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Industry Happenings
Groundbreaking Takes Place for Hyatt Regency Galleria in Houston
BuildCentral | December 16, 2013
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Add/Update 125 Hotel Projects to the New Hotel Construction Projects Database Chicago, IL. December 16, 2013 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have added or updated 125 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: Tyre Casino Resort (Tyre , NY) Doheny Hotel (Dana Point, CA) KY Horse Park Hotel (Lexington, KY)...
Cedarbrook Lodge in Seattle, Washington Begins $16 Million Expansion; Completion Planned for Q3 2014
Cedarbrook Lodge | December 16, 2013
SEATTLE - (12/16/2013) - Cedarbrook Lodge, the quintessentially Northwest business and leisure destination located less than five minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, broke ground Thursday, Dec. 12, on an expansion project which will add a spa, whirlpool and third guest room building to the award-winning property. The $16 million project is scheduled for completion in Q3 of 2014. "Cedarbrook has become a prime destination for business and leisure travelers alike," said Stuart Rolfe, president of Wright Hotels, Inc., a Seattle-based company that is the Managing Member of Cedarbrook Lodge LLC. "Although the recent Propositio...
2013 Best Ski Hotels in the U.S.: Travelers Love to Cozy Up in Telluride Hotels
TrustYou | December 16, 2013
According to Online Travel Reviews, Best U.S. ski hotels include family-run condominiums in Aspen, CO, a small historic hotel in Telluride, CO, economy accommodations in Lake Placid, NY, and more December 16, 2013-Dallas, TX-If there's any one thing to say about the 2013 Best Ski Hotels in the U.S., it's that they are as varied as the sport itself: cross country, downhill, slalom, leisurely cocktail skiing, hardcore black diamond skiing. When it comes to the best ski vacations in the U.S., the only real consistency is that Colorado hotels seem to be doing something right with 7 of the top spots, including the #1 ranking for The Innsbruc...
The 308-key DoubleTree by Hilton Hangzhou East Opens in China; Owned by Hangzhou Vangoo Investment
DoubleTree by Hilton | December 16, 2013
HANGZHOU, China and MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 16, 2013 -- DoubleTree by Hilton (http://www.doubletree.com) and Hilton Worldwide (http://www.hiltonworldwide.com) today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Hangzhou East (http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/china/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-hangzhou-east-HGHHEDI/index.html). The stylish and upscale 20-story, 308-room hotel is centrally located in the business district of Xiasha Economic & Technological Development Zone in Hangzhou. The hotel is owned by Hangzhou Vangoo Investment Co., Ltd and operated by Hilton Worldwide. "The opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Hangzhou East marks our...
Prestige Hospitality Group Opens 135-room Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary-Airport North, Alberta, CA
Hampton Hotels | December 16, 2013
December 16, 2013 - CALGARY, Alberta and MCLEAN, Va. - Hampton Hotels, Hilton Worldwide's global brand of more than 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 135-room Hampton Inn - Calgary-Airport North, located at 2000 2021-100 Ave NE, adjacent to the Calgary International Airport. "Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Airport North offers contemporary accommodations for value-conscious guests, and will be a welcome sight for business and leisure travelers alike," says Marcel Berube, general manager, Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Airpo...
Insignia Hospitality Group Set to Open 94-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Hobbs, New Mexico
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | December 16, 2013
Hobbs, New Mexico - December 16, 2013 - The 94-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Hobbs, New Mexico is scheduled to open on Tuesday, December 17, 2013. Located at 3811 North Central Avenue, the TownePlace Suites Hobbs will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Insignia Hospitality Group, Inc. of Midland, Texas. Located uptown and 20 minutes from Lea County Regional Airport, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Zia Park Casino, Lea County Event Center and Lea Regional Medical Center. Rates vary depending on length of stay. "We are pleased to introduce the TownePlace Suites brand to the Hobbs area," said Loren ...
Is TRevPAR the Most Effective Metric for Revenue Managers?
Jean Francois Mourier | December 15, 2013
By Jean Francois Mourier There has been a great deal of discussion as of late as to the value of the revenue management metric TRevPar (Total Revenue per Available Room). TRevPAR is calculated by dividing the total net revenues of a property (room revenues plus ancillary revenue streams such as food and beverage, rentals, etc.) by the total available rooms. Many industry experts are saying that TRevPAR is a more valuable metric than RevPAR in determining pricing strategies, but I'm here today to offer a different opinion. TRevPAR is a fantastic metric for accountants, hotel owners and even the general manager, as it helps to determine t...
Mythbusters: Online Distribution
Erik Munoz | December 15, 2013
By Erik Munoz In my daily interactions with hoteliers and revenue managers, I encounter many people who find the huge number of different online distribution channels overwhelming. Most hotels have questions about the best practices of this very valuable and profitable channel. In an attempt to demystify online distribution, I wanted to share with you some of the most common myths – and offer insight into the truth behind each myth. Myth: Hotels should reduce their reliance on OTA bookings. There are many hoteliers who are adamant about avoiding OTAs (online travel agencies) unless absolutely necessary – primarily because of...
What Has Our Restaurant Dining Experience Turned Into?
Steve DiGioia | December 14, 2013
By Steve DiGioia Being in the hospitality business for over 25 years, I have seen some of the best and worst at their trade. From the hardworking, studious college kid that was very driven and worked as a waiter 6-days a week to put himself through school; the gravelly-voiced divorced mom of 4 grown kids that needed to pay her bills and get her life back on track; the "hot" chick that thought her looks was her ticket to fame and fortune and that being a waiter was only a temporary setback for her; and the overweight nerdy-guy that really couldn't relate well with his customers, continually came in late and never got a close shave but al...
Aimbridge Hospitality Selected to Manage 277-key Embassy Suites Jacksonville-Baymeadows in Florida
Aimbridge Hospitality | December 13, 2013
DALLAS, TEXAS (December 13, 2013) - Aimbridge Hospitality announced today that it has assumed management of the Embassy Suites Jacksonville-Baymeadows Hotel, located in close proximity to Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. The 277 room all-suite hotel is the only full-service hotel in Jacksonville, and is just minutes from the area's top attractions. The Embassy Suites Jacksonville-Baymeadows boasts more than 7,000 square feet of meeting and special event space as well as a fitness center, indoor pool, a business center and the delectable Omaha Steakhouse. Dave Johnson, President and CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality, is enthusiastic about the ...
Gansevoort Hotel Group Founder, Michael Achenbaum, to Develop $98 Million Lifestyle Hotel in London
| December 13, 2013
New York, N.Y. - December 13, 2013 - Michael Achenbaum, the creative visionary behind New York-based Gansevoort Hotel Group, has partnered with Douglaston Development, SUSD and Hondo Enterprises to develop a full-service urban resort at 45 Curtain Road in East London's fashionable Shoreditch district, set to break ground early next year. The $98 million project will feature 120 guest rooms with seven luxury suites, a restaurant, bi-level bar, rooftop swimming pool and lounge, 24-hour fitness center, over 6,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and a tech incubator. Architects Dexter Moren Associates and interior design group Desig...
Sage Hospitality Names Lisa Donovan as Chief People Officer
Sage Hospitality | December 13, 2013
DENVER, Dec. 13, 2013 -- Sage Hospitality, one of the top hotel investment and management companies in the U.S., is excited to announce its first Chief People Officer. Lisa Donovan will oversee all aspects of Sage's People Resources department including leadership development and internal communications. She will focus on Sage's strong culture, continuing the goal to make the company a desirable place to work, learn and grow. By developing a strong leadership pipeline, Sage will continue to achieve its aggressive growth strategy and deliver best-in-class performance. "We look forward to working with Lisa to achieve performance excellenc...
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa Appoints Thomas Gutmann as Director of Restaurants
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa | December 13, 2013
BEAVER CREEK, Colo. (Dec. 13, 2013) - Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa is pleased to announce Thomas Gutmann as the director of restaurants. Gutmann rejoins the celebrated mountain resort with more than 15 years of experience and success in the hospitality industry, most recently serving as the head of food and beverage operations at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver where he managed seven food and beverage outlets. Gutmann previously worked at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa as banquet manager, executive steward and restaurant manager from 2003 to 2007. In his current role, he will be overseeing the property's casual brea...
The Hotusa Group Opens the 750-room Eurostars Brisas Do Lago in Brazil
Hotusa Group | December 13, 2013
Barcelona, 13 December 2013 - Eurostars Hotels lands for first time in Brazil opening the Eurostars Brisas Do Lago (www.eurostarsbrisasdolago.com.br), a great five-star hotel located in the shores of Paranoá Lake, in Brazilia, with 750 luxurious suites equipped with the last technology. The hotel is located in a privileged aqua park of the capital, with views to the famous JK Bridge and the vicinity of a golf club. The Eurostars Brisas Do Lago is an exclusive hotel is based around an outdoor swimming pool with unique views to Paranoá Lake. It has been catered uptill the last detail in interior design to make your stay an unforgettable...
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson Signs Two Hotels in Southern U.S.
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson | December 13, 2013
Opening in Tennessee this Month and in Arkansas in Q4 2014 Minneapolis - December 13, 2013 - Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, a leader in the upper-midscale hotel segment and the homegrown brand from Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group today announced it has signed two hotels. The first, located at 1151 South Jefferson Avenue in Cookeville, TN will open on December 31, 2013 and the second, located at 2915 Main Street in Bryant, AR will open at the end of 2014. "We are very excited about these additions to our portfolio as we grow the brand in the southern region of the U.S.," said Scott Meyer, senior vice president, Midscale Brands, Americ...
Development Begins in Bolivia for 174-room Marriott Santa Cruz de la Sierra Hotel to Open in 2016
Marriott Hotels | December 13, 2013
Weston, Fla, December 13, 2013 - Marriott International's (NASDAQ: MAR) flagship brand, Marriott Hotels, announced plans to open the 174-room Marriott Hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra in 2016, making it the first hotel in Bolivia for the company. The hotel will be developed by Empresa Hotelera Icon S.A. and operated by Marriott International. Situated on the 4th Anillo (round about) in the heart of the Equipetrol neighborhood, the Marriott Santa Cruz de la Sierra Hotel will be located in one of city's most desirable areas, surrounded by the highest concentration of office buildings with multi-national tenants in the city, as well as a c...
Free In-Room Wi-Fi, YES; Free Pool-Side Wi-Fi, NOT SO MUCH – Survey Prioritizes Hotel Amenities
TripAdvisor | December 13, 2013
NEWTON, Mass., Dec. 13, 2013 -- TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced the results of the TripBarometer Truth in Travel Survey1, which reveals the hotel amenities and services U.S. travelers find most and least important. Free Wi-Fi, Parking and Breakfast in High Demand; But Travelers Not as Interested in the Mini-Bar or Spa Most Important Hotel Amenities for U.S. Travelers Free In-Room Wi-Fi (89%) Free Parking (89%) Free Breakfast (84%) Free Personal Care Items (72%) Free Lobby Wi-Fi (71%) Least Important Hotel Amenities for U.S. Travelers Mini Bar (21%) Spa/Beauty Treatments (23%) Business Center (...
Strategic Hotels & Resorts to Sell Four Seasons Punta Mita Resort to Bill Gates’ Cascade Investment
Strategic Hotels & Resorts | December 13, 2013
CHICAGO, Dec. 13, 2013 -- Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: BEE) announced today that the Company has signed an agreement with Cascade Investment, L.L.C. to sell the Four Seasons Punta Mita resort and the adjacent La Solana land parcel for gross consideration of $200 million, or approximately $1.1 million per key. Adjusting for the allocation of the land value, the sale represents approximately $980,000 per key. The sale includes 173 guest rooms and suites and a variety of resort restaurants and amenities. The sale also includes a 48 acre developable site directly adjacent to the resort, referred to as La Solana. The transacti...
Interval Leisure Group Acquires Hawaii-Based Aqua Hospitality and Aqua Hotels and Resorts
Interval Leisure Group (ILG) | December 13, 2013
MIAMI - December 13, 2013 - Interval Leisure Group ("ILG") (Nasdaq: IILG) today announced that it has acquired Aqua Hospitality and Aqua Hotels and Resorts ("Aqua") through an ILG subsidiary, Vacation Holdings Hawaii ("VHH"). Aqua is a leading management company currently representing more than 20 properties in Hawaii and Guam, and provides full-service management, including sales, marketing, Internet distribution, individualized branding, and reservations. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. "This acquisition furthers our strategy to expand ILG's fee-for-service business model in highly desirable destinations," said Craig M. N...
Best Western Names 2014 Board Officers; Dilipkumar Patel to Serve as Board Chairman
Best Western International, Inc. | December 13, 2013
PHOENIX (December 13, 2013) - Best Western International announced today that its board of directors has elected Dilipkumar 'Danny' Patel as board chairman. Patel is the owner of the BEST WESTERN Hawkinsville Inn & Suites in Hawkinsville, Ga., and the BEST WESTERN PLUS Bradbury Inn & Suites in Waycross, Ga. Patel has more than 25 years of hospitality experience. A Best Western member for more than 17 years, he has served the brand as a governor and a member of the Design Advisory Committee. He has also served a as chairman for the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and a director on the board of the Georgia Hotel &a...
PM Hospitality Strategies Completes Upgrade of 169-key Comfort Inn Capital Beltway, Washington, D.C.
PMHS | December 13, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 13, 2013 - Guests arriving at the Comfort Inn Capital Beltway will experience a whole new look and lodging experience, following a significant upgrade to the hotel. Located at 4050 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, Md., the hotel completed a total makeover of its lobby and public space and installed Choice's new Truly Yours® bedding in the hotel's 169 guest rooms. "Today's hotel guest wants contemporary design and furnishings, coupled with extraordinary service and value," said Joseph Bojanowski, president of PM Hospitality Strategies (PMHS), operators of the hotel. "We have taken the décor and service to new le...
$22 Million Renovation Launched for the 525-room Westin O’Hare in Illinois
Westin Hotels & Resorts | December 13, 2013
DECEMBER 13, 2013 - ROSEMONT, IL - As one of the most iconic hotels servicing the O'Hare International Airport and Rosemont areas, The Westin O'Hare will mark its 25th anniversary in 2014 with a $22 million comprehensive renovation that will include transforming its lobby lounge into a fully-licensed Starbucks café, complete with outdoor seating. The project will also prominently feature complete makeovers to 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting and ballroom space with new carpeting, wall vinyl, lighting fixtures, artwork, audio/video services and both wired and wireless internet connectivity. The transformation is scheduled to begin with constru...
Meetings of the Future: Five Industry Trends from Crowne Plaza Hotels’ Event Planners
December 12, 2013
New Delhi, 12 December 2013: In line with the business boom in Asia, meeting planners expect the demand for meetings hosted within the region to grow by 6.6% in 2013 with more meetings being hosted in the emerging economies of Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines. According to International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA), India is 27th in the global meeting market. India's huge population and increase in purchasing power are attracting businesses and more business visitors than ever before. MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) inbound arrivals accounted for over 4% of the total number of arriv...
Petrinka Kortmann Named as Director of Human Resources, Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Curacao
Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Curacao | December 12, 2013
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, December 12, 2013 - Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has appointed Petrinka Kortmann director of human resources for the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Curacao. Philippe Eversdijk, Benchmark's general manager at the resort, made the announcement. Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is a Benchmark Resort® located on the Caribbean island of Curacao. "It is a pleasure to welcome Petrinka to Benchmark Hospitality and Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort," said Mr. Eversdijk. "She comes to us with impressive credentials gained in human reso...
