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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
Bahia Husband Joins W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island as Director of Sales & Marketing
W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island | November 1, 2013
New York (Nov. 1, 2013) - W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island expands its sales team with the appointment of Bahia Husband as Director of Sales & Marketing. With 15 years of sales and hospitality expertise, Husband is armed with a fresh vision fused with a proven track record for success. "Bahia is a strong addition to the W Vieques leadership team bringing strategic focus, hospitality know-how, and energetic passion - all of which will continue to elevate W Retreat & Spa to become a destination within a destination," said Greg White, General Manager of W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island. As Director of Sales and Marketing, Hu...
Colorado’s Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Names Michael J. Damion as General Manager
the Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center | November 1, 2013
Set for Q1 2014 Opening, Also Names Judy Esterbrook as Director Of Sales & Marketing DENVER - November 1, 2013 - Today, Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center is proud to announce the selection of Michael J. Damion as general manager, and Judy Esterbrook as director of sales and marketing. The pair will lead pre-opening and opening efforts of the highly anticipated hotel. Located in downtown Denver's beloved Colorado National Bank building, Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center provides guests with a modern experience in one of Colorado's most historic buildings, originally construed in the early 1900s. The hotel will feature 230...
Dean Nakasone Appointed as General Manager of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii
Outrigger Enterprises Group | November 1, 2013
HONOLULU, OAHU, HAWAII - November 1, 2013 - Outrigger® Enterprises Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Nakasone as general manager of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, effective November 1, 2013. As general manager, Nakasone will be responsible for overseeing the resort's day-to-day operations and staff management, as well as planning, organizing and directing all hotel services and ensuring a balance between customer satisfaction, effective business management and financial viability for the property. "Dean is a valued and respected member of the Outrigger team and brings a wealth of experience to this new leadership r...
Owner Mukesh Dhanani Opens the 42-room BEST WESTERN Germantown Inn in Germantown, Wisconsin
Best Western International, Inc. | November 1, 2013
GERMANTOWN, Wis., November 1, 2013 - Best Western International announces the opening of the BEST WESTERN Germantown Inn, located at W190N10862 Commerce Circle. Owned by Mukesh Dhanani, this 100% smoke free hotel features 42 guest rooms and four guest suites. Hotel amenities include a complimentary breakfast, indoor heated pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Each room is equipped with a 32" flat screen television, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and free wireless Internet access. For business travelers, the hotel offers a business center with printing and faxing services, and free wireless Internet access in all public areas. Meeti...
Thought Leaders Debate the Future of Revenue Strategy, at Inaugural Revenue Strategy Summit (RSS)
Duetto | November 1, 2013
Powered by Duetto, the RSS Will be Held November 12, 2013 at the Affinia Manhattan Hotel New York, November 1, 2013 ... Where can hotel professionals get guidance on how to leverage trends in technology, marketing and distribution to maximize revenue - as they network with the leading lights of the industry in an intimate, business-focused setting? It will be happening at the inaugural Revenue Strategy Summit (RSS), a gathering of thought leaders and practitioners who will examine forces reshaping the hospitality industry and discuss how marketing and technology must evolve to meet new demands. Distinguished speakers and panel participa...
Completing Conversion the 427-guest room Hilton Meadowlands Opens in East Rutherford, New Jersey
PMHS | November 1, 2013
MCLEAN, Va. and MEADOWLANDS, N.J. - November 1, 2013 - Northern New Jersey's newest Hilton Hotels & Resorts property, the 427-guest room Hilton Meadowlands, is now open at Two Meadowlands Plaza in East Rutherford. The property, which recently completed the first phase of a multi-million dollar renovation, will convert from the Sheraton flag. Offering stunning views of the New York skyline, Hilton Meadowlands is situated across the street from the Meadowlands Complex, New Jersey's sports and entertainment hub; minutes from MetLife Stadium, host to the 2014 Super Bowl; four miles from New York City and 15 minutes from Newark Liberty I...
Europe Sees Highest Level of Hotel Transactions Since 2007, Says HVS London
HVS | November 1, 2013
With three quarters of the year now completed, 2013 continues on track to record the highest level of European hotel sales since 2007, although with momentum trailing off from the very strong levels of activity seen in Q4 2012 and particularly Q1 2013 (with reduced recent activity being due to a relative shortage of properties currently on the market). Total sales for 2013 are expected to surpass the €.7 billion recorded in 2011, although still being far below the €.15 billion to €.20 billion recorded in each of the boom years of 2005, 2006 and 2007, when the easy availability of substantial debt finance led to an unprecedented le...
Waramaug Hospitality Acquires the 215-room Crowne Plaza Metro North in Dublin, Ohio
Waramaug Hospitality | November 1, 2013
Renovation to Begin; Interstate Hotels & Resorts to Manage BOCA RATON, FLORIDA, November 1, 2013 - Waramaug Hospitality, a private investment group along with Interstate Hotels and Resorts, announced today they have acquired the 215-room Crowne Plaza Metro North in Dublin, Ohio. The Crowne Plaza is located in the heart of Dublin, a northwest suburb of Columbus. Dublin is home to the annual Memorial Golf Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club. The property offers 13,000 square feet of meetings space and is minutes away from the Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, as well as Ohio State University. "The hotel has strong investment potential...
The Brandon Agency Releases Comprehensive Study on How Consumers Research and Book Accommodations
The Brandon Agency | November 1, 2013
Myrtle Beach, S.C.The paper has five main focus areas with an emphasis on online hotel marketing, including: Hotel planning and booking behavior How travelers use online travel agencies (OTAs) Social media's influence on hotel booking decisions The importance of online reviews in choosing a hotel Why content matters in the decision process The paper is the result of a comprehensive research study conducted by the agency involving leisure travelers who take at least 1.5 leisure vacations per year. Of those surveyed, 2,207 travelers responded. These results, combined with the results of other third-party studies, produced the 'Hote...
Chatham Lodging Acquires 231-room Residence Inn in Downtown Bellevue, Washington for $71.8 Million
Chatham Lodging Trust | November 1, 2013
PALM BEACH, Fla., November 1, 2013 - Chatham Lodging Trust (NYSE: CLDT), a hotel real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investing in upscale, extended-stay hotels and premium branded, select-service hotels, today announced that it has acquired the 231-room Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle Bellevue/Downtown for a net cash purchase price of $71.8 million, plus customary, pro-rated amounts and closing costs. The purchase price represents a forward twelve month capitalization rate of approximately 7.8 percent on the hotel's projected net operating income. Year to date through September 30, 2013, RevPAR at the Bellevue hotel is up 1...
Culinary Union Members, Along with President of Unite Here, Provoke Arrests by Entering Cosmopolitan
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts | October 31, 2013
Nov. 01--More than 2,000 Culinary Union members converged on the Cosmopolitan this afternoon, blocking three lanes of Las Vegas Boulevard, waving pickets and chanting, "We don't get no contracts, we don't get no peace." As part of a union plan to compel Metro Police to arrest them, dozens of Culinary members entered the property about 5:40 p.m. and sat beneath the chandeliers just inside the casino entrance. Minutes later, officers flooded into the casino. One officer warned protesters via megaphone that they were breaking Nevada law by trespassing. "I am now commanding you to disperse immediately," the officer said, reading from a scri...
A Recap of NYC Hotel Forum – New York City Hotel Development: Construction, Financing & 2014 Outlook
Citrin Cooperman | October 31, 2013
The New York City Hotel Forum, held on October 22, 2013 brought together influential leaders in the hospitality industry to discuss opportunities and challenges in the hotel and lodging sectors today. The conference provided attendees the chance to network, gauge trends, and take away valuable advice from hospitality experts. Leading hospitality executives, investors, and developers participated in energetic discussions on diverse and timely industry topics such as development, the economy, finance, forecasts, transactions, and more. The conference was attended by key players in the hospitality industry, including: Investors; Owners; Le...
Extended Stay America Launches Initial Public Offering
Extended Stay America | October 31, 2013
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - October 31, 2013 - Extended Stay America, Inc. (the "Company") and ESH Hospitality, Inc. ("ESH REIT") today announced that they have commenced an initial public offering of 28,250,000 paired shares, consisting of Common Stock of Extended Stay America, Inc., and Class B Common Stock of ESH Hospitality, Inc., which are attached and trade together as a Share. The Company and ESH REIT expect to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 4,237,500 Shares. The initial public offering price is currently expected to be between $18.00 and $21.00 per Share. The Shares have been approved for listing on...
FelCor Reports Q3 2013 Net Loss of $6.4M Comapred to $27.8M Prior Year; Comparable RevPAR Up 7.1%
FelCor | October 31, 2013
October 31, 2013 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time IRVING, Texas--FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated (NYSE: FCH), today reported operating results for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. To view full press release and tables please visit: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=118512&p=quarterlyEarnings Highlights Adjusted FFO per share improved 75% to $0.14. Total hotel revenue for 52 comparable hotels (Same-store hotels excluding eight recently rebranded Wyndham hotels) increased 7.5% to $204.6 million. RevPAR for 52 comparable hotels increased 7.1%. Adjusted EBITDA increased by $1.6 million to $54.8 million, and Same-stor...
The 157-room Hampton by Hilton Volgograd Profsoyuznaya Opens in the South East of Russia
Hilton Worldwide | October 31, 2013
VOLGORAD, Russia and MCLEAN, Va. - October 31, 2013 - Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide's global brand of more than 1,900 mid-priced hotels today announced the opening of Hampton by Hilton Volgograd Profsoyuznaya in the South East of Russia. The hotel is the economy brand's latest hotel in Europe and second in Russia, following the recent opening of Hampton by Hilton Voronezh. With 157 guestrooms across eight floors, Hampton by Hilton Volgograd Profsoyuznaya offers signature features including the Clean and Fresh Hampton Bed, complimentary internet access, hot breakfast included in the room rate, and on-site fitness centre; as well as...
MGM Resorts Reports Q3 2013 Results: Net Revenue Rose 9% to $2.5B; RevPAR up 3% at Las Vegas Resorts
MGM Resorts International | October 31, 2013
Consolidated net revenue increases 9% year over year; 24% growth in Adjusted Property EBITDA driven by strength in Macau and Las Vegas Click here to view full press release and tables: http://mgmresorts.investorroom.com/2013-10-31-MGM-Resorts-International-Reports-Third-Quarter-Results LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31, 2013-- MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. Loss per share improved to ($0.07) compared to ($0.37) in the third quarter of 2012. Comparability of the current and prior year consolidated results was affected by certain items discussed below. "I am pleased to rep...
Sheraton Bloomington Opens Near Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Completing Renovation of Former Sofitel
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | October 31, 2013
Owned by WB Hotel Partners & Managed by Wischermann Partners STAMFORD, Conn. - October 31, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced its world-renowned Sheraton brand has expanded its footprint in greater Minneapolis with a strategic conversion in Bloomington, Minnesota. Sheraton Bloomington opened today, just five miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Owned by WB Hotel Partners, LLC, and managed by Wischermann Partners, Inc., the former Sofitel hotel has begun a comprehensive $8 million renovation to transform the property into a modern upper upscale hotel with all of...
Marriott Reports Q3 2013 Net Income of $160M, a 12% Increase Over Prior Year; RevPAR up 4.8%
Marriott International, Inc. | October 31, 2013
THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS • Third quarter diluted EPS totaled $0.52, an 18 percent increase over prior year results; • North American comparable company-operated REVPAR rose 5.5 percent in the third quarter with average daily rate up 4.4 percent; • On a constant dollar basis, worldwide comparable systemwide REVPAR rose 4.8 percent in the third quarter, including a 3.4 percent increase in average daily rate. Worldwide occupancy reached nearly 75 percent in the quarter, the highest in the last six years; • At the end of the third quarter, the company's worldwide pipeline of hotels under signed contracts increased to over 144,000 ro...
Ritz-Carlton Debuts in India with Opening of The 277-room Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. | October 31, 2013
Bangalore, October 31, 2013 – The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., has officially opened the doors of its first luxury hotel in India. Located on Residency Road in the heart of downtown Bangalore, the hotel is part of a destination renowned for its world-class shopping, dining and entertainment. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore guestroomBangalore is India's third largest city and best known as the Silicon Valley of India, featuring areas like Electronic City, though vast expanses of lush greenery have also earned it the name of The Garden City. Bangalore is home to 400 of the Top Fortune 500 companies and is the fastest growing major me...
The 200-key BEST WESTERN PREMIER Havana Nha Trang Opens on the Coast of Vietnam
BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC. | October 31, 2013
(Bangkok – October 31, 2013): Best Western International (BWI) continues its fast-paced expansion in Southeast Asia with the opening of a new landmark property on the coast of Vietnam - BEST WESTERN PREMIER Havana Nha Trang. Set on the shore of Nha Trang, Vietnam's leading beach resort and one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing tourism destinations, the new luxury resort will cater to the rising number of domestic and international tourists seeking sun, sea and sand on Vietnam's tropical shores. Centrally located on the city's Tran Phu Street and overlooking Nha Trang Bay, the 41-story BEST WESTERN PREMIER Havana Nha Trang hotel offe...
92% of Timeshare Resorts Achieve Measurable Results from “Mystery Shopping”
Barker & Associates | October 31, 2013
Portland, OR - November 1, 2013-- According to a five-year analysis of aggregated data by Barker & Associates, a timeshare industry leader in mystery shopping services, mystery shopping reports have exposed ways to measurably improve resort performance 92% of the time. The analysis confirmed that cost savings, increased efficiencies, and higher closing rates have been realized from sales and operations, exclusively through the unique process of mystery shopping. Specific improvement opportunities varied by resort; 94% of those who shopped the sales process uncovered cost savings and profit-increasing areas such tightening discovery,...
ThistleDown Racino Implements InvoTech Systems to Protect Investment in 10,000 Designer Uniforms
InvoTech Systems | October 31, 2013
At IHM&RS Visit InvoTech in Booth # 3120 with T-Y Group November 9 – 12, Jacob K. Javits Center, NYC ThistleDown Racetrack Reopens as ThistleDown Racino by Caesars Entertainment; InvoTech Tracks New Staff Uniforms for Upscale Racino LOS ANGELES, CA - October 31, 2013 - InvoTech Systems, Inc., a leading provider of systems that integrate the latest RFID technology to increase profitability for hotels, casinos, and commercial laundry operators, announced ThistleDown Racino implemented its Uniform System to track uniforms for its 900 team members. ThistleDown Racetrack recently reopened as a Racino (racetrack-casino) operated by Caes...
PolyU’s Doctoral Program in Hotel and Tourism Generates Research and Prepares Students
School of Hotel and Tourism Management | October 31, 2013
October 31, 2013 - The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is preparing students for leadership positions in their chosen careers by offering the cutting-edge Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Hotel and Tourism Management programme and the world's first professional Doctor of Hotel and Tourism Management (D.HTM) degree. "The hallmark of a world-leading doctoral programme is not only the research it generates but also the extent to which it provides graduates with outstanding career opportunities," said Professor Kaye Chon, Dean and Chair Professor of the SHTM. With the focus of global tour...
Ashley Spurlock Named Spa Director for Spa Evangeline at Epicurean Hotel to Open in Dec. in Florida
Mainsail Lodging & Development | October 31, 2013
TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2013) - The Epicurean Hotel has announced the appointment of Ashley Spurlock as the Spa Director of Spa Evangeline, located inside the 137-room boutique Epicurean Hotel scheduled to open in December. As Spa Director, Spurlock will oversee day-to-day operations, including staff management, client appointments, promotions and spa product lines. Named for Evangeline, the iconic statue located in the neighboring Bern's Steak House, the 2,800-square-foot spa features five treatment rooms, including two couple's treatment rooms, a relaxation room and manicure and pedicure stations. Prior to joining Spa Evangeline, Spurlo...
