Green Lodging: We Have to Do It, But How? / Elizabeth Scharbaum / July 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Green Lodging:  We Have to Do It, But How? By Elisabeth Scharbaum, July 2007 Green Lodging is the new life safety! - or, as I recently overheard someone say to adapt greener habits today is as important as it was to stop smoking some time ago. We have to do it, but how? And, more specifically, how does this relate to our industry? We hope this outline will shed some light on the matter. LetÂ’s start with a mini glossary of terms: “green” all by itself is a very loose and sometimes abused term to imply “environmentally responsible” actions or items “Green BuildingÂ...

Capital Hotel Company Completes $1.3 million Renovation of The Grappone Conference Center and Adjacent Courtyard by Marriott in Concord, New Hampshire

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive  Capital Hotel Company Completes $1.3 million Renovation of  The Grappone Conference Center and Adjacent Courtyard by Marriott in Concord, New Hampshire  Concord, NH (July 26, 2007) – The Grappone Conference Center and adjacent Courtyard by Marriott in Concord, NH recently underwent $1.3 million in comprehensive renovations. The 90-room Courtyard by Marriott and 10,000 square foot Grappone Conference Center is owned by Steve Duprey through Capital Hotel Company, and is managed by Waterford Hotel Group , a national hotel management firm with headquarters in Waterford, Conne...

Powerful Hotel Brands Team Up with Another to Create a Whole Greater than the Sum of its Parts / Ken MacKenzie / July 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive   Powerful Hotel Brands Team Up with Another to Create a Whole Greater than the Sum of its Parts . by Ken MacKenzie, Goulston & Storrs, July 2007 Question: When does 1+1=3? Answer: When one powerful brand teams up with another to create a whole which is greater than the sum of its parts. All across the hospitality industry, but most particularly in the upscale and luxury segments, hotel companies are finding innovative ways to leverage other brands to increase occupancy, enhance guest experience, and define a niche within an industry segment. The trend is referred to most...

Golf Trust's Decision to Sell the Struggling Innisbrook Resort Sharply Criticized by Shareholders; Likened to a Fire Sale / July 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Kyle Stock, The Post and Courier, Charleston, S.C.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News Jul. 17, 2007 - The owner of the Woodlands Resort & Inn in Summerville closed a $35 million cash deal Monday to buy a struggling Florida resort from Charleston-based Golf Trust of America Inc. amid objections from a large Golf Trust shareholder. Washington-based Salamander Hospitality LLC, which snapped up the Woodlands a year ago, inked an agreement to buy the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club June 25. The sale included four golf courses, five res...

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina Embraces GoConcierge; Web-based System Implemented Across All Departments of 400-Room Propert

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina Embraces GoConcierge .. Web-based System Implemented Across All Departments of 400-Room Property LOS ANGELES — July 10, 2007—The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, located in Cambridge, Md., has given its entire team of employees access to Web-based GoConcierge to enhance the level of guest service at the 400-room luxury property. GoConcierge, produced by Los Angeles-based GoConcierge.net, is the lodging industry’s leading guest service operations system. The resort uses GoConcierge to log almost any activity ...

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online Special Report Global Update: Who’s Where and Doing What July 2007 Heads Above the Rest The Newsletter of The Boutique Search Firm   The Americas Michael Shindler has founded Four Corners Advisors in Chicago. A well-known development specialist, he was most recently the Vice President Development and Asset Management for Las Vegas Sands. He also was the Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, for Hyatt Development. In addition, he held the top development spot with RockResorts/Vail Resorts and Mandarin Oriental. Stan Brown has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operatin...

Foodservice Design With a Global Perspective / Foodservice Design by Lee Simon / July 2007

March 30, 2007

  Drawing Conclusions Foodservice Design By Lee Simon / The General Group / July  2007   During the last several years I have had the privilege of working on an increased number of international foodservice design projects.  With projects throughout North America, Central America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, regular exposure to different cultures, customs, health requirements, and operational preferences has allowed us to maintain a truly global perspective.  A wide variety of geographical conditions that must always be considered also forces us to maintain an open mind and remain flexible with our approach.  As ...

Delaware North Companies and Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Win Bid to Operate the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. / July 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive   Delaware North Companies and Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Win Bid to Operate the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. BUFFALO, N.Y. (July 3, 2007) - Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts has been selected by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to operate the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa in Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.  Upon learning of the opportunity to operate the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa, Delaware North formed an operating company called Gideon Putnam, LLC. The 50-50 business ve...

The Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality at Georgia State University Offering a Masters of Business Administration in Hotel Real Estate; First Such MBA

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive The Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality at Georgia State University Offering a Masters of Business Administration in Hotel Real Estate . First Such MBA Specialization in the Nation ATLANTA, July 25, 2007 - The Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality in the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University today announced that it will offer a Masters of Business Administration specialization in Hotel Real Estate beginning with the 2007 fall semester. It is believed to be the first such specialization offered in an MBA curriculum in the nation.      The degree ...

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Claims One-millionth Room Sold 10 months Prior to Opening; No other Resort in the History of Hotels Has So

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Claims One-millionth Room Sold 10 months Prior to Opening . No other Resort in the History of Hotels Has Sold this Many Rooms So Far Out from Opening NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., July 17, 2007 - Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center has sold its one-millionth room a record 10 months before opening. This announcement breaks the hospitality industry record for the total number of room nights pre-sold before a hotel opening. The industry record was previously held by another Gaylord property, the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Cente...

Destination Hotels & Resorts Welcomes Gail Campagna, Director of Human Resources, to Executive Committee for Stowe Mountain Lodge, Opening Fall 2007 /

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Destination Hotels & Resorts Welcomes Gail Campagna, Director of Human Resources, to Executive Committee for Stowe Mountain Lodge, Opening Fall 2007 Stowe, Vt. (July 11, 2007) – Destination Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Gail Campagna as director of human resources for the new Stowe Mountain Lodge. The 139-room luxury lodge is currently being developed at the base of Vermont’s highest peak, Mt. Mansfield, and in the heart of the new Spruce Peak at Stowe alpine village. The first true luxury resort hotel to open in the northeast in more than 50 year...

PKF Consulting Supports Planning Efforts at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; $1.1 Million Contract Awarded to Develop Comprehensive Regional Growth Plan /

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive PKF Consulting Supports Planning Efforts at Fort Bragg, North Carolina;  $1.1 Million Contract Awarded to Develop Comprehensive Regional Growth Plan Boston, MA, July 5, 2007 – The Base Realignment and Closure Regional Task Force (BRAC-RTF) recently began a planning effort for the 11-county region surrounding Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The Comprehensive Regional Growth Plan being developed is in preparation for the relocation of, among other organizations, two major Army command groups; Forces Command (FORSCOM) and U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARCOM) from Fort McPherson, Geor...

Guaranteed Non Smoking = Guaranteed Success; FreshStay® Version 2.0 a Huge Hit With Guests & Hoteliers / July 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report . fresh ideas for hospitality . . Guaranteed Non Smoking = Guaranteed Success . FreshStay® Version 2.0 a Huge Hit With Guests & Hoteliers . Hotels are raving about the  all-new integrated booking process, opportunities for special offers, information about indoor air quality enhancements and the largest online roster of smoke-free lodging options with more than 3,500 properties listed at FreshStay® . SAINT CHARLES, MO. — JULY 17, 2007 — The new and completely redesigned FreshStay®  “Breathe Easy, Sleep Great (www.FreshStay.com) is a huge hit with its partner ...

Robert Falor, the Embattled Condo-hotel Developer, Faces a New Lawsuit Over His Ownership Interest in Islamorada's Cheeca Lodge / July 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Douglas Hanks, The Miami HeraldMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News Jul. 17, 2007 - Robert Falor, the embattled condo-hotel developer, faces a new lawsuit over his ownership interest in Islamorada's Cheeca Lodge. The Chicago developer who has feuded with partners in several hotel projects in South Florida now must fight a lawsuit in Monroe County from investors claiming mismanagement and breach of contract. At issue is Falor and partners' 15 percent stake in the posh Islamorada resort, an investment that marked his entry in ...

Fairmont Undertakes a Multitude of Sustainable Energy Initiatives / July 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Fairmont Undertakes a Multitude of Sustainable Energy Initiatives Wind Powered Offset Initiative with Pembina Institute Expanded in 2007 TORONTO, July 26, 2007 – A firm advocate of sustainable energy, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce its continued involvement with the Pembina Institute, a leading non-profit environmental organization that actively promotes sustainable energy solutions.  As part of this ongoing commitment, Fairmont is pleased to be expanding the program in 2007 to include all of its corporate office computers across North America.  Since...

Recap HITEC 2007 in Orlando; Draws 5,736 Attendees, 2nd Largest in History / July 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive   Recap HITEC 2007 in Orlando . Draws 5,736 Attendees, 2nd Largest in History AUSTIN, TEXAS (June 29, 2007) – This past week was the second largest HITEC® (Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference) in the conference’s history, with 5,736 attendees. Held June 25-28 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., the exposition and conference had 300+ exhibiting companies, 40+ education sessions and recognition for hospitality industry professionals. The trade show included companies showcasing technologies and several special exhibits. N...

Escondido, California Hoteliers Divided Over Whether to Welcome Four New Hotels Expected to Open in the Coming Years / July 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Paul Eakins, North County Times, Escondido, Calif.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News Jul. 24, 2007 - ESCONDIDO -- Hotel operators are divided over whether to welcome four new hotels expected to open in Escondido in the coming years or be concerned about the added competition. The new hotels would increase the number of hotel and motel rooms within the city limits by about 53 percent, from 967 to 1,479, as part of city leaders' attempts to make Escondido a destination city. "My feeling is, the more the merrier," Paul Walton,...

To Engage the Guest, You Must Engage Those Who Directly Serve the Guest / Byran K Williams / July 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report To Engage the Guest, You Must Engage Those Who Directly Serve the Guest by: Bryan K. Williams, July 2007  Over the last few years, one of the main questions I am constantly asked is, "What is the best way for my hotel to engage our guests?"  My short answer is usually, "engage those who serve the guests".  Sounds simple enough; but before you go running to the jewelry store to buy engagement rings for all of your front line employees, let's be clear on what the word, "engage", really means in this context. For your employees, being engaged transcends showing up to work and doing what they a...

Elite Meetings International Opens Latin America & Caribbean Offices; Mauricio Aceves, Caroline Musy, and Renata Villa appointed to management team /

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report Elite Meetings International Opens Latin America & Caribbean Offices . Mauricio Aceves, Caroline Musy, and Renata Villa appointed to management team SANTA BARBARA, Calif., July 24, 2007—Elite Meetings International (EMI) announced today the opening of two new offices in Mexico City and Cancun, Mexico. Mauricio Aceves, based in Cancun, will lead the team as Regional Director of Latin America and the Caribbean. Caroline Musy, also based in Cancun, and Renata Villa, in Mexico City, join him as Regional Managers.  Aceves brings 14 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, first as a...

Elite Meetings International Announces Capital Investment from Jones Equity Partners; Company receives initial $2 million investment, backed by $5 mil

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report Elite Meetings International Announces Capital Investment from Jones Equity Partners . Company receives initial $2 million investment,  backed by $5 million in revolving credit SANTA BARBARA, Calif., July 10, 2007—Elite Meetings International (EMI) announced today the company has received a $2 million equity investment from Jones Equity Partners (JEP). The agreement also gives EMI direct access to an additional $5 million in a revolving line of credit. With the investment by JEP and their wholly owned technology company, Ascendim, which specializes in search engine optimization and web market...

Elite Meetings International Announces High-Profile Keynote and Education Speakers for Upcoming Alliance / July 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report Elite Meetings International Announces High-Profile Keynote and Education Speakers for Upcoming Alliance Santa Barbara, Calif., July 27—Elite Meetings International (EMI) announced today the prestigious lineup of speakers it has assembled for the Elite Meetings Alliance, taking place at Florida’s Naples Grande Resort & Club September 9-11, 2007. The three-day event will kick off with a keynote address by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Senior Vice President Scott Hermes, speaking on the state of the industry. Speakers at two educational breakout sessions include Ed Jones, founder and president of Cons...

Entries for Unique Products or Services that are New to the Market Within the Current Year Now Being Accepted for The IH/M&RS 2007 Editor's Choic

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive   Entries for Unique Products or Services that are New to the Market Within the Current Year Now Being Accepted for The IH/M&RS 2007 Editor's Choice Awards . Deadline to Enter is October 26, 2007 WHITE PLAINS, NY, July 12, 2007…The Editors' Choice Awards competition at the 92nd annual International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show® (IH/M&RS) is going green, as an eco-friendly counterpart is added to each of the five categories presented annually - décor, essentials, luxury, restaurant and technology. A total of 10 Editors' Choice Awards will be presented at the 20...

Recently Foreclosed Embassy Suites La Quinta for Sale / July 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report Recently Foreclosed Embassy Suites La Quinta for Sale IRVINE, CA – July 27, 2007 – Atlas Hospitality Group has been retained to exclusively represent the owners of the Embassy Suites La Quinta Hotel & Spa, located in La Quinta, California, announced Alan X. Reay, president of Atlas. This offering represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire a brand new, recently foreclosed Embassy Suites in a fast growing market. This property, which covers over 9 acres in an outstanding Coachella Valley location, offers 146 luxurious suites, the lease income from 122 privately-owned condominium units an...

Elaine Russell Named Spa Director at Four Seasons Resort Nevis / July 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive   Elaine Russell Named Spa Director at Four Seasons Resort Nevis  NEVIS, West Indies - June 21, 2007 - Andrew Humphries, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Nevis, is pleased to announce Elaine Russell as the Resort's new Spa Director.  A seasoned Spa professional, Ms. Russell recently joined Four Seasons Resort Nevis with more than 25 years of experience in the industry, both on the management side and as a hands-on therapist and fitness trainer.    "The Resort is delighted to tap Elaine's wide-ranging expertise in health and wel...