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Industry Happenings
HMC Selected to Manage New-Build 83-room Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham in Pleasanton, Texas
Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) | September 24, 2013
Dallas, TX, September 23, 2013: Leo Spriggs, President/CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC), one of the country's largest third-party privately held hotel management companies ranked in the top 40 (of all third party and owner operated) largest independent U.S. Hotel Operators is pleased to announce the signing of a property management agreement for a new build Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham, located in Pleasanton, Texas adding to HMC's growing portfolio of managed properties. The Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham will have a total of 83 guest rooms and is to be completed by early December 2013. Some of the Hotel ame...
HeBS Digital Honored with Five Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, Including Two Gold & Three Silver
HeBS Digital | September 24, 2013
HeBS Digital won a grand total of five 2013 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, including two Gold Magellan Awards for website design and three silver Magellan Awards for its social media digital technology applications and multichannel digital marketing campaigns. New York, NY - September 24, 2013 - HeBS Digital announced that it has won five 2013 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards for its innovative and industry-leading website design, digital technology applications, and multichannel marketing campaigns. The firm received two Gold Awards and three Silver Awards in the Hospitality Marketing category. HeBS Digital received the following 2013 Tra...
Home2 Suites by Hilton Brand Debuts in Canada; West Edmonton, Alberta Hotel to Open in Summer 2014
Home2 Suites by Hilton | September 24, 2013
EDMONTON, Alta. and MCLEAN, Va. - September 23, 2013 - Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide's award-winning mid-tier, all-suite hotel brand, recently celebrated a major milestone in its expansion plan with the first steel studs going up for the Home2Suites by Hilton West Edmonton. The hotel, owned and managed by SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts, is set for completion in summer 2014. This will be the brand's first hotel in Canada. In line with Home2 Suites' innovative approach, the Home2 Suites Edmonton will utilize pre-fabricated structural steel studs for the building's framework instead of the traditional wood frame structure. "Th...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 110; Still Undistinguishable and Undistinguished by Stanley Turkel
Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC | September 23, 2013
Hotel History: George Charles Boldt (1851-1916); My New Book; Quote of the Month By Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC 1. Still Undistinguishable and Undistinguished For many years, I have been a critic of hotel guestroom design because most chain hotel rooms are undistinguishable from the competition. I am reminded of this truism every time I look at the excellent photographs on the Hotel Chatter website. If there was no identifying caption, you could not tell if you are looking at a Marriott, Westin, Wyndham, Sheraton, Hilton, Radisson, Hyatt or InterContinental Hotel. 2. Hotel History: George Charles Boldt (1851-1916) In its December 6, 191...
Christopher Pageaud Named Food & Beverage Director for the 805-room Fairmont San Jose in California
Fairmont San Jose | September 23, 2013
SAN JOSE, CA, September 23, 2013 -The Fairmont San Jose, an 805-room luxury hotel in the heart of Silicon Valley, proudly announces the appointment of Christopher Pageaud as Food & Beverage Director. Pageaud, who after 10 years of working at sister Fairmont properties officially began his new appointment in April of this year. During his tenure at The Fairmont San Francisco as Food & Beverage Manager, Christopher oversaw 200 colleagues and was applauded for garnering revenue increases of 7% YOY. Prior to this post, he spent a number of years at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, where he held progressive positions including Direc...
$85 Million Renovation Complete for the Novotel New York Times Square
Novotel | September 23, 2013
(New York, NY) September 23, 2013 – Today, after 3 months of complete renovation, this emblematic Times Square hotel has been turned into respite for contemporary travelers. Thanks to its original Supernova restaurant experience, the stunning terrace and striking state-of-the-art design touches, this property reflects how innovation is at the heart of Accor's midscale founder brand and how it strengthens its development. A Novotel flagship with a "made in Broadway" design Novotel New York Times Square is unveiling a dramatic renovation of its centrally-located address. More metamorphosis than mere makeover, this property is the first ...
The 274-suite NIZUC Resort & Spa Opens in Mexico; Formerly a Private Mexican Presidential Retreat
NIZUC Resort & Spa | September 23, 2013
PUNTA NIZUC, CANCUN, MEXICO – Located just ten minutes from Cancun International Airport, NIZUC Resort & Spa is Mexico's newest luxury resort offering in a unique, untapped area of the Yucatan Peninsula. The secluded and pristine Punta Nizuc, formerly a private Mexican presidential retreat, is home to the 29-acre, 274-suite resort, which features six restaurants, three lounges, a distinctive 30,000 square-foot spa, and one of Mexico's most thoughtfully-developed children and teen facilities. The exclusive location offers a stark change in atmosphere from other spots in Cancun, making it ideal for adults and families seeking a resp...
Developers Revealed for Boomerang Lodge Redevelopment Hotel in Aspen, Colorado
BuildCentral | September 23, 2013
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Add/Update 145 Hotel Projects to the New Hotel Construction Projects Database Chicago, IL. September 23, 2013 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have added or updated 145 hotel projects in the last two weeks to Hotel Construction, a nationwide database of hotel construction projects, openings, and key decision makers (Owner/Developers, Architects and Contractors). These proposed hotels are still in the planning stages. Now is the perfect time to have your product drawn into plans, or offer construction services: La Quinta Inn & Suites (College Station, TX) Philadelphia Avenue Hotel (Ocean City, MD) 233...
NOW is the Best Time to Buy or Sell a Hotel in Many Years
September 23, 2013
For the most recent update on this topic, click here By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 23 September 2013 A version of this article was first published in the September 21, 2013 issue of Hotel Business. The number of hotel transactions is up by more than 50% for the first 6 months of 2013 over the comparable period last year, and is expected to top $18 billion for 2013, according to Jones Lang LaSalle. And HVS reports that the sales transaction volume of hotels is now intersecting its 22-year moving average, and predicts that hotel values will continue to grow at an average o...
New Castle Names Sonia Flores Director of Sales of the 125-room Hampton Inn Shelton in Connecticut
New Castle Hotels & Resorts | September 23, 2013
SHELTON, Conn. - September 23, 2013 - Officials of New Castle Hotels and Resorts, a leading hotel owner, operator and developer, today named Sonia Flores director of sales of the 125-room Hampton Inn Shelton, Conn. Flores is a proven sales leader who most recently served as the catering sales manager for another Hilton-branded hotel in nearby Stamford, Conn. She has served in similar capacities throughout her 10 year career and has received several accolades including 2007 Manager of the Year during her tenure at the Hilton Stamford Hotel and Executive Meeting Center. "Sonia brings a track record of consistent achievement and solid know...
IHG and TAJ RP Sign Deal to Open the 280-room Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina in 2016
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | September 23, 2013
Dubai, UAE, 23 September 2013: IHG (Intercontinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has signed an agreement with TAJ RP International Limited, part of RP Group of Companies, to open Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina in 2016. Located in the cosmopolitan Dubai Marina area, the 3,037 square-metre hotel site sits next to Dubai Marina Mall and within walking distance of the picturesque pedestrian promenade, which borders the waterway lined with vibrant cafes and restaurants. The property will also be in close proximity to the business hub made up of Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and Knowledge Village. In line with...
Scheduled to Open in 2016, the 218-room Hyatt Regency Cali is Under Development in Colombia
Hyatt Regency | September 23, 2013
CHICAGO (September 23, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Fideicomiso FAFP-Promover-Hotel Cali- Fiduciaria del Pa's S.A. for a Hyatt Regency hotel in Santiago de Cali, Colombia. This agreement marks the third Hyatt-branded hotel under development in Colombia, joining Grand Hyatt Bogota and Hyatt Regency Cartagena, which are both slated to open in 2016. "Cali represents an important destination for a Hyatt Regency hotel because it is a Colombia's second largest city and a gateway to Latin America," said Pat McCudden, senior vice president, real ...
Inland American Real Estate Trust Acquires Two Andaz Hotels Located in Napa, CA and Savannah, GA
Inland American Lodging Advisor, Inc. | September 23, 2013
Oak Brook, Ill. - September 23, 2013 – Inland American Lodging Group, Inc. ("IALG"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc. ("Inland American"), and Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that IALG has acquired a portfolio of two Andaz hotels for approximately $115 million. The hotels, both part of Hyatt's acclaimed boutique lifestyle brand, are located in Napa, CA, and Savannah, GA. These will be the second and third Andaz hotels in Inland American's portfolio, following the purchase of Andaz San Diego completed earlier this year. A Hyatt affiliate will continue to manage both hotels. "We are...
Paulson & Co. Acquires the 139-room St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
Paulson & Co. | September 23, 2013
NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2013 -- Paulson & Co. Inc. ("Paulson"), a New York-based investment firm, today announced that on behalf of its Recovery Funds it has acquired a majority interest in The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico and the Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico is located in a master-planned community situated on 483 acres of pristine coconut palms 25 minutes away from San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. In addition to the AAA 5 Diamond 139 room St. Regis® hotel, the community features luxurious ocean front and ocean view villas and golf and ocean view condo...
MetLife & Thayer Lodging Group Acquire 365-room Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort in MX in a JV
MetLife, Inc. | September 23, 2013
NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2013 -- MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) and Thayer Lodging Group announced today that they have acquired the 365-room Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in a joint venture. MetLife and Thayer Lodging Group purchased the luxury resort from Oasis Cabo LLC. The purchase price was not disclosed. MetLife is the majority investor in the joint venture with Thayer Fund VI. "MetLife is pleased to add the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort to our portfolio of hotel properties in Mexico," said Robert Merck, senior managing director and global head of real estate investments for MetLife. "Our long...
Hollywood Consults Hilton College’s Hospitality Industry Archives for New Ron Howard Film “Rush”
Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management | September 20, 2013
HOUSTON—"Rush," the latest movie from Oscar-winning director Ron Howard, tells the real-life tale of 1970s-era Formula One drivers James Hunt and Nikki Lauda. Included in the story of their racing rivalry and famed 1976 championship season is a history lesson from the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. "The art directors contacted me interested in images of hotel rooms and lobbies, circa the 1970s, in hopes of recreating those in their sets," said Dr. Mark Young, Hilton College's historian and director of the Hospitality Industry Archives. "They were interested in images of the Tokyo Hil...
White Lodging Names GMs for Eight Properties; Hotels in Maryland, Florida, Texas and Arizona
White Lodging Services Corporation | September 20, 2013
MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Sept. 20, 2013 -- White Lodging is pleased to announce the following individuals have been named general managers within the last month across the company. Kristy Nase has been promoted to general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Silver Springs in Maryland. Previously Nase was the operations manager at the Courtyard Collegeville in Pennsylvania. Prior to her role of operations manager at the Courtyard Collegeville, she served as the assistant general manager at the same hotel. Nase also brings extensive front office experience from the Courtyard Malvern, Crowne Plaza in Philadelphia and the Courtyard Collegeville. "I...
Thayer Ventures Announces an Investment in tripBAM, a Fast-Growing Online Shopping Platform
Thayer Ventures | September 20, 2013
Drawing on Continued Participation from Strategic Limited Partners, Institutions and Family Offices, Thayer Ventures Continues Strategic Investments in Disruptive, Innovative Technologies Sees Additional Opportunities Internationally and in the U.S. San Francisco, September 20, 2013 - Thayer Ventures, which funds innovative emerging technology companies in the $10 trillion global travel and hospitality industry, provided $1m in seed round funding to tripBAM (www.tripBAM.com), a fast-growing online shopping platform that is changing the way consumers, agencies and corporations shop for hotels. The funding follows the first closing of its...
Park Hyatt Saigon to Begin Renovation Project with Completion Planned for Early April 2014
Park Hyatt Saigon | September 20, 2013
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, September 20, 2013 - Since opening in 2005, Park Hyatt Saigon has earned a reputation of delivering authentic hospitality and providing superior service and facilities. In keeping with the ever-changing needs and lifestyles of guests, Park Hyatt Saigon is excited to announce it will undergo a luxury upgrade of all facilities and guest rooms during 2014. Renowned Malaysian interior designer, EDC, will give the hotel a facelift to epitomize the French colonial residential feel, complementing the hotel's positioning as Saigon's premier address. The French-inspired ambiance will be blended with modern conveniences...
Three Steps to a Better TripAdvisor Rating By Jean Francois Mourier
REVPAR GURU | September 20, 2013
By Jean Francois Mourier September 20, 2013 Booking a hotel room online requires a strong level of trust on the part of the consumer, because they aren't able to see the property until they arrive on their check-in date. This makes sites like TripAdvisor a very valuable tool for consumers. In fact, 86% of respondents to a recent MSNBC survey said that they rely on the reviews that they find on TripAdvisor (or other similar travel sites) before they make a purchasing decision. According to ehotelier, an increase in your property's TripAdvisor rating can have a drastic impact on your revenues. If a hotel increases its TripAdvisor review s...
Robert T. Koger—Hotel Lawyer with the FBI Affidavit that Helped Put Koger Behind Bars
September 20, 2013
For the most recent update on this topic, click here By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 20 September 2013 The hotel world has been fascinated by the civil litigation and criminal actions swirling around the former President and owner of Molinaro Koger, Robert T. Koger. In response to many inquiries, the hotel lawyers of JMBM's Global Hospitality Group® has posted the 17-page affidavit sworn to by an FBI special agent with more than 17 years of experience, most of it in investigating white collar crimes like those charged against Koger. If you just want the highlights, see th...
Benchmark Hospitality International Named A “Top 100 Privately Held Company in Houston”
September 20, 2013
~Ranked at #31~ The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, September 20 2013 - Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has announced that for the third time, the Houston Chronicle has named Benchmark one of the Top 100 Privately Held Companies in Houston. The company placed 31st on the list, up from its 44th place ranking previously. A company's standing on the Top 100 list is determined by revenues achieved during the previous calendar year. Benchmark Hospitality International reported $505 million across its management portfolio of 39 properties distributed between two luxury hotel brands: Benc...
John Q. Hammons’ Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas – Mesquite in Texas Completes Public Space Renovation
John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts | September 20, 2013
Appoints Lawrence Williams as General Manager MESQUITE, Texas - September 20, 2013 - The Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas – Mesquite invites guests to enjoy the southwestern ambiance and enhanced functionality of its newly renovated public spaces, including the integration of Mesquite history and arts into its lobby décor and exhibit space. The 160-room/54-suite hotel recently completed a nine-month, nearly $1 million dollar makeover focused on improved convenience for hotel and convention guests. The Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas – Mesquite is owned and operated by Springfield-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, the large...
$22 Million Renovation Completed for the Kansas City, MO Crown Center Sheraton and Westin Hotels
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | September 20, 2013
Kansas City, Mo. - Sept. 20, 2013 - Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center and The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center recently announced its completion of a two-year $22 million renovation of both hotels including significant upgrades to Sheraton's guest rooms and improvements to both Sheraton and Westin's meeting rooms and lobbies. The hotel complex now offers a total of 1,454 guestrooms featuring Kansas City skyline views and 150,000 square feet of meeting space. The renovation to Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center is part of an ongoing effort to enhance Sheraton hotels across the globe, following the recently completed $6...
