A U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Loan for $2.6 million Brings Back the Historic Eklund Hotel, Clayton, New Mexico / April 2004

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveBy Kay Ledbetter, Amarillo Globe-News, TexasKnight Ridder/Tribune Business News Apr. 25, 2004 - CLAYTON, N.M. -- The gun shots that left bullet holes in the Eklund Hotel ceiling won't be returning, but the beds have. The Eklund Hotel will officially re-open with a ribbon cutting and rededication at 4 p.m. Monday in the lobby of the hotel at 15 Main St. in downtown Clayton. A U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development loan for $2.6 million, along with $200,000 from the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office and persistence on the part of the local folks, brought the hotel bac...

Cornell Study Shows Most Restaurant Patrons Willing to Dine Off-peak if the Price is Right / April 2004

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Cornell Study Shows Most Restaurant Patrons Willing to Dine Off-peak if the Price is Right Ithaca, N.Y., April 26, 2004 – More than 75 percent of 367 patrons of a restaurant here said they would be willing to dine during off-peak hours in exchange for discounted prices, according to a research paper produced by Cornell Hotel School Professor Alex Susskind and published in a recent issue of the Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly. Two of every three respondents even said that they would be able and willing to change their dining time to earn such an incentive. Â...

Eric Walters Named General Manager of the 353-room Doubletree® Hotel Bellevue, Washington / April 2004

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Eric Walters Named General Manager of the 353-room Doubletree® Hotel Bellevue, Washington BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 12, 2004 – Eric Walters has been named general manager of the  353-room Doubletree® Hotel Bellevue, located in the economic and cultural hub of Greater Seattle’s Eastside.   He most recently served as hotel manager at the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center, a position he has held since 2000.     With nearly two decades of hotel experience and eight years of service with the Hilton Family of Hotels, Walters has been able to manage departments and...

Extended Stay America Notifies 82 Corporate Employees of Job Loss Pending Shareholder Approval of Sale to the Blackstone Group / April 2004

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveBy Chris Winston, Herald-Journal, Spartanburg, S.C.Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Apr. 21--A third of the employees at Extended Stay America's Spartanburg headquarters have been told they won't have jobs after The Blackstone Group purchases the company. Corry Oakes, president of Extended Stay, said Tuesday that 82 people in the Morgan Square building have been notified their jobs will end if the $3.1 billion buyout is approved by shareholders on May 7 as expected and the deal closes May 11. That represents about one-third of the workers at the 1-year-old corporate offices. "We've go...

The Skills, Tasks, and Results Training (START) Program Developed by the Educational Institute of the AH&LA Recognized for its Curriculum Peparing Stu

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report The Skills, Tasks, and Results Training (START) Program Developed by the Educational Institute of the AH&LA Recognized for its Curriculum Peparing Students for Entry into the Lodging Industry ORLANDO, Fla., April 2004 - The Skills, Tasks, and Results Training (START) Program developed by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association has been selected for inclusion in What's New Magazine's Awards Portfolio 2004, in the area of Career Education.  This awards competition recognizes outstanding instructional and consumer-oriented products and services of inter...

John J. Russell Jr. the 2004 Recipient of the Educational Institute's 2004 Arthur Landstreet Award / April 2004

February 28, 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 John J. Russell Jr. the 2004 Recipient of the Educational Institute's 2004 Arthur Landstreet Award ORLANDO, Fla., April 2004 - The Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association has announced this year's winners of its awards for champions of hospitality training and education. The following peopl...

Chef Graham Elliot Bowles of The Jackson House Inn & Restaurant Named One of the 'Top 10 Best New Chefs in America' by Food & Wine Magazine

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Chef Graham Elliot Bowles of The Jackson House Inn & Restaurant Named One of the “Top 10 Best New Chefs in America” by Food & Wine Magazine WOODSTOCK, VT – April 13, 2004 – Food & Wine magazine has named Chef Graham Elliot Bowles of The Jackson House Inn & Restaurant one of the “top 10 best new chefs in America” who “prepares some of the country’s most creative food.”  He is one of the first chefs from northern New England to receive this highest of accolades in the culinary world. Chef Bowles and nine other chefs will grace Food & Wine’s July cover and he will appear a...

Boykin Lodging Rebrands the 208 room Doubletree Hotel Yakima Valley to Clarion Hotel & Conference Center / December 2003

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Boykin Lodging Rebrands the 208 room Doubletree Hotel Yakima Valley to Clarion Hotel & Conference Center YAKIMA, Wash. (April 2, 2004) - Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) and Boykin Lodging, the owner of the Doubletree Hotel Yakima Valley, announce that the 208-room hotel, located at 1507 N. First Street here, is now operating as the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center.  The hotel joined Choice Hotels’ upscale Clarion brand on February 15.   “Guests of the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center are invited to enjoy the same comfortable accommodations, friendly personal se...

Procaccianti Group Spending $4.5 million to Move Tulsa's Doubletree Hotel Away From the Traditional Three-restaurant, One-ballroom Formula Comm

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveBy Tom Droege, Tulsa World, Okla.Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Apr. 21, 2004 - The Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place is moving away from the traditional three-restaurant, one-ballroom formula common in high-end hotels built around the country during the 1980s. The new owners of the nine-floor, 370-room facility are sinking $4.5 million into the building this year to transform the layout so it appeals more to corporate travelers, who make up the bulk of business there. "People won't recognize it -- it'll change dramatically," said Brett Sundstrom, the hotel's general manager. "We're ...

MeriStar Reflags its 742-room Radisson Hotel at Universal Studios Theme Park in Orlando, Florida to the Doubletree Brand / April 2004

February 28, 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 MeriStar Reflags its 742-room Radisson Hotel at Universal Studios Theme Park in Orlando, Florida to the Doubletree Brand ARLINGTON, Va., April 30, 2004 — MeriStar Hospitality Corporation today announced that its Radisson hotel at the entrance to Universal Studios Theme Park in Orlando, Florida, has been converted t...

Ricci Obertelli Promoted to Global Development Director Dorchester Group and Francois Delahaye Named Dorchester Group Operations Director / April 200

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Ricci Obertelli Promoted to Global Development Director Dorchester Group and Francois Delahaye Named Dorchester Group Operations Director LONDON, April 26, 2004 - The Board of Directors of the London-based Dorchester Group announced major management changes today.  The Dorchester Group is the London-based hotel property and management company wholly owned by The Brunei Investment Agency. Ricci Obertelli, Chief Operations Officer since 1997 has been promoted to position of Global Development Director of the Group, reporting directly to the Board of Directors based in Brunei.  He ...

A Benchmark of the Hotel Industry in Ukraine, Donbass Palace Accepted by 'Great Hotels of the World' / April 2004

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report A Benchmark of the Hotel Industry in Ukraine,  Donbass Palace Accepted by “Great Hotels of the World” April 8, 2004 - Donbass Palace is the first hotel in Donetsk, Ukraine that was accepted by “Great Hotels of the World”. Donbass Palace is a luxurious property and a benchmark of the hotel industry for all Ukraine.  The Director of Business Development for “Great Hotels of the World”, Jo Boyle visited Donbass Palace, Donetsk just before the opening, to inspect the hotel standards and negotiate future affiliation of the hotel with this organization. ‘With just few weeks unt...

February 28, 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 Hotel Derek Takes Hotel Room on the Road; Creates “Traveling Hotel Room Display” for Trade Shows HOUSTON (April 14, 2004) — Hotel Derek, the classically modern benchmark of Houston hotels, today unveiled a “whole new dimension” in hotel rooms and tradeshow booths. Making its debut at the Hospitality Sales and Ma...

Denver Metro CVB's 2003 Budget Ranked No. 39 of 83 Cities in the U.S. / April 2004

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Denver Metro CVB's 2003 Budget Ranked No. 39 of 83 Cities in the U.S. By Andy Vuong, The Denver Post Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Apr. 15, 2004 - The Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau's relatively small 2003 budget of $7.2 million hurt its search for a new president and hinders its ability to promote the city, according to three potential candidates for the job.  "Denver is a bigger market and a very attractive market," said Bob Lander, president of the Austin (Texas) Convention and Visitors Bureau and a 20-year veteran of the tourism industry. "A market...

Denise Miller Appointed Regional Director of Sales – New York City, for Destination Hotels & Resorts / April 2004

February 28, 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 Denise Miller Appointed Regional Director of Sales - New York City, for Destination Hotels & Resorts ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – April 13, 2004 – Destination Hotels & Resorts, a privately held company operating 25 independent, luxury and upscale hotels, resorts and golf clubs in the United States, today announced the appoin...

Roland G. Henin, Corporate Executive Chef for Delaware North Companies, Provides the Direction to Cook Responsibly with Regards to the Environment and

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Roland G. Henin, Corporate Executive Chef for Delaware North Companies, Provides the Direction to Cook Responsibly with Regards to the Environment and Freshness Delaware North chefs at national parks, airports and stadiums will offer more sustainable summer menu items as part of a company-wide environmental initiative Buffalo, NY (April 12, 2004)— This summer American travelers will discover even more fresh, local flavors at popular destinations, ballparks and national parks, thanks to a new initiative announced last month by Delaware North Companies, a $1.6 billion interna...

Hotel Online News – Email Archive – Day by Day / April/May/June 2004

February 28, 2004

  Inside Hotel Online today Day by Day Index April / May / June 2004   Emails June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 February 2004 January 2004 December 2003 November 2003 October 2003 Top Read Articles June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 February 2004 January 2004 December 2003 November 2003   June 2004 - Top Read Articles The 2004 Ranking of Hotel Groups; Including the Ten Hotel Groups with the Greatest Increase in Number of Rooms Top Ten Revenue Management Mistakes Hotels Can Make / Dr. Gabor Forgacs Yielding Software – Must Have or Luxur...

Douglas Wojick Named Director of Sales for The Mansion on Forsyth Park and Historic Kehoe House, Savannah, Georgia / April 2004

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Douglas Wojick Named Director of Sales for The Mansion on Forsyth Park and Historic Kehoe House, Savannah, Georgia Savannah, GA – (April 12, 2004) – The Kessler Collection is pleased to announce Douglas Wojick as Director of Sales for The Mansion on Forsyth Park and historic Kehoe House.  His responsibilities in this capacity will include overseeing all aspects of room sales from all key business segments for both properties.  The Kehoe House is currently open, however The Mansion on Forsyth Park is slated to open February 2005. Mr. Wojick brings over 10 years of sales expe...

Dani Stern Appointed General Manager of the 430 room Westin Tabor Center, Denver / April 2004

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report  Dani Stern Appointed General Manager of the 430 room Westin Tabor Center, Denver  DENVER - April 9, 2004 - Denver's premier luxury hotel, Westin Tabor Center, announced Mr. Dani Stern has been hired as the downtown hotel's new manager, overseeing a $25 million operation that includes 430 guest rooms and suites and 25,000 square feet of meeting space. Stern has extensive hotel experience with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and has held various management positions including: director of operations, general manager, and director of food and beverage at hotels in Kansas City; Lexington, Ky.; a...

Day Hospitality Group Earns 25 Top Honors for Accomplishments with Marriott Branded Hotels / April 2004

February 28, 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 Day Hospitality Group Earns 25 Top Honors for Accomplishments with Marriott Branded Hotels ATLANTA (April 20, 2004) - Day Hospitality Group (DHG), a boutique-size management company based in Atlanta, collected a behemoth-size percentage of the major awards handed out at the annual Marriott GM Conferences recently.  ...

David Forrester Appointed General Manager at the Fredericksburg Inn & Suites in Fredericksburg, Texas/ April 2004

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report David Forrester Appointed General Manager at the Fredericksburg Inn & Suites in Fredericksburg, Texas Dallas, TX, April 26, 2004:  Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) announced today that David Forrester has been appointed general manager at the Fredericksburg Inn & Suites in Fredericksburg, Texas. As general manager, Forrester will oversee the successful management of the hotel, including operations, sales and marketing, and associate and guest satisfaction.  Forrester joins the Fredericksburg Inn after a successful period as the Assistant General Manager of the Radisson H...

Dan Carnes Named General Manager of the Hampton Inn and Suites Lake Mary, Florida / April 2004

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Dan Carnes Named General Manager of the Hampton Inn and Suites Lake Mary, Florida LAKE MARY, FL, APRIL 12, 2004...Wilson Hotel Management Company, Inc. today announced that Dan Carnes has been selected as General Manager of the Hampton Inn and Suites Lake Mary at Colonial TownPark. As General Manager, Carnes will direct all areas of the hotel's operations, including hotel administration, guest services, and sales and marketing efforts. Carnes brings over 20 year's experience in the hotel/resort industry and most recently held the position of General Manager for the Embassy Suites...

Capital Lodging, a REIT, Acquiring 22 of Crown American's 27 Hotels / April 2004

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveBy Jeff McCready, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Apr. 21, 2004 - A day shy of the fifth anniversary of the death of Frank Pasquerilla, who built Crown American from the ground up, the company said it is selling 81 percent of its hotel properties. Capital Lodging, a recently organized hospitality real-estate investment trust, bought 22 of Crown's 27 hotels. No address was listed for Capital and Crown declined to provide additional information. Crown American Hotels, based at Pasquerilla Plaza in downtown Johnstown, has about 50 employees and the co...

Crestline Names Desiree Hackley,Radisson Barcelo Washington DC, Sales Person of the Year / April 2004

February 28, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Crestline Names Desiree Hackley, Radisson Barcelo Washington DC, Sales Person of the Year   McLEAN, Va., April 1, 2004 - Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. recently recognized its top hotel sales performers for 2003 during the company's annual Sales and Marketing Conference.  The winners were announced and praised at a gala dinner celebration that took place at the newly opened Sugar Land Marriott Town Square Hotel outside of Houston, TX.  "Since our company's inception in 2000, we have achieved enormous success in becoming a leading hospitality management company recognized for ...