La Quinta Openes 31 Hotels in the First Half of 2006; 24 Franchised and 7 Corporate Properties / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report La Quinta Openes 31 Hotels in the First Half of 2006;  24 Franchised and 7 Corporate Properties . DALLAS (Aug. 25, 2006) – La Quinta announced it opened 31 hotels in the first half of 2006, as a result of its aggressive franchising and corporate development programs. The hotels are located in thirteen states in all parts of the country and added more than 3,400 rooms to the La Quinta system. Additional rapid growth is expected in the second half of the year thanks to an active and expanding pipeline of new properties. “We are pleased to share these numbers that indicate the pace of La QuintaÂ...

Two Historic Texas Hotels Will Undergo over $50 million in Improvements; Jeff Trigger to Oversee Renovation of The Stoneleigh Hotel and St. Anthony Ho

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Two Historic Texas Hotels Will Undergo over $50 million in Improvements;  Jeff Trigger to Oversee Renovation of The Stoneleigh Hotel and St. Anthony Hotel  . DALLAS - Aug. 11, 2006 -- Two historic Texas hotels, the St. Anthony Hotel in downtown San Antonio and the historic Stoneleigh Hotel in Uptown Dallas, will undergo over $50 million in improvements designed to return both properties to the "grand dame" status they enjoyed in their glory days. The owners of both hotels, New York-based Apollo Real Estate Advisors and Apollo's partner in The Stoneleigh Hotel, Dallas-based Prescott Realty ...

Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau On Rebound from Scandal of Previous Leader; Still Struggling for Financial Footing / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Daniel Wagner, Newsday, Melville, N.Y.McClatchy-Tribune Business News Aug. 16, 2006 - Until it receives a check from Suffolk County this Friday, the Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission will be paying its employees with borrowed money. That is one indication of how, despite what officials from Nassau and Suffolk counties agree has been a successful turnaround by bureau president Moke McGowan, the group continues to operate in the shadow of mismanagement by former leader and convicted felon Michael ...

Luc Bollen Named General Manager of Hilton Hefei / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Luc Bollen Named General Manager of Hilton Hefei 24 August 2006, Singapore -- Hilton Hotels Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Luc Bollen as the General Manager of Hilton Hefei, effective 1st August 2006. Bollen will be responsible for bringing together the best talents in the hospitality industry to form the management team, and execute business development strategies in anticipation of the launch of Hilton Hefei later this year.    As General Manager of Hilton Hotels Corporations first hotel in Hefei, Bollen brings with him a sterling track record spanning o...

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report . fresh ideas for hospitality The Pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality for centuries. According to legend, captains of New England would mount a pineapple on their fence posts when they had a safe return from sea.  This served as an invitation for family and friends to visit and share a meal together.  Today, the pineapple serves as a symbol for the highest quality in hospitality . . Springfield’s Krystal Aire Inn & Suites Introduces Another Fresh Idea . All Non-Smoking Hotel Installs Energy Efficient, Odor-Neutralizing Light Bulbs . SPRINGFIELD, Mo., August 15, 2006 ...

KoolConnect Discloses Influx Of Significant Amounts of New Investment Capital / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report KoolConnect Discloses Influx Of Significant Amounts of New Investment Capital . Existing and new investors in the world’s leading fully digital and HD in-room entertainment company provide funds to realize substantial international growth NEEDHAM, MA – August 10, 2006 – KoolConnect Technologies, Inc, the leading worldwide provider of digital and HD in-room entertainment to the luxury and upscale hospitality marketplace, disclosed today that the company has recently raised $2 million in incremental capital, bringing the total capital infused into the company over the past 12 months to over ...

Top 10 Group Events July 2006 – North America & Selected Markets / Knowland Group / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report TOP 10 GROUP EVENTS  JULY 2006 - NORTH AMERICA & SELECTED MARKETS Square Footage Meeting Space Occupied, Square Footage Catered, Estimated Number of Attendees Data derived from reader board reports covering 521 hotels in 42 markets across 32 states and provinces* Total number of events surveyed for time period: 18,003 . Square Footage Meeting Space Occupied – North America   Event ...

The Knowland Group Begins Service in Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL; Market Intelligence Firm Continues Expansion in Florida / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report The Knowland Group Begins Service in Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL . Market Intelligence Firm Continues Expansion in Florida   Washington, DC (Augst 14, 2006) — The Knowland Group announced today that it has begun service in the Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL market.  The Knowland Group, a company that has experienced incredible growth in the twenty-two months since its inception, will continue that trend by offering its services to hoteliers in Tampa/ St. Petersburg Florida area. In addition to the miles of natural beaches that make it a great vacation getaway, three of the nation's Fortune 500 ...

B F Saul Selects the Knowland Group for Group Sales Leads / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report B F Saul Selects the Knowland Group for Group Sales Leads - Market Intelligence Firm Continues Expansion - To Provide Service to Properties in Michigan, Maryland and Virginia Washington, DC (August 16, 2006) — The Knowland Group announced today that it would begin service across all relevant properties within the BF Saul Company hotel division.  “After utilizing another service for the past year, we decided to give Knowland a try”  Said Alison Rubin, Vice President for sales and marketing,  “We have seen what others have to offer and shortly after starting some of our properties ...

The Knowland Group Begins Service in San Antonio, TX; Market Intelligence Firm to Begin Offering Its Service To City Known As A Crossroads / August 20

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report The Knowland Group Begins Service in San Antonio, TX - Market Intelligence Firm to Begin Offering Its Service To City Known As A Crossroads . Washington, DC (August 25, 2006) — The Knowland Group announced today that it has begun service in the San Antonio, TX market.  The Knowland Group, whose reputation as a lead generation service for hotel group sales is based on the blending of several elements to create a unique product, will begin offering its services to hoteliers in San Antonio. The city has strived to maintain its sense of history and tradition as it moved forward to develop i...

The Knowland Group Begins Service in Monterey, CA; Market Intelligence Firm Adds City That Prides Itself On Its Universal Appeal / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report The Knowland Group Begins Service in Monterey, CA - Market Intelligence Firm Adds City That Prides Itself On Its Universal Appeal . Washington, DC (August 18, 2006) — The Knowland Group announced today that it has begun service in the Monterey, CA market.  The Knowland Group, a company that understands the importance of offering variety to increase market share, will begin offering its services to hoteliers in Monterey, CA. This breath-taking seaside community combines the hominess of small town America with numerous recreational and cultural activities. Monterey's rich history includes ...

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report August 5th, 2006 - After an aggressive and innovative restructuring of services and fees, Key West Inns is beginning to see the benefits of one of its most unique programs – the Franchisee Success Coach. A 23% increase in overall revenue of the chain is directly related to implementation of this initiative.    “We developed the Franchisee Success Coach to help our existing franchisees in revenue management and to conduct in house training programs,” said Neal Jackson, President of Birmingham-based Key West Inns.   Brian Robinson of Trussville, Alabama was hired to fill this position. After ...

Kelly Inns Limited Opening its Third Hotel in Billings, the 90 room Best Western Kelly Inn / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Olivia Koernig, Billings Gazette, Mont.McClatchy-Tribune Business News Aug. 27, 2006 - What's the difference between a hotel and a motel? "I'm not the expert," said Brenda Schmidt, CEO of Kelly Inns Limited, based in Sioux Falls, S.D. "I think hotel is just the term everyone's using these days." What Schmidt does know, however, is the distinction between an ordinary hotel and the inn-and-suites variety. "To qualify, at least 20 percent of the rooms need to be oversized," Schmidt said. And the latest ad...

Marshall Management Contracts to Operate The Kalorama Guest House in Washington, D.C. / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Marshall Management Contracts to Operate The Kalorama Guest House in Washington, D.C.   SALISBURY, Md., August 28, 2006 – Marshall Management, a leading, mid-sized hotel management company, today announced that it has signed a management contract to operate The Kalorama Guest House in Washington, D.C.   The property offers 47 rooms in six converted turn-of-the-century Victorian homes located in the city’s upscale Woodley Park and Adams Morgan neighborhoods.  It is the fifth property added to the company’s portfolio in 2006. “This property is in the best European hostelr...

Kevin Pasek Joins Atlas Hospitality Group / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Kevin Pasek Joins Atlas Hospitality Group IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 2 – Atlas Hospitality Group, the market leader in California hotel sales, announced that Kevin Pasek has joined as a senior associate. An 8-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Pasek was the Managing Sales Director for California at Cendant, a leading provider of travel and real estate services. In this capacity, he represented franchise sales for several brands, including Days Inn, Ramada, Howard Johnson and Travelodge. “Kevin’s statewide expertise is unmatched,” said Atlas President Alan X. Reay. “His unique and extens...

Sunburst Hospitality Corporation Names Executive Kevin Hanley President, Expands Executive Team / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Silver Spring, MD – August 28, 2006 – Sunburst Hospitality Corporation announced today that the Company’s Board of Directors voted unanimously, at the recommendation of CEO Jim MacCutcheon, to promote Executive Vice President Kevin Hanley to the position of President of the Company and elected Mr. Hanley to the Board of Directors. The Board has empowered Mr. Hanley to execute rapid growth by identifying and pursuing real estate acquisition, development and redevelopment opportunities.  “Kevin is highly gifted and it is a pleasure to see his talent recognized with this well-deserved promotion...

Boutique Hotel Operator, Joie de Vivre, Adding Five New Hotels in California / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Boutique Hotel Operator, Joie de Vivre,   Adding Five New Hotels in California August 3, 2006 - Joie de Vivre (JdV) Hospitality has announced five new hotels in California, complementing its diverse collection in the Bay Area and building on its already dominant position in California with 33 hotels. "This commitment comes at a very pivotal time for Joie de Vivre," said Chip Conley, Founder and CEO of the company. "We're already the state's largest boutique hotel operator and, with these additional projects, we're showing that we intend to blanket the state with our unique bra...

Jin Jiang Hotels Completes Development of its New Hotel Brand Identity / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Jin Jiang Hotels Completes Development of its New Hotel Brand Identity Aug 8, 2006  Mr. Michael Meade, the Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing for Jin Jiang Hotels, the largest Asian owned hotel group , has announced that Jin Jiang International Hotel Management Company (Jin Jiang Hotels) has completed the development of its new hotel brand identity and has commenced using the new logos.  To unify the market image of its hotels, and distinguish the different hotels star grading, Jin Jiang Hotels consigned one of Asia’s leading professional brand agencies to develop the new identity o...

JER Partners Acquires all Outstanding Shares of Jameson Inns, Inc. for $2.97 a share or Approximately $371 million; Jameson Operates 107 Limited Servi

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  JER Partners Acquires all Outstanding Shares of Jameson Inns, Inc. for $2.97 a share or Approximately $371 million;  Jameson Operates 107 Limited Service Hotels MCLEAN, Va., July 27, 2006 - JER Partners, the private equity investment arm of The J.E. Robert Companies, has acquired all of the outstanding shares of Jameson Inns, Inc. ("Jameson," previously) (Nasdaq: JAMS) for $2.97 a share or a total purchase price of approximately $371 million. On July 26, the Jameson shareholders held a special meeting and voted to approve the merger transaction.      JER has acquired Jameson through a ...

The Couples Resort Group Building a 370-room Resort in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report The Couples Resort Group Building a 370-room Resort in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – August 24, 2006 – Couples Resorts has just announced plans for expansion with the addition of a fifth resort to its brand.  The new resort will be situated near the multi-billion dollar Harmony Cove luxury tourism project in the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica.  The 370-room Trelawny resort is estimated to be a $57 million investment and will be built on 38-acres of land owned by Lee Issa, Couples Resorts’ chairman.  The construction is estimated to be completed in 2008. “Couples has been i...

John Tesar Named Executive Chef for The Mansion on Turtle Creek, A Rosewood Hotel / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report John Tesar Named Executive Chef for The Mansion on Turtle Creek, A Rosewood Hotel DALLAS, Aug. 16, 2006 - The Mansion on Turtle Creek, A Rosewood Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of John Tesar as executive chef. Tesar brings more than 20 years of culinary experience in acclaimed restaurants from New York to California and most recently served as executive chef of rm restaurant at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. As The Mansion's executive chef, Tesar will be responsible for the multi- million dollar culinary program at Texas' only five-star, five-diamond hotel. His...

John Q. Hammons Recipient of ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award in Recognition of his Accomplishments in the Lodging Industry and Community Service / Aug

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 3, 2006 – John Q. Hammons, founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC, will be honored at the 6th Annual the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS), January 22–24, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Calif.  Hammons will receive the prestigious ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his commendable accomplishments in the lodging industry as well as outstanding commitment, leadership, and service to the community.    For 48 years, Hammons has been a leading innovator in the lodging industr...

John Marks, Former CEO of the San Francisco CVB, Joins SearchWide as Executive Consultant / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report John Marks, Former CEO of the San Francisco CVB,  Joins SearchWide as Executive Consultant STILLWATER, MINNESOTA (August 29, 2006) – SearchWide, a national executive recruiting firm specializing in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry as well as association and non-profit segments, has recruited a major industry leader. John Marks, who previously served as president and CEO of the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, has joined SearchWide as an executive consultant and coach. He will be responsible for new business acquisition and sourcing. In addition, Marks will lead SearchWid...

Jason Kycek Rejoins KSL Resorts as Corporate Director of Travel Industry Sales / August 2006

March 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Jason Kycek Rejoins KSL Resorts as Corporate Director of Travel Industry Sales . LA QUINTA, Calif. – August 21, 2006 – Jason Kycek has rejoined KSL Resorts as corporate director of travel industry sales.  In his new position, Kycek will manage all travel industry-related activities for the KSL Resorts Collection, which includes the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, Calif., La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif. and the recently acquired Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif.  Kycek will direct and review sales and marketing initiatives, establish new procedures for achi...