Analysis-Companies Boost Social and Climate Reporting Amid ESG Backlash
November 4th, 2024
The Westin Maui Announces Joshua Hargrove as General Manager
December 11, 2023
KĀ‘ANAPALI, MAUI, Hawaii--The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali is pleased to welcome Joshua Hargrove as general manager of the property. Hargrove rejoins the Marriott family in his new post and brings more than 17 years of exceptional hospitality leadership experience, primarily with Marriott brands on Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. Shortly after starting in the new position, Hargrove spearheaded a resort-wide pivot to support displaced residents, emergency response teams, and affected associates after the devastating West Maui wildfires in August. Under his leadership, the Westin Maui has provided shelter to approximatel...
Customer Service Excellence in the Luxury Segment: How To Stand Out
EHL | December 11, 2023
By Breandan Ritaine In this article, we shine a light on: Consumer trends that are transforming the luxury segment The ten commandments of luxury brand service strategy Practical ways to build customer service excellence Relevant KPIs to measure customer experience in the luxury segment The luxury sector is growing steadily and creating great opportunities for brands to enter the market or grow their audience. But it’s no longer all about being flashy and pricey, today’s luxury shopper is more influenced by personalization, innovation, conscious consumerism, and an emotional experience. So while today’s luxury industry...
Sacramento Growth Continues
Brandon Conner | December 11, 2023
By Brandon Conner, John Berean Situated between Sacramento’s Central Business District and River District, the 244-acre Sacramento Railyards is one of the nation’s largest urban infill projects and will nearly double the size of Downtown Sacramento upon completion. In August 2020, LDK Ventures broke ground on The A.J., a 345-unit residential complex and the first project within the Sacramento Railyards. The development is expected to feature 10,000 residential units, 1,100 hotel units, and several million square feet of office space. Other major projects within the Railyards may include an 18-acre Kaiser Permanente medical center ...
Stonebridge Cos. Acquires Five-Property Portfolio Across U.S.
Stonebridge Cos. | December 11, 2023
The purchase of the portfolio represents the firm’s continued focus on strategic growth throughout the country into both new and existing markets DENVER — Stonebridge Cos. (“Stonebridge”), a privately owned, nationally recognized, innovative hotel owner and manager headquartered in Denver, acquired a five-property, approximately 1,200 key hotel portfolio spanning the U.S. in late November. “Our closing of this transaction was especially rewarding due to the size of the portfolio, the multiple moving parts and speed in which we were able to complete the deal,” said Navin Dimond, CEO and founder of Stonebridge. “We are ex...
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Appoints New General Manager, TJ Joulak
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi | December 11, 2023
December 2023 – Maldives – Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, the epitome of luxury in the Maldives and leader of unparalleled bespoke service, is delighted to announce the appointment of TJ Joulak as General Manager. A veteran in luxury hospitality, Joulak has over 25 years of experience in the industry and worked across markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Previously having helmed various luxury portfolios in the Shangri-La Group, Joulak for providing memorable experiences for guests. Fluent in English, Arabic, French, Italian, and Spanish, his multilingual abilities set him apart and will enable him to establish me...
IHG and ACTUR Partner to Develop Six Senses Xala on Mexico’s Pacific Coast
Six Senses | December 11, 2023
BANGKOK – December 11, 2023 – Six Senses, part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has signed a hotel management agreement with Activos Turisticos de Mexico (ACTUR) for the development of Six Senses Xala, which is scheduled to open in 2026. Xala: a thousand simple moments Flanked by five miles of curving white-sand beach, the 3,000-acre terrain, located in the Costalegre or “Cheerful Coast” region of Jalisco, will offer both a sanctuary and a vibrant community among fragrant mango fields, coconut palms, pristine ocean, and the serene estuary waters of the Xola-Paramán. Six Senses Xala: disconnect ...
DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana – Orange County Airport Undergoing Extensive Renovation
DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana - Orange County | December 11, 2023
The Orange County hotel will debut its complete renovation in March 2024 SANTA ANA, CA (December 11, 2023) - DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana - Orange County Airport is excited to announce it is undergoing a comprehensive property renovation, set to be fully completed in March 2024. The renovation will greet guests with a revitalized identity and a contemporary aesthetic, prominent in nearly every space of the property. Upon arrival, guests will experience a renewed exterior with unique artistic features. The lobby, front desk, pre-function space, restaurant and bar, as well as all 253 guest rooms will be refreshed with a sleek and moder...
Marriott Signs With Enjoy Group to Launch Two Additional Autograph Collection Hotels in Costa Rica
Autograph Collection Hotels | December 11, 2023
Expected to debut in 2025, two additional properties propel companies’ plans to craft an exclusive array of locally inspired hotels in Costa Rica under the Autograph Collection brand, promising a unique and culturally immersive hospitality experience. Plantation, Fla. December 11, 2023 – Marriott International announced today it has signed an agreement with Enjoy Group to launch two additional Autograph Collection hotels in Costa Rica reinforcing the companies' vision to create an exclusive array of locally inspired hotels in the country. Anticipated to open in the last quarter of 2025, Villa Lapas, Autograph Collection and Marina ...
Hasham Soliman Appointed Area General Manager for St Martins Lane and Sanderson London
ENNISMORE | December 11, 2023
Hasham Soliman brings over 30 year’s industry knowledge to two iconic London hotels Morgans Originals, the curators of independent hotels and part of the Ennismore brand, have appointed Hasham Soliman as Area General Manager for both St Martins Lane (the boutique five-star hotel in London’s West End) and Sanderson London (the luxury lifestyle hotel in Fitzrovia). Soliman brings with him an impressive 30 years’ experience in the London luxury hotel industry, where he has been involved in a total of seven new hotel openings, with him assuming the role of General Manager within four of those; all of which have built expertise that tran...
EDITION’S First Caribbean Property Makes Its Debut Within a 620-Acre Nature Reserve in Mexico’s Riviera Maya
EDITION Hotels | December 11, 2023
Nestled within the new luxury resort community of Kanai and its natural mangroves, lagoons and beaches, EDITION’s newest gem marries its signature brand of hospitality with the Yucatan Peninsula’s modern and ancient cultures The premiere of The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai introduces a completely new concept of laidback luxury to the Caribbean coastline, combining unparalleled dining and entertainment, services and amenities with the unique traditions and tastes of the famed locale. Created by Ian Schrager as a result of a partnership between Ian Schrager and Marriott International, the EDITION brand has become synonymous with individua...
Harvest Inn Appoints Colin Rupp as Executive Chef
HARVEST INN | December 11, 2023
The seasoned Napa Valley chef will oversee culinary operations for Harvest Inn’s signature restaurant, Harvest Table HELENA, CALIF. (December 11, 2023)– Harvest Inn, part of the Woodside Collection, is excited to welcome Executive Chef Colin Rupp to its signature restaurant, Harvest Table. With an impressive culinary background and a passion for crafting exceptional dining experiences, Chef Rupp brings a wealth of expertise to his role at the charming retreat in the heart of St. Helena following eight years at the acclaimed and celebrated Morimoto Napa. “We’re thrilled to welcome Chef Rupp to the team, where he’ll lend his e...
Top 10 Trends for the Hospitality Industry in 2024
Robert Rauch | December 11, 2023
By Robert Rauch The hospitality industry transformed in 2023, driven by technological advancements and evolving guest demands. We'll explore the ten emerging trends for 2024 in the hospitality industry. Artificial Intelligence AI in the hospitality industry will enhance revenue management, menu development, employee and guest education, marketing, sales, and more. We are at the very beginning of this exciting technology that comes with some cautions ahead--cybercrime and terrorism for starters. This technology is growing 10 times faster than the iPhone, Android, and others when they launched circa 2007. Wellness, Fitness, and Di...
Rosewood and Murbee Resorts Partner to Expand in Caribbean With Development on Barbuda
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | December 7, 2023
HONG KONG, Dec. 7, 2023 -- Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® is proud to announce today that the secluded island of Barbuda will welcome its latest Caribbean escape as the brand looks to further expand into this highly coveted region. Developed by Murbee Resorts, Rosewood Barbuda will bring an intimate expression of Rosewood's ultra-luxury hospitality experience to the island, featuring 50 resort suites and 35 Rosewood Residences. Known for its year-round warm weather, turquoise water, pink sand beaches, and authentic local culture, Barbuda is an ideal fit for Rosewood as the brand grows its presence throughout the Caribbean island...
Estreya Gosalbez Appointed as General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor
Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor | December 7, 2023
The former Hotel Formentor is currently undergoing extensive renovations and revitalization ahead of planned reopening next year After years of working and traveling around the world, Estreya Gosalbez has returned to her home country to lead the team that will reintroduce a beloved landmark hotel as Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor next year. “Estreya is such a perfect fit for this exciting and highly anticipated opening,” notes Adrian Messerli, who most recently led the team at the company’s first Spanish property in Madrid, and is now Four Seasons President, Hotel Operations – Europe, Middle East and Africa. ...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 2 December
CoStar Group | December 7, 2023
WASHINGTON – 7 December 2023 – As expected, U.S. hotel performance increased from the previous week, according to CoStar’s latest data through 2 December. 26 November through 2 December 2023 (percentage change from comparable week in 2022): Occupancy: 54.2% (-1.6%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$144.88 (+0.8%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$78.54 (-0.8%) Among the Top 25 Markets, New York City saw the largest year-over-year increases in occupancy (+6.8% to 83.5%) and RevPAR (+17.2% to US$319.18) Las Vegas posted the largest ADR lift (+11.2% to US$232.94). Due to the Miami Art Week/Art Base...
HSMAI Announces 2023 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds
HSMAI | December 7, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (Dec. 7, 2023) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) announces the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds awardees to be presented in conjunction with the HSMAI Adrian Awards Celebration on February 13, 2024, at the New York Marriott Marquis. These awards recognize exceptional Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization, and Distribution leaders in hospitality, travel, and tourism organizations for their achievements in the preceding 18 months. Selected by a panel of top industry executives, the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds are high achievers who stand out through their creativity and inn...
Win the Customer, Not the Argument
Shep Hyken | December 7, 2023
By Shep Hyken In a confrontation with a customer, you have a goal: win the customer, not the argument. I’ve written about this before, and it’s worth coming back to this topic from another angle with a different example. First, an interaction with a customer should never result in an argument. The best people in customer service, sales, or any frontline customer-facing job avoid escalating a confrontation to the level of a dispute. Instead, the best people de-escalate a confrontation to a mutually agreeable solution. Here’s what I witnessed this week. I was on a plane and noticed that the flight attendant greeting pass...
Hilton Expands Signia by Hilton Portfolio With Signing of Signia by Hilton Indianapolis
Hilton | December 7, 2023
Expected to open in late 2026, the 800‑room property will serve as the latest anchor hotel connecting to the Indiana Convention Center INDIANAPOLIS and MCLEAN, Va. – Today, global hospitality leader Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the official signing of a management agreement for the 800-room Signia by Hilton Indianapolis, growing the existing Signia by Hilton portfolio. Currently under construction and expected to open in late 2026, the new-build Signia by Hilton Indianapolis will serve as the latest anchor hotel connecting to the Indiana Convention Center via skywalk as part of the city’s $710 million convention center expansion....
San Diego Mission Bay Resort Welcomes Key New Property Leadership
San Diego Mission Bay Resort | December 7, 2023
Bayfront Resort Revitalizes Experience with Addition of New General Manager and F&B Leadership SAN DIEGO (Dec. 7, 2023) – San Diego Mission Bay Resort, the 357-room Noble House Hotels & Resorts property situated on the sparkling waters of Mission Bay, today announces the expansion of its leadership team with the appointment of a new general manager and director of food and beverage. Together, the team will continue enhancing the guest and culinary experiences at San Diego Mission Bay Resort, which has long been known as one of the city’s most coveted destinations. General Manager Summer Shoemaker has spent the last two decades...
The Athens Group and Hatteras Sky Select Pivot to Manage Asher Adams, an Autograph Collection Hotel, in Salt Lake City, Utah
THE ATHENS GROUP | December 7, 2023
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DEC. 7, 2023 – The Athens Group, a luxury hospitality development company, known for the creation of generational hotels and resorts, along with its partner, Hatteras Sky, a commercial real estate firm focused on multifamily and hospitality development in high-growth American markets, are pleased to announce they have selected Pivot, the lifestyle operating vertical of Davidson Hospitality Group, to operate and manage Asher Adams, its 225-room Marriott Autograph Collection hotel in downtown Salt Lake City. “We are excited to partner with Pivot along with Marriott Hotels as we complete the Asher Adams,...
Visual Matrix Recognized as One of North Texas’ Best Places to Work in 2023 Amid Ongoing Growth and Innovation
Visual Matrix | December 7, 2023
North Texas Names Hospitality Innovator Visual Matrix as a Premier Employer Dallas, December 7, 2023 - Visual Matrix, a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the hospitality industry, was recognized by the Dallas Business Journal as one of the region’s “Best Places to Work.” Visual Matrix was named No. 6 in the “Small Companies” category thanks to its 25-year history of serving the hospitality industry’s technology needs, attention to worker retention, and leadership’s involvement in the local community. Now in its 21st year, the Best Places to Work Awards highlights the top employers across Dallas-Fort W...
Construction To Begin on Marriott Renaissance Hotel Coming to North America’s Largest Research Park
NexPoint | December 7, 2023
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC [December 7, 2023] The Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, stewards of Research Triangle Park (RTP), today unveiled the official hotel plans for its vibrant, downtown destination, Hub RTP. An affiliate of real estate investment firm NexPoint Advisors, LP, recently completed the purchase of a prime site in the heart of the Hub RTP development, working with Dallas-based developer Alamo Manhattan to deliver a Marriott-branded Renaissance Hotel to the project. The 250-room, full-service hotel is poised to become a cornerstone of activity for Research Triangle Park and the growing Triangle area, creatin...
Bob W Debuts in Denmark With Opening of Bob W Østerbro
Bob W | December 7, 2023
Helsinki, 7 December 2023 – Tech-driven, design-led serviced apartment brand Bob W continues its rapid expansion across Europe with the opening of its first property in Denmark. Now with a presence in 10 countries and 16 cities on the continent, the opening of Bob W Østerbro continues the fast-paced growth of Bob’s tech-driven approach across its portfolio of over 3,000 serviced apartments. Bob W’s new property in Copenhagen — a former chocolate factory converted into 165 beautiful studio and 1-bedroom apartments — lies in the eastern neighbourhood of Østerbro, a vibrant area that offers an authentic Danish experience...
Artyzen Hotels & Resorts Opens Artyzen Singapore
Artyzen Singapore | December 7, 2023
December 7 2023 - Artyzen Singapore, the Lion City’s newest stylish lifestyle hotel, unveiled its touch of bespoke elegance in the leafy West Orchard neighbourhood Sunday night, with a charming private celebration to mark the hotel’s Grand Opening after its first two weeks of operation. Artyzen Singapore is a 142-room vertical green oasis on Cuscaden Road, just off Orchard, and is the new flagship property of the premium lifestyle hotel brand Artyzen Hotels & Resorts, as well as its first hotel to open outside of China. Artyzen Hotels is the signature brand of Artyzen Hospitality Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shun Tak Holding...
