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November 4th, 2024
Jim Butler Asks Mark S. Adams for Update on California Junk Fee law: Would SB 1524 Gut SB 478’s Honest Pricing for All?
Mark S. Adams | June 12, 2024
Mark S. Adams is the go-to senior lawyer in JMBM’s hospitality litigation team for assessing legal exposure, pursuing legitimate claims, and defending a client’s rights involving hospitality matters. Jim Butler caught up with Mark to find out what all the fuss is about over California’s Junk Fee law (SB 478) and a proposed amendment by SB 1524 that has consumer advocates for transparent consumer prices in an uproar. Jim Butler: As a hospitality litigator and advisor, you have been at the forefront in junk fee matters for many years, and have written extensively about the latest developments. Tell us what all the fuss is about c...
Spa Revenue Management: The Art of Pricing Optimization for Spa Services
Cheryl Sott | June 12, 2024
Effective pricing strategies are the cornerstone of spa revenue management. While price controls are still largely a manual endeavor in the spa industry compared to the more sophisticated automated programs employed for hotel rooms and airline seats, there are a number of pricing levers including dynamic, real time, advance, and last-minute pricing strategies that can be used to build your spa revenue management program. Let’s explore. 1. Setting Competitive Spa Prices Spa Revenue Management begins with setting competitive prices that attract guests while ensuring profitability. For instance, you analyze the local market and determine th...
Tokyo Room Rates Reached a New Peak in May
CoStar Group | June 12, 2024
WASHINGTON – 12 June 2024 – Tokyo’s hotel industry reported record-high average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) in May, according to preliminary data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets. May 2024 (year-over-year % change): Occupancy: 78.4% (+4.2%) ADR: JPY 37,671.27 (+44.0%) RevPAR: JPY 29,529.07 (+50.0%) According to daily data, Tokyo’s occupancy levels peaked on Saturday, 25 May (89.1%), helped by a number of music events held in Tokyo Dome. The market recorded its highest RevPAR levels on the...
Madonna Concert Drove Rio de Janeiro’s Hotel Performance in May
CoStar Group | June 12, 2024
WASHINGTON – 12 June 2024 –Madonna’s final concert of her Celebration Tour pushed Rio de Janeiro’s hotel performance in May, according to preliminary data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. May 2024 (year-over-year % change): Occupancy: 62.0% (+6.0%) Average daily rate (ADR): BRL729.06 (+19.9%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): BRL452.14 (+27.2%) On Saturday, 4 May, Madonna wrapped her Celebration Tour with a free concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach, which attracted over 1.6 million fa...
Agilysys To Speak on “Revenue Beyond the Room” at HITEC 2024 and on “The Agilysys Turnaround Story: 2017 – 2024” at HITEC IC 2024
Agilysys | June 12, 2024
Agilysys SVP Frank Pitsikalis will present Tuesday, June 25th and CEO Ramesh Srinivasan will present Thursday, June 27th ALPHARETTA, GA (June 12, 2024) — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of hospitality software solutions and services, today announced two executive speaker sessions, one at the HFTP HITEC event June 24 – 27 and one at the HITEC Technology Investment Conference (HITEC IC) June 27 – 28, both to be held at the Charlotte Convention Center inCharlotte, North Carolina, USA. Produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), a global non-profit hospitality association, HITEC ...
Alternative Financing to Help Close Hotel Deals
Emil Iskandar | June 12, 2024
Like other commercial real estate (CRE) sectors, the hospitality industry has seen a drop in deal volume. The very stubborn inflation level kept benchmark lending rates elevated for most of last year, and this trend is expected to continue this year. To make matters worse, lenders—particularly local and regional banks—are facing their own issues with maintaining sufficient liquidity to make loans, as well as managing CRE concentration and sub-performing loans in their books. The pool of active hospitality lenders is arguably much smaller today, and those who are still actively lending are very selective in adding new loans to their balanc...
Wellness Floors as a Steppingstone for Enhanced Mixed Use Revenues
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | June 12, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky The core revenue stream for every hotel brand will always be heads in beds. But increasingly for luxury, premium and upscale properties, a strong reason to visit is required to convince customers to select you versus the competitor. With the OTAs, metasearch, short-term rentals and a litany of other travel resources, guests have near-endless optionality for accommodations. Your hotel must forge a striking identity, with the wellness industry now assuming a central role in a brand’s strategy for attracting guests and commanding above-market rates. Not just as a reason to visit to feed the rooms revenue ledger, ...
Plamondon Hospitality Partners Acquires Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johnstown
Plamondon Hospitality Partners | June 12, 2024
Local Frederick Hotel Management Company Adds the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to Their Growing Portfolio Frederick, MD (June 12, 2024) – Plamondon Hospitality Partners, headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, is excited to announce their purchase of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johnstown in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The acquisition of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites marks the beginning of Plamondon’s transition into the region’s market. Peter Plamondon, Jr., Co-President of the Plamondon Hospitality Partners, stated, “We’re thrilled to grow our footprint by bringing our longstanding, fam...
Saddlebrook Resort Welcomes Raj Mohan as Managing Director
Benchmark Resorts & Hotels | June 12, 2024
Wesley Chapel, FL (June 12, 2024) – Saddlebrook Resort, a historic hub for professional tennis and golf training since the late 1970s in greater Tampa, Florida, has appointed Raj Mohan as its new managing director. Managed by Benchmark Resorts & Hotels®, part of the independent collection of Pyramid Global Hospitality, Saddlebrook Resort is entering an exciting phase of transformation with Mohan’s leadership at the helm. Mohan brings a wealth of experience and expertise in managing hospitality projects from concept to execution, and his leadership will be instrumental in the resort’s upcoming renovation. His extensive backgr...
Davidson Hospitality Group Tapped to Manage Renaissance Orlando Resort & Spa in Disney Springs Area
Davidson Hospitality Group | June 12, 2024
InSite Development Group and Quadrum Global identify best-in-class operator for newly renovated Disney Springs resort ATLANTA (June 12, 2024) – Davidson Hospitality Group, the preeminent hospitality management company celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has been selected by InSite Development Group and Quadrum Global to manage the newly opened Renaissance Orlando Resort. Centrally located in Disney Springs, Florida, the property is an official Walt Disney World® Hotel and is comprised of 394 newly reimagined rooms; more than 20,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, a zero-entry pool and hot tub; and a signature farm-to-table r...
Iñigo Sánchez-Crespo Joins UMusic Hotel Madrid as General Manager
UMusic Hotel Madrid | June 12, 2024
[MADRID, ESP] – [June 12, 2024] – UMusic Hotels announced the appointment of Iñigo Sánchez-Crespo as General Manager of UMusic Hotel Madrid. Sánchez-Crespo will be instrumental in reinforcing the company's culture, strengthening core values, and enhancing leadership development and team cohesion across all levels of the organization. Other duties will include consolidating the unique value proposition UMusic Hotel Madrid brings to the city, enhancing customer satisfaction, and continuously improving the Hotel’s culinary offerings. Under his leadership, UMusic Hotel Madrid will continue to provide unparalleled service and exceptiona...
Misty Ross Joins OTO Development as Vice President, Sales & Marketing
OTO Development | June 12, 2024
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA (Tuesday, June 11, 2024) — Misty Ross has joined OTO Development as Vice President, Sales & Marketing, bringing a wealth of industry expertise and a well-earned reputation for excellence. OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group, is a private company that develops, owns, and operates upscale select-service hotels throughout the continental United States. In her new role, Ross will oversee business development, revenue generation, and profit maximization across OTO’s owned and managed hotel portfolios. “Misty is a dynamic addition to OTO Development, bringing both enthusiasm and expertise to our lead...
Resolute Road Hospitality Expands Management Portfolio With Addition of Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula, Montana
Resolute Road Hospitality | June 12, 2024
Boise, Idaho, June 12, 2024 — Resolute Road Hospitality, a third-party management company founded on the promise to change the way owners think of their management company, proudly announced today the addition of the Hilton Garden Inn Missoula to its managed portfolio. The addition of this hotel in Missoula, Montana, will expand Resolute Road's footprint to seven states across the US. The six-story, 146-key Hilton Garden Inn Missoula offers a comprehensive range of amenities, including a full-service restaurant, 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool, on-site casino and bar, and 22,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, making it the sec...
Virgin Hotels to Open First London Hotel in the Heart of Shoreditch
Virgin Hotels | June 12, 2024
Bringing Virgin back to its roots, the luxury lifestyle hospitality brand – Virgin Hotels – announces Shoreditch as its London debut LONDON, UK (June 12, 2024) – Virgin Hotels, the luxury lifestyle hospitality brand by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, has announced its first London hotel to open on 1st August 2024 in the heart of Shoreditch. Continuing its global expansion, London will be the eighth Virgin Hotels location as it brings the brand home to its birthplace and where it all started for Sir Richard and the Virgin Group. It will become the 17th property for the wider Virgin Hotels Collection, having just announced a new p...
IHG Hotels & Resorts To Establish Its First Hawai‘i Luxury and Lifestyle Destination Under Kimpton Partnership With the Historic Coco Palms Res
IHG | June 12, 2024
ATLANTA (June 12, 2024) – Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced today that it is partnering with Kauai’s landmark Coco Palms Resort, establishing the first location in Hawaii for IHG Hotels & Resorts’ fast-growing luxury and lifestyle portfolio. Following a historically sensitive restoration of the iconic property, Coco Palms, A Kimpton Resort, will once again become an inspiring tropical retreat for travelers and the Kaua‘i community to explore all the expansive experiences the destination has to offer. The transformed resort is anticipated to open in 2026. Idyllically located amidst breathtaking natural surroundings in t...
Now Accepting Nominations for the 2024 Rising Star Award Asia Pacific To Be Presented at HICAP
ISHC | June 12, 2024
Singapore (12 June 2024): The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), in partnership with the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), is now accepting nominations for the Rising Star Award Asia Pacific to be presented at HICAP on 16-18 October 2024 at the Fairmont Singapore & Swissotel The Stamford in Singapore. Candidates must meet the following criteria: 35 years of age or younger, born on or after 16 October 1989 Have a minimum of five years in a hotel development and/or investment-related field with a minimum of one year with the current company Recognized by leaders in the hospitality field ...
New Viva Miches by Wyndham, a Trademark All-Inclusive Resort Set for December Opening in the Dominican Republic
Viva Resorts | June 12, 2024
MIAMI--Viva Resorts by Wyndham, a leading provider of all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean, is thrilled to announce the upcoming grand opening of its latest resort, Viva Miches by Wyndham, a Trademark All-Inclusive Resort, on Dec. 11, 2024. This brand-new resort featuring almost 290,000 square feet marks Viva Resorts by Wyndham’s ninth all-inclusive property in the Caribbean and sixth in the Dominican Republic, strengthening the vacation provider’s presence in this pristine region renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. With three buildings surrounded by the lush beauty of the area, Viva Miches by Wyndham promises a...
Everhome Suites Debuts in Kentucky With New Opening in Lexington
Choice Hotels | June 12, 2024
Choice Hotels Continues Growth in Extended Stay, with Over 60 Everhome Suites in Development and 20 Under Construction NORTH BETHESDA, Md., June 12, 2024 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, continues to strengthen its leadership position in extended stay with a new Everhome Suites opening in Lexington, Kentucky. With this opening, the company has four Everhome Suites open, over 60 in development, 20 under construction, and more than 10 are expected to open within the next year. In the category, Choice has more than 400 properties in the pipeline across its four extended-stay br...
Minor Hotels’ Ramón Aragonés Announces Retirement; Gonzalo Aguilar To Become Europe & Americas CEO
Minor Hotels | June 12, 2024
Madrid, 12 June 2024: Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has announced the appointment of Gonzalo Aguilar as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas CEO from 1 January 2025. Aguilar will replace current CEO Ramón Aragonés, who will retire and leave his chief executive role at the end of this year. Aragonés will remain a member of its Board of Directors and serve as Non-Executive Vice Chairman. Aguilar joins Minor Hotels Europe & Americas on 1 October to begin a three-month handover period with Aragonés. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and President of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, said in res...
Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru Debuts in India
Hyatt Centric | June 12, 2024
CHICAGO (June 12, 2024) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H): announced the grand opening of Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, marking the eighth Hyatt Centric hotel in India and underscoring Hyatt's ambitious growth strategy for its brands in the country. Located in the heart of the lively entertainment hub of Bengaluru and in close proximity to the airport, this 152-room hotel brings a modern yet playful twist to the city's cultural charm for savvy leisure and business travelers alike. Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru stands as an ideal gateway for adventurous guests’ who wish to explore the city's rich cultural hotspots, diverse dini...
House Passes No Hidden FEES Act, a Major AHLA Legislative Priority
AHLA | June 12, 2024
The legislation would establish a comprehensive single standard for transparent and mandatory fee displays across the lodging industry – from short-term rental platforms, to online travel agencies, metasearch sites, and hotels. WASHINGTON (June 12, 2024) – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the No Hidden FEES Act, a major American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) legislative priority that would ensure lodging cost transparency for consumers. The legislation would establish a comprehensive single standard for transparent and mandatory fee displays across the lodging industry – from short-term rental platforms, to...
IHG Signs With Siddhya Hotels & Resorts to Develop Holiday Inn Resort Kufri
IHG | June 11, 2024
The new-build resort situated in the Shimla district will open its doors to guests in 2026 Destination shot 11, June 2024, National: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Siddhya Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd. for the development of Holiday Inn Resort Kufri. Set to open in 2026, the signing aligns with IHG’s expansion strategy in India and build on its commitment to provide diverse and exceptional hospitality experiences across leisure destinations in the country. Holiday Inn is one of the most loved and recognized h...
LuxUrban Hotels Names Robert Arigo Chief Executive Officer
LuxUrban Hotels Inc. | June 11, 2024
MIAMI--June 11, 2024--LuxUrban Hotels Inc. (“LuxUrban” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LUXH), a hospitality company which leases entire existing hotels on a long-term basis and rents rooms in its hotels to business and vacation travelers, today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has appointed hotel and hospitality industry veteran Robert Arigo as its Chief Executive Officer, effective June 10, 2024. Mr. Arigo, who joined LuxUrban in March 2024 as Chief Operating Officer, is an accomplished industry executive who brings more than 35 years of relevant experience to his new role. “In his short time here, Rob has dis...
Leonardo Hotels Enters Into Agreement To Acquire The Zien Group From Affiliates of KSL Capital Partners and Garden Capital Group
Leonardo Hotels | June 11, 2024
Acquisition Will Grow Leonardo Hotels' Portfolio to 28 Hotels in the Benelux Region AMSTERDAM, June 11, 2024 -- Leonardo Hotels ("Leonardo") today announced that it has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the Zien Group ("Zien") and its 12 hotels in the Netherlands from affiliates of KSL Capital Partners, LLC ("KSL"), a leading investor in travel and leisure businesses, as well as its partner, Garden Capital Group, whose shareholders founded the business. Terms were not disclosed. The transaction is scheduled to close in the second quarter of 2024 and is subject to customary closing conditions. The sale marks a success...
