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Industry Happenings
Chatham Board Of Trustees Unanimously Rejects BlueMountain’s Unsolicited & Conditional Proposal
Chatham Lodging Trust | November 13, 2013
Board Confident in Company's Plan to Deliver Superior Value to Shareholders Chatham Takes Measured Steps to Protect Shareholder Value PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 13, 2013 -- Chatham Lodging Trust (NYSE: CLDT) ("Chatham" or the "Company"), a hotel real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investing in premium branded, upscale, extended-stay and select-service hotels, today responded to the unsolicited and highly conditional proposal from BlueMountain Capital Management, LLC ("BlueMountain") to acquire the Company for $21.50 per share. The Board of Trustees of Chatham, after a thorough review and in consultation with its financial and leg...
Boomerang Hotels Opens GuestHouse International® in Kalispell, Montana
Boomerang Hotels | November 13, 2013
(Hendersonville, Tennessee and Aberdeen, South Dakota, November 14, 2013) –Boomerang Hotels announces the opening of the newest GuestHouse International® Inn, Suites and Conference Center in Kalispell, MT. Located at 1701 US Highway 93 South, the newly renovated 152 room GuestHouse International is owned and operated by Steve and Cinthia Rice, RMH9, LLC. "We are particularly excited about our recent acquisition in Kalispell, Montana, a perfect fit for our company in terms of amenities and location," said Steve Rice, Managing Member of RMH9, LLC. "GuestHouse International's strong presence in the Northwest made it the obvious choice f...
Destination Hotels & Resorts Appoints Mark Sherburne as General Manager at The Carolina Inn in NC
The Carolina Inn | November 13, 2013
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (November 13, 2013) - Destination Hotels & Resorts (DHR) announced that Mark Sherburne has been appointed to General Manager at The Carolina Inn. Sherburne spent almost two decades in the local hotel industry, most recently as General Manager at aloft Chapel Hill, and officially starts on November 11. "The Destination Hotels & Resorts and Carolina Inn teams are thrilled to have long term resident of Chapel Hill Mark Sherburne as our new General Manager," said Kevin Regan, Senior Vice President of Operations for DHR. "Sherburne's proven leadership skills and commitment to the Chapel Hill community make him the p...
Be Exceptional…Regardless of the work environment by Bryan Williams
B.Williams Enterprise | November 13, 2013
Some people don't like where they work...at all. They may even despise who they report to. And since their work environment is so "toxic", they choose to withhold their best quality of work. "THIS PLACE does not deserve the best I have to offer. I will come to work, only do what is expected of me, collect my paycheck, and go home." Do you know anyone like that? Bare Minimum The problem with that line of thinking is that if you repeatedly choose to give the bare minimum, then eventually you will be comfortable giving the bare minimum. Yes, you would have unknowingly formed not only a habit, but a bad habit. At some point, you may not eve...
Nabil Ghanem Named General Manager at 330-Room Holiday Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport-North in Georgia
Holiday Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport-North | November 13, 2013
ATLANTA, GA. - November 13, 2013 - Nabil Ghanem has been named General Manager of the Holiday Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport-North, a 330-room full service hotel located adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, GA. Nabil was previously, since 2009, the General Manager of the Holiday Inn Atlanta-Perimeter. "Nabil is an accomplished hotel professional," said Robert Holsten, Executive Vice President Of Operations, First Call Hospitality, Inc., which manages the Holiday Inn. "His leadership at our Perimeter location has set a standard for our company in customer service, and he knows how to get the best out of staf...
Tracey Nierode Named General Manager for 250-room Holiday Inn Atlanta Perimeter in Georgia
Holiday Inn Atlanta - Perimeter | November 13, 2013
ATLANTA, GA. - November 13, 2013 - Tracey Nierode has been named General Manager of the Holiday Inn Atlanta-Perimeter, a recently renovated 250-room full service hotel located next to I-285 in Atlanta, GA. Tracey, having worked in limited-service and full-service hotels as well as timeshare communities, was previously the General Manager of the Holiday Inn Columbus-North in Columbus, GA. "Having done such a great job at our Columbus property, Tracey was the perfect choice to take over at Perimeter," said Robert Holsten, Executive Vice President Of Operations, First Call Hospitality, Inc., which manages the Holiday Inn. "She brings a lot...
Conference Centers: The Recovery Gathers Speed
Dave Arnold of PKF Consulting | November 13, 2013
By Dave Arnold The U.S. lodging industry is well into its fourth year of recovery from the great recession of 2009. One of the pleasant surprises of the current recovery has been the very strong return of lodging demand. However, according to Smith Travel Research, this surge in lodging demand has been led by transient travelers. Through September of 2013, transient room nights are 23.3 percent of their peak levels prior to the recession. On the other hand, group demand is still short by 3.2 percent. Given their high dependence on group meetings, it is no surprise that the pace of recovery for conference centers has lagged transient or...
2014 Forecast of Major Meeting Trends Released; 2nd Annual Survey by Destination Hotels & Resorts
Destination Hotels & Resorts | November 13, 2013
NEW YORK (November 13, 2013) - Destination Hotels & Resorts (Destination), the fourth largest hospitality management company in the U.S., forecasts major meetings trends to watch for in 2014, in the company's second annual "State of the Meetings Industry" survey. Based on input from more than 180 corporate, association, independent, and government planners nationwide, the report provides insight on a number of key topics: budget; lead time; location; technology; culinary; teambuilding; and environmental sustainability. Money and Time 26 percent of the survey participants forecast expenditures to be greater in 2014, an expected incre...
Need Help Replying to Online Reviews?
Lodging Interactive | November 13, 2013
In addition to monitoring online chatter, CoMMingle by Lodging Interactive quickly replies to guest comments on each hotel's behalf to better manage its online reputation PARSIPPANY, N.J. - NOVEMBER 13, 2013 - In today's hospitality climate, it is very important that hoteliers monitor what people are saying about their properties online and in social media. Monitoring one's online reputation is just the first step to a maintaining a stellar image. According to CoMMingle by Lodging Interactive, a social media marketing and engagement agency that develops customized solutions for hotels, restaurants and spas, the missing piece to the rep...
Hyatt Hotels and White Lodging Open the 255-room Hyatt Place Nashville/Downtown in Tennessee
Hyatt Place | November 13, 2013
CHICAGO (Nov.13, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and White Lodging Services today announce the opening of Hyatt Place Nashville/Downtown, just steps from the Music City Center and the city's famous Broadway entertainment district. "With thousands of music enthusiasts, sports fans and business travelers arriving to our great city from across the country, there couldn't be a more exciting time to be a part of this new opening in downtown Nashville," said Bill Farrell, general manager, Hyatt Place Nashville/Downtown. "We can't wait to welcome guests to the new hotel and show them the authentic hospitality and purposeful servic...
Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association Names New Leaders for 2014; Kevin Gallagher Named Board Chair
The Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WH&LA) | November 13, 2013
BROOKFIELD, WI (November 13, 2013) - The Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WH&LA) is proud to announce its newly elected 2014 Officers and Board of Directors, chosen on November 4, at the 2013 Wisconsin Lodging Conference at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva. Officers 2014 Chairman of the Board: Kevin Gallagher, Marcus Hotels & Resorts Inc., Milwaukee 2014 Chairman-Elect: John Chastan, Kalahari Resort Convention Center & Waterpark, Wisconsin Dells 2014 Vice-Chairman: Dan Schetter, BEST WESTERN PREMIER Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center, Oshkosh 2014 Secretary/Treasurer: Amy Simchak, North Cen...
New Book Available from Educational Institute Shares Stories of Century-Old Hotels
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute | November 13, 2013
Lansing, Michigan, November 2013-The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) has added a new book from author Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC, to its online store. Built to Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels East of the Mississippi is a charming tribute to historic properties both grand and quaint. Hotel history buffs will delight in this new book that features 86 sections devoted to telling the tales of hotels that are at least 100 years old. Illustrated with antique picture postcards, the hotel histories include fascinating stories of single-minded developers, brilliant and accidental architects, dedicated owners, famous and infamo...
Despite Fiscal Challenges, U.S. Lodging Sector Performance Remains Robust, Says PwC US
PwC US | November 13, 2013
5.5% RevPAR Growth Projected for 2013, Improving to 5.9% in 2014 NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2013 -- An updated lodging forecast released today by PwC US shows favorable gains in hotel performance are continuing in the second half of 2013, and, assuming a fiscal policy resolution is reached, improving economic conditions are expected to help support further hotel performance gains next year. Occupancy levels at higher-priced hotels are ahead of prior peak levels, industry RevPAR is above its prior peak, and hotel construction activity, while rebounding, is still quite limited. As demand continues to outpace supply growth, and economic conditions...
The 124-room Courtyard Knoxville West/Bearden to Open this Month in Knoxville, Tennessee
Courtyard by Marriott | November 13, 2013
Owned by Concord Nilhan Brookview LLC and Managed by Concord Hospitality Enterprises Knoxville, Tennessee - November 13, 2013 - Courtyard by Marriott is scheduled to open its doors in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, November 26, 2013. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard's latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 250 Brookview Centre Way, the 124-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise owned by Concord Nilhan Brookview LLC and managed by Concord Hospitality Enterprises of Raleigh, North Carol...
In Q1 2014 the Top Deal Corp. will Open the 68-key Country Inns & Suites By Carlson in Rochester, NY
The Top Deal Corporation | November 13, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS (November 13, 2013) - Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM, a leader in the upper-midscale hotel category and the homegrown brand from Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group today announced it has signed a hotel at 2835 Monroe Avenue in Rochester, NY. "We are very excited about this addition to our portfolio as we grow the brand in New York," said Scott Meyer, senior vice president, Midscale Brands, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. "This is a great location for a Country Inn & Suites, a short drive from the Greater Rochester International Airport and close proximity to Paychex, Eastman Kodak Co, Harris Corporation, Paetec, ...
Zen Operadora SAS to Open Park Inn® by Radisson Hotel in Bogota, a Brand Debut in Colombia
November 13, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS (November 13, 2013) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups today announced the signing of the first Park Inn® by Radisson in Colombia. The hotel will be located at Cra 18 No 93-97 in Bogota. "We are very excited about this addition to our portfolio as we grow the brand in South America," said Scott Meyer, senior vice president, Midscale Brands, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. "The hotel is centrally located in Bogota, just minutes from nightlife and blocks from the financial and commercial districts, making it perfect for business and leisure travel, as well as corpora...
SAT WestLakes Opens the 109-key Homewood Suites by Hilton San Antonio Southwest/SeaWorld in Texas
November 13, 2013
SAN ANTONIO and MCLEAN, Va. - November 13, 2013 - Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide's international brand of upscale, all-suite, extended-stay hotels, announces today the opening of its newest property in San Antonio, Texas. The third property in the area, the San Antonio debut demonstrates Homewood Suites' strong commitment to expanding in major U.S. urban markets as well as the overall demand for extended-stay hotels. Located 12 miles from downtown San Antonio and just minutes from SeaWorld San Antonio and Lackland Air Force Base, Homewood Suites by Hilton San Antonio Southwest / SeaWorld will be the brand's third hotel in t...
Premium Hotels Set to Open the 74-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel in Natchitoches, Louisiana
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott | November 13, 2013
Natchitoches, Louisiana - November 13, 2013 - The 74-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Natchitoches, Louisiana is scheduled to open this week. Located at 150 Hayes Avenue, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Natchitoches will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Premium Hotels, LLC of Lafayette, Louisiana. Located five minutes from downtown and 45 minutes from Alexandria International Airport, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Cane River Lake, Alligator Park and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. "We are pleased to introduce Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in the Natchitoches area," said Shruti Buck...
Guest-tek™ Brings Full Convergence to the New Grand by Lakeview
November 13, 2013
Calgary, Alberta & Winnipeg, Manitoba - November 13, 2013 - Guest-tek™ is showcasing a leap forward in efficiency and cost savings at one of Canada's newest hotels. The recently opened Grand by Lakeview, near Richardson International Airport in Winnipeg, features Guest-tek's OneView platform for their voice, video and data-all on a single, fully converged network. This single infrastructure has many benefits including: less hardware, lower power consumption, savings on maintenance/operations and it eliminates the need for multiple vendors. In addition to lower operating expenses for the hotel, a converged network allows for additi...
MIG Real Estate Acquires the 102-key Homewood Suites Charlotte Airport in North Carolina
MIG Real Estate | November 13, 2013
NEWPORT BEACH, CA and CHARLOTTE, NC - Nov 13, 2013 - MIG Real Estate, a Newport Beach, Calif.-based real estate investment company, has acquired the Homewood Suites hotel located southeast of Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The purchase marks the company's first hotel acquisition in North Carolina and increases its overall hotel portfolio to 12 properties. "We are pleased to add this Homewood Suites to our hotel portfolio, furthering our relationship with the Hilton family of brands," said Greg Merage, CEO of MIG Real Estate. "This is a very high-quality product featuring an outstanding location in the heart of the nation's sec...
Customers Give eRevMax High Marks for Service and Technology Innovation
eRevMax | November 13, 2013
RateTiger and Connect Recognized for Transformational Success, Proactivity and Service Delivery London, November 13 2013: eRevMax, the leading distribution, channel connectivity, market intelligence and revenue management solution provider for travel industry, has announced the results for its annual customer satisfaction survey. The results indicate that 4 out of 5 customers, who have completed the survey, are happy with eRevMax products and services, and would likely to recommend eRevMax to other hoteliers. The eRevMax customer survey received responses from RateTiger and Connect users across the world assessing performance with regar...
Benchmark Hospitality Names Michael D. Welly General Manager for Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Illinois
Eaglewood Resort & Spa | November 13, 2013
Itasca, Illinois (Chicago), November 13, 2013 - Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Michael D. Welly general manager for Eaglewood Resort & Spa, a Benchmark Resort® located in Northwest Chicago. Greg Champion, executive vice president and COO, make the announcement. "I can't think of another person better prepared to lead this amazing resort," said Mr. Champion. "Mike brings vast resort experience to our company and to Eaglewood, and is the ideal leader to take this property from the success it has experienced to even higher levels of excellence. We welcome him to Benc...
Flip.to Awarded Most Innovative and People’s Choice at World Travel Market 2013
Flip.to | November 12, 2013
New York — November 13, 2013 — Flip.to, the brand advocate platform for the global hospitality industry, was awarded the Most Innovative Stand and the People's Choice awards at the 2013 World Travel Market Conference at the ExCel, London. A panel of three judges awarded individual awards to five of the over 600 stands at WTM this year. Of those five, Flip.to also earned the title of People's Choice for the Best Stand at WTM 2013. The judging for the first award was held on Monday, November 4th. Flip.to was selected as the Most Innovative for using a robot that allowed a remote team member to wander around the exhibition floor, commu...
Ingrid Middaugh Named Spa Director at Spa Anjali at Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Beaver Creek, CO
Spa Anjali | November 12, 2013
AVON, Colo. (Nov. 12, 2013) - Spa Anjali at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain is pleased to announce that Ingrid Middaugh is now serving as Spa Director. Middaugh has lived in the Vail Valley for more than 14 years, previously serving as the Spa Director at Aria Spa at the Vail Cascade Resort & Spa and at The Lodge & Spa at Vail. She is passionate about wellness and balance as a whole in everyday life - not only as an individual, but for family and community as well. Middaugh graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics. An avid runner, she ran Varsity Cross Count...
