January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report Investment Opportunity into Central and Eastern Europe’s Largest Golf, Wellness and Leisure Resort  January 16, 2003 - The Travel, Leisure and Tourism Group of KPMG in Hungary has been mandated to identify equity partners into a tourism resort development located in one of the most well-known spa tourism destinations in Hungary. Based on its success, the owners of the Birdland Golf & Country Club are in the process of implementing an expansion plan, to create Central and Eastern Europe’s leading golf, wellness and leisure resort.  This resort will include a four-star spa and conference hote...

Hudson Hotels Corporation Files Chapter 11; Senior Lender, RHD Capital Ventures, LLC Will Likely Purchase All Company Assets / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report  Hudson Hotels Corporation Files Chapter 11; Senior Lender, RHD Capital Ventures, LLC Will Likely Purchase All Company Assets ROCHESTER, N.Y., Jan. 24, 2003 - Hudson Hotels Corporation, (OTC: HUDS.PK) (the "Company") today announced that it has filed a Chapter 11 proceeding under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  At the same time, it has agreed, in principal, with its senior lender, RHD Capital Ventures, LLC ("RHD"), whereby RHD will purchase substantially all of the assets of the Company.  It is expected that a definitive Asset Purchase Agreement will be signed and filed with the court within t...

HubX selects Virtual-Agent Services for Call Center Management / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report HubX Selects Virtual-Agent Services for Call Center Management Newton, MA (January 8, 2003) -- HubX (HubX.net), “at the Center of Reservation Innovation” and a global leader in hospitality eBusiness solutions, has selected Virtual-Agent Services (www.vagent.com), winner of a Gold Best-in-Class 2002 RealMarket Users Choice Award for Contact Center Tools, to provide the voice component of its reservations channel management capabilities. “We chose Virtual-Agent Services as the voice channel partner best able to meet the needs and expectations of our hotel clients,” said Mike Murray, Preside...

Hotel Employee's Asked to Look Out for Solvents, Laminators Scanners and Digital Cameras to Foil Fraud, Drug Rings Conducted in Guest Rooms / Jan

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Hotel Employee's Asked to Look Out for Solvents, Laminators, Scanners and Digital Cameras to Foil Fraud, Drug Rings Conducted in Guest Rooms By Eric Swedlund, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 24, 2003 -- As fraud and drug rings turn to motels and hotels as a base of operations, Pima County sheriff's deputies hope a new program combining their work with hotel workers' efforts will help attack the problem.  Deputies with the Foothills District Directed Patrol, a four-person squad that targets specific crimes, are instructing hotel and...

Shares in Hotels.com Drop 30 Percent / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Shares in Hotels.com Drop 30 Percent By Suzanne Marta, The Dallas Morning News Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 7--Shares in Dallas-based room discounter Hotels.com fell as much as 30 percent Monday after the company warned that a decline in room rates late last year would translate into lower-than-expected earnings.  Company officials said they expect to earn $1.50 per share for 2002, missing analyst estimates by 9 cents a share.  Shares in Hotels.com, which traded at 10 times the average daily volume Monday, closed at $44.02, down $15.02. That was above the...

For Year Ended December 31, 2002 Arlington Hospitality, Inc. Reports 59.1% Occupancy, RevPar Increase of 3.7% / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report For Year Ended December 31, 2002 Arlington Hospitality, Inc. Reports 59.1% Occupancy, RevPar Increase of 3.7% ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS, January 9, 2003 – Arlington Hospitality, Inc. (Nasdaq/NM: HOST) today announced December 2002 and full year 2002 Same Room RevPAR (revenue per available room) results for the AmeriHost Inn hotels in which the Company has an ownership interest. These results include all AmeriHost Inn hotels which have been open for at least thirteen full months during the period presented.  Jerry H. Herman, President and CEO, commented, "Same Room RevPAR for the Company’s...

Holger Gantz Retires From Hilton Hotels Corporation After 40 Years of Service / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report Holger Gantz Retires From Hilton Hotels Corporation After 40 Years of Service January 13, 2003 - The Capital Hilton in Washington D.C. hosted the retirement party for Holger Gantz, the 16-year general manager for the Hilton San Francisco.  Gantz retires after 40 years of service with Hilton Hotels Corporation.    Hank Wieland, vice president tradeshows and marketing - Telecommunications Industry Association (left) was among the attendants at the retirement party held for former Hilton San Francisco general manager Holger Gantz (right). Joining Gantz (center) a...

Hilton Hotels Corp. Reports Large Increase in 4th Quarter Net Income to $40 million Compared with $4 million in 4th Quarter 2001; Cites Strong Occupan

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report  Hilton Hotels Corp. Reports Large Increase in 4th Quarter Net Income to $40 million Compared with $4 million in 4th Quarter 2001; Cites Strong Occupancy in New York, Boston, Chicago and Hawaii Hotel Statistics  Occupancy Gains Drive 13.2% RevPAR Increase at Comparable Owned Hotels; Cost Management Results in Solid Margins BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.-- Jan. 27, 2003 -- Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. Compared to the year-ago quarter, the following factors contributed to the company achievin...

Jurors Hear Wild Allegations About Hotel Owner Leona Helmsley Attitudes / January 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Jurors Hear Wild Allegations About Hotel Owner Leona Helmsley Attitudes Daily News, New York Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 22, 2003 - Leona Helmsley was accused yesterday of insulting a staffer's ethnically mixed children, calling them "monkeys" and suggesting they could live on bananas.  The 82-year-old hotel magnate firmly denied the allegation -- which surfaced in the Manhattan courtroom where she is battling a $40 million gay discrimination lawsuit.  The comments about the kids were aired by lawyer Geri Krauss, who is representing Charles Bell, the fired...

Leona Helmsley's Discrimination-Case Testimony Isn't Completely Lucid / January 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Leona Helmsley's Discrimination-Case Testimony Isn't Completely Lucid Daily News, New York Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 29, 2003 -- Leona Helmsley came to court ready for her closeup. Instead, she had a senior moment.  Taking the stand yesterday in her gay-bias lawsuit trial, the 82-year-old hotel queen stumbled while spelling her name and was unsure of her zip code.  In a whispery voice, she rambled on about her 1989 conviction for tax fraud -- and confused the past and present on a key point of testimony.  But Helmsley -- who is being sued for $40 millio...

Charles Bell, a Fired Hotel Manager, Suing Leona Helmsley for $40 million, Allegeding Harassment and Discrimination / January 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Charles Bell, a Fired Hotel Manager, Suing Leona Helmsley for $40 million, Allegeding Harassment and Discrimination By Helen Peterson, Daily News, New York Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 14, 2003 - Real estate empress Leona Helmsley is expected to square off in court today against a fired hotel manager who claims she truly is the Queen of Mean.  Charles Bell, 48, who's suing Helmsley for $40 million for allegedly firing him because he's gay, said her harassment and termination left him devastated.  Bell was the general manager of Helmsley's Park Lane Hotel on...

Hapimag Undergoing Reorientation and Reorganization, Change in Top Management / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report   Hapimag Undergoing Reorientation and Reorganization, Change in Top Management Baar, January 29, 2003 – This year Hapimag is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a change in direction. Through new products and services, improved processes and a more focused organization the group is aiming to increase its flexibility and customer orientation. The responsibility for the implementation of the company’s reorientation and reorganization will be undertaken with immediate effect by Kurt Scholl. The former CEO and President of the Board of Directors Marco Hartmann is leaving the company.    H...

New York's Newest $50 Hamburger Isn't Really a Hamburger / January 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Opinion: New York's Newest $50 Hamburger Isn't Really a Hamburger By Pascale Le Draoulec, Daily News, New York Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 22, 2003 - Years from now, sociologists will have a field day with the burger madness gripping New York this winter.  The frenzy began a week ago, when, despite a tumbling economy, the Old Homestead steakhouse slapped a $41 Kobe beef burger on its menu.  A day after the burger was introduced, 180 New Yorkers coughed up the cash to try it.  With this menu addition, the venerable Chelsea chophouse with the life-size cow ...

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report   HSMAI Competition Reveals the Best of Travel and Hospitality’s Advertising, Public Relations and Web Marketing NEW YORK, NY (Jan. 29, 2003) – At its 13th annual awards dinner held last night, which was attended by more than 750 industry and marketing executives, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) recognized a year of marketing excellence by honoring the winners of the 2002 Adrian Advertising, Golden Bell Public Relations, and Golden Click Web International Travel Awards Competition.  In what is the largest travel-related competition of its kind in the worl...

Starwood Hotels Reports 4th Quarter RevPAR Rose 9.4% World-wide, ADR Increased 4.1% and Occupancy Rose to 61.8% from 58.7% / Hotel Operating Statistic

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report  Starwood Hotels Reports 4th Quarter RevPAR Rose 9.4% World-wide, ADR Increased 4.1% and Occupancy Rose to 61.8% from 58.7% Hotel Operating Statistics WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Jan. 29, 2003 -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT - News; "Starwood" or the "Company") today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year 2002.  Fourth Quarter 2002 Financial Highlights  EPS was $0.42, compared to $0.28 loss per share in 2001. EPS excluding special items was $0.22 compared to $0.01 loss per share in 2001. Total Revenues of $983 million, increased 12.0% when compared to...

The National Hockey League and Starwood's Sheraton Brand Sign Unique Multi-year Agreement / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report   The National Hockey League and Starwood's Sheraton Brand Sign Unique Multi-year Agreement NEW YORK - Jan. 30, 2003 -- The National Hockey League (NHL), National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT - News) today announced a multi-year agreement that makes Starwood properties in the United States and Canada the official hotels and resorts of the NHL and NHLPA.  Starwood's sponsorship activities will kick off this weekend at the NHL All Star Weekend and 53rd NHL All Star Game.  Under the agreement, Starwood, and particularly its...

Prime Hospitality Corp. and United Capital Complete 50/50 Joint Purchase of the Holiday Inn Select Hotel – Quebec City, Quebec, Canada / Jan 200

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report Prime Hospitality Corp. and United Capital Complete 50/50 Joint Purchase of the Holiday Inn Select Hotel - Quebec City, Quebec, Canada FAIRFIELD, NEW JERSEY, January 13, 2003 – Prime Hospitality Corp. (NYSE:PDQ) and United Capital (ASE:AFP) today announced completion of their 50/50 joint purchase of the full-service Holiday Inn Select Hotel, located in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, for an undisclosed selling price. The property will be managed by Prime Hospitality Corp. The 238-room hotel, which was built in 1975, has recently benefited from significant renovations focused on ...

Six Continents Hotels, Managing Company of Holiday Inn Manila, Gives Termination Notice to Hotel Owner Acesite Hotel Corporation / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report  Six Continents Hotels, Managing Company of Holiday Inn Manila, Gives Termination Notice to Hotel Owner Acesite Hotel Corporation Manila, Philippines - January 23, 2003 - Acesite (Phils.) Hotel Corporation (APHC), owner of Holiday Inn Manila, has received a notice of pre-termination of its Hotel Management Agreement from Holiday Inn (Philippines), Inc. as a result of differences in the interpretation of the said agreement, effective February 28, 2003.   APHC re-assures its patrons of continued dedication to service excellence, guests' comfort, security and satisfaction, and consistent adhe...

Sofitel North America and Guest-Tek Partner to Provide High-speed Internet Access at North American Hotels / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report  Sofitel North America and Guest-Tek Partner to Provide High-speed Internet Access at North American Hotels  Guest-Tek’s proven track record, outstanding customer service cited as key factors in decision Chicago, IL – (Jan. 28, 2003) – Sofitel North America, the prestige brand of Accor, has selected Guest-Tek as the provider of choice for broadband Internet access at their 11 Sofitel North American properties, which include more than 3,700 guest and meeting rooms. Guest-Tek is a leader in delivering full-service, broadband networking solutions to hotels serving mobile users.  “Busi...

About 1,350 Employees Negotiating for a New contract at The Greenbrier Resort; Benefits for Seasonal Employees an Issue / January 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive About 1,350 Employees Negotiating for a New Contract at The Greenbrier Resort; Benefits for Seasonal Employees an Issue By Paul Wilson, The Charleston Gazette, W.Va. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 24, 2003 -  Union employees of The Greenbrier resort said Thursday night they're ready to strike if necessary, but they are hopeful a deal can be reached before their contract expires at midnight Jan. 31.  "We want to settle this. We're not down here yelling 'strike,'" said Pat Coughlan, negotiating committee chairman for the employees.  "This is an indication that w...

The Great Eastern Hotel, London, Suing Construction Firm Claiming UKpound 8 million in Lost Revenue and UKpound 9 million in Cost Overuns / January 20

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive  The Great Eastern Hotel, London, Suing Construction Firm Claiming UKpound 8 million in Lost Revenue and UKpound 9 million in Cost Overruns Evening Standard, London Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 30--Sir Terence Conran's UKpound 300-a-night Great Eastern Hotel is suing the construction company behind its lavish redevelopment for UKpound 18.5 million.  The Great Eastern Hotel has issued a writ against John Laing after the UKpound 61 million revamp was delivered nearly a year late and well over budget.  The hotel company alleges the project was beset with prob...

The Hype Around Grass-fed Beef Began in the Late 1990s, But Restaurants Still Favor Corn-fed / January 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive The Hype Around Grass-fed Beef Began in the Late 1990s, But Restaurants Still Favor Corn-fed By John Kessler, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 14, 2003 - Bob and Susan Woodall would like to sell a cow to an Atlanta restaurant. Not even a whole cow, just half a cow --- a side of the best grass-fed Georgia beef money can buy.  The Woodalls raise their cattle naturally at Fort Creek Farm in Sparta, about two hours east of downtown Atlanta. The animals graze on fresh pasture --- as their brethren do in most of the world outside the...

Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa Finalizes $65 Million Expansion / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa  Finalizes $65 Million Expansion January 6, 2003 - Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa today announced it will complete its expansion this month. The $65 million expansion includes renovated and added guest rooms, significant additional meeting space, a 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art ultra- luxurious health and wellness spa, three new tennis courts, six pools including one with private cabanas, and a redesign of the resort's public spaces including a barrage of lush palm trees and soothing lagoons. The added luxury guestrooms offer breath...

Grafton Beach Resort, Tobago, Re-opens After a $3.2 million Rennovation Project / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report  Grafton Beach Resort, Tobago, Re-opens After a $3.2 million Rennovation Project BLACK ROCK, Tobago (Jan. 27, 2003) -- Grafton Beach Resort re-opened Jan. 9, 2003 after completing a $3.2 million renovations project.  The resort temporarily closed for the months of November and December 2002 for the final touches of the enhancement program.    After recently upgrading its guestrooms one year ago, Grafton utilized its brief closure to finish the upgrades on its public facilities.  The lobby and reception area have been decorated with a Colombian granite tile floor, and intricate clay vases ...