Lodgian Initiates Acquisition Program / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Lodgian Initiates Acquisition Program-- Purchases SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Pinehurst, N.C.; Begins Renovation Program -- ATLANTA, GA (Jan. 18, 2005) -- Lodgian, Inc. (AMEX: LGN) today announced that it has acquired the 107-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Pinehurst, N.C. It is Lodgian's first acquisition since the company's inception in 1998. The hotel will undertake an immediate $0.8 million renovation. "We now are at a point where we can turn our attention to growth through acquisitions," said W. Thomas Parrington, Lodgian'...

Savvy Hoteliers Can Leverage Guest In-Room Viewing Trends To Drive Revenues, Repeat Business / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Savvy Hoteliers Can Leverage Guest In-Room Viewing Trends To Drive Revenues, Repeat Business By Steve Truckenmiller, January 2005 The quality and variety of in-room entertainment can significantly impact guests’ perceptions of a hotel’s overall value. With lodging occupancies on the rebound, hoteliers have the best chance in years to capture more in-room entertainment revenue and deliver greater guest satisfaction to build repeat business. LodgeNet has just completed guest entertainment-preference studies that are shedding light on what kinds of entertainment travelers want in their rooms....

Lifestar Hotels Announces Appointment of New Team to Guide

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Lifestar Hotels Announces Appointment of New Team to Guide Paramount Hotel New York Through Transition to Hard Rock  New York (Jan. 5, 2004) – Hospitality veterans Andrew Tilley and Anthony Amendola have been appointed general manager and director of sales and marketing, respectively, to head up the team that will facilitate re-branding and guiding The Paramount Hotel New York through its transformation to the new Hard Rock Hotel New York.  The announcement was made by Lifestar Hotels, LLC, a joint venture of Sol Meliá Ho...

USFS President and CEO Caps Off Year as Johnson & Wales University’s Tiefel Chair / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report USFS President and CEO Caps Off Year as Johnson & Wales University’s Tiefel Chair PROVIDENCE, R.I. (January 19, 2005) --  Michael Leven, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. (USFS), returned to the Johnson & Wales University Providence Campus in December to cap off his year as The Hospitality College’s first Tiefel Professorial Chair. Leven spoke to a select group of students majoring in Hotel Management and other related disciplines during a presentation, taped for distribution, entitled “Inside Hosp...

Le Méridien Selects TravelCLICK’s RateVIEW

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Le Méridien Selects TravelCLICK’s RateVIEW CHICAGO (January 10, 2005) – Jan Tissera, President of TravelCLICK International has announced that Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts has selected TravelCLICK’s RateVIEW report as the new rate shopping solution for its hotels.  “In our continual efforts to ensure that our hotels and colleagues around the world are able to benefit from the optimum solutions available, we are recommending that our hotels use TravelCLICK’s RateVIEW,” said Dean Gregory, Vice President of Distribution for Le Méridien.  “With ...

Le Meridien Plans to Add Largest Number of New Hotels in India, More than Any Other Country Globally / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveBy Meena Nichani, The Economic Times, IndiaKnight Ridder/Tribune Business News Jan. 26, 2005 - MUMBAI, India -- The UK based Le Meridien group of hotels, which has a major presence with 10 hotels across India, has outlined plans to double its base to 20 hotels in India by '09. Robert E Riley, CEO, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, UK, told ET, "We will add the largest number of new hotels in India, more than in any other country globally. We are already the largest operating international chain with a presence in all major cities." He said that, second rung cities and tourist destinations ar...

Lane Hospitality Executes Three Hotel Management Contracts / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Lane Hospitality Executes Three Hotel Management Contracts NORTHBROOK, Ill., Jan. 10, 2005 - To begin what it believes will be a significant year of growth, Lane Hospitality today announced that it has executed three management contracts.  One of the contracts is an extension to be the exclusive manager of the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chicago, IL for an additional five-year term.  The other two include the Holiday Inn Gulfport Beachfront in Gulfport/Biloxi, MS, and a hotel in downtown Milwaukee, WI which are both planning significant renovations and brand repositioning.  Northbro...

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Ahead of Schedule/January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Ahead of Schedule-- Luxury Hotel in Hong Kong’s Central District to Open Mid-year -- Hong Kong, January 11, 2005 -- The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, a stunning boutique hotel under construction in The Landmark, one of Hong Kong’s most successful commercial complexes in the premier shopping and entertainment district, is ahead of schedule and likely to open in the middle of this year, according to General Manager, Ms. Susanne Hatje. “The internal walls, plumbing and guest bathroom fittings are fini...

New Owner Crown Realty & Development Corp Giving The Former Doubletree La Posada Resort, Scottsdale, a Massive $185 million Facelift / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveBy Donna Hogan, The Tribune, Mesa, Ariz.Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Jan. 20, 2005 - Paradise Valley's soon-to-be-reborn La Posada Resort is getting a massive $185 million makeover that will elevate it to a world-class property for travelers and luxury home buyers. And the sprawling 28-acre property at Lincoln Drive and Tatum Boulevard is scrapping the old name along with the tired look and sea of asphalt that flanks the existing entrance. The 26-year-old inn will be dubbed Montelucia when the makeover is completed, said Robert Flaxman, chief executive officer for new owner Crown ...

California Resort, Spa Reaches Deal With 2 Unions / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive By Michael Kinsman, The San Diego Union-Tribune Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Jan. 1, 2005 --The long-simmering and often very public labor strife at the La Costa Resort and Spa has ended with agreement on two union contracts covering 752 workers. For more than 2 years, the North County resort has been the target of more than 100 picket lines, public demonstrations and other boycott efforts. The protests often included members of religious organizations and community groups. The labor disputes began when KSL Recreation Corp., which bou...

Los Angeles Hotel Occupancy Tax Lawsuit Is Wrong

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive ...

Kerzner to Partner with CapitaLand to Submit Joint Concept Proposal for Singapore / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive Business Editors/Travel & Hospitality Writers     PARADISE ISLAND, The Bahamas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 21, 2005--Kerzner International Limited (NYSE:KZL) ("Kerzner"), a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels, and CapitaLand (SGX:CAPL), one of the largest listed property companies in Asia, will submit a joint concept proposal to the Singapore Government (the "Government") for the development of an integrated entertainment resort complex at Sentosa Island in Singapore.     This joint proposal is...

Kapalua Bay LLC to Redevelop Kapalua Bay Hotel; $300 Million

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive Business Editors/Real Estate Writers/Travel & Hospitality Writers KAPALUA, Hawaii (Jan. 14, 2005) --Kapalua Bay, LLC, a partnership of Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. (AMEX:MLP), Marriott International and Exclusive Resorts(SM), LLC, announced today that it will redevelop the Kapalua Bay Hotel and neighboring Kapalua Shops property beginning in the spring of 2006. Kapalua Bay, LLC voluntarily filed an environmental impact statement preparation notice with the State Office of Environmental Quality Control yesterday to assess the project's impacts on the...

Kapalua Bay LLC to Redevelop Kapalua Bay Hotel; $300 Million Project Slotted to Get Underway in Spring 2006 / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive ...

Aqua Blue, a Proposed 825 Unit Condominium-Hotel Resort in Las Vegas, Contracts with Michael Jordan for Two Restaurants and Athletic Club / January 20

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Aqua Blue, a Proposed 825 Unit Condominium-Hotel Resort in Las Vegas, Contracts with Michael Jordan for Two Restaurants and Athletic Club CHICAGO, Jan. 6, 2004 - Diversified Real Estate Concepts, Inc. is pleased to announce its partnership with Michael Jordan on the new Aqua Blue Luxury Condominium-Hotel Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada. Aqua Blue will be built on a six-acre site adjacent to The Platinum, another luxury development from Diversified Real Estate Concepts, located one block from Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Caesars Palace and the Las Vegas strip. Aqua Blue advances the id...

John Page Joins Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report John Page Joins Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo ORLANDO – 18 January 2005 - Ronald J. Holecek, AIA, president and CEO of Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo Architects, Designers, Planners, and Consultants, has announced the hiring of John S. Page as Manager of Business Development. Page, formerly director of business development with Perini Building Company, holds a Master of Business Administration degree from University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Florida State University.  He has served as a board member of the Association of General Contractors and continues ...

John Rosen Named Vice President of Acquisitions and Development for Omni Hotels / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report John Rosen Named Vice President of Acquisitions and Development for Omni Hotels IRVING, Texas (Jan. 7, 2004) — Omni Hotels recently selected John Rosen to serve as its vice president of acquisitions and development, where he will direct the expansion of Omni Hotels as the company enters into a period of aggressive growth throughout North America and internationally. “The addition of this new position reflects our commitment to aggressively grow Omni through acquisitions and new management opportunities.” said Mike Garcia, the company’s chief financial officer.  “John’s experience w...

Jorge Gutierrez Named General Manager of the Hilton Villahermosa & Conference Center, Set to Open in April 2005 / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Discount Hotels London, Sydney, Rome, AmsterdamParis, Melbourne, Lisbon, Barcelona, Berlin, Hong Kong, New York, Auckland Discount Hotels London, Sydney, Rome, AmsterdamParis, Melbourne, Lisbon, Barcelona, Berlin, Hong Kong, New York, Auckland Jorge Gutierrez Named General Manager of the Hilton Villahermosa & Conference Center,  Set to Open in April 2005 VILLAHERMOSA, Mexico - Jan. 25, 2005 -- Jorge Gutierrez has been named general manager of the Hilton Villahermosa & Conference Center, a new 220-room property currently under construction that is schedu...

Interstate Hotels & Resorts Named to Manage Hotels in Times Square and Ghent, Belgium; New Contracts Expand Relationship with Hotel Owner G. Holding

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Interstate Hotels & Resorts Named to Manage Hotels in Times Square and Ghent, Belgium; New Contracts Expand Relationship with Hotel Owner G. Holdings ARLINGTON, Va. (Jan. 13, 2005) -- Interstate Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:IHR), today announced that it has been selected to manage two Marriott-branded hotels, currently under construction, for G. Holdings Corporation, a New York City-based real estate development company founded by Harry Gross. The 357-suite Residence Inn by Marriott Manhattan - Times Square is scheduled to open in November 2005...

Five Hotel Internet Marketing Myths – Busted!/ Neil Salerno / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Five Hotel Internet Marketing Myths – Busted! By: Neil Salerno, CHME, CHA – January 2005 It’s really interesting to read some of the articles written about the Internet and, in particular, marketing on the Internet.  The content of many of these articles is interesting, but many of the authors seem to be doing their best to add to the persistent confusion about Internet marketing by using new and confusing techno-babble.  Their principles are sound; the problem is the way they communicate it. Of course, every industry tends to create its own language to better identify its functions...

Intergroup Represents Buyer in 377-Room, 2-Hotel Purchase / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report  Intergroup Represents Buyer in 377-Room, 2-Hotel Purchase January 26, 2005 - Tandy O. Lofland, president of Intergroup Realty, Inc. announced that the firm represented the private-investor purchaser in the recent simultaneous acquisition of the 157-room Hampton Inn and the 220-room Clarion Inn near Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.  The seller was represented by Steckroth Hospitality Group, Inc. and the hotels are now operated by Richfield Hospitality. Brand affiliations with Hampton and Clarion will remain in place and upgrades and improvements will be made by the new owner...

Innkeepers USA Trust Acquires the 105-suite Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C., for $23 million / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report  Innkeepers USA Trust Acquires the 105-suite Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C., for $23 million PALM BEACH, Fla., January 13, 2005 — Innkeepers USA Trust (NYSE: KPA), a hotel real estate investment trust (REIT) and a leading owner of upscale, extended-stay hotel properties throughout the United States, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the 105-suite Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C., for an all-in cost of $23 million, including closing costs and anticipated capital expenditures.  The hotel is one of three acquisi...

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report Value Place Goes Live with InnLink’s Reservation Services Hendersonville, TN and Wichita, KS – January 27, 2005 - InnLink announces the signing and activation of reservation services for Value Place, industry veteran Jack DeBoer’s new and unique approach to extended-stay lodging. Built as a hotel and apartment hybrid, and dubbed “short-term residential lodging”, Value Place benefits franchisees and residents alike by incorporating lower start-up and operating costs along with clean, safe, and low-cost accommodations for weekly or longer stays. Having founded the Residence Inn, Summerfield...

InnLink chosen by Savannah Suites for Reservation Services / January 2005

January 30, 2005

Hotel Online  Special Report InnLink chosen by Savannah Suites for Reservation Services Hendersonville, TN and Atlanta, GA – January 4, 2005 - InnLink announces the signing of Savannah Suites for electronic reservation services. Savannah Suites is an independent, extended-stay hotel chain with 11 hotels in four states and a new hotel under construction. Savannah Suites is owned and operated by Guest House Inn Corporation, which is based in Atlanta, GA. InnLink’s reservation services to Savannah Suites include a branded booking engine, iLINK, for the website (www.savannahsuites.com) along with electronic connectivity to ...