Puerto Rico Convention Bureau and El Cid Mega Resort Use E-site Marketing to Improve On-line Marketing / March 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report   Puerto Rico Convention Bureau and El Cid Mega Resort  Use E-site Marketing to Improve On-line Marketing WASHINGTON D.C. (March 13, 2000) – The recently launched E-site Marketing, L.L.C. offers a wide range of Internet marketing and consulting services specifically targeted to the hospitality industry.  President and co-founder, Felix B. Laboy, bringing over a decade of hospitality and marketing experience, has filled a void in the marketplace by creating the first company to exclusively specialize in the Internet marketing needs of hotels, resorts, convention bureaus and restaurants.Â...

WorldRes.com Broadens its Scope to Include Corporate Portals through a Partnership with Epicentric / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report  WorldRes.com Broadens its Scope to Include Corporate Portals through a Partnership with Epicentric SAN MATEO, Calif.- March 27, 2000 - WorldRes.comTM, an online hotel distribution network for leisure travel, today announced an agreement with Epicentric, the leading provider of portal infrastructure software and services for the Internet and intranet marketplace. WorldRes.com provides a way for corporations to expand their portal offerings to include access to WorldRes.com’s unique network of over 10,500 hotels, bed and breakfasts, resorts and vacation rentals.  The partnership furthers ...

R&R International Hotel Group Preparing to Open the Élan Hotel in LA / March 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report R&R International Hotel Group Preparing to Open  the Élan Hotel in LA Los Angeles, CA – MARCH 2000 -  With an accent on classic modernism, charm and style, Élan hotel modern  is set to overtake the LA boutique hotel scene.  Élan, the French word for “flair”, is slated to open in May 2000, bringing a new element of retro 60’s architecture to the streets of Los Angeles’ Beverly Center district. Élan spotlights high style and an “ultra chic” décor in a very intimate setting.  With an emphasis on touch, each room will contain a creative mix of textures and fabrics fro...

HEDNA (Europe, Middle East and Africa Chapter) Spring Conference Scheduled for April, 10-12, 2000 in Dublin / March 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report    HEDNA (Europe, Middle East and Africa Chapter) Spring Conference Scheduled for  April, 10-12, 2000 in Dublin LONDON, ENGLAND, March 10th, 2000 -  GDS Hotel Bookings Rise to a Record 43 Million in 1999 HEDNA EMEA the Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association Europe, Middle East and Africa Chapter (www.hedna.org) will be holding its next conference in Dublin from April 10th to 12th, 2000 at the Jurys Hotel and Towers The conference focuses on new channels to market for hotels and how existing relationships with companies may change in the future. A panel discussion featur...

American Express Partners with EI to Offer Diversity Seminar at Member State Associations Beginning in the Spring of 2000/ Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report     American Express Partners with EI to Offer Diversity Seminars at Member State Associations  Beginning in the Spring of 2000 ORLANDO, Fla., March 2000—In response to the lodging industry’s aim to attract and retain the best workers in the marketplace and to meet the needs of a diverse workforce, American Express and the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Motel Association have joined forces to offer an important seminar for managers, Building Success Through Diversity: An American Express Hospitality Seminar.  “American Express is committed to supporting issues that ar...

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report    U.S. Virgin Island’s First Casino Hotel Opens;  Divi Carina Bay Resort CHRISTIANSTED, St. Croix, March 17, 2000 - On March 17, 2000, the Divi Carina Bay Resort Casino, St. Croix’s newest resort, made history when it officially opened the first casino in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The 10,000 square feet Casino features 13 gaming tables including blackjack, craps and roulette, 295 slot machines, a small show bar and snack bar. For gaming enthusiasts the Divi Carina Bay Casino has introduced the Beachcomber’s Club offering incentives including complimentary accommodations or discounts ...

Strategic Hotel Capital Awarded Deal of the Year for its Acquisition of the Hotel Inter-Continental Praha, Prague / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report    Strategic Hotel Capital Awarded  "Deal of the Year" for its Acquisition of the  Hotel Inter-Continental Praha, Prague BERLIN - March 23, 2000 - Strategic Hotel Capital (SHC), a global hotel investment company based in Chicago, was named the winner of the “Single Hotel Asset Deal of the Year Award” at the International Hotel Investment Conference in Berlin for its acquisition of the Hotel Inter-Continental Praha, Prague.  The award to Strategic Hotel Capital was accepted by Kay Dymock, managing director international, Strategic Hotel Capital. Strategic Hotel Capital was c...

Robert Dann Joins Boykin as Executive Vice President Director of Operations / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report Robert Dann Joins Boykin as  Executive VP Director of Operations 8 Mar 2000 - Mr. Dann joined Boykin in March of 2000. He came to Boykin with more than 20 years of experience in the Hospitality industry. Most recently he was an Operational Vice President with MeriStar Hotels and Resorts were he was responsible for 20 Hotels generating over $135 million in revenues. Previously he was with Ian Schrager Hotels were he served as Regional Director of Operations for the Western Region. While with Schrager Hotels, he also served as General Manager of the world renowned Morgan Hotel in New York C...

Trump Hotels Casino Resorts and Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Planning $60 Million in Improvements at the Spotlight 29 Casino / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report   Trump Hotels Casino Resorts and Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Planning $60 Million in Improvements  at the Spotlight 29 Casino  NEW YORK - March 8, 2000--Trump Hotels Casino Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: DJT) announced that it has signed a letter of intent with the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians (Twenty-Nine Palms) for the development and management of a Native American casino on tribal land in southern California. The plans contemplate an approximately $60 million expansion of the Tribe's existing Spotlight 29 Casino to include expanded gaming, hotel, restauran...

Millennium Copthorne Hotels plc Transforming into a Global Hotel Owner/Operator; Results for the Year Ended 31 December 1999 / March 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report    Millennium Copthorne Hotels plc Transforming into a  Global Hotel Owner/Operator Results for the Year Ended 31 December 1999 LONDON, March 15, 2000 - Millennium Copthorne Hotels plc today announces results for the year ended 31 December 1999. During the year the Group was transformed into a global hotel owner/operator following the acquisitions of: The Asian and Australasian hotel interests of CDL Hotels International for 556 million pounds sterling (pounds) in June 1999. The Seoul Hilton from Daewoo Corporation for US$228 million in November 1999. The US hotel interests...

Survey Evaluates 200 Destination and Resort Spas Using Seven Criteria / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report Survey Evaluates 200 Destination and  Resort Spas Using Seven Criteria Conde Nast Traveler Releases Results of First Ever Spa Poll NEW YORK, March 28, 2000 - Spas are booming, and they’re not just for women or the elite anymore. But what makes one great? Conde Nast Traveler asked 6,000 readers, and releases the results of its first ever spa poll in the April issue of the magazine, on sale at newsstands March 28th. The guide to the Top 40 Spas in North American and the Caribbean asked readers to evaluate 200 destination and resort spas using seven criteria:  Spa Program/Facilities,  ...

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report Ciao Bella Gelato Company, What Began as a Tiny Gelateria  in Little Italy, NYC, Now One of the Country’s Foremost Gelato/Sorbetto Making Operations CHICAGO, March 27, 2000 - Hailed as simply “the best,” by the nation’s food and wine experts, what began as a tiny gelateria in Little Italy, NYC, Ciao Bella, has over the past 15 years, exploded into one of the country’s foremost Gelato/Sorbetto making operations. Originally based on family recipes from Torino, Italy, some of Ciao Bella’s Award-Winning flavors include Vanilla Gelato, Rose Petal, Sweet Potato, Nutmeg Geranium and Blackb...

Lois Weisberg Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by Chicago's Tourism Industry / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report   Lois Weisberg Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by Chicago's Tourism Industry CHICAGO, March 20, 2000 - For the second year, leaders in the city’s tourism industry took an evening off to recognize outstanding businesses and individuals that make a daily impression on Chicago’s $24 billion-a-year visitor business.  Billed as an “Oscar-style” event, the second annual Chicago Visitors’ Choice Awards followed that winning combination by honoring the best and the brightest and lining up a pack of celebrities to handle awards presentations. The awards show was held on Monday, March...

Key West Inn Opens in Sebastian, Florida; $3.0 million Project Managed by American Hospitality Management Company / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report     Key West Inn Opens in Sebastian, Florida;  $3.0 million Project Managed by  American Hospitality Management Company Sebastian, FL - March 7, 2000 -  The doors officially opened at the new Key West Inn at Captain Hiram’s on March 1, 2000.  Construction began in June 1999; the total cost for the project was $3.0 million.   The hotel is the first in Florida for Birmingham, AL based Key West Inns and will be managed by Minneapolis, MN based American Hospitality Management Company.  Sebastian Inlet Marina & Trading Company, who also owns the adjoining Capt. Hiram’s Res...

Capitol Hotel Group Restructures Organization; Will Lead to Better Service for Present Properties and More Aggressive Acquisitions Strategy / Mar 200

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report Capitol Hotel Group Restructures Organization;  Will Lead to Better Service for Present Properties  and More Aggressive Acquisitions Strategy Duncan/Miller Design Creates Old World Character at Renovated  Doubletree Guest Suites in DC Rockville, MD (March 20, 2000) – Executive Vice President W. Douglas Smolinski today announced a restructuring of the Capitol Hotel Group (CHG).  The company has redefined corporate support staff duties to improve the company’s commitment to its properties and begin a more aggressive acquisitions strategy.  “Our mission is to create more responsive ...

The Connecticut River Valley Shoreline Visitors Council Using Scientific Market Research to Monitor Tourism Growth / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report  The Connecticut River Valley Shoreline Visitors  Council Using Scientific Market Research  to Monitor Tourism Growth MIDDLETOWN, Conn., March 29, 2000 - The Connecticut River Valley Shoreline Visitors Council has become the fastest-growing tourism district in the State of Connecticut and is looking forward to a great tourism season in 2000, Executive Director Jackie LaBella announced today. “Several years ago, The Nature Conservancy named us ‘one of the last great places,’” said LaBella. “Today, unprecedented numbers of people are discovering the truth in that statement.” LaBella...

Candlewood Hotels Reports 1999 Year-end occupancy of 67.7%, Adds 12 Properties / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report  Candlewood Hotels Reports 1999 Year-end  Occupancy of 67.7%,  Adds 12 Properties Hotel statistics WICHITA, Kan., March 2, 2000 - Candlewood Hotel Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNDL), a leading owner, manager, developer and franchisor of high quality, value- oriented, business-travel hotels, today announced record fourth quarter and full year results. “We continue to be pleased with the progress we are making in all aspects of our brand development,” said Jack P. DeBoer, Candlewood’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “In 1999, I was particularly pleased with the strong growth in RevPAR...

Craig Madison, GM of The Grove Park Inn Resort Named Vice President / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report   Craig Madison, GM of The Grove Park Inn Resort Named Vice President ASHEVILLE, N.C.  (March  2000) – Craig Madison, General Manager of The Grove Park Inn Resort since September 1999, has been named Vice President.  Elaine D. Sammons, Chairman of the Board of Sammons Enterprises, Inc., announced the promotion, which was effective February 1. “Craig has done a superb job since being named General Manager only five months ago, and this promotion is a reward for his success thus far.  But even more important, it’s an indication of our expectations for the future of The Grove Park Inn...

Hal Mayfield, Greg Timko, Scott Darnall Joining Brokerage Firm HotelBrokerOne / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report Hal Mayfield, Greg Timko, Scott Darnall Joining Brokerage Firm HotelBrokerOne Dallas, TX - March 27, 2000 - The hospitality brokerage firm of Bruce Holmes & Associates made two announcements today starting with a new name and finishing with a new office.  Beginning this coming month Bruce Holmes & Associates (BHA) will be changing it's name to HotelBrokerOne.  “This has a direct brand symmetry with our website, HotelBrokerOne.com” stated C.O.O. Peter Holmes from their corporate office in Oklahoma City. The company's website has been known by HotelBrokerOne since its inception in 1997. ...

Biometric Payment: The New Age of Currency / by Geneva Rinehart / Hospitality Upgrade Magazine / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report Biometric Payment:  The New Age of Currency Also: High Tech Burrito, Berkeley CA To view more articles covering technology for the hospitality industry please visit the Hospitality Upgrade Web site  or to request a free publication please call (770) 953-2300 or email. By Geneva Rinehart / Reprinted from the Spring 2000 Issue of Hospitality Upgrade Magazine, formerly the Hotel & Restaurant Technology UPDATE Magazine / grinehart@updateplus.com A small company in Berkeley, California is paving the way for cardless and cashless payment at the point-of-sale—with more convenience to the ...

Tour Operators Find Best Western in a League of its Own / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report Tour Operators Find Best Western  in a League of its Own Enhanced FIT program offers global rates and consolidated billing PHOENIX, March 28, 2000 - Best Western International becomes the exclusive mid-market hotel chain offering tour operators a global FIT and centralized billing program.  The program, which is being introduced to tour operators this week at ITB, provides a number of beneficial features that make booking Best Western hotel rooms worldwide much easier. The premiere feature of the program is the ability to book any of the nearly 2,000 participating Best Western hotels fr...

Meliá Bávaro Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Sold for US$61.5 Million to Best Hotels / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report Meliá Bávaro Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Sold for US$61.5 Million to Best Hotels March, 2000 - Sol Meliá today announced the sale of the Meliá Bávaro Hotel in Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) to the Best Hotels group for 63 million euros – 10,500 million pesetas. The property will be handed over to its new owners in five weeks time. In the words of the Vice Chairman of Sol Meliá, Sebastián Escarrer, “this deal marks the beginning of a new strategy which will include the sale or exchange of assets that are not considered to be of strategic value in areas such as Punta Ca...

Bass Hotels Resorts Redesigns Web Sites to Primarily Text-based, Allowing for Faster Load Times and More Consumer-Friendly Use / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report  Bass Hotels Resorts Redesigns Web Sites to  Primarily Text-based, Allowing for Faster Load Times and More Consumer-Friendly Use ATLANTA, Feb. 29, 2000 - Bass Hotels Resorts which was the first major hotel company to provide online booking capability on the Internet, has completed a comprehensive upgrade of its consumer Web sites for the company’s hotel brands - Inter-Continental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites.  “With this recent upgrade of our brand sites, our goal is to provide consumers quick access to quality hotel and reservations informati...

Five Percent of Best Western Total Bookings Were Made Via the Internet in 1999 / Mar 2000

January 30, 2000

Hotel Online Special Report   Five Percent of Best Western Total Bookings  Were Made Via the Internet in 1999 PHOENIX - March 2000 - -Best Western International's highly acclaimed Web site had a record number of customers booking reservations online due to ease-of-use and instant rate and availability checking features. Overall online business increased by 232 percent in gross revenue in 1999. Pant of this growth can be attributed to online group sales that increased by 390 percent. "Five percent of our total bookings were made via the Internet in 1999," says Mary Beth Knight, managing director of Intermediary Mark...