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Industry Happenings
Benchmark Hospitality International Named a “Best Place to Work” in Houston
Benchmark Hospitality International | November 8, 2013
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, November 2013 ... Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has been named one of Houston's Best Places To Work by the Houston Business Journal. "We are very pleased to receive this honored designation as a Best Place to Work in the Houston area," said Alex Cabañas, President of Benchmark Hospitality. "The fact that this award was initiated and supported by our employees is particularly gratifying. A positive, forward-thinking and innovative workplace environment is important to each of us at Benchmark. In addition to the satisfying emotional benefits, th...
HRI Lodging & Carey Watermark Complete Upgrade of Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans French Quarter/CBD
HRI Lodging | November 8, 2013
New Orleans, LA (November 8, 2013) - HRI Lodging, as Operator, and Carey Watermark Investors Incorporated (CWI), as Owner, have completed a $3.5 million renovation of the Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans French Quarter/CBD, announced Gary Gutierrez, president of HRI Lodging. "It is encouraging that we have a great partner in CWI who continues to show confidence in the New Orleans market," said Gutierrez. "The renovation positions the hotel to take advantage of the high demand generated by the multitude of annual special events in the city." CWI completed a joint venture investment of approximately $22.8 million in the hotel in June, 2012. ...
Playa Hotels & Resorts Opens the 619-room Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos on the Sea of Cortes in Mexico
Hyatt Ziva | November 8, 2013
CHICAGO (November 8, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Playa Hotels & Resorts B.V. (Playa) today announce the opening of Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, the first Hyatt-branded all-inclusive resort. Located on the spectacular beachfront on the Sea of Cortes in Los Cabos, Mexico, Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos sets the stage to create unforgettable moments that delight, surprise and foster personal connections and stories among groups, families, friends, and soon-to-be friends. Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos guests will also experience Hyatt's authentic hospitality. Hyatt is known as a leader in customer service, accommodations, and convention and ...
Pool Lift Litigation Proliferates. Why Enterprise-Wide Compliance is the Best Solution
JMBM | November 8, 2013
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 8 November 2013 It has been almost a year since the Department of Justice's ADA requirement for fixed or permanent pool lifts in "places of public accommodation" has been in effect. Now a fact (and cost) of doing business in the hospitality industry, many of our clients and friends in the industry are asking, "what's the result of all this activity, what's going on now?" Well, after all the lobbying, education, handwringing, headaches, counseling, and expense, we can say .... things went pretty much as predicted: Many hotel owners complied...
The Deadwood Mountain Grand, a Holiday Inn Resort in SD, Opens Following $50 Million Renovation
the Holiday Inn Resort brand | November 8, 2013
ATLANTA, Nov. 8, 2013 -- InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) today announced the opening of the Deadwood Mountain Grand, a Holiday Inn Resort(R) hotel located in Deadwood, S.D. The opening follows an approximately $50 million renovation by the ownership to the sprawling over 245,000 sq. feet property. "The Holiday Inn Resort brand continues to grow in key vacation destinations, and we are thrilled to welcome this property into the Holiday Inn(R) Brand Family," said Heather Balsley, senior vice president, Americas Holiday Inn Brand Family. "The brand is one guests have come to know and trust, aimed at providing family vacation experience...
Rajawali Group and Starwood to Develop The St. Regis Jakarta in Indonesia, Slated to Open in 2016
Rajawali Group | November 8, 2013
JAKARTA, Indonesia - November 8, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) and Rajawali Group, one of the largest investment companies in Indonesia, today announce the groundbreaking of The St. Regis Jakarta in Indonesia's dynamic capital. Set to open in 2016, the all-suite hotel brings the St. Regis brand's enduring legacy of uncompromising luxury and sophisticated service to Jakarta, elevating the city's ultra-luxury hospitality offerings in a mixed-use development. Located in Jakarta's central business district along Jalan Gatot Subroto, near Jakarta's Sudirman Central Business District and the Mega Kuningan are...
Hyatt Unveils Two New All Inclusive Brands: Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | November 8, 2013
CHICAGO (November 8, 2013) – Today Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) introduced its Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara all inclusive resort brands and unveiled the brand logos and signature elements of the guest experience. The launch marks Hyatt's entry into the fast growing all inclusive segment and offers Hyatt an opportunity to redefine the category using its distinctive approach to guest listening and innovation. The new brands are launching in the important Latin American market, where Hyatt has been expanding its brand presence. The first two resorts to debut under the Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara brands are owned and managed by Playa...
Marriott Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Protea Hotel Group’s Hotel Operations and Brands
Marriott International, Inc. | November 8, 2013
Bethesda, Md., Nov. 8, 2013 – Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today said it has signed a letter of intent with Protea Hospitality Holdings of Cape Town, South Africa to acquire Protea Hotels' brands and its management business that operates or franchises 116 hotels across three brands with 10,184 rooms in South Africa and six other Sub-Saharan African countries. The transaction would nearly double Marriott's distribution in Africa to more than 23,000 rooms, and would also provide Marriott with a proven operational platform and leadership team to accelerate Marriott's expansion plans and solidify its leadership position in t...
Franchise Agreements 2013 – Key Issues: What The Name Says About Your Property
The Miller Law Group, P.C. | November 8, 2013
by Mitch Miller, Miller Law Group, P.C. Introduction When acquiring a hotel, a franchise agreement is one of the most important agreements that will affect the long term success of the hotel investment. Which brand? There is no standard answer. The unique factors of your project (location, facility, competition, market dynamics, costs of operation, etc.) must be matched to the brand(s) that best satisfies the criteria. Usually, all other factors being comparable, I will recommend the brand that will deliver the best rate. If fair share of market can be realized, then the brand delivering the highest average rate will maximize both reven...
It’s Time to Upgrade Your Timex to Add USB Charging for ALL Mobile Devices
Hotel Technologies | November 8, 2013
The new Timex T1308G from Hotel Technologies not only sets the time itself, but it now includes both USB and MP3 line-in for playing and charging all generation appliances VISIT HOTEL TECHNOLOGIES IN BOOTH #2720 AT IHMRS RAHWAY, N.J. (NOVEMBER 8, 2013) - Hotel Technologies continues to make a difference to travelers with its Timex alarm clock radios. Ideal for properties of all segments, the newest Timex hotel unit features both a USB port and MP3 player auxiliary input to enable guests to charge and play music from a variety of mobile devices. To aid hoteliers with time management, the clock on the T1308G automatically updates itself f...
Guests Stream Music in Style with New Bluetooth NFC In-Room Products from Hotel Technologies
Hotel Technologies | November 8, 2013
To enable guests to feel even more at home, Hotel Technologies is unveiling an FM Stereo Alarm Clock Radio and a Stereo Speaker System with Speakerphone; both use NFC to stream music from guests' Bluetooth-enabled devices and both feature USB Charging VISIT HOTEL TECHNOLOGIES IN BOOTH #2720 AT IHMRS RAHWAY, N.J. (NOVEMBER 8, 2013) - Travelers aren't just bringing mobile devices to your hotel, they are packing Bluetooth®-enabled smartphones and tablets with the ability to stream their music wirelessly for more personalized in-room entertainment. Today, Hotel Technologies is introducing two stylish iHome® audio solutions that enable hot...
Pricing in a Social World by Kelly A McGuire, PhD and Breffni M Noone, PhD
SAS | November 7, 2013
The price transparency afforded by the advent of the OTAs changed the way that hotels think about pricing. Social media and online reviews are driving the next major shift in pricing - value transparency. Consumers now have easy access to detailed consumer opinion, along with price, through review sites, OTAs and even hotel websites. In order to continue to price effectively, revenue managers need to understand how consumers are using this user generated content (UGC) with price, to make a hotel purchase decision. To help hotel managers understand how value transparency will impact their pricing and positioning strategies, we conducted ...
Cruise Inn, an Alternative for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry Launches
Cruise Inn | November 6, 2013
Scott Anderson Appointed President and CEO November 6, 2013. Coral Springs, Florida - A group of experienced hospitality professionals recently joined together to launch Cruise Inn, an alternative for the independent RV Park owner in the outdoor hospitality industry. The brand provides membership opportunities to RV Park and campground owners and developers. Through this new and innovative offering, Cruise Inn will help its members increase their ROI through guest satisfaction, revenue/yield management, loyalty programs, multiple booking channels and effective sales. "The Cruise Inn brand is perfectly timed to launch in an industry whe...
Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach to Open this Winter in Florida Following $150 Million Renovation
Shelborne Wyndham Grant South Beach | November 6, 2013
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (November 6, 2013) - As an ever-popular resort destination, South Beach serves as one of America's cultural epicenters where art, fashion and entertainment collide. One of its quintessential historic properties, Shelborne, will pay homage to the heyday of Miami's chic past when it reopens its doors this Winter 2013/2014 as Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach, after having undergone a $150 million, complete revitalization and redesign to restore its original glamour with a modern sensibility catering to today's sophisticated traveler. Originally opened in 1940 and designed by Art Deco architect Igor Polevitsky, the reso...
Grace D. Miane Named as General Manager for Residence Inn Dana Point San Juan Capistrano, California
the Residence Inn Dana Point San Juan Capistrano | November 6, 2013
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., Nov. 6, 2013 -- Continuing its tradition of excellence, the Residence Inn Dana Point San Juan Capistrano hotel is proud to announce its new general manager. Grace D. Miane has taken over at one of the premier hotels in San Juan Capistrano. Miane has a long track record of successes and innovations, working with Marriott for the last 14 years at properties with more than 100 rooms. "I am excited to return to California not only to work at this state-of-the-art, custom-built Residence Inn by Marriott but also to rejoin family and friends," Miane said. "The hotel had a very successful opening in 2012 and enjoys...
Parks Hospitality Group to Open a 120-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Wilmington, NC in 2015
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | November 6, 2013
WILMINGTON, N.C., Nov. 6, 2013 -- Parks Hospitality Group, a Cary, North Carolina based hotel ownership and management corporation announced plans to open a SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Wilmington, North Carolina in early 2015. The SpringHill Suites Wilmington/Mayfaire will be located at 1011 Military Cutoff Road in Wilmington's popular Mayfaire Town Center area. The hotel will feature 120 spacious suites, 1,200 square feet of meeting space, full-service bar and much more. The hotel will operate under a Marriott franchise agreement and will be owned and operated by Parks Hospitality Group. "We are very excited to partner with Marrio...
Lodging Econometrics Reports Q3 2013 US Construction Pipeline Growth Continues at a Modest Pace
Lodging Econometrics | November 6, 2013
Growth in the Pipeline remains sluggish and is likely to continue that way at least thru early 2014 as ongoing political and economic uncertainty continue to affect developer sentiment. As of Q3 2013 the Total Construction Pipeline stands at 2,819 Projects/ 358,691 Rooms, a year-over-year (YOY) increase of just 2% by projects and 5% by rooms. Hotels Under Construction have uptrended for nine quarters and are now at 710 Projects/ 92,065 Rooms, a YOY increase of 27% for Projects and 30% for Rooms. Totals for Hotels Scheduled to Start in the Next 12 Months have increased off the bottom established in Q2 2012 and stand at 1,008 Projects/ 12...
Brighton Management Selected to Manage the 285-room Ventura Beach Marriott in California
Brighton Management | November 6, 2013
IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 6, 2013 -- Brighton Management is pleased to announce today the addition of the Ventura Beach Marriott Hotel, its 35th hotel under management. We are very excited to extend our Marriott brand with a full service addition to our other Marriott line-up, including Marriott Residence Inn, Marriott Courtyard, and Fairfield Inn. We now offer the full spectrum of Marriott products to our guests and their families as well as the astute business traveler. With 285 rooms, the beautiful Ventura Beach Marriott is just 200 steps from the Pacific Ocean; adjacent to San Buenaventura State Beach, with a spectacular outdoor terrace,...
George Schnepp Named as Executive Chef for the 365-key Westin Buckhead Atlanta in Georgia
the Westin Buckhead Atlanta | November 6, 2013
ATLANTA - November 6, 2013 - Westin Buckhead Atlanta appointed George Schnepp as the hotel's new Executive Chef. With more than eight years of experience in the hospitality industry, five of those with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Schnepp will oversee daily operations of Westin Buckhead's banquets and catering for the hotel's 30,000 square-feet of flexible meeting space areas and ballrooms. Growing up in Kentucky, Schnepp was immersed in Southern culture, but influenced by his mother's Thai cooking. Schnepp, a self-proclaimed gourmand with a taste for ethnic flavors, will expand on Westin Buckhead's Southern-inspired cuisine with a bl...
Radisson Launches the Hotel Industry’s First Mobile Game to Simulate Real-Life Hotel Management
November 6, 2013
November 6, 2013 - Radisson® has taken the combination of hotel and technology to the next level with the recent launch of its new mobile game, Rad Hotel by Radisson. The interactive application challenges players to design and operate simulated hotels using the brand's Yes I Can!SM service culture to further generate guest satisfaction and ultimately grow their business. Rad Hotel by Radisson is the first of its kind allowing players to recognize and create solutions for tough, service-focused challenges that hotel operators face on any given day. Rad Hotel by Radisson was designed to challenge players to manage the fast-paced operati...
Financing a Hotel Product Improvement Plan (‘PIP’) in Today’s Market
HREC | November 6, 2013
by Scott Kaniewski The major hotel franchise companies are making a concerted effort to engage with their franchisees to make improvements to their hotels in an attempt complete the PIPs that were delayed by the 2008-2010 recession. New brand standards in today's market typically include popular lifestyle lobbies, as well as improvements to guestrooms and bathrooms. These efforts are consistent with similar strategies in past cycles whereby franchisors are using the current improvements in the market to upgrade their product and improve their competitive position with the consumer. What does this mean to an owner? Recession weary owners...
Key Issues For the Owner To Consider When Seeking a CMBS Loan
The Miller Law Group, P.C. | November 6, 2013
by Mitch Miller, Miller Law Group, P.C. Introduction Commercially Backed Securitized Loans (CMBS) also known as conduit loans have advantages and disadvantages. Many of the disadvantages derive from the lender's inherent purpose of originating the loan to resell it as part of a large pool of loans (in a trust) to secondary investors seeking a diversified yield oriented investment. The nature of the offering in the secondary market creates structural limitations on the flexibility of the loan terms, the ability to prepay the loan, and many administrative provisions that are often not included in a conventional loan transaction. However, ...
Jerry Parquette Appointed Food and Beverage Director for B Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida
November 6, 2013
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL (November 6, 2013) - Jerry Parquette has been named the Food and Beverage Director of the B Resort, located in the Walt Disney World® Resort, scheduled to debut early 2014. In his new role, Parquette will be responsible for overseeing all food and beverage operations at the new lifestyle resort in Lake Buena Vista, including the resort's signature restaurant, American Q, the brainchild of acclaimed New York City restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow of China Grill Management, offering guests an innovative culinary experience that will redefine classic American barbeque. In addition, he will be overseeing the Pickup - a coo...
Convenience Shops: Cash-flowing Amenity Creep
Laurel A. Keller of Hotel & Leisure Advisors | November 6, 2013
By Laurel A. Keller, as originally published by Hotel News Now As a hospitality consultant, I have the opportunity to visit hundreds of hotels and resorts each year as part of hotel appraisal and feasibility study assignments. Recently, I've noted that limited-service hotels are adding miniature versions of the gift shops once spotted only in the lobbies of full-service and select-service hotels. My research indicates these "convenience shops" typically generate a small profit, are preferred by guests (as opposed to vending machines) and have future growth potential. By all indications, these little shops have earned their roughly 100 s...
