Aztec Group, Inc. Arranges the $12.25 Million Sale of Ramada Inn Airport North/Days Inn Westland Mall in Hialeah, Florida / August 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report Aztec Group, Inc. Arranges the $12.25 Million Sale of Ramada Inn Airport North/Days Inn Westland Mall in Hialeah, Florida  Miami, Florida -- August 16, 2007 - Aztec Group, Inc., Florida’s leading real estate investment and merchant banking firm based in Miami, is pleased to announce that it has arranged the sale of Ramada Inn Airport North/Days Inn Westland Mall, located in Hialeah, Florida. The property was double branded as 171-room Ramada Inn and an 83-room Days Inn. Located on approximately five acres, the property features a restaurant and lounge, 4,000 sf of meeting rooms, a pool and...

Competition Between Grapevine and Arlington for Conventioneers and Tourists Continues to Intensify / August 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By O.K. Carter, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, TexasMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News Aug. 23, 2007 - The not-always-silent battle between Grapevine and Arlington for the hearts, minds -- and wallets -- of conventioneers and tourists continues to intensify. Neither side appears to be saying "uncle," but it's obvious that Grapevine has been getting the best of it lately, though not in an overwhelming way. The tale is in the numbers. Grapevine hotels, led by the flagship Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center on Lake Grap...

Suppliers Are Winning the Battle for Online Revenues / August 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report August 29, 2007 - There seems to be an Anti-OTA feeling in the air.  In well-publicized moves, big brands, like ICHG, have pulled their inventory from leading online agencies.  So as major hotels and airlines brands are concentrating on driving direct bookings, where does this leave the OTAs?  What is their role in the distribution landscape?  Do the suppliers have all the power and potential for growth?  The OTAs would argue that suppliers are unjustified in their feeling towards 3rd party distribution.  A permanent part of the distribution landscape with a massive customer base and huge b...

Starwood Hotels Building First Wholly-Owned ALOFT and ELEMENT Branded Properties in Lexington, Massachusetts / August 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.- August 22, 2007 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced the development of its first wholly-owned ALOFT and ELEMENT hotel project in Lexington, Massachusetts. ALOFT and ELEMENT Lexington will breathe new life into the select service and extended stay markets in this vital and energetic suburban community. Both hotels are scheduled to open in late Spring of 2008.  Just twelve miles outside of Boston, Lexington offers a charming combination of historical sites, farm stands and greenhouses, as well as convenient access to Boston...

Lodgian, Waterford Hotel Group and Depalma Hotel Corp Among the Applicants to Operate New Convention Center with Two Hotels in Albany, New York / Au

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Tim O'Brien, Albany Times Union, N.Y.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News August 1, 2007 --ALBANY -- The operators of the Crowne Plaza and the county-owned Times Union Center are among those wishing to run the proposed Albany Convention Center or its connected hotels. Project Manager Al Sorrentino announced the names Tuesday of the six applicants who filed to run all or some components of the proposed $300 million project in downtown Albany. SMG of Philadelphia, which runs the county's entertainment arena, has applied to run...

Investment Firm Aetos Capital, LP Commits $50 million to Tian Rui Hotel Corporation to Accelerate Super 8 Hotel Growth in China / August 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive PARSIPPANY, N.J. (Aug. 27, 2007) – Wyndham Hotel Group, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), of Parsippany, N.J., today announced that Aetos Capital, LP  has committed to invest up to $50 million in Tian Rui Hotel Corporation, master franchisor of the Super 8®  brand in China, to accelerate its hotel development efforts.   Wyndham Hotel Group’s Super 8 brand, one of the largest economy hotel chains in the world, was introduced to China in 2004.  Tian Rui Hotel Corporation has opened 49 Super 8 hotels in China, representing more than 4,700 rooms, and...

Andrew Stegen Named General Manager of Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa / August 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Andrew Stegen Named General Manager of Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa   PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 1, 2007 - Andrew Stegen has been appointed the General Manager of the historic Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. Mr. Stegen most recently served as the resort's Director of Operations with responsibility for overseeing day-to-day operations since 2003. "Andrew Stegen is uniquely qualified to take the reins of the Arizona Biltmore" stated Ben Fusco, Area Vice President of Hilton Resorts and Hotels-Southwest. "His intimate knowledge of this prestigious property and his dedication to s...

AKA, a division of Korman Communities, Opens its Largest Extended-stay Property – AKA Dulles Station in Herndon, Virginia / August 2007

March 30, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Plymouth Meeting, PA – August 28, 2007 – Continuing its planned expansion, AKA debuts its eighth and largest extended-stay residence.  AKA Dulles Station in Herndon, VA, marks the fourth property opening for the new brand in just three months, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing luxury extended-stay brands in the world. Conveniently located one mile from Dulles International Airport, AKA Dulles Station is a newly-built residence offering 169 one- and two-bedroom suites, making it the largest property in the AKA portfolio.  All accommodations feature nine-foot ...

Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa Names Scott Kenney F&B Director and Elliot Manning as Rooms Director / May 2007

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report  Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa Names Scott Kenney F&B Director and Elliot Manning as Rooms Director ST. THOMAS, USVI — May 17, 2007 - Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, voted “Best Spa Resort in the USVI” by the World Travel Awards in London for the past two consecutive years, has named Scott Kenney as food and beverage (F&B) director and Elliot Manning as rooms director. Wyndham Sugar Bay, located in St. Thomas, has recently renovated the 300 guest rooms and suites and various restaurants (http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/STTSB/main.wnt). Kenney’s responsibilities include coordinating, supervi...

Sandy Johnson Appointed Vice President of National Accounts / May 2007

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Sandy Johnson Appointed Vice President of National Accounts of Hospitality Performance Network  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (May 9, 2007)…Joe Forster, president and chief operating officer of Hospitality Performance Network (HPN) is pleased to announce that Sandy Johnson has joined the company’s growing network of seasoned industry professionals.  She will assume responsibilities as vice president of national accounts effective immediately.  “Sandy brings a diverse background and wealth of knowledge to HPN,” said Forster.  “She is well connected in the financial and in...

Stephen P. Holmes, Chairman and CEO of Wyndham Worldwide, Named 2007 Inductee into the Travel Industry Hall of Leaders / May 2007

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Stephen P. Holmes, Chairman and CEO of Wyndham Worldwide,  Named 2007 Inductee into the Travel Industry Hall of Leaders WASHINGTON, DC (May 30, 2007) — Stephen P. Holmes, chairman and chief executive officer of Wyndham Worldwide, has been named the 2007 inductee into the Travel Industry Hall of Leaders.  Distinguished individuals are named to the Hall of Leaders maintained by the Travel Industry Association (TIA) for “sustained, noteworthy contributions that have positively impacted the travel industry, stimulated greater achievement, and raised industry-wide ...

Global Hyatt Corporation Names Stephen G. Haggerty Executive Vice President, Real Estate and Development / May 2007

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report Global Hyatt Corporation Names Stephen G. Haggerty Executive Vice President, Real Estate and Development       CHICAGO May 24, 2007 - Global Hyatt Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Hoplamazian today announced the appointment of Stephen G. Haggerty as Executive Vice President, Real Estate and Development.  In his new role, Haggerty will be responsible for Hyatt’s strategic global development efforts through both acquisition and management agreements, and he will lead the capital investment and asset management programs for Hyatt-owned real estate. Haggerty will oversee...

Simon Bell Appointed Director of Marketing for the St. Kitts Marriott Resort / May 2007

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report ST. KITTS – May 30, 2007 – The St. Kitts Marriott Resort and The Royal Beach Casino has named Mr. Simon Bell as the new Director of Marketing.  In this role, Mr. Bell will be responsible for leading the Sales and Marketing efforts for St. Kitts’ largest resort and conference facility.  “Simon has a proven track record of growing market share and revenue while maintaining high levels of guest satisfaction, and I am confident he will assist in taking the resort to the next level,” said General Manager George Landa.  “During his 15 years with Marriott International, Simon has developed a ke...

Award-Winning Rudding Park Golf and Conference Center to Upgrade All Systems with Maestro Enterprise Suite; Luxury property taps Maestro PMS integrate

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online  .Special Report Award-Winning Rudding Park Golf and Conference Center to Upgrade All Systems with Maestro Enterprise Suite . Luxury property taps Maestro PMS integrated multiple modules for extensive four stage property automation project  Markham, ON – May 15, 2007 - NORTHWIND, provider of Maestro Enterprise Property Management hotel software and reservation software solutions for hospitality, announced Rudding Park, an award-winning UK golf resort and conference center, has selected Maestro-PMS to automate its operation with a comprehensive four-stage technology implementation.  Rudding Park will in...

Assoufid Hotel S.A Signs Rocco Forte Hotels to Manage a New Golf and Spa Resort in Marrakech, Morocco / May 2007

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report Assoufid Hotel S.A Signs Rocco Forte Hotels to Manage a New Golf and Spa Resort in Marrakech, Morocco 29 May 2007 - Rocco Forte Hotels has signed a contract to manage a new five-star golf and spa resort in Marrakech. Due to open in December 2009, the Moroccan resort is set in a 225 hectare estate of olive groves and undulating countryside traversed by ancient waterways, all set against a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.  The estate is only minutes from the old city of Marrakech and the international airport. The new property will have 90 bedrooms and, like other hotels in the Rocco Forte bran...

Marriott International Rebrands The Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center; Originally Opened in 1972 as the PLM Saint Jacques, the Larg

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report Marriott International Rebrands The Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center; Originally Opened in 1972 as the PLM Saint Jacques, the Largest Conference Hotel in Paris PARIS, May 23, 2007 - Sometimes, when you look back, you find the future. That's what happened yesterday when the 757-room Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center, the largest hotel convention center in Paris, was rebranded by Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR - News) following a complete refurbishment of all guest rooms, public spaces, restaurant and bar facilities. Marriott Chairman and Chief E...

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive The Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa, A Wyndham Grand Resort Undergoing a $36 million Redevelopment; Mark Stevenson Named Resort’s Managing Director  PARSIPPANY, N.J.- May 14, 2007 - The Wyndham® flag was raised in Puerto Rico today as Wyndham Hotels and Resorts welcomed the 600-room Rio Mar Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Rio Grande to the Wyndham brand.  The 500-acre Wyndham Rio Mar will undergo a $36 million redevelopment over the next few years, with $15 million in capital improvements planned in 2007 including a complete overhaul of the casino to create one of the island’...

Ringhotels Experiences Consistent Growth with SynXis and Renews Long Standing Relationship; German Hotel Chain migrates 135 properties to RedX® an

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report  Ringhotels Experiences Consistent Growth with SynXis and Renews Long Standing Relationship . German Hotel Chain migrates 135 properties to RedX and Benefits from International Features SOUTHLAKE, Texas, 31 May 2007 – SynXis, the Sabre Holdings business that provides hotel reservation management, distribution and technology services globally, announced today that one of the leading German hotel chains, Ringhotels, has upgraded its 135 members to the RedX Distribution Management System and extended its longstanding partnership with SynXis for three additional years.  Ringhotels has used th...

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Celebrity Chefs & the Local Economy;  The ‘Rick Stein Effect’ by Barry Napier, May 2007 Build a Disneyland anywhere and the local economy picks up dramatically. It seems that celebrity chefs do the same for small villages and towns. It is difficult to quantify the financial rewards for a locality, because the only way to do so is to remove the celebrity and see the difference! Does a celebrity chef draw visitors - consistently - to small villages and towns and boost their tourism income? In this article we will take a look at Padstow, Cornwall, England. Althoug...

Agenda Set for HSMAI Revenue Management Strategy Conference in Orlando, June 25, 2007 / May 2007

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Agenda Set for HSMAI Revenue Management Strategy Conference in Orlando, June 25, 2007 MCLEAN, VA (May 22, 2007) – Reflecting the growing importance of Revenue Management in the hotel and travel industry today, pre-registration for the upcoming Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Revenue Management Strategy Conference in Orlando on June 25, 2007 has more than doubled compared to prior events.  Much of this excitement has been fueled by HSMAI’s development of the Revenue Management Special Interest Group (SIG) and a long list of recent activiti...

Referrals – New Generation of Hospitality Sales Professionals Lesson #7 / David Brudney / David Brudney / May 2007

February 28, 2007

By David M. Brudney, ISHC, May 2007 . (seventh in a series) . Show me a successful, highly respected hospitality Sales professional and I’ll show you someone who has mastered the art of developing referrals. No greater compliment can be paid to a hospitality Sales pro than to have a prospect call to book a piece of business because “John Jones (a client of the Sales pro) told me I should call you.” Now keep in mind, referrals don’t just “happen”.  They develop from a process that usually takes time. Referrals have to be earned Good hospitality Sales pros develop referrals by taking care of business first: Excee...

All SynXis Properties to Upgrade to the RedX Distribution Management System by July 31st; Thousands of properties will benefit from the millions of do

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online  Special Report  All SynXis Properties to Upgrade to the RedX Distribution Management System by July 31st . Thousands of properties will benefit from the millions of dollars invested in RedX® SOUTHLAKE, Texas, 16 May – SynXis, the Sabre Holdings business that provides hotel reservation management, distribution and technology services globally, announced today that they will complete the upgrade of all their hotel customers to the RedX Distribution Management System by the end of July.  Hotels will benefit from the upgrade with streamlined operations, broader distribution, more robust integration, increas...

$50 million Expansion Planned for Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Red Wing, Minnesota / May 2007

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive $50 million Expansion Planned for Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Red Wing, Minnesota RED WING, Minn., May 22, 2007 - Treasure Island Resort & Casino today announced it will break ground on a $50 million project that includes 230 additional hotel rooms, an event center featuring entertainment and convention space and a family fun center. Construction begins June 1 and the project is expected to be completed in fall of 2008.      The development includes an additional two hotel wings, featuring 230 hotel rooms, increasing Treasure Island's room count to 480 rooms. T...

February 28, 2007

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive  Ramada Worldwide Reinvigorates  “i am”  Program Stressing a Positive Guest Experience PALM DESERT, Calif. (May 22, 2007) – Ramada Worldwide leaders this week announced efforts to bolster the chain’s position as a global brand through its first coordinated international advertising campaign and launch of a service culture that stresses a positive guest experience.   Attendees at the Ramada conference here learned that the new global marketing campaign will carry a consistent message to all countries for the first time in the brand’s history.  The campaign’s slo...