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
Hospitality Upgrade Launches Comprehensive and Interactive Technology Directory and Buyer’s Guide
Hospitality Upgrade | November 5, 2013
ATLANTA – Nov. 5, 2013 – Hospitality Upgrade, the No. 1 technology source for the hotel, travel and foodservice industry, announced the launch of an annual directory and buyer's guide, that will be open to all technology providers that serve the hospitality industry. This effort is part of Hospitality Upgrade's continuing commitment to serve the hospitality industry community and provide exclusive and unmatched content about technology. By leveraging an extensive network of solution providers and those from the buying community and its more than 20 years of publishing experience, Hospitality Upgrade has the unique ability to bring a...
12 Hottest Food & Beverage Trends For Restaurants And Hotel Dining For 2014 + 30 Buzzwords
Michael Whiteman | November 5, 2013
by Michael Whiteman Consultants Baum+Whiteman say that concepts of luxury thread through top dining trends: tasting menus running $1,000 for two, haute chicken priced like steak, upscale food halls, bespoke spices ... even theatrical and sci-fi effects changing the global dining scene by bombarding customers' senses. Department stores jumping back into the restaurant biz. Hipster Asian and Jewish fusion getting traction. Smart money placing bets on better-for-you dining. Tasting menus trickling into mid-price markets. Flocks of beverage trends from fast food to cocktail lounges. Taking another look at Mid-East food trends. Baum+Whiteman...
The HongKong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited Appoints Alan Philip Clark as Chief Financial Officer
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) | November 5, 2013
HONG KONG, Nov. 5, 2013 -- Mr. Clement K.M. Kwok, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) has announced the appointment of Mr. Alan Philip Clark as the Group's new Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer. The effective date of his appointment will be announced at a later stage. Aged 45, Mr. Clark is a British national and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in the United Kingdom. He graduated from the University of South Africa in 1989 with a Bachelor of Accounting Science degree. After graduation, he joined Durban Hotels and left in 1992 to join S...
Bearded Hotel Staffers Don’t Cut It With Guests, Says New Cornell Study
the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly | November 5, 2013
Ithaca, NY, November 5, 2013 - The results of a study of guests' reactions to hotel employees' appearance were mostly what you might expect. The study, published in the November 2013 issue of Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, found that hotel guests think that the most effective employees are men and women who smile and are attractive. When it comes to facial hair, however, the guests weren't so sure. They assigned greater assurance ability to clean-shaven men, but for reasons that are not clear this effect held true only for Caucasian men and not for African-American men. The study, "The Frontline Provider's Appearance: A Driver of Guest ...
Maestro Selected by 6 Independent Hotel Companies as Total Productivity, Revenue Generation Solution
Maestro Property Management Solution | November 5, 2013
At IHM&RS Visit NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS in Booth # 3059 November 9 - 12, Jacob K. Javits Center, NYC Independent Operators Trust NORTHWIND-Maestro for Tools and Services to Drive Highly Profitable Operations, Engage Guests, Increase Web Bookings, and Exceed Guest Service Expectations Markham, ON - November 5, 2013 - NORTHWIND, provider of Maestro™ Enterprise Property Management, announced 6 independent hotel companies selected Maestro Property Management for 9 properties in 3Q '13. NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS is the preferred supplier of hotel software and reservation software solutions for the industry's leading independent hotels, resor...
Completing Conversion, the 105-room Red Lion Inn & Suites Perris Opens in Southern California
Red Lion Hotels Corporation | November 5, 2013
SPOKANE, Wash., Nov. 5, 2013 - Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) announced that overnight the Red Lion Inn & Suites Perris in Southern California converted to the brand. This is the third hotel within the last month to become a Red Lion. The Red Lion Inn & Suites Perris, 480 S Redlands Ave., is located in Riverside County about 30 miles south of San Bernardino, with easy access off of Interstate 215. The hotel has 105 rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, free WiFi and a complimentary hot Roaring Start Breakfast®. "The Red Lion name has strong brand recognition in Southern California," said Ron Burgett, Executive Vice Presid...
Hotel Technologies to Unveil Latest iHome Audio Solutions at IH/M&RS
Hotel Technologies | November 5, 2013
From digital alarm clock radios that simultaneously charge smartphones and tablets to NFC Bluetooth® FM Clock Radios with USB charging, to smart models with voice instructions for setting alarms and units that set the time themselves, Hotel Technologies is designing in-room electronics that stay in tune with guests growing demands RAHWAY, N.J. (NOVEMBER 5, 2013) - Mobile technology has truly evolved in 2013, and so have guest expectations. The demand for hoteliers to provide in-room solutions that enable travelers to charge their old and new platform smartphones and tablet devices is at an all-time high. Hotel Technologies will unveil ...
The 264-suite Declan Suites Opens in San Diego, CA, Converting The Sheraton Suites
| November 5, 2013
To Undergo Multi-Million Dollar Transformation Beginning in Spring 2014 SAN DIEGO, Nov. 5, 2013 -- The Declan Suites, formerly The Sheraton Suites, is now open and operating under new management, ushering in a hotel intimately linked to the heart of the city's musical and cultural soul. This independent property offers 264 two-room suites with unrivaled comfort and proximity to the city's most vibrant cultural happenings. Set to undergo a multi-million dollar transformation, The Declan Suites will be revamped for the technology minded and culturally inclined traveler. Referencing technology and music throughout the design concept, the p...
The 88-key Landing Resort & Spa to Open on Lake Tahoe in California in December 2013
| November 5, 2013
South Lake Tahoe, California - November 5, 2013 - The Landing Resort & Spa, Lake Tahoe's first lakeside five-star luxury resort, will open its doors in December 2013 to travelers looking for an ultra-luxe experience that embraces an intimate connection with the lake, from lake-view rooms, decks and patios, to private beach access for guests. The new resort on the shores of Lake Tahoe will boast 88 guest rooms with fireplaces, private decks and a long list of five-star amenities, as well as a new Greek and California cuisine restaurant, full-service spa, conference center, and the highest standard of personalized service. Owners Jim ...
NIZUC Resort & Spa Unveils Waterfront Conference & Events Center on the Mexican Caribbean
NIZUC Resort & Spa | November 5, 2013
This state-of-the-art meetings and special events space features a ballroom with breathtaking ocean views, hi-tech meeting rooms and world-class amenities for groups and social gatherings all located on the grounds of the region's most talked about 5-star resort. Punta Nizuc, Cancun, Mexico November 05, 2013- The award-winning hotel chain, Las Brisas Hotel Collection, announces that NIZUC Resort & Spa—the inaugural property of their new elite brand—is now celebrating the opening of its Conference & Events Center. This new addition to the upscale resort boasts 8,500 square feet of meeting space including an oceanfront ballroo...
CHM Granted Three-Year Asset Management Extension with Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel
Capital Hotel Management (CHM) | November 5, 2013
BALTIMORE, Md./BEVERLY, Mass., November 5, 2013 - Capital Hotel Management (CHM), a leading hotel asset management and investment advisory firm, today announced that it has been awarded a second contract extension for the asset management of the 757-room Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel. CHM was originally retained in 2006 by the Baltimore Development Corporation, following a competitive bid process. "We have worked closely with the hotel's operators to optimize revenues while minimizing overhead during a very difficult period that has been impacted by a slow economic recovery, a sluggish meeting market and the effects of increa...
Logan Group Opens 330-key Sheraton Shantou Hotel in China, the 100th Sheraton Hotel in Asia Pacific
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | November 5, 2013
SHANTOU, China - November 05, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT), today announced its iconic Sheraton brand has reached the 100th hotel milestone in Asia Pacific with the opening of Sheraton Shantou Hotel in China. Owned by Logan Group, Sheraton Shantou Hotel is one of nearly 30 new hotels in Asia Pacific this year, highlighting the brand's remarkable growth trajectory in this rapidly developing region. Other recent openings include Sheraton Shenyang South City Hotel in China and Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas in Thailand. "Sheraton has enjoyed phenomenal success in Asia Pacific where it has helped meet th...
‘Connectivity by Pullman’ Live at Pullman Brussels Midi
Pullman | November 5, 2013
Based on Quadriga's HTNG award-winning PMN® solution The Pullman Brussels Midi Hotel is the first Pullman hotel worldwide to deploy 'Connectivity by Pullman', a new brand concept based on Quadriga's award-winning Personal Media Network® technology, and designed to deliver a unified experience for the guest, across the in-room TV and mobile platforms. Pullman Hotels and Resorts, the upscale international brand of Accor, selected Quadriga's PMN® solution earlier this year as a new brand standard. Quadriga has worked closely with Pullman to develop the unique 'Connectivity by Pullman' interface, which is now installed on the TV in all 2...
Wuhu Shimao New Century Property Opens 442-key DoubleTree by Hilton Wuhu in China’s Anhui Province
DoubleTree By Hilton | November 5, 2013
WUHU, China and MCLEAN, Va. - November 5, 2013 - DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Wuhu in China's Anhui province. Strategically located in the central business district, the 26-story hotel features 442 contemporary guestrooms, including 23 suites, five uniquely-styled restaurants, the city's largest ballroom at 1,000 square meters and nine multi-functional meeting rooms. The hotel is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Wuhu Shimao New Century Property Co., Ltd. "We are delighted to introduce DoubleTree by Hilton's first hotel in Wuhu, a city rich in culture and business potential," said John...
NewcrestImage to Construct Hotel as Anchor for Downtown Amarillo, Texas Redevelopment Project
NewcrestImage | November 5, 2013
November 5, 2013 - NewcrestImage is adding another innovative project to its portfolio with construction of a six-story hotel that will become part of an ambitious public-private partnership to reinvigorate downtown Amarillo, Texas. The hotel, to be built directly across the street from City Hall on six acres of land owned by the city, will be part of a $113 million complex scheduled to include a ballpark, a parking garage, and a retail arcade with destination shopping and dining. It will include 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Additional details of the hotel -- including brand, number of rooms, and timeline -- are expected within the ...
eRevMax Adds Enterprise Integration Expert Stephen Burke to its Leadership Team
eRevMax | November 5, 2013
Joins as Vice President - Connectivity & Enterprise Integration to Lead the Next-Generation Enterprise Connectivity Solution Development November 5, 2013, London: Online travel distribution and channel management specialist, eRevMax, has announced the appointment of Stephen Burke as Vice President, Connectivity and Enterprise Integration. Based in Prague, Stephen will focus on strengthening and streamlining eRevMax's established leadership position in hotel enterprise connectivity. He will be responsible for maintaining the company's integration efforts to distribution channels, hotel companies, third party hotel management systems ...
CBRE Hotels Engaged to Sell Prominent Caribbean Development Site
CBRE Group, Inc. | November 5, 2013
Premier 385-acre property in The Bahamas slated for casino, resort, residential enclaves and signature Greg Norman-designed golf course Miami, FL - CBRE Hotels has been exclusively engaged to market The South Ocean Resort property, a 385-acre development site situated on the southwestern coast of New Providence, The Bahamas. Generally considered to be the most important remaining tract of land in The Bahamas, the development of the South Ocean property calls for a $1 billion mixed-use project that will include hotels, a casino, residential enclaves, a world-class marina and retail components. CBRE Hotels is actively fielding inquiries f...
Speakers and Agenda Announced for 2013 NATHIC Event in Chicago
Questex Hospitality + Travel | November 5, 2013
NEW YORK (Nov. 5, 2013) - The fifth annual North America Hotel Investment Conference (NATHIC), to be held Nov. 20-22 in Chicago, is packing a punch this year with a strong lineup of expert speakers and an enhanced agenda addressing a wide range of critical topics related to hotel development, ownership and management in the Midwest and throughout the United States and Canada. Presented by Hotel Management magazine, NATHIC is part of Questex Hospitality + Travel's International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) Summit Series. The event, to be held at the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile, is expected to draw more than 300 hotel owners, develope...
Coco Collection and Sunland Hotels Name Nick Simmonds as Chief Operating Officer
Coco Collection | November 4, 2013
(Hong Kong, 4 November 2013) - The award winning Sunland Hotels & Resorts and its luxury subsidiary Coco Collection are proud to announce Nick Simmonds as their new Chief Operating Officer. Simmonds will oversee all operational and strategic practices for both brands in the Maldives. He brings with him a wealth of experience, gained through an extensive career specializing in launching and operating some of the most well renowned hotels and resorts in the world. Most recently, Simmonds was Vice President of Chris Blackwell's Island Outpost collection of hotels in Jamaica where he also headed up the company's charitable foundations a...
Ron Olstad Appointed General Manager of the 499-key Hyatt Regency Milwaukee in Wisconsin
Rainmaker | November 4, 2013
MILWAUKEE, Wisc. - November 4, 2013 - The Hyatt Regency Milwaukee today announced the appointment of career hotelier, Ron Olstad, as general manager of the 481-room/18-suite, downtown hotel located adjacent to the city's Wisconsin Center. Known for his growth management expertise, Olstad brings vast operational and development experience to his latest endeavor, enhancing service levels at the well-regarded marquee hotel in the nation's heartland. Previously, Olstad was a principal in a management consulting firm providing interim operational leadership for hotels in transition. Earlier in his career, he served in an asset management cap...
The 143-room Radisson Blu Le Vendome Hotel Cape Town to Open in South Africa by Q2 2014
Staybridge Suites Hotels | November 4, 2013
November 4, 2013 - Rezidor, one of the ten largest and most dynamic hotel groups worldwide, announces the Radisson Blu Le Vendome Hotel Cape Town in South Africa. The upper upscale property featuring 143 rooms is scheduled to open within the next six months. Formerly known as "Hotel Le Vendome" and a local landmark, the property is undergoing renovation and refurbishment in order to be re-positioned as one of Cape Town's leading upper upscale addresses. The Radisson Blu Le Vendome Hotel brings Carlson Rezidor's strong portfolio in Cape Town to five hotels in operation and under development. "We are proud to operate this hotel and thank ...
Capital Partners Opens the 145-room Ritz-Carlton, Almaty in Kazakhstan
The Ritz-Carlton | November 4, 2013
ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN, November 4, 2013 – Timeless luxury arrived in Almaty, Kazakhstan when The Ritz-Carlton opened its first hotel in the country. The most highly anticipated hotel in Central Asia was unveiled by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. and international real estate developer Capital Partners. The new 145-room luxury hotel offers unsurpassed levels of elegance and is the latest collaboration between Capital Partners and The Ritz-Carlton, following their successful partnership with The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow. The hotel sits atop the 37 storey Esentai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Central Asia. With Club and Suite a...
Hyatt Brand to Debut in Iraq with 2017 Opening of the 210-room Hyatt Regency Sulaymaniyah
Hyatt Regency | November 4, 2013
CHICAGO (November 4, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Claremont Group LLC, a New York-based real estate development company, for a Hyatt Regency hotel in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Expected to open in 2017, Hyatt Regency Sulaymaniyah will be the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Iraq. "Bringing the Hyatt brand to Iraq is one of the most exciting projects we have in development. Kurdistan is a stable and prosperous area of Iraq, and as a result, the economy is growing and demand for lodging accommodations is rising," said Peter Norman, senior vi...
Nobody Asked Me, But…No. 114; Hotel History: The Ansonia Hotel; Quote of the Month; My New Book
Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC | November 4, 2013
By Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC 1. Hotel History: The Ansonia Hotel* The Ansonia Hotel was built as a luxury apartment hotel on the upper west side of New York in 1904. Its resplendent apartments contained multiple bedrooms, parlors, libraries and formal dining rooms with high ceilings, elegant moldings and bay windows. The hotel had a central kitchen serving pantries on every floor so that residents could enjoy meals prepared by professional chefs. Its exterior turrets, balconies, carvings, scrolls, medallions and moldings make the Ansonia a Beaux-Arts confection. In "New York, New York: How the Apartment House Transformed the Life of t...
