HFTP® Acquires Leading Hospitality Industry Brands: Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, The CIO Summit and The Executive Vendor Summit
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
Ashford Trust Enters Into Nine New Franchise Agreements Including The New Marriott Beverly Hills
Ashford Hospitality Trust | August 13, 2013
To Convert the Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills to a Marriott Hotel and Convert Eight Hotels from Brand-Managed to Franchised DALLAS, Aug. 13, 2013 -- Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AHT) today announced that as part of the Company's ongoing asset management initiatives, it has entered into a franchise agreement to convert the 258-room, Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills to a Marriott after the expiration of the existing Crowne Plaza license agreement in March of 2015. The conversion includes an extensive product improvement plan (PIP), estimated at $25 million, to include an upgrade of the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) syst...
eNewsletters Proving to be Very Effective for Hotels
Lodging Interactive | August 13, 2013
Lodging Interactive offers a fully managed eNewsletter service offering copywriting, creative design, email list management, distribution and analytics reporting to hotels PARSIPPANY, N.J. - AUGUST 13, 2013 - While fax machines and snail mail have entered into the "here today, gone tomorrow" category, email newsletters continue to serve as a cost-effective way for hoteliers to provide content and offers that guests will find informative and inviting. Although social Media channels are fast-becoming the preferred eMarketing method for communicating with consumers, 68 percent of marketers agree that eNewsletters are the top email messages...
hotel SystemsPro Signs Chain Agreement with Red Lion for hotel ServicePro Rollout
Red Lion Hotels Corporation | August 13, 2013
Red Lion Hotels Corporation Implements hotel ServicePro Preventive Maintenance and Guest Service Solution for More Efficient Property Operations at all Corporate Owned Properties Atlanta, Georgia - August 13, 2013 - hotel SystemsPro, a leading provider of ASP-based, enterprise hotel sales software announced Red Lion Hotels Corporation (Red Lion) implemented the hotel ServicePro system at 27 properties. Rollout was completed in July 2013. The Red Lion Hotels and Red Lion Inn & Suites network is comprised of more than 50 hotels with over 9,000 rooms and nearly half a million square feet of meeting space. It is engaged in the franchisi...
Sophie Brosse Appointed as Assistant General Manager of the 99-key Le Méridien Bora Bora
August 13, 2013
August 13, 2013 (Bora Bora) - Le Méridien Bora Bora has announced the appointment of Sophie Brosse as Assistant General Manager. Well-traveled and widely experienced with more than 15 years in the luxury hotel and resort industry, Sophie will work closely with General Manager Boumédiène Ouadjed in overseeing all operations to assure an exquisite stay for guests at the award-winning water's-edge resort on the "Pearl of the Pacific." "We're delighted to welcome Sophie to Bora Bora. Her experience working in French Polynesia and passion for the beauty and culture of the islands make her the perfect fit for enhancing the guest experience...
Noble House Hotels & Resorts Names Marco Perry as General Manager for the Riviera Palm Springs in CA
| August 13, 2013
Patrick Connors Appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - August 13, 2013 - Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Ltd. (NHHR) - a collection of luxury hotels and resorts - proudly announces the appointment of Marco Perry as General Manager and Patrick Connors as Director of Sales and Marketing at Riviera Palm Springs, located at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. As the General Manager, Perry will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the resort, while maximizing company revenue. Connors, as the Director of Sales and Marketing, will be responsible for the planning and development of the s...
Sabre Hospitality Wins Awards for Website Design
Sabre Hospitality Solutions | August 13, 2013
SOUTHLAKE, Texas, Aug. 13, 2013 - Sabre Hospitality Solutions, a global technology company serving the hospitality industry, won eight awards for website design in the Media and Interactive Award category of the 43rd Annual Creativity International Awards. The announcement marks the first round of results in the 2013 award season. "A hotel's website plays such a critically important role in the successful marketing and sales of a chain or property and its overall brand," said Robert Dawson, vice president internet marketing and web development services for Sabre Hospitality Solutions. "Being recognized by the creative community for our ...
Seven Days of Revenue Management Success – Part One By Jean Francois Mourier
REVPAR GURU | August 13, 2013
By Jean Francois Mourier August 13, 2013 In our office, we like to begin each week as an opportunity for new successes. We forget about the challenges and obstacles we may have experienced the week prior, because every week is a chance to start over. Each week is a chance for our team to strive for excellence, and so far, it's a philosophy that has served us well. Today, it is your property's chance to start over as well. You can revamp your revenue management strategy, simply by following these seven simple steps. Using these tips, you will see drastic increases in your bookings and RevPAR, and ensure that your property has seven days ...
Agilysys Announces Availability of SWSDirect
Agilysys | August 13, 2013
Inventory and Procurement Application Provides Intuitive Shopping Cart Experience, Supplier Portal, Enhanced Features and Functionality ALPHARETTA, GA. - August 13, 2013 - Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading provider of innovative information technology and hospitality software and services, today announced the general availability of SWSDirect, an add-on module that delivers new features and functionality to the company's Stratton Warren System (SWS) inventory and procurement solution. SWSDirect provides a convenient, efficient and intuitive shopping cart experience to users of the Stratton Warren System. The application streamlin...
The 244-key Radisson Hotel Atlanta Northwest, Marietta Opens in Georgia
Radisson | August 13, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS/ATLANTA (August 12, 2013) - Radisson, one of the world's best-recognized hotel brands, today announced the opening of the Radisson Hotel Atlanta Northwest, Marietta in Georgia. Located just minutes from downtown Atlanta, the hotel offers 218 spacious guest rooms and 26 suites. "The opening of this hotel reinforces our commitment to enhance the Radisson portfolio and further expand our presence in critical markets in the Americas," said Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Radisson, and executive vice president, Owned and Managed Hotels, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. "This addition is part of Carlson Rezidor Ho...
The Benjamin in Midtown Manhattan Completes $10 Million Hotel Renovation
Denihan Hospitality Group | August 12, 2013
New York, NY - August 12, 2013 - The Benjamin, a luxury boutique hotel in midtown Manhattan situated on 50th Street and Lexington Avenue, concludes the final phase of its full-scale, multi-phase $10 million dollar renovation. Under the guidance of Lauren Rottet, the namesake and founder of Rottet Studio, the aesthetic of the accommodations are reflective of her philosophy to create environments that feel personalized, energetic and residentially glamorous. The room re-design is completed, and the renovated and restyled guestrooms and suites are now available for guests. Some of Rottet's favorite design details were reserved for the fina...
U.S. Travel & Tourism Exports Contributed $87.1 Billion to U.S. Economy in First Six Months of 2013
The Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI) | August 12, 2013
WASHINGTON - August 12, 2013 - Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez today highlighted new data that show spending by international visitors to the United States in June 2013 totaled $14.6 billion, an increase of 5 percent when compared to June 2012. International visitors have spent an estimated $87.1 billion on U.S. travel and tourism-related goods and services year-to-date in 2013 (January through June), an increase of 7 percent when compared to the same period last year. "The economic contributions of international travel and tourism continue to be a bright spot, with the sector leading services expo...
The New-Build 249-key Radisson Blu Conference & Spa Hotel, Istanbul Tuzla, Turkey to Open in Q4 2013
Rezidor Hotel Group | August 12, 2013
August 12, 2013 - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the largest and most dynamic hotel companies worldwide, announces the Radisson Blu Conference & Spa Hotel, Istanbul Tuzla: The property featuring 249 rooms is already under construction and scheduled to welcome the first guests in Q4 2013. It is Carlson Rezidor's 7th hotel in Istanbul and further strengthens the group's leading position within the upper upscale segment in Istanbul. All across Turkey, Carlson Rezidor now operates and develops 11 hotels. "Turkey with its mega city Istanbul is a focus country for our group. We see a considerable growth potential for our core brands ...
Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel Opens in Tennessee Following Conversion; Renovation Continues
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | August 12, 2013
STAMFORD, Conn.-- August 12, 2013 -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced its iconic Sheraton® brand has arrived in Memphis, Tennessee, following the strategic conversion of a prime downtown property. Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel is connected to the Memphis Cook Convention Center at the heart of the city's vibrant downtown. Owned by Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: HST), the former Marriott property is in the midst of a major renovation in order to implement all of the Sheraton brand's signature amenities and services. Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel is a significant addition to the growing...
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Acquires The 57-room Redbury Hotel in Hollywood, California
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | August 12, 2013
BETHESDA, Md.--August 12, 2013--Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) (the "Company") today announced that it has acquired the award-winning Redbury Hotel for $34.0 million. The 57-room, all-suite, luxury, full-service hotel is located in the center of Hollywood, California. The property will continue to be managed by sbe Hotel Group ("sbe"). "We're thrilled with the acquisition of the Redbury in the dynamic, high-barrier-to-entry Hollywood neighborhood," said Jon Bortz, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust. "The hotel is ideally located at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in the cent...
888 Sepulveda Hotel Development Announced for El Segundo, CA
BuildCentral | August 12, 2013
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Add/Update 93 Hotel Projects to the New Hotel Construction Projects Database Chicago, IL. August 12, 2013 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have added or updated 93 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 Hotel (Lexington, KY) Pittsburgh Technology Center Hotel (Pittsburgh, PA) The Greens at...
Hotel Impossible Host Anthony Melchiorri Re-ups with Pegasus Solutions
Pegasus Solutions | August 12, 2013
Star of "Hotel Impossible" Assumes Role of World of Distribution Ambassador DALLAS (August 12, 2013) - Well known television personality Anthony Melchiorri is continuing his long-standing relationship with Pegasus Solutions in time for the season three premiere of his hit show Monday, August 12. The hotelier and host of "Hotel Impossible" will be working with Pegasus as a World of Distribution ambassador. Melchiorri and Pegasus chief executive officer David Millili, first established their close relationship when both were hotel general managers in New York City. In addition to his in-person visits to Pegasus offices and appearances at ...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 107: Are Franchisees Agents of Franchisors?
Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC | August 12, 2013
Manhattan's New Water Source; Brand USA Needs Our Help; Quote of the Month By Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC 1. Are Franchisees Agents of Franchisors? Did you read that a federal district court in Utah recently found evidence that a Best Western franchisee was actually the "agent" of the franchisor? The evidence was based on the fact that Best Western had strict requirements for its franchisees, showing its ultimate authority. The evidence described that Best Western had control over the buildings, grounds and public areas and how they should be kept. And it showed how the hotel chain ruled over the housekeeping department and how guest roo...
Going to G2E? Get Your Free Pass to the Las Vegas Food & Beverage Event at the #1 Casino Show
G2E - Global Gaming Expo | August 12, 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. ...
TravelClick Hosts Complimentary Webinar on Q2 2013 Hotel Industry Performance
TravelClick | August 12, 2013
Preparing for 2014, Emerging Trends and Best Practices Complimentary Webinar Taking Place August 27 & 28, 2013 TravelClick, global provider of innovative cloud-based solutions that enable hotels to grow revenue, will present three free webinars on August 27 and 28 to review second quarter hotel performance results and trends. Findings will be presented by TravelClick Executives John Hach, senior vice president, global product management, and Tim Hart, executive vice president, business intelligence. The webinars will be moderated by Barbara Taylor Carpender, President and CEO at Taylored Alliances. Leading hoteliers begin their prep...
Kana Hotel Group Celebrates Grand Opening of the 140-key Embassy Suites Knoxville West in Tennessee
Embassy Suites Hotels | August 12, 2013
Alpesh Patel (center), CEO of Kana Hotel Group, cuts the ribbon of the new Embassy Suites Knoxville West with Jacqueline Padilla (left), hotel general manager, alongside ceremony attendees Knoxville County Mayor Tim Burchett (far right) and Alan Roberts (back row, right), vice president of brand performance support, Embassy Suites McLean, Va. (August 12, 2013) - Embassy Suites Hotels celebrated the official grand opening of the new Embassy Suites Knoxville West yesterday with local officials and community members, with a ceremony marking the arrival of the area's first full-service property in 25 years. Owned and managed by Kana Hotel G...
The 78-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton Opens in Durango, Colorado
Homewood Suites by Hilton | August 12, 2013
Durango, CO - August 12, 2013 - Homewood Suites by Hilton, the international brand of upscale, all-suite, extended-stay hotels, announces today the opening of its newest property in Durango, Co. Creating 28 permanent jobs, the three-story, 78-suite hotel is owned F2DL, LLC and will be managed by HHC Hotels, LLC. General Manager Kurt Berridge has been in the hotel industry for 24 years, and will be supported by Director of Sales, Stefanie Goodloe. "As both a business and leisure destination in Colorado, Durango welcomes guests who are seeking a hotel that offers the space to spread out and added value at a cost conscious price point," sa...
Hilton Worldwide and Lanzhou Friendship Hotel to Open 389-Room Hilton Lanzhou in China in Q1 2017
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | August 12, 2013
August 12, 2013 - LANZHOU, China - Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a management agreement with Lanzhou Friendship Hotel to build a hotel consisting of approximately 389 guest rooms in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2017, the 389-room Hilton Lanzhou will reside in the city's central commercial district and provides Hilton Worldwide with greater access to China's rapidly developing northwest China. Francis Lee Wee-Hau, senior vice president of development, Greater China & Mongolia, Hilton Worldwide said, "The introduction of our flagship Hilton property to Gansu provin...
Survey Reveals New Class of Travelers: The “Digital Elite” Who Travel and Spend More
MMGY Global | August 12, 2013
Orlando, Fla. (August 8, 2013) - According to the newly-released MMGY Global/Harrison Group 2013 Portrait of Digital Travelers™, a nationally representative survey of 1,258 U.S. households who are active users of digital devices, the use of both smartphones and tablets has increased so rapidly since 2011 that it has spawned a new class of travelers - the "Digital Elite." These individuals own and use at least two digital devices (a smartphone and tablet) to plan and purchase travel services, and this segment has grown from five percent of all active travelers in 2011 to fully one third (33 percent) today, an increase of over 600 perce...
AH&LA Releases Statement on NCSL Online Travel Company Tax Resolution
American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) | August 12, 2013
Washington, D.C. - August 12, 2013 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) issues the following statement on today's unanimous approval by the Executive Committee Task Force on State and Local Taxation of the National Conference of State Legislatures of a resolution noting that states should pass legislation clarifying their tax laws and requiring online travel companies (OTCs) to remit taxes paid on their retail prices: "The lodging industry greatly appreciates state legislators' recognition that the out-of-state OTCs' controversial practice of choosing to remit taxes only on their wholesale costs imposes a higher ef...
