April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report   America’s Fastest Growing Reader Board Service Experiencing Tremendous Growth, Available in Additional Markets Nationwide .  “When your service pays for itself in a few weeks  – word gets around!  Increased group sales are something that really makes a difference in a hotel’s bottom line.” Washington, D.C. (November 11, 2005) - The Knowland Group, a market research firm specializing in the hospitality industry, announced today it has commenced service in over twenty-two (22) different markets, providing service to over one hundred (100) different properties, hotel ownership, hot...

Further Exploring Flexibility; The Kitchen Evolution / Lee Simon – Drawing Conclusions / November 2005

April 30, 2005

  Drawing Conclusions Foodservice Design By Lee Simon / The General Group / November  2005   I seem to have hit a chord with my last installment, The Kitchen Evolution, by introducing the concept of flexibility in commercial kitchens … or the current lack thereof.  I received the largest response from readers of the column to date, who wrote to me in search of more specific information, examples, and insight on the subject.  Given this response, I wanted to take the time to further explore this concept of flexibility. Current Limitations Before one can truly understand the need for flexibility in commercial foodservice...

April 30, 2005

  Drawing Conclusions Foodservice Design By Lee Simon / The General Group / September  2005   As a one of my colleagues often criticizes about the design of most kitchens in the foodservice industry … "We are still cooking in Escoffier’s kitchen." What he is implying, and correctly so, is that the design of kitchens and the equipment within them has not changed much over the last 100 years or more. Escoffier could walk into a modern kitchen and feel quite at home. Consider for a moment the progress that has been made in other industries over the course of a century, and then look at our industry. Ford recently celebrated...

Kinseth Hospitality Companies and Partners Start Construction on a 97 unit Hampton Inn in Dubuque, Iowa / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Kinseth Hospitality Companies and Partners Start Construction on a 97 unit Hampton Inn in Dubuque, Iowa North Liberty, IA., November 7th, 2005 – Kinseth Hospitality Companies (KHC), an Iowa based hotel development and management company, in partnership with Marty McNamer, of McNamer Construction Systems, and Richard Hartig, of Hartig Drug, has begun construction on a 97-unit Hampton Inn, at the Dodge Street and Wacker Drive intersection in Dubuque, Iowa. The Hampton Inn will be located along the rapidly expanding Dodge Street commercial corridor on the west side of Dubuque.   The site of th...

Clinton Hotel & Spa Offers Kinky Mini Bar; Hotel Puts New Spin on Mini Bar / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Clinton Hotel & Spa Offers Kinky Mini Bar;  Hotel Puts New Spin on Mini Bar MIAMI BEACH, FL (November 29, 2005)  – The Clinton Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of South Beach, offers a mini bar like no other with products from Kama Sutra Co., the company known for its sensual body care products. “The Clinton Hotel and Spa is a seductive hideaway in one of the sexiest city in the world,” said Rafael Barrera, general manager.  “We chose the Kama Sutra products because they reflect the sensuality and playfulness of the hotel.” The Kama Sutra items available at the Clinton Hotel include t...

Kevin Rupert Appointed Vice President of Marketing and Strategy for Cendant's Wyndham Brand / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Kevin Rupert Appointed Vice President of Marketing and Strategy for Cendant's Wyndham Brand PARSIPPANY, N.J. (Nov. 29, 2005) – Cendant Hotel Group today announced the appointment of Kevin Rupert as vice president of marketing and strategy for Wyndham Worldwide, responsible for developing strategies for the hotel chain, facilitating its loyalty marketing, e-commerce, national branding and business-to-business marketing functions and providing marketing support to its nearly 100 hotels. Rupert previously served Cendant Hotel Group as vice president of brand marketing and strategy, responsible fo...

KPMG Golf Course Development Cost Survey in the Europe, Middle East and Africa Region / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report KPMG Golf Course Development Cost Survey in the Europe, Middle East and Africa Region From North Cape to Cape Town KPMG in Central and Eastern Europe Travel, Leisure and Tourism Practice Dear Reader Recent research confirms that there are approximately 32,000 golf courses worldwide. Presently, some 50 million people play golf throughout the world.  Although the United States represents the largest golf market in the world with around 17,000 courses and approximately 27 million golfers, the game itself originates in Europe and continues to have a strong presence there, with more than...

Kinseth Hospitality Companies and Dial Realty Corp Start Construction on a 119-unit Hilton Garden Inn in Omaha / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report  Kinseth Hospitality Companies and Dial Realty Corp Start Construction on a 119-unit Hilton Garden Inn in Omaha North Liberty, IA., November 16th – Kinseth Hospitality Companies (KHC), an Iowa based hotel development and management company and Dial Realty Corp, an Omaha based real estate development organization,  has begun construction on a 119-unit Hilton Garden Inn, at the West Dodge Street and 180th Street interchange. The Hilton Garden Inn will be located within the West Village Development in the rapidly expending west side of metropolitan Omaha.   The four-story, Hilton Garden Inn,...

James Perry Hired as CEO to Turn Around Donald Trump's Ailing Atlantic City Casinos / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Suzette Parmley, The Philadelphia Inquirer Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Nov. 11, 2005 - ATLANTIC CITY -- James Perry has the money, a new management team and Donald J. Trump's support, but turning around the developer's ailing Atlantic City casinos will require something more. "You need the patience of Job because it always takes longer than you think," said Perry, who was plucked out of retirement over the summer to become chief executive officer of the Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Plaza and Trump Marina casinos. "This is...

Hyatt's Management Takeover of Jacksonville, Florida's Largest Hotel Becoming a Major Factor in Jacksonville's Convention Business /

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Christopher Calnan, The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Nov. 26, 2005 -- Hyatt Corp. has quickly become a major factor in Jacksonville convention and conference business. Organizations and tourism officials are citing the Hyatt's management of the city's largest hotel as a major reason for more conventions and conferences in The First Coast. That's sure to generate additional spending by visitors. But it could also prompt more higher-end hotel companies to consider building in Jacksonvil...

Jaumé Tapies Elected President of the Relais & Châteaux, Outgoing President, Régis Bulot Served for 18 years / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Jaumé Tapies Elected President of the Relais & Châteaux,  Outgoing President, Régis Bulot Served for 18 years NEW YORK –  November 2005 –  In an overwhelming demonstration of its international flavor, Relais & Châteaux members today elected Jaumé Tapies as the new President, their first non-French President in its fifty-two year history. Taking place during the Association’s International Congress in Geneva, the election, resoundingly won with a vote of 88 %, heralded a new era for Relais & Châteaux. Outgoing President, Régis Bulot, President for the past 18 years, commented, “J...

John Payne to Be Named Harrah's Regional President for Atlantic City; Will Oversee Harrah's, Showboat, Caesars and Bally's / November 2

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report John Payne to Be Named Harrah's Regional President for Atlantic City;  Will Oversee Harrah's, Showboat, Caesars and Bally's LAS VEGAS - Nov. 29, 2005--Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:HET) will name John Payne regional president of its Atlantic City region, effective upon receipt of required regulatory approvals. Payne will oversee operations of Harrah's Entertainment's four Atlantic City properties - Harrah's, Showboat, Caesars and Bally's. Payne has more than 10 years' experience with Harrah's in a variety of executive roles, most recently as regional president of the company's Gulf Coast ...

Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Select Service Division Seeking Hotel Sales Professionals For New Dallas Office / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report  Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Select Service Division Seeking Hotel Sales Professionals For New Dallas Office ATLANTA – November 4, 2005 – Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, a publicly traded hotel brokerage company is pleased to announce the future opening of a Dallas, Texas office for its Select Service Division.  The company is seeking qualified real estate agents specializing in hotels for all sales positions.  Hotel transaction history and experience is required for consideration.  Attractive salary-commission-bonus structured compensation with excellent benefits including travel, 401(k) and Em...

Jale Aksoy Named General Manager for the Four Points Hotel Washington, DC. / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Jale Aksoy Named General Manager for the Four Points Hotel Washington, DC. MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 11, 2005 - Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. today announced the appointment of Jale Aksoy as General Manager for the Four Points Hotel Washington, DC.  The 265 guest room hotel includes nearly 9,000 square feet of meeting space.  It is conveniently located in the heart of Washington DC's business district and within walking distance to the Convention Center, MCI Center, government office buildings and McPherson Square, as well as the Metro Center subway station. Ms. Aksoy brings more tha...

The Irvine Co. Selects a New Name – The Island Hotel Newport Beach; Giving Up the Old Name (Four Seasons) Is Expensive and a Gamble / November

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Michele Himmelberg, The Orange County Register, Calif. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Nov. 2, 2005 - All the prestige and familiarity of the Four Seasons name went out the window Tuesday at the 20-story hotel in Newport Beach that serves as a home away from home for executive business travelers. Those road warriors woke up instead at The Island Hotel Newport Beach, the name selected by The Irvine Co. for the hotel it has owned for 18 years and now will manage. The new team officially took over at midnight, aiming to bring its unique st...

Property, Health, Terrorism Insurance Top Hotel Chain Worries / Sandi Cain / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Property, Health, Terrorism Insurance Top Hotel Chain Worries By Sandi Cain, November 2005 Orange County Business Journal Staff Rising insurance costs are a big headache for hotel owners in the U.S.   In fact, insurance is the fastest-growing expense for hotel operators in the country, according to an August report from PKF Hospitality Research, part of Los Angeles-based PKF Consulting.   Though workers’ compensation insurance rates in California have fallen in the past year and a half, healthcare premiums continue to climb, the future of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act is in quest...

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Selects InfoGenesis for Hong Kong and Tokyo Hotels; Award-Winning Operator of Luxury Properties Chooses InfoGenesis to C

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report  Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Selects InfoGenesis for Hong Kong and Tokyo Hotels . Award-Winning Operator of Luxury Properties Chooses InfoGenesis to Complement Exceptional Customer Satisfaction SANTA BARBARA, CA - November 8, 2005 -  InfoGenesis, the leader in Guest Experience Management applications and services, announced today that Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, owner and operator of luxury hotels and resorts worldwide, has chosen InfoGenesis POS for all point-of-sale transactions throughout The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, in Hong Kong, and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Tokyo properties. I...

Wesley Hotel Group Converting eleven-story Nashville office tower to a 146-room Hotel Indigo / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Wesley Hotel Group Converting eleven-story Nashville Office Tower to a 146-room Hotel Indigo ATLANTA (Nov. 8, 2005) – InterContinental Hotels Group [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] (IHG) will open its seventh Hotel Indigo in fall 2006 in Nashville, Tenn.   This former eleven-story office tower will be owned by Wesley Hotel Group, LLC and managed by Wesley Hotels & Resorts, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.  The 120,000 sq.-ft. property will be conveniently located just one mile from downtown Nashville and a few blocks from popular Music Row.   A b...

Starwood Selects ICE Portal To Deliver Internet Content / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report  Starwood Selects ICE Portal To Deliver Internet Content MIAMI – November 4, 2005 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts has selected ICE Portal (ICE) to host and deliver Internet content for the chain’s more than 750 properties worldwide. ICE will help Starwood manage and distribute rich media content, including virtual tours, via ICE’s extensive network of travel sites and search engines. ICE will provide all Starwood brands with customized content delivery their brand sites and to 1,000s of third party travel sites.  "We needed a solution with maximum flexibility and ease to deliver our best visu...

New Strategic Alliance for ICE Portal / Prelude to Global E-marketing Network / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report  New Strategic Alliance for ICE Portal Prelude to Global E-marketing Network November 29, 2005 - In the wake of ICE Portal’s recent alliance with world E-marketing leader Leonardo, ICE Portal has signed another strategic partnership with PREVU Corporation in New Zealand that extends their global e-marketing network to Asia Pacific. ICE Portal’s new strategic alliance with New Zealand based PREVU Corp brings them step closer to establishing the travel industry’s first global e-marketing network, according to ICE Portal founder and president, Henry Woodman.  Announcing the alliance with Flo...

Interstate Hotels & Resorts Reports 3rd Qtr Net Income of $5.4 million Compared to a Net Loss of $300,000 a Year Earlier; ADR Up 8.6%, Occupancy Up 2

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Interstate Hotels & Resorts Reports 3rd Qtr Net Income of $5.4 million Compared to a Net Loss of $300,000 a Year Earlier; ADR Up 8.6%, Occupancy Up 2.0% to 75.6% Hotel Operating Statistics  ARLINGTON, Va. Nov. 2, 2005 - Interstate Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: IHR), the nation's largest independent hotel management company, today reported results of operations for the third quarter ended September 30, 2005. The company exceeded its earnings guidance of August 9 and raised its 2005 full-year earnings guidance for the third time this year.  For the 2005 third quarter, net income was $5.4 million, o...

InterContinental Hotels Group's Americas Region Details Franchise and Management Growth Strategies / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report  InterContinental Hotels Group's Americas Region Details Franchise and Management Growth Strategies ATLANTA, Nov. 29, 2005 - As reported in the IHG Plc. 3rd Quarter stock exchange announcement issued on November 22nd, the Americas region of InterContinental Hotels Group, (IHG) (NYSE: IHG; London)(ADRs) continues to show great momentum as it executes against its franchise and management growth strategies. In September 2005, IHG announced it is expanding its upscale Americas portfolio with the addition of the InterContinental San Francisco. This property will join its sister hotel,...

Hospitality PMS/CRS Software Developer Teams with National Hospitality IT Services Group to Provide Turn-Key National Implementation and Support Servi

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report  Hospitality PMS/CRS Software Developer Teams with National Hospitality IT Services Group to Provide Turn-Key National Implementation and Support Services UNIVERSAL CITY, CA. - November 10, 2005 (PRB) - IGMAS Technologies, Inc. announced a new partnership with INNfinity Hospitality Systems to provide turn-key Property Management and Central Reservations solutions, including complete hardware, software, implementation and on-going network support services to customers selecting the INNfinity Hospitality Systems’ premier PMS and CRS solutions.  Customers will also have the opportunity to choo...

New Technology Helps Airlines Reduce Costs, Hoteliers Reach Airline Employees / November 2005

April 30, 2005

Hotel Online  .Special Report New Technology Helps Airlines Reduce Costs,  Hoteliers Reach Airline Employees November 30, 2005 - Northwest, KLM, Alaska, and Skywest are among some of the many airlines taking advantage of ID90.COM’s new online ZED Fare CalculatorTM & Management System.   The new technology allows airline employees to research their flight travel benefits with other carriers online, a process previously only available by calling.  Alaska Airline employees that wish to travel on other carriers such as British Airways will now go through ID90.COM to request their industry tickets. With an average of ove...