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Industry Happenings
Colorado’s Sheraton Steamboat Resort & Villas Invests an Additional $8.25 Million in Renovations
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | September 20, 2013
Nears Completion of $8.2 Million Redevelopment Adding 56 Suites September 20, 2013 - STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO - Officials at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort & Villas have announced they will be investing an additional $8.25 million in property renovations and upgrades this fall. This new project is in addition to the resort's current $8.2 million redevelopment, which will result in the addition of 56 new, luxury Mountain Suites set to debut in December 2013. The latest round of improvements is scheduled to begin September 23, and will bring a more welcoming, relaxing and enjoyable ambiance to several areas of the resort. One of the...
Carlson Rezidor to Open the New-Build 207-room Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Bahrain in Q4 2015
Rezidor Hotel Group | September 20, 2013
September 20, 2013 - Carlson Rezidor, one of the ten largest hotel groups worldwide, announces the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Bahrain. The mid-market property featuring 207 keys is scheduled to open in Q4 2015. It is the second hotel for Carlson Rezidor in the Kingdom following the successful Radisson Blu Diplomat Hotel, Residence & Spa, Manama, which opened in 2000. The government of Bahrain is currently taking steps to diversify its economy and has established the country as a regional hub for the rapidly growing Islamic finance industry. "We are delighted to strengthen our presence in the Kingdom of Bahrain and to further extend ...
The 108-room Hyatt Place Dewey Beach Opens on the Rehoboth Bay in Delaware
Hyatt Place | September 20, 2013
CHICAGO - September 20, 2013 - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H), Meyer Jabara Hotels and Dewey Beach Enterprises (DBE) today announce the opening of Hyatt Place Dewey Beach, the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Delaware. "Hyatt Place is designed for a lifestyle, not a demographic, and as a result, we are confident that everyone from business travelers to families on vacation will appreciate the intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food and beverage availability," said Christine Strouss, general manager, Hyatt Place Dewey Beach. Located on the Rehoboth Bay and footsteps from the Atlant...
IHG Opens 104-room Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Phoenix North/Scottsdale in Arizona
Holiday Inn Express | September 20, 2013
20 September, 2013 - ATLANTA - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] announces the opening of the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Phoenix North/Scottsdale. The four-story 104-room hotel adds to IHG's portfolio in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas. The hotel is located at 4575 E. Irma Lane at the intersection of Loop 101 & Tatum Blvd. in Scottsdale, Ariz. "Holiday Inn Express hotels are designed to be the smart choice for value-conscious business and leisure travelers," said Heather Balsley, senior vice president, Americas Holiday Inn® brand family. "With more than 2,200 properties worldwide and 45...
Next Week Marks Opening of the 82-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott | September 19, 2013
Sioux Falls, South Dakota - September 19, 2013 - The 82-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is scheduled to open on Thursday, September 26, 2013. Located at 4035 Bobhalla Drive, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Sioux Falls Airport will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by TMI Hospitality of Fargo, North Dakota. Adjacent to the Pentagon Sports Complex and four miles from Sioux Falls Regional Airport, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Sioux Falls University, Falls Park and Empire Mall. "We are pleased with the continued growth of Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in the Sioux ...
Scott Boyer Named as Director of Sales & Marketing for Maui’s Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort | September 19, 2013
WAILEA, HI., September 19, 2013 - Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort on Maui, names Scott Boyer as its new director of sales and marketing. Boyer will lead and direct the development and execution of strategic sales and marketing plans and initiatives to maximize Grand Wailea's service and profitability. "Boyer's more than 20 years of global senior sales executive experience is what made him the right person for this very important position," said Jerry Gibson, Hilton Worldwide area vice president. "We know his expertise will help us grow presence in the international markets while retaining our visibility and core client in the U.S...
Don Fraser Appointed as General Manager of the 761-room Park Central Hotel New York
Park Central Hotel New York | September 19, 2013
NEW YORK, NY - (September 19, 2013) - Park Central Hotel New York is pleased to announce the appointment of Don Fraser as General Manager. A historic New York landmark whose name pays homage to nearby Central Park, the newly renovated property is ideally located in midtown Manhattan, just steps away from many of the City's most popular attractions, including Carnegie Hall. Fraser will utilize his extensive leadership experience to update and refine the overall guest experience following the property's multi-million dollar transformation, while overseeing all hotel operations, finances and administration of the 761-room hotel. A 25-year ...
First Hospitality Group Completes Renovation of Springhill Suites by Marriott Warrenville, Illinois
First Hospitality Group, Inc. | September 19, 2013
ROSEMONT, Ill., September 19, 2013 - Rosemont, Ill.-based First Hospitality Group, Inc. (FHG) today announced the completion of renovations at its SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Warrenville, Ill. President and COO Robert Habeeb made the announcement. Every aspect of the 128-room SpringHill Suites, from furniture and lighting to colors and fabrics, has been thoughtfully renovated to offer calm and refreshing spaces. The recharged lobby-featuring warm colors, accent fabrics and walnut-stained wood-provides a great setting for conducting casual meetings or simply socializing in an open, inviting environment. The larger than typical guest...
Austin Convention Center Implements FlyteBoard for Attendee Travel Confidence
The Austin Convention Center | September 19, 2013
Instant, Real-Time Airline Information Gives High-Tech Convention Center Attendees Accurate Departure Schedules that Let Them Stay at Events Longer CHICAGO, IL September 19, 2013 - Flyte Systems announced the Austin Convention Center installed its FlyteBoard real-time airline schedule display to give event attendees accurate flight information for greater travel confidence. FlyteBoard's high-definition flat screen shows departure and gate information for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Flyte Systems is the leading provider of airport travel information displays and digital signage content for the hospitality industry, digital si...
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Opens the 283-key St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East | September 19, 2013
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - September 19, 2013 - St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announces the debut of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi in the capital of the U.A.E, marking the brand's second hotel in Abu Dhabi and third St. Regis hotel to open in the Middle East since the brand was introduced into the region two years ago. Having more than doubled its global footprint in the last five years to 31 hotels, St. Regis continues to reinforce its position as a leader in luxury hospitality. "We are proud to be part of the continued development of Abu Dhabi's travel and tourism sectors...
Hyatt Completes Sale of the 451-room Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center for $60 Million to JMI Realty
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | September 19, 2013
CHICAGO - September 19, 2013 - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that an affiliate of Hyatt has sold the 451-room Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center to an affiliate of JMI Realty for approximately $60 million or $133,000 per key. As part of the sale, Hyatt has also entered into a franchise agreement with JMI Realty. Davidson Hotels & Resorts will manage the hotel for JMI Realty under the Hyatt Regency flag. "This transaction allows Hyatt to retain its brand presence in the Denver Tech Center area and furthers our capital recycling strategy, which allows us to continue to achieve strategic growth," said Stephen Haggert...
Are We There Yet? By Scott Smith MAI and Bill Morton
the Authors | September 19, 2013
By Scott Smith MAI and Bill Morton September 19, 2013 As the U.S. hotel industry approaches pre-recession levels of operating performance, many of our clients are asking, "Is now a good time to invest in the lodging sector?" According to the respondents of the 2013 edition of PKF Consulting USA, LLC's (PKFC) Hospitality Investment Survey (HIS), it is a good time to be a hotel owner and investor. While opinions vary among industry professionals regarding the root cause of this positive sentiment, we at PKFC believe that several factors are attributable to the overall positive outlook for hotel real estate. 1. RevPAR grew 6.8 percent in 2...
FelCor Sells the 244-room Doubletree Hotel Wilmington, Delaware for $27.7 Million
FelCor | September 19, 2013
Enters Agreement to Sell Embassy Suites in Jacksonville for $10 Million IRVING, Texas, September 19, 2013 - FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated (NYSE: FCH) today announced that it sold the 244-room DoubleTree hotel in Wilmington, DE for $27.7 million. FelCor has also agreed to sell the 277-room Embassy Suites hotel in Jacksonville for $10 million. The purchaser has paid a non-refundable deposit toward the purchase price and FelCor expects the sale to close in October. The Company has made significant progress on its asset sale program. As part of FelCor's long-term portfolio repositioning strategy, the company is selling 39 non-strategic ...
BK Investments & Waterford Hotel Group Set to Open the 115-suite Residence Inn Hotel in Chicopee, MA
Marriott International, Inc. | September 19, 2013
Chicopee, Massachusetts - September 19, 2013 - The 115-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Chicopee, Massachusetts is scheduled to open this Tuesday, September 24, 2013. Located at 500 Memorial Drive, the Residence Inn Springfield/Chicopee will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by BK Investments and managed by Waterford Hotel Group of Waterford, Connecticut. Located six miles from downtown Springfield and 24 miles from Bradley International Airport, the Residence Inn Springfield/Chicopee offers its guests convenient access to Six Flags New England, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the MassMutual Center. Rates vary d...
The 105-suite Home2 Suites Memphis/Southaven, MS Opens; Owned by Cohen Realty, Managed by Vista Host
Home2 Suites by Hilton | September 19, 2013
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. and MCLEAN, Va. - September 19, 2013 - Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide's award-winning mid-tier, all-suite hotel brand designed for modern business travelers and extended stay guests, announced yesterday the opening of its 22nd U.S. hotel, Home2 Suites by Hilton Memphis/Southaven. The first guest to check-in received an iHome and a gift basket. "The Home2 Suites Memphis/Southaven will cater to two unique markets and serve a diverse group of travelers, from sports fans looking to enjoy the Dizzy Dean World Series Baseball Tournament, to families looking to getaway and enjoy the comforts of the hotel's hip and hu...
Shangri-La Signs Management Agreement for Shangri-La Hotel, Shaoxing, China Slated to Open in 2017
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts | September 19, 2013
HONG KONG, Sept. 19, 2013 -- Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has signed a management agreement with Zhejiang Yinan Group Co. Ltd. to operate a 336-room hotel opening in Shaoxing, China in 2017. Shangri-La Hotel, Shaoxing will be located close to the National Urban Wetland Park, near the city's new business district. It will be Shaoxing's first international luxury hotel and will be conveniently located near the city's culture centre, science and technology centre, financial centre and sport centre, all of which are also under construction in Jinghu. "Around 140 million people live in the Yangtze River Delta metropolitan area," said Shangr...
The 287-key Vivanta by Taj – Surajkund to Open in India Through Re-branding of Former Claridges
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces | September 19, 2013
FARIDABAD, INDIA (September 19, 2013) - Vivanta by Taj - Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the latest addition to the Vivanta portfolio with Vivanta by Taj - Surajkund. Re-branded as Vivanta by Taj - Surajkund, formerly operated and managed by Claridges, Surajkund, is now all set to embark on a new era of cool luxury nestled in the lap of a forested and tranquil neighborhood. Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Raymond N. Bickson, M.D. & C.E.O., Indian Hotels Company Limited said "We welcome the newest addition to our portfolio. This hotel will be the third Vivanta in the region after the recent launch of Vivanta by Taj ...
How to Drive Data for Better Decision-Making and Customer Fit
EyeforTravel | September 19, 2013
Sep 19, 2013 - Setting up a data infrastructure and reaping the benefits is a journey. However, if you use data efficiently to react to market conditions faster, then chances are you could understand your customers better, while also driving incremental revenue. EyeforTravel's Ritesh Gupta investigates If there is one thing that travel suppliers and intermediaries can agree on it is that data is central to decision-making. Furthermore, while it is difficult to define what makes a company truly data-driven, it is also clear that the industry is moving toward measurable ROI-driven models. For instance, in the past it would be acceptable f...
Russian Hotel OTA Integrates with eRevMax for Seamless Connectivity
Ostrovok | September 19, 2013
Ostrovok Connected Hotels to Benefit from Live Rate and Allocation Management Functionality Moscow, Russia, 19 September 2013: The biggest hotel search engine in Russia, Ostrovok has completed a 2-way XML interface with eRevMax to offer faster connectivity to its growing base of customers. The integration will help accommodation providers connected to the channel use eRevMax's online distribution platforms, Rate Tiger & Connect, for updating inventory availability and room rates in real-time helping them control pricing strategies and optimize their revenue. Ostrovok will also benefit from eRevMax's Reservation Delivery service, whi...
IHG Plans Two New Holiday Inn Resorts in Nashville, TN and Deadwood, SD
September 19, 2013
ATLANTA - September 19, 2013 – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] today announced plans for two new properties, one located in Nashville, and the other in Deadwood, S.D., adding to the growing global Holiday Inn Resort® brand portfolio, currently at 36 properties worldwide. "We are thrilled that the Holiday Inn Resort brand continues to expand in key leisure destinations," said Joel Eisemann, chief development officer, the Americas, IHG. "These new Holiday Inn Resort properties further strengthen the reach and presence of the Holiday Inn® Brand Family." Currently the Fontanel Mansion is a 27,000 sq. ft....
Dorchester Group Acquires Rome’s 121-room Hotel Eden; Dorchester Collection to Manage Iconic Hotel
Dorchester Collection | September 18, 2013
(London) September 18, 2013 - Dorchester Group Limited has acquired the 121-room Hotel Eden from Starman Hotels. Effective from September 18, 2013, Dorchester Collection will manage the hotel and continue to work closely together with the previous management company, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, to ensure a smooth transition for hotel guests, partners and employees. Commenting on the transaction, Christopher Cowdray, Chief Executive Officer of Dorchester Collection, said: 'Hotel Eden is an exciting addition to our portfolio as it is one of the world's most majestic and iconic hotels in a truly superb setting. Its landmark status, heri...
The 394-key B Resort to Open in 2014 in FL’s Walt Disney World Resort; Transforming the Royal Plaza
September 18, 2013
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Sept. 18, 2013 -- B Hotels & Resorts® introduces the first B Resort and lifestyle hotel to the Lake Buena Vista area, with a transformation of the former Royal Plaza hotel. A joint venture between InSite Group and Cube Capital, the B Resort, located in the Walt Disney World® Resort will open early 2014 and showcase 394 completely redesigned guestrooms and public areas that feature elegant yet playful decor, alluding to the surrounding destination and its imagination-inspiring attractions. Renovations are taking place throughout the property including the 25,000 square feet of function space, common areas, p...
WestHouse New York to Open this Fall in Manhattan
September 18, 2013
NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2013 -- Debuting this Fall in the center of Manhattan, just steps away from Central Park and Carnegie Hall, WestHouse is more than just a new boutique hotel; it is an entirely new hospitality concept that provides a curated portfolio of upscale services and amenities at an unprecedented value, and an elevated level of intuitive service designed to satisfy the world's most discerning guests in an environment reminiscent of a luxurious New York Townhouse. "House Away from Home" Award-winning design firm Jeffrey Beers International (JBI) conceived the overall design for WestHouse, creating timeless interiors that pay ho...
StepStone Hospitality Assumes Management of the 191-room Hotel Indigo Boston-Newton Riverside
StepStone Hospitality | September 18, 2013
NEWTON, Mass., Sept. 18, 2013 -- StepStone Hospitality today announced that the company has taken over management of Hotel Indigo Boston-Newton Riverside, adding the boutique hotel to its rapidly growing portfolio of managed properties. Hotel Indigo is the eighth hotel to join the StepStone managed portfolio during the past year, bringing the total number of managed properties to 12 hotels in six states. "This hotel is an outstanding addition for us," said Thomas Russo, StepStone Hospitality chairman and CEO. "The Indigo features affordable and sustainable luxury for discriminating travelers in an oasis of style and sophistication. It's...
