Starwood Integrates Le Meridien into Sales and Marketing Systems; Loyalty Programs and Websites Merged / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Starwood Integrates Le Meridien into Sales and Marketing Systems;  Loyalty Programs and Websites Merged WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 2006--Today Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) announced the completion of a major milestone in the integration of the Le Meridien which Starwood acquired 16 weeks ago. As of today Le Meridien's reservations, distribution, loyalty and sales functions have been fully integrated and these hotels will now be able to harness the power of Starwood's global infrastructure and sales and marketing systems, giving it a solid foundation ...

Springs Hotel LLC Finalizes $2.8 million Purchase of the Park Plaza, Colorado Springs; Will be Renamed the SilverWood Hotel and Conference Center and

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive By Jim Bainbridge, The Gazette, Colorado Springs, Colo. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  March 30, 2006 - Springs Hotel LLC finalized its $2.8 million purchase of the Park Plaza on Thursday and immediately went to work on freshening up the Garden of the Gods hotel’s image.  It will be rebranded the SilverWood Hotel and Conference Center — the sign goes up Tuesday — and will undergo a 45-day, $400,000 renovation that will replace all carpets, beds and banquet chairs in addition to fixing the roof.  “Right now the emphasis is to refresh the look of the hot...

Spring Break 2006 Has Been Very Soft on South Padre Island; Some Say the Island Keeps Pricing Itself Out of the Market / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Tony Vindell, Valley Morning Star, Harlingen, Texas Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Mar. 18, 2006- SOUTH PADRE ISLAND -- Thousands of college students convened at Coca Cola Beach this past week, but other parts of the Island looked like any other day. The beach is not the Island's latest waterfront spot, but rather a temporary seashore area set up in front of the Radisson Resort. For the last several years, Coca Cola Beach, which is sponsored by the bottling company, has become a sort of party headquarters for c...

Hotel Spas as Independent Profit Centers / PKF / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Hotel Spas as Independent Profit Centers by Andrea Foster and Adam Wohlberg The spa industry has become a major player in the hospitality sector with spas appearing at resort and hotel properties at a remarkable rate.  The International SPA Association (iSPA) cited the existence of over 1,662 resort/hotel spa properties as of 2004, a number which has continued to grow into 2006.  As the industry continues to develop, spas are becoming independent profit centers, responsible for providing detailed cost accounting to the hotel property and justifying their existence with bottom lin...

Sonnenblick-Eichner Company Arranges $67 million of First Mortgage Financing for Charleston Place, Charleston, South Carolina / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Sonnenblick-Eichner Company Arranges $67 million of First Mortgage Financing for Charleston Place, Charleston, South Carolina Los Angeles, California, March 14, 2006 - Sonnenblick-Eichner Company announced today that it has arranged $67,000,000 of first mortgage financing for Charleston Place, Charleston, South Carolina at a sub 100 basis point spread over LIBOR. Charleston Place is a premier, 442-room luxury hotel along with 57,000 square feet of high end, boutique retail space situated in the heart of the historical Peninsula District of Charleston, South Carolina.  Amenities at the hotel...

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Res-Expo - Three Top Travel Industry Trends for 2006 . Use ‘Emotional Content’ to Market Websites; Chinese Do Not Use Credit Cards, but Changes Loom; Group Travel’s 43% Increase in Online Event Bookings ATLANTA – March 14, 2006 – At Res-Expo in Dallas last week, nearly every presentation, breakout session and panel focused on marketing strategy.  Highlights were:  marketing to women who have money; marketing to the 111 million Chinese who do not have credit cards and are not allowed to travel outside their own country; and discussing how airlines and hotel chains are lifting global...

Construction of New Skokie Convention and Banquet Center Begins / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Construction of New Skokie Convention and Banquet Center Begins Skokie, Illinois March 7, 2006 it was announced today by Lakhani Hospitality, Inc. that the much anticipated expansion to the Holiday Inn Chicago/Skokie at 5300 W. Touhy Avenue will begin on Wednesday, March 15, 2006. The 11,000 sq. ft addition will bring the total contiguous meeting space to 11,000 and total meeting space to more than 14,000 sq. ft. “We are very excited to bring this facility to Skokie’ said Mansoorali Lakhani, owner of the hotel and President and C.E.O. of Lakhani Hospitality, Inc. Mr. Lakhani ...

The Publicly Financed 1,000-room Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel Breaks Ground Next to the Expanded Phoenix Convention Center / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  The Publicly Financed 1,000-room Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel Breaks Ground Next to the Expanded Phoenix Convention Center  WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.- March 28, 2006 -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) and the City of Phoenix announce the start of construction on the new 1,000-room hotel in downtown Phoenix. Located one block from the new convention center, the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel will provide more than 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, making it a perfect venue for groups. The Sheraton will stand 360 feet high with 31 floors and will...

Sheraton Suites Key West Sold to Ocean Properties for $35.8 Million / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Sheraton Suites Key West Sold to Ocean Properties for $35.8 Million Hotel Remains in Starwood Portfolio Under Long-Term Franchise Agreement  WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - March 2, 2006--Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) announces the sale of the Sheraton Suites Key West in Florida to Ocean Properties for $35.85 million. The hotel will become a Sheraton franchise and will be managed by an affiliate of Ocean Properties. The 180 suite hotel is Key West's only all-suite hotel and will be completely renovated by Ocean Properties. Located across from Smathers Beach and just one...

Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Opens in Oman; Project Represents a Pioneering Step in the Development of Oman as an International Tou

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Opens in Oman; Project Represents a Pioneering Step in the Development of Oman as an International Tourist Destination February 28, 2006 - The grand opening of Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa was celebrated February 27, 2006 in the presence of His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said and other members of Oman's royal family, and over 900 national and international guests and dignitaries.  The opening represents the first three-hotel luxury resort for both Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and the country of Oman.  The much anticipated pr...

SECURE-RES Clients Announce Banner Year For 2005 / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report SECURE-RES Clients Announce Banner Year For 2005 Jacksonville, FL (March 2, 2006) —The past year brought outstanding results for SECURE-RES clients from coast to coast. A national leader in online marketing services for the hospitality industry, SECURE-RES helped its clients achieve $176 million in consumer-direct bookings for 2005. Two typical clients were located in highly competitive markets on both the East and West coasts. Quality Suites Maingate of Orlando reported a 100 percent increase in online bookings using the SECURE-RES Total Solution package of Internet marketing tools. “Over ...

Andrew Schiavone Named General Manager for the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center, Portsmouth, Virginia / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Andrew Schiavone Named General Manager for the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center, Portsmouth, Virginia MCLEAN, Va. and PORTSMOUTH, Va., March 13, 2006 - Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. announces the appointment of Andrew G. Schiavone as General Manager for the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center, VA. The Renaissance Portsmouth is an upscale 249 guest room hotel with more than 24,000 square feet of meeting space situated in Portsmouth's historic Olde Towne district, overlooking the Elizabeth River and Norfolk, VA. Mr. Schiavone was...

Carlson Hotels Names Steve Mogck, Formerly SVP of Legal, to EVP of Select Service Hotels – Country Inns & Suites and Park Inn Brands / March 200

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Carlson Hotels Names Steve Mogck, Formerly SVP of Legal, to EVP of Select Service Hotels - Country Inns & Suites and Park Inn Brands  MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (March 20, 2006)----Carlson Hotels Worldwide today announced the promotion of Steve Mogck, formerly senior vice president of Legal, to the position of executive vice president of Select Service Hotels for Carlson Hotels Worldwide.  The appointment was announced by Yvonne La Penotiere, president, Carlson Hotels Worldwide-The Americas.  In his new role, Mogck will oversee the Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn hotel...

Sue Lawrence Joins Visual One Systems(Europe) Ltd. / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Sue Lawrence Joins Visual One Systems(Europe) Ltd. March 20, 2006 - Visual One Systems are delighted to announce that Sue Lawrence has joined the company as a Sales & Marketing Executive, and will be based in our offices in Fetcham, Surrey. Sue has a wealth of experience in the industry having spent the last seven years with Micros Fidelio, and before that two years with Botley Park, and eleven years with Forte Hotels. About Visual One Since 1977, Visual One Systems has provided software systems to the hospitality industry.  Their Windows-based products, using a Microsoft SQL database, inc...

Membership Demand Continues For Small Luxury Hotels of the World; Smaller, Independent Hotels Seek the Extra Leverage Provided by SLH / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Membership Demand Continues For Small Luxury Hotels of the World . Smaller, Independent Hotels Seek the Extra Leverage Provided by SLH NEW YORK – Since its inception in 1991, Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has grown ten fold and now boasts a current membership of 365 of the best, small, luxury properties in almost 60 countries.  Although growth has been consistent over the last 14 years, the current additions represent nearly a 10% growth over 2005 and that growth is expected to double for 2007 bringing the brand to over 400 properties. The ongoing increased demand is visible as SLH...

Strategic Hotels & Resorts Completes First Full Year as a Public Company; Reports Net Income Available to Common Shareholders of $14.0 million Compare

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Strategic Hotels & Resorts Completes First Full Year as a Public Company;  Reports Net Income Available to Common Shareholders of $14.0 million Compared to a Net Loss of $9.4 million for the 4th Qtr of 2004 Hotel Operating Statistics CHICAGO, Feb. 28, 2006 - Strategic Hotel Capital, Inc. (NYSE: SLH), which operates as Strategic Hotels and Resorts, today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2005 that exceeded previous earnings guidance. Financial Highlights Increase of 9.8 percent Total RevPAR and 7.9 percent RevPAR in the North American s...

Despite the Death of its President and CEO, the Salt Lake County Convention & Visitors Bureau had One of its Most Successful Years in 2005 / March 2

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Mike Gorrell, The Salt Lake Tribune Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Mar. 30, 2006 - Despite the springtime death of its leader, the Salt Lake County Convention & Visitors Bureau had one of its most successful years in 2005. Scott Beck, who replaced the late Dianne Nelson Binger as bureau president and chief executive officer, will emphasize the resiliency of his organization tonight at the annual meeting of the bureau's trustees. "Losing Dianne was a real blow, but the staff buckled down and still did their jobs ...

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Hilton Chongqing Appoints Sven Isberg as General Manager,  > Fintan O’Doherty and Andreas Bruck as Director of Operations and Executive Chef Respectively China and Singapore, 30 March 2006 – Hilton Chongqing is pleased to announce the appointment of Sven Isberg as the business hotel’s new General Manager, Fintan O’Doherty and Andreas Bruck as Director of Operations and Executive Chef respectively. Sven Isberg Sven Isberg assumed the role of General Manager on 1 February 2006.  He will be responsible for the smooth operation of the hotels’ 437 guest rooms and suites, en...

Brian Rosenberg Named Vice President of Sales and Marketing, The Garden City Hotel on Long Island / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Brian Rosenberg Named Vice President of Sales and Marketing,  The Garden City Hotel on Long Island (Garden City, NY . . . March 2006) The Garden City Hotel (45 Seventh Street, Garden City, NY [516] 747-3000), Long Island’s leading luxury hotel since 1874, announces the promotion of Brian Rosenberg to Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Previously the Vice President of Special Events for 14 years, Rosenberg now oversees sales, marketing, revenue management and corporate communications. Focus on Strategic Planning, Integration & Technology  Rosenberg is responsible for strategic plann...

Rodeway Inn Brand Began 2005 with 160 Properties, Ended the Year with 180 Open Hotels; Flat Fee Structure Replaces Revenue Percentage Fee Structure- F

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Rodeway Inn Brand Began 2005 with 160 Properties, Ended the Year with 180 Open Hotels; Flat Fee Structure Replaces Revenue Percentage Fee Structure - Franchisees Pay $25 per Room, per Month for the First Two Years Silver Spring, Md. (March 2, 2006) – Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) recently announced record-breaking growth for its Rodeway Inn brand.  A total of 75 new Rodeway Inn hotel contracts were executed in 2005 — the best year ever for the brand according to Kevin Bradt, senior director, brand strategy for the Choice economy brands.  In addition, the fourth quarter of 2...

RockResorts Management Agreement Ended at Cheeca Lodge & Spa / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report RockResorts Management Agreement Ended at Cheeca Lodge & Spa March 8, 2006, Denver, CO – RockResorts announced today that its management of Cheeca Lodge & Spa, located in Islamorada, Florida, has ended as of March 6, 2006.  Cheeca was originally built in 1946, and for decades served as a quiet celebrity retreat and fishing lodge. The resort was acquired by Olympus Real Estate Partners and subsequently branded a RockResort in November of 2001. In May of 2003, Olympus sold Cheeca to current owners Cheeca Holdings LLC, and RockResorts retained the...

Robert R. (Bob) King, Retired Chairman of the Board of StayOnline and Hospitality Pioneer, Dies at 71 / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report Robert R. (Bob) King, Retired Chairman of the Board of StayOnline and Hospitality Pioneer, Dies at 71 March 17, 2006  -  Robert R. (Bob) King, retired Chairman of the Board of Atlanta-based StayOnline, and hospitality industry pioneer, has passed away at the age of 71.  King died Wednesday March 15, 2006 in Atlanta.  Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 19 at 3:00 PM at Northside United Methodist Church with Dr. G. Gill Watson officiating.  King enjoyed a lengthy and successful career in tourism and hospitality. He served for 20 years as President of the Georgia Hospitality and Trave...

Ocean Hospitalities Ltd. Selected as Management Company for the Rivergreen Resort Hotel in Lincoln, New Hampshire / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report  Ocean Hospitalities Ltd. Selected as Management Company for the Rivergreen Resort Hotel in Lincoln, New Hampshire March 15, 2006 - Rivergreen Condominium Association has selected Ocean Hospitalities Ltd. of Portsmouth, New Hampshire as the new management company for their Rivergreen Resort Hotel in Lincoln, New Hampshire.   Located in the Loon Mountain recreational area, overlooking the mountains and the Pemigewasset River, the resort features one bedroom hotel rooms, suites with full-kitchens, and two- bedroom Master suites with full kitchen, two full baths with whirlpool tubs and pull-out...

The Ritz London Selects TravelCLICK iHotelier as Its Central Reservations System; Website Booking Revenues Up 44% / March 2006

January 30, 2006

Hotel Online  Special Report The Ritz London Selects TravelCLICK iHotelier as Its Central Reservations System . Website Booking Revenues Up 44% CHICAGO (March 14, 2006) – TravelCLICK Inc., a leading provider of hotel business process management (BPM) solutions, announced today that The Ritz London has selected TravelCLICK’s iHotelier as its Central Reservations System (CRS).  iHotelier will power the hotel’s distribution, including its brand website, and enhance the online booking experience for its distinguished guests worldwide. A legendary 133-room luxury hotel celebrating its 100th Anniversary this month, The Ri...