Walton Street Capital Opens the $55 Million Fremont (Calif) Marriott Hotel / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Walton Street Capital Opens the $55 Million Fremont (Calif) Marriott Hotel FREMONT, CA – August 26, 1999 -- Geared toward high-tech business travel, the $55 million 357-room Fremont Marriott Hotel which will open on August 31, 1999 takes the term, "cutting edge," to a new level.  The 10-story hotel revs up for the millennium by offering the latest in guestroom telecommunications technology and more than 13,600 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting facilities.  The Fremont Marriott is the first full-service hotel to be built in the Southern region of the San Francisco East Bay in 15 y...

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Marketing to the Extended-Stay Guest Segment with the Call Us Home Program / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Marketing to the Extended-Stay Guest Segment  with the  "Call Us Home" Program TORONTO, Canada - July, 1999 - Even the most intrepid travelers can be inconvenienced when business or pleasure takes them away from home for more than a few weeks.  Addressing the increased need for comfort and service on an extended stay, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has introduced the “Call Us Home” program for guests who stay more than fourteen days at select Four Seasons or Regent properties. The program incorporates a wide range of service options, catering to th...

Westin Uses the Chinese Philosophy Feng Shui During Planning of Spa at its Whistler, BC Resort / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Westin Uses the Chinese Philosophy Feng Shui During Planning of Spa at its Whistler, BC Resort VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 19, 1999 -  An exceptional full service spa has been thoughtfully designed to complement the services and facilities of the impressive 419-suite Westin resort development in picturesque Whistler, B.C. The upscale Westin Resort Spa is slated to open in early 2000 and its Avello Spa will be a highlight for resort guests on a year - round basis. The Avello Spa, a “refuge for the body and soul,” features 8,000 square feet of pampered spa treatment services, health c...

FelCor's 2nd Qtr Revenue Doubles and FFO Increases 79% / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report FelCor's 2nd Qtr Revenue Doubles and FFO Increases 79% Renovation Projects Completed in Second Quarter 1999 Hotel Performance Statistics (all hotels) Irving, Texas…August 3, 1999 - FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated (NYSE:FCH), one of the nation’s largest hotel real estate investment trusts (REITs), today announced that second quarter 1999 Funds From Operations ("FFO") totaled $80.4 million or $1.06 per share and unit as compared to $45.0 million or $1.01 per share and unit during the second quarter 1998. This represents an increase in FFO of 79% and an increase in FFO per sh...

Michael Feigenbaum, New GM at Westin Michigan Avenue, Sees Employee Relations as Key to Success / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report  Michael Feigenbaum, New GM at Westin Michigan Avenue,  Sees Employee Relations as Key to Success CHICAGO, Aug. 2, 1999 - A strong and positive working environment for hotel employees is essential to the success of a Chicago hotel, explained newly appointed Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel General Manager Michael Feigenbaum. It doesn’t replace the priority of providing good guest services but the two go hand in hand, Feigenbaum said.  A veteran hotel industry manager, Feigenbaum said that Chicago’s hotel industry is “healthy.” He said that in a healthy industry environment, it’s natural for ...

Day Hospitality Group Opens the 400th Fairfield Inn in Charlotte, North Carolina / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Day Hospitality Group Opens the 400th Fairfield Inn  in Charlotte, North Carolina WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 1999 - Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) announced today that Fairfield Inn by Marriott opened its 400th hotel in Charlotte, N.C., growing to a total of 38,000 rooms in 47 states.  Positioned in the lower moderate lodging segment, Fairfield Inn is one of Marriott’s fastest growing brands, opening an average of 34 hotels per year since its launch in 1987. The brand will add nearly 50 hotels by year-end 2000. Occupancy rates for Fairfield Inn continue to outpace its industry seg...

Guestkeeping vs. Gatekeeping: Theme for Florida Hotel & Motel Association Conference / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Guestkeeping vs. Gatekeeping: Theme for  Florida Hotel & Motel Association Conference Renaissance Orlando Resort August 31 - September 3, 1999 TALLAHASSEE - August 1999 - In an era when outstanding service often is the exception, rather than the rule, Florida hoteliers anxious to meet and exceed guest expectations will be attending the 1999 Florida Hotel & Motel Association (FH&MA) Annual Conference and Trade Show, scheduled for Aug. 31 - Sept. 3 at the Renaissance Orlando Resort.  Vincent Poscente, Canada’s fastest skier, will open the conference on Wednesday, Sept. 1, ...

Pine Equity N.Y., Inc. Assigns to ExecuStay By Marriott 250 Apartments in NYC / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Pine Equity N.Y., Inc. Assigns to ExecuStay By Marriott 250 Apartments in New York City WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 1999 -  ExecuStay by Marriott, the new corporate housing solutions business of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR), today announced that it will double its Manhattan inventory to approximately 500 apartments through a long-term lease agreement with Pine Equity N.Y., Inc. Gary Abrahams, president and chief executive officer of ExecuStay, said, “We are delighted to complete this agreement. Pine Equity’s one- and two- bedroom apartments, located in prime buildings in Manhattan...

Embassy Suites Outdoor World Reports Swift Response Helped Keep Injuries Minimized / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Embassy Suites Outdoor World Reports Swift Response Helped Keep Injuries Minimized  GRAPEVINE, Texas, Aug. 7, 1999 -  The Embassy Suites Outdoor World at Dallas/Ft, Worth International Airport today reported that swift response by hotel staff, local public safety officials, and hotel guests helped to minimize injuries and confusion following a natural gas explosion at the hotel Friday night. Natural gas exploded in the swimming pool maintenance room at approximately 6:25 p.m, Friday evening. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing. “I would like to commend our guests, ...

New High School Curriculum from EI Gives Students Head Start on Hospitality Career / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report  New High School Curriculum from EI Gives Students Head Start on Hospitality Career LANSING, Mich., August 1999—Today’s hospitality industry is a great career choice for young people. To help prepare them to take a leadership role in this fast-paced, exciting industry, the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Motel Association has designed a unique school-to-career program for eleventh and twelfth grade students—the Lodging Management Program. This two-year program combines school-based and work-based learning to support paid student internships at lodging work sites. Students who ...

Dover Downs Entertainment, Inc. Planning a 520 Room Hotel Adjacent to Motorsports and Gaming Facilities in Dover, Delaware / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Dover Downs Entertainment, Inc. Planning  a 520 Room Hotel Adjacent to Motorsports  and Gaming Facilities in Dover, Delaware DOVER, Del., Aug. 24, 1999 -  Dover Downs Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: DVD) has filed an application with the City Planning Department to build a 10 story, 520 room hotel to be constructed at the Company’s flagship motorsports and gaming facility in Dover, Delaware.  The unique facility will be located adjacent to the casino and will also tower above turn three of Dover Downs International Speedway in Dover, DE.  The planned four star hotel will be construct...

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report  Xavier Destribats, GM of Hyatt Regency Acapulco, Named Acapulco’s “Hotelier of the Year 1998” ACAPULCO (MEXICO) -- June, 1999 ... Xavier Destribats, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Acapulco, was bestowed the award “Hotelier of the Year 1998” at this year’s Aplausso 99, an annual event organized by Acapulco’s leading newspaper Sol de Acapulco.  The award recognizes Acapulco’s most successful businessmen and women and those, who have shown a strong commitment to the local community. The annual Aplausso 99, held in May, was celebrated at one of Acapulco’s premier nightclubs. The Mex...

England's Welcome Break Group Converting 19 Lodges to Days Inn Hotels / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report England's Welcome Break Group Converting  19 Lodges to Days Inn Hotels LONDON, ENGLAND, July 30, 1999--Premier Hotels Plc and Welcome Break Group today announced a strategic franchise alliance to convert Welcome’s 19 motorway service lodges and hotels to Days Inn hotels. Days Inns is the world’s largest hotel franchise system and is based in Parsippany, New Jersey.  Richard McKevitt, managing director of Premier Hotels Plc, who holds the master franchise in the UK for Days Inn said: “This move will provide immediate distribution for the Days Inn brand at Welcome Break’s ke...

Sun Franchise Systems Ltd., based in Prague, Opens the Days Hotel Lednice / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Sun Franchise Systems Ltd., Based in Prague,  Opens the Days Hotel Lednice, Czech Republic PARSIPPANY, NJ, Aug. 6, 1999--Days Inns of America has opened its doors today in the Czech Republic, its first hotel in Europe. The 44-room Days Hotel Lednice is 42 miles from Vienna.  “The introduction of the Days Inn brand in Eastern Europe offers visitors quality lodging at an affordable price,” said Tom Davidson, chairman of Sun Franchise Systems, Ltd. “The Days Hotel Lednice is located in the Moravian wine region near Lednice Castle and its surrounding park and Minaret Tower,” D...

David T. Nutt Appointed Business Development Director at Shell Hospitality / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report David T. Nutt Appointed Business Development  Director at Shell Hospitality NORTHBROOK, IL—August 26, 1999 -- David T. Nutt, a veteran of 15 years in the hospitality business has been named to direct Shell Hospitality’s business development. In his newly created position, Nutt will be responsible for the development of management contracts for hospitality properties not owned by Shell Vacations, LLC, the firm’s parent company as well as new acquisitions. He will also seek to acquire new resort locations in specific areas that meet market requirements for the newly launched Shell Vacat...

During July, The Newly Opened Mega-Resort Venetian Reports Overall Hotel Occupancy of 85 % at an ADR of $127 / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report During July, The Newly Opened Mega-Resort Venetian Reports Overall Hotel Occupancy of 85 % at an ADR of $127 The Venetian Provides Progress Report to Wall Street Investors COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Aug. 9, 1999--At “DLJ’s 9th Leveraged Finance Conference” held Monday at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, William P. Weidner, president and chief operating operator of Las Vegas Sands Inc., the parent company of The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, provided a status report on the $1.5 billion Venice-themed mega-resort which recently opened in Las Vegas. Presenting to a conference of representati...

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report  New York City Diners Poll Confirms:  It's the Food, Silly! "What’s on the plate counts." New York City, NY - August, 1999 - Coyle Hospitality Group recently polled 316 frequent diners with the purpose of gaining insight into the following  questions that have confronted  restaurant operators forever: Why do people go to a particular restaurant for the first time? What is more important, the food or the service? What are the things that make a diner return or vow never to go back? Demographics All of the 316 respondents were from the New York City area with 62% being male....

Ayres Hotel Group Providing Internet Access Over Hotel's Existing Cable TV Infrastructure / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Ayres Hotel Group Providing Internet Access Over Hotel's Existing Cable TV Infrastructure COSTA MESA, CA- August 12, 1999 - Country Inn & Suites by Ayres and StarView Communications are teaming up to provide high-speed Internet access to guests at the Costa Mesa hotel.  The new service will allow users to conduct business quickly,  giving them more time to relax and enjoy the many other amenities offered by  this comfortable, Euro-style boutique hotel. Installed in each of the hotel’s approximately 300 spacious guestrooms, suites and meeting rooms, the system allows Internet access at...

Colby Springer Named Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Bristol Hotels Resorts / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Colby Springer Named  VP and Chief Information Officer  of Bristol Hotels Resorts DALLAS - Aug. 25, 1999 - Bristol Hotels Resorts (NYSE:BH) has announced the appointment of Colby H. Springer as vice president and chief information officer.  Colby will lead all of the company’s information technology activities. His immediate duties will concentrate on Bristol’s Phoenix Project, which involves the installation of a wide-area network connecting all managed hotels and the home office on a high speed, real-time basis. The project also includes the completion of Y2K compliance, and the...

Coakley & Williams Now Managing the Quality Suites Main Gate East, Kissimmee, Florida / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Coakley & Williams Now Managing the  Quality Suites Main Gate East, Kissimmee, Florida Greenbelt, MD - August 19, 1999 - Coakley & Williams Hotel Management Company is delighted to announce that they've added two more hotels in August to their portfolio of hotels. On August 2, 1999, Coakley & Williams assumed management of the Quality Suites Main Gate East located in Kissimmee, FL.  The full service property has 225 one and two bedroom, suites and is just five miles from Walt Disney World.    Coakley & Williams will operate the newly developed Hilton Garden Inn in Williamsburg, VA...

Club Hotel by Doubletree Brand Dropped by Promus; 25 Hotels to be Re-named Doubletree Clubs / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Club Hotel by Doubletree Brand Dropped by Promus;  25 Hotels to be Re-named Doubletree Clubs MEMPHIS, Tenn. - August 23, 1999--Doubletree Hotels, a Promus Hotel Corporation (NYSE: PRH) brand, today announced that on September 1, it will rename all 25 Club Hotel by Doubletree properties, currently open or under construction, as Doubletree Clubs in order to unify the hotels under the Doubletree brand umbrella, which now includes Doubletree Hotels, Suites, Resorts and Clubs. “The Club Hotel by Doubletree concept, introduced in 1996, has enjoyed good initial success and very positive gues...

The RFS Hotel Investors Owned Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel Completes Renovation and Rebranding / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report  The RFS Hotel Investors Owned Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel Completes Renovation and Rebranding WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Aug. 4, 1999 - Business travelers have a new hotel option in St. Louis, thanks to this month’s rebranding of a hotel in the upscale suburb of Clayton, Mo. The 257-room Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel was rebranded as a Sheraton after a $10 million renovation by owning company RFS Hotel Investors. RFS also owns and manages four Starwood hotels in California (two Sheratons and two Four Points by Sheraton) and one in Birmingham, Al. “The Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel will be an excell...

Choice Hotels Room of the Future Includes Panel Display Mounted on the Room Wall and a Desk Keyboard for Guest Internet Access / Aug 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Choice Hotels "Room of the Future" Includes Panel Display Mounted on the Room Wall and a Desk Keyboard for Guest Internet Access SILVER SPRING, Md., Aug. 5, 1999 - Choice Hotels International, Inc., (NYSE:CHH) today announced an exclusive agreement with GuesTech, a Baltimore-based Internet solutions company, to provide in-room Internet access through the SuiteLink Internet portal for hotel guests at the franchisor’s various hotel brands.  “We expect to have at least 50,000 ‘rooms of the future’ available in our hotels,” said Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., president and chief executive office...

Consolidated Water Provides Update on Cayman Islands Tourism Projects; New Hotels and Condo Projects to Increase Water Demand in Second Half of 1999

March 30, 1999

Hotel Online Special Report Consolidated Water Provides Update on Cayman Islands Tourism Projects; New Hotels and Condo Projects  to Increase Water Demand in Second Half of 1999 GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, British West Indies, Aug. 17, 1999 - Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (Nasdaq: CWCO), which develops and operates seawater conversion plants and water distribution systems in areas where natural supplies of drinking (i.e., potable) water are scarce, today provided investors with an update on tourism-related construction projects on the island of Grand Cayman. “We believe the modest decline in tourist arriv...