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Industry Happenings
As Renovations Near Completion, the 293-room Crowne Plaza Princeton Opens in New Jersey
Crowne Plaza Princeton | September 10, 2013
PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 10, 2013 -- Renovations are nearing completion at the Crowne Plaza Princeton, formerly the Wyndham. The hotel, one of the largest in the area, finished its expansive first round of renovations in July as a part of the transition to the Crowne Plaza brand. After closing the guestroom portion of the hotel for six months and completing a comprehensive multi-million dollar renovation, the Crowne Plaza Princeton is open and receiving wonderful reviews. In addition to a complete renovation of all 284 guest rooms; 6 oversized suites and a dramatic three bedroom 1,100 square foot Presidential Suite have been added to the ...
Island Hospitality Selected to Manage the 111-room Hampton Inn & Suites in Exeter, New Hampshire
Island Hospitality | September 10, 2013
PALM BEACH, Fla., September 10, 2013 - Officials with Island Hospitality, one of the nation's largest hotel management companies, today announced that it has been engaged by Chatham Lodging Trust (NYSE:CLDT) to operate the 111-room Hampton Inn & Suites in Exeter, N.H. This engagement extends Island's east coast penetration to 11 states and the District of Columbia and marks the 16th Hilton-branded hotel in its growing portfolio. The hotel was acquired earlier this summer by Chatham Lodging Trust, a hotel real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investing in upscale extended-stay hotels and premium branded select-service hotels...
Blue Light Hotels Opens DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops in British Columbia, Canada After Renovation
DoubleTree By Hilton | September 10, 2013
KAMLOOPS, British Columbia, Canada - September 10, 2013 - DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops following the completion of a 19-month, multi-million dollar renovation. The property, formerly The Coast Canadian Inn, becomes the first globally-branded hotel to open in downtown Kamloops, delivering upscale accommodations and the first-class service for which the DoubleTree by Hilton brand is known. With the transformation complete, the six-story property unveils a modern design throughout the 100 guest rooms and public areas. The hotel is owned and managed by Blue Light Hotels Ltd. "From its bea...
Service Excellence: The Professional’s Pledge / Bryan Williams
B.Williams Enterprise | September 10, 2013
September 10, 2013 From this day forth, I will be ashamed if I intentionally give anything less than my best. I have value, and was not put on this earth to begrudgingly exist. No, I was put here to make a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of others. Every book I've read, every class I've attended, and every lesson I've learned was not for me alone. I was blessed with such knowledge so I may use it to bless others. Otherwise, if I keep it to myself, I am being selfish. Yes, I am being unprofessional. To be professional is what I am called to be. To take pride in my work is what I am called to do. Henceforth, I will always ...
Educational Institute’s India Office Welcomes New Sales Manager
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute | September 10, 2013
Mumbai, India, September 2013 - The India office of the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) has hired Ankush Saraf as sales manager, focusing on industry sales. Mr. Saraf comes to EI from FranklinCovey India and Southeast Asia, where he was a client partner-corporate sales and public programs. He also worked for Shriram Excellency Group of Hotels and Resorts as a sales executive in the area of banquet and event sales. He has also worked for a number of hotel companies, including ITC-Sheraton Rajputana Palace, Taj-Rambagh Palace, and Le Meridian; and as a customer service associate for Convergys India Private Limited....
NewcrestImage Celebrates Groundbreaking for the 119-room Holiday Inn Express in Waco, Texas
NewcrestImage | September 10, 2013
September 10, 2013 - NewcrestImage broke ground on its latest development: a custom built, state-of-the-art Holiday Inn Express, in Waco, TX. The Waco, TX, market is one that has seen consistent, if moderate, growth across all key hotel and lodging metrics in the last twelve months; from occupancy to ADR via number of rooms available, all have seen growth. As home to Baylor University and Hillcrest Heath Systems, the city attracts a diverse range of visitors, and acts as a main stopover for visitors from Austin and Dallas. The property will be located in the mixed-use Legends Crossing development; a development which offers residents an...
$40 Million Renovation Completed for the 470-key Chicago Marriott O’Hare
Chicago Marriott O'Hare | September 10, 2013
CHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2013 -- The reinvented Chicago Marriott O'Hare has recently unveiled a major $40 million renovation. The revamped Chicago O'Hare airport hotel boasts enhanced accommodations featuring a gorgeous new porte-cochere, modular workspaces and social areas in the reinvented lobby, plus a stylish day-to-night-bar for any social gathering. The hotel's interior space was fully renovated, including the lobby, bar and lounge, guest rooms and fitness center. To better serve business guests and meeting hosts, the hotel's 6,400 square feet of function space now features 14-foot ceilings plus state-of-the-art lighting and sound. All ...
SkyTouch Hotel OS Now Offers CRS Interface
SkyTouch Technology | September 10, 2013
Interfaces utilizing HTNG specifications affirms commitment to ease-of-partnership and rapid deployment; Pegasus certifies interface for RVNG CRS September 10, 2013 - SkyTouch Technology, which offers the most widely distributed cloud-based property management system in the lodging industry, has developed interfaces utilizing HTNG specifications to distribution partners in its Hotel OS property and rate management system. SkyTouch signed a new interface agreement with Pegasus Solutions to provide seamless connections to its RVNG central reservation system. "SkyTouch is committed to bringing tightly integrated solutions to our customers,...
The Rainmaker Group Names Mark H. Sohl VP of Technology
Rainmaker | September 10, 2013
Initiative Part of Broader Corporate Strategy to Add Key Resources to Support Ongoing Capital Investments That Meet Increasing Customer Demand and Accelerating Growth ATLANTA, GA - September 10, 2013 - The Rainmaker Group, a world leader in automated profit optimization software and services for the multifamily housing and gaming/hospitality industries, is pleased to announce the addition of veteran executive Mark H. Sohl as Vice President of Technology Operations. The initiative is part of a broader corporate strategy to add key resources to help support ongoing capital investments that meet increasing customer demand for Rainmaker's a...
Global Hotel Prices Rise to Levels Not Seen Since 2006; 2% Increase Through First Half of 2013
September 10, 2013
DALLAS, September 10, 2013 - The average price of a hotel room around the world rose by 2 percent during the first six months of 2013 compared with the same period the previous year, according to the latest Hotels.com® Hotel Price Index™ (HPI®). The rise, although relatively small, maintained a trend of slowly increasing rates seen since the start of 2010, with average prices now close to their 2006 levels, before the global financial crisis began. Set at 100 in 2004, the HPI tracks real prices that hotel guests actually paid for their accommodations around the world. The Index for the first six months of 2013 stands at 111, eight p...
Hotel Equities and Alliance Hospitality Form Joint Venture Creating 55 Hotel Portfolio; Plans Growth
Hotel Equities (HE) | September 10, 2013
Atlanta, GA-September 10, 2013 - Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (www.hotelequities.com) formed a joint venture with Raleigh-based Alliance Hospitality (www.alliancehospitality.com) to create a portfolio of 55 hotels with a room count exceeding 6,500 in 14 states. Corporate headquarters will be located at the Atlanta, Georgia offices of Hotel Equities with regional offices remaining in Raleigh, North Carolina. The joint venture pairs Fred Cerrone, President and CEO of Hotel Equities, with Rolf Tweeten, President and CEO of Alliance Hospitality, two iconic industry leaders in a strategic partnership between two highly acclaimed, award-winni...
UniFocus’ U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Certification Indicates Commitment to Data Security
TRUSTe | September 10, 2013
September 10, 2013 - Each year companies are conducting more of their daily operations and their dealings with other businesses via the Internet, meaning security and protection of personal information is imperative. UniFocus is proud to announce its participation in the TRUSTe® U.S.-EU Safe Harbor program. Compliance with the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework assures both domestic and international clients that their data is truly protected. "Our workforce management systems collect personal information from our partners and their employees, and we take all necessary measures to guarantee all security sensitive information is being safegu...
Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport in CT Appoints Jennifer Carty as Human Resources Manager
Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport | September 9, 2013
WINDSOR LOCKS, CT (September 9, 2013) --- The Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport, located in Windsor Locks, CT, recently announced the appointment of Jennifer Carty to the position of Human Resources Manager for the 237-room full service hotel. The Sheraton Hartford is managed by Waterford Hotel Group, a national hotel and convention center management firm. As Human Resources Manager, Carty is responsible for the human resources functions at the Sheraton Bradley, including associate training and development, sourcing and recruiting candidates, associate relations and maintaining policies and procedures. She joins the Sheraton fr...
Dolce Hotels and Resorts to Manage 200-room “Urban Lifestyle Hotel” to be Built in Palm Springs, CA
Dolce Hotels and Resorts | September 9, 2013
ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (September 9, 2013) - Dolce Hotels and Resorts, operator of 26 upscale hotels, resorts and conference hotels across North America and Europe, today announced it will manage a new 200-room "urban lifestyle hotel" to be built in downtown Palm Springs, Calif. The new address will be Dolce's third in California. "This project in the heart of Palm Springs will build our West Coast presence, enabling us to leverage established corporate, group and leisure relationships," said Steven A. Rudnitsky, Dolce Hotels and Resorts president & chief executive officer. Construction is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2014...
Strand Development Company, LLC Names Bryson Stevens as Corporate Revenue Manager
September 9, 2013
Myrtle Beach, S.C.) Sept. 10, 2013 - Strand Development Company, LLC recently announced that Bryson Stevens has been named Corporate Revenue Manager. In his new position Stevens will be responsible for enhancing Strand's hotel revenue management for over 50 properties. Prior to joining Strand Development Company, LLC, Stevens worked as the Corporate Director of Sales Operations, Daly Seven Inc. where he led a team of 10 Regional Sales Managers for a portfolio of 38 properties. For several years, he also held several leadership roles managing rates and inventory on the regional level for InterContinental Hotels Group. "Bryson brings over...
The Opera House Hotel Opens Their Doors Using Skyware Systems Property Management System
Skyware Hospitality Solutions | September 9, 2013
Frederick, MD (September 9, 2013): Skyware Systems Enterprise Property Management System (PMS) is pleased to announce that the Opera House Hotel will be using Skyware's PMS as their exclusive online booking engine. The Opera House Hotel is a boutique-style hotel that offers guests an unparalleled experience when traveling to New York City. Located in the South Bronx, the former Bronx Opera House is a cherished landmark and home to a rich history of theater and entertainment. One hundred years from its inception, the Bronx Opera House has been restored from its original glory to today's Opera House Hotel. The hotel guarantees impeccable ...
Redstone Hospitality to Build a 125-room Marriott TownPlace Suites at Alabama’s Redstone Gateway
COPT | September 9, 2013
COLUMBIA, Md. - September 09, 2013 - Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) (NYSE:OFC) announces that Redstone Hospitality, LLC (the Developer) will build a Marriott TownPlace Suites hotel on a 3.1 acre parcel in Redstone Gateway. The Developer, which is not an affiliate of the Company, will pay LW Redstone Company, LLC (the joint venture between COPT and Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC) a ground rent in accordance with a ground lease between the two parties. The Developer expects to break ground before March 31, 2014, and to complete construction approximately one year later. The hotel, to be built to a Leadership in Energy and Envi...
Time’s Running Out for Your Free Pass to the Las Vegas Food & Beverage Event at the #1 Casino Show
G2E - Global Gaming Expo | September 9, 2013
See unique food and beverage suppliers, such as Sysco and 60 of their distributors. Discover new wines and spirits at the Ultra Lounge sponsored by Southern Wine & Spirits. Check out the latest uniforms at the Uniform Fashion Show sponsored by Cintas. Learn about the latest food trends and network. If you are a food and beverage professional or restaurateur, you may register for free exhibit hall admission to the Las Vegas Food & Beverage event at Global Gaming Expo (G2E), #1 Casino event in the world. September 24-26, Sands Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada. ...
Singapore Cabinet Minister Touts Value of FCS e-Housekeeping Solution
FCS | September 9, 2013
MP and labor leader Lim Swee Say lauds Sheraton Towers Singapore for implementing technology that improves worker safety and efficiency On a recent visit to Sheraton Towers Singapore, one of Singapore's most influential politicians and labor leaders was impressed with the extent to which FCS' e-Housekeeping solution has helped to improve hotel worker efficiency without compromising safety. Out of all the prestigious hotels in Singapore, Sheraton Towers Singapore was selected by MP, Cabinet Minister and NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say on August 21, 2013 to visit the hotel for its commitment to making the difficult but important task ...
Value Place and Dinosaur Capital Partners Seek Land to Develop 12 Boston-Area Hotels
Value Place | September 9, 2013
BOSTON - September 09, 2013 - Value Place, the largest economy extended-stay hospitality brand, and Dinosaur Capital Partners, the Boston-based development and investment firm, plan to develop 12 new corporate hotels in the Boston area over the next two years. Boston is Value Place's latest focus in its continuing rapid expansion across the U.S. The Wichita, Kan.-based extended-stay hotel-apartment hybrid was founded by renowned hotelier Jack DeBoer, creator of Residence Inn®, Summerfield Suites®, and Candlewood Suites®. Value Place has teamed with Dinosaur Capital Partners to identify, acquire, and develop suitable locations, with c...
MTR Gaming Group and Eldorado Resorts Enter Merger Agreement
MTR Gaming Group | September 9, 2013
Combined New Company, Eldorado Resorts, Will Oversee Six Properties Totaling 3,282 Hotel Rooms CHESTER, W. Va. - September 09, 2013 - MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (NasdaqGS:MNTG) and Eldorado Resorts, LLC today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which MTR Gaming Group will combine with the parent company of Eldorado Resorts, LLC in a stock merger. As part of the transaction, a cash election option will be offered at $5.15 per share for up to 5.8 million shares to MTR Gaming's current stockholders. MTR Gaming's remaining common shares will be exchanged for shares in the combined new company. The combined new com...
Architect Announced for 150-Room Downtown Asheville Hyatt Hotel
BuildCentral | September 9, 2013
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Add/Update 100 Hotel Projects to the New Hotel Construction Projects Database Chicago, IL. September 9, 2013 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have added or updated 100 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: Hampton Inn (Tallahassee, FL) Industrial District Hotel (Plymouth Charter Township, MI) UC Irv...
Gate Hospitality Group Appoints Steven Jones, Joan Sykora & Martin Diehr to Leadership Positions
GATE and The GATE Hospitality Group | September 9, 2013
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla., Sept. 9, 2013 - The GATE Hospitality Group (GHG) has announced the appointments of three key leadership positions in the operation of the company's four world class resort/private club properties - The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra, Epping Forest Yacht Club and The River Club. Steven Jones will serve as Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations. In his new position, he will have overall responsibly for the direction, planning and development of food and beverage operations of the four GHG clubs. Jones' food and beverage service career extends more than 25 years. Most recent...
As Forbes Travel Guide Expands Further into London, Updates Include a Five-Star & 4 Four-Star Hotels
Forbes Travel Guide | September 9, 2013
London Now Matches Hong Kong in Greatest Concentration Worldwide of Five Star Properties LONDON, September 9, 2013 - Forbes Travel Guide has today announced additions to its official Star Ratings list in its inaugural mid-year update. The Connaught earned a Five Star rating as the globally recognised Star Rating programme further expands into the United Kingdom. The Connaught joins a list of six existing Five Star hotels in London; the city now matches Hong Kong as the top destination worldwide with the greatest concentration of Five Star properties in the more than 150 markets rated and inspected by Forbes Travel Guide. Forbes Travel G...
