HFTP® Acquires Leading Hospitality Industry Brands: Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, The CIO Summit and The Executive Vendor Summit
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
Barcelona’s Hotel SB Plaza Europa Signs with Pegasus Solutions
Pegasus Solutions | December 20, 2013
SB Hotels of Spain Leverages Distribution and Sales Support for Newest Hotel DALLAS (December 20, 2013) - Barcelona's four-star SB Plaza Hotel Europa has signed with Pegasus Solutions for global distribution and sales support. The newest hotel in SB Hotels' seven-hotel portfolio, which opened October 31, will be represented and marketed through the global distribution systems (GDS) under the UI chain code. "SB Plaza Hotel Europa has taken great care to ensure their newest hotel stands out in the crowded Barcelona market," said Alexis Dobbelaere, senior vice president, global sales, Europe for Pegasus Solutions. "Introducing this hotel ...
Intelity Announces ICE Sapphire, New Partnerships Drove 2013 Success
Intelity | December 20, 2013
The hospitality technology firm experienced one of its most financially successful years following the release of a new version of its ICE technology and several new global partnerships. ORLANDO, Fla., Dec 20, 2013 - Leading hospitality technology firm Intelity is announcing one of its most successful years to date since it was founded in 2007. Four new global hotel brand engagements, new partners in Latin America, Africa and China and the introduction of the newest version of its trademark ICE platform - contributed to the company's expansion and financial success throughout the year. Several new hotels embraced Intelity's ICE in-room ...
Constellation Barclay Holding US to Acquire 80% of the InterContinental New York Barclay for $240 M
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | December 20, 2013
New JV Plans Property Refurbishment 20 December 2013 - InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] today announces that Constellation Barclay Holding US, LLC, which is an affiliate of Constellation Hotels Holding Limited, has agreed to acquire an 80% interest in a joint venture with IHG to own and refurbish the InterContinental New York Barclay (the "Hotel"). The 80% interest will be acquired for gross cash proceeds of $240m, which values the Hotel at $300m prior to refurbishment. IHG will hold the remaining 20% interest. IHG has secured a 30 year management contract on the Hotel, commencing in 2014, with two ten...
Host Hotels & Resorts Sells Dallas/Addison Marriott Quorum by the Galleria in TX for $55.7 Million
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | December 20, 2013
BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 20, 2013 -- Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:HST) announced today that the Company sold the Dallas/Addison Marriott Quorum for $55.7 million. "We are pleased to announce a sale that further reduces our exposure in suburban, non-target markets and brings our total dispositions since the beginning of 2012 to over $805 million," said Struan B. Robertson, executive vice president and chief investment officer. * This press release contains registered trademarks that are the exclusive property of their respective owners. None of the owners of these trademarks has any responsibility or liability for any information con...
Best Western To Be First Hotel Brand Using Google 360-Degree Virtual Tour Technology
Best Western International, Inc. | December 20, 2013
Brand to Launch Google Business Photos for All its Hotels in North America PHOENIX (December 20, 2013) Best Western International announced today that it is changing the way people shop for hotels by working with Google to be the first hotel brand to launch Google Business Photos for all its hotels in North America. The brand will have all its 2,200 hotels in North America photographed for Business Photos by the end of 2014. By adopting Google Business Photos, which are premium-quality 360-degree virtual tours powered by Google Street View technology, Best Western hotels will provide travelers with an interactive experience when they a...
Hotel Industry Veterans Endorse eRevMax as a Key Distribution Partner
eRevMax | December 20, 2013
Company Unveils its New Corporate Video London, 20 December 2013: Leading hospitality technology provider, eRevMax, is pleased to announce the release of its new corporate video outlining the company's focus on continuous innovation and the provision of intelligent solutions for hotel online distribution management. The video, which is available on the company website (http://www.erevmax.com), provides an overview of eRevMax's evolution from a provider of stand-alone products to a solid technology partner that offers hotels with a centralized distribution platform. The video delivers an insight into eRevMax's expertise and its capabilit...
Nobody Asked Me, But…No. 118; Hotel History: Chelsea Hotel (1884); Quote of the Month
Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC | December 20, 2013
By Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC 1. Hotel History: Chelsea Hotel (1884)* The Chelsea Hotel is world-renowned as a residence for artists, writers, actors, and other characters who live on the cutting edge of society. The Chelsea has always been a center of artistic, cultural and bohemian activity. Built as one of the city's first cooperative apartment houses in 1884, the Chelsea became a hotel in 1905. The Chelsea's architect was Philip Hubert of Hubert and Pirsson. This was no ordinary architectural firm. Philip Gengembre Hubert, a French-American, used his mother's maiden name upon emigrating to the United States. He was a broad-based, cr...
U.S. and Caribbean Resorts Switch To B4Checkin For Superior PMS-Integrated Solutions
B4checkin | December 20, 2013
Luxury properties in Aruba, Arizona and New Mexico implement the premier fully customizable reservations system and guest satisfaction tool. Halifax, Canada - December 20, 2013 - B4Checkin, producer of the hotel industry's premier fully customizable reservations system and guest satisfaction feedback tool, announces that four luxury resorts located in the western United States and the Caribbean have signed with B4Checkin to implement its flagship booking engine, as well as its online check-in and guest satisfaction tools. BlueWater Resort & Casino in Arizona, Manchebo Resort and Spa in Aruba, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and ...
ZDirect Reporting Exponential Growth in 2013
ZDirect | December 20, 2013
With new offices in Singapore, new clients across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, and new functionality for its eCRM solutions, hospitality's pioneer of Hotel Marketing Automation is revving up for even more global growth in the new year [HALLANDALE BEACH, FL- DECEMBER 20, 2013] - ZDirect is reporting exponential growth in 2013, with demand for its electronic customer-relationship management (eCRM) solutions up 140 percent as of November, compared to the same time period last year. Growth projections for 2014 show no signs of slowing. As a result, ZDirect will continue to fortify its sales team worldwide in preparation for the new...
Pershing Hall (Paris) Selects FastBooking GDS Services
FastBooking | December 19, 2013
Paris—January, 2014—FastBooking, the world's leading provider of digital marketing and technology solutions to increase hotel direct online reservations, announces the signing of a long-term contract to provide Pershing Hall hotel with GDS services to optimize high-end corporate accounts and top-tier leisure business. Consortia and Corporate Care program accounts and top-notch GDS technology. Pershing Hall is looking to build its Pershing Hall is in the heart of the Golden Triangle in Paris, where luxury fashion brands and the most prestigious hotels are located, and is one of the city's trendiest night spots. It is an architectural...
Travel and Tourism Advisory Board Recruitment Extends Application Deadline to January 17, 2014
| December 18, 2013
New Deadline: Friday, January 17, 2014 December 18, 2013 - On November 25, 2013, the Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration published a notice in the Federal Register (78 FR 70275) soliciting applications for membership on the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (Board). The November 25th notice provided that all applications must be received by the Office of Advisory Committees of the Department of Commerce by close of business on December 18, 2013. The Federal Register will publish an updated notice that extends the deadline for application for membership on the Board through close of business on Janua...
Westfields Marriott WA Dulles Names Exec. Chef Todd Schofield & Dir. of Catering Sales Sharon Meyers
the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles | December 18, 2013
CHANTILLY, Va., Dec. 18, 2013 -- Two food professionals with more than 40 years of combined experience have joined the team at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles. Executive Chef Todd Schofield and Director of Catering Sales Sharon Meyers arrive at an integral time at the hotel in Chantilly. Westfields Marriott has recently completed extensive renovations to Wellington's, its stylish and welcoming Chantilly restaurant, as well as redesigned its conference dining room. Twenty new guest rooms have been added, and the updated fitness center now boasts modern cardio equipment and free weights. The Chantilly hotel also has introduced m...
Commonwealth Hotels Names Randy Baron as GM for Hampton Inn and Suites Rohnert Park, Sonoma County
Commonwealth Hotels | December 18, 2013
COVINGTON, Ky., Dec. 18, 2013 -- Commonwealth Hotels, Inc. today announced that Randy Baron has been appointed General Manager for the Hampton Inn and Suites Rohnert Park, Sonoma County. The Hampton Inn is 102 rooms and suites. The hotel is operated by Commonwealth Hotels, LLC. As General Manager, Baron will direct all areas of the hotel's operational, sales and marketing efforts. "Based on his outstanding record in hotel performance, we are confident that Randy will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our Hampton Inn and Suites Rohnert Park, Sonoma County," said Gordy Snyder, Vice President. Prior to joining the Hampton Inn, Bar...
Commonwealth Names Kelly Sujka DOS for Hyatt Place & Hyatt House Chicago Naperville Warrenville
Commonwealth Hotels | December 18, 2013
COVINGTON, Ky., Dec. 18, 2013 -- Commonwealth Hotels, Inc. today announced that Kelly Sujka has been appointed Director of Sales for the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Chicago Naperville Warrenville. The Hyatt Place is 123 rooms and the Hyatt House has 123 suites and are operated by Commonwealth Hotels, LLC. As Director of Sales, Sujka will direct all areas of both the hotel's sales and marketing efforts. "Based on her outstanding record in hotel sales and marketing, we are confident that Kelly will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our multiple property complex," said Gordy Snyder, Vice President. Prior to joining the Hyatt House...
Chartwell Hotels Appoints New GMs for Three Southaven, Mississippi Marriott Hotels
the Courtyard Southaven Hotel | December 18, 2013
Naming Lawrence Solomon, Torrance Williams and Martin Reines SOUTHAVEN, Miss., Dec. 18, 2013 -- They say good things come in threes, and that couldn't be truer for three Southaven Marriott hotels. The Courtyard Memphis Southaven, Fairfield Inn & Suites Memphis Southaven and Residence Inn Memphis Southaven have announced the arrival of three new general managers to take the hotels near Memphis to new heights. The properties are owned and managed by Chartwell Hotels, a progressive ownership and management company that strives to produce a healthy and creative business environment that benefits owners, guests and team members. Joining ...
The 80-key Brooks at Williston Opens in North Dakota
| December 18, 2013
WILLISTON, N.D. - December 18, 2013 - The Brooks at Williston, the first full-service hotel of its kind in the region, has officially opened its doors in the heart of the Bakken. The hotel comprises 80 spacious and smartly appointed rooms and suites, and offers a full range of world-class amenities, bringing an entirely new standard of comfort to North Dakota's dynamic and fast-changing economic and cultural landscape. The hotel, situated just two miles from Sloulin Field International Airport and minutes from downtown Williston, will offer unsurpassed service, including a fully staffed concierge desk, as well as state-of-the-art guest ...
Mary Hutchcraft Named Director of Sales & Marketing at 394-key B Resort in Disney World in Florida
December 18, 2013
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL (Dec. 18, 2013) - Mary Hutchcraft has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing at the B Resort, located in the Walt Disney World® Resort, scheduled to debut in early 2014. In her new role, Hutchcraft is responsible for driving sales and strategic partnerships for the new lifestyle hotel and latest addition to the growing B Hotels & Resorts® brand. Hutchcraft brings to the B Resort a depth of experience, having served 18 years in hospitality sales. Most recently, she was task force Director of Sales and Marketing for Hospitality Ventures Management Group at the International Palms Resort and Conference Ce...
U.S. Hotels Poised To Resume Strong Growth According to PKF Hospitality Research
PKF Consulting USA, LLC | December 18, 2013
December 18, 2013, Atlanta, Ga. - After a slight deceleration in growth during the last half of 2013, PKF Hospitality Research, LLC (PKF-HR) is forecasting very strong gains in revenues and profits for the U.S. lodging industry in 2014 and 2015. According to the recently released December 2013 edition of Hotel Horizons®, national revenue per available room (RevPAR) is projected to increase by 6.6 percent in 2014, followed by another 7.5 percent boost in 2015. Concurrently, hotel profits should enjoy growth of 12.8 percent and 14.5 percent respectively over the next two years. "As anticipated, RevPAR growth slowed down a bit in 2013 com...
Steven Kaiser Joins Newly Named 427-room Hilton Meadowlands in New Jersey as General Manager
PMHS | December 18, 2013
MEADOWLANDS, N.J./WASHINGTON, D.C., December 18, 2013 - Thirty-year hotel veteran Steven S. Kaiser has joined the 427-room Hilton Meadowlands as general manager. The hotel, which converted to the Hilton brand from the Sheraton Meadowlands on October 31, 2013, is located at Two Meadowlands Plaza in East Rutherford. "Steve has worked for top-rated hotels on both coasts, the last 20 years on the East Coast, including multiple properties in New Jersey," said Joseph Bojanowski, president of PM Hospitality Strategies (PMHS), operators of the property. "He most recently was general manager of our Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport property, which ha...
Competing For Deals – How to Get Your Offer Accepted
William G. Sipple | December 18, 2013
By William G Sipple While the transaction market is heating up, compared to other cycles, there still remains a shortage of hotel properties coming to market. One major factor driving this is that many owners are looking at their improving operating metrics and deciding to delay selling their assets in hopes of realizing greater gains in the future. A second factor is that low interest rates and aggressive competition among lenders has resulted in a market where owners can receive high loan proceeds should they choose to refinance rather than sell. When viewed on an after-tax basis, the refinancing scenario may very well yield higher pr...
Mark Lettenbichler Appointed CEO of Regent Hotels & Resorts
Regent Hotels & Resorts | December 18, 2013
December 18, 2013 - [Taipei, Taiwan] - International luxury hospitality brand Regent Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Lettenbichler as the new Chief Executive Officer of Regent Hotels & Resorts. Lettenbichler joins Regent with over 30 years of hotel management experience, 24 of which were with The Ritz-Carlton. He held tenures at numerous Ritz-Carlton Hotels globally, starting in California then onto Hawaii, Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing and Tokyo. Prior to joining Regent, Mr. Lettenbichler in his regional capacity as Vice President, was responsible for Ritz-Carlton Hotels throughout South East ...
Anhui Shou Cheng Investment Management Opens the 301-room DoubleTree by Hilton Anhui-Suzhou in China
DoubleTree By Hilton | December 18, 2013
December 18, 2013 - SUZHOU, China and MCLEAN, Va. - DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of the 23-story, 301-room DoubleTree by Hilton Anhui-Suzhou. The opening marks the first DoubleTree by Hilton property in Suzhou as well as in north Anhui Province. The hotel is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Anhui Shou Cheng Investment Management Co., Ltd. John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, "The opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Anhui-Suzhou underscores the continued growth and success of our brand in China. We look forward to delivering the unparalleled leisure options for which our b...
Amadeus Accelerates Move into Hotel IT Sector with USD 500m Acquisition of Newmarket International
Amadeus | December 18, 2013
Acquisition of leading IT provider to the hotel sector adds deep industry knowledge, key customer relationships and complementary product set Transaction is in line with Amadeus' strategy of diversification into new business areas. Deal significantly strengthens presence in the Hotel IT market, and emphasizes commitment to the sector. Adds strong management team with deep subject matter expertise and understanding of the hotel industry. Newmarket will bring a strategic customer base with top tier hotel chains and substantial hotel infrastructure and expertise. Newmarket is a growing, profitable and cash-generative business that wi...
Radisson® Debuts in Grenada, Opening the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, Grand Anse Beach, St. George
December 18, 2013
ST. GEORGE, GRENADA (December 18, 2013) - Radisson®, one of the world's best-recognized hotel brands, today announced the opening of the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, Grand Anse Beach, St. George. The premier four-star resort is set on 20 acres of lush, tropical grounds on the white sugar sand beachfront of Grand Anse Beach. "The opening of this fantastic beachfront resort reinforces our commitment to enhance the brand's portfolio and further expand our presence in resort destinations throughout the Americas," said Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Radisson. "Locations such as this play a key role as we continue to develop R...
