Hong Kong 2003 Visitor Arrivals Totalled 15.54 million, Down 6.2% from the Previous Year; Could Exceed the 20 million Mark in 2004 / March 2004

January 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 Hong Kong 2003 Visitor Arrivals Totalled 15.54 million, Down 6.2% from the Previous Year; Could Exceed the 20 million Mark in 2004 March 2, 2004 - Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong could exceed the 20 million mark to reach 20.5 million in 2004, a growth of 31.8% over 2003. The forecast, made on the assumption that outbo...

The Combination of Extended Stay America and Homestead Village Will Create a Dominant Force in Extended-stay Lodging, New Company Will Have 31% of the

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive The Combination of Extended Stay America and Homestead Village Will Create a Dominant Force in Extended-stay Lodging, New Company Will Have 31% of the Extended Stay Market By Chris Winston, Herald-Journal, Spartanburg, S.C. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Mar. 21, 2004 - The combination of Extended Stay America and Homestead Village will create a dominant force in extended-stay lodging, experts say, at a time when the industry appears primed for a rebound. Officials from Spartanburg-based Extended Stay announced two weeks ago a $3.1 billion buyout offer from the Black...

Hilton Recognizes Top Development Projects of 2003; RLJ Development, LLC, Highgate Holdings and Whiteco Industries & WPM Construction LLC Presented Aw

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Hilton Recognizes Top Development Projects of 2003;  . RLJ Development, LLC, Highgate Holdings and Whiteco Industries & WPM Construction LLC Presented Awards for the Deal of the Year BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. March 19, 2004 – Hilton, Doubletree® and Embassy Suites Hotels® brands recognized the top hotel development projects of 2003 during the Hilton Hotels Corporation Full-Service Conference held March 2-4 in Chicago.  Hotel development awards across the three brands were presented in three distinct categories:  Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, and Outstanding Achievement. I...

China Jin Mao Group Co., Ltd and Hilton International Developing 500 room Resort on Hainan Island / March 2004

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report  China Jin Mao Group Co., Ltd and Hilton International Developing 500 room Resort on Hainan Island London - March 23, 2004 - Hilton International today announced plans for its first Worldwide Resort in China, the Hilton Sanya Resort and Spa on Hainan Island. The resort is expected to open in early 2006 and will be based around a stunning concept of a casual low-rise village set in lush tropical gardens with a meandering lagoon running the length of the site. Hilton Sanya Resort and Spa will command a prime position on 746 metres of unspoilt beachfront at the western end of Yalong Bay...

Hilton Adding 14 New Resorts Over the Next 36 Months; Reflects the Changing Mix of Hotel Customer, Now 40% Business vs 60% Leisure / March 2004

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Hilton Adding 14 New Resorts Over the Next 36 Months;  Reflects the Changing Mix of Hotel Customer,  Now 40% Business vs 60% Leisure 12th March 2004 – Hilton International today announced plans to further expand its growing portfolio of upscale resorts. A total of 14 new resorts, (over 3,500 rooms), will open over the next 36 months, increasing the number of Hilton Worldwide Resorts to 60 in 28 countries worldwide. The push to increase the Hilton Worldwide Resort portfolio reflects the changing mix of hotel customer, now 40% business and 60% leisure. Commenting, David Michels,...

Hotel Chains Hoping Self Serve Kiosks Gain Widespread Acceptance; Potential to Cut Labor Costs Over the Long Run / March 2004

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Hotel Chains Hoping Self Serve Kiosks Gain Widespread Acceptance; Potential to Cut Labor Costs Over the Long Run By Kathy Bergen, Chicago Tribune Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Mar. 4, 2004 - Business traveler Richard Bergquist had one thing on his mind as he checked out of the Hilton Chicago on Wednesday morning.  Speed.  "All I want is to get my receipt and to get in and out fast," said the chief technology officer for PeopleSoft Inc., who was in town for a convention.  So Bergquist bypassed the smiling associates behind the polished marble front desk turning i...

Hilton's Connie Awards for Best Overall Performance Presented to Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center, Hilton Santa Cruz and Hilton Scottsd

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Hilton's Connie Awards for Best Overall Performance Presented to Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center, Hilton Santa Cruz and Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., March 12, 2004 – Hilton Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce its top hotel performance award winners for 2003, which were presented March 2-5 during the company’s Full-Service Brand Conference in Chicago.  Award recipients chosen from the brand’s 230 full-service hotels across the U.S., Canada and Mexico were determined through key areas within the brand’s Balanced Scorecard rating system ...

High Speed Hotel Directory Delivers Membership Rewards Program Section / March 2004

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report High Speed Hotel Directory Delivers Membership Rewards Program Section Knoxville, TN – March 24, 2004 – High Speed Hotel Directory (www.highspeedhoteldirectory.com) has once again delivered to its Web site visitors what they’ve been asking for; a membership rewards program section. Company spokesman Brian Bailey says, “One of the biggest complaints we’ve been hearing over the past couple of months is the headache people get trying to search various hotel sites for their membership rewards programs. Going from one site to the next comparing benefits is a big hassle for these busy travelers...

Vail Resorts Acquisition of Heavenly Ski Resort on Lake Tahoe Two Years Ago for $99.2 million Proves to be a Windfall / March 2004

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Vail Resorts Acquisition of Heavenly Ski Resort on Lake Tahoe Two Years Ago for $99.2 million Proves to be a Windfall By Jason Blevins, The Denver Post Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Mar. 14, 2004 - SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. -- Vail Resorts hit the jackpot when it acquired the Heavenly Ski Resort on the casino-studded shores of Lake Tahoe two years ago this month.  Like a row of lucky 7s in a slot machine window, Vail lined up a bargain-basement price of $99.2 million for a 4,800-acre ski area that included a new $23 million gondola.  Today, skier visits are at a r...

Dallas Based Harrell Hospitality Group Inc Plans Marriott Courtyard Development in the United Kingdom / March 2004

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Dallas Based Harrell Hospitality Group Inc Plans Marriott Courtyard Development in the United Kingdom March 25, 2004 - Harrell Hotels (EUROPE) Ltd has signed a letter of intent with Marriott Hotels International BV to participate in the development and management of the Courtyard by Marriott brand in the United Kingdom. This signing marks the planned arrival of Harrell in the United Kingdom, where the company is currently undertaking due diligence on a number of sites for the construction of new four-star Courtyard hotels in key cities. Under the letter of intent HHE will play th...

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Proceeding with Construction of a $142 million, 450-room Hotel Tower at Harrah's New Orleans Casino / March 200

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Proceeding with Construction of a $142 million, 450-room Hotel Tower at Harrah's New Orleans Casino LAS VEGAS, March 3, 2004 - Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: HET) announced its Board of Directors approved the construction of a $142 million, 450-room hotel tower at Harrah's New Orleans Casino. The 26-story tower is expected to open in early 2006.  "Since our casino opened five years ago, Harrah's has drawn millions of tourists to the New Orleans market," said Anthony Sanfilippo, Harrah's Central Division President. "Our guests want to experience n...

Hotel Online: Hospitality News

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality ExecutiveSeminole Tribe's Hard Rock-Branded Casino Opens Outside Tampa, Fla.By Ted Jackovics, Tampa Tribune, Fla.Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Mar. 11--TAMPA, Fla. -- The hotel rooms and multibedroom suites can be had for up to $1,600 a night and guests will be able to enjoy widescreen TVs or a soak in a big tub. Or, if they prefer, they can amble down to the casino for some electronic gaming or a look at rock 'n' roll memorabilia adorning walls from the hotel lobby to the casino. It's all part of the glitz of Tampa's newest tourist attraction, the $100 million Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, wh...

City of Hampton Contemplating Foreclosing on the Waterfront Radisson Hotel to Recoup $7.1 million Owed / March 2004

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive City of Hampton Contemplating Foreclosing on the Waterfront Radisson Hotel to Recoup $7.1 million Owed By Terry Scanlon, Daily Press, Newport News, Va. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Feb. 27, 2004 - HAMPTON, Va. -- Hampton officials once again are contemplating foreclosing on the waterfront Radisson Hotel as they try to figure how to recoup $7.1 million the hotel's owners still owe the city.  The hotel has defaulted on three loans, including two issued by Hampton, placing city officials in a complicated legal dance with another lender and the hotel's owner.  In th...

Focus Development Completes $22 million Transformation of a 1906 Building Destined for Demolition – Baltimore's Hampton Inn & Suites / Mar

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Focus Development Completes $22 million Transformation of a 1906 Building Destined for Demolition -  Baltimore's Hampton Inn & Suites By June Arney, The Baltimore Sun Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Mar. 2, 2004 - The historic USF&G Corp. building, once destined for demolition, will show off an extreme makeover Thursday, debuting as downtown Baltimore's newest hotel -- a Hampton Inn & Suites.  The $22 million transformation of the 1906 building at the corner of Calvert and Redwood streets in downtown Baltimore, has been in progress for about three years.  "Our co...

John Q. Hammons Developing $50-million, 300-suite Embassy Suites and Convention Center in La Vista, Nebraska; The $30 million, 225-room Courtyard®

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report John Q. Hammons Developing $50-million, 300-suite Embassy Suites and Convention Center in La Vista, Nebraska; The $30 million, 225-room Courtyard® by Marriott® Oklahoma City Downtown/Bricktown Opens SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - March 9, 2004 – Mr. John Q. Hammons today announced his plans to develop a new $50-million, 300-suite Embassy Suites Hotel and a 100,000-square-foot convention center in La Vista, Neb.  The new hotel and convention center are owned by Mr. Hammons and the city of La Vista, and will be managed by Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. (AMEX: JQH), t...

Mr. John Q. Hammons Celebrates Building 150 Properties with Opening of Courtyard by Marriott Oklahoma City Downtown/Bricktown Hotel

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Mr. John Q. Hammons Celebrates Building 150 Properties with Opening of Courtyard by Marriott Oklahoma City Downtown/Bricktown Hotel OKLAHOMA CITY & SPRINGFIELD, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 9, 2004-- Mr. John Q. Hammons celebrates the milestone of building his 150th property with the recent grand opening of the $30 million, 225-room Courtyard(R) by Marriott(R) Oklahoma City Downtown/Bricktown Hotel and Arena Parking. Located in Oklahoma City's Bricktown, one of the fastest gr...

Mr. John Q. Hammons to Develop New Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center in La Vista, Neb.; State's Fastest-growing City is a Prime Meeti

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center Slated for La Vista, Neb. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. & LA VISTA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 9, 2004--Mr. John Q. Hammons today announced his plans to develop a new $50-million, 300-suite Embassy Suites Hotel(R) and a 100,000-square-foot convention center in La Vista, Neb. The new hotel and convention center are owned by Mr. Hammons and the city of La Vista, and will be managed by Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. (AMEX:JQ...

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Hotels, Resorts, Conference Centers Provide Expert Advice, New Ideas for Meeting Planners at HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings® West Show June 9-10, 2004, Long Beach Convention Center MCLEAN, VA (March 25, 2004) – Creating budgets, enhancing meetings with fun and exciting activities, using the Internet to a planner’s advantage, and establishing win-win partnerships are just some of the topics to be presented as part of the impressive educational program at the eighth annual Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI’s) Affordable Meetings® West show, June 9-...

High Speed Internet Access in Hotels; A New Amenity Opens Up New Liabilities / Diana S. Barber / March 2004

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report  High Speed Internet Access in Hotels;  A New Amenity Opens Up New Liabilities  By Diana S. Barber, Esq., March 2004 Wireless or wired high speed Internet access (“HSIA”) has become the new “must have” amenity for the business traveler in hotel public areas and guestrooms. Every segment of the hotel industry from Microtel to Four Seasons has recognized that business travelers want and expect access to Internet connections to handle work and personal matters while away from the home or office. Are your guests aware of the potential risks associated with using HSIA in their guestroom...

Strong Rebound in Hotel Performance During Second Half of 2003 Benefits The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, Significant Appointments Made withi

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report  Strong Rebound in Hotel Performance During Second Half of 2003 Benefits The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited . Significant Appointments Made within The Peninsula Hotels Group . Hotel Operating Statistics March 2004 - The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) achieved a group operating profit of HK$618 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, which represents a similar level to 2002. This was based on a strong rebound in the hospitality industry in the second half of the year, following the end of the SARS crisis. After taking into account the adjustments for...

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report   History Meets High Tech; Holiday Inn at Six Flags Brings High-speed Internet to 1800’s Building Atlanta, GA [March 1, 2004] – It was once known as the “Deep Springs Stagestop,” a refuge for weary travelers looking for “good water” outside the city of St. Louis. Then it became the “St. Louis County Poor Farm,” and a two-story L-shaped barn handcrafted with limestone walls 36 inches thick marked the spot. Today, the walls remain and travelers still stop by, but it’s a vacationing crowd voluntarily checking into the Holiday Inn at Six Flags. And, while the original “barn” remains,...

HFTP's March Club and Hotel Controllers Conferences are Sold Out

January 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 HFTP's March Club and Hotel Controllers Conferences are Sold Out Attendance Increases 32 Percent Over Last Year AUSTIN, TEXAS; March 9, 2004 -- HFTP's Club and Hotel Cont...

Guest-Tek Reports Record Sales in Third Quarter Results; 210% growth achieved in first nine months, / March 2004

January 30, 2004

Guest-Tek Reports Record Sales in Third Quarter Results; 210% growth achieved in first nine months,  earns $0.33 per share . Attract more guests and increase customer loyalty with high-speed Internet access   Calgary, Alberta - Mar. 2, 2004 - Guest-Tek Interactive Entertainment Ltd., (Guest-Tek) (TSX:GTK), a world-class provider of high-speed Internet access to the hospitality industry, today reported record financial results for the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2003. Nine Months Ended Dec. 31, 2003 For the first nine months of fiscal 2004, Guest-Tek has achieved revenues of $17.2 million, an...

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Developing the 750 room Shangri-La Pazhou, Guangzhou / March 2004

January 30, 2004

Hotel Online  Special Report Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Developing the 750 room Shangri-La Pazhou, Guangzhou Hong Kong, February 27, 2004 -- Asia's leading luxury hotel group, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, will open a hotel in Guangzhou, capital of China's southern Guangdong Province in the Pearl River Delta area, in early 2007. The first Shangri-La property in Guangzhou city, the Shangri-La Pazhou, Guangzhou is situated in the city's Hai Zhu District, adjacent to the new Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre, one of the largest convention centers in the world.  Conveniently located, t...