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
Eduardo Bartolomeo Appointed as CEO for Brazil Hospitality Group
| July 30, 2013
SAO PAULO, July 30, 2013 - BHG SA - Brazil Hospitality Group [BM&FBovespa – Novo Mercado: BHGR3 and OTC: BZHGY], the third largest hotel chain in the country, announced today Eduardo Bartolomeo as its new CEO. The 49-year-old executive has accumulated over the years a vast experience in managing global companies and was chosen to lead BHG towards its new growth cycle from now on. Pieter Vader, BHG's CEO for the last five years, will be leaving the company to devote himself to personal projects, therefore ending a very important cycle for BHG. He was responsible, among other things, to establish BHG as one of Brazil's leading hotel...
CSM Lodging Receives Marriott Franchise Revenue Management Team of the Year Award for the 11th year!
CSM Lodging | July 30, 2013
Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 2013 ... CSM Lodging, a division of CSM Corporation, has received the "Marriott Franchise Revenue Management Team of the Year Award". This represents the 11th time CSM Lodging has been honored with the prestigious award, either on the regional or global level. Bill Upshaw, president of CSM Lodging, made the announcement. "This is a high honor for our revenue management team," said Mr. Upshaw. "The last 12-18 months have been a challenge for our industry, but because of the hard work and dedication our team has put into the revenue management function at CSM Lodging, we've come through remarkably well. It's w...
Hard Rock to Debut in Europe with the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza Slated to Open May 2014
Hard Rock International | July 30, 2013
ORLANDO, Fla., July 30, 2013 -- Hard Rock International – owner of one of the world's most iconic and recognized brands – announces the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, anticipated to open in May 2014. Continuing Hard Rock's earned 'Best in Class' recognition in the Americas, Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza will represent the first Hard Rock Hotel to open in Europe. Palladium Hotel Group, pursuant to a license agreement from Hard Rock, will transform two former Fiesta Hotels, Club Don Toni and Hotel Don Toni, into the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, slated to feature the brand's legendary music-inspired style. The two buildings will be united by a remodeled lob...
The Riverside Hotel in Boise, Idaho Joins the Leo Hotel Collection
Red Lion Hotels Corporation | July 30, 2013
SPOKANE, Wash., July 30, 2013 - Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) today announced The Riverside Hotel in Boise officially joined the Leo Hotel Collection. "After the substantial investment in this property over the past couple years, The Riverside has positioned itself as one of the premier boutique properties in the Idaho state capitol," said Ron Burgett, Executive Vice President of Lodging and Brand Development for Red Lion Hotels Corporation. "This new Leo Hotel Collection gem allows Red Lion Hotels to continue our aggressive growth strategy to bring more excellent hotels to our guest looking for a great stay experience." Since...
Pegasus Solutions Reports Leisure Hotel Rates Set 2013 Growth Record in June
Pegasus Solutions | July 30, 2013
Global Vacation Travel Delivers Solid Performance in Second Quarter as Corporate Channel Maintains Volume and Rates During Off-season DALLAS (July 30, 2013) – Global leisure daily hotel rates achieved a new growth record of +5.1% over prior year in June, according to second quarter data released today by Pegasus Solutions in The Pegasus View. The single largest processor of electronic hotel transactions reported that along with solid performance for holiday travel, business travel maintained prior year levels for both bookings and rates during the off-season. As rates continued to grow for the leisure channel globally, booking growth ...
George Cozonis Named Managing Director for The Plaza in New York City
The Plaza | July 30, 2013
New York - July 30, 2013 - Paul S. Tormey, Regional Vice President at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, is pleased to announce that George Cozonis has been named Managing Director of The Plaza, a New York icon and designated National Historic Landmark. Bringing more than 29 years of experience to The Plaza, Mr. Cozonis, who started in May 2013, is responsible for the ongoing operations of the urban resort, located in the heart of Manhattan at the crossroads of Central Park South and Fifth Avenue. "I am honored to be part of The Plaza, which is cherished by so many people around the world," said Mr. Cozonis. "Guests, patrons and fellow New ...
Martin Alcala Appointed Executive Chef for Hyatt Regency Santa Clara in California
Hyatt Regency Santa Clara | July 30, 2013
Santa Clara, CA - July 30, 2013 - According to General Manager Dania Duke, Martin Alcala has recently been appointed Executive Chef for Hyatt Regency Santa Clara. A graduate of California School of Culinary Arts, Chef Alcala joined Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in 2001 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine as a Cook. He held several positions at Hyatt Regency Irvine, including Chef de Partie and Banquet Sous Chef until transferring to Hyatt Regency Long Beach in 2007 to become the Executive Sous Chef. Most recently Martin was the Executive Chef at the Hyatt Regency Santa Barbara before accepting the Executive Chef position at Hyatt Regency Santa Clara...
Why Delivering a Great User Experience is Essential
EyeforTravel | July 30, 2013
Jul 30, 2013 - The ferocious competition in the travel industry today means that fine-tuning the user experience both online and on site must be an imperative as this is where travel brands really can differentiate. Pamela Whitby and Ritesh Gupta take a look. Building brand loyalty through a great user experience and customer service has the greatest differentiation potential but it's complicated. After all, the travel industry has to work much harder than retailers to deliver conversions. Simply put this is because choosing where to holiday is one of the most important - and often expensive - decisions a person makes in a year. Custome...
FARROW Commercial Construction Completes Work on HYATT House
FARROW Commercial Construction | July 30, 2013
July 30, 2013 (SANTA ROSA, CA) - FARROW Commercial Construction, a nationwide commercial construction company based in Santa Rosa, CA has completed the construction on the first HYATT HouseTM. Located in North San Diego County, the prototype property is designed to cater to business travelers with spacious, residentially inspired suites. In close proximity to Mira Mesa, Del Mar, La Jolla, Torrey Pines and the Miramar business areas, HYATT House is Hyatt's foray into the residential suite hotel market. The property, which was formerly Woodfin Suites has been reimagined with full kitchens, and separate living and sleeping areas. With 2,00...
Gila River Casinos Selects InvoTech RFID Uniform System for Three Casinos and Distribution Center
Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. | July 30, 2013
Arizona Casino Operator Streamlines Uniform Processing, Reduces Labor Expense for Company-Wide Staff of 2,900 with More Than 36,000 Owned and Rented Uniform Items LOS ANGELES, CA – July 30, 2013 – InvoTech Systems, Inc. announced that Gila River Casinos implemented InvoTech's UHF-RFID Multi-Property Uniform System for three casinos and its corporate distribution center. InvoTech reduces labor costs and provides an increase in asset protection by streamlining processes for Gila River Casinos 20,000 owned and 16,000 rented uniforms. Click here for more information on InvoTech's Linen, Uniform, Laundry, and Security Systems. Gila River...
Shannon Knapp Named Senior VP & Chief Marketing Officer for The Leading Hotels of the World
The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW) | July 30, 2013
NEW YORK, NY (July 30, 2013) - The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW), has appointed Shannon Knapp to the position of senior vice president and chief marketing officer for the organization. Based in the company's New York headquarters, Ms. Knapp will be responsible for leading brand marketing, interactive marketing, web operations, CRM, customer loyalty and public relations for the world's largest luxury hotel collection. LHW has evolved into a dynamic and growing organization which is able to attract and retain top talent. Ms. Knapp will align business goals with marketing strategies, and provide an expertise that accelerates busi...
Jameson Brand Expands to India; Cygnett Hotels & Resorts to Open Two Jameson Properties by Q4 2013
America's Best Franchising | July 30, 2013
July 30, 2013 - Jameson Inns will soon be appearing in India as Atlanta-based America's Best Franchising Incorporated has signed an agreement with Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, based in Kolkata, to become that country's master licensee for the brand. Cygnett, one of India's leading hotel ownership and management companies, intends to open the first two Jameson properties within the next 60 days -- one in Jaipur and one in Varanasi. "American brands have a solid reputation for value and quality, and now Jameson will help us bring a new dimension to the Indian hospitality industry," said Sarbendra Sarkar, CEO of Cygnett who is an MBA grad...
8Hotels Opens 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Sydney, Australia with a Focus on Photography
8Hotels | July 30, 2013
July 30, 2013 - Positioned in Pyrmont, Sydney, 1888 Hotel is the newest property to launch by Boutique Hotel Operator, 8Hotels. 1888 was the year that Kodak launched with a patent for their first box and roll cameras and the hotel will honour the evolution of photography by offering Instagram-friendly walking maps for the Pyrmont area, a revolving series of Instagram images in the Mac space at reception featuring photos taken by guests and a 'selfie space' within the property for guests to pap themselves at Sydney's newest boutique lodging. 1888 Hotel is also offering a complimentary night to any Instagram users with more than 10,000 fo...
Nobody Asked Me, But…No. 106; What Is A Hotel Manager?; Quote of the Month / Stanley Turkel
Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC | July 29, 2013
By Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC 1. What Is A Hotel Manager? In 1963, the Loews Hotel Corporation published a small booklet with 18 black and white photographs from vintage movies. The booklet was named "What Is A Hotel Manager?" The captions under the photographs were funny then and, I believe, are still funny fifty years later. The booklet's dedication and introduction read: Dedication: It is with deep appreciation that we thank Tom Troy, Harry O'Brien, Pierre Bultinck, Frank Berkman, Arthur Levey, Henry Judermans, John Braun and Jerry Olin without whom this booklet would never have been possible. Introduction: A hotel manager is a man o...
CSM Lodging Names Mark Johnson Regional Director of Field Sales and Marketing
CSM Lodging | July 29, 2013
Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 2013 ... CSM Lodging, a division of CSM Corporation, has named Mark Johnson regional director of field sales and marketing for the hospitality company. Bill Upshaw, president, made the announcement. "It is with pleasure that I welcome Mark to CSM Lodging," said Mr. Upshaw. "His remarkable background in sales leadership positions will be a tremendous asset to our company as we continue to add hotels to our growing portfolio." Mark Johnson was previously special task force consultant for PHM Hospitality, working with properties such as the Hilton Hotel Pasadena, Sheraton Hotel Charleston Airport, and Hilton Ho...
Laurus Corporation Acquires Renaissance Chicago O’Hare; To Implement Multi-Million Dollar Renovation
Laurus Corporation | July 29, 2013
CHICAGO, July 29, 2013 -- Laurus Corporation, a U.S.-based private real estate investment and development firm, has announced the acquisition of the Renaissance O'Hare Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. The 362-suite upscale property is located on a 3.08-acre lot three miles from O'Hare International Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in the country transporting more than 66 million people per year, and is situated in one of the most prominent office markets in Chicago. Opened in 2005, the 15-story hotel features more than 15,000 square feet of meeting space and amenities, including a fitness center, business center, pool, concierge and a...
The 353-room Grand Hyatt Shenyang Opens in Northeast China
Grand Hyatt Hotels | July 29, 2013
CHICAGO (July 29, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today the opening of Grand Hyatt Shenyang, the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Northeast China that will provide a new level of upscale sophistication to business and leisure travelers in Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province. The hotel's style will mirror the city of Shenyang, the largest city in Northeast China, melding ancient culture with vibrant modernity. "The opening of Grand Hyatt Shenyang expands our brand presence in China and supports our development strategy of building in key gateway cities and markets where our guests are traveling," said Christopher...
Douglas Klein Named Director of Event Management for Washington DC Marriott Marquis Opening Q2 2014
Washington Marriott Marquis | July 29, 2013
(Washington, DC) - July 29, 2013 - Douglas Klein has been named Director of Event Management of the Washington Marriott Marquis, opening May 2014. In this position Mr. Klein will oversee the planning, operations and execution of all meetings and events held at the $520-million hotel, which will be connected via an underground concourse to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Washington Marriott Marquis, one of only five Marriott Marquis properties in the country, will be DC's largest hotel with 1,175 rooms and over 105,000 square feet of function space, as well as five separate retail and restaurant spaces. The dynamic headquarte...
Wynn Resorts Reports Q2 2013 Net Income of $129.8 million; Las Vegas RevPAR Up 4.7%
Wynn Resorts, Limited | July 29, 2013
LAS VEGAS--Jul. 29, 2013-- Wynn Resorts, Limited (Nasdaq: WYNN) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013. View the full press release with tables. Net revenues for the second quarter of 2013 were $1,332.3 million, compared to $1,253.2 million in the second quarter of 2012. The revenue increase was driven by 16.2% higher revenues from our Las Vegas operations and a 2.6% revenue increase from our Macau operations. Adjusted property EBITDA (1) was $425.7 million for the second quarter of 2013, a 10.8% increase from $384.1 million in the second quarter of 2012. On a US GAAP basis, net income attributable t...
R. D. Olson Development and Marriott Open the 149-suite Residence Inn Hotel in Tustin, California
Residence Inn | July 29, 2013
Tustin, California - July 29, 2013 - The 149-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Tustin, California is scheduled to open this Thursday, August 1, 2013 and will feature the brand's innovative, new design. Located at 15181 Newport Avenue, the Residence Inn Tustin Orange County is owned by R. D. Olson Development and managed by Marriott International, Inc. Located four miles from John Wayne Airport-Orange County and 10 minutes from Disneyland, the Residence Inn Tustin Orange County offers guests convenient access to The District, Angel Stadium of Anaheim and South Coast Plaza. Rates vary depending on length of stay. "We are pleased to intro...
The Fine Art of Hotel Sale Adjustment / Eric Baum
Eric Baum of HVS | July 29, 2013
In this article, a case study is used as the basis for examining the various types of comparable sales adjustments, and the logic behind their application. The Subject Hotel The subject property is a branded four-star hotel in the urban core of a first-tier American city. It contains 300 rooms, two food and beverage outlets, ±20,000 square feet of meeting space, and a health club and spa with five treatment rooms. The date of value is April 1, 2013. During the twelve months ending February 28, 2013, the subject property realized an occupancy rate of 70% and an average daily rate of $275, resulting in a RevPAR (revenue per available roo...
The 145-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel Opens In Tustin, CA; Owned by R.D. Olson Development
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott | July 29, 2013
Tustin, California - July 29, 2013 - The 145-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Tustin, California is scheduled to open this Thursday, August 1, 2013, with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 15011 Newport Avenue, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Tustin Orange County is owned by R. D. Olson Development and managed by Marriott International, Inc. This is the first Fairfield Inn & Suites in Southern California to feature the brand's new design and décor, which enhance the guest experience through flexible features, and a warm and welcoming environment. Located...
Joshua Gray and Joshua Gahret Named by Aqua Hospitality to Lead Lotus Honolulu in Hawaii
Lotus Honolulu | July 29, 2013
July 29, 2013 - Honolulu, Hawaii - MONOGRAM HOTEL COLLECTION, a division of Aqua Hospitality, announced the appointments of Joshua Gray as general manager and Joshua Gahret as hotel manager for the stylish 51-room Lotus Honolulu. "Aqua Hospitality's reputation as a Hawaii hotel leader with a commitment to exceptional guest service is why we hire the best and promote the most qualified individuals to key management positions," said Ben Rafter, Aqua's President and CEO. "The 'Joshua team' has strong operational experience and results-oriented skills that are perfect for Lotus Honolulu's exciting new positioning in Waikiki." Joshua Gray, G...
Island Hospitality Selected to Manage Pennsylvania’s 178-room Hyatt Place Pittsburgh/North Shore
Island Hospitality | July 29, 2013
PALM BEACH, Fla., July 29, 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 178-room Hyatt Place® Pittsburgh/North Shore in Pittsburgh, Pa. This engagement marks Island's sixth Hyatt-branded hotel, (it currently manages five Hyatt House properties) and its entry into the growing Pittsburgh market. The hotel was acquired earlier this year by Chatham Lodging Trust, a hotel real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investing in upscale extended-stay hotels and premium branded select-service hot...
