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November 4th, 2024
First Hospitality Expands Reach with Acquisition of Hostmark Hospitality Group
First Hospitality | September 18, 2023
CHICAGO (September 18, 2023) - First Hospitality, a national hotel management and development company, is pleased to announce an agreement to acquire the majority of the hotel management agreements of Hostmark Hospitality Group, headquartered in Schaumburg, IL. This strategic move significantly expands First Hospitality's geographic presence, augments its collection of restaurants and bars, and promises to bring added benefits to its expanded portfolio, which will include more than 70 hotels nationwide. David Duncan, President and CEO of First Hospitality, stated, "Our alignment with Hostmark Hospitality Group fits well with our strategy o...
Hotel Alberte, a 23-room Boutique Hotel, Opens in Paris
Tremend Studio | September 18, 2023
The boutique hotel in Paris, designed by Tremend, is now open, featuring works by Polish artists! Paris, the world capital of fashion and style, has been charmed with its beauty since the time of great reconstruction in the 19th century. The elegant townhouse with large windows and green spaces built at the time became a hallmark of the refined aesthetic of the metropolis. In one such townhouses, a boutique hotel has just been created, designed by the Warsaw architectural studio Tremend. Supervised by the city’s prefect, Georges-Eugène Haussmann’s reconstruction of Paris, which took place between 1852 and 1870 and is also known...
Mission Hill Hospitality Expands Portfolio With Acquisition of the Residence Inn by Marriott in Breckenridge, Colorado
Mission Hill Hospitality | September 18, 2023
DENVER, CO – September 18, 2023: Mission Hill Hospitality, a leading select service and extended stay hotel investor, announced it has acquired the 129–key Residence Inn by Marriott in Breckenridge, Colorado. Terms are undisclosed. This marks Mission Hill's third acquisition in Colorado, following the purchases of the Holiday Inn and La Quinta Steamboat Springs in early 2023. The portfolio now includes 33 hotels across 16 states: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia. “We are excited to expand ou...
Aloft Hotels Debuts in Singapore With the Opening of Aloft Singapore Novena
Aloft Hotels | September 18, 2023
Located in the cultural neighbourhood of Balestier, the world’s largest Aloft hotel introduces vibrant and flexible spaces for travellers to connect with the destination Aloft Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 31 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the brand’s entry into Singapore with the opening of Aloft Singapore Novena, which serves as the largest Aloft hotel in the world. The new hotel brings the brand’s vibrant and flexible spaces to the Balestier neighbourhood, one of Singapore’s most energetic districts, that offers an eclectic mix of local cuisines, culture, and entertainment. “We are excited to g...
S Hotels & Resorts Acquires Mercure Glasgow City Hotel Leasehold
S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited | September 18, 2023
Asset enhancement work to run throughout 2023 and early 2024 at several major city centre hotels with high potential, as part of effort to maximise the performance of important assets in the UK. BANGKOK, THAILAND: S Hotels and Resorts PCL (SET: SHR), a leading hospitality investment and management company and the hospitality arm of Singha Estate PCL (SET: S), has announced the latest phase of its “3P” (“Profit, Portfolio, Planet”) strategy in the United Kingdom, with significant renovations at several hotels in key cities, including Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh, and The Grand Hotel Leicester...
The Crucial Role of Client Isolation in Hotel Wi-Fi
Chris Denbigh-White | September 18, 2023
By Chris Denbigh-White As the CSO of a Security Software company I travel a lot for work. I attend conferences and conduct security briefings across the world. This means that I spend a large amount of time working and ‘connected’ whilst on the move (and I’m not alone). In today's digital age, connectivity is a must, even when we're on the go. Whether it's for work or leisure, we often rely on hotel Wi-Fi networks to stay connected. However, the convenience of these networks can come at a price if proper security measures aren't in place. One such crucial security feature is client isolation. What is Client Isolation ? Clien...
Revenue Management: It’s Not Just for Revenue Managers Anymore
Lynn Zwibak | September 18, 2023
By Lynn Zwibak How often have you seen this at your hotel: Sales managers referring to the revenue management team as ‘the sales prevention department’ because they keep turning away their leads? Front office complaining about how revenue management keeps selling low opaque rates? Or event managers showing up to pick-up meetings without the answers to the questions they know they will be asked. It doesn’t have to be like this. During more than ten years of on-property revenue management, I experienced this firsthand. I would speak with angry front office agents about how they had walked guests the night before. I would be embroile...
New Data Shows Investment Returning to Global Tourism Sector
UNWTO | September 14, 2023
Investment in the global tourism cluster has started to bounce back from the lows it touched during the pandemic off the back of the steady recovery of international tourist arrivals, according to a newly released report jointly produced by UNWTO and fDi Intelligence. The report, which is based on data from fDi Markets, fDi Intelligence's proprietary database of greenfield FDI projects, as well as international tourism data from UNWTO, provides a broad overview of the ongoing investment cycle in the tourism sector, breaking down investment figures by region, segments and companies. Key findings include: Both FDI project numbers and job ...
Building a Comprehensive Fraud Awareness Program: Five Essential Elements
Kevin Doyle | September 14, 2023
By Kevin Doyle In today’s rapidly evolving and positive COVID business landscape, the specter of fraud, corporate malfeasance, and unethical behavior looms large. In response to the pandemic, many organizations reduced head count resulting in potential control deficiencies. The impact of these issues extends beyond financial loss, encompassing reputational damage, loss of employee morale, and erosion of trust. To combat these challenges, organizations must establish robust fraud awareness programs that encompass collaboration, communication, training, tone at the top, and effective investigative protocols. This article explores ho...
Baird/STR Hotel Stock Index Down 3.6% in August
Baird | September 14, 2023
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee, and MILWAUKEE—The Baird/STR Hotel Stock Index fell 3.6% in August to a level of 5,856. “Hotel stocks pulled back and underperformed in August with Hotel REITs the laggards,” said Michael Bellisario, senior hotel research analyst and director at Baird. “The Hotel REITs posted their worst month of the year due to weak second quarter earnings reports, reduced full-year guidance expectations, and several weather-related impacts across the country during the month; relative performance would have been even worse if not for Hersha’s take-private announcement during the last week of the month.” “U.S...
U.S. Hotel Performance Shows Mixed Results
CoStar Group | September 14, 2023
WASHINGTON – 14 September 2023 –Continuing seasonal patterns, U.S. hotel performance showed mixed results from the previous week, according to CoStar’s latest data through 9 September. 3-9 September 2023 (percentage change from comparable week in 2022): Occupancy: 60.3% (-1.9%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$150.66 (+1.8%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$90.86 (-0.1%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Denver saw the largest year-over-year increases in each of the key performance metrics: occupancy (+8.0% to 76.3%), ADR (+12.5% to US$163.16) and RevPAR (+21.4% to US$124.56). Helped by the US Open and New York Fas...
Conroe, Texas: North Houston’s Emerging “Leading Lady”
Kira Black | September 14, 2023
By Kira Black Conroe provides small-town living while located only 40 miles north of Houston, the fourth-largest city in the country. This quaint city is currently having a resurgence and is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. Conroe has a reported population of 103,035 as of August 31, 2023, a 36% increase from 2013, and it is only projected to grow. The town has ample land for new development, and the recent improvements are heavily influenced by the city development model of The Woodlands just ten miles south. With this location near The Woodlands and so much available land, Conroe is starting to experience spillov...
IHG and Franzé Developments Open Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong in Australia
IHG | September 14, 2023
IHG Hotels & Resorts and Franzé Developments have opened a brand-new Holiday Inn & Suites in Australia. The opening of Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong marks a significant milestone as the first major new-build hotel in the area in almost 20 years invigorating Geelong with one of the world’s most recognised and trusted hotel brands. Located within Franzé Developments’ expansive $200 million mixed-use development, Geelong Quarter, the property is the largest hotel in the Geelong and Bellarine region, featuring 180 stylish rooms (including 23 suites), Holiday Inn’s signature Open Lobby, all-day dining, meeting, and event sp...
Gender Data Gap: Understanding the Bias in Our Data
Ana McFee | September 14, 2023
By Ana McFee In today's interconnected world, data is hailed as the backbone of progress and innovation. It shapes decisions, policies, and designs across various fields. However, what if the data we rely on is inherently biased, favoring one gender over another? This is the crux of the issue explored in the groundbreaking book,"Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men" by Caroline Criado Perez. The book sheds light on the pervasive gender data gap that underpins many aspects of our society, from healthcare and technology to transportation and urban planning. In this article, we will delve into the concept of data...
Doing More Than Expected (Even When It’s Not in Your Job Description)
Shep Hyken | September 14, 2023
By Shep Hyken As customers, we appreciate it when someone we’re doing business with does more than we expect. Even if we don’t consciously recognize it when it’s happening, the value of that “something extra” makes us enjoy the experience and want to come back. The same thing happens with employees inside an organization. You can usually find someone who seems to be doing more than expected – something that’s not in their job description. The other night, I was at a restaurant that had an outside patio. It looked like it was going to rain, so we opted to eat inside. About 20 minutes later, the sky opened up, and it ...
Crescent Hotels & Resorts Adds Le Merigot Santa Monica to Management Portfolio
Crescent Hotels & Resorts | September 14, 2023
Santa Monica, CA (September 14, 2023) – Crescent Hotels & Resorts, the award-winning operator of over 120 hotels and resorts, announced today the addition of the Le Merigot Santa Monica to its Latitudes: Lifestyles by Crescent portfolio. Offering the ideal blend of exploration and tranquility, the seaside retreat is just steps from the beach and its famous Santa Monica Pier. Additional highlights within walking distance include the 3rd Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica. Known for upscale shopping, numerous restaurants and bars featuring locally sourced ingredients and craft cocktails - there’s excitement around every c...
InterContinental New York Barclay Appoints Sofia Vandaele as Regional Director of Operations
InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts | September 14, 2023
NEW YORK, New York (September 14, 2023) – InterContinental® New York Barclay Hotel (Known as The Barclay), owned by 111 East 48th Street Holdings, LLC and managed by IHG, has announced the appointment of Sofia Vandaele as Regional Director of Operations, Luxury & Lifestyle, NYC. In her new role, she will helm the luxury brand’s strategic direction and brand awareness for both InterContinental® New York Barclay and InterContinental® Times Square. Vandaele launched her career in her native country of Belgium and held numerous sales and marketing roles which paved the groundwork for her incredible acumen, working at properties i...
Azul Hospitality Group Promotes Alvaro Fraile to Chief Executive Officer and Mark Crisci to President
Azul Hospitality Group | September 14, 2023
San Diego, CA, September 14, 2023 — Azul Hospitality Group, a premier hospitality company providing innovative approaches to maximizing an asset's performance, announced today the promotions of Alvaro Fraile to Chief Executive Officer, and Mark Crisci to President of the organization. Fraile joined the company in 2021 as Chief Operating Officer. He previously held senior positions with AC Hotels and Marriott International. He will provide oversight for all of Azul's hospitality-related operations. Crisci joined the company in 2014 as Chief Investment Officer. He previously held senior positions with several hospitality management firms and...
Arlo Williamsburg Opens in Brooklyn Under New Ownership and Management
Arlo Hotels | September 14, 2023
BROOKLYN, NY (September 14, 2023) – Today, Arlo Hotels, the independent lifestyle hotel brand with properties in New York, Chicago and Miami, announces the official grand opening of Arlo Williamsburg. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the property is Arlo Hotels’ fourth property in New York, joining Manhattan locations Arlo SoHo, Arlo NoMad and Arlo Midtown. The property is owned by Quadrum Global, an integrated development, investment management and advisory group focused on real estate opportunities. When the eight-story brick tower first opened in 2017 as The Williamsburg Hotel, it quickly became a must-go for travelers and locals a...
Justin Miller Promoted to Executive Chef at The Broadmoor
The Broadmoor | September 14, 2023
Colorado Springs, Colo. – September 2023 – The Broadmoor is pleased to announce the promotion of Justin Miller to the position of Executive Chef. Chef Justin Miller has been an invaluable member of The Broadmoor's culinary team for the past 25 years, first joining the resort as an extern from Pennsylvania Culinary Institute in 1998 and later being named Chef de Cuisine of the resort’s La Tavern restaurant in 2001. Miller was appointed as The Broadmoor’s Executive Sous Chef in 2017. In his new role as Executive Chef, Chef Miller will oversee the resort's culinary operations, including its diverse range of acclaimed restaurants,...
Marriott Partners With AlUla Development Company to Bring an Autograph Collection Property to Saudi Arabia
Autograph Collection Hotels | September 14, 2023
Marriott International, Inc. has announced it has signed an agreement with AlUla Development Company (UDC), fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), to open an Autograph Collection property in Saudi Arabia. Expected to open in 2025, the hotel will be located in the heart of downtown AlUla. Located in northwest Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a popular travel destination offering adventure and exploration. The vast area offers a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains, historical dwellings, and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years. “We are delighted to work with AlUla Development Company to bring Autogr...
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef Opens in St. Thomas
Frenchman’s Reef | September 13, 2023
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – September 13, 2023 – The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef is now open and welcoming travelers to become immersed in a quintessential island experience. The opening signals the completion of an extensive $425 million rebuild project at Frenchman’s Reef, which debuted its sister resort, Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection this past May. The new resort is the latest to join Westin Hotels & Resorts – part of Marriott Bonvoy®’s global portfolio of 31 extraordinary hotel brands and hospitality’s global leader in well-being f...
HRI Hospitality Appoints Opening Leadership Team for Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown
Tempo by Hilton | September 13, 2023
NASHVILLE, TN. (September 13, 2023) – HRI Hospitality (“HRI”), based in New Orleans, announces two appointments to lead the opening of Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown, including Rick Schatz as general manager and Ronni Anderson as director of sales and marketing. The new hotel is scheduled to open in spring 2024 adjacent to Nashville Yards in the heart of downtown. In their new roles, Schatz and Anderson will oversee the property’s 306 rooms, multiple food and beverage concepts including Nashville’s first Bluestone Lane café, 1,000-square-foot fitness center, outdoor pool and event lawn, fifth-floor sky lobby with expansiv...
U.S. Travel Spend Returns to Pre-Pandemic Levels, Totaling 4% of All Spend
Affinity Solutions | September 13, 2023
New data from Affinity Solutions indicates US travel spend has returned to pre-pandemic levels WHO: Affinity Solutions, the leading consumer purchase insights company. WHAT: Affinity Solutions’ Consumer Purchase Insights, based on actual credit card, debit card and transaction data, observed from January 2019 to June 2023: • Travel purchases rebound: The percentage of unique travel shoppers totaled 11.7% in 2019, with total spend reaching 4.5%. The category saw significant declines during the COVID-19 pandemic, with total spend falling to 2.5% in 2020. The category bounced back in 2022, with unique shoppers reaching 12% and total s...
