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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
Free Pass to the Las Vegas Food & Beverage Event at the #1 Casino Show
G2E - Global Gaming Expo | July 29, 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....
10 Simple Measures To Increase Your Direct Website Traffic
| July 29, 2013
by Pedro Colaco July 2013 Direct website traffic is very important in the hotel industry. Hotel's own website and booking engine is where hoteliers have the greatest control over their image, rates, margins and several other essential factors that might also be somewhat controllable on other channels, although never as much as in the hotel's own channels. Hotels have to be able to stand on their own, especially if they are relatively small and have little brand recognition. The Internet is a level playing field, but it is also very crowded and noisy., If hoteliers don't have a multi-channel digital marketing strategy, they will have a ...
Roomlinx Provides Installation Update Showing Continued Strong Growth
Roomlinx | July 29, 2013
DENVER, CO--(July 29, 2013) - Roomlinx Inc., (OTCQB: RMLX), the innovative developer of media networks and interactive TV applications for hotels, today provided an update on the completion and commencement of multiple service implementations, including Roomlinx Interactive TV, video on demand, high definition TV programming, and high speed internet access. During the past sixty days Roomlinx has completed installations at eight properties adding a total of 4,074 revenue generating units (RGUs). An RGU is defined as a product or service for which the Company invoices the hotel monthly, including interactive television, video on demand, ...
Outlandish and Extraordinary Experiences: TripAdvisor Names Ten of the Quirkiest Lodgings in U.S.
TripAdvisor | July 29, 2013
Floating B&B, Giant Dog, and Desert Cave Among America's Most Unique Properties NEWTON, Mass., July 29, 2013 — TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced 10 quirky accommodations in the U.S., as chosen by TripAdvisor editors. Travelers seeking a unique lodging experience can hunker down in one of these far-out accommodations, which include a larger-than-life beagle, a historic ferry and a subterranean B&B. "For travelers who want a truly unique experience on vacation and stories to tell for a lifetime, these funky properties will surely fit the bill," said Brooke Ferencsik, director of communications at T...
Engineer Named For Planning of Murfreesboro, TN Holiday Inn & Suites
BuildCentral | July 29, 2013
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Add/Update 132 Hotel Projects to the New Hotel Construction Projects Database Chicago, IL. July 29, 2013 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have added or updated 132 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: Lake Flower Hotel (Saranac Lake, NY) Motor Club Hotel (Chicago, IL) South Village, Hotel (L...
Time To Give Guests What They REALLY Need From A Hotel / Doug Kennedy
Doug Kennedy | July 29, 2013
By Doug Kennedy July 29, 2013 Speaking from experience as a seasoned road warrior, one who always talks to other travelers everywhere I go, here are a few simple ideas for fulfilling some important and fundamental human needs of the travelers we call guests. Make Available Universal Charges for Phones, Laptops and Tablets. I cannot recall how many times I have managed to leave home without a charger. Some hotels are kind enough to let me borrow one from lost and found, but there are often none that fit. I have even had front desk associates offer to charge my phone for me on their charger. But most of the time I end up running to the lo...
The St. Regis San Francisco Appoints Gena Chen as Director of Catering and Event Management
The St. Regis San Francisco | July 29, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO (July 29, 2013) - Toni Knorr, general manager of The St. Regis San Francisco, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gena Chen as the hotel's new director of catering and event management. Ms. Chen will oversee all catering and events at The St. Regis San Francisco, the City's premier address for unparalleled luxury and bespoke service. From elegant wedding receptions and intimate luncheons to business conferences and board meetings, Ms. Chen will create unforgettable experiences tailored to suit any occasion at San Francisco's most celebrated address. "At The St. Regis San Francisco, we strive to create personalized ex...
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Reports Q2 2013 Net Income of $8.7M, Same-Property RevPAR Increased 6%
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | July 26, 2013
BETHESDA, Md.----Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) (the "Company") today reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013. The Company's results include the following: View the full press release with tables. (1) See tables later in this press release for a description of same-property information and reconciliations from net income (loss) to non-GAAP financial measures, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), Adjusted EBITDA, Funds from Operations ("FFO"), FFO per share, Adjusted FFO and Adjusted FFO per share. For the details as to which hotels are included in Same-Property rev...
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Promotes Two From Hotel Monaco Denver To Regional Positions
Hotel Monaco Denver | July 26, 2013
Denver, Colo. - July 26, 2013 - Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the U.S., announced today the promotion of two individuals from Hotel Monaco Denver to Mountain region positions. General Manager, Von de Luna, will now serve as the Director of Operations for the Mountain region overseeing operations for three Kimpton hotels including Hotel Monaco Denver, Sky Hotel in Aspen and Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City. In addition, the current Director of Sales & Marketing, Beth Harty, has been named the new Area Director of Sales & Marketing for the entire Mountain region. As Gen...
Grand Opening Celebrated for the 137-room Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown in Louisiana
| July 26, 2013
BATON ROUGE, La. - July 26, 2013 - The revitalization of Louisiana's Capital city, Baton Rouge, recently welcomed the addition of the 137 room Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown. This newly constructed building has added a uniquely modern option to the historic downtown district by becoming the first hotel built in the area since the 1920's. Ideally situated on historic Lafayette Street overlooking the Mississippi River, this hotel exudes Southern charm with its exquisite Louisiana designed décor and oversized balconies giving way to sweeping views of the river. This attention to detail will quickly position this property as the go to destina...
Fibra Inn Adds Three Hotels in Mexico to its Acquisition Portfolio Totaling Six Recent Purchases
Fibra Inn | July 26, 2013
MONTERREY, Mexico - July 26, 2013 - Deutsche Bank Mexico, S.A., Banking Institution, Trust Division F/1616 or Fibra Inn (BMV: FINN13) ("Fibra Inn" or "the Company"), a Mexican real estate investment trust specializing in the hotel industry serving the business traveler, announced today that it has completed the purchase of the Hotel Mexico Plaza Irapuato. Additionally it has signed a binding agreement for the purchase of the Hotel Camino Real Guanajuato and acquired the Hotel Holiday Inn Puebla La Noria. Fibra Inn Enters Agreement to Acquire Mexico Plaza Irapuato Hotel and Conversion to Wyndham Garden The price was Ps. 93 million, excl...
Golden Nugget Acquires 800-key Hotel and Casino Development in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Golden Nugget | July 26, 2013
HOUSTON, July 26, 2013 -- Tilman J. Fertitta, owner of Golden Nugget Casinos, announced today the expansion of the Golden Nugget brand into the Louisiana and South Texas market with the acquisition of the Casino Resort and Hotel currently under construction and next door to the highly successful L'Auberge Lake Charles Casino Resort located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, which is currently under construction, and the last gaming license issued by the state of Louisiana, will be one of the most luxurious gaming resorts outside of the Las Vegas strip. The property, only two hours from Houston, Texas, will c...
Starwood Reports Q2 2013 Net Income of $137M, Worldwide Systemwide RevPAR increased 4.4%
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | July 26, 2013
STAMFORD, Conn.---Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today reported second quarter 2013 financial results. View the full press release with tables. Second Quarter 2013 Highlights Excluding special items, EPS from continuing operations was $0.79. Including special items, EPS from continuing operations was $0.71. Adjusted EBITDA was $333 million, which included $30 million of EBITDA from the St. Regis Bal Harbour residential project. Excluding special items, income from continuing operations was $153 million. Including special items, income from continuing operations was $137 million. Worldwide Systemwide REVPA...
Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff Johannesburg to Open in South Africa in Q2 2014
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | July 26, 2013
Following the Renovation and Conversion of The Westcliff Hotel TORONTO, July 26, 2013 -- Four Seasons continues to expand its presence in Africa, signing a long term management agreement with the owners of The Westcliff hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. The iconic property, set on a cliffside garden estate in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, was closed on June 30, 2013 to undergo significant enhancements including renovations and new construction and will reopen as Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff Johannesburg in the second quarter of 2014. "Africa's economic growth, improved stability and ease of travel have made the continent incr...
Choice Hotels Reports Q2 2013 Net Income of $28.2M, Domestic system-wide RevPAR Grows 3.5%
Choice Hotels | July 26, 2013
ROCKVILLE, Md., July 26, 2013 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc., (NYSE: CHH) today reported the following highlights for the second quarter of 2013: View the full press release with tables. Franchising revenues increased 6% to $82.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 from $77.8 million for the same period of 2012. Total revenues increased 6% to $183.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012. Domestic royalty fees for the three months ended June 30, 2013 increased 4% to $62.2 million from $59.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012. Domestic system-wide revenue...
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust to Re-Brand the Delfina Santa Monica as Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | July 26, 2013
BETHESDA, Md. - July 26, 2013 - Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) (the "Company") today announced that it will be re-branding its 310-room Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica as the Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica. This conversion is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2013. Viceroy Hotels and Resorts will continue to manage the property. "We're very excited about the up-branding of our Delfina Santa Monica hotel to the Le Méridien brand," said Jon E. Bortz, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust. "Starwood and Viceroy have been excellent contributors to our success at this property and w...
New Google Maps for Desktop and What it Means for Hoteliers / Denise Cooper
Denise Cooper | July 26, 2013
Google is rolling out a new immersive map experience for the web – fully interactive and tailored just for you. The more you use the map, the more it learns from you based on your searches and your favorites (if you're signed into Google). Be it finding the nearest ice cream shop or an ideal fitness center, the new Google Maps for desktop is everything but judgmental. It offers not only ways to get where you want to go but also interesting information (via cards) and comparisons to help you make a decision that is right for you. You can gain insight from Google+ friends and reviews on places you search. As you use it over time, it bec...
New Study Says Government Travel for Meetings Leads to Greater Productivity, Efficiency
The U.S. Travel Association | July 26, 2013
July 26, 2013 - Washington, D.C. - Traveling for meetings and conferences is vital to making government more efficient and effective, according to a new study conducted by Rockport Analytics for the U.S. Travel Association. In contrast, cancelling government participation in key events carries significant costs and undermines important functions of government. "The Value of Government Meetings" report, a comprehensive study of the benefits of government meetings and events, is the first to evaluate the impact of sweeping cuts made to federal and state government travel budgets on the public and private sectors. "Public agencies at all l...
Interstate Hotels & Resorts’ Jim Abrahamson Named U.S. Travel National Chair
The U.S. Travel Association | July 26, 2013
July 26, 2013 - Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Travel Association today announced the appointment of Jim Abrahamson, CEO of Interstate Hotels & Resorts, as its new national chair. Abrahamson, who previously served as first vice chair, succeeds Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Rossi Ralenkotter in this role. He will serve as national chair through December 2014. "It is with great excitement that we welcome Jim as our new national chair," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "With the travel industry operating as one of the most vigorous sectors of the U.S. economy and ranking as Ame...
Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. Awarded Hampton Developer of the Year by Hilton
Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. | July 26, 2013
Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. announced that it was named the 2012 Developer of the Year for the Hampton Brand by Hilton Worldwide. President & CEO Mitch Patel of the Chattanooga-based company said, "We couldn't be happier about this accomplishment and our longstanding partnership with Hilton. We have the greatest confidence in the Hampton Brand and the team at Hilton." Vision is currently on pace to open five Hampton-branded properties this year. ...
Renovations Are Complete at the New Aqua Skyline at Island Colony in Honolulu, Hawaii
July 26, 2013
Honolulu, Hawaii - July 26, 2013 - Renovations are officially complete as Aqua Hotels and Resorts' unveils the new Aqua Skyline at Island Colony. Featuring 110 rooms within the 740-room building, the property underwent a $6 million renovation to emerge as a modern hotel experience with restyled guest rooms, a fashionable new lobby area with coffee bar, upgraded pool and outdoor areas, meeting space and a new fitness center. "Aqua Skyline is fresh and contemporary, with an ideal location just steps from all Waikiki has to offer," said Elizabeth Churchill, senior vice president of sales and marketing. "The upgraded hotel amenities along w...
Jin Jiang International to Open Liangdu Jin Jiang Hotspring International Hotel in China in Q2 2014
Jin Jiang International Hotel Management Company Ltd. | July 26, 2013
SHANGHAI, July 26, 2013 -- Jin Jiang International Hotel Management Company officially announces the securing of the management contract of Liangdu Jin Jiang Hotspring International Hotel with Liangdu Hotel Management Co. Ltd. The hotel is scheduled to open at the end of May, 2014. Liangdu Jin Jiang Hotspring International Hotel is located in the prefecture level municipality, Liupanshui City in Western Guizhou Province, Southwest China. It is connected to the West with Yunnan Province and to the East with Anshun City. Also known as 'Cool City,' Liupanshui is a rapidly developing industrial city and one of the most important resource de...
Hyatt Affiliate and Kamala Bay Ventures to Open Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort in Thailand in Late 2013
Kamala Bay Ventures | July 26, 2013
CHICAGO (July 26, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Kamala Bay Ventures Co., Ltd. for a Hyatt Regency hotel in Phuket, Thailand. The hotel will be the first Hyatt-branded resort to open in Phuket, one of Southeast Asia's premier resort destinations. Expected to open in late 2013, Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort will join two existing Hyatt-branded hotels in Thailand, including Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok and Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. "We are excited to bring the Hyatt Regency brand to one of the region's most sought after resort destinations," said Ra...
The 525-room San Juan Marriott Resort in Puerto Rico Begins $8 Million Guestroom Renovation
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino | July 26, 2013
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - July 26, 2013 - The San Juan Marriott Resort has begun an $8 million renovation, focused on upgrades to all 525 guestrooms and balconies. The redesign will bring the look and feel of the rooms in line with the ongoing modernization of the rest of the resort, geared to meet demands of the ever-changing customer. Renovations are slated for completion by early December. The new room product will reflect a more upscale, residential ambience, combining warm wooden tones in furnishings with fresh splashes of color to signify the tropical location. Additionally, new 47-inch TVs, balcony furniture, and sandy textured car...
