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
Best Western International Plans For 13 Hotels in West Africa; Adds New Hotels in Nigeria and Ghana
Best Western International, Inc. | July 26, 2013
PHOENIX - July 26, 2013 - Best Western International has announced the addition of three new hotels to the brand's West African portfolio and with eight properties open, and five additional hotels in the pipeline, the World's Biggest Hotel Family® plans to have more than 1,300 rooms in West Africa. The newest additions to the Best Western hotel family are the BEST WESTERN PLUS Ajuji Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria and the BEST WESTERN Starfire Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, giving the brand six hotels in Africa's most populous country. Best Western also announced the addition of the BEST WESTERN PLUS Atlantic Hotel in industrial and commercial hub o...
Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center Wins Prestigious “Pinnacle Award” for 26th Year
Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center | July 26, 2013
The Benchmark Resort also a recipient of the Excellence Award, Travelocity The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, July 2013 ... Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading US-based hospitality management company, has announced that Successful Meetings, a national magazine, has recognized Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center as one of the best meeting venues in the United States. This is the 26th year Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center has won the prestigious award, more than any other property in the country or in the history of the award. It was also announced that Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center received the Excellenc...
Pro Invest Group to Open 15 Holiday Inn Express Hotels in Australia Totaling 2100 Bedrooms
July 26, 2013
New Delhi, India, 26 July 2013: IHG (InterContinental Hotel Group) today announced that international investment company, Pro Invest Group, has established a $150 million fund to develop a portfolio of 15 Holiday Inn Express hotels across Australia. Pro Invest has created a property development and hotel operating company to build and operate an initial 15 Holiday Inn Express hotels, totalling approximately 2,100 rooms, in central business, suburban and airport locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. IHG will enter into franchise agreements for each of the hotels under a multiple development agreement signed between the two ...
Babson Executive Conference Center Maximizes Customer Experience with UniFocus Satisfaction Survey
Babson Executive Conference Center (BECC) | July 26, 2013
Babson Executive Conference Center (BECC) is escalating their guests' experience with the help of UniFocus' Survey Solutions. With a diverse and wide-ranging customer base, BECC is committed to their brand promise of giving guests a meeting experience that defies ordinary, while delivering service that defines extraordinary. GUESTScope provides the management teams at BECC the insight necessary to deliver their brand promise. "Flexibility to meet the needs of our customers is the biggest key," says Chuck Currid, General Manager of Babson Executive Conference Center. "We have the ability to personalize the experience for each of our gues...
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What really matters to guests in resort hotels is personal transfer, wi-fi, and property safety
Status Solutions | July 25, 2013
Jennifer Dunphey and Konrad Rzasa, hoteliers, travel connoisseurs, and serial entrepreneurs, have a popular Facebook destination for high end global travel, White Collar Vagabond. From tips to traveling with your dog across borders to how to outfit your Costa Rican cabina on the cheap (get goods in Panama), the site is a treasure trove of how global citizens live the good life. Recently, in conjunction with hotel situational awareness authority Status Solutions, the pair posted a few questions to their 9,000 followers about what really matters in the boutique hotel experience. They asked questions about safety and service that are top o...
Brian and Vibha Patel Open New Hampton Inn & Suites in Jamestown, ND; General Manger, Carla Edinger
WWA | July 25, 2013
July 25--The Hampton Inn & Suites in Jamestown is open, with 90 new hotel rooms and an indoor pool. Work began on the $6.5 million hotel in August 2012. The project was scheduled to be completed by spring, but inclement weather in late winter and early spring put the work a little behind schedule. The hotel is located at 2700 Eighth Ave. SW, next to Grizzly's Grill N' Saloon. Carla Edinger, general manager for the Hampton Inn & Suites Jamestown, said the hotel is in the middle of its soft opening. "This is the time where we are learning the guest booking systems and working out any final problems with the rooms or computer syste...
Developer Sagar Kumar Reveals Plans for New Hotel Fuel, a 142-room Boutique Hotel in Midland, TX
Yatra & Travelguru.com | July 25, 2013
July 25--A developer announced Wednesday afternoon his intent to bring a high end hotel to the Midland's downtown district, with a grand opening scheduled for Winter 2014. Hotel Fuel, a 142-unit boutique-style hotel, will take over the vacant Western United Life Building at 301 W. Texas Ave. It will include a restaurant, bar, fitness center, several meeting and board rooms and hotel rooms. For parking, hotel developer Sagar Kumar will donate the neighboring Building of the Southwest to the city of Midland, which he currently owns and is west of the hotel site. The city will then demolish the building, which will become parking exclusive...
Wyndham Reports Q2 2013 Net Income of $133 million and System-wide RevPAR Increase of 2.1%
Wyndham Worldwide | July 24, 2013
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (July 24, 2013) – Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:WYN) today announced results for the three months ended June 30, 2013. "We once again delivered strong results this quarter, reflecting great operating momentum and disciplined capital allocation," said Stephen P. Holmes, chairman and CEO. "This winning combination, along with continued innovation and a commitment to customer service, has enabled us to achieve outstanding results for our shareholders during our seven years as a public company, which is an anniversary we mark next week. The decision by our Board of Directors to increase our share repurchase authoriz...
Lodging Interactive to Launch Innovative New Service for Hospitality Industry
Lodging Interactive | July 24, 2013
Parsippany, N.J. — July 24, 2013 — Lodging Interactive announced today an innovative new service for the hospitality industry, www.HotelFAQs.info. Powered by proprietary technology developed by Lodging Interactive and enhanced by professional copywriting services of its CoMMingle Social Media Marketing division, HotelFAQs.info enables hotel websites to offer comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions ("FAQs") pages. The results are increased booking conversion rates, reduced customer calls to the front desk and exceptional online customer service. "Online shopping websites clearly understand the value of offering their shoppers Frequ...
The Hotel Group Completes Renovations of Twelve Hotels in its Portfolio; Upgrades Total $22 Million
The Hotel Group (THG) | July 24, 2013
Edmonds, Wash. (July 24, 2013) - Edmonds, Wash.-based The Hotel Group (THG) is pleased to announce the completion of a $22 million renovation of 12 hotels in six states since January 2012. As the property management company overseeing the renovations, The Hotel Group provides support to hotel owners renovating properties with fresh, contemporary enhancements to provide inviting accommodations and updated spaces for business and leisure travelers alike. "The Hotel Group and our owners have a strong commitment to transforming properties and continually evolving the experience for our guests," said Doug Dreher, president and CEO of The Hot...
Kimpton’s Historic 416-key Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco Completes $10 Million Renovation
| July 24, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO, July 24, 2013 -- Originally built in 1928, Kimpton's Sir Francis Drake unveils the completion of its multi-million dollar renovation during its 85th anniversary. The iconic boutique hotel sits 21 stories high in the heart of the city, mere steps from Union Square. The completed renovation features a sophisticated and opulent modern design that perfectly complements the historic spirit and original Gothic Revival and Regency architecture of the hotel. All popular public spaces, including the famed Starlight Room; 18,000 square feet of meeting and event space; and 416 guest rooms and suites have been completely redesigned b...
Wheelock Street Capital Acquires Six Hotel Portfolio Totaling 703 Rooms in Texas, Tennessee and Ohio
Wheelock Street Capital, L.L.C. | July 24, 2013
GREENWICH, Conn. - July 24, 2103 - Wheelock Street Capital announced today that affiliates of Wheelock have acquired a six hotel portfolio, with a total of 703 rooms located in Texas, Tennessee and Ohio. The portfolio includes five Marriott-branded hotels and one Hilton-branded asset. On July 1st, Wheelock acquired the hotels from affiliates of Lingate Hospitality Group, a well-regarded owner-operator and developer. The hotels include three assets in Texas, the 138-room Hilton Garden Inn – Austin Arboretum, the 113-room Marriott Courtyard – Round Rock, and the 125-room Marriott Courtyard - College Station, along with two hotels in N...
IHG Signs the 229-room Holiday Inn Rome – Pisana; To Open in Q4 2013 Following Conversion
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | July 24, 2013
24 July, 2013 - IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) one of the world's largest hotel companies, has announced the signing of its third Holiday Inn hotel in Rome, the Holiday Inn Rome – Pisana. Holiday Inn Rome – Pisana is due to open in quarter four of 2013, following a conversion from an existing hotel brand to an IHG branded hotel, and will operate under a franchise agreement with Roma Ovest S.r.l., part of JSH Group. Boasting 229 bedrooms, two restaurants and an elegant lounge bar, the Holiday Inn Rome – Pisana is ideal for leisure travellers wanting to relax in a modern welcoming environment. The hotel's seven meeting rooms eq...
After Two Years of Declines, Hotel Guest Satisfaction Increases to a 7 Year High J.D. Power Reports
J.D. Power | July 24, 2013
The Ritz-Carlton; Kimpton Hotels; Hyatt Place; Holiday Inn; Drury Hotels; Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham; Homewood Suites and TownePlace Suites Each Rank Highest in Guest Satisfaction in Their Respective Segments WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., July 24, 2013 -- Following two years of declines, hotel guest satisfaction has increased significantly, reaching its highest levels in the past seven years, according to the J.D. Power 2013 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM released today. The study, now in its 17th year, measures overall guest satisfaction across eight hotel segments: luxury; upper upscale; upscale; midscale f...
Glenn Sampert Joins The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa in Arizona as General Manager
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa | July 24, 2013
TUCSON, Ariz. (June 24, 2013) - The AAA Four Diamond Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa announces the appointment of Glenn Sampert as general manager. Mr. Sampert previously served as the general manager of the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort and Casino, a 694-room property in Nassau, Bahamas. Mr. Sampert is a Vancouver, British Colombia native who has been a part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide team since 1998. A former Six Sigma Black Belt, he previously contributed his talents to The Westin Los Angeles Airport, The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, and the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel after beginning his career at the Sutton Place Hote...
Knowland Launches Advanced Researcher Profiles for Organizations Who Book Billions in Group Meetings
The Knowland Group | July 24, 2013
Details Provided on SMMP Processes, Central Planning Departments, Third Party Imbeds, Preferred Vendor Agreements, Org Charts, Approval Processes, Contact Info, RFP Channels and More Washington, D.C. (July 24, 2013) - The Knowland Group, the largest data company in the global meetings industry, today announced the new release of its Advanced Researcher Profiles. These Advanced Researcher Profiles will allow hoteliers to more strategically sell their hotel to meeting planner accounts by providing them an in-depth look at meeting planning departments at large corporations and associations. Knowland's Advanced Researcher Profiles include i...
Twin Farms, a Relais & Chateaux Resort in Barnard, Vermont, Welcomes John Graham as Managing Partner
Twin Farms | July 24, 2013
Barnard, Vt. (July 24, 2013) - Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont's only five-star luxury resort is pleased to announce the appointment of John Graham as Managing Partner. The Relais & Chateaux resort is an intimate, inclusive country hideaway set amidst 300 acres of meadows, ponds, streams and woodlands 15 minutes north of Woodstock. An accomplished hotelier with a history of innovation and leadership at many distinguished boutique properties, Graham began his career in hospitality nearly 30 years ago in Hawaii. Prior to joining Twin Farms, Graham most recently served as general manager of the Lake Placid Lodge in Lake Placid, N.Y. Graham h...
RateGain Extends Involvement with Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG)
RateGain | July 24, 2013
RateGain's continuous efforts in providing leading hospitality technology solutions for seamless electronic distribution, revenue management decision support and brand engagement for customers around the world are given additional momentum with the company's participation in Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG). RateGain participates in HTNG's Product Distribution Workgroup which continues to develop and enhance the specifications used across the hospitality distribution space. RateGain is committed to using several HTNG specifications as part of RezGain, the online distribution channel management tool, which provides its users with ...
UNH Reports Lodging Executive Sentiment Index Falls as Present and Future Business Conditions Weaken
The UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics | July 24, 2013
DURHAM, N.H. - July 24, 2103 - U.S. lodging executives were less optimistic about present and future business conditions in June, according to the University of New Hampshire Lodging Executives Sentiment Index. The index declined from 71.2 in May 2013 to 65.3 in June 2013. From May to June 2013, lodging executives were less optimistic about present general business conditions, with optimism falling 11.7 percent. They also were less optimistic about general business conditions in the next 12 months, with future sentiment falling by 5.1. "Some lodging executives were concerned about the economic conditions and the impact of the sequestrat...
California’s 59-key BEST WESTERN San Dimas Hotel & Suites Opens
Best Western International, Inc. | July 24, 2013
SAN DIMAS, Calif., July 24, 2013 - Best Western International announces the opening of the BEST WESTERN San Dimas Hotel & Suites, located at 501 W Bonita Avenue. Owned by Teresa Porchia, this 100% smoke free hotel features 42 guest rooms and 17 guest suites. Hotel amenities include a full complimentary hot breakfast cooked to order, outdoor pool and fitness center. Each room is equipped with a 42" flat screen television, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and free wireless Internet access. For business travelers, the hotel offers a complimentary business center with printing and faxing services, and free wireless Internet access ...
The 97-suite Residence Inn by Marriott to Open this Week in Greenville, North Carolina
Residence Inn | July 24, 2013
Greenville, North Carolina - July 24, 2013 - The 97-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Greenville, North Carolina is scheduled to open this Friday, July 26, 2013 and will be the first to feature the brand's innovative new room design. Located at 1820 West Fifth Street, the Residence Inn Greenville will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by BPR Properties of High Point, North Carolina. Located downtown in the Medical District and four miles from Pitt County/Greenville Airport, the Residence Inn Greenville offers its guests convenient access to East Carolina University, Vidant Medical Center and the Department of Veterans ...
Royal Hotels and IHG to Open InterContinental Sydney Double Bay in Australia in January 2014
July 24, 2013
New Delhi, India, 24 July 2013: Double Bay's legendary hotel situated at 33 Cross Street is soon to become InterContinental Sydney Double Bay. Singaporean-based Royal Hotels and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) have signed a management agreement for the 140-room InterContinental hotel on this famed site in one of Sydney's most luxurious suburbs. Royal Hotels will undertake a multimillion-dollar refurbishment of all guest rooms and public areas of the hotel, after which it will reopen as InterContinental Sydney Double Bay in January 2014. Purpose-built in 1991 as the Ritz Carlton Double Bay, the hotel established a reputation as the p...
Goulston & Storrs Names John Ratino Co-Chair of Hospitality & Recreation Group
Goulston & Storrs | July 24, 2013
Washington, DC – July 26, 2013 – Goulston & Storrs is pleased to announce that John Ratino has been named co-chair of the firm's Hospitality & Recreation group. In June 2013, Goulston & Storrs' Hospitality & Recreation group was recognized by Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business for extraordinary client service and ranked nationally in the Leisure & Hospitality category by the well-regarded legal directory. One client noted in Chambers' published results, "they really understand us which enables us to move expeditiously and not have to bring them up to speed on deals." The expansion of the group w...
The Science of Sorting
REVPAR GURU | July 23, 2013
Many hotel revenue managers live and die by their page position on OTA default searches. From Expedia's Most Popular picks, to Orbitz' Best Bets, to Agoda's Recommended, all of these listings are at the top of search results because the specific OTA made a (very subjective) decision based on a million possible factors, including the relationship that a property has with their OTA market manager, the commission that a property is paying, payment status (paid in full, late payments, etc.), amount of inventory (including last-minute inventory) listed on the site and the pictures included in your property's listing, among many others. Some ...
