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November 4th, 2024
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia Welcomes Kristen Mather as Spa Director
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia | February 12, 2024
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (January 12, 2024) – Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Spa Director for the renowned Joya Spa. With an impressive background in the spa industry, the newly appointed director will be responsible for overseeing the operational function and management of Joya Spa and the resort’s retail outlets, with a focus on enhancing guest experiences. Kristen Mather, previously Assistant Spa Director at The Phoenician Resort & Spa for nearly a decade, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. During her tenure at The Phoenician, she played an instrumental role in...
AHC Appoints Erika Brigham as the Executive Chef for The Amway Grand Plaza
AHC Hospitality | February 12, 2024
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – February 12, 2024 – The Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection is pleased to welcome Chef Erika Brigham as the Executive Chef of MDRD, the historic hotel’s upscale, contemporary Spanish restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Brigham will spearhead MDRD’s inventive, Spanish-inspired food and beverage menus and programming to elevate the restaurant’s fine dining experience to new heights. Located on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza’s recently renovated glass tower, MDRD joined the hotel’s collection of seven diverse dining outlets in 2020, featuring lavish libations, an energetic atmosphere, and pa...
Overcoming the Huge Disconnect Between Service Mottos and What Guests Actually Experience
Doug Kennedy | February 12, 2024
By Doug Kennedy I have always been a huge fan of articles written by Alan Young, CEO of Puzzle Partner, but I was super happy to read his most recent article entitled Has the ‘New’ Service Culture Become the ‘No’ Service Culture? In this publication. I definitely suggest that my readers click and read the full article wherein Alan calls out and challenges major, iconic brands to live up to their lofty company mottos and read his pointed questions to them. His work has inspired me to write more about the disconnect between brand messaging and operational delivery, along with discussion questions for your next leadership meetin...
PwC’s Manhattan Lodging Index: Q4 2023
PwC’s Manhattan lodging index | February 12, 2024
The rate of growth in occupancy, average daily rate (“ADR”) and revenue per available room (“RevPAR”), while strong, continued to decelerate as the market moves on a path towards stabilization. Lower-priced hotels benefited from the customer's level of rate fatigue being felt in the market, with ADR growth levels for midscale properties triple that of higher-priced hotels in Q4. 2023 RevPAR experienced a year-over-year increase of 16.5 percent, with Q3 seeing an increase of 13.6 percent and Q4 being up 11.5 percent. “The Manhattan hotel market maintained an occupancy level above 80 percent in each month of the final three quarter...
What Level of Digitization Is Optimum for the Hospitality Industry?
Max Starkov | February 12, 2024
By Max Starkov Digitalization is the future of hospitality, there is no doubt about it! The old-fashion theses that only human-provided service is excellent customer service is being debunked as we speak! Whether hoteliers like it or not, the hospitality industry is moving from low-tech and high-touch to high-tech and high-touch. But what kind of high-tech and high-touch? Achieved with fewer, well-trained and well-paid employees using technology to provide stellar service. AI, mobile technologies, contactless experience, automation, robotics, IoT, blockchain, etc. can help fewer well-paid, educated and trained humans to deliver far supe...
Hilton Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results
Hilton | February 12, 2024
MCLEAN, VA (February 12, 2024) - Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. ("Hilton," "the Company," "we," "us" or "our") (NYSE: HLT) today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2023 results. Highlights include: Diluted EPS was $0.57 for the fourth quarter and $4.33 for the full year Diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, was $1.68 for the fourth quarter and $6.21 for the full year Net income was $150 million for the fourth quarter and $1,151 million for the full year Adjusted EBITDA was $803 million for the fourth quarter and $3,089 million for the full year System-wide comparable RevPAR increased 5.7 percent and 12.6 percent, on...
Kimpton Virgilio Opens as the First Boutique Hotel From Kimpton Hotels & Resorts in Mexico City
IHG | February 12, 2024
Mexico City, February 12, 2024 - The vibrant "Polanquito" area welcomes Kimpton Virgilio, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants' first boutique hotel in Mexico City, with a unique concept of absurdly personalized experiences and a modern and original gastronomic offer. Kimpton Virgilio is a property that delivers the perfect balance between the coziness and exclusivity of a boutique hotel and the support of IHG Hotels & Resorts. Developed by ZKC, an investment fund specializing in real estate developments in Mexico City, this hotel will be the epicenter of Polanquito for those who enjoy new adventures with a touch of sophistication and lo...
HSMAI Foundation Announces 2024 Executive Committee and Board of Directors, Led by Chair Lori Kiel
the HSMAI Foundation | February 12, 2024
McLean, VA (Feb. 12, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation is proud to announce the members of its 2024 Board of Directors and Executive Committee, led by new chair, Lori Kiel, who begins a two year term. Composed of senior travel and hospitality executives, HSMAI Foundation leaders have a passion for helping solve the sales, marketing, and revenue talent challenges being faced by many hotel and hospitality companies. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead a group of such extraordinary hospitality professionals,” said Lori Kiel on entering her first year as chair. “I’m thr...
AAHOA Hosts Inaugural, Highly Successful HYPE Ownership Conference in New Orleans
AAHOA | February 12, 2024
NEW ORLEANS, La., Feb. 12 – AAHOA's inaugural HYPE Ownership Conference held this week in New Orleans proved to be worth the hype based on feedback from attendees. Nearly 200 AAHOA Members gathered in the vibrant city of New Orleans for the launch of AAHOA's newest and most exciting initiative: HYPE Ownership: Helping Young Professionals Evolve. This groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind event marked the inception of a platform dedicated to empowering and nurturing the next generation of young professionals in the hospitality industry. This event included educational offerings – panels, roundtables, keynotes, and discussions – extensive ne...
White Lodging Plans Late 2024 Opening of Kimpton Santo Hotel in San Antonio
IHG Hotels & Resorts | February 12, 2024
First Kimpton Hotel in San Antonio reveals name, announces leadership appointments SAN ANTONIO, TX (February 12, 2024) – Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, announces today the name of its first hotel in San Antonio, Kimpton Santo, set to open in late 2024. White Lodging, the hotel’s owner and operator, also confirmed leadership appointments of Lynn Snyder, who will serve as the property’s general manager, and Jeremy Lander, as its director of sales and marketing. The inspiration behind Kimpton Santo’s name stems from the soulful essence of San Antonio’s namesak...
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort Appoints Anja Frankenbach as General Manager
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts | February 12, 2024
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico — The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Anja Frankenbach as General Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Anja brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role at the beloved St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. “I am honored to be at the helm of The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, a property I have long admired during my tenure with Marriott International,” said General Manager Anja Frankenbach. “The resort has set the benchmark for hospitality in Puerto Rico, and I look forward to leading our team as we carry on the property’s legacy as the ...
Best Western Plus Heritage Rail Inn & Suites Is Now Open in Pennsylvania
BWH Hotels | February 12, 2024
York, Pennsylvania (February 12, 2024) – Best Western® Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of the Best Western Plus Heritage Rail Inn & Suites, located at 140 Leader Heights Road in York, Pennsylvania. The hotel, owned by Sagar V. Shah and his family, features 73 guestrooms and 55 suites. The property recently completed a comprehensive $3 million renovation, now featuring refreshed guestrooms and amenities. The property’s boutique design takes inspiration from the history of York, with railway themed artwork and unique railroad inspired design features throughout the hotel. Guests can access amenities including a new arc...
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel Adds Two Key Players to Leadership Team
Belmond | February 12, 2024
FEBRUARY 12, 2024 - El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, a serene hideaway overlooking the Pacific Ocean amidst the hills of Santa Barbara, today announces two appointments to its dynamic leadership team. These strategic hires will bolster the property’s position as the premier hotel in the American Riviera and reinforce its commitment to providing the highest standards of excellence for guests. KATHRYN CARLTON, DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Kathryn Carlton, a seasoned sales and marketing leader with over twenty years of experience in entertainment and hospitality, joins El Encanto as director of sales and marketing. Over her career, she gain...
Asia Pacific, Excluding China, Hotel Construction Pipeline Surges to Record Highs in Q4 2023
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | February 12, 2024
February 12, 2024 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – According to the recent Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), the total hotel construction pipeline in the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) increased 4% year-over-year (YOY) and closed 2023’s fourth quarter with a record-high 1,977 projects and 402,156 rooms. At the close of the quarter, projects currently under construction account for 47% of the projects in the region’s total pipeline, with 922 projects/212,607 rooms. Projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months increased 8% YOY to stand at 342 projects/65,079 rooms at the Q4 close. Projects in...
The Future of Tech in Hospitality
Tatyana Tsukanova | February 8, 2024
By Tatyana Tsukanova In prehistoric times, our technology was limited to tools made of stone and bone. In the 21st century, we live in an era of technological innovation that is changing almost every aspect of our lives, from communication and education to recreation and entertainment. Technology continues to evolve and in the hospitality industry we have seen drastic changes in recent years. A look into the future is necessary today, if only to better understand the current situation and to plan for 2024, as well as to understand what existing players are already doing and, undoubtedly, what guests and customers expect. Hospitality rides...
Hospitality at a Crossroads: Is a Remote Work Model Essential to Retain Talent?
Court Williams | February 8, 2024
By Court Williams At one time, the concept of remote work simply didn’t fit into the hospitality paradigm. After all, the very idea of hospitality required a physical presence to facilitate the customer experience. The onset of COVID-19 changed everything, compelling this traditionally in-person sector to reimagine its operational models. In the aftermath of the pandemic, remote work has burgeoned into a significant trend in hospitality. This raises a crucial question for the industry: Is the adoption of remote or hybrid work models essential for attracting and retaining top talent, particularly among younger leaders, or does it present ...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 3 February
CoStar Group | February 8, 2024
WASHINGTON – 8 February 2024 – U.S. hotel performance decreased slightly from the previous week, while year-over-year comparisons remained mixed, according to CoStar’s latest data through 3 February. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 28 January through 3 February 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 55.2% (-0.1%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$147.99 (+1.9%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$81.69 (+1.7%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Seattle saw the largest increases in occupancy (+19.3% to 60.1%) and R...
HFTP Announces Inaugural Technology Investment Conference: HITEC-IC, Co-Located With HITEC 2024
HFTP | February 8, 2024
The inaugural conference is scheduled for June 27–28 in Charlotte, N.C.; connecting the investment community with hospitality technology company executives. HFTP offers complimentary registrations to HITEC and HITEC-IC to qualified press professionals. View details on how to register. Austin, Texas (January 8, 2024) — Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) announced the HITEC Investment Conference (HITEC-IC), a new event designed to connect hospitality technology company executives with the investment community. Scheduled for June 27–28, the conference will be co-located with the 2024 Hospitality Industry Te...
Embracing Technology Without Losing the Human Touch in Hospitality
Alan Young | February 8, 2024
By Alan Young I have been chatting with a number of hotel operators over the last few weeks, and one thing is constant between each and every one of them: we must continually improve our service delivery as the adoption rate of technology is moving at lightspeed. Why? Because when technology is so incredibly prolific, we need proof of humanity and authenticity. Hotel operators want to embrace technology to help them run their businesses more effectively, but not at the cost of losing their hotel's “human touch.” In a world increasingly dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements, the hospitality in...
Crawford Hoying Acquires Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton in Partnership With Operator, Shaner Hotel Group
Crawford Hoying | February 8, 2024
HAMILTON, OHIO (February 8, 2024) -- Crawford Hoying has announced the acquisition of Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton in partnership with award-winning international hotel owner, operator and developer, Shaner Hotel Group (Shaner). This will be Crawford Hoying’s first hotel in Hamilton, Ohio and fifteenth hotel in the company’s portfolio. Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton is located in downtown Hamilton at 1 Riverfront Plaza, near the vibrant Marcum Park and numerous dining, retail and entertainment establishments. The 120-key hotel consists of three event rooms and breakout rooms, offering more than 5,800 square feet of event space....
Best Western Seaworld San Antonio Now Open in Texas
BWH Hotels | February 8, 2024
San Antonio, Texas (February 8, 2024) – Best Western Hotels and Resorts® announces the opening of Best Western SeaWorld San Antonio, located at 1605 W Loop, 1604 S, San Antonio, Texas. The hotel is owned by Aman Patel and features 70 guestrooms and 12 suites. Best Western SeaWorld San Antonio recently underwent a $1.5 million renovation. The property features a new gray exterior with sandstone, white and black trim. The updated guestrooms and suites are furnished with a 55-inch flatscreen TV, mini-fridge and microwave. Guests will also have access to a number of on-property amenities, including a fitness center, outdoor pool, laundry fa...
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort Appoints Hillary Francis as Director of Sales and Marketing
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort | February 8, 2024
Hillary joins the iconic Hawaiian resort’s ‘ohana of world-class associates Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is delighted to share the appointment of Hillary Francis to the key position of Director of Sales and Marketing. In her new role, Hillary will play a pivotal part in enhancing the property's commercial success by leading and implementing innovative sales and marketing strategies across the resort's expansive offerings. Opened on July 1, 2023, Kona Village spans 81 acres of breathtaking geological landscape and is the latest iteration of the iconic island retreat. Rooted in the rich history of the land, local culture, and natural su...
Hotel Tonnelle Unveils Renovation in the Heart of New Orleans’ Garden District
Aimbridge Hospitality | February 8, 2024
NEW ORLEANS, LA – [Feb. 8, 2024] – Hotel Tonnelle, part of Marriott’s Tribute portfolio, announces it has completed a comprehensive renovation that has transformed every corner of the New Orleans property, including guest rooms, meeting spaces, lobby and public areas. Nestled along the iconic St. Charles Streetcar line, Hotel Tonnelle stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of contemporary comfort and the timeless charm of the Garden District. The hotel's commitment to providing a serene and charismatic escape from the bustling tourist landscape is now more evident than ever. Guests will be enchanted by the refined ambiance ...
Recently Opened British Colonial Appoints Key Leadership
British Colonial Nassau | February 8, 2024
Newly transformed historic hotel appoints general manager and director of sales and marketing. NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS (FEB 2024) – British Colonial, Nassau’s most storied hotel, made a triumphant return with a ribbon cutting on December 18th. Following a 22-month closure and $50 million investment, the 228-room property has reopened as an independently operated boutique hotel managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, a leading global hospitality management company and the world’s largest third-party operator. At its helm, General Manager Dan McDermott and Director of Sales and Marketing Michelle Serra are primed to lead the charge as the newl...
