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Industry Happenings
Travel Tripper Helps Hotels Earn New Guests in a Trusted, Natural Way with Flip.to
Flip.to | December 30, 2013
Orlando, FL — January 2, 2014 — Flip.to and Travel Tripper announced the beginning of a strategic partnership that includes a seamless integration between the Flip.to brand advocate platform and the RezTrip Central Reservation System (CRS). "We were early proponents of Flip.to - our customers were among the first to sign on. Based on the outstanding results those hotels had, we wanted to pursue a deeper partnership for the benefit of all of our customers." Gautam Lulla, Chief Operating Officer for Travel Tripper, commented. "We have always recognized the value of a compelling booking experience, as well as the value of a guest beyon...
TripAdvisor Caught Red-Handed
MKG Group | December 30, 2013
Glasgow's Bellgrove Hotel, a homeless shelter, finds itself in TripAdvisor's Top 100 best hotels in the United Kingdom The community site has again been caught in a flagrant act of deception basing a ranking for best British hotels on fanciful character appraisals. Despite their «sophisticated algorithms» and their attentive «monitoring» of comments posted on the web, it has been duped by small pranksters who succeeded at getting a homeless shelter in the Top 100 of recommended establishments for the quality of its service in the United Kingdom. If only it was the homeless who were sheltered for the night that judged on the comfort ...
2013 World Rankings of The Top 10 Hotel Groups and Top 15 Brands
MKG Group | December 30, 2013
IHG Retains Top Spot in Groups With Nearly 660,000 Rooms; Holiday Inn & Holiday Inn Express Overtake Best Western for Top Spot in Brands April 3, 2013 - The leading hotel groups worldwide and the top brands confirm global growth in branded supplies, although the economic context remains fragile. It confirms Anglo-Saxon supremacy, reinforced by the sale of Motel 6 to Blackstone by Accor, and China's entry into the first circle of key actors in the global hotel sector. The race for size is a major challenge for hotel groups with a global ambition. Size enables hotels to offer their guests complete geographic coverage and a range of p...
IHG Becomes First in Industry to Commit to Free Internet for All Loyalty Members Worldwide
IHG | December 30, 2013
Move prompted by research indicating free internet is more important than room service to travellers LONDON, March 26, 2013 - IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) today announced that it will be providing free internet to all its 71m loyalty programme members, worldwide. The announcement comes as IHG reveals the results of a global online survey* which show that nearly half of adults (43%) would choose not to stay in a hotel that charged for internet. IHG is the first and only hotel group to offer free internet in all hotels to all loyalty programme members, globally - whether they stay the night or come in for a coffee or an impromptu m...
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts CEO, Kathleen Taylor, to Step Down
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | December 30, 2013
TORONTO-February 5, 2013--Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts today announced that Kathleen Taylor will be leaving her role as Chief Executive Officer. "I am deeply grateful to Katie for her nearly 25 years of outstanding service and wish her well in the next phase of her career" The privately held Company, with the backing of its long-term shareholders Kingdom Holding Company, Cascade Investment and Triples Holdings, is focused on building on Four Seasons leadership position by accelerating execution of its existing strategy to drive global growth and expansion of its iconic brand. Ms. Taylor assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer fro...
HSMAI Names the Top 25 Minds in Hospitality Sales and Marketing for 2012
HSMAI | December 30, 2013
McLean, Va. (January 9, 2013) – The Hospitality Sales& Marketing Association International (HSMAI) today announced its 10th annual list of the "Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing" as part of its annual Adrian Awards Reception and Gala at the New York Marriott Marquis on Jan. 28. "On the 10th anniversary of the Top 25, HSMAI is privileged to honor those who strive to strengthen the hospitality sales and marketing profession," said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president & CEO of HSMAI. "We owe a great deal to these professionals who consistently demonstrated ingenuity, diligence and a heightened knowledge...
The Rainmaker Group Achieves Recognition, Success and Drives Innovation in 2013
Rainmaker | December 30, 2013
Boosts Customer Satisfaction and Grows Reputation of Progressive Leadership ATLANTA - December 30, 2013 - The Rainmaker Group, the leading provider of pricing, revenue management and profit optimization solutions to the multifamily and gaming/hospitality industries, realized monumental success in 2013. With strong attention to detail and an acute understanding of how and where optimized pricing is evolving, The Rainmaker Group this year successfully launched numerous strategic solutions to better serve the revenue generation needs of its customers. These efforts were recognized through industry-specific accolades naming the firm as adv...
Take Off the Training Wheels and Learn to Ride
Aspire Marketing | December 30, 2013
by Renie Cavallari There is a huge difference between training and learning, and the gap between these two can be vast. Training-as it's often done in hospitality-has a 'dump and jump' mentality. Dump all the information, then leave. Forget tools to help keep the knowledge alive. Forget real learning. Forget sustainable change. What good is training that dumps and jumps? Worthless! What employees need is true learning. Here is where the distinction between training and learning comes in: Training is mere delivery of information. Learning-real learning-starts when people understand the application of information. Only when someone sees h...
Commonwealth Hotels Names Casey Chapple as General Manager for Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Airport
Commonwealth Hotels | December 30, 2013
COVINGTON, Ky., Dec. 30, 2013 -- Commonwealth Hotels, Inc. today announced that Casey Chapple has been appointed General Manager for the Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Airport. The Hyatt Place is 123 rooms and is operated by Commonwealth Hotels, LLC. As General Manager, Chapple will direct all areas of the hotel's operational and sales and marketing efforts. "Based on his outstanding record in hotel performance, we are confident that Casey will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Airport," said Gordy Snyder, Vice President. Prior to joining the Hyatt Place, Chapple has served in the Hotel Industry for o...
The Southern Living Hotel Collection Welcomes Keswick Hall in Keswick, Virginia
the Southern Living Hotel Collection | December 30, 2013
Atlanta, GA - December 30, 2013 - The Southern Living Hotel Collection, (www.SouthernLivingHotelCollection.com) a small, curated group of independent, four-and five-star level hotels, resorts and inns that span 18 Southern states and offers the best in authentic Southern hospitality is pleased to welcome its newest member: Keswick Hall (Keswick, VA). Since its launch this past July, the Collection has grown from its 15 premier hotels, resorts and inns to 26 carefully selected properties chosen by the editors at Southern Living. Members of the Southern Living Hotel Collection are vetted according to the same criteria that the Southern Li...
Affordable Suites of America Opens in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Affordable Suites of America | December 30, 2013
Fayetteville, NC - December 30, 2013 - Affordable Suites of America announced the opening of it's 19th location in Fayetteville, NC today. The property is located at 4660 Lake Valley Dr, near Cross Creek Mall and operated by Affordable Suites of America. The new Affordable Suites property boasts features designed for guests who need accommodations for an extended period of time, offering full kitchens, high speed internet access and separate living and sleeping accommodations. The new hotel offers 32" LCD HD televisions in both the living and sleeping areas as well as a redesigned living area. The facility also provides an on site guest...
Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Iowa Welcomes Bryan Stolz as General Manager
Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center | December 30, 2013
CORALVILLE, Iowa, Dec. 30, 2013 -- The Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center is pleased to announce Bryan Stolz as its new general manager. Bryan began his career in 1994 after graduating from the University of Florida. Beginning as a shift leader at the Marco Island Marriott Resort & Golf Club, he worked his way through the ranks of restaurant management and housekeeping followed by a move to the Washington, D.C., area. While there, Bryan worked at the Greenbelt Marriott, Fairview Park Marriott, Washington Marriott at Metro Center and most recently as the director of hotel operations at the Westfields Marriott Washingto...
Starwood and King Yuan Da Real Estate Open Four Points by Sheraton Bijie in Guizhou Province, China
Four Points by Sheraton | December 30, 2013
December 30, 2013 - BIJIE, China - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT), along with King Yuan Da Real Estate Limited, today jointly announced the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Bijie. The entry of the Four Points by Sheraton brand marks the first international branded hotel in Bijie City and the first Four Points property in Guizhou Province. With more than 20 operating hotels throughout Greater China, Four Points by Sheraton continues to have a long runway of growth, leveraging its first mover advantage in secondary and tertiary cities. Providing travelers with timeless design, uncomplicated comfort and great se...
Starwood to Debut in Slovenia with 2014 Opening of 114-room Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons
Four Points by Sheraton | December 30, 2013
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia - December 30, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced the signing of Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons. Owned by Kranjska Investicijska Družba d.o.o., the hotel will mark the entry of Starwood into Slovenia when it opens in 2014. Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons will be located just 10 minutes from the centre of Slovenia's capital city Ljubljana and 15 minutes from the international airport. This deal underscores Starwood's strategic expansion plans to open more than 50 hotels across Europe over the next five years. Starwood's Four Points by Sheraton provides trave...
The 305-key DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou Opens in the Guangdong Province in China
DoubleTree By Hilton | December 30, 2013
December 30, 2013 - GUANGZHOU, China - Hilton Worldwide and DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou in Guangdong province. Strategically situated in the heart of the central business district of Yuexiu, the hotel features 305 spacious, stylishly furnished guestrooms, including 25 suites, five uniquely-designed restaurants and seven multi-function meeting rooms. The hotel is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Guangzhou Tiancheng Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. Conveniently situated on Dongfeng Road, one of the city's main east-to-west roads, DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou is within walk...
Vision Investments Opens the 76-key BEST WESTERN Webster Hotel, NASA in Texas
Best Western International, Inc. | December 30, 2013
WEBSTER, Texas, December 30, 2013 - Best Western International announces the opening of the BEST WESTERN Webster Hotel, NASA, located at 889 W. Bay Area Boulevard. Owned by Vision Investments, LLC, the hotel features 76 guest rooms and two guest suites. Hotel amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast, outdoor pool, sundry store, on-site restaurant and fitness center. Each room is equipped with a 37" flat screen television, refrigerator, microwave and free wireless Internet access. For business travelers, the hotel offers a complimentary business center with printing and faxing services, and free wireless Internet access in all pub...
The Liquidation Sale of the Holiday Inn Huntsville Downtown Opens Thursday, January 2nd at 10:00 am
NCL/National Content Liquidators, Inc. | December 30, 2013
Sale to be Conducted by NCL/ National Content Liquidators, Inc. Everything Must Go! Huntsville, Alabama (January, 2014) - The Holiday Inn Huntsville Downtown has contracted with NCL/National Content Liquidators, Inc., the leading expert in hotel liquidation management, to clear the hotel of its current contents as a prelude to the property's redevelopment. The 270 room hotel contents liquidation is being held on-site at the Holiday Inn Huntsville Downtown Hotel, 401 Williams Avenue, SW, Huntsville, AL., and is open to both the hospitality industry and the general public. The sale begins at 10:00 am, Thursday, January 2nd, and will cont...
JMBM’s Hotel Lawyers Help Chinese Real Estate Developer Buy 802-room Sheraton Gateway LAX for $96 M
JMBM | December 30, 2013
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 30 December 2013 The hotel lawyers of JMBM's Global Hospitality Group® and Chinese Investment Group™ assisted Hazens Investment, LLC, in the company's purchase of the 15-story, 802-room Sheraton Gateway LAX Hotel, located close to Los Angeles International Airport. Hazens Investment is a subsidiary of Shenzhen Hazens Real Estate Group Co. Ltd., one of the top 100 largest construction and development companies in China, based in Shenzhen, China. Hazens Investment and the seller, an affil...
70-Room Sessions Hotel Planned for Bristol, VA
BuildCentral | December 30, 2013
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Add/Update 98 Hotel Projects to the New Hotel Construction Projects Database Chicago, IL. December 30, 2013 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have added or updated 98 hotel projects in the last two weeks to Hotel Construction, a nationwide database of hotel construction projects, openings, and key decision makers (Owner/Developers, Architects and Contractors). These proposed hotels are still in the planning stages. Now is the perfect time to have your product drawn into plans, or offer construction services: Healdsburg Plaza Boutique Hotel (Healdsburg, CA) Phipps Plaza Hotel (Atlanta, GA) Amber Valley We...
Carlson Rezidor Partners with Google to Launch Pilot Programs of Full Portfolio of Travel Apps
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | December 30, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS (December 30, 2013) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups today announced a partnership with Google to launch pilot programs for their full portfolio of travel applications, including Google Hotel Finder, Google Business Photos, Google Wallet, Google Indoor Maps, and Google Mobile Click-to-Call. Carlson Rezidor, whose brands include Radisson Blu®, Radisson®, Park Plaza®, Park Inn® by Radisson, and Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM, is the only hotel group, as of December, to currently offer or to pilot test all of the Google technologies at once. As a result, Carlson...
The 101-suite Towneplace Suites Hotel Opens in York, Pennsylvania
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | December 30, 2013
York, Pennsylvania - December 30, 2013 - The 101-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in York, Pennsylvania is now open. Located at 2789 Concord Road, the TownePlace Suites York will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by AVA Realty and managed by Keystone Hotel Management. Located 25 miles from Harrisburg International Airport and five minutes from downtown, the hotel offers guests convenient access to the Harley Davidson Manufacturing Plant, Mason-Dixon Wine Trail and the York Fairgrounds. Rates vary depending on length of stay. "We are pleased to introduce the TownePlace Suites brand to the York area," said Loren Nalewanski, vice p...
Why Sales & Operations Will Never Get Along
Steve DiGioia | December 28, 2013
By Steve DiGioia In the world of business there are many components that make up a successful venture. All must work as a team with the one vision in mind, which is the health and prosperity of the company. But business is also a daily battle. The procurement/purchasing department is obliviously involved in getting the necessary goods in house that are needed to manufacture a product. But they are bound with the task of not getting more than is needed or have available capital tied up in inventory. That makes sense. But what if they are tightening their belt a little too much and under-order based on business needs? This will of course ...
Midas Hospitality Set to Open the 90-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Wentzville, Missouri
Fairfield Inn & Suites | December 27, 2013
Wentzville, Missouri - December 26, 2013 - The 90-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Wentzville, Missouri is scheduled to open this Tuesday, December 31, 2013. Located at 130 Crossroads South Drive, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Wentzville will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Midas Hospitality of St. Louis, Missouri. Located 28 miles from Lambert St. Louis International Airport, the hotel offers guests convenient access to The Meadows, Ozzie Smith Sports Complex and Cedar Lake Cellars. Rates begin at $109 per night. "We are pleased to introduce Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in the Wentzville area,"...
Owned & Managed by RPK Investment, the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel Mountain View – S Palo Alto Opens
December 27, 2013
ATLANTA (Dec. 23, 2013) - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] announces the opening of the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel Mountain View - S Palo Alto. The three-story 46-room hotel adds to the IHG portfolio in the Mountain View and Palo Alto areas and is opening after significant investments of over $1 million in renovations by the ownership. "Holiday Inn Express hotels are designed to be the smart choice for value-conscious business and leisure travelers," said Heather Balsley, SVP, Americas Holiday Inn® brand family. "With more than 2,200 properties worldwide and 450 more in the pipeline, the Holiday Inn Exp...
