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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
HeBS Digital Helps Hoteliers Start the Year in Good Digital Health
HeBS Digital | January 6, 2014
Summary: HeBS Digital, the industry's leading digital technology, full-service hotel digital marketing, website design and direct online channel consulting firm, is offering a complimentary digital health assessment and competitive pricing for its Responsive Website Design Packages to improve hotel websites across desktop, mobile and tablet devices in 2014. NEW YORK, NY January 6, 2014 This year will be another growth year in the hotel online channel, with further explosion in meta search, mobile and tablet channels, and dramatic effects caused by Google's Hummingbird algorithm update. We will witness the advent of dynamic price adverti...
Hotel Lawyer: Something Everyone Buying or Building a Golf Course Should Know…
JMBM | January 6, 2014
For the most recent update on this topic, click here By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 06 January 2014 Hotel Lawyer: Some lessons for the rising interest in golf. Golf courses are back in popularity -- for play, purchase and sale, and development. Whatever your involvement, you will likely find today's article by my partner Guy Maisnik to be interesting and helpful in avoiding unnecessary losses. Some other articles on golf are referenced at the end of this article. BUYING OR BUILDING A GOLF COURSE -- DUE DILIGENCE IS KEY by Guy Maisnik | Vice Chair of JMBM's Global Hospital...
Hotel AG Involved in 125 Hotel Transactions in 2013
Hotel AG | January 6, 2014
ATLANTA - January 6, 2014 - Hotel AG announced today the firm finished the 2013-year having sold or advised on 125 hotel transactions. Of the 125 transactions, 21 were sold during the months of November and December. The number transacted for each brand involved were: Courtyard by Marriott - 13 TownePlace Suites - 5 Choice Brands - 9 Fairfield Inn/Suites - 8 Hampton Inn/Suites - 13 Wyndham Brands - 6 Marriott - 2 Hilton Garden Inn - 16 Other Brands - 13 Residence Inn - 11 Homewood Suites - 6 Independents - 11 SpringHill Suites - 7 IHG - 5 "2013 was a good year for Hotel AG. The transactions were across the spectrum in terms of branding,...
New Owner for Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel
BuildCentral | January 6, 2014
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Have Updated 88 Hotels in the Last Two Weeks with Changes in Personnel, Property Management or Ownership Chicago, IL. January 6, 2014 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have reported 88 changes in personnel, property management and ownership in the Hotel Profiles database over the last two weeks. Many hotels are getting a fresh start with a new Owner, Property Manager or General Manager. Recommend your product or service to someone who might be looking for a change. Hotels Under New Management: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Dallas West (Dallas, TX) Candlewood Suites Newport News/Yorktown (Yor...
3 Ways to Get Heads in Beds for Your Hotel
Hotel Success Now | January 3, 2014
Hotel owners of 2 and 3 star hotels find standing out may be a challenge. Many consumers believe that there is not much of a difference in the economy to mid tier segments because they are considered "cookie cutter" hotels. The truth, is that hotels in their respective tiers have many ways to differentiate themselves. I will mention 3 ways to make your hotel standout thus presenting you with the advantage when competing for bookings increasing Average Daily Rates (ADR) and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar). 1. Consistent Online Presence, you hear about this all the time from your brand about updating your photos, videos and descriptio...
Winegardner & Hammons Promotes Mike Conway to President & Kent Bruggeman to Executive Vice President
Winegardner & Hammons, Inc. | January 3, 2014
Cincinnati, OH - January 3, 2014 - Chairman of the Board and CEO J. Erik Kamfjord is announcing changes in company leadership and responsibilities effective immediately. Mike Conway has been promoted to WHI's president. Conway is a 39 year veteran of the company and has served in various leadership positions, most recently as senior vice president business development. Conway, in his new responsibilities as President, will continue to lead the company's growth and development efforts. Kent Bruggeman has been promoted to executive vice president. Bruggeman is a 23 year veteran of the company and has also served in various leadership posi...
Midas Hospitality Opens the Newly Built 90-room Fairfield Inn & Suites – Wentzville, Missouri
Fairfield Inn & Suites | January 3, 2014
SAINT LOUIS, MO, January 3, 2014 - St. Louis-based hotel owner, operator and developer, Midas Hospitality, LLC announces the opening of a new, 90-room Fairfield Inn & Suites - Wentzville, MO. Just weeks after announcing the opening of the Aloft Hotel - Beachwood, OH, Midas Hospitality announces the opening of a new 90-room Fairfield Inn & Suites - Wentzville, MO. The Fairfield Inn & Suites is located 40 miles west of downtown St. Louis off of exit 208 on I-70, just west of the I-70 / I-64 intersection and just minutes from the 568-acre, General Motors Assembly plant. Rob Willard, President & Principal of Midas Hospitalit...
Florida Lodging Management to Open 83-key Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott this Month in Ocoee, FL
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott | January 3, 2014
Ocoee, Florida - January 3, 2014 - The 83-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Ocoee, Florida is scheduled to open on Friday, January 10, 2014. Located at 10971 West Colonial Drive, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Ocoee will operate under a license agreement from Marriott International, Inc, owned and managed by Florida Lodging Management. Located 22 miles from Orlando International Airport and 10 minutes from downtown Orlando, the hotel offers guests convenient access to the National Training Center, Lakeside Event Center and Universal Studios. "We are pleased with the continued growth of Fairfield Inn & Suites hot...
Campbell Lodging Opens the 106-key Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Phoenix Airport South in Arizona
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson | January 3, 2014
MINNEAPOLIS (January 03, 2013) - Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, a leading upper-midscale hotel brand, today announced the opening of Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Phoenix Airport South, AZ. "We are excited about this addition to our portfolio as we grow the brand in the south western region of the U.S.," said Scott Meyer, senior vice president, Midscale Brands, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. "We strive to provide services and amenities that appeal to leisure and business guests alike and this hotel is no exception with its proximity to the airport and great area attractions." The hotel offers 106 guest rooms and su...
DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown Opens Through Conversion of Former Metropolitan Hotel
Bayview Hospitality Group | January 3, 2014
Renovation Currently Underway for the 486-key Property with Spring 2014 Completion Planned January 3, 2014 - TORONTO, and MCLEAN, Va. - DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown in the heart of the city's financial, research and shopping districts. Now a part of Hilton Worldwide's award-winning Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, the former Metropolitan Hotel Toronto has completed a multi-million dollar renovation that will conclude in spring 2014 and includes modern updates across the landmark 26-story, 486-room property. The transformation is being led by the hotel's new ownership and ...
The 212-room Radisson Hotel at The University of Toledo Opens in Ohio
January 3, 2014
Toledo, Ohio - January 3, 2014 - Radisson®, one of the world's best-recognized hotel brands, today announced the opening of the 212-room Radisson Hotel at The University of Toledo, 3100 Glendale Avenue in Toledo, Ohio on The University of Toledo Medical Campus. "The opening of this hotel reinforces our commitment to enhance the Radisson portfolio and further expand our presence in the Americas," said Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Radisson. "This addition plays a key role as we continue developing the Radisson brand as a powerful, globally consistent, first class-brand complemented by the Radisson 'Yes I Can!' service spiri...
California’s 329-key Hilton Concord Acquired by Waramaug Hospitality and Interstate Hotels JV
Waramaug Hospitality | January 3, 2014
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA, JANUARY 3, 2014 - Waramaug Hospitality, a private investment group, along with Interstate Hotels & Resorts and an alternate money management firm, announced today that the joint venture has acquired the 329-room Hilton Concord in Concord, California from Interstate, which continues to remain an investor and operator of the hotel. The award-winning Hilton Concord was recently recognized for two (2) significant awards in 2013, by TripAdvisor® and also by the Governor of the State of California for the Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA). As the recipient of the 2013 TripAdvisor Certific...
Keeping Track of Changes in Hospitality Law / John Hogan
John Hogan | January 3, 2014
By Dr. John Hogan, CHA CMHS CHE CHO January 3, 2014 Do you know how many new laws were passed last year? Would you believe 40,000+? While it may have been the least productive year for Congress in history, at least in terms of passing laws - fewer than 60 of which made it through the House and Senate and were signed by President Barack Obama, state lawmakers across the US were busy getting more than 40,000 bills passed including ones that tackle everything from drones to minimum wage to food stamp benefits.(1) In fact, one may argue this Congress is on pace to make history with the least productive legislative year since the late 1940s(...
Waramaug Hospitality and Interstate Hotels JV Acquires 257-key Hilton Phoenix Airport Hotel, Arizona
Waramaug Hospitality | January 3, 2014
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA, JANUARY 3, 2014 - Waramaug Hospitality, a private investment group, along with Interstate Hotels & Resorts announced today they have acquired the 257-room Hilton Phoenix Airport Hotel. Interstate continues to operate the hotel. The Hilton Phoenix Airport Hotel is a "mini-oasis" for travelers, with a large resort-style pool-area surrounded by lush palm trees and a beautifully landscaped courtyard. Located within the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport submarket, the hotel is a neighbor of Tempe - home to Arizona State University, as well as great restaurants, shopping and nightlife. It is also ideally situated to provide ...
Rare Redevelopment Site On Wilshire Boulevard In Prestigious Beverly Hills, Calif. Hits The Market
CBRE Group, Inc. | January 3, 2014
Los Angeles - January 3, 2014 - A redevelopment site in one of the world's most recognizable and prestigious neighborhoods is for sale, according to CBRE. The firm just launched its marketing effort this week for the site, which includes 63,691 square feet of land located at the southeast corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Linden Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills' world-renowned, upscale restaurant and shopping district. Due to its high-profile location in what is known as the Beverly Hills Golden Triangle, the property is expected to command exceptional pricing on a square foot basis for Beverly Hills, according to Laurie Lustig-Bower of C...
New GM, Jonathan Litvack, to Oversee $45 Million Rejuvenation of Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | January 2, 2014
LOS ANGELES, CA, January 3, 2014 - Veteran hotelier Jonathan Litvack, named general manager of the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel in 2013, will oversee a $45 million rejuvenation of the 485-room property to include all guestrooms, meeting space and the lobby area, as well as the restaurant and lounge. He successfully converted the hotel, which is located in the heart of the city's financial, sports and entertainment epicenter, from a franchise operation to the world's newest Starwood-managed hotel on June 1. The rejuvenation, which includes the hotel as well as the adjacent office tower and retail shopping center anchored by a flag...
Tourism Tidbits: The Tourism Outlook for 2014 by Dr. Peter Tarlow
Dr. Peter E. Tarlow | January 2, 2014
A New Year is a chance for new beginnings. What is true of the world in general is also true of tourism. The tourism industry does not live apart from the rest of the world. It is deeply attached to the economy's undulations, sensitive to issues of security, and can be impacted by a host of unexpected events, ranging from a health crisis to a natural disaster. Certainly 2013 had its successes and challenges and we can expect that 2014 may offer more of the same. Although no one can predict the state of the world throughout 2014, here are some trends that tourism specialists and professionals may want to watch. 1. The state of the econom...
Managed by AD1 Management, the 437-key Park Inn by Radisson, Orlando-Celebration Opens in Florida
January 2, 2014
MINNEAPOLIS (January 02, 2014) - Park Inn® by Radisson, a fresh and energetic hotel brand offering friendly and welcoming hospitality at a competitive price today announced the opening of Park Inn by Radisson, Orlando-Celebration, FL. "This is an exciting addition to our portfolio as we grow the brand in the Americas," said Scott Meyer, senior vice president, Midscale Brands, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. "The hotel has so much to offer for business and leisure guests alike, from pools and recreation to an expansive conference and meeting space." The hotel offers 437 guest rooms and 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting and e...
SoTHERLY Hotels Promotes Scott Kucinski to Vice President of Operations and Investor Relations
SoTHERLY Hotels Inc. | January 2, 2014
Hires David Surette as Corporate Controller January 02, 2014 - WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - SoTHERLY Hotels Inc. (NASDAQ: SOHO) (the "Company") today announced that it has promoted Scott Kucinski to Vice President of Operations and Investor Relations. Mr. Kucinski will help oversee the Company's corporate operations activities including capital markets transactions, acquisitions and dispositions, asset management, and investor relations and compliance matters. Mr. Kucinski joined the Company in 2004 and has served in a variety of roles including Director of Construction Services and, most recently, Director of Investor Relations. Mr. Kucinski ho...
Franck LaFourcade Returns to 2000-2005 Role as GM for Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi in Vietnam
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi | January 2, 2014
HANOI, Vietnam (Jan. 2, 2013) - As the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi celebrates the season, and its rising stature as one of the world's most singular hospitality experiences, the hotel is also celebrating the return of Franck LaFourcade as its new general manager. General manager of the Metropole from 2000 to 2005, LaFourcade has come back to the hotel after nearly nine years in China, managing Sofitel properties in Shanghai as a general manager and as an area general manager. The hotel he has inherited from the previous general manager, Kai Speth, is good deal larger than the hotel he left in 2005, with 364 rooms in 2013 to the 232 r...
Crestline Hotels & Resorts to Manage 107-suite Residence Inn Manassas Battlefield Park in Virginia
Crestline Hotels & Resorts LLC | January 2, 2014
FAIRFAX, VA - January 2, 2014 - Crestline Hotels & Resorts LLC today announced it has assumed management of the Residence Inn Manassas Battlefield Park. The property recently completed an extensive renovation to all of their guest suites and the public areas of the hotel. This is Crestline's 17th hotel in the state of Virginia. The 107 guest suite hotel is owned by Apple REIT Nine, Inc., headquartered in Richmond, VA. Located only one mile from the historic Civil War Battlefield, and adjacent to the town of Manassas with its quaint shops and dining, the recently renovated hotel is perfect for short or extended stays for business or ...
Smart Hotelier’s 2014 Top Ten Digital Marketing Resolutions
the Authors and HeBS Digital | January 2, 2014
By Max Starkov & Mariana Safer Whether you've experienced digital marketing success this year, or have continued to struggle with your direct online channel strategy, now is the perfect time for reflection and planning ahead. 2013, a year of growth in our industry, has also been a year chock full of major industry developments. A few examples include the explosion in meta search travel websites, the continued growth of the mobile and tablet channels, the fall of keyword-centric SEO due to the rise of Penguin 2.0 and Hummingbird, and new technology advancements that have allowed us to achieve unparalleled heights in hotel distributio...
The 520-key Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley Opens in Hubei Province, China
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | January 2, 2014
January 2, 2014 - WUHAN, China and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley. The opening marks the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Hubei Province. The six-story hotel features 520 contemporary guest rooms and suites with scenic views from private balconies, five diverse restaurants and bars, and over 5,000 square meters of flexible meeting space. The Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Wuhan Eco City Biguiyuan Investment Co., Ltd. "We are delighted to introduce Hilton Hotels & Resorts' first property in W...
The 299-room Aloft Yancheng Opens in Jiangsu Province of Eastern China
Aloft Hotels | December 31, 2013
YANCHENG, China - December 31, 2013 - Aloft Hotels, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT), today announced the opening of Aloft Yancheng in Jiangsu Province of eastern China. Owned by Yancheng Powerlong Real Estate Development Co.,Ltd, the hotel is the first international hospitality brand in this up-and-coming metropolis, and the seventh Aloft hotel in China. Designed for the next generation of traveler, the hotel features urban-inspired design, tech-forward touches and a vibrant social scene featuring live music performances as well as 299 stylish guestrooms, 380 square meters of meeting space. "From the rec...
