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November 4th, 2024
When It Comes to Technology, Should Hotels Look for Form or Function?
Bob Palloni | September 12, 2023
Why unlocking success comes down to choosing proven systems, not bright shiny objects By Bob Palloni The hotel industry is in a constant state of evolution, shaped by advancements in almost everything we use: from online travel platforms to the pervasive influence of social media on how people discover and book accommodations. As a result, the need for reliable and efficient technology, including a Property Management System (PMS) has become more critical than ever before. Amidst the continuous influx of new and innovative tools that reshape the travel and hotel sector, the task of determining which solutions are truly essential an...
What’s the Buzz Among Today’s Hoteliers?
Mike Gray | September 12, 2023
By Mike Gray What’s on the minds of hoteliers? What’s keeping them up at night? And what makes travelers happy and eager to return? Some of the best places to have these candid discussions are at the industry’s conferences and events, and this year’s lineup has not disappointed. From AAHOACON and BITAC, to HITEC and The Hospitality Show, I’ve been traveling steadily, attending 13 events since January. Yes, the meetings business is growing, up 30% this year. Additionally, eight out of 10 business travelers expect to take trips to events in the next six months. It’s great to be on the road catching up with industry colleagues ...
What Hoteliers Need to Know About Rising Insurance Costs: Leave No Stone Unturned
Terri Stanganelli | September 12, 2023
By Terri Stanganelli Hotel operators can combat rising rates with audits, accountability, and awareness of post-pandemic challenges Just as ensuring hotel safety requires leaving no asset or process unexamined, the quest for affordable property coverage requires casting a wide net. Property insurance is probably the biggest insurance-related concern for all hotel operators this year. It is a very difficult market. Brokers tell us they have not seen a property market like this in 30 years. Thanks largely to an active 2022 hurricane season, reinsurance rates for 2023 have risen 25% to 30%. Carriers are passing on those increases, in th...
Hotel Internet Services Demonstrates Hospitality’s Latest in Guest WiFi and In-Room Entertainment at Independent Hotel Show 2023
Hotel Internet Services, Inc. | September 12, 2023
CLEARWATER, Fla. — September 12, 2023 — Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of internet services and solutions, has today announced its participation as an official exhibitor of the Independent Hotel Show taking place in Miami from September 20-21, 2023. By showcasing its latest industry purpose-built technologies, HIS representatives at booth #126 are set to provide attendees with high-value and up-to-date insight into how they can keep pace with ever-increasing guest demands for faster online connectivity and personalized in-room experiences. As a company specializing in serving the connectivity needs of boutique a...
The Search for Hotel Housekeepers: How To Create a Competitive Advantage Amid a Shortage
John E. Dorer | September 12, 2023
By John E. Dorer More than three years after COVID-19 erupted around the globe, fortunately the disease is receding. But the problems the pandemic caused persist. More than half of Americans in a Gallup Poll in June said their lives are not yet back to “normal.” You can count many hotel operators among them. Despite the gradual recovery from the havoc wreaked by the pandemic, the hospitality industry overall continues to struggle with a diminished workforce. Although a pickup from recent months was reflected in Labor Department data released this month — leisure and hospitality added 40,000 jobs — the industry remains 290,...
Cloud5 Welcomes Anai Patel as Chief Financial Officer
Cloud5 Communications | September 12, 2023
Chicago, IL — September 12, 2023, Cloud5 Communications, a leading provider of communications and technology solutions for more than 5,000 hotels, MDUs, and commercial facilities across the Americas, today announced the appointment of Anai Patel as its new CFO. Based in Cloud5’s Chicago headquarters, Patel will play a central role in the company’s ongoing market expansion and growth strategy as it continues to provide strategic, consultative expertise to address hospitality’s evolving IT and telecommunication challenges. “I’m excited to join Cloud5 and leverage my strategic financial experience to guide the company in seizin...
Amadeus’ Latest iHotelier® StayPlus Capabilities Enable Curated Hotel Experiences That Drive Profitability
amadeus | September 12, 2023
The industry leading central reservations system and booking engine offers a strategic set of integrated capabilities for hotels to capture and convert more bookings September 12, 2023— The rising need for hotels to generate more revenue-enhancing opportunities that go beyond guest rooms has contributed to demand for a central reservations system (CRS) and booking engine that is simple, intuitive, and has the power to personalize guest experiences. Today, Amadeus is proud to introduce iHotelier StayPlus™ – an innovative set of capabilities that empower hoteliers to create curated guest experiences and manage promotions all in one ea...
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company Arranges $21,000,000 of First Mortgage Financing for Cotton Court, Lubbock, Texas
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company | September 12, 2023
Beverly Hills, California – September 12, 2023 – Sonnenblick-Eichner Company has arranged $21 million of fixed-rate, first mortgage financing for the Cotton Court hotel located in Lubbock, Texas. The five-year, fixed-rate loan is non-recourse and was funded by a Wall Street investment bank. The loan is interest-only for the entire term at an interest rate of 7.6%. A rate buydown was required by the lender to achieve this rate and proceeds. The 165-room upscale boutique hotel benefits from its excellent location in downtown Lubbock. It is one mile from both Texas Tech University, a campus with over 40,000 students, and Lubbock’s do...
Why Full Service & Luxury Independent Hoteliers Are Going ‘All In’ on All-in-One Tech
Warren Dehan | September 12, 2023
All-in-one PMS technology has evolved to encompass nearly every aspect of hotel operations, leveling the playing field for independents across the industry By Warren Dehan Independent luxury and full service hotel and resort groups are not willing to settle for less regarding operations technology. Still, their search for the best tools for the job has left many operators bogged down in complexity as they manage too many disparate systems at once. No hotelier can circumvent the rising complexity of operations today, but independents need more time and support to navigate these challenges and remain profitable. Rather than seeking indivi...
Tourism Tidbits: How Effective Is Your Marketing?
Dr. Peter Tarlow | September 11, 2023
By Dr. Peter Tarlow September marks the end of the high summer tourism season in most of the Northern Hemisphere. This was also the year that many companies got involved in politics and found themselves with negative marketing results. The end of summer is also a good time to review your marketing efforts and ask yourself questions such as: How successful were your marketing efforts? What should you have done differently? What successes or challenges did you face that you were able to control and what was beyond your control? How did you handle problems that were beyond your control? Often tourism and travel profes...
Google Hotel Reviews: Everything You Need to Know
Eva Lacalle | September 11, 2023
By Eva Lacalle In today's digital age, online reviews have become an integral part of the decision-making process for travelers. As a hotelier, it’s crucial to understand the impact of guest feedback on your business. This is where Google hotel reviews come into play. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Google hotel reviews and provide valuable insights on leveraging them to enhance your hotel's reputation and attract more guests. Why Google hotel reviews matter Travelers rely on Google in their research, planning and booking process. Reviews are one of the first things potential guests see when they sear...
The Blakely Hotel in New York City Joins Trademark Collection by Wyndham
LuxUrban Hotels Inc. | September 11, 2023
MIAMI--LuxUrban Hotels Inc. (“LuxUrban” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LUXH), which utilizes an asset-light business model to lease entire hotels on a long-term basis and rent out hotel rooms in these properties in key major metropolitan cities, announced today that the Blakely Hotel in New York City has been re-branded as “The Blakely by LuxUrban, Trademark Collection® by Wyndham.” The Blakely is the first LuxUrban property to integrate under the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (“Wyndham”) brand family and join the world’s largest hotel franchisor. As previously announced, LuxUrban entered into an agreement with Wyndham under...
The Rebounding San Diego Lodging Market Attracts Investor Interest
Marcus Lee | September 11, 2023
By Marcus Lee Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant decline in market performance, hotel demand levels in Greater San Diego[1] have rebounded. Some factors supporting the recovery included the following: Stability within the government and military sector Increased business activity, including growth in the biotechnology and life-sciences sectors, as six San Diego-based companies, including Janssen and Pfizer, worked on the production of the COVID-19 vaccine The strong rebound in leisure travel and the popularity of the region as a tourist destination A quick rebound in passenger traffic at San Diego Internat...
ITA Data Release: June 2023 Total International Travel Volume
NTTO | September 11, 2023
In June 2023, International Visitor Arrivals to the United States totaled 4,996,037, an increase of 24.5% Compared to June 2022 U.S. Citizen Outbound Travel Departures from the United States Totaled 10,377,992 in June 2023, an Increase of 20% Compared to June 2022 Data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) show that in June 2023: International Arrivals to the United States Total non-U.S. resident international visitor volume to the United States of 4,996,037, increased 24.5% compared to June 2022 and represents 79% of the pre-COVID total visitor volume reported for June 2019...
Aloft Denver Downtown Reopens Following Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
Aloft Denver Downtown | September 11, 2023
Denver, CO (September 11, 2023) – Aloft Denver Downtown has officially reopened, unveiling an approximately $3 million makeover, boasting updated guest room accommodations, lobby, food and beverage spaces, fitness center, social lounge, and more. The 140-room hotel is designed for the modern traveler who craves a vibrant social scene and smart style at an accessible rate. The property is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Denver, just steps away from the Colorado Convention Center, 16th Street Mall, and Colorado State Capitol, and is approximately 20 miles from the Denver International Airport. Part of Aloft Hotels®, Marrio...
Crawford Hoying Acquires Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbus OSU in Upper Arlington, Ohio
Crawford Hoying | September 11, 2023
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (September 11, 2023) - Crawford Hoying is excited to announce the acquisition of Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbus OSU in partnership with award-winning, international hotel owner, operator and developer, Shaner Hotel Group. This is the fourteenth hotel within Crawford Hoying’s portfolio, which now includes more than 1,800 hotel keys. Homewood Suites is located at 1576 West Lane Avenue in the heart of Upper Arlington. Just 10 minutes from downtown Columbus and a two-minute drive from The Ohio State University, guests can enjoy staying steps away from some of the best shopping and dining that the city has to offer. The...
W Macau – Studio City Debuts in China
W Hotels | September 11, 2023
W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 31 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the highly anticipated opening of W Macau – Studio City, marking the debut of the iconic W Hotels brand in Macau, a spirited city of culture, cuisine and captivating experiences. Part of Melco Resorts & Entertainment’s integrated resort of Studio City on Cotai Strip, Macau’s premier leisure destination, the hotel connects guests to the vibrant culture through its intriguing design, elevated dining and beverage venues and unrivaled guest programming. “The opening of W Macau – Studio City ushers in a new, modern style of hi...
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong Opens in the Heart of Victoria’s Regional Centre
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong | September 11, 2023
IHG Hotels & Resorts and Franzé Developments have today opened Geelong’s first major newbuild hotel in around 20 years – Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong. It marks a significant milestone for Victoria’s biggest regional city with the new addition of one of the most recognised and trusted hotel brands in the world. As the anchor tenant of 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 spaces, plus a ...
Sage Hospitality Group Promotes Renee Wriedt as Area Director of Sales & Marketing
Sage Hospitality Group | September 11, 2023
Denver, CO (Sept. 11, 2023) – Sage Hospitality Group is pleased to announce that Renee Wriedt is now serving as Area Director of Sales & Marketing overseeing The Crawford Hotel, Denver Union Station and The Oxford Hotel. Wriedt spent the last five years as the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Embassy Suites Denver Downtown Convention Center, another property managed by Sage Hospitality. A graduate of the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver, Wriedt previously held sales leadership positions at the Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park, the Hilton Garden Inn Denver South and The Curtis – a Doubl...
Staypineapple Hotels Appoints Cameron Kronemeyer as Director of Food & Beverage
Staypineapple | September 11, 2023
BELLEVUE, Wash., September 11, 2023 – Staypineapple, the Pacific Northwest based hospitality group with 10 hotels and four restaurants located across the US, announces the addition of Cameron Kronemeyer to the organization’s food and beverage operations team. “We are thrilled to welcome Cameron to the Staypineapple Family,” said Dina Belon, Chief Operating Officer for Staypineapple. “His extensive experience within the culinary and food service operations industry brings an incredible level of knowledge and insight to our organization. With our company’s much-anticipated brand expansion over the coming years, Cameron will no do...
Rick Corcoran Appointed General Manager of Baccarat Hotel New York
accarat Hotel New York | September 11, 2023
NEW YORK, NY – September 2023 – Rick Corcoran has been named General Manager of the Forbes Five Star AAA Five Diamond Baccarat Hotel New York. In this new role, Corcoran oversees the day-to-day operation of the flagship hotel which reimagined the elegance and perfection of the legendary French crystal maker into a luxury lifestyle hospitality brand when it opened in March of 2015. A seasoned hotelier for over 30 years, Corcoran’s professional ascent from humble beginnings as a line cook to a driving force in elevating hospitality experience through his visionary leadership, growth-minded strategies, and problem-solving skills is no...
Hotel Management Company Investments in Staffing, Maintenance and Renovations Reflected in Overall Guest Satisfaction, J.D. Power Finds
J.D. Power | September 8, 2023
TROY, Mich.: 8 Sept. 2023 — After several years of incredibly challenging business conditions, which caused much of the hospitality industry to scale back on capital expenditures, hotel management companies have started making serious investments in renovations, maintenance and staffing. According to the J.D. Power 2023 North America Third-Party Hotel Management Guest Satisfaction Benchmark,SM released today, those investments are paying off in the form of strong satisfaction scores for quality of the guest room and staff service. “In the span of a year, staffing has gone from being the biggest pain point for hotel management compani...
Retail Tourism Represented US$178BN Accounting for 6% of Travel & Tourism’s GDP in 2019
The World Travel & Tourism Council | September 8, 2023
Barcelona, Spain: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has today launched “Global Retail Tourism: Trends and Insights”, a report set to change the way we think about shopping tourism. The joint research between WTTC and the Hospitality & Tourism Research Centre of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, in collaboration with The Bicester Collection, was published during an event which took place at La Roca Village, part of The Bicester Collection, in Barcelona, Spain, to coincide with the Village’s 25th anniversary. In 2019, retail tourism represented a substantial US$178BN, comprising 6% of the Travel & Tourism se...
Market Spotlight on Canada
HotStats | September 8, 2023
By Jeannette King Recent data on the performance metrics of the Canadian hospitality market reveals a compelling story of resilience and recovery tinged with a note of warning on bottom-line conversion. Amidst global challenges, the industry has demonstrated its tenacity, with the Total Revenue Per Available Room (TRevPAR) metric taking center stage in this narrative. In a comparative analysis spanning from 2019 to 2023, the trends underscore the transient nature of the setbacks faced in 2022 and highlight the industry's subsequent rebound. Specifically, the TRevPAR metric, which provides a holistic view of a hotel's revenue-generating ...
