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Industry Happenings
hotel SystemsPro Appoints Patrick Scully Director of Product Strategy
hotel SystemsPro | December 17, 2013
Scully Tapped to Expand hotel SalesPro Solution; Will Coordinate Client Input and Development to Exceed User Expectations Atlanta, Georgia - December 17, 2013 - hotel SystemsPro - a leading provider of ASP-based enterprise hotel sales software, maintenance automation, and guest service solutions - named Patrick Scully as director of product strategy. Scully joins the company with extensive hotel operations and hospitality software product development experience that enables him to serve hotel SystemsPro clients and strengthen its solutions. Click here for more information on hotel SystemsPro products. "hotel SystemsPro and its clients a...
Beijing Lixing Property Development & Hyatt to Build 349-key Hyatt Regency Beijing, Wangjing, China
Hyatt Regency | December 17, 2013
CHICAGO (December 17, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Beijing Lixing Property Development Co., Ltd for a new Hyatt Regency hotel in Beijing. Expected to open in 2017, Hyatt Regency Beijing, Wangjing will be the first Hyatt Regency in this key gateway city, joining the two existing Hyatt-branded hotels, Park Hyatt Beijing and Grand Hyatt Beijing. "We are excited to bring the Hyatt Regency brand to one of the most sought-after cities in the world and further expand Hyatt's brand presence in the capital city of China," said Larry Tchou, Group P...
Hersha Hospitality to Purchase Two Autograph Collection Hotels in Miami Beach for $50.95 Million
Hersha Hospitality | December 17, 2013
December 17, 2013 - PHILADELPHIA - Hersha Hospitality Trust (NYSE:HT) ("Hersha" or the "Company"), owner of upscale hotels in urban gateway markets, today announced the Company has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase two Autograph Collection hotels in Miami's South Beach ("South Beach Autograph Portfolio"). The purchase price for the South Beach Autograph Portfolio, which totals 145 rooms, is $50.95 million. "The proposed acquisition of the South Beach Autograph Portfolio is a continuation of Hersha's strategy to increase its presence in the Miami Beach submarket, following the non-core portfolio sale announced in September,...
Auberge Resorts Appoints Craig Reid President and Chief Executive Officer
Auberge Resorts | December 17, 2013
MILL VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 17, 2013 -- Auberge Resorts, developer, operator and owner of boutique luxury resorts, residences and private clubs across North America, announced today that Craig T. Reid, President of Hotel Operations, Americas, at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, will join the company as President and Chief Executive Officer. Reid, who oversaw a region of more than 40 hotels and resorts during a career with Four Seasons that spanned three decades, will lead Auberge Resorts as it expands internationally through new projects in the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Africa. Reid will report to current CEO...
Wyndham Hotel Group Appoints Leo Liu as China Managing Director
Wyndham Hotel Group | December 17, 2013
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (December 17, 2013) – With the aggressive expansion of its over 650-hotel portfolio in China, Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company with nearly 7,440 hotels and part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), today announced the appointment of Leo Liu as managing director for China. In this newly created role designed to support the company's rapid growth in the country, Liu will be responsible for Wyndham Hotel Group's operations and development functions as well as the coordination and execution of cross-functional brand initiatives. He will be based in the company's Shanghai offices. With over 1...
EventBoard from Flyte Systems Goes Live at John Q. Hammons Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport
Flyte Systems | December 17, 2013
EventBoard Provides Guests with a Convenient Single Point of Information for Property Way-finding, Meeting Schedules and Rooms, VIP Greeting, and Real-Time Airport Flight Information CHICAGO, IL - December 17, 2013 - Flyte Systems, the leading provider of airport travel information displays and digital signage content for the hospitality industry, convention centers and related businesses, announced the installation of its newest EventBoard service at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport. The property is operated by John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts. Click here to request information on Flyte Systems' airport travel and guest ...
FCS Gateway Solution for Billing & Voice Messaging now Integrated with Toshiba Strata CIX®
FCS | December 17, 2013
Helps Symphony Suites Increase Revenue; Partnership between technology innovators helps boutique and limited service hotels more efficiently manage billing and guest services Singapore - December 17, 2013 - FCS Computer Systems, a leading global provider of comprehensive hospitality guest services applications and solution design services, is pleased to announce the successful integration of its Gateway solution with Toshiba Singapore Pte Ltd, Unified Communication Systems' Strata CIX® Unified Communication Systems. Together, the industry leading solutions in hotel billing and unified communication applications with IP telephony will e...
LaSalle Hotel Properties Promotes Ian Gaum to Chief Investment Officer
LaSalle Hotel Properties | December 17, 2013
BETHESDA, MD, DECEMBER 17, 2013 -- LaSalle Hotel Properties (NYSE: LHO) today announced that it has promoted Ian Gaum to Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Gaum has served as Senior Vice President of Acquisitions of the Company since July, 2007 and was Vice President of Asset Management from July, 1998 through June, 2007. Prior to joining LaSalle Hotel Properties, Mr. Gaum worked in asset management with VMS Realty and Stone Levy Advisors. "Ian joined LaSalle Hotel Properties shortly after its IPO and has been instrumental in the execution of our business plan during that entire period, both in asset management and acquisitions. He has succe...
PM Hospitality Strategies Names Daniel Zwim General Manager of 180-key Westin Wilmington in Delaware
PMHS | December 17, 2013
WILMINGTON, Del./WASHINGTON, D.C., December 17, 2013 - PM Hospitality Strategies (PMHS), a hotel management company, today announced that it has named Daniel Zwim general manager of the soon-to-open, 180-room Westin Wilmington in Delaware. Scheduled to open in spring of 2014, the hotel is owned in a joint venture comprised of Buccini/Pollin Group and Westport Capital. PMHS is overseeing construction, providing pre-opening services and will operate the hotel upon opening. "David's longstanding familiarity with the Westin brand, coupled with his regional expertise in the mid-Atlantic area, made him an ideal selection to lead this hotel to...
Hong Kong’s Hotel ICON Named as Finalist in United Nations Tourism Awards; The Only Hotel Named
Hotel ICON | December 17, 2013
[Hong Kong, December 17, 2013] - Hotel ICON is the only finalist from Greater China - and the lone hotel - in the coveted United Nation's World Tourism Organisation Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism 2013. Hong Kong's Hotel ICON is one of four finalists for the Award for Innovation in Enterprises, also known as the Ulysses Award for Innovation. The award acknowledges the world's best tourism initiatives that are both sustainable and profitable. These are the "flagship awards for the global tourism sector", says the United Nations. Hotel ICON is the only hotel among the 13 finalists and one of the few projects that is commer...
Glen Cove Mansion Earns Corporate Pinnacle Award For Excellence from Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce
Glen Cove Mansion | December 17, 2013
Historic Glen Cove Mansion, One of the Nation's First Conference Center Hotels, Also Honored by the New York State Assembly Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, December 2013 ... The I.A.C.C. - certified Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center, arguably the nation's first dedicated conference center hotel, has been honored for excellent corporate citizenship by the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce and the New York State Assembly. The legendary property was originally the country estate of the Pratt family, founders and endowers of the renowned Pratt Institute. "It is such an honor to receive these awards," said Ata Kashanian, vice presi...
Milestone Wins Prestigious Awards for Website Design, Internet and Social Media Marketing Strategies
Milestone | December 17, 2013
Santa Clara, CA - December 17th, 2013 - Milestone Internet Marketing, Inc. announced that it has earned several prestigious industry awards for excellence in website design, internet marketing and social media marketing strategies in 2013. Milestone garnered several top honors, including Internet Advertising Competition Awards for outstanding websites and social media campaigns, Interactive Media Awards (IMA) and WebAwards. Milestone Founder and President Benu Aggarwal was named one of the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing at HSMAI's Adrian Awards, which recognizes inspiring people in sales and marketing for the hosp...
TownePlace Suites Jackson Ridgeland/The Township at Colony Park to Open in Ridgeland, Mississippi
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | December 17, 2013
The 94-key Hotel is Owned by Township Hospitality Group, & Managed by InterMountain Management Ridgeland, Mississippi - December 17, 2013 - The custom designed 94-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Ridgeland, Mississippi is scheduled to open on Friday, December 20, 2013. Located at 310 Southlake Avenue, the TownePlace Suites Jackson Ridgeland/The Township at Colony Park will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Township Hospitality Group, LLC and managed by InterMountain Management, LLC, Monroe, Louisiana. Just 17 miles from Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport and only 12 minutes from downtown Jackson, the prop...
The 30-room DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles-Allamanda Resort & Spa Opens in the Seychelles
DoubleTree By Hilton | December 17, 2013
December 16, 2013 - DUBAI, U.A.E. and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today announced the official opening of the 30-room DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles-Allamanda Resort & Spa, its third resort in the Republic of The Seychelles Islands. From its prime beach-facing location on the Southeast coast of Mahe, Seychelles largest and best known island, DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles-Allamanda Resort & Spa is a true paradise escape. Surrounded by 2.5 hectares of picturesque, indigenous landscaped gardens and boasting breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, the hotel is an enchanting island resort of barefoot indulgence. John Greenleaf,...
Chicago’s 215-room Kinzie Hotel to Open in February 2014 Redefining the Current Amalfi Hotel
Kinzie Hotel | December 17, 2013
(CHICAGO, IL; December 17, 2013) - Kinzie Hotel (20 West Kinzie Street), opening in February 2014 in the heart of Chicago's bustling River North neighborhood in a space currently occupied by the Amalfi Hotel, reveals an urban exploration design scheme inspired by Chicago's rich history and landscape displayed throughout the upscale, boutique property. The design project, led by Gettys Design Group Chicago, was inspired by the city's first settler and renowned explorer, John Kinzie. All elements from branding to design pay tribute to Kinzie's historical role. Vintage imagery of 19th century Chicago maps and compasses are subtly displayed...
5 Phrases That Should Never Be Used in the Customer Service Business
Steve DiGioia | December 16, 2013
by Steve DiGioia "Customer Service" is a term that too frequently is used as a catch-all for the experience received or given in today's business world. But what customer service is to me may be different from what it is to you and what you expect, or tolerate. It's strange that I mention tolerate since that is exactly what most of us have been doing when we are on the receiving-end of many service businesses. We wait in long lines because the business didn't schedule enough staff to work the cash registers. We search down aisle after aisle to find an employee so we can ask where something is or if they have a particular product in stor...
How To Implement A Front Desk Upselling Program / Doug Kennedy
Doug Kennedy | December 16, 2013
By Doug Kennedy December 16, 2013 As the industry looks ahead to what is hoped to be a continued rebound in demand in 2014, most hotel revenue and marketing executives are ready to move beyond a "let's get the heads in the beds" era and to focus on continuing to regain ground on ADR. One significant opportunity is to implement a comprehensive program for upselling guests at registration. Of course a related opportunity to upsell is when callers contact the reservations department or call center. Based on my experiences in the reservations mystery shopping business, there are still too many agents that only quote one rate - the lowest. S...
Carlson Appoints Tony Pellegrin as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development
Carlson | December 16, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 16, 2013) -- Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, today announced the appointment of Tony Pellegrin as senior vice president, Corporate Development, Carlson. He will report directly to Trudy Rautio, president and chief executive officer, Carlson. Pellegrin will spearhead the corporate development efforts for Carlson as well as lead the strategic planning process. "We are excited to welcome Tony into a pivotal role in the company as we continue to explore opportunities for strategic options to drive growth," explained Rautio. "He brings us broad experience in strategic, financial, operational and legal matt...
Denver, Colorado’s Curtis – a Doubletree by Hilton Launches $5 Million Guest Room & Lobby Renovation
the Curtis - a Doubletree by Hilton | December 16, 2013
Denver, Colo. (Dec. 16, 2013) - Denver's only pop culture hotel, the Curtis - a Doubletree by Hilton, is pleased to announce that it has launched an extensive $5 million property renovation that will include upgrades to all guest rooms as well as a lobby expansion. Originally opened in 2007, the downtown Denver hotel features 13 themed guest room floors - including the Chick Flick Floor, the TV Mania Floor and the Mad About Music Floor. Each of the Curtis' 336 guest rooms will undergo a dramatic transformation, including new furniture, artwork, linens, carpeting, drapery and more. The hotel will also be introducing two additional one-be...
Aaron Glick Appointed as Vice President of Global Brand Management for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | December 16, 2013
STAMFORD, CT - December 16, 2013 - Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Starwood's largest and most global brand, announced today the appointment of Aaron Glick to Vice President of Global Brand Management. A six-year veteran of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, in his new role Glick will report to Hoyt H. Harper, Global Brand Leader for Sheraton, and help direct Sheraton's brand strategy, global brand initiatives and brand communications. Most recently, Glick spent two years as the Director of Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Strategy and Analytics in Asia Pacific. Based in Shanghai, he played a major role in doubling the number of SPG ...
Slated to Open in 2017, the 350-key Lakeside Shangri-La, Yangon is Under Development in Myanmar
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts | December 16, 2013
Hong Kong, December 16, 2013 - Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd. will open its second hotel in Yangon, Myanmar in 2017. With a prime location on the banks of Kandawgyi Lake, the 350-room Lakeside Shangri-La, Yangon will command magnificent views of the glittering Shwedagon Pagoda and unparalleled vistas over the lake. The hotel will be near the new Shangri-La Residences, Yangon, which are also managed by Shangri-La. The Hong Kong-based hotel group has been operating in Myanmar since 1996 when it opened the 334-room Traders Hotel, Yangon. "The steady increase of domestic and foreign investment in Myanmar's economic capital m...
The 249-room Tokyo Marriott Hotel Opens in Japan
Marriott Hotels | December 16, 2013
TOKYO, December 16, 2013 - Marriott International announces the opening of the Tokyo Marriott Hotel on a hilltop address known locally as Gotenyama. This represents the global hospitality company's 12th hotel in Japan, and the third under its flagship Marriott Hotels brand, which comprises 500 properties in nearly 60 countries. Just minutes from the capital's bullet-train serviced Shinagawa Station, the 249-room hotel enables direct easy access to the Tokaido bullet train as well as Haneda Airport and the Yamanote Line circling central Tokyo. With the opening of Tokyo Marriott Hotel, Marriott International is poised to meet the growing ...
Twin River Worldwide Holdings to Acquire Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi for $250 M
| December 16, 2013
LINCOLN, R.I. - December 16, 2013 - In a move to geographically expand its gaming operations, Twin River Worldwide Holdings, parent company of Twin River Casino (www.twinriver.com) in Lincoln, Rhode Island, announced its intent to acquire the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. The purchase price is $250,000,000, subject to adjustments. According to John E. Taylor, Jr., chairman of Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc, the company has been seeking to diversify its revenue base to better withstand industry and marketplace challenges. "Growing the business both organically and through acquisition solidifies our presence in ...
Warning for Hotel Investors Considering Golf Courses: Golf Courses are Different!
JMBM | December 16, 2013
They have different risks and require different skill sets. 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 16 December 2013 Hotel Lawyer with some insights on buying and developing golf courses. Hotel investors suddenly seem to be buying or building more golf courses. With the right expectations and circumstances, golf courses can make sense -- particularly as an amenity for hotels, residential development and other real estate. But as more hospitality clients look at golf courses, it seems appropriate to consider the drivers of this r...
