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Industry Happenings
Hotel Math: Two Plus Two: This is meant for hoteliers only. If you aren’t one, stop reading.
Dr. Gabor Forgacs | October 4, 2013
by Dr. Gabor Forgacs There is a new GM appointed to the hotel. He is keen to get to know his team as fast as possible. He has an idea: he goes around and asks the same question from each manager. Based on their answers, he figures he can see what expectations would be realistic. His question to each manager is: "How much is two plus two?" The answers he got from the department heads were as follows: Director of Housekeeping: There is no way we can get it up to four. My girls are so overstretched, they need to be paid overtime to meet this target. Director of Rooms: You know Boss, I can explain this. On most days, yes, it would be around...
Six Senses Appoints Julia Gajcak to Group Role as VP Marketing and Communications
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas | October 4, 2013
Six Senses Home Office, Bangkok - 4 October 2013 - Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is pleased to announce that Julia Gajcak has joined as Vice President Marketing and Communications. A seasoned professional who brings a wealth of experience from her previous global roles, Julia will focus on all avenues of communication and public relations, responsible for corporate, hotels, resorts and spas. Julia will work closely with Marie Giuge-Perry, Vice President Sales & Marketing, who will continue to be responsible for overall group sales and marketing strategies. She will report directly to Marie. "We are delighted be welcome Julia to the...
The Best Western Plus Glenview Chicagoland Inn & Suites to Open Next Month Through Conversion
| October 4, 2013
GLENVIEW, Ill., Oct. 4, 2013 -- The Glenview Inn & Suites is preparing to reopen as the new Best Western Plus - Glenview Chicagoland Inn & Suites following a multi-million dollar renovation and remodeling. The renovation and rebranding of the 110 room hotel, at 4514 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, Illinois 60026, will be complete in November 2013. The new Best Western Plus - Glenview Chicagoland Inn & Suites (www.GlenviewSuites.com), formerly a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, has undergone a massive renovation and enhancement to all of its 110 guestrooms and suites. In addition the Lobby, public areas, and onsite meeting...
Marriott CEO Tells U.S. Congress: Get Back to Work; Shutdown Is a Failure of Political Leadership
Arne Sorenson, President & CEO of Marriott International | October 4, 2013
by Arne Sorenson, President & CEO of Marriott International Marriott International's headquarters is just a few miles north of America's Capitol, the epicenter of the profoundly disappointing federal government shutdown and a looming confrontation on the debt ceiling. The impacts ripple well beyond Washington, D.C. and past U.S. borders. Others from around the world are watching this circus, which is embarrassing at best. Just like in each of the last few years, we are confronted with a failure of our political leadership that threatens an economy that wants to turn the corner to higher growth and employment. With the major attracti...
Robert Finvarb Companies & Hyatt to Develop New Hyatt South Beach; Island Hospitality to Manage
Hyatt | October 4, 2013
Will be the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Miami Beach, Fla. CHICAGO (October 4, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with an affiliate of Robert Finvarb Companies to develop Hyatt South Beach, a hotel to be located at 1600 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, Fla. An affiliate of Robert Finvarb Companies, led by Robert Finvarb, will develop the property and the hotel will be managed by Island Hospitality Management. Construction of Hyatt South Beach is expected to begin in late 2013, and the hotel is slated to open in 2015. "We are excited to be bringing the ...
The Resort Sector Makes a Comeback After a Facelift Accounting for 18.4% of Investment Transactions
Jones Lang LaSalle | October 4, 2013
Resort trades at 18.4% account for highest proportion of hotels sales in eight years CHICAGO, Oct.4, 2013 — As one of the hardest hit asset classes during the recession due to diminished capacity from leisure and incentive group travelers, the resort sector has dramatically improved this year accounting for 18.4 percent of total investment transaction volume in the hospitality sector. The $2.46 billion of transactions through year-to-date August 2013 marks the highest volume in the segment since 2007 and more than triple the prior-year period. The U.S. resort sector represents 13 percent of the total U.S. hotel room supply, comprised ...
Radisson Porto Alegre to Open in Brazil Later This Month; Renovation Planned for the 132-room Hotel
October 4, 2013
PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (Oct. 04, 2013) - Radisson, one of the world's best-recognized hotel brands, today announced the signing of the Radisson Porto Alegre, Brazil with an expected opening of Oct. 31, 2013. A multi-million dollar renovation is planned for the 132-room designer hotel. As Radisson further expands in South America, this hotel marks the seventh Radisson in Brazil, with several additional properties joining the portfolio by first quarter 2014. "Investing in Brazil requires patience and strong local connectivity. Through our strategic partnership with Atlantica Hotels International (Brazil), we have a strong foothold in key ma...
LHR Hospitality Management Opens 102-room Four Points By Sheraton Minot; A Debut for Starwood in ND
Four Points by Sheraton | October 4, 2013
Stamford, CT - October 4, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced it has made its debut in North Dakota with the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Minot. Locally owned, it is operated by LHR Hospitality Management of St. Paul, MN. The 102-room property which opened in November 2012 recently completed a $900,000 renovation to implement all the Four Points by Sheraton brand standards and signature amenities. "We are proud that Four Points by Sheraton is the first brand to launch in North Dakota and look forward to giving travelers a fresh, new option in Minot's busting business district," said Bri...
Lodging Interactive Named Among the ‘Best Interactive Agencies Worldwide’
Lodging Interactive | October 4, 2013
Continuing to earn top honors for its website design and development skills, hospitality's full-service digital marketing and social media engagement agency earns three 2013 Silver W3 Awards from the International Academy of the Visual Arts PARSIPPANY, N.J. - OCTOBER 4, 2013 - Lodging Interactive was recognized as one of "the best interactive agencies, designers and creators worldwide" for its creative excellence in website design by the International Academy of the Visual Arts. Last week, the full-service digital marketing and social media engagement agency exclusively servicing the hospitality industry was presented with three 2013 W3...
Content in Context Is King: A Response to Responsive Design-The Pros and Cons for Hoteliers
Vizergy | October 4, 2013
By: Jon Bosworth, Manager of Content Strategy Responsive design is the new black. Everyone is talking about it. Companies that want to look like the future are clamoring to introduce their brand to the contemporary multi-screen world with a sleek responsive website that will wow their users no matter what device brought them there. It's true that the future has increasingly more screens and devices to offer. For your business to serve the future, you will have to address these devices. The best way to know if responsive design is for your company is to study where it works and why. Compare what responsive websites do with what you need ...
The 396-room Pullman Paris Bercy in France Completes Six Months of Refurbishment
Pullman | October 3, 2013
October 3, 2013 - Pullman, assisted by eight renowned architects*, continues the brand's architectural revolution with the renovation of its five Parisian properties (La Défense, Bercy, Charles de Gaulle Airport, Montparnasse and Tour Eiffel). After introducing the Pullman Paris La Defense's new look in March 2013, the brand is now unveiling the revamped Pullman Paris Bercy. This hotel, located in the heart of a Paris neighborhood that features both a business district and a village atmosphere, offers the best of the Pullman experience. Its restaurant, "L'Esprit du 12ème", which has been entirely redesigned, and its bar, are among Eas...
Alena Stavnjak Named as Director of Spa and Wellness for Viceroy Miami in Florida
Viceroy Miami | October 3, 2013
MIAMI, Fla. - (Oct. 3, 2013) - Viceroy Miami recently named Alena Stavnjak Director of Spa and Wellness. In this position, she will oversee operations, programs and strategic plans for the spa and wellness center. Stavnjak has more than 10 years of extensive domestic and international experience with luxury brands and trends in the spa and wellness industries. Specializing in innovative strategic planning and hospitality management, Stavnjak began her career at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 2003 where she worked in several of the company's locations. In 2010, Stavnjak opened the 20,000 square-foot ESPA at The Istanbul EDITION hotel ...
266 Hospitality Students Receive Scholarships; $403,500 Awarded Via AH&LEF Core Scholarship Programs
AH&LEF | October 3, 2013
Washington, October 3, 2013 - The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF), the not-for-profit affiliate of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), awarded 266 scholarships, totaling $403,500, through three of its core programs - the Annual Scholarship Grant, Incoming Freshman Scholarship, and Graduate Scholarship programs. The Annual Scholarship Grant Program, the Foundation's biggest program, is co-administered with 85 universities and colleges. In 2013, 237 students, nominated by AH&LEF-affiliated schools, received $318,500 in funds. The program is funded from proceeds of the Americas Lod...
Newmarket Connects Hospitality Venues with Event Planners to Create “Win Win” Success
Newmarket International, Inc. | October 3, 2013
Join a Complimentary Webinar to Learn the "Top Three Ways to More Effectively Reach Event Planners" October 3, 2013 - Portsmouth, NH - Newmarket® International, Inc. ("Newmarket"), the proven business solutions provider for empowering hospitality organizations to lower costs and increase revenue while improving customer satisfaction and guest loyalty, will be presenting a complimentary webinar on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 3:00 pm ET to share the "Top Three Ways to More Effectively Reach Event Planners." Research indicates that Event Planners in today's hospitality market are not always getting the critical meeting information they...
GF Management’s 174-room Holiday Inn Charlotte University in NC Completes $5 Million Renovation
GF Management | October 3, 2013
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 3, 2013 -- The Holiday Inn Charlotte University is excited to announce completion of $5 million in first-class renovations which included an overhaul of the 174 guest rooms, inclusion of additional meeting space, an exterior face-lift, landscaping, an impressively designed new lobby, business hub, fitness center, and everything in between. The most anticipated and newest addition to the hotel is the upscale Red Sky Lounge and Grille. The Holiday Inn Charlotte University was acquired in May 2012 by GF Management, through its operating affiliate and has successfully completed the renovation ahead of schedule. This is...
Tanzania Tourist Board Announces 2013 Annual Tourism Award Winners
Tanzania | October 3, 2013
(October 3, 2013, New York, NY) Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) announced the 2013 winners of the annual TTB Tourism awards. Hon. Amb. Khamis Kagasheki, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism joined by Hon. Amb. Liberata Mulamula, Tanzania Ambassador to the United States presented awards to three of the honorees at the Africa Travel Association (ATA) eighth annual Presidential Forum held at New York University. The three honorees who received the TTB Award in New York were: Elite Traveler Magazine received the Tanzania Tourist Board Luxury Travel Media Award for extensive coverage of Tanzania including the Serengeti Migration being name...
Hawthorn Suites Brand Debuts in the Middle East with the 188-room Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dubai
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham | October 3, 2013
DUBAI (October 3, 2013) – Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company with approximately 7,410 hotels and part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), today announced the signing of the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dubai, the first hotel to fly the group's extended stay Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham® brand flag in the Middle East. The 188-room property, which is located in the heart of the popular Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai, is owned by R Hotels, the hotels and hotel management subsidiary of R Holding LLC, based in Ajman. The property includes studio apartments, one- and two-bedroom suites and a penthouse with pano...
Business Travelers Prefer to “Go Green”; Implementing 5 Easy & Low Cost Products in the Guest Room
Stephen Kirby | October 3, 2013
by Stephen Kirby Forty-seven percent of business travelers prioritize 'green' hotels when on the road, according to the 2013 Global Business Traveler Survey published by Timetric. Environmentally conscious, well-informed travelers expect hotels to do more than just provide a comfortable place to stay. They want to know and SEE that the hotel they have chosen implements energy-efficient practices and is eco-friendly in many ways. Making sure guests can easily recognize green products and efforts at a hotel is as simple as making a few small inexpensive changes. The common misconception is that going green can be costly, time-consuming an...
Ever Turizm A.S. and Wyndham Hotel Group Open the 168-room Ramada Encore Izmir in Turkey
Ramada | October 3, 2013
Plan for 30 More Ramada Encore Hotels There by 2023 ISTANBUL (October 3, 2013) – Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company with approximately 7,410 hotels and part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), today announced the opening of the Ramada Encore Izmir, the first of 30 planned Ramada Encore properties to be developed in Turkey over the next ten years through an exclusive development agreement with Ever Turizm Insaat Pazarlama Ticaret A.S., a rapidly developing Turkish hotel operator. Ramada Encore, a tier of the Ramada® brand, offers modern and ergonomically designed accommodation that features stylish wooden...
Part Hotel, Part Natural History Museum, Dinosaur-Themed BEST WESTERN Denver Southwest Opens in CO
Best Western International, Inc. | October 3, 2013
PHOENIX (October 3, 2013) – Visitors to Denver will now literally be able to spend a night in the museum thanks to a $4 million prehistoric makeover at the BEST WESTERN Denver Southwest. Continuing the trend of truly innovative design within the Best Western International hotel family, the 112-room hotel in Lakewood, Colo. has been transformed into part hotel, part natural history museum and a tribute to all things dinosaur. "We wanted this to be a one of a kind, immersive experience that feels like you've entered an old explorer's club and a storied natural history museum," said BEST WESTERN Denver Southwest Co-owner Greg Tally. "Gue...
Revenue Strategy and Innovation Focus of the First Hotel Revenue Strategy Summit (RSS)
Duetto | October 3, 2013
Includes an Unprecedented Group of Speakers, Thought Leaders Powered by Duetto, the RSS Will be Held November 12, 2013 at the Affinia Manhattan Hotel New York, October 3, 2013 ... Silver Hospitality Group, LLC (SHG) announced selected speakers and session topics for 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 participants will include: Lee Pillsbury, Chief Executive Officer of Thayer Lodging Cindy Estes Green, CEO and Co-...
Virginia’s 397-room Norfolk Waterside Marriott Completes 4.5 Million Dollar Makeover
Norfolk Waterside Marriott | October 3, 2013
NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 3, 2013 -- Guests who make reservations at Norfolk Waterside Marriott can delight in revamped guest rooms, a renewed Concierge Lounge, updated guest corridor and renovated lobby. This Norfolk hotel initiated the first phase of renovations in Dec. 2012 starting with each of the 397 guest rooms. These renovations added new furnishings including carpets, wall vinyl, lighting, window treatments, desk chairs, soft seating, and new closet and bathroom doors. The Piano Lounge, now the Great Room, underwent a complete face lift in the second phase, receiving new work areas and reflecting a sophisticated, yet hip, vibe. The fi...
The 450-key Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida Completes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company | October 3, 2013
Naples, Fla. - October 3, 2013 - The Ritz-Carlton, Naples re-opened today following the completion of its unprecedented re-mastering - one of the largest refurbishment projects in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. The work, undertaken this summer, saw a complete overhaul of all 450-guest rooms, suites, and corridors, three dining outlets, Artisans ballroom, as well as various structural, mechanical and engineering upgrades throughout the property. The resort ceased operations for the first time in its 27-year history to complete the project over a two-month period. "This re-mastering underscores our continued commitment to delivering worl...
Fujita Kanko to Open the 266-room Hiroshima Washington Hotel this Month in Japan
Fujita Kanko Inc. | October 3, 2013
October 3, Tokyo - On October 10th, leading Japanese hospitality company Fujita Kanko Inc. will open its 30th Washington Hotel in Hiroshima, Japan. An excellent addition to the reasonably-priced modern hotels offered by the company's Washington Hotels group, the new Hiroshima Washington Hotel will deliver convenience, comfort and efficiency to business and leisure travelers. Ideally located in the center of Hiroshima City, capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, the hotel's 266 guest rooms, all with free wi-fi, and a restaurant will occupy ten floors (4th-14th) of the new construction. Restaurants and shops occupy the first three floors. To pr...
