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Industry Happenings
Stephanie Scott Promoted to Crystal Mountain Spa Director in Thompsonville, Michigan
Crystal Mountain | November 15, 2013
THOMPSONVILLE, MICH - Crystal Mountain's Board of Directors and Administration are proud to announce the promotion of Stephanie Scott to Crystal Spa Director and Marcus Matthews to Spa/Wellness Manager. The announcement comes as Crystal Mountain prepares to celebrate five years since the new Crystal Spa and renovated Peak Fitness Center opened to guests in January 2009. Since opening, Crystal Spa has earned numerous awards and accolades from throughout the spa industry including "Sustainable Spa of the Year" by Green Spa Network, "Best Spa for Families" by the readers of SpaFinder Wellness 365, and Top 100 Spa in America by both SpAWARD...
Fontainebleau Miami Beach Names John Garland Vice President of Finance
Fontainebleau Miami Beach | November 15, 2013
Miami Beach, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2013) - Fontainebleau Miami Beach announces the appointment of John Garland to the position of Vice President of Finance. In this position, John will direct and oversee all aspects of the finance and accounting functions of the iconic 20-acre, 1,504-room oceanfront resort. Additionally, he will provide leadership in the development for the continuous evaluation of short and long-term strategic financial objectives and ensure professional and ethical financial practices across departments. "John's proven track record of success as a financial leader in the hospitality industry aligns him with our business stra...
Orange County Officer Earns Hospitality Security Certification from Educational Institute
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute | November 14, 2013
Orlando, Florida, November 2013-Sgt. Marcus Camacho recently earned the Certified Lodging Security Director (CLSD) designation from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) and was awarded his certificate and lapel pin during an Orange County Sheriff's Office, Florida Agency Awards Ceremony - recognizing excellence. Camacho is the first law enforcement official to earn this prestigious certification, which was originally created for security personnel working in hotels. Camacho's work with Orlando-area hotels and attractions through tourism-oriented policing services (TOPS) made pursuing the hospitality certification ...
Nikki Beall & Rebecca Smith Join The Lodge & Spa at Callaway Gardens as Conference Service Managers
Autograph Collection | November 14, 2013
PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga. (November 14, 2013) - The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, an elegant interpretation of a traditional mountain lodge in the heart of middle Georgia, proudly announces the addition of Nikki Beall and Rebecca Smith, as conference service managers. The two bring more than twenty years of experience in conference service management with time served within the Callaway Gardens market. Beall and Smith will be responsible for providing full service support and coordination of all event and meeting aspects of The Lodge and Spa. The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is part of Autograph Collection, an upscale ensemble of uni...
The Resort at The Mountain, Mount Hood, Oregon Welcomes New Personnel
The Resort at The Mountain | November 14, 2013
WELCHES (Mount Hood), Ore. - Nov. 14, 2013 - The Resort at The Mountain announces changes to its staff with the appointment of Aaron Williams as Director of Food and Beverage, Amber Cagle as Director of Sales and Rachelle Closner as Spa Manager. "This is an exciting time for The Resort," said John Erickson, general manager of The Resort. "Aaron, Amber and Rachelle each bring great qualities, experience and insight in the hospitality industry, and I'm confident that they will each enhance the overall experience here at The Resort." Aaron Williams, director of food and beverage, is responsible for the oversight, management and quality ass...
Concord Hospitality Names Dean Thompson Executive Chef for the 233-key Renaissance Raleigh Hotel, NC
Renaissance Raleigh Hotel | November 14, 2013
RALEIGH, N.C., November 14, 2013- Officials for Concord Hospitality Enterprises, one of the top-ranked hotel operators in North America, today announced the promotion of Dean Thompson to executive chef for the Renaissance Raleigh Hotel, in the company's headquarters of Raleigh, N.C. Previously, Thompson served as the hotel's executive sous chef, under Dean Wendel, Concord's recently appointed corporate director of food and beverage. Thompson is a Johnson & Wales University graduate and native of nearby Cary, N.C., where he developed an appreciation for the finer points of southern cuisine, which has catapulted him to the top of his ...
Waterford Hotel Group Names Robin Mchill Director of Sales for Hartford, Connecticut Sales Cluster
Waterford Hotel Group | November 14, 2013
HARTFORD, CT (November 14, 2013) --- Robin McHill has been promoted to the Director of Sales position responsible for the oversight of Waterford's full-service Hartford portfolio. McHill, a recent recipient of Waterford's "Director of Sales of the Year" award, will oversee the group and transient sales efforts related to the hotels. McHill brings to her new position more than 30 years of hospitality experience, with an emphasis on sales and marketing in both the New Haven and Hartford area markets. She served as Sales Account Manager for the Hartford Windsor Marriott for several years before joining Waterford Hotel Group in 2008 as Dire...
Pegasus Solutions Reports Global Hotel Booking Volumes Level as Rates Continued a Steady Climb
Pegasus Solutions | November 14, 2013
Leisure Rates Maintain +2.7% Year-to-Date Growth as Corporate Rates Inch Up +0.6% DALLAS (November 14, 2013) – Global business and leisure hotel bookings remained steady in October according to Pegasus Solutions, the world's largest processor of electronic hotel transactions. As bookings continued a steady year-to-date climb for both channels, rates paid improved slightly over prior year. The number of global corporate bookings, those made through the global distribution systems (GDS), in October 2013 matched that of October 2012. Rates increased a slight +0.5% over prior year, despite global political issues and the US government shu...
Luz Chatman Joins Metwest Terra Hospitality as Area Director of Sales for the Bay Area Collection
Metwest Terra Hospitality | November 14, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (November 14, 2013) - Luz Chatman has been named Area Director of Sales for MetWest Terra Hospitality's Bay Area Collection, today announced Gary Gutierrez, president & CEO of the hotel management company. In her new role, Chatman will lead and manage the sales teams at MetWest Terra Hospitality's Bay Area Collection of properties including Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa in Sausalito, The Lodge at Tiburon, Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos and Hotel Abri in San Francisco. She will oversee all sales initiatives for the four properties while continuing the brand's tradition of growth and success. "We are thrilled to we...
South Carolina’s 300-key Columbia Marriott Completes $12 Million Remodel
the Columbia Marriott | November 14, 2013
COLUMBIA, S.C., Nov. 14, 2013 -- The Columbia Marriott has made a capital investment in comfort with the completion of a $12 million remodel project that is sure to raise the standard of Southern hospitality in the Palmetto State. Reinvented eateries, reinvigorated meeting spaces and refreshed guest rooms now welcome guests to the largest downtown Columbia hotel providing refined spaces to dine, drink, work, socialize and sleep. The makeover of the Columbia hotel's restaurants and bar is the cornerstone of the remodel project. Midlands' Modern Southern Food Arts, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, features new Southern cuisine served...
Grace Hotels Opens Grace Cafayate in the Salta Province of Argentina
November 14, 2013
NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2013 -- Grace Hotels (www.gracehotels.com), the privately owned luxury boutique hotel group, today announced the official opening of the latest addition to its portfolio, Grace Cafayate, a hotel, spa and residential villas development located in the Salta province of north west Argentina. Marking the group's first hotel opening in Latin America, Grace Cafayate lies high in Argentina's Calchaqui Valley, famed for its spectacular backdrop of The Andes and for some of the finest wines South America has to offer. Situated on La Estancia de Cafayate, an exclusive golf, equestrian and residential estate, the hotel comprises...
New Global Marketing Officer, Karin Timpone, Joins Marriott International From Disney
Marriott International, Inc. | November 14, 2013
Bethesda, Md., Nov. 14, 2013 – Karin Timpone has been named Marriott International, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:MAR) global marketing officer. In her new role, Ms. Timpone will lead the company's integrated global marketing, bringing her 'next generation' skills to attract next generation travelers. She will lead customer relationship strategy, portfolio marketing, media, digital and social as well as oversight and development of the award-winning Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program, which exceeds 44 million members. "We are excited to have Karin join our team and look forward to putting her creative ideas, marketing skills and mobile and digit...
HVS London, Zolfo Cooper & AM:PM Publish Q3 Hotel Bulletin; Outline UK’s Hotel Performance
HVS London | November 14, 2013
Findings show that regional performance in Q3 has been particularly strong, with all but two cities reviewed showing RevPAR (rooms revenue per available room) gains, with an average of 8% increases. This converts to a profit rise of 3% year-on-year. "We are now confident enough to say that the recession in the UK's hotel sector is effectively now over based on year on year growth to both revenue and profitability. Performance has been strong in the regions, with hotels in Aberdeen, Bath, Belfast and Edinburgh recording double digit RevPAR increases in Q3," commented HVS London director Tim Smith. "The most encouraging fact about regiona...
Chris Oakes Appointed as General Manager for Indigo Pearl Resort in Phuket, Thailand
Indigo Pearl | November 14, 2013
14th November 2013 – Indigo Pearl is delighted to announce the appointment of Christopher Oakes as the new General Manager for Indigo Pearl resort in Phuket, Thailand. Chris joins Indigo Pearl with an impressive background in luxury hospitality and resort management as well as extensive international experience in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Thailand and the Maldives. His last assignment was as Managing Director of Petchey Leisure, one of Europe's leading leisure groups with resorts in Spain & Portugal, where he was responsible for the repositioning and growth of the company. Prior to this, Chris worked at Six Senses Resorts and ...
Benchmark Hospitality International Appoints Stephanie Sheeran Regional Director Revenue Management
November 14, 2013
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, November 13, 2013 - Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Stephanie Sheeran regional director revenue management. Kim Nugent, vice president revenue management, made the announcement. Ms. Sheeran will be based in Benchmark's Home Office in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston. "I am very pleased to welcome Stephanie into the Benchmark family," said Ms. Nugent. "She comes to us with extremely qualified credentials to run our new global reservations center, and is exceptionally focused on assisting our guests to have the best travel experience po...
Thomas Scaramellino Named General Manager for Westin & Aloft San Francisco Airport Hotels
Ultima Hospitality | November 14, 2013
CHICAGO, Ill. (November 14, 2013) - The Westin San Francisco Airport Hotel and Aloft San Francisco Airport Hotel, both recently purchased by Ultima Hospitality from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, announce the addition of industry veteran, Thomas Scaramellino as general manager. Scaramellino's extensive knowledge in food and beverage and rooms operations combined with his insight on improving all guest experiences brings tremendous value for the two airport hotels. As a graduate of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Scaramellino received a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration. Recently Scaramellino served as hotel manager of T...
New Owner for Peppers Carrington Resort in New Zealand to Invest Millions in Upgrades
Peppers Retreats, Resorts and Hotels | November 14, 2013
November 14, 2013 - Shanghai CRED Real Estate, one of the largest real estate developers in Shanghai, has purchased Peppers Carrington Resort in New Zealand's North Island vowing a commitment to invest millions of dollars over the next few years to realise the resort's full potential. The new Chinese owner of the Peppers Carrington Resort, located four hours north of Auckland in the Northland region, has committed to progressive investment in the long- established resort, attracting more high-income tourists, increasing wine exports from the property and offering new local jobs. Residential facilities will be added to as tourist numbers...
IACC Presents Global Distinguished Service Award to Tim Chudley, Managing Director of Sundial Group
The International Association of Conference Centres (IACC) | November 14, 2013
(New York, NY) - November 14, 2013 - At the IACC-Europe annual conference outside Paris, France last week, IACC Global President Peter Stewart presented the Global Distinguished Service Award to Tim Chudley, Managing Director of UK-based Sundial Group. IACC established the Global Distinguished Service Award in 2009 to recognise the contributions of one member annually who has made a sustained commitment and contribution to IACC and the conference centre industry globally and across chapters. Winners of the Global Distinguished Service Award are acknowledged for their role in advancing and improving IACC within their own country and abro...
New Discipline of Revenue Strategy Takes Center Stage at Industry’s First Revenue Strategy Summit
Duetto | November 14, 2013
More than 200 Leaders Discuss Threats, Opportunities and Disruption, at the Inaugural RSS, Powered by Duetto Thayer Lodging CEO Lee Pillsbury Urges Leaders to Take Risks, Assert Leadership, in Today's "Very Crowded Value Chain" New York, November 14, 2013 ... There was a sense something bigger was at work than "just an industry conference," as 200 leaders from the fields of revenue management, marketing, sales and distribution converged on today's first annual Revenue Strategy Summit at the Affinia Manhattan. That "something" was the birth of a new discipline -- Revenue Strategy -- as leaders from major hospitality brands, academic inst...
Best Western & Maple Leaf Hotels Sign Deal for New-Build Airport Hotel in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Best Western International, Inc. | November 14, 2013
(Bangkok - November 14, 2013): Best Western International (BWI) has signed a new agreement that will see it touch down at Dhaka Airport for the first time. The hotel company has penned a contract with Maple Leaf Hotels & Resorts Ltd for a new-build hotel located adjacent to Bangladesh's main international air gateway, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Currently under construction, the hotel will operate under the upscale BEST WESTERN PLUS product when it opens in the second quarter of 2014. All 56-rooms will include international amenities such as comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, tea and cof...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 115; Hotel History: The Harvard Club of New York; Quote of the Month
Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC | November 14, 2013
By Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC 1. Hotel History: The Harvard Club of New York* The Harvard Club of New York at 27 West 44th Street was originally built in 1894 (with major additions in 1905 and 1915, 1947 and 2003) and designed by McKim, Mead & White. Its classic Georgian design recalls the buildings at Harvard Yard in Cambridge. In 1966, the Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Harvard Club of New York as a landmark despite the opposition of the Harvard Club to the proposed designation. It was one of the first buildings in New York to be named a landmark. It is also listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places...
Sage Hospitality & Partners Redeveloping Denver’s Union Station to Open The Crawford Hotel in Q3 ‘14
The Crawford Hotel | November 14, 2013
The Partners Revitalizing Union Station Honor Dana Crawford, Pioneer of Colorado Redevelopment Denver, Colo. (November 14, 2013) - Sage Hospitality, along with its partners in Denver's Union Station, is proud to announce that the 112-room hotel within the historic building will be named The Crawford Hotel. Named after urban preservationist and Union Station partner Dana Crawford, the hotel will fill the upper floors of the north and south wings of the station when the building opens Summer 2014. Local Denver companies redeveloping the building with Sage include Larimer Associates, McWhinney, REGen, LLC, and Urban Neighborhoods. "Dana Cr...
The Chancellor Hotel Partners with Stash Hotel Rewards
HP Hotels | November 14, 2013
Fayetteville's Newest Independent Boutique Hotel Becomes the First Property in Arkansas to Offer Stash Rewards Points FAYETTEVILLE, AR – November 14, 2013 – The Chancellor Hotel, downtown Fayetteville's newest independent boutique hotel, announced today that it has partnered with Stash Hotel Rewards, the largest point-based loyalty program for independent hotels across the United States. As a result of this partnership, Stash members are now able to earn and redeem points at The Chancellor Hotel, the first independent hotel in the state of Arkansas to offer a rewards program to frequent travelers. "Given the close proximity to large...
Mandarin Oriental, Miami in Florida Appoints Diego Oka as Executive Chef of La Mar by Gaston Acurio
La Mar by Gaston Acurio | November 13, 2013
MIAMI, FL - (November 13, 2013) - Chef Diego Oka has been named Executive Chef at La Mar by Gaston Acurio, Mandarin Oriental, Miami's new restaurant concept launching at the end of the year. Chef Oka's new menu will celebrate the authentic and diverse flavors of Peruvian gastronomy, ranging from upscale novo-Andean fare to Asian-Peruvian fusion and traditional seafood cebiche. The rising star chef has earned widespread acclaim with a culinary career that spans North and South America. Most recently, Chef Oka worked at La Mar Cebicheria in the culinary mecca of San Francisco, where he was named the winner of 7x7 Magazine's "Your City You...
