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Industry Happenings
JW Marriott New Orleans Names René Bajeux Executive Chef
JW Marriott New Orleans | December 6, 2013
New Orleans, LA (December 6, 2013) - René Bajeux has been named Executive Chef of the JW Marriott New Orleans, it was announced today by Ted Selogie, General Manager. Chef Bajeux, who was most recently Executive Chef at the Renaissance Arts Hotel and his namesake restaurant, René Bistrot, has been with Marriott Hotels & Resorts since 2012. As one of only 44 French Master Chefs in America (designated by the prestigious Maitre Cuisinier de France organization), Chef Bajeux has made his home in New Orleans for the past few years. Born and raised on a farm in Lorraine, France, food and cooking were always an integral part of his every...
Hans Ritten Appointed as General Manager of Silversmith Hotel in Chicago
Remington Hotels | December 6, 2013
CHICAGO, Ill. (December 6, 2013) - Remington Hotels, a full management and hospitality service company, welcomes Hans Ritten as general manager of Silversmith Hotel. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry in both branded and independent luxury hotels, Ritten will apply his knowledge to manage daily operations, improve guest satisfaction scores, implement a new food and beverage concept and oversee Silversmith Hotel's $12 million renovation. "I'm thrilled to join the incredible team here at Silversmith Hotel," says Hans Ritten, general manager. "Having worked with Remington Hotels for a number of years, I can guarantee our...
Outrigger Names Jim Heather as GM for the Honolulu Airport Hotel and Best Western® The Plaza Hotel
Outrigger Enterprises Group | December 6, 2013
HONOLULU, OAHU, HAWAII - December 6, 2013 - Outrigger Enterprises Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Heather as general manager of the Honolulu Airport Hotel and Best Western® The Plaza Hotel. Both hotels are located within a mile of the Honolulu International Airport and are managed by Outrigger. Heather will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and staff management of the two hotels, as well as planning, organizing and directing all hotel services and ensuring a balance between customer satisfaction, effective business management and financial viability for each property. Heather returns "home" with this appo...
Benchmark Names Pat Weldon Director of Sales & Marketing for The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center
The Heldrich Hotel and Conference Center | December 6, 2013
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas - December 6, 2013 - Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has appointed Pat Weldon director of sales and marketing for The Heldrich, a Benchmark Hotel located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Stacy Martin, Benchmark's general manager for The Heldrich, made the announcement. "It is with pleasure that I welcome Pat to our hotel," said Ms. Martin. "She comes equipped with important sales leadership experience, and she has previously worked for conference center hotels in our market, with which she is extremely familiar. We're glad to have her on our team." P...
Owned by Dalian Yifang Group, the 314-key Aloft Dalian Opens in Northeast China
Aloft Hotels | December 6, 2013
DALIAN, China - December 6, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the debut of its sizzling Aloft® brand in Dalian, the financial center and leading port city of northeast China. Owned by Dalian Yifang Group Co., Ltd., which also owns The Castle Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel Dalian, Aloft Dalian is the sixth Aloft hotel to open in China, featuring 314 spacious, loft-like rooms, an urban design aesthetic, live music performances, and an active social scene. "Aloft is ideally positioned to meet the needs of the next generation of traveler and is experiencing phenomenal demand in markets world...
HMG Hotels Welcomes Randy Hulce as Vice President of Business Development
Hotel Managers Group | December 6, 2013
Randy Hulce has been appointed Vice President of Development for Hotel Managers Group. He will be pursuing new hotel management agreements for HMG and will be working out of the Hotel Managers Group corporate office in San Diego, CA. We are pleased with the hospitality experience that Randy is bringing to HMG and invite you to join us in welcoming him to our team. Prior to joining HMG Hotels, as CEO of Executive Guidance, Mr. Hulce advised on projects ranging from boutique hotels in San Francisco, CA to hotels with over 1,000 rooms in Orlando, FL. His experience covers the entire scope of hospitality from ground up construction, project...
Hyatt Returns to Puerto Rico with the Opening of the 156-key Hyatt Place Bayamon
Hyatt Place | December 6, 2013
CHICAGO (December 6, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Hyatt Place Bayamon in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The hotel's opening marks the first Hyatt Place hotel to enter the Caribbean market and the return of Hyatt-branded hotels to Puerto Rico after a seven-year absence. "We are looking forward to showing travelers visiting Puerto Rico what the award-winning Hyatt Place brand is all about," said Chris Walker, vice president of brands, Hyatt Place. "Opening the first Hyatt Place in Puerto Rico is a significant step as we continue to serve more guests worldwide and we prepare to welcome additional Hyatt...
Drury Hotels Company Opens the 145-room Hyatt Place St. Louis/Chesterfield in Missouri
Hyatt Place St. Louis/Chesterfield | December 6, 2013
CHICAGO (December 6, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Drury Hotels Company today announce the opening of Hyatt Place St. Louis/Chesterfield, the first Hyatt Place hotel in the St. Louis metropolitan area. "We are excited to bring Hyatt Place to Greater St. Louis with the opening of Hyatt Place St. Louis/Chesterfield," said Elliott Rhoad, general manager. "Whether we are catering to business or leisure travelers, we know that our guests will appreciate the comfortable and functional amenities offered at Hyatt Place, such as free Wi-Fi, made-to-order fresh food around the clock and the StayFit Gym." Nestled in the heart of...
The Multi-branded Hotel: New Efficiencies Through Innovation
Eric Wright | December 6, 2013
by Eric Wright This article discusses multi-branded hotel developments and the potential efficiencies that these developments can create, given the ever-changing demands of both the consumer and the industry. Hotel developers must evolve their development models to reflect the ever-changing demands of both the consumer and the industry, not only to stay competitive and increase yields but sometimes just to get shovels in the ground in the first place. The competitive environment for hotel development has intensified over the last 30 years. Building a hotel is more difficult than ever, particularly for developers looking for long-term su...
Richard Green, VP of Association Sales & Industry Relations to Retire from Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. | December 6, 2013
Bethesda, Md., December 6, 2013 – After 26 years with Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR), Richard Green, vice president of association sales & industry relations, will retire at the end of the year. As a Marriott sales leader, Green is credited for building deep and trusting client relationships that resulted in strong customer preference across the company's portfolio of brands. He is highly regarded as a strong customer advocate for the association meetings industry. "To many customers and industry organizations, Richard is the 'face of Marriott'. We will all miss his genuine passion for our business, and the dedication and com...
Tom Singer to Step Down as IHG’s Group Chief Financial Officer; Succeeded by Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | December 6, 2013
6 December 2013 - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] today announces that Tom Singer will step down from the Board and his role as Chief Financial Officer on 1 January 2014. He will be succeeded by Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson, who joined IHG in August 2004 and has held a number of senior positions, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of IHG's Europe and Asia, Middle East & Africa regions. Paul will take up his new position and become a member of IHG's Board and Executive Committee on 1 January 2014. Patrick Cescau, Chairman of IHG commented: "I want to thank Tom for his contribution to the success of IHG...
Megaterra Colombia Selects Hilton for Management of New Build Conrad Hotel in Cartagena, Colombia
Conrad Hotels and Resorts | December 6, 2013
MCLEAN, Va. - December 06, 2013 - Hilton Worldwide announced today that it has signed a management agreement with Megaterra Colombia S.A. for a 250-room new-build Conrad Hotels & Resorts property in Cartagena, Colombia. The Conrad brand's second hotel in Latin America and Hilton Worldwide's first managed Conrad hotel in the region will form part of the Karibana Beach & Golf Condominium - the first luxury resort in Colombia with a world class golf course, golf club, spa, beach and beach club. With an anticipated opening on Dec. 31, 2015, Conrad Cartagena will celebrate the 2016 New Year by introducing the brand's world of style a...
Top 10 Hospitality Industry Trends in 2014
Robert Rauch | December 6, 2013
By Robert Rauch, CHA 1. Millennials will become the core customer within the hospitality and travel industries over the next five to ten years. The majority of airlines, hotels and travel companies will benefit from this sector as they enter into their peak earning, spending and travel years. Within this group of GenY travelers, there are many different markets considering the fact that exploration, interaction and experience are the major focus of Millennials. Willing to pay more for a greater experience, "foodies" are a prevalent subset of this market; looking for an overall gourmet experience for a reasonable price will cause the ind...
HFTP Members Now Receive Discounts on AICPA Ethics Courses
HFTP | December 6, 2013
AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA (December 6, 2013) — In November, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) announced to its members that a partnership was formed with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) in a move that expands the association's educational resources. Members are now eligible to receive a discounted rate on pre-approved ethics courses offered by AICPA. These courses will also satisfy the CHAE and CHTP designee educational maintenance ethics requirement which starts for some designees on January 1, 2014. The courses include: Selected Topics in Professional Ethics, Cost and Return: Professi...
Pompan Hospitality Global Survey of Conference Facilities Shows Need for Meeting Package Flexibility
Pompan Hospitality Global, Inc. | December 6, 2013
(Easton, PA) -- December 6, 2013 -- According to a survey of executives at 26 dedicated conference facilities in the United States and Canada, the inclusive meeting package - a central component of these facilities' offerings, and a competitive differentiator versus hotels - must become more customizable to fulfill the needs and perspectives of today's meeting customers. The survey was completed in mid-November 2013 by PHG Research, a division of Pompan Hospitality Global Inc. (PHG), a hospitality consulting firm based in Easton, PA, that provides advisory services to hotel and conference center developers, owners, operators and municip...
Benchmark Hospitality’s Tom Shaver Named Adjunct Instructor of Practice at Virginia Tech
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center | December 6, 2013
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, December 2013 ... Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has announced that Tom Shaver has been appointed adjunct instructor of practice for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Mr. Shaver is Benchmark's general manager for The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, a Benchmark Hotel® located in Blacksburg, Virginia. Blacksburg is also home to the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Ellen Sinclair, senior vice president for Benchmark Hospitality, made the announcement. "I think if Tom had not become a succe...
Gemstone Hotels & Resorts to Manage Garden of the Gods Club and Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, LLC | December 6, 2013
Wellness Center Planned for Expanded Resort PARK CITY, Utah/COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., December 6, 2013 - Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, a full-service hotel management company that specializes in owning and operating luxury and upscale urban hotels and resorts, today announced the company has been selected as the management company for the Garden of the Gods Club and Resort in Colorado Springs, Colo. The country club and resort recently were acquired by an LLC led by local business owners and long time club members Judy Mackey and Brenda Smith. With the acquisition, the new owners announced that the resort will undergo a multi-million do...
Three Oaks Hospitality Adds The Golf Club of Amelia Island
The Golf Club of Amelia Island | December 6, 2013
Boca Raton-Based Private Club Membership Firm Expands Its Portfolio AMELIA ISLAND, FL, December 2013-Three Oaks Hospitality, Inc., a Boca Raton-based golf consulting firm specializing in private club membership and management, today announced the addition of The Golf Club of Amelia Island to its elite client portfolio and growing list of membership projects. Located on the scenic coastline, beloved destination of Amelia Island, The Golf Club has become one of the most well-known courses throughout the Southeast. Featuring 18 holes of award-winning championship golf, a pair of lighted tennis courts, a private beach club, a variety of din...
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts to Manage the Circa 1758 Hotel de Crillon in Paris
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | December 6, 2013
Currently Closed for Restoration to Reopen in 2015 HONG KONG, Dec. 6, 2013 -- Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® has been appointed to manage the legendary Hotel de Crillon in Paris. Rosewood is widely regarded as a leading ultra-luxury hotel company whose portfolio includes both contemporary classics and historic properties such as Rosewood London and The Carlyle, the quintessential New York hotel. Hotel de Crillon is currently closed while it undergoes a complete restoration lasting two years and will reopen in 2015. "Hotel de Crillon is more than just one of the world's most majestic hotels. It is a landmark that personifies the poise,...
Crown Hotels Selects Newmarket Solution to Deliver Efficiency Gains and Analytics
Newmarket International, Inc. | December 6, 2013
Portsmouth, New Hampshire - December 6, 2013 - Newmarket® International, Inc. ("Newmarket"), the proven business solutions provider for empowering hospitality organizations to lower costs and increase revenue, while improving customer satisfaction and guest loyalty, today announced that Crown Hotels selected the Delphi sales and catering solution to improve the understanding of their business operations. Crown Hotels is a high-end, luxury brand with multiple locations in Australia and Asia, offering impressive meeting space and sophisticated boardroom facilities. When Crown Hotels decided to restructure their sales and events operation...
Choice Hotels Ascend Hotel Collection Debuts in Hawaii with The 67-room Equus in Waikiki, Oahu
The Equus | December 6, 2013
ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 6, 2013 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, announced the addition of The Equus to its upscale Ascend Hotel Collection, a network of more than 116 unique, boutique or historic independent hotels that offer guests a distinctive, one-of-a-kind local experience. Located in the fashionable upperwest side of Waikiki in Honolulu at 1696 Ala Moana Boulevard, The Equus is just steps from Ala Moana Shopping Center, Oahu's largest shopping mall, as well as a wide range of restaurants and lounges. This attractive hotel is also within easy access to Hawai'i attractions s...
Hotel Lawyer: Surge of Activity Creates New Management Agreement Opportunities
JMBM | December 6, 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 6 December 2013 Hotel Lawyer on the jump in hotel development and investment activity. These are getting to be pretty exciting times to be in the hotel business. Hotel industry fundamentals have continued to improve since the Great Recession and none of the experts see a particular event or reason that fundamentals will stall. Although occupancy growth rate is slowing in some sectors, ADR growth generally continues to drive greater profits to the bottom line. All this activity creates "man...
Owner, Bailey Hotel 2. Inc., Opens 113-key Hilton Garden Inn Pikeville in Kentucky; Managed by H&W
Hilton Garden Inn | December 6, 2013
December 06, 2013 - PIKEVILLE, Ky. and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Worldwide's award-winning brand of upscale, yet affordable hotels, announced the opening of the 113-room Hilton Garden Inn Pikeville, representing an addition to the brand's growing portfolio of more than 570 hotels worldwide. The new Hilton Garden Inn Pikeville is owned by Bailey Hotel 2. Inc. and managed by H&W Management Co. Inc. Situated just minutes from the Pikeville City Park, and local restaurants and shops, Hilton Garden Inn Pikeville provides the amenities to ensure guests have everything they need whether traveling for business or pleasure. "Wi...
The Shift in Hotel Bookings from Desktop to Mobile and Tablet Accelerates in Q3, 2013
the Authors and HeBS Digital | December 6, 2013
By Max Starkov & Sara O'Brien In our article earlier this year, "The Truth is in the Numbers: 2013 is Undoubtedly the Year of the Three Screens in Hospitality," we outlined the rapid growth in hotel website visitors and bookings from mobile (smartphone) and tablet devices at the expense of the traditional desktop. The results from Q3 2013 are in, and the shift from desktop to mobile and tablet devices is even more massive than it was at the beginning of the year. There is no doubt: 2013 is undeniably the year of the three screens. The Shift is Massive: The results from Q3 of 2013 demonstrate a tremendous and continual shift from de...
