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Industry Happenings
Profiles In Success: How YMCA of The Rockies Grows Business with Loyalty, Custom Group Landing Pages
Maestro Property Management Solution | December 11, 2013
Relationships and Exceptional Personal Service are Winning Strategies for YMCA of the Rockies; Partnership with NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS Benefits Property, Guests, Staff, and Global Community Markham, ON - December 11, 2013 - YMCA of the Rockies understands relationships. For more than 100 years it has built its growing year-round group business on customer loyalty and long-term relationships with organizations and individuals. When YMCA of the Rockies made its property management system decision, its short list had only 2 companies - the industry's largest system vendor and Maestro, the service-focused provider for independents. The prope...
House-Senate Committee Budget Deal Gives Hotel Industry Cause for Optimism; Industry Urges Approval
the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) | December 11, 2013
Washington, D.C. - December 11, 2013 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry, issued the following statement on news that House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray (D-WA) have reached agreement on a plan to address the approaching continuing resolution (CR) expiration: "Today's announcement of a budget deal is a positive step in providing the fiscal certainty necessary to allow the lodging industry to continue to grow," said Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president/CEO. "October's ...
The 359-key Fairmont Nanjing Opens in China
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts | December 11, 2013
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Dec. 11, 2013) - Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Fairmont Nanjing - the luxury hotel brand's fourth property in China. Situated in the heart of the prestigious district of Hexi New Town, it is the closest luxury hotel to major transportation centers, mainly, Nanjing Lukou International Airport and Nanjing South Railway Station, and just a few blocks from the Nanjing International Expo Centre and Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre. "The city of Nanjing is one of the fastest growing travel destinations in China and we are delighted to open Fairmont Nanjing at such an opportune time," said Martin Le...
Sheraton Gateway LAX in Los Angeles Sold to Chinese Developer, Hazens Real Estate Group for $96M
Hazens Real Estate Group | December 11, 2013
Newport Beach, CA - December 11, 2013 -- Maxim Hotel Brokerage is pleased to announce the sale of the 802-room Sheraton Gateway LAX Hotel on Century Boulevard. The property was sold off-market for $96 million by an affiliate of Long Wharf Real Estate Partners. The buyer, Hazens Real Estate Group is among the largest private real estate developers in China, and this acquisition marks their first transaction in the United States. According to Harry Pflueger, Principal with Maxim Hotel Brokerage, "This buyer could have purchased any hotel for sale in Los Angeles, but they selected the Sheraton due to the strength of the market, upside to i...
Boomerang Hotels Opens the 41-room GuestHouse International in Abbeville, Alabama
Boomerang Hotels | December 11, 2013
(Hendersonville, Tennessee and Aberdeen, South Dakota, December 11, 2013) - Boomerang Hotels announces the opening of the newest GuestHouse International® Inn in Abbeville, AL. Owned by Milap and Trishla Patel, of Kleem 2012, L.L.C, and located at 1237 US Highway 431 S, this is the fourth GuestHouse International® hotel in Alabama. "Selecting GuestHouse International® allows us the flexibility to operate our hotel in the best interest of our customer base as well as ownership," said Milap and Trishla Patel, Managers/Owners of Kleem 2012, L.L.C. "We know GuestHouse International® has the best interest of their franchise partners at h...
Lodging Interactive Offering Free Services Bundle to New Digital Marketing Clients in 2014
Lodging Interactive | December 11, 2013
Need a new Website . . . Search Engine Content Marketing . . . Social Media Engagement . . . and Online Reputation Management? Hotels that sign up for full-service digital marketing services will receive a FREE gift that will keep on giving throughout the New Year! PARSIPPANY, N.J. - DECEMBER 11, 2013 - Lodging Interactive is offering a gift to hoteliers this holiday season that will keep on giving throughout 2014. Any hotel that signs up for full-service digital marketing before January 31 will receive a bundle of FREE services, valued at more than $8,000. "This is the time of year for giving, and Lodging Interactive is bundling some o...
Best Western Opens Six Properties in November 2013
Best Western International, Inc. | December 11, 2013
PHOENIX (December 11, 2013) Property name: BEST WESTERN PLUS Glenview-Chicagoland Inn & Suites Property location: Glenview, IL # of rooms: 110 Conversion (from Fairfield Inn/Marriott) Property name: BEST WESTERN PLUS West I-64 (15112) Property location: New Albany, IN # of rooms: 135 Conversion (from Holiday Inn Express) Property name: BEST WESTERN PLUS Hobby Airport Inn & Suites (44696) Property location: Houston, TX # of rooms: 72 Conversion (from Country Inn & Suites) Property name: BEST WESTERN PLUS Winnipeg Airport Hotel (63017) Property location: Winnipeg, MB # of rooms: 213 Conversion (from independent) Property name:...
Carver Hotel Group and Departmental Process Solutions Announce Alliance
Carver Hotel Group | December 11, 2013
Key industry leaders announce alliance designed to increase guest service scores and drive revenue. ATLANTA, GA- December 11, 2013 - Joel Carver, CEO of Carver Hotel Group and Michele Rotter-Doran, EVP of Departmental Process Solutions have announced an alliance designed to give hotels and hotel companies a competitive advantage by converting increased guest service scores into revenue. Based in Atlanta, GA, Carver Hotel Group, LLC (CHG) services include task force sales, marketing, revenue management and operational professionals, sales team development, deployment and ROI measurement; marketing and eCommerce; sales team training and d...
Vail Resorts Reports Fiscal 2014 Q1 Net Loss of $73.4M Compared to Loss of $60.6M Prior Year Qtr.
Vail Resorts, Inc. | December 10, 2013
Early Season Indicators Show Season Pass Sales Up 13% BROOMFIELD, Colo., Dec. 9, 2013 -- Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today reported results for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 ended October 31, 2013 as well as certain early season indicators. Highlights Resort Reported EBITDA loss, which includes the Company's Mountain and Lodging segments, was $66.5 million for the first fiscal quarter of 2014 versus a loss of $54.5 million in the same period in the prior year. This includes operating results of the Urban Ski Areas and Canyons, transactions in fiscal 2013, which generated $7.6 million of negative EBITDA, including $2.7 million o...
Flip.to to be Honored by HSMAI with a Silver Award in 57th Annual Adrian Awards Competition
Flip.to | December 10, 2013
New York — December 11, 2013 — Flip.to, the brand advocate platform that helps hotels turn their guests into advocates will be recognized by Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) with a Silver Adrian Award for Social Media Marketing excellence for its winning entry in the 57th annual Adrian Awards, the largest and most prestigious travel marketing competition globally. This year's contest attracted more than 1,200 entries from around the world, with entries judged by top executives from all sectors of the industry. On Feb. 24, 2014, HSMAI will pay tribute to Flip.to during the annual HSMAI Adrian Awards...
The Kessler Collection Opens The Castle Hotel in Orlando, FL as an Autograph Collection Property
The Kessler Collection | December 10, 2013
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 10, 2013 -- The Kessler Collection, a portfolio of 10 artistically inspired boutique hotels and restaurants, proudly unveiled the Castle Hotel as its latest work of art and ninth Autograph Collection property during the official Grand Opening on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Local dignitaries, media, community members and hotel guests experienced the inspiring and interactive debut with alluring cocktails, art exhibitions, fine dining and live entertainment – evoking an air of true creativity, passion and Bohemia that has become synonymous with The Kessler Collection brand. Guests were greeted with a cocktail reception i...
Laurus Corp. Completes Renovation & Rebranding of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Salt Lake City Airport
Laurus Corporation | December 10, 2013
SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 10, 2013 -- Laurus Corporation, a U.S.-based private real estate investment and development firm, has completed a $5.3 million renovation of the Hilton Salt Lake City Airport and branded the facility as the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Salt Lake City Airport. The property-wide renovation featured a complete revamp of the guestrooms and inviting public spaces to provide sleek, contemporary furnishings, as well as modern interior design. The landscaping and exterior setting was also enhanced to showcase the property's stunning picturesque scenery. Laurus Corporation acquired the 288-room full-service hotel in July 2012 ...
Investor Friedkin Capital Partners Buys Into Auberge Resorts Portfoliio
Auberge Resorts | December 10, 2013
MILL VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 10, 2013 -- Auberge Resorts, developer, operator and owner of boutique luxury resorts, residences and private clubs across North America, announced today that Friedkin Capital Partners, owned and operated by Houston businessman Dan Friedkin, has teamed with the Harmon family, owners of Auberge Resorts, by investing in the company. Dan will serve as Chairman of the Board and Mark Harmon, the CEO and founder, will continue to serve as CEO, member of the board, and will continue to run the day-to-day business of the company. This investment brings together two like-minded legacies, that of Dan Friedkin and Auberge...
Red Roof® Inn Appoints Phil Hugh as Chief Development Officer
December 10, 2013
COLUMBUS, Ohio - December 10, 2013 - Red Roof Inn, a leader in the economy lodging sector, has named Phil Hugh, Chief Development Officer, effective immediately. Hugh brings almost 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry to the position. Previously he was Executive Vice President, Worldwide Franchise Sales, Realogy Franchise Group in Parsippany, New Jersey. "Phil brings a proven combination of strong franchise sales, portfolio management, branding, and mergers and acquisitions experience and skills to Red Roof Inn," says Andrew Alexander, President, Red Roof Inn. "Phil will be integral in growing franchise ownership, building...
HEI Hotels and UNITE HERE Reach Agreement
UNITE HERE | December 10, 2013
Pioneering a Partnership for Growth and Improved Labor Relations Industry-Wide NORWALK, Conn., Dec. 10, 2013-- HEI Hotels & Resorts and labor union UNITE HERE affirmed today the formation of a long-term partnership focused on generating mutual growth and improving industry-wide labor relations through communication. While details of the strategic relationship are not being announced, the agreement resolves all ongoing matters between the union and HEI. "Today marks a milestone for the hotel industry and organized labor," said Anthony Rutledge, Chief Executive Officer of HEI Hotels & Resorts. "For decades, organized labor and hot...
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Acquires Radisson Hotel Fisherman’s Wharf and Retail in San Francisco, CA
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | December 10, 2013
BETHESDA, Md. - December 10, 2013 - Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE:PEB) (the "Company") today announced that it has acquired the Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf and Retail for $132.0 million. The 355-room hotel, which includes approximately 44,000 square feet of street retail space, is located in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, CA. The property will be managed by Davidson Hotels & Resorts ("Davidson"). "We're very pleased with our acquisition of the Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf and Retail, located in one of San Francisco's strongest submarkets," said Jon Bortz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pebblebrook...
London Hotels Receive Worst Reviews Out of 30 European Destinations Says Cheaprooms.com.uk Survey
| December 10, 2013
LONDON, Dec. 10, 2013 -- London tourists often leave their hotel disappointed. According to a new survey from the hotel booking site Cheaprooms.co.uk, hotels in the British capital have received, on average, the worst customer reviews among 30 top European destinations over the past two years. The survey is based on hotel reviews awarded on the Expedia platform by customers after their hotel stay. Specifically it takes into consideration the question of whether guests would or would not recommend their hotel to other clients. For the various destinations, all reviews of 3- and 4-star hotels over the past 24 months were considered. Over ...
Colombia Looking to Grow M.I.C.E. Business by David Brudney
David M. Brudney | December 10, 2013
A recent trip to Colombia highlighted the country's commitment to group and meetings business. I haven't written in a few months because of my heavy speaking and travel schedule, which was highlighted by a trip to Colombia for a three-day symposium on the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions industry. The first International Symposium for the Events and Conventions Industry was put on by COTELCO, Columbia's Hotel and Tourism Association, and took place at the Plaza Mayor in the city of Medellin. I was very pleasantly surprised to see firsthand Medellin's impressive recovery from the urban wars and drug cartel reign of terro...
Urgo Hotels and Resorts Appoints Natalee Lynch as Area Director of Spas Overseeing SiSpas in Florida
Urgo Hotels and Resorts | December 10, 2013
BETHESDA, MD. - (December 10, 2013) - Urgo Hotels and Resorts announces today that their Palm Beach spa-concept, SiSpa, will open a second location in their Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa property. The hotel, which opened in July of this year, marks the 32nd property in the hospitality groups' portfolio. Natalee Lynch, who was recently appointed to Area Director of Spas for Urgo Hotels & Resorts, will oversee the opening. Lynch helmed the Palm Beach location for four years driving a 119-percent increase in revenue growth for the spa. Under her direction, the second SiSpa location will offer several of its si...
Michael Katigbak Named Director of Sales & Marketing for 49-key Capella Washington D.C., Georgetown
Capella Washington, D.C., Georgetown | December 10, 2013
WASHINGTON D.C. - December 10, 2013 - Capella Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of Michael Katigbak as Capella Washington, D.C., Georgetown's Director of Sales and Marketing. Katigbak will oversee leadership of the hotel's marketing functions, driving collaboration and partnerships with local and national organizations, and ensuring guest satisfaction. He will also be responsible for driving and maintaining Capella's strong relationships with the diplomatic community in the capital city. "Michael joins us at an ideal time as Capella Washington, D.C., Georgetown enters a new chapter after garnering a slew of prestigious aw...
Football Fans Are Big on Feedback: What Do Super Bowl Fans Want Most During Big Game Hotel Stays?
TrustYou | December 10, 2013
Peace & Quiet, Good Service, Great Food & WiFi TrustYou Analyzes Reviews From Last Five Super Bowl Host Cities To Infer What NY Hotels Can Expect During This Year's Unprecedented Outdoor Super Bowl New York, New York and Munich, Germany - December 10, 2013 - Football fans are big on more than just the big game; feedback in the form of online hotel reviews seems to be something pigskin lovers are passionate about. TrustYou, an online reputation management company, has collaborated with Donna Quadri-Felitti, Ph.D.at New York University, Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports Management, to look at hotel r...
Capital Hotel Management (CHM) Retained for Asset Management for Three Florida Hotels
Capital Hotel Management (CHM) | December 10, 2013
The 104-room Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale-Airport, The 127-room Hampton Inn Miami-Airport West and The 122-room Hilton Garden Inn Orlando East/UCF Area BEVERLY, Mass., Dec. 10, 2013 - Capital Hotel Management (CHM), a leading hotel asset management and investment advisory firm, today announced that it has been retained to provide asset management services for three, focused-service hotels located in Florida: the 104-room Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale-Airport, the 127-room Hampton Inn Miami-Airport West and the 122-room Hilton Garden Inn Orlando East/UCF Area. The first two hotels are owned by The Lightstone Group, a...
Michael Schmid Named as GM for 153-key Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Opening this Month in Costa Rica
Andaz | December 10, 2013
Juan Carlos Salgar Named Executive Chef and Patricia Fuertes Bolaños Named Spa Manager New York, NY (December 10, 2013) - Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, the deluxe 153-room property opening in Costa Rica on December 20th, 2013 announces that Michael Schmid, Juan Carlos Salgar and Patricia Fuertes Bolaños have been appointed as General Manager, Executive Chef and Spa Manager respectively. Combined, the new team brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality, culinary and wellness sectors. A native of Switzerland and raised in Latin America, General Manager, Michael Schmid has been instrumental in defining and establishing the Andaz ...
WTTC Taps nSight As Global Knowledge Partner
nSight | December 10, 2013
Global Research Leader Uses Travel Intent Data to Extend Travel Research NASHVILLE, TN - December 10, 2013 - The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has invited nSight, the largest aggregator of live global travel intent data, to join its exclusive group of Knowledge Partners to help extend research on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism worldwide. Conducting research to understand the value of Travel & Tourism to world economies, WTTC invites selected global research organizations and academic institutions to join its exclusive group of Knowledge Partners who are leaders in their field of research and...
