotel owners and operators need to limit noise between rooms to avoid complaints about so-called "paper-thin walls." On-line comments and reviews from displeased visitors can poorly affect occupancy. Bad experiences with noise do not return loyal patrons. However, the walls aren't always the problem - it's the holes in the wall created by recessed electrical outlets that create "flanking paths" which leak sound through from the neighboring room. "A paper cup holds water as well as a thicker plastic or glass cup" says Paul Battaglia, President of the newly-formed company STC Architectural Products. "But i...
The 150-room Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Owensboro/Waterfront Opens in Kentucky
Hampton Hotels | February 3, 2014
Owned by Bryant Downtown Hotel, LLC February 03, 2014 -OWENSBORO, Ky. and MCLEAN, Va. - Hampton Hotels, Hilton Worldwide's global brand of more than 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 150-room Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Owensboro/ Waterfront located at 401 West Second Street. "Hampton combines quality, innovation, comfort and plenty of value-added extras, making it the brand of choice in the marketplace today," said John Morton, general manager, Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Owensboro/Waterfront. "Quality accomm...
Development is Underway for 139-room Aloft Sarasota to Open in Florida in August 2015
Aloft Hotels | February 3, 2014
Owned by JV Between JWM One Palm Avenue, LLC and iStar Financial February 03, 2014 - STAMFORD, Conn. - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that its leading-edge Aloft® brand plans to debut in Sarasota, Florida in August 2015. Owned by a joint venture between JWM One Palm Avenue, LLC and iStar Financial, Aloft Sarasota will offer 139 spacious, loft-like rooms, urban-influenced design and a vibrant, social atmosphere. "We look forward to introducing Aloft to Sarasota, our seventh Aloft in the state, catering to the next generation of travelers with initiatives in music, design and technology," said Br...
Plans Released for the Nobu Hotel and Restaurant at the Eden Roc Miami Beach in Florida
Nobu Hospitality | February 3, 2014
Eden Roc, Nobu Hospitality & Destination Hotels & Resorts to Create this 'Hotel within a Hotel' MIAMI, Feb 3, 2014 -- Nobu Hospitality LLC and Eden Roc LLLP announced plans for the Nobu Hotel within the Eden Roc Miami Beach. The Nobu Hotel and Restaurant will be a 'hotel within a hotel' comparable in tactic to the highly successful Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace Las Vegas which was named as one of the Hottest New Hotels of 2013 by CNN. The strategy with the Nobu Hotel at Eden Roc is centered upon underscoring and showcasing the Eden Roc name with the Nobu Hotel as an additional offering within the Eden Roc property. The Nobu Resta...
Hospitality Funding, LLC Advises on Purchase of Hilton Phoenix Airport Hotel
Hospitality Funding, LLC | February 1, 2014
Palm Beach, FL — Hospitality Funding, LLC has raised an equity Joint Venture for the acquisition of the 257-key Hilton Phoenix Airport Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. The property has been acquired by a leading hospitality asset management firm and a US-based investment management company. When assessing the transaction, Hospitality Funding considered the following: ● The hotel is located within the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport submarket, and adjacent to downtown Tempe, home to Arizona State University, as well as great restaurants, shopping and nightlife. ● The hotel is ideally located for easy access to downtown Phoenix, Arizona State ...
Carol Buckantz Appointed as Executive Chef for Oak Brook Hills Resort – Chicago in Illinois
Oak Brook Hills Resort - Chicago | January 31, 2014
Mara Xenos and Norman Wong Join Conference Services and Banquet Team CHICAGO, Jan. 31, 2014 -- Oak Brook Hills Resort – Chicago, a leading resort for events, accommodations and golf in the Midwest, today announced Carol Buckantz as executive chef. Executive Chef Carol Buckantz has more than 20 years of culinary industry experience. In her new position, she will oversee all food and beverage operations for the destination including events, conferences and the five restaurants. According to Dennis Marcinik, director of operations for Oak Brook Hills Resort, Chef Carol brings a high level of culinary creativity and leadership to our est...
Provenance Hotels Completes $2.3 Million Guest Room Renovation for Hotel Lucia in Portland, Oregon
Hotel Lucia | January 31, 2014
January 31, 2014 - PORTLAND, OR - Bashar Wali, President of Provenance Hotels, announced today the completion of a major renovation of the guest room floors at Hotel Lucia in Portland. The project, at a price of more than $2.3 million, brings a brand new look and feel to the guest room corridors and 127 sleeping rooms with new furniture, lighting, drapery, and carpet in every room. It also includes a guest room technology package designed to make being connected at Hotel Lucia fast, easy and intuitive. "Coming on the heels of Hotel Lucia's recent collaboration with Intel Labs to create an interactive social media installation in the lob...
Wynn Resorts Reports Q4 Net Income of $231.2 M & Year End 2013 Net Income of $776.8 M
Wynn Resorts | January 31, 2014
LAS VEGAS---Wynn Resorts, Limited (Nasdaq: WYNN) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2013. Net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2013 were $1,519.9 million, compared to $1,289.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. The growth was driven by a 24.6% revenue increase from our Macau operations and 2.4% higher net revenues from our Las Vegas operations. Adjusted property EBITDA (1) was $498.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2013, a 25.1% increase from $398.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. For the full year, net revenues were $5,620.9 million in 2013, up 9.1% from $5,154.3 million i...
Magill Investments & Hyatt to Develop Hyatt Place London Heathrow/Hayes; A Brand Debut in the U.K.
Hyatt Place | January 31, 2014
CHICAGO (January 31, 2014) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into an agreement with Magill Investments Limited for a Hyatt Place hotel close to London Heathrow Airport, one of world's busiest airports. Hyatt Place London Heathrow/Hayes is the second Hyatt Place hotel under development in Europe, joining Hyatt Place Zurich Airport. The Hyatt Place brand continues to expand outside of the United States with today's opening of Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport in The Netherlands, as well as recent Hyatt Place openings in Armenia, Costa Rica, India, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Slated to open ...
Summit Hotel Properties Acquires San Francisco Four Points by Sheraton; Completes Two Dispositions
Summit Hotel Properties | January 31, 2014
January 31, 2014 - AUSTIN, Texas - Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. (NYSE: INN) (the "Company") today announced the acquisition of the Four Points by Sheraton located in San Francisco, Calif. as well as the completion of two previously announced dispositions. The Company acquired the 101-guestroom Four Points by Sheraton for a purchase price of $21.3 million and has entered into a management agreement with Pillar Hotels and Resorts, L.P. The Company plans to spend approximately $1.3 million on capital improvements and anticipates a post-renovation estimated NTM capitalization rate in the range of 8.5 percent to 9.5 percent based on managem...
FRHI Hotels & Resorts Unveiled as Challenge Provider to the Upcoming Young Hoteliers Summit 2014
YHS | January 31, 2014
MONDAY 17TH – WEDNESDAY 19TH MARCH 2014, IN LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND Lausanne, 31st January 2014 – The Young Hoteliers Summit has officially launched with major partners for the 2014 Edition announced. FRHI Hotels & Resorts, encompassing the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts brands, have partnered as the 5th Edition Challenge Provider, this coming 17th – 19th March. The 5th Edition summit represents a special anniversary for the Young Hoteliers Summit. 29 international hospitality management schools & university will be present, with Cornell School of Hotel Administration, Heidelberg Hotelfachschule, Flori...
Hotel Industry Outlook by Teague Hunter
Hunter Hotel Advisors | January 31, 2014
On the heels of a strong 2013, the best year for Wall Street since 1997 due to a 29.6 percent increase in the S&P 500 and 23.9 percent decrease in the CBOE Volatility Index ("fear index"), we anticipate that the 2014 hospitality investment landscape, like 2013, will be dominated by Wall Street capital. Apprehension from top executives heading into 2013 proved unwarranted as stocks soared despite discord in Washington. With the economy showing signs of life, resulting in the Fed's decision to begin tapering its monthly bond purchases, firms are beginning to gear towards growth. Several hospitality companies took advantage of the stre...
Outrigger Enterprises Group Makes Five Appointments to Global Marketing Team
Outrigger Enterprises Group | January 31, 2014
January 31, 2014 - WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII - Outrigger Enterprises Group, one of the largest and fastest growing privately-held leisure lodging and hospitality companies in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions, announced five new additions to the company to complete its global marketing team. Bitsy Kelley has rejoined the company as vice president, corporate communications. Jasmine Tso joins the team as vice president, global brand services, and Tammy Uy has been hired as executive creative director. Sun Wong has been promoted to corporate director, global marketing, and John Limper has joined Outrigger as vice president, sales and ma...
Pegasus’ John Owens Speaks at Travelport’s e-volve ‘14
Pegasus Solutions | January 31, 2014
DALLAS (January 31, 2013) – John Owens, senior vice president, distribution sales for Pegasus Solutions, spoke this week at Travelport's e-volve '14 in Monte Carlo. Owens discussed current industry trends at the event. "Following the World Tourism Organization's report that last year's 1.09 billion tourists will increase by 4.0 to 4.5 percent this year, the Monte Carlo summit helped travel industry leaders learn how to take advantage of that growth," said Owens. "I was honored to share Pegasus' view based on what we're seeing in the year ahead – from global, regional and channel trends to best practices for burgeoning mobile growth....
