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Government Owned Great Eastern Hotel in Kolkata, India Readies for Privatisation; Leading International Hotel Chains Bidding / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveBy Ritwik Mukherjee, The Economic Times, IndiaKnight Ridder/Tribune Business News Dec. 12, 2004 - KOLKATA, India -- Even as a PricewaterhouseCoopers-led consortium works on the privatisation of Great Eastern Hotel, the West Bengal government is upbeat about the prospects of handing over the state-run hotel to the "most suitable buyer". The state has already removed two major roadblocks to the privatisation move. The state government has announced that it would stand guarantor that the hotel could be taken over even without its present workforce. The employees would of course be offered a ...
The Hotel Group Inc. Sells the 317-room Knoxville Hilton for $21 million; Offer Too Good to Pass Up / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveBy Roger Harris, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Tenn.Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Dec. 9, 2004 - --The Knoxville Hilton has been sold for $21 million to a Colorado real estate investment and management company. J. Herzog & Sons Inc. of Denver bought the 317-room downtown hotel from The Hotel Group Inc., an investment group based in the Seattle area, according to documents filed Wednesday with the Knox County Register of Deeds office. The hotel will remain a Hilton franchise, but the new owners will spend a "substantial" amount on improvements, said Martin Herzog, CEO of J. Herzog & ...
Howard Karawan Named Divisional President/Managing Director of Kerzner's Destination Resorts / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online Special Report Howard Karawan Named Divisional President/Managing Director of Kerzner's Destination Resorts PARADISE ISLAND, The Bahamas - Dec. 21, 2004 -- Kerzner International Limited (NYSE:KZL) (the "Company"), a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels, today announced the promotion of Howard Karawan to Divisional President/Managing Director of the Company's Destination Resorts business, effective immediately. Mr. Karawan, formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, will oversee the Company's flagship property, Atlantis, Parad...
Financial Audit at James Beard Foundation Concludes Former President Len Pickell Engaged in Improper Use of Foundation Assets for Personal Benefit / D
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online Special Report Financial Audit at James Beard Foundation Concludes Former President Len Pickell Engaged in Improper Use of Foundation Assets for Personal Benefit New York, NY (15 December 2004) - The James Beard Foundation, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the culinary arts community, today announced the results of an independent financial audit conducted by Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP. Based on an earlier investigation and as referenced in the audit report, the Foundations legal counsel determined that there was sufficient evidence to allege that the Foundations...
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online Special Report The Adams Mark Jacksonville Rebounds from Water Damage; All 966 rooms Ready for Gator Bowl, Super Bowl December 22, 2004 - The Adams Mark Jacksonville has successfully rebounded from a pump break that washed out 252 of its 966 rooms. The malfunctioning pump filled pipes with too much water, causing pressure relief valves on the 19th floor to open. The 19th floor was consequently flooded with water that eventually found its way to lower floors initiating approximately $2 million in damages. Thanks to the immediate reaction of General Manager, Mark Kaiser and his staff, the dama...
TravelCLICK Appoints Jan Tissera President, TravelCLICK International / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online Special Report TravelCLICK Appoints Jan Tissera President, TravelCLICK International Chicago (06 December 2004) TravelCLICK announced today that Jan Tissera has been appointed President of TravelCLICK International, a newly created position. Tissera, based in Barcelona, Spain, will oversee the company's operations in Europe, the UK, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and North and South Pacific. TravelCLICK is the leading, worldwide provider of solutions that help hotels and other travel industry suppliers maximize profits from electronic distribution channels. The companys sale...
James Sherwood of Orient Express Hotels to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin / December 2004
April 30, 2004
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 James Sherwood of Orient Express Hotels to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin December 14, 2004 - Hosts of the 8th International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) have announced that James Sherwood, founder and chairman of Orient Express Hotels Ltd., will receive the l...
John Q. Hammons Hotels Rejects Barcelo Crestline Initial Acquisition Proposal; Receives Proposal from Another Party / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online Special Report John Q. Hammons Hotels Rejects Barcelo Crestline Initial Acquisition Proposal; Receives Proposal from Another Party SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Dec. 7, 2004 -- John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. (AMEX:JQH) announced today that its Special Committee reported to the Board of Directors that it cannot support Barcelo Crestline's offer to acquire the Company's Class A shares for $13 per share. Commenting on the Committee's action, its Chairman, David Sullivan, said, "With the assistance of our financial and legal advisors, we have concluded that $13 per share is an unacceptable price....
Jean-Jacques Pergant Named President of Blackstone Affiliate Responsible for Operations of the Boca Raton Resort & Club; Josephe Berger Will Oversee R
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online Special Report Jean-Jacques Pergant Named President of Blackstone Affiliate Responsible for Operations of the Boca Raton Resort & Club; Josephe Berger Will Oversee Resorts Naples and Fort Lauderdale BOCA RATON, Fla - Dec. 17, 2004 -- On December 10, 2004, an affiliate of The Blackstone Group completed its acquisition of Boca Resorts, Inc. (BRI). BRI is the owner of five distinctive destination resorts located in Florida, including the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton; The Registry Resort & Club, Edgewater Beach Hotel & Club and Naples Grande Golf Club in Naples; and Hyatt Pier 66, the Bahia Mar...
Outlook 2004: A Roundtable Discussion / Hotel Industry Fundamentals / Focus on Financing / The Global Hospitality Advisor / JMBM / January 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online Special Report The Global Hospitality Advisor -Outlook 2004: A Roundtable Discussion Hotel Industry Fundamentals Focus on Financing January 2004 Jim Butler, Chairman of JMBMs Global Hospitality Group, recently chaired a roundtable with some of the leading voices in the hospitality industry, seeking insights about the outlook for the industry in 2004. Joining Jim in this years roundtable discussion are: .. 2004 Roundtable Participants Cia Buckley Senior Managing Director, JER Partners Jerry Earnest Executive Vice President, Specialty Lending Group, GMAC Commercial Mortgage Corporati...
JHM Hotels Acquires The Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Downtown/Riverview / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online Special Report JHM Hotels Acquires The Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Downtown/Riverview GREENVILLE, SC - December 7, 2004- The Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Downtown/Riverview has been purchased by JHM Hotels of Greenville, SC. With 179 rooms and nearly 2,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers who want to be located close to Charlestons Historic District. The hotel is located on the banks of the Ashley River adjacent to the Ashley Marina and across the street from the Medical University of South Caroli...
April 30, 2004
Winners Circle: Interstate Hotels & Resorts Teams with Trusted Suppliers to Deliver Security, Profitability to Owners Key Relationships Yield Data Security, Accounting Efficiencies, Expense Controls and No Surprises . December 14, 2004 - Security is the hottest topic in hospitality today. With world events, catastrophic weather, and law suits filling the headlines there is reason for concern. But when operators sit down to discuss security they often leave out the kind of protection Interstate Hotels & Resorts provides its properties through relationships based on years of partnership with trusted vendors....
Internet Hotel Ratings Causing Confusion for Consumers; Some Ratings a Marketing Ploy / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online Special Report Internet Hotel Ratings Causing Confusion for Consumers; Some Ratings a Marketing Ploy ORLANDO, Fla. - Dec. 6, 2004 -- The vast amount of information that makes the Internet so attractive to travelers also is causing confusion when it comes to choosing a lodging online, AAA said today. "With nearly everyone using a star to designate a ranking level," said Michael Petrone, director, AAA Tourism Information Development, "consumers often can't distinguish one system's star from another, making it nearly impossible to know whether the ratings are impartial or a marketing ploy." As head of...
Intergroup Arranges $21 million Sale of 317-room Hilton Knoxville / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online Special Report Intergroup Arranges $21 million Sale of 317-room Hilton Knoxville Houston, Texas December 15, 2004 Tandy O. Lofland, president and founder of Intergroup Realty, Inc. and the Intergroup companies represented the purchaser, an affiliate of J. Herzog & Sons, Inc., in the recent acquisition of the 317-room Hilton Knoxville in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. The seller, The Hotel Group Opportunity Fund I, a private-equity fund, was represented by Joe Strain of Hotel Realty Advisors. The full-service, 18-story hotel has 14,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, restaurant, lounge, ...
InnLink Chosen by Select Franchising, Inc. for Reservation Services / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online Special Report InnLink Chosen by Select Franchising, Inc. for Reservation Services Hendersonville, TN and Fargo, ND December 20, 2004 - InnLink announces the signing of Select Franchising, Inc. for electronic reservation services. Select Inn, corporately located in Fargo, ND, underwent an ownership change a year ago. The franchise owners have a new vision for their hotel chain. That vision involves encouraging guests to book rooms online at (www.selectinn.com). InnLinks branded booking engine, iLINK, along with electronic connectivity to travel agents and travel websites, eLINK, is helping to make that ...
InfoGenesis Further Distinguishes Itself by Earning Microsoft Competencies In Business Intelligence Solutions and Microsoft Advanced Infrastructure S
April 30, 2004
InfoGenesis Further Distinguishes Itself by Earning Microsoft Competencies In Business Intelligence Solutions and Microsoft Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Santa Barbara, CA InfoGenesis, a leading provider of hospitality information technology, today announced it has attained Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in Business Intelligence Solutions and Microsoft Advanced Infrastructure Solutions, recognizing InfoGenesis expertise and total impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified partner, InfoGenesis has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven its abi...
After 25 Years with Four Season's Chain, John Indrieri, GM of the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara, Retiring / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveBy Maria Zate, Santa Barbara News-Press, Calif.Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Dec. 4, 2004 - John Indrieri, general manager of the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort in Santa Barbara for more than eight years, has announced he will retire at the end of January. Indrieri celebrated his 61st birthday last week and it was time, he said, "to do something different." "I'm a healthy, young 61, and I'd like to see what retirement is like," he said Friday. A 35-year veteran of the hotel industry, with more than 25 of those years spent with the Four Seasons chain, Indrieri began his hospitality care...
India's Hotel Management Graduates Attracted to Outsource Call Centers; Salary & Growth Prospects Much Better / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveBy Harsimran Singh, The Economic Times, IndiaKnight Ridder/Tribune Business News Dec. 15, 2004 - Ever wondered why the appetite for Indian BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing) is increasing by the day? It's because the calls routed to India are fried in the oil of empathy, stewed in the waters of patience, spiced with quick problem solving and garnished with a good accent. And it's all possible with help of good chefs, stewards, housekeepers & bartenders. Don't be surprised. BPO industry is on a spree to hire hotel industry graduates. "IHM Aurangabad, Gwalior, Kolkata and Delhi are our fav...
Foreign Tourists at All-time High in India; Hotels Hike Room Rates / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveThe Times of IndiaKnight Ridder/Tribune Business News Dec. 12, 2004 - NEW DELHI, India -- It couldn't have got better than this. The number of foreign tourists visiting India this year reached an all-time high of 29,83,453 -- up from 24,06,943 last year. Naturally, hotels are encashing on these good occupancy rates. "It's not only Delhi, but other hot spots such as Goa, Kochi, Jaipur, Bangalore and Shimla which are showing increased business. As per indications, the surge will continue till February," says tourism minister Renuka Choudhury. The reasons for this are manifold. Amitabh Kant...
Great Wolf Resorts Inc. Raises $238 million with Successful Initial Public Offering; Plans to Open 10 Resorts Over Next Five Years / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveBy Tom Daykin, Milwaukee Journal SentinelKnight Ridder/Tribune Business News Dec. 16, 2004 - Madison-based Great Wolf Resorts Inc., which operates hotels with indoor water parks throughout the Midwest, made a big splash with its first day of trading Wednesday. Great Wolf, which raised $238 million through an initial public offering, saw its stock close at $21 on the Nasdaq exchange, up $4 from its offering price. The company, which owns five resorts in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and Kansas, will use $42 million from the offering's net proceeds to expand its operations beyond the Midwest, ...
IH&RA Name Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba and Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria, Freiburg, Germany with the 2004 'Innovation in Environmental Best P
April 30, 2004
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 Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba and Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria, Freiburg, Germany Win the IH&RA 2004 Innovation in Environmental Best Practice Award Paris, 30 November 2004 IH&RA, the International Hotel & Restaurant Association announced the winners of the 2004 IH&RA Environmental Award - Innovation in En...
Feud Among Pritzker Family Members May Be Nearing Settlement; Resolution Would Help Clear the Path to Take Hyatt Hotel Chain Public / December 2004
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveChicago TribuneKnight Ridder/Tribune Business News Dec. 22, 2004 - In the first sign of thawing in a two-year legal battle, members of the Pritzker family are working toward a settlement with the two youngest grandchildren of patriarch A.N. Pritzker, who were virtually cut out of the $15 billion family fortune. Negotiations for a settlement of the lawsuit filed by Liesel and Matthew Pritzker are described as "serious" by sources close to the talks. A settlement appeared within reach late last week, sources said, but some Pritzker family heirs apparently thought the offer to the grandchil...
O&S Holdings, LLC Building 200-room Westin Hotel and Conference Center in Huntsville, Alabama; Will Include 40 Privately-owned Residences / December 2
April 30, 2004
Hotel Online Special Report O&S Holdings, LLC Building 200-room Westin Hotel and Conference Center in Huntsville, Alabama; Will Include 40 Privately-owned Residences WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Dec. 9, 2004 -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) has completed an agreement with O&S Holdings, LLC to operate a new 200-room luxury hotel and conference center under its upper-upscale Westin brand in Huntsville, Alabama. The facility will also include 40 privately-owned residences occupying the top five floors of the 12-story complex. The Westin Huntsville, slated to open in fall 2006, will be located in t...
David Curell Named Managing Director of Joie de Vivre's First New Build Hotel – the 199 room Hotel Vitale, San Francisco / December 2004
April 30, 2004
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 David Curell Named Managing Director of Joie de Vivre's First New Build Hotel - the 199 room Hotel Vitale, San Francisco SAN FRANCISCO (December 8, 2004) - Chip Conley, founder and CEO of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, today announced the appointment of two key managers of the company's newest property, the 199-room lux...
