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Industry Happenings
Forest City Completes Sale of the 399-room Sheraton Station Square Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Forest City | July 19, 2013
Acquired by Joint Venture Led by Pyramid Hotel Group Who Will Operate the Hotel CLEVELAND, July 19, 2013 -- Forest City Enterprises, Inc., (NYSE: FCEA and FCEB) today announced that it has completed the disposition of the Sheraton Station Square, a 399-room hotel in Pittsburgh, to Station Square Pittsburgh Hotel LLC, a joint venture led by Pyramid Hotel Group and including an affiliate of Glenmont Capital Management, LLC. Pyramid will operate the hotel under a long-term Sheraton franchise agreement with Starwood Hotels. The selling price was $61 million, generating net cash proceeds to Forest City of approximately $18.5 million. "We're ...
Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society Names Jim Abrahamson 2013 Hospitality Executive of the Year
Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society (PSHRS) | July 19, 2013
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - July 19, 2013 - Jim Abrahamson, chief executive officer, Interstate Hotels and Resorts, has been named 2013 Hospitality Executive of the Year by the Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society (PSHRS). Abrahamson will receive the award during the fifty-second Hospitality Executive of the Year Award Reception, which will take place November 10, 2013 in conjunction with the annual International Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Show in New York. As part of the honor, Abrahamson also will be inducted into the Penn State Hospitality Hall of Fame, located at The Nittany Lion Inn on Penn State's University Park campus. "Our alumni...
Best Western International to Open the 196-room BEST WESTERN Serpong in Indonesia in Q4 2013
BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC. | July 19, 2013
BANGKOK - July 19, 2013 - Best Western International (BWI) has continued its rapid expansion in Indonesia with the signing of a new hotel in the bustling business hub of Tangerang, West Java. Set to open in the fourth quarter of 2013, the seven-story BEST WESTERN Serpong has 196 modern rooms, including 12 suites. Built in 2012, the contemporary guest rooms will have flat-screen LCD TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, minibars and private balconies. The hotel will also have a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and a full service restaurant and lounge. "West Java is booming. Jakarta and its fast-emerging satellite cities, such as ...
The ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands Completes Major Renovation, Reopens
RIU Hotels & Resorts | July 19, 2013
Palma de Majorca, 19th of July 2013 - The ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria reopens its doors tomorrow following a major renovation which will amaze guests with new services and facilities. The hotel presents a totally new and fresh image, with spaces ideal for enjoying the spectacular ocean views from its infinity pool or modern bars; whilst the little ones will find an original RiuLand with everything they could want, full of enticing attractions including a pool with slides and games. RIU trusts that the ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria will renew its status as a hotel of choice for families thanks to this renovation which adds to its excellent s...
Hotel Nikol’skaya Kempinski Moscow Opens in Russia Completing Six-Year Reconstruction
Kempinski Hotels | July 19, 2013
19th July, 2013 – Kempinski Hotels is pleased to announce the opening of Hotel Nikol'skaya Kempinski Moscow after six years of reconstruction as the group's second hotel in the Russian capital. Alessandro Redaelli, General Manager of Hotel Nikol'skaya Kempinski Moscow, says, "It is a great pleasure to open this new Kempinski hotel in the heart of Moscow. Kempinski is proud to have two flagship properties situated on both banks of the Moskva River, each of which offers an attractive and unique concept." Located at the corner of Nikol'skaya Street and Lubyanka Square, the complex of historical buildings comprising the Nikol'skaya Kempin...
Nickelodeon Suites Resort Reaches 90K Potential New Guests and 3K Unique Visitors in 30 Days
Flip.to | July 19, 2013
Orlando, FL — July 24, 2013 — Flip.to is the brand advocate platform for hotels, helping Nickelodeon Suites Resorts boost brand awareness and earn new guests with the help of their most trusted, untapped marketing source - their guests. Since going live with Flip.to in June, guests of Nickelodeon Suites Resort have spread the word about their stay to over 90,000 of their closest friends, relatives and colleagues. In the first month, Flip.to has helped Nickelodeon Suites turn 27% of their guests into trusted advocates. Each advocate shared a branded message with a unique link about the resort with their social networks, including Fac...
Nickelodeon Suites Resort reaches 90K potential new guests and 3K unique visitors in 30 days
Flip.to | July 19, 2013
Orlando, FL — July 24, 2013 — Flip.to is the brand advocate platform for hotels, helping Nickelodeon Suites Resorts boost brand awareness and earn new guests with the help of their most trusted, untapped marketing source - their guests. Since going live with Flip.to in June, guests of Nickelodeon Suites Resort have spread the word about their stay to over 90,000 of their closest friends, relatives and colleagues. In the first month, Flip.to has helped Nickelodeon Suites turn 27% of their guests into trusted advocates. Each advocate shared a branded message with a unique link about the resort with their social networks, including Fac...
The 92-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel to Open Today in Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott | July 19, 2013
Chincoteague Island, VA - July 19, 2013 - The 92-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Chincoteague Island, VA is scheduled to open on Friday, July 19, 2013. Located at 3913 Main Street, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Chincoteague Island will operate as a Marriott franchise, managed by Real Hospitality Group of Ocean City, MD. Located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, five minutes from Chincoteague National Wildlife Rescue, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Wallops Island Flight Facility and Assateague National Seashore. Rates are seasonal. "We are pleased to introduce Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in the Chincot...
Scott Blalock Appointed General Manager of JW Marriott Austin in Texas; Slated to Open in 2015
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts | July 19, 2013
AUSTIN, Texas, July 19, 2013 -- JW Marriott Austin is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Blalock as general manager of the new hotel slated to open in March 2015. A 25-year hospitality industry veteran, Blalock brings extensive operational, sales and administrative experience to the JW Marriott Austin. He has worked for the hotel's developer, White Lodging, since 2006 after more than 18 years of service with Marriott International. Blalock has a strong background in successfully managing convention hotels. He was a member of the opening team of the Marriott San Antonio Rivercenter Convention Hotel, general manager of the Marri...
Grosvenor and The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Form Partnership to Develop London Hotel Scheme
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) | July 19, 2013
Mr. Clement K.M. Kwok, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HSH (left) and Mr. Peter Vernon, Chief Executive Officer of Grosvenor Britain and Ireland (right). LONDON and HONG KONG, July 19, 2013 -- Grosvenor and The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) have announced today that they have agreed terms to enter into, upon completion of HSH's purchase of a 50% interest in 1-5 Grosvenor Place, SW1 in London, United Kingdom, a 50:50 joint venture partnership that seeks to redevelop the site. The newly formed partnership will aspire to redevelop the 1.5 acre site opposite the gardens of Buckingham Palace and overlooking Hyd...
Denihan Hospitality Group Names Marko Dojcinovic as 2013 Recipient of B.J. Denihan Scholarship
Denihan Hospitality Group | July 18, 2013
New York, NY (July 18, 2013) - Denihan Hospitality Group has announced that New York's City Tech student Marko Dojcinovic is the recipient of the 2013 B.J. Denihan Scholarship. The scholarship was established by Denihan in 2009 as a tribute to the company's founder, Benjamin J. 'Bud' Denihan. The scholarship is awarded annually to an exceptional student enrolled in the New York City College of Technology's Hospitality Management program, and entitles the recipient to tuition paid in full for the following academic year. "Education is a cornerstone of the Denihan culture and something we work to integrate in the company everyday through ...
Holiday Inn & Suites Memphis Wolfchase Galleria in Memphis, Tennessee Makes Sales Team Appointments
Holiday Inn & Suites Memphis Wolfchase Galleria | July 18, 2013
Christy Hipsh Named Director of Sales and Alice Blackmon Named Sales Manager MEMPHIS, TN, July 18, 2013 - Holiday Inn & Suites Memphis Wolfchase Galleria has named Christy Hipsh as Director of Sales for the hotel located at 2751 New Brunswick Road next to Wolfchase Galleria Mall in Memphis, TN. Ms. Hipsh brings a wealth of experience to the job, having most recently served as the property's Sales Manager. Her 13-year career in the hospitality industry includes positions as Sales and Catering Manager, Assistant General Manager, Reservation Manager, Guest Service Agent, and others. As Director of Sales for Holiday Inn & Suites ...
NewcrestImage Breaks Ground on New Residence Inn by Marriott in Tyler, Texas; Slated to Open 2014
NewcrestImage | July 18, 2013
NewcrestImage broke ground on its latest development-a 125-room Residence Inn by Marriott in Tyler, TX- on July 9th, 2013, to meet the growing demand for extended-stay hotels in the area. This development marks the company's return to the Tyler community after exiting the market in 2012. Located on a prime, three acre lot on South Broadway Avenue, this new development will replace the existing exterior corridor Residence Inn and see NewcrestImage return to a market they had been present in since 2000, prior to selling their assets there in August of last year. This latest-generation Residence Inn by Marriott will offer extended-stay res...
Carlson Rezidor Opens the 130-room Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Pera in Turkey
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | July 18, 2013
Brussels/Istanbul - July 18, 2013 - Carlson Rezidor, one of the world's ten largest hotel groups, has opened the Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Pera. This new first-class property features 130 rooms and brings modern style and comfort to the ancient Pera Taksim district, a hub for shopping, arts, culture, dining and nightlife. Carlson Rezidor now operates seven hotels with more than 1,500 rooms in Turkey. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Pera enjoys a fantastic central location, overlooking the Golden Horn with breathtaking views of the city and harbour. Surrounded by parks and romantic promenades, it is ideally placed for access to many ...
The 194-room Courtyard by Marriott Aberdeen Airport Hotel Opens in the UK
Marriott Hotels | July 18, 2013
London - July 18, 2013 – Marriott International revealed the new European-inspired design of its upper-moderate Courtyard by Marriott brand with the opening of the 194-room Courtyard by Marriott Aberdeen Airport Hotel in the United Kingdom. As the first example of the design model announced in 2011, the property is a welcome addition to the brand's offering of 45 hotels in Europe and more than 900 hotels worldwide. Boasting a contemporary and fresh new design and enhanced room functionality, the new Courtyard model is designed to be more locally relevant and appeal to the European traveller. The Courtyard Aberdeen Airport Hotel is the...
IHG Opens the First InterContinental Hotel in Nigeria, the 358-room InterContinental Lagos
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | July 18, 2013
18 July, 2013 - Lagos, Nigeria: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has opened InterContinental Lagos, its first hotel in Nigeria and the company's first InterContinental hotel in West Africa. The 358-room InterContinental Lagos is located on Victoria Island, the Nigerian city's business and diplomatic hub, home to numerous embassies and multinational companies. Close to Lagos Creek, the 23-story hotel offers guests stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Guinea. Lagos is the largest city in the country, as well as one of the biggest and fastest-growing cities in Africa. The hotel is set to appeal to local residents and international tr...
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego in California Completes First Phase of Hotel-wide Renovation
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego | July 18, 2013
SAN DIEGO, July 18, 2013 -- This month, notable Southern California hotel, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, has completed the renovation of its 1,628 guestrooms after a 13-month project beginning spring 2012, making them the newest hotel rooms on the San Diego Bay. The hotel has also debuted a brand new Executive Club Lounge on the 33rd floor Grand Club Level. The next phase of the renovation for the tallest waterfront building on the west coast will include revamping its meeting facilities, lounges, restaurants and public spaces. Led by the vision of owners, Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., and inspired by the location, the new guest ...
U.S. News & World Reports Inaugural Rankings for Best Travel Rewards Programs
U.S. News & World Report | July 18, 2013
Marriott Tops for Hotels and Southwest Earns Best Airline WASHINGTON, July 18, 2013 -- U.S. News & World Report today released its inaugural rankings of the Best Travel Rewards Programs. The new rankings include the Best Airline Rewards and Best Hotel Rewards programs and provide quality, unbiased information to travelers looking to join a new program or consolidate existing rewards. Information about the programs, their membership tiers and their rewards can be viewed here. Ten frequent flyer programs were evaluated for the 2013 Best Airline Rewards rankings. Frequent flyer programs were ranked based on a scoring algorithm that ...
Amanda Brumbelow Named Sales Manager at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Park Place, Jackson, Tennessee
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Park Place | July 18, 2013
JACKSON, TN, July 18, 2013 - Holiday Inn Express & Suites Park Place has hired Amanda Brumbelow as Sales Manager for the hotel located at 55 Parkstone Place, Jackson, TN. Ms. Brumbelow previously served as Guest Service Representative and then Guest Service Shift Leader at the property. "We're delighted to promote Amanda to Sales Manager," said General Manager, Carmin Blair. "She's very much in tune with the hotel's market within the city and surrounding areas. She adapts quickly to changes, and is also quite personable and confident in dealing with our corporate and group contacts. We're lucky to have her on board."...
BridgeStreet Names Brett Million as Managing Director, Global Revenue Development
BridgeStreet Residences, Serviced Apartments and Suites | July 18, 2013
HERNDON, Va. - July 18, 2013 - Global hospitality leader, BridgeStreet Residences, Serviced Apartments and Suites, announces the appointment of Brett Million as Managing Director, Global Revenue Development. A key leader, Million is responsible for enhancing and coordinating all existing BridgeStreet global sales functions, including the continued development and implementation of local and global strategies to the support overall company goals. "We are thrilled to bring Brett on board as our Managing Director of Global Revenue Development," said BridgeStreet CEO Sean Worker. "As BridgeStreet continues to explore growth, we are constant...
Hyatt Hotels and Noble Investment Group Open the 194-room Hyatt Atlanta Midtown in Georgia
Hyatt | July 18, 2013
ATLANTA (July 18, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Noble Investment Group ("Noble") today announced the opening of Hyatt Atlanta Midtown in Atlanta. The 194-room hotel is prominently located on the corner of Peachtree Street and 10th Street in the heart of the urban Midtown Mile, Atlanta's celebrated commercial, retail and cultural walking district. Hyatt Atlanta Midtown is adjacent to Class A office tower 999 Peachtree and directly across the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank. The hotel is proximate to Georgia Tech University, Emory University Hospital Midtown and the corporate headquarters for The Coca-Cola Company, Equifax...
Marriott and CJSC Crocus International to Open Moscow Marriott Hotel Crocus City in Russia in 2016
Marriott Hotels | July 18, 2013
London - July 18, 2013 – Marriott International, Inc. has announced plans to open the 250-room Moscow Marriott Hotel Crocus City in Russia under a management agreement with CJSC Crocus International. The hotel is expected to open in 2016 and will be part of the company's signature global brand, Marriott Hotels, and 10th property opened or signed in the Moscow area. "We are expanding our footprint in Russia and look forward to having a Marriott Hotel in this emerging and popular destination outside of Moscow," said Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe. "Russia continues to be a major focus ...
Hoteliers Rally for Real-Time Business with a Holistic Approach to Technology via Indra TMS
Indra Company | July 18, 2013
The Indra booth was buzzing at HITEC last month with attendees flocking to the all-in-one, modular hospitality Travel Management Suite; The solution replaces multiple systems with a unified platform for all core needs to drive accurate guest information from all parts of the operation in real-time and from a single database [MIAMI - JULY 18, 2013] - Chief information officers and purchasing directors across numerous leading hotel chains were drawn to the Indra booth during HITEC last month interested in learning how they can to plan their technology future on their own terms. Tired of multivendor integration coming with a big price tag...
Hilton Worldwide to Debut in Estonia with the Signing of Hilton Tallinn, Slated for 2016 Opening
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | July 18, 2013
July 18, 2013 - TALLINN, Estonia - Set to open in the heart of Estonia's historic capital, Hilton Tallinn becomes Hilton Worldwide's first property to be announced in the Baltic States. The upscale hotel is expected to begin welcoming guests in 2016 and will be located just a few minutes' walk from the historic old town and major commercial areas of the city, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure guests. The announcement comes following the signing of a management agreement by Hilton Worldwide with project owner Fortuna Travel OÜ, part of the Olympic Entertainment Group that is publicly listed on the Tallinn and Warsa...
