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Industry Happenings
Three New Sheraton Hotels to Open in Africa, in Mauritania, Guinea and South Sudan, by 2017
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | November 11, 2013
STAMFORD, Conn. - November 11, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) continues to strengthen its position as a leading global hotel operator in Africa with the signing of three new Sheraton hotels, marking the entrance of the company into Mauritania, Guinea and South Sudan by 2017. With these signings, Starwood is on track to increase its African portfolio by over 30% with more than 15 new hotels set to open over the next five years. This growth will add more than 5,000 guest rooms to the continent and create thousands of local employment opportunities. Emphasizing the importance of the region as one of the w...
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel Appoints Ms. Terry Lewis as General Manager
the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel | November 11, 2013
November 12, 2013 - The Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel has named Terry Lewis General Manager of the newly renovated 1,781 room hotel, a significant appointment as Ms. Lewis is the first woman to be named General Manager of a convention hotel in New York City. A 28-year veteran of the hotel industry, Ms. Lewis brings strong leadership experience to her fifth hotel General Manager role and extensive knowledge of the New York City tourism market. Ms. Lewis has held senior roles in large New York hotels since 2008, most recently as General Manager of the Westin New York Times Square Hotel and General Manager at the W New York Times Sq...
Australian & American Hotel Industry Leaders Meet, Highlighting the Industry’s Economic Role
Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) | November 11, 2013
(l to r) Rodger Powell, MD of TAA, Andrew Robb, Minister for Trade & Investment, Ron Vlasic, Chair of the American Hotel & Lodging Association 11 November 2013: American Hotel & Lodging Association Chair, Ron Vlasic, was in Australia recently to meet with his Australian counterparts, to talk at the Australian Tourism Directions Conference in Canberra, and to participate in Tourism Accommodation Australia's annual meetings. Mr Vlasic, who was appointed as Chair of AH&LA last year, is also Regional Vice President of major American hotel group, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants. During his week-long visit to Australia he met s...
Hostmark, Pendo Investments Joint Venture Acquires the 102-room Hampton Inn Austin Airport in Texas
Hostmark Hospitality Group | November 11, 2013
Schaumburg, IL - November 11, 2013 - Hostmark Hospitality Group announced today that they have entered into a joint venture with Pendo Investments and acquired the Hampton Inn Austin Airport in Austin, Texas. The property will be managed by Hostmark Hospitality Group. "This is a phenomenal opportunity to expand our relationship with Hilton and the Hampton Inn brand in one of the premier markets in the United States," states Jerome F. Cataldo, President and CEO of Hostmark Hospitality Group. The 102-room hotel is optimally located just minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and just 5 miles from the new Circuit of the Americ...
Pacifica Hotels Sells Best Western Plus Lighthouse Hotel in Pacifica, California
Pacifica Hotel Company | November 11, 2013
IRVINE, CA (November 11, 2013) - Invest West Financial/Pacifica Hotels today announced the sale of its previously held property, Best Western Plus Lighthouse Hotel in Pacifica, California, to a foreign buyer for an undisclosed amount. Pacifica Hotels is the largest owner and operator of independent boutique hotels along California's Pacific Coast. Over the past several quarters, Pacifica has repositioned its brand with new properties, flag changes and reinvestment in current hotels. "Pacifica Hotels continues to refine its portfolio of coastal properties by evaluating our assets, acquiring key properties, making strategic sales, and rei...
Mark Carrier Elected as Incoming AH&LA Secretary/Treasurer
AH&LA | November 11, 2013
New York, NY, November 11, 2013 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) has elected Mark Carrier, CHA, president of the B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group, as incoming secretary/treasurer of the AH&LA board of directors. The B. F. Saul Company, founded in 1892, is a privately-held diversified real estate concern based in the Washington, D.C. region. The Hospitality Group owns and operates a portfolio of business class hotels, which are primarily affiliated with Intercontinental Hotels Group, Marriott, and Hilton, as well as The Hay-Adams, one of the nation's finest hotels. Carrier's leadership responsibilities in...
John Fitzpatrick Inducted as 2014 AH&LA Board Chair
AH&LA | November 11, 2013
New York, NY, November 11, 2013 - John Fitzpatrick, President/CEO, Fitzpatrick Hotel Group, North America, was inducted as chair of the board of directors for the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) at the AH&LA Inaugural Gala held at the Plaza Hotel on Sunday, November 10. More than 300 industry leaders were present as he outlined his agenda for the coming year, which includes transitioning the association into its new, broader structure, increasing industry advocacy, and continuing the focus on the Under 30 and Women in Lodging initiatives. "Our challenge is to inform every segment that this is the one association...
iRiS Delegate app at HOSPACE 2013
iRiS Software Systems | November 11, 2013
November 11, 2013 - iRiS Software Systems, the award-winning interactive guest services applications provider, announced that its new Delegate app will be used by HOSPA for their HOSPACE 2013 annual conference and exhibition. HOSPACE is the UK's leading educational organisation for Professionals involved in Financial Management, Revenue Management and IT within the hospitality industry. The iRiS Delegate app is a virtual event management solution that enables event organizers and conference centers to provide delegates with a multilingual, interactive event experience on their own device making it ideal for HOSPACE 2013. The event enabl...
AAA Parking Returns To Doral
AAA Parking | November 10, 2013
November 11, 2013 - Miami, FL - AAA Parking announced today that the company will return to operate parking services at Trump National Doral, part of the prestigious Trump Hotel Collection. The property was purchased in 2012 by the polarizing and globally-famous real estate magnate, Donald Trump. Trump National Doral is currently undergoing an epic $250 million renovation that includes a Gil Hanse redesign of the resorts five golf courses on the property's 700+ acres of prime Miami real estate. One of those courses, the renowned "Blue Monster", plays host to the PGA Tour annually. The resort's renovations are expected to be complete in...
Four Points by Sheraton BWI Airport Seeking Property Manager After Renovations
BuildCentral | November 10, 2013
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Have Updated 170 Hotels in the Last Two Weeks with Changes in Personnel, Property Management or Ownership Chicago, IL. November 11, 2013 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have reported 170 changes in personnel, property management and ownership in the Hotel Profiles database over the last two weeks. Many hotels are getting a fresh start with a new Owner, Property Manager or General Manager. Recommend your product or service to someone who might be looking for a change. Hotels Under New Management: Ale House Inn (Portsmouth, NH) Hotel Duval (Tallahassee, FL) Sheraton Lisle-Chicago Hotel & Executive Me...
The Major Mistake that Most Hotels Make
Jean Francois Mourier | November 8, 2013
By Jean Francois Mourier Today, hoteliers know that it is imperative to have a booking engine in your property's corporate website; if you don't, your property would be losing out on bookings, and relying solely on the (costly) OTAs to gain bookings through the online channel. But now there is a new update to a property's booking engine that all hotels MUST have, or else they are losing out on valuable online revenue and falling behind the competition: a mobile-compatible booking engine. Now, you may be thinking: "But I already have a mobile booking engine. When you go to my site on my iPhone, I can see the booking engine. Problem solve...
Curious About Londoners Travel Search & Booking Behaviors? Here’s an Infographic
nSight | November 8, 2013
To introduce the power of travel intent analytics, nSight took a deep dive into London's travel search and booking behavior for the first half of the year. London generated 5.5% of global searches and 4.7% of global bookings. The average time spent researching a trip or the "search window" was 23 days, 2 days shy of the 21-day booking window. Of the 10 Persona Clusters defined by over 100 demographic, psychographic and behavior attributes, the Self-Seeker Persona generated 27.9% of bookings into London. Learn more and view the infographic at www.nsightfortravel.com/news/blog. ...
The Boston Harbor Hotel Welcomes Stephen Johnston as Managing Director and General Manager
the Boston Harbor Hotel | November 8, 2013
Boston, MA - November 8, 2013 - The Boston Harbor Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Johnston as its new Managing Director and General Manager. With over 29 years of hospitality experience and broad operational knowledge, Johnston brings a wealth of industry expertise to his role and to the team at the Boston Harbor Hotel. "I look forward to continuing to build upon the culture of award-winning service that has made the Boston Harbor Hotel a truly distinguished Hotel in the city of Boston for nearly three decades," states Johnston. Stephen Johnston joined Pyramid Hotel Group in 2011 when he was selected to manage th...
The 212-room Crowne Plaza® Lansing West Opens in Michigan Following Conversion Renovations
November 8, 2013
ATLANTA - November 8, 2013 – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) announces the opening of the Crowne Plaza® Lansing West hotel following conversion renovations to the guest rooms, reception and entrances, funded by the hotel's ownership. Located at 925 South Creyts Rd. and just off of Interstate 496, the five-story hotel is surrounded by tranquil green spaces and close to a variety of shopping centers and local attractions. This Lansing hotel is conveniently accessible to Michigan State University, the Michigan State Capitol Building, the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, as well as the General Motors – Lansing Delta Townsh...
Red Lion Board Approves Multi-Pronged Growth Strategy; Aims to Balance Franchising with Investments
Red Lion Hotels Corporation | November 8, 2013
SPOKANE, Wash., Nov. 8, 2013 -- Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) today announced its Board of Directors unanimously has approved a new multi-pronged growth strategy that will allow the company to refine its owned hotel portfolio and place greater emphasis on franchising and development in major Western U.S. markets. "Throughout the economic downturn that impacted the entire hospitality industry, the Board of Directors and management team of Red Lion Hotels have executed a focused approach to improve our operations, increase our financial flexibility and position the company to benefit when markets recovered," said Interim Preside...
Carlson Rezidor Honors K.B. Kachru with President’s Award & Names Kartik Sahoo Employee of the Year
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | November 8, 2013
Singapore (8 November, 2013) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, honored its top performing employees and hotels, in celebration of their extraordinary contributions and creation of bright spots for customers and guests. The awards ceremony was held at the group's annual Asia Pacific General Managers Conference 2013 at Radisson Blu Cebu, witnessed by more than 150 general managers and senior executives from Asia Pacific, US and Europe. "Congratulations to all award winners, whose achievements will inspire us to give our best in whatever we do. With over 170 hotels in operation and und...
LWH Hotels Names Marcus Mueller, GM of Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, as 2013 General Manager of the Year
LWH Hotels | November 8, 2013
LOS ANGELES, CA (November 8, 2013) - Recipient of the prestigious LWH Hotels 2013 General Manager of the Year award, Marcus Mueller, general manager of Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, was recognized for his exemplary leadership, exceptional service, guest feedback and outstanding community and staff relations.? It is awarded annually to a selected LWH Hotels' general manager, against stringent criteria. "We are proud to honor Marcus as this year's LWH Hotels' General Manager of the Year that recognizes his dedication to service at Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel in Beverly Hills," said Efrem Harkham, founder and chairman of LWH Hotels. "His sixth sense ...
NewcrestImage Completes Acquisition of 22 Hotels From La Quinta Inns & Suites
NewcrestImage | November 8, 2013
NewcrestImage has successfully closed the second phase of the 22-hotel portfolio acquisition from La Quinta Inns & Suites comprising of 2,210 rooms. Earlier this year, in July, 14 of the 22 hotels were acquired, with the remaining eight hotels closing November 5. . These eight hotels are located in Florida, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. St Louis, MO - Airport St Louis, MO - Maryland Heights Knoxville, TN Houston, TX - East Houston, TX - Medical Texas City, TX Grand Prairie, TX Tallahassee, FL NewcrestImage has sold the majority of the portfolio in smaller chunks to individual owners, leaving five hotels for NewcrestImage...
Hotel Equities Promotes Jeff Shockley to Vice President of Acquisitions, Financial Analysis
Hotel Equities (HE) | November 8, 2013
ATLANTA (November 8, 2013) - Hotel Equities (www.hotelequities.com) recently promoted Jeff Shockley to the position of Vice President of Acquisitions and Financial Analysis. Mr. Shockley's responsibilities at the hotel development and management company include working as a member of the firm's Development Team with responsibility for the growth of third party management contracts, while he continues to lead the Financial Analysis Department of the organization. "Jeff brings over twenty years of leadership experience in hotel operations as well as property, asset, and financial management to his new development role," said Brad Rahinsky...
Kirsten Ponza Named Executive Chef at Chaminade Resort & Spa, a Benchmark Resort in Santa Cruz, CA
Chaminade Resort & Spa | November 8, 2013
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, November 8, 2013 - Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Kirsten Ponza executive chef for Chaminade Resort & Spa, a Benchmark Resort® located in Santa Cruz overlooking scenic Monterey Bay. Kevin Herbst, Benchmark's general manager at the resort, made the announcement. "I am so pleased to announce Kirsten's promotion to executive chef," said Mr. Herbst. "She brings incredible talent and spirit to her new and well-deserved position here at Chaminade, and we're anticipating great things originating in the resort's kitchens. We congratulate Ki...
IHM&RS Launch: Kaba Announces Flexible Online Lock Platform
Kaba, Saflok, ILCO | November 8, 2013
Kaba's Saflok Online Lock System Delivers Greater Security and Guest Convenience at Historic Properties At IHM&RS come to booth 2902 to learn more about Kaba's Online Locking System. MONTREAL, QC, CANADA - November 8, 2013 - Kaba, provider of Saflok™ and ILCO™ electronic locks will announce its new Wi-Fi communications backbone for online hotel locks at IHM&RS, November 9 - 12 in New York. Kaba's Saflok online lock system increases security and guest convenience. The system uses Zigbee communication from locks but Wi-Fi communication from Kaba's Messenger™ gateways. This enables hotels to realize the benefits of Zigbee onl...
Sheraton® Hotels & Resorts Turns to Eleven for Latest Brand Update
Eleven | November 8, 2013
As a preferred provider, Eleven stepped up when Link@Sheraton™ required a refresh 11/8/13, Portland, Ore. – In partnership with Eleven, Sheraton® Hotels and Resorts recently updated the brand standards of their signature lobby computers, Link@Sheraton. With guest experience top of mind, the upgrade included the migration to Windows 8, deployment of Lenovo touch-screen computers, customization with Sheraton-selected applications, and a new desktop design. Sheraton Hotels originally chose Eleven as a preferred provider in 2005 when Link@Sheraton was first implemented to create a social and welcoming environment in each hotel lobby. T...
The Bricton Group to Manage Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Big Dip Waterpark & Conference Center in MI
the Bricton Group | November 8, 2013
Chicago, IL (November 8, 2013) - The Bricton Group, Inc., a Chicago based hotel investment and management company, was awarded the management assignment for the Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Big Dip Waterpark and Conference Center located at 6569 Clay Avenue SW in Grand Rapids, MI. "We are excited to announce the addition of the Holiday Inn Express Grand Rapids-South to our management portfolio and expanding our footprint further into Michigan," said Edward Doherty, President of The Bricton Group. "The ownership and staff have been great to work with and we look forward to the continued success of the asset as a staple in the Grand R...
Educational Institute’s Certified Hospitality Instructor (CHI) Undergoes Major Revision
the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute | November 8, 2013
Orlando, Florida, November 2013-The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) has revised its Certified Hospitality Instructor (CHI) designation to bring the study materials in line with its new high school curriculum, as well as to make preparing for the certification exam more convenient and flexible for teachers. Professional certification has become a requirement for many secondary school teachers and workforce instructors. The Certified Hospitality Instructor (CHI) provides teachers in secondary school hospitality classes and workforce development programs with a solid foundation of hospitality knowledge and skills, s...
