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
Luxury Boutique Hotels – a Growing Concept in India
Akash Datta | September 28, 2020
By Akash Datta, Dipti Mohan Luxury boutique hotels and resorts, a widely prevalent concept globally, is still at a nascent stage in India, with very few brands and properties. The increasing desire for experiential travel, by not only the millennials but across different cohorts often looking for unique and exclusive stays, has led to the growing popularity of this concept in the country. So, what are luxury boutique hotels and resorts? The term has evolved over the years, and while there is no standard definition, a luxury boutique hotel is typically a small property with less than 60 keys with its USP being the customized service a...
Preferred Hotels & Resorts Announces Winners of Annual Awards of Excellence and GIFTTS Pineapple Award Initiatives
Preferred Hotels & Resorts | September 24, 2020
NEW YORK, NEW YORK: Preferred Hotels & Resorts - the world’s largest independent hotel brand - is pleased to announce the winners of its annual Preferred Awards of Excellence and GIFTTS Pineapple Award initiatives. These awards recognize independent hotels and individual hoteliers represented within the brand’s worldwide portfolio that went above and beyond in their commitment to delivering meaningful travel experiences and selfless acts of genuine hospitality to their guests and local communities in 2019. “We are thrilled to recognize the incredible efforts of these member hotels and their strong leaders for continuously demonst...
BLLA Concludes First Digital Summit, 10th Annual StayBoutique Awards
the Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) | September 23, 2020
LOS ANGELES (Sept. 23, 2020) -- Hotelier Ian Schrager and Thrive Global Founder and CEO Arianna Huffington were amongst the headliners who shared their hospitality insights with several hundred virtual attendees during the first Digital Summit by the Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) on Sept. 17 and 18. The summit gathered boutique professionals from across the globe for two days of commerce, culture and art, concluding with the announcement of the winners of BLLA’s 10th annual StayBoutique Awards. Guests attended the conference via BLLA’s exclusive summit app available on mobile and desktop, which hosted over 80 speakers v...
Boutiques May Be Adapting Faster Than Other Hotel Sectors, but Still Hurting
Jim Butler | September 16, 2020
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com The theme of the Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association’s (BLLA) upcoming Boutique Lifestyle Digital Summit is “Dare to Adapt” and there are some compelling arguments as to why the boutique space may be able to adapt to the current economic crisis faster than other sectors in the hotel industry. “Boutiques can pivot easily,” said Frances Kiradjian, Founder and CEO of the BLLA. “They can make decisions quickly without checking in with brands.” Take cleaning, an area of great to concern to guests in the current COVID-19 env...
Hotel Carmichael, an Autograph Collection Hotel Opens in Carmel, Indiana
Hotel Carmichael | August 27, 2020
Carmel, IN – August 27, 2020 – Hotel Carmichael has officially opened its doors joining Autograph Collection. The 122-room, six-story luxurious hotel located at 1 Carmichael Square, is owned by CCC Boutique Hotel, LLC and managed by Coury Hospitality of Kansas City, Missouri. Situated next to The Palladium, one of the greatest concert halls of its time and along the Monon Trail, the downtown Carmel hotel offers guests convenient access to Midtown Plaza, the Center for Performing Arts, Clay Terrace, Peace Water Winery and Sugar Creek Vineyard & Winery. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the stunning hotel is just a short dr...
The Hermitage Hotel Is Named 2020 Historic Hotel of the Year by Historic Hotels of America
The Hermitage Hotel | August 27, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC (August 27, 2020) – Historic Hotels of America® is proud to announce that The Hermitage Hotel (1910) in Nashville, Tennessee, has been selected as the 2020 Historic Hotel of the Year. This illustrious award is given annually to a historic hotel whose owners, leadership and employees are careful overseers of historic preservation, by stewarding history, heritage and stories for generations of guests to come. The Hermitage Hotel is receiving the honor of Historic Hotel of the Year for its unparalleled celebration of suffrage history and for demonstrating a long tradition of exceptional customer hospitality and service. “T...
Reiimagine, Inc. Announces the Global Launch of Comprehensive Sales Support Services to Luxury Independent Boutique Hotels and Resorts in the New Norm
Reiimagine | June 24, 2020
Reiimagine provides a valuable extension of the hotel's in-house sales team and acts as a connector to key clients that may be hard to reach. SAN DIEGO, CA, June 24, 2020—Reiimagine, Inc. – today announced the launch of a new range of sales and marketing support services designed specifically for luxury independent boutique hotels and resorts around the world. This is a first of its kind, affordable one-stop-shop solution to assist boutique hotels that are looking for additional client’s outreach in the US and international markets. Reiimagine provides a valuable extension of the hotel’s in-house sales team and acts as a connect...
Future for Independent Hoteliers Remains Uncertain, Says GlobalData
GlobalData | May 22, 2020
Due to the impact of COVID-19, major hotel chains such as Wyndham, Marriott, Choice, Hilton, IHG and Accor are set to expand at an even quicker rate when travel resumes, creating even more uncertainty for independent hoteliers, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. These companies accounted for more than half of global branded hotel properties in 2018 (50.55%). Ralph Hollister, Travel & Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The number of independent hotels has been shrinking in recent decades. By adopting an asset-light business model and introducing soft brands, major hotel chains have been constantly expanding ...
Being Opportunistic Without Being a Shark
Frances Kiradjian | April 27, 2020
By Frances Kiradjian Today’s climate may well present a new opportunity for those sitting with cash, or some form of available cash. Cash is king, always has been, always will be. We were always taught to have a rainy-day savings account just for insurance of upcoming needs or even opportunities. If you had a crystal ball or were born a true visionary, you could have imagined/envisioned how events might unfold from the first day that COVID-19 was announced. And as it started growing globally, you would’ve had enough time to figure how to make your “cash” available at the ready-set-go. This would most certainly give you a leg ...
The 2020 Edition of the Female Empowerment Conference, Powered by BLLA and StayBoutique, to Be Held March 8-9 in Downtown Los Angeles
the Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) | February 28, 2020
Holding it in the iconic and historic Hotel Figueroa, supports the theme of the conference which is The Enlightened Women of our Age Los Angeles, February 28, 2020 - BLLA and StayBoutique’s Female Empowerment Conference is an offline gathering of enlightened women in the travel, boutique and hospitality industries. Transformed from the (Travel Industry) Executive Women’s Conference, BLLA and StayBoutique’s Female Empowerment Conference recognizes women internationally who lead in fields related to the boutique lifestyle including hospitality, travel, and tourism. This conference consciously creates a forum for women to support eac...
North Carolina’s The Esquire Hotel Joins Ascend Hotel Collection
Ascend Hotel Collection: Let the Destination Reach You | December 23, 2019
Built in 1918, the boutique Esquire Hotel is an adaptive reuse of a national landmark building that originally opened as the First National Bank of Gastonia and was later used as the town's famed Lawyer's Building The Esquire Hotel is the latest addition to the growing Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), a portfolio of resort, boutique and historic hotels that reflect their surrounding communities. Situated in the heart of Gastonia at 168 West Main Ave., just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, the hotel provides visitors with convenient access to popular attractions in the state's largest ci...
Montana’s The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River and The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone Join the Ascend Hotel Collection
Ascend Hotel Collection: Let the Destination Reach You | December 19, 2019
ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River and The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone are among the newest additions to the growing Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), a global portfolio of independent resort, historic and boutique hotels. With locations at the base of the Rocky Mountains on the Whitefish River and the northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park, respectively, both hotels offer adventure-seeking guests a true taste of Montana by coupling exceptional service with unparalleled access to their favorite outdoor activities, including fishing, whitewater ...
4 Useful Positioning Strategies for Your Independent Hotel
Kacey Bradley | December 13, 2019
By Kacey Bradley People at the head of hospitality management know that work never seems to slow down. There are always things happening during the day to day activities, plus events to plan for and business decisions to be made. No one can do everything at one time, which is why sometimes management may forget to watch the market. Keeping an eye on the market is crucial. It dictates how a hotel is doing, who their guests are and how they should market themselves. In order to place your independent hotel in a more advantageous position, try these four useful positioning strategies. They'll help your business compete with other hotels...
Crescent Hotels & Resorts Adds Sarasota Modern Hotel to Latitudes Collection
Crescent Hotels & Resorts | December 10, 2019
Crescent Hotels & Resorts adds Sarasota Modern Hotel to Latitudes Collection Sarasota, FL -- December 10, 2019) -- The Sarasota Modern, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, will join Crescent Hotels & Resorts “Latitudes” collection of lifestyle resorts. Crescent & Latitudes, based in Fairfax, Virginia is a nationally recognized operator of major hotels and resorts throughout the United States and Canada. An architectural fixture of the Rosemary District just steps from downtown Sarasota, the boutique hotel has created a series of micro-paradises that challenge the conventions of hospitality, delivering highly curated living experi...
The Guestbook Releases New White Paper, “Understanding Boutique Aficionados,” Analyzing Experiential Traveler Preferences and Booking Beha
The Guestbook | December 10, 2019
Cash back rewards innovator The Guestbook examines experiential travel market, helping boutique hoteliers harness actionable insights to drive direct bookings LOS ANGELES — December 10, 2019 — The Guestbook, the world's largest rewards program for independent and boutique hotels, today announces the release of a new white paper, entitled “Understanding Boutique Aficionados.” This informative new white paper breaks down the specific booking and travel behaviors shared by two distinct segments of experiential travelers and reveals insights collected by The Guestbook through a national research study, which surveyed 1,031 Americans ov...
Greenwood Hospitality Inks Management Deal with Inns of Monterey for Five Boutique Hotels in Coastal Monterey, California
Greenwood Hospitality | December 4, 2019
Monterey, CA, December 3, 2019 – Greenwood Hospitality Group, a full-service third party hotel management company, has assumed management of five hotels in Monterey, California: the Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa, the Spindrift Inn, the Wave Street Inn, the Victorian Inn, and the Monterey Bay Inn. All five properties are owned by boutique hotel collection Inns of Monterey. “These five properties represent some of the most vibrant and expressive hotels in the Monterey hotel market, and we are honored to add them to our portfolio,” said Bill Kohl, Principal at Greenwood Hospitality Group. “We are excited for the future of this fa...
BLLA’s Stay Boutique Live – Investment Edition
Stay Boutique™ | June 19, 2019
June 19, 2019 - New York - Stay Boutique Live - the Investment Edition review. The decision to invest starts with an informed or instinctual confidence in future positive returns. Showcased at the 2019 Stay Boutique Investment Conference, there are abundant reasons to believe in the fast-evolving community of boutique ideas, products, and services. Held on June 5th at the Times Center in New York City, the seventh annual edition of the one-day event, produced by the Boutique and Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA), was as fearless and disruptive as the boutique space itself. Heralding the boutique movement as "a new cultural...
Next Wednesday – Celebrated Boutique Investment Conference by BLLA
Stay | May 31, 2019
Stay Boutique Live, the Investment Edition, the only conference designed by and for the boutique community, will be held at the Times Center in New York, New York on June 5, 2019, powered by BLLA. Stay Boutique Live, the Investment Edition will feature incomparable networking opportunities amongst members of the boutique community as well as a selection of established speakers on-stage. Registration is open until the morning of June 5th. The conference begins with a networking breakfast at 9am. Unlike the average hospitality conference, Stay Boutique Live powered by BLLA boasts a relaxed, intimate atmosphere conducive to the development of...
20th Century New York Mansion Joins The Ascend Hotel Collection
May 21, 2019
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 21, 2019 -- The Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), a portfolio of unique, boutique, and historic hotels and resorts that reflect their surrounding community, now has a century-old mansion in Johnson City, N.Y., among its members. Traditions at the Glen has welcomed the likes of Dwight Eisenhower, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Bing Crosby to its halls, and today, invites all guests to experience its distinguished legacy. The 41-room Traditions at the Glen is located at 4101 Watson Blvd. along the Susquehanna River and 18-hole championship fairways once played by golf legends Ben Hogan a...
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Celebrates Groundbreaking of Vib® Hotel in Orlando, Florida
March 14, 2019
PHOENIX, AZ (March 14, 2019) – In a groundbreaking ceremony held Tuesday, March 12, Best Western Hotels & Resorts celebrated the arrival of its upscale boutique hotel brand – Vīb – in Orlando, Florida. A perfect reflection of what Best Western offers today's travelers with a stylish design and focus on convenience and technology, Vīb Orlando will bring a fresh look and comfortable amenities to the heart of Central Florida's most popular tourism destination. "We are excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of our innovative and sophisticated Vīb brand in Orlando," said Ron Pohl, Senior Vice President and Chief Ope...
Casa Velas Accepted Into the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program
KWE Partners | February 14, 2019
Casa Velas announces it has been accepted into the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program. With Spanish-style architecture and expansive tropical landscaping, the Puerto Vallarta resort has the look and feel of a private hacienda. Located in an upscale residential neighborhood, the resort overlooks the lush greens of the Marina Vallarta golf course – where complimentary unlimited golf is included. All 80 suites are decorated in traditional Mexican colors and furnishings including original artwork by Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante. Among other things, Casa Velas stands out for its designer Handbag Bar and other signature amenities...
Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott Debut in Central DC, Managed by Crestline Hotels and Resorts
Crestline Hotels & Resorts, LLC | February 7, 2019
Situated in the Shaw/CBD East End neighborhood, these dual-branded DC hotels feature locally inspired design, 504 beautiful guest rooms, elegant meeting spaces, a new destination restaurant, and sweeping rooftop views of the nation's capital Washington, DC (November 9, 2018) Quadrangle Development Corporation, Capstone Development, and Crestline Hotels and Resorts are pleased to announce the opening of the dual-branded Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center located at 901 L Street, NW, Washington, DC., adjacent to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The hotels include a combined 504 guest room...
Do This to Gain Instant Trust With Hotel Website Visitors
Tambourine | November 9, 2018
Build trust with hotel website visitors by showcasing SOCIAL PROOF. Social proof is critical to easing the worries of potential guests. In fact, a study in the Washington Post showed social proof had more influence over customers than a discount. This is why a guest review site like TripAdvisor is so popular and impactful on purchase behavior. As travelers and meeting planners are faced with more and more hotel options, it's vital to win their trust first, to win their heart and their wallets. Here are the four core methods of leveraging social proof online: 1. Awards, Accolades and Media Labels Prominently display any accolades...
The Alpina Gstaad Appoints Tim Weiland General Manager
The Alpina Gstaad | November 9, 2018
GSTAAD, Switzerland, November 9, 2018 – The Alpina Gstaad has appointed Tim Weiland as its new General Manager. An experienced hotelier with more than 20 years of luxury hospitality expertise, Mr. Weiland will join the award-winning luxury hotel on November 1. He succeeds Eric Favre who has retired after serving as managing director of The Alpina Gstaad since October 2013. Mr. Weiland has spent ten years in general manager positions with the renowned Aman Resorts and is well positioned to manage one of the most successful five-star resorts in the Swiss Alps. His luxury hotel experience gained in eight countries including China, France, I...