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
Owned and Managed by Sohal Family, the 120-suite Residence Inn Hotel Set to Open in Ottawa, Ontario
Residence Inn | November 18, 2013
Ottawa, Ontario - November 18, 2013 - The 120-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Ottawa, Ontario is scheduled to open this week. Located at 1172 Walkly Road, the Residence Inn Ottawa Airport will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Sohal Family of Ottawa, Ontario. Located five minutes from Ottawa International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown, the Residence Inn Ottawa Airport offers its guests convenient access to Parliament Hill and Scotia Bank Place. Rates vary depending on length of stay. "We are pleased with the continued growth of Residence Inn hotels in the Ottawa area," said Diane Mayer, vice president and g...
New Castle Names Shannon Moore General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn, Portland Maine
New Castle Hotels & Resorts | November 18, 2013
SHELTON, Conn. - - November 18, 2013 - Officials of New Castle Hotels and Resorts, a leading hotel owner, operator and developer, today named Shannon Moore general manager of the 88-room Hilton Garden Inn, at Portland Maine's International Jetport. Moore previously was a task force general manager for New Castle, working in a support role at several Hilton-branded hotels in the management company's portfolio. In her new role, she will oversee the 35-room expansion of the hotel that is expected to be completed mid-year 2014. Throughout her 15-year career, Moore has worked in hotel management for other major brands including Courtyard by ...
City Approval for Hermosa Boutique Hotel In California
BuildCentral | November 18, 2013
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Add/Update 144 Hotel Projects to the New Hotel Construction Projects Database Chicago, IL. November 18, 2013 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have added or updated 144 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: White Sands Resort (Orange Beach, AL) Candlewood Suites (Canton, OH) Port Imperial Hotel and Re...
2013 Best Beach Hotels in the U.S. and Hawaii: Affordable & Luxury Beach Hotels All Make the Grade
TrustYou | November 18, 2013
According to Traveler Reviews, Florida and the East Coast are the preferred destinations for U.S. mainland beach goers, while luxury properties across the islands dominate the Hawaiian beach hotels lists Even if you're not a self-described beach person, you might want to start daydreaming about a winter beach vacation anyway. According to a TrustYou review of the Best Beach Hotels of 2013, a stay at the beach may offer some of the best all-around hotel experiences in the country. The top 20 Best Beach Hotels in the U.S. all rate as "excellent" according to online hotel reviews, aggregated from across review sites.* Florida takes top hon...
PolyU Study Finds Film Can Induce Conservation of Potential Tourism-Friendly Cultural Assets
PolyU's School of Hotel and Tourism Management | November 18, 2013
18 November 2013 - Film has a strong influence on the creation of tourist locations according to a recently published research article by Dr Steve Pan of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a co-author. In a case study of how the Hong Kong media covered Echoes of the Rainbow, the researchers show that film, through the influence of the mass media, can induce community action and policy initiatives to promote the conservation of potential tourism-friendly cultural assets. There was, they show, considerable difference in the way the media framed the public debate surrounding the co...
FIRC Group and Choice Hotels to Develop the 141-room Cambria Suites in Asheville, NC; 2015 Opening
FIRC Group, Inc. | November 18, 2013
ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 18, 2013 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, announced it has signed an agreement with franchise partner FIRC Group, Inc., to develop a new Cambria Suites in Asheville, N.C. The 141-room Cambria Suites property will be located at the intersection of Battery Park and Page Avenue and is expected to open in 2015. "We continue to experience strong momentum in bringing the Cambria Suites experience to new travelers in new markets, and we're excited to open our second hotel in North Carolina," said Michael Murphy, senior vice president, Upscale Brands, Choice Hotel...
Rosewood Phnom Penh to Open in 2015 in Cambodia; Under Development by Vattanac Properties
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | November 18, 2013
HONG KONG, Nov. 18, 2013 -- Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® has been appointed by Cambodia-based property developer Vattanac Properties to manage Rosewood Phnom Penh, scheduled to open in 2015. This latest signing is Rosewood's seventh management agreement in Asia. Rosewood Phnom Penh will join the upcoming network of Rosewood ultra-luxury hotels in the region that will also include Beijing, Chongqing, Bangkok, Phuket, Jakarta and Bali. The hotel will occupy the top 14 floors, with dedicated high-speed elevator access, in the 188-meter-high, 39-storey Vattanac Capital Tower One. Prominently located in the heart of the capital's Central ...
How We Can Get Consumers to Book on DMO Websites
Ashwin Kamlani of Regatta Travel Solutions | November 18, 2013
by Ashwin Kamlani This past year, the discussion of booking engines on Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) sites came up very often in conferences and webinars: Should we have one? Does it really work? In order to answer this question, many turn to studies on consumer behavior claiming that "very few consumers actually book on DMO websites." But does that mean we should abandon having consumers book on DMO sites? I'm sure that in 1997, studies showed that most customers rented their movies at Blockbuster. I'm also sure that in 2001, studies showed that most people listened to music on a Discman. Nevertheless, Netflix and Apple were...
Expedia’s 2013 Vacation Deprivation Study Reveals Global Disparity in Work-Life Balance Attitudes
Expedia.com | November 18, 2013
Americans Given 14 Days Off and Take 10, Leave Twice As Many Days Unused As Last Year; French Take All 30 Available Days While Also Feeling Most Vacation-Deprived BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 18, 2013 -- Expedia.com®, the world's leading online travel company, today released the results of the 2013 Vacation Deprivation® study, an annual analysis of vacation habits among 8,535 employed adults across 24 countries and five continents. The study was conducted online by Harris Interactive. Now in its 13th year, the Vacation Deprivation study reveals a stark difference in attitudes towards work-life balance between countries. Expedia first commiss...
Auberge Resorts-Led Investor Group Completes Purchase of Napa Valley, California’s Calistoga Ranch
Auberge Resorts | November 18, 2013
Auberge, AJ Capital Partners and Vintners Bill Foley and Michael Uytengsu Join Forces in the Acquisition MILL VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 18, 2013 -- Auberge Resorts, the premier developer and operator of boutique luxury resorts and private clubs, today announced the acquisition of Calistoga Ranch, the award-winning Napa Valley luxury resort from Olympus Real Estate. Auberge helped develop Calistoga Ranch for Olympus and has operated the resort since its opening in 2004, earning repeated honors from Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Andrew Harper's Hideaway and other media outlets that routinely name Calistoga Ranch one of the best resort...
Vail Marriott Mountain Resort Selects Innflux HSIA
Innflux | November 15, 2013
Vail has selected Innflux, a Chicago based provider of Vail Mountain in Colorado, the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort is a 7 story, 344 As a Marriott GPNS certified HSIA provider, Innflux is well positioned high-end, enterprise grade equipment to provide a uniquely streamlined and its commitment to deliver the best experience possible, Innflux operates its of downtown Chicago, IL. The hospitality support platform Helios to proactively monitor its serviced HSIA issue that may arise. The Vail Marriott Mountain Resort is just the latest location in a list of numerous GPNS installations Innflux has completed this year. Guests at locations wi...
Benchmark Hospitality International Names Jay Rocha General Manager for Cheyenne Mountain Resort
Cheyenne Mountain Resort | November 15, 2013
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, November 2013 ... Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Jay Rocha general manager for Cheyenne Mountain Resort. Todd Felsen, vice president operations, made the announcement on behalf of the property, a Benchmark Resort® located at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs. "It is a pleasure to welcome Jay to Cheyenne Mountain Resort," said Mr. Felsen. "He brings extensive experience in senior resort management to his new role at our property, as well important knowledge of conference center management and marketing, which is vital to ...
Affluent Reveal Large Untapped Sales Potential for Luxury Brands
The American Affluence Research Center | November 15, 2013
Brand ownership/experience during the past five years, brand familiarity/knowledge, and brand perceptions were measured for 17 different luxury brands in a new survey by the American Affluence Research Center of the wealthiest 10% of U.S. households that account for almost half of all consumer spending. There appears to be great untapped sales potential for luxury brands among the affluent as the level of ownership and familiarity for almost all brands was lower than what might be expected among this group of consumers that can best afford luxury. Perceptions of the brands were also lower than what might be expected. In this exhibit, "...
O&L Leisure Breaks Ground on New Build Strand Hotel at Swakopmund, Namibia; Opening Mid 2015
O&L Leisure Hotels & Lodges | November 15, 2013
SWAKOPMUND, Namibia, Nov. 15, 2013 -- www.strandhotelswakopmund.com - On Thursday, 14 November 2013 O&L Leisure - a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group of Companies - held the ground-breaking ceremony of the new Strand Hotel at Swakopmund. The old Strand Hotel had been demolished in 2008 and the O&L Group and O&L Leisure team set out to conceptualize and design the new Strand Hotel ensuring the iconic, cultural and historic aspects of this amazing Mole site, were truly appreciated, respected and protected. In his address, Executive Chairman of the O&L Group, Sven Thieme expressed his delight at being a...
Hotel Equities Names Bob Keating to Director of Business Development
Hotel Equities | November 15, 2013
ATLANTA, GA (November 15, 2013) -Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE) www.hotelequities.com recently named Bob Keating to the position of Director of Business Development. As a member of the firm's development team, Mr. Keating works directly with hotel owners who are looking for the best third-party partners to manage their existing hotels, new builds and portfolios. "An innovative and highly-accomplished top management executive, Bob brings a wealth of industry experience to his new post," said Joe Reardon, HE Vice President of Business Development. "Bob is a real partner and relationship leader for our clients. He has high integrity and...
B Hotels & Resorts Open the b2 Miami Downtown, the First Property for the b2 Hotel Concept
November 15, 2013
MIAMI---On November 14, B Hotels & Resorts® celebrated the official grand opening of b2 miami downtown, the first property within the new b2 hotel concept. b2 brings the chic approachability of the Florida-based B Hotels & Resorts® brand to savvy travelers seeking a destination experience without compromising delicate travel budgets. Breaking the mold of conventional value hotels by enhancing lifestyle elements, b2 miami downtown provides lifestyle hospitality experiences and amenities for a great value. b2 miami downtown is the first of many b2 brand hotels that aim to deliver a sophisticated experience with full service amen...
SoTHERLY Hotels Inc. Acquires Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown for $30.65 million
SoTHERLY Hotels Inc. | November 15, 2013
WILLIAMSBURG, Va.--SoTHERLY Hotels Inc. (NASDAQ: SOHO) (the "Company") today announced that the Company has acquired the entity which owns the Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown Hotel (the "Hotel") for $30.65 million in cash and 32,929 units of limited partnership interests in Sotherly Hotels LP, plus an additional cash amount for the Hotel's working capital as of the closing date. The 259-room, upscale, full-service hotel is located in downtown Houston, Texas. The property will be managed by Chesapeake Hospitality. As a part of the transaction, the Company closed on a $21.5 million loan with Mutual of Omaha Bank collateralized by a first mo...
Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. Comments On Third Party Owner Repossession of Ubud Hanging Gardens, Bali
Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. | November 15, 2013
HAMILTON, Bermuda--Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. (NYSE: OEH, www.orient-express.com) (the "Company"), owners, part-owners or managers of 45 luxury hotel, restaurant, tourist train and river cruise properties operating in 22 countries, today announced that following an unannounced repossession by the third party owner of Ubud Hanging Gardens in Bali, Indonesia, on November 11, 2013, the Company is unable to continue to operate the hotel. Accordingly, in order to prevent any confusion to its guests, the Company has ceased reference to the property in its sales and marketing materials, including all electronic marketing, until further notice....
Your Restaurant’s Front Line: Making the Right First Impression
Don Roth | November 15, 2013
By Don Roth Everyone understands the incomparable value of a positive first impression. This is especially relevant in the restaurant industry, where the relationship with customers begins the moment they enter. What's the one piece of equipment in your restaurant that virtually everyone encounters? It's the host stand, where your staff greets each customer and sets the tone for the entire dining experience. A poor first impression at that encounter can lead to the new customer heading right back out the door. The host stand, used effectively, acts as the nerve center for your dining room. The right equipment enables your team to smooth...
Investor Attention Span Can Affect Hospitality Stock Prices Says Cornell Hospitality Research Study
The Center for Hospitality Research | November 15, 2013
Ithaca, NY, November 15, 2013 - When it comes to how stock prices react to new information, it isn't just what you say, but when you say it. According to a new study published by the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research (CHR), the phenomenon of post earnings stock price drift seems to be related to the limits of the human attention span. The study, "Can You Hear Me Now? Earnings Surprises and Investor Distraction in the Hospitality Industry," by Pamela C. Moulton, finds that news about a particular stock can be lost in the crush of earnings announcements at the end of each quarter, with the result that prices don't always reflect the...
Anaheim, CA Resort Area Hotel Development on the Rise with Four Projects Currently Underway
Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau | November 15, 2013
ANAHEIM, Calif. (November 15, 2013) - The Anaheim Resort area is in the midst of enhancing and expanding hotel offerings for incoming leisure and business visitors. There are currently four hotel projects underway in the Anaheim Resort district. The four active hotel projects include: The Hyatt Place Anaheim Resort, opening late 2014 with 178 rooms; the Hyatt House Anaheim Resort, opening in 2015 with 252 rooms; and two SpringHill Suites properties, one with 172 rooms and second with 120 rooms. Both SpringHill Suites hotels will open summer of 2014. In total, these hotel projects will account for an additional 722 guest rooms. Future ho...
Dorchester Collection Appoints Luca Virgilio as General Manager of Hotel Eden, Rome
Dorchester Collection | November 15, 2013
November 15, 2013 (London) - Dorchester Collection announces the appointment of Luca Virgilio as General Manager for its newest property, Hotel Eden, starting January 20, 2014. Virgilio joins Dorchester Collection from his role as area General Manager for Baglioni Hotel London and Regina Hotel Baglioni Rome. His experience spans a 20 year career in luxury hotel properties across Europe. Previous positions have included General Manager at Hotel Metropole, Monte Carlo; General Manager at Hotel Carlton Baglioni, Milan and Rooms Division Manager at Hotel des Bergues, Geneva. Fluent in Italian, French and English, Virgilio is a native of Ita...
Hoteliers Gather in New York on Heels of IHMRS for Pegasus Solutions World of Distribution Event
Pegasus Solutions | November 15, 2013
NEW YORK (November 15, 2013) – Key hoteliers gathered at Google's New York location on Thursday for Pegasus Solutions' World of Distribution Event. On the heels of IHMRS, representatives from Pegasus, Google and key Manhattan hotel companies discussed the industry's current and developing distribution needs. "Google Hummingbird, Google Carousel and TripAdvisor's TripConnect are a few of the recent introductions that are changing the world of distribution for hotels," said Chris Wichers, chief sales officer of Pegasus Solutions. "Consumer behavior is evolving. Hoteliers, faced with the day-to-day challenges of managing a hotel, are str...
Hotel Industry Being “Shaken Down” by Patent Trolls; Costs US Economy About $80 billion Per Year
American Hotel & Lodging Association | November 15, 2013
Washington, D.C. - November 14, 2013 - Justin Bragiel, general counsel for the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association (THLA), will testify today at a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on "The Impact of Patent Assertion Entities on Innovation and the Economy." The hearing has been convened by Chairman Tim Murphy (R-PA) to examine the recent activities of the patent assertion entities (PAEs), also known as "patent trolls," and their impacts on American businesses. THLA is a partner state association of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the sole national association...
