Visitor Count to San Francisco in Year 2005 Was 15.7 million, Up 4.1% from 2004; January-May, 2006 Hotel Occupancy up 2.6% to 72.6% / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Visitor Count to San Francisco in Year 2005 Was 15.7 million,  Up 4.1% from 2004; January-May, 2006 Hotel Occupancy up 2.6% to 72.6% August 1, 2006 - The San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau (SFCVB) has just completed their 2005-2006 fiscal year in which they booked a record-breaking 1,035 convention groups and meetings, representing a total of 2,149,676 hotel room nights over the next 21 years.     The citywide economic impact of these bookings is estimated at $1.7 billion. A total of 2,172 groups, representing a potential 5,680,212 room nights, were added during the fiscal year...

Benchmark Appoints Samantha Endlich Director of Rooms at Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Benchmark Appoints Samantha Endlich Director of Rooms at Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, August 10, 2006 - Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the appointment of Samantha Endlich as director of rooms for the Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center, located in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York.  Sean McLaughlin, general manager of the property, made the announcement. "I am so pleased to welcome Samantha to Glen Cove Mansion," stated Mr. McLaughlin.  "She brings solid industry experience and a highly successful track record wi...

Steve Contos Promoted to VP and Managing Director of Grande Lakes Orlando and Peter Kacheris Named General Manager of the JW Marriott Orlando / Augus

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Steve Contos Promoted to VP and Managing Director of Grande Lakes Orlando and Peter Kacheris Named General Manager of the JW Marriott Orlando Orlando, FL – August 23, 2006 – Steve Contos, previously general manager of the 1,000-room JW Marriott Orlando has been promoted to vice president and managing director of the 500-acre Grande Lakes Orlando, a luxury estate that includes the JW Marriott as well as a 584-room Ritz-Carlton, a 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa, and an 18-hole championship golf course designed by two-time British Open winner Greg Norman.  Peter Kacheris join...

Two Hilton Head Island Resorts, the Westin and Marriott Adding On-site Spas – Now a Necessity for Resorts / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Jim Faber, The Island Packet, Hilton Head Island, S.C.McClatchy-Tribune Business News Aug. 4, 2006 - The Westin Resort and Marriott Hilton Head Beach & Golf Resort will add full-service spas this winter. The two Hilton Head Island resorts are following a nationwide trend as travelers demand more options and pampering when they are away from home. "It is definitely a trend in the upper end of the spectrum," said Charles Partlow, director of the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management at the University of S...

San Antonio City Council Not Happy with Faulkner USA's Design for 1,000 room Convention Center Hotel, Calling it a "Regular Looking Hotel&

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Melissa S. Monroe, San Antonio Express-NewsMcClatchy-Tribune Business News Aug. 3, 2006 - The developer of the 1,000-room Convention Center hotel was put in the hot seat Wednesday by City Council members who said San Antonio is not getting what it was promised for the downtown project that has been controversial for more than a decade. Council members criticized the design of the project, calling it a "regular-looking hotel." They asked what happened to the San Antonio culture and identity it was supposed to have, where the r...

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Rocco Forte’s Hotels in Berlin and Rome Take Names of Historic Significance - Hotel de Rome and Hotel de Russie August 29th 2006 - Rocco Forte Hotels’ latest property, Hotel de Rome, opens in Berlin on 1 October 2006 and is not to be muddled with the collection’s Hotel de Russie in Rome.  While the names may well cause confusion, Rocco Forte Hotels’ ethos dictated that the names be used because they are both of historic significance.   Rocco Forte’s Berlin hotel takes its name from a luxury property called the Grand Hotel de Rome, which opened in the late 19th century close to the Be...

RockBridge Capital and Equis Hospitality Management Building a $10.5 million Homewood Suites in St. Louis, Missouri / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report COLUMBUS, OH, August 22, 2006 - Columbus, Ohio-based RockBridge Capital, LLC (“RockBridge”) today announced the closing of its $10,500,000 first mortgage investment to develop a 104-room Homewood Suites in Maryland Height, Missouri.  James T. Merkel, Managing Director of RockBridge, made the announcement. The Homewood Suites site is located in the Riverport Business Park, which offers over one million square feet of office and light industrial space and is home to the HMB Bank Amphitheater and Harrah’s Casino.  The site is also located within two miles of the 11.5 million square foot Earth Cit...

Flag Luxury Properties Completes Refinancing of the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach in Miami, Obtains $181 million of 10-year Fixed Rate Financing at a Rate

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Flag Luxury Properties Completes Refinancing of the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach in Miami, Obtains $181 million of 10-year Fixed Rate Financing at a Rate of 6.37% New York, August 10, 2006 – Flag Luxury Properties, a New York-based developer of luxury resorts and residential communities, today announced that it has completed the refinancing of the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach in Miami.  In partnership with The Lionstone Group, a privately owned real estate investment firm, Flag Luxury obtained $181 million of 10-year fixed rate financing at a rate of 6.37 percent. The lenders were Credit Suisse ...

Revenue Management for Dummies – Part Two; Knowing Why is More Important than Knowing How / Neil Salerno / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Revenue Management for Dummies (Like Me) – Part Two - Knowing Why is More Important than Knowing How By: Neil Salerno August 2006 I received such an overwhelming response from my last article on revenue management; I thought this might be a good opportunity to amplify my thoughts a bit. I was pleased to also hear from hoteliers in several foreign countries who share a strong interest in revenue management procedures. I truly believe that revenue or yield management can benefit hotels of any size, anywhere, for it is as much a state-of-mind as it is a technique. The Importance of Knowing Â...

Fresh Approaches to a Fully Integrated Revenue Management Strategy to be Debated by Ritz Carlton, Dollar Thrifty, Hyatt International, Omni Hotels, Je

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Fresh Approaches to a Fully Integrated Revenue Management Strategy to be Debated by Ritz Carlton, Dollar Thrifty, Hyatt International, Omni Hotels, JetBlue, Delta, Resort Quest Hawaii, Harrah’s, WestJet and Many More August 1, 2006 - These are truly exciting times for Revenue Management in the US travel industry. The speed of change, innovation and growth is eye-watering! If you are not pushing hard to be at the forefront of these changes, you are being left behind. The seniority and number of travel pricing executives who are already booked to attend North America’s premier RM forum indica...

Resort Suites of Scottsdale Joins Summit Hotels & Resorts; First Hotel in Arizona Named One of the Best Independent Luxury Hotels & Resorts / August

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Resort Suites of Scottsdale Joins Summit Hotels & Resorts - First Hotel in Arizona Named One of the Best Independent Luxury Hotels & Resorts  SCOTTSDALE, AZ., August 16, 2006 – Resort Suites of Scottsdale has joined the ranks of the world’s best independent luxury hotels and resorts, as the first property in the State of Arizona to be accepted into Summit Hotels & Resorts, a superb and growing collection of internationally acclaimed locations that number more than 120 hotels and resorts in 37 countries. “Preferred Hotel Group is pleased to welcome Resort Suites Scottsdale into the Summit...

The $224 million Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center Opens with a $200,000 Grand Opening Party / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  The $224 million Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center Opens with a $200,000 Grand Opening Party   Schaumburg, IL (August 17, 2006)- The $224 million Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center celebrated its grand opening last night with a $200,000 fete for 400 VIPs and local residents. William Shaw, President and Chief Operating Officer of Marriott International, joined Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson and General Manager Tom Robertson in presenting the completed project to the invitation only crowd.  Actors from the Redmoon Theater Troupe greeted guests in whimsical costume...

The Renaissance Dallas Hotel Acquired by a Subsidiary of JWM Family Enterprises, L.P; The 518 room Landmark Will Continue to be Operated by Marriott

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive The Renaissance Dallas Hotel Acquired by a Subsidiary of  JWM Family Enterprises, L.P; The 518 room Landmark Will Continue  to be Operated by Marriott International August 15, 2006 - Marriott International, Inc. today announced the sale of the AAA Four-Diamond Renaissance Dallas Hotel to Thomas Point Ventures, L.P., a subsidiary of JWM Family Enterprises, L.P. The hotel will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation in early 2007 which will include a complete guest room redo and the addition of meeting new space. Marriott International will...

Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa Goes With InfoGenesis POS To Help Blaze The Off-Strip Trail In Vegas; Eighty Percent of All Major Casinos in Las Vegas N

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report   Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa Goes With InfoGenesis POS To Help Blaze The Off-Strip Trail In Vegas;  . Eighty Percent of All Major Casinos in Las Vegas Now Feature InfoGenesis Technology Santa Barbara, CA (July 18, 2006) – InfoGenesis, the leading hospitality technology company in the United States, has just announced a partnership with Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas.  This destination resort is the largest ever built off the Las Vegas Strip and represents an emerging trend the Las Vegas market: new-found, off-strip luxury.  Station Casinos, the parent company for Red Rock,...

The Rainmaker Group to Share Expertise at Revenue Management and Pricing Conference; Rainmaker Executive VP, Tom Walker, will speak at EyeforTravel Re

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report The Rainmaker Group to Share Expertise at Revenue Management and Pricing Conference . Rainmaker Executive VP, Tom Walker, will speak at EyeforTravel Revenue Management and Pricing in Travel 2006 Conference ATLANTA, GA, August 23, 2006 – The Rainmaker Group, a world leader in revenue management software and services, announced that its Executive Vice President, Tom Walker, will speak on ‘Performance: Measurement and Improvement’ at the EyeforTravel Revenue Management Conference held October 4 – 5 in Chicago.  The presentation will examine the importance of establishing key performance m...

Following a $20 million Renovation, The 705 room Radisson Lexington Hotel, NYC, Emerges with Six Distinct Dining and Entertainment Outlets / August 20

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Following a $20 million Renovation, The 705 room Radisson Lexington Hotel, NYC, Emerges with Six Distinct Dining and Entertainment Outlets NEW YORK, August 2006 – Following a nearly $20 million renovation, The Radisson Lexington Hotel (511 Lexington Avenue, NYC 212-755-4400) has emerged fresher and sleeker than ever, with world-class amenities and six distinct dining and entertainment outlets that have positioned the hotel as the ultimate leisure destination in New York City. Located in the heart of Manhattan's fashionable East Side, the Radisson Lexington Hotel offers guests the best of New...

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Robert F. Cotter, Fomer President and COO for Starwood Hotels,  Elected to FelCor's Board of Directors IRVING, Texas…July 31, 2006 – FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated (NYSE: FCH), one of the nation’s largest hotel real estate investment trusts (REITs), today announced that it has elected Robert F. Cotter to its Board of Directors.  Mr. Cotter was elected at FelCor’s July Board meeting.  Mr. Cotter brings more than 30 years of hotel operations expertise to FelCor’s Board.     Mr. Cotter, 54, is an accomplished hotel executive and most recently was President and Chief Operating Offi...

Developer Richard Cohen Sues for Permission to Rent Rooms at Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod; Claims Building Inspector on Vacation / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Christie Smythe, Cape Cod Times, Hyannis, Mass.McClatchy-Tribune Business News Aug. 19, 2006 - In a rush to start making money from the Chatham Bars Inn's new spa complex, the owner of the resort attempted to rent out guest rooms in the addition before it passed building inspection, according to court documents and local officials. Manhattan real estate developer Richard Cohen filed a lawsuit Thursday against the town of Chatham and its building director, demanding immediate permission to rent out the rooms -- even though a ...

The Top 10 Quirkiest Hotels from Around the World / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  The Top 10 Quirkiest Hotels from Around the World August 1, 2006 - TripAdvisor(TM), the largest travel community in the world, today announced the top 10 quirkiest hotels from around the globe, according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors. 1. Have an Ice Stay: Ice Hotel Quebec-Canada, Quebec, Canada Breathtaking hotel made of ice, features an ice chapel, theme suites, an ice bar, and an art gallery -- with ice sculptures, of course. Activities include cross-country skiing, ice fishing, archery, snowmobiling, snow tubing and even dogsled driving. As one TripAdvisor traveler describ...

Boom in Providence Continues through Hotel Ground Breakings and Expansions / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Boom in Providence Continues through Hotel Ground Breakings and Expansions PROVIDENCE, RI, August 8, 2006 – With the tourism industry on an upswing and a thriving arts and culinary scene in place, the city of Providence, RI, is continuing a second development boom to draw and accommodate visitors seeking a culturally sophisticated New England experience.     The Renaissance Providence Hotel, a new property currently under development by Sage Hospitality Resources, is scheduled to open in January/February 2007.  This hotel, formerly a Masonic Temple partially built by the Scottish Rite F...

Northwest Hospitality Group Reopens the 46 room Inn at Port Hadlock in Washington State Following a Complete Renovation / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Northwest Hospitality Group Reopens the 46 room Inn at Port Hadlock in Washington State Following a Complete Renovation PORT HADLOCK, WASH., Aug. 7, 2006 —Richard E. Takach, president and CEO of Northwest Hospitality Group, LLC, today announced the grand opening of the newly renovated Port Hadlock, Wash. property, The Inn at Port Hadlock.  The boutique hotel, located at 310 Hadlock Bay Road, is established on the southern shore of Port Townsend Bay, just north of Seattle. The Inn’s recent, complete renovation comprises 46 guestrooms, a full-service restaurant with waterview dining, and ...

Seven ARAMARK Harrison Lodging Conference Centers Receive Prestigious 2006 Pinnacle Awards / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Seven ARAMARK Harrison Lodging Conference Centers Receive Prestigious 2006 Pinnacle Awards PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Aug. 8, 2006 — ARAMARK Harrison Lodging (AHL), a leader in the conference and corporate training centers industry, today announced that seven of its managed properties have been awarded Successful Meetings' prestigious Pinnacle Awards for 2006, the mark of excellence for conference centers in North America – more properties than any other management company.    AHL award recipient properties include Babson Executive Conference Center,  Wellesley, Mass.; Harrison Conference Cente...

Half a Dozen Hotels Planned for Downtown Philadelphia and Airport Area; Downtown Occupancies Running at a Healthy 72-73% This Year / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Tom Belden, The Philadelphia InquirerMcClatchy-Tribune Business News Aug. 9, 2006 - It's not the building boom of the late 1990s. But after five years of a shrinking supply of rooms, new hotels are coming to Center City and the airport area. Construction is under way on only one hotel, a 92-room Four Points by Sheraton, scheduled to open this winter in an eight-story building at 1201 Race St., behind the Convention Center. Four Points is a mid-price brand in the same category as the nearby Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by ...

Pegasus Solutions Signs 37 Former Distinguished Hotels DH GDS Chain Code Now Owned By Pegasus / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Pegasus Solutions Signs 37 Former Distinguished Hotels “DH” GDS Chain Code Now Owned By Pegasus DALLAS (August 21, 2006) — Pegasus Solutions has finalized contracts with 37 upscale, independent hotels that were previously members of Distinguished Hotels to provide reservation and distribution services. Additionally, Pegasus has acquired the “DH” chain code used on the global distribution systems (GDSs). Liquidation proceedings for Distinguished Hotels Marketing Ltd. began last month.  Dallas-based Pegasus Solutions is a global leader in providing technology and services to hotels and travel distributors.  for an interim...