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Industry Happenings
Hidrock Realty Opens New Courtyard by Marriott in Herald Square, Midtown Manhattan
Courtyard by Marriott | June 7, 2013
Courtyard by Marriott is rolling out its innovative lobby and room design in the heart of Herald Square in midtown Manhattan. This is the latest Courtyard in the area featuring the Refreshing Business lobby environment, where guests can enjoy an open and flexible space. Along with media pods, Wi-Fi and a variety of seating zones, the redefined space is ideal for everything from pop-up meetings to social gatherings. Opened on Thursday, June 6, 2013, the 167-room Courtyard New York Manhattan/Herald Square also offers a refreshing and stylish room design that helps guests stay connected, productive and comfortable. Thoughtfully planned, ea...
Vision Hospitality Group Opens Hampton Inn Near Chattanooga’s Lookout Mountain
Vision Hospitality Group | June 7, 2013
Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. announced the opening of the Hampton Inn Chattanooga West/Lookout Mountain. The 94-room property is one of seven hotels projected to open this year by the Chattanooga-based company which has 18 projects in its current development pipeline. The Hampton Inn was designed with both today's business and leisure traveler in mind and is easily accessible from I-24. The hotel features meeting space, an indoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness facility and business center. Most notable is the inclusion of an outdoor pool complete with water features and a slide. The pool also offers panoramic views of Lookout Mounta...
The BEST WESTERN PLUS Bayside Opens in Oakland
Best Western International | June 7, 2013
San Francisco's East Bay has a new entry into the ever growing hospitality market place with the addition of the BEST WESTERN PLUS Bayside Hotel. Located conveniently off the 880 freeway in the Embarcadero District of Oakland and only minutes from Jack London Square the Bayside Hotel offers the traveler all the trappings of both San Francisco and Oakland, with the convenience of BART and the travel easy of the Oakland International Airport. This intimate eighty one room property features amenities such as complimentary breakfast, city shuttle service, free wireless internet and free parking. Each room is over-sized, some as large as 635...
Glamorous Melrose Georgetown Unveils Chic Reinvention and Renovation
Melrose Georgetown Hotel | June 7, 2013
Melrose Georgetown Hotel – a glamorously chic, art deco inspired Washington, D.C. boutique hotel – has completed a much-buzzed-about multi-million dollar renovation. First opened in 1980, the one-time hangout of D.C. society has rebounded onto the Capital's social scene, bringing in Leo A Daly Dallas design firm for a tour-de-force redesign that includes a renaming, a bold public space, a newly concepted restaurant and lounge – Jardenea, sleek guest rooms and a luxury library boasting more than 1,000 classic titles. "A subtle way to add luxury is tactile and textural variety, whether by blending traditional and modern elements or ...
The Home2 Suites Pittsburgh/McCandless Opens as the First Home2 Hotel in Pennsylvania
Home2 Suites | June 7, 2013
Home2 Suites by Hilton, the award-winning mid-tier, all-suite hotel brand designed for modern business travelers and extended-stay guests, today announced the opening of its 18th U.S. hotel in Pittsburgh/McCandless, Pa. The first guest to check-in received a Pittsburgh themed gift basket featuring a Pirate mug, as well as a variety of Home2 items including a free night stay at the hotel. "Pittsburgh's strong development growth in emerging communities, such as McCandless make this an ideal location to debut our first Home2 Suites hotel in Pennsylvania," said Bill Duncan, global head, Home2 Suites by Hilton. "With its location near Fortun...
Nikko Bali Resort & Spa Renamed Grand Nikko Bali After Major Expansion
JAL Hotels | June 7, 2013
JAL Hotels Co., Ltd. announced that Nikko Bali Resort & Spa will be renamed Grand Nikko Bali effective July 15th reflecting upgraded facilities: 19 new luxury villas, a multi-purpose event space and a wedding ceremony gazebo. The new luxury villas include 17 one-bedroom 3,229 square-foot villas, one two-bedroom 5,382 square-foot villa, and one three-bedroom 7,535 square-foot villa, all with private swimming pools, outdoor-indoor living rooms, extra-spacious bathrooms and butler service for the ultimate resort experience. Villa guests can enjoy breakfast or afternoon tea at the new Villa Lounge, centrally-located among the villas, where...
Royal Sonesta Houston to Embark on a $25 million Renovation
Sonesta Collection | June 7, 2013
Just days before the Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston celebrates its one-year anniversary, the property will embark on an extensive, $25-million renovation that will position the Galleria/Uptown-area landmark as one of the premier hotels in the city and the state. The endeavor will focus on interior spaces, spanning the lobby, all 485 guestrooms, food & beverage outlets, 50,000 square feet of meeting & event venues, plus a substantial enhancement of existing amenities, such as the rooftop swimming pool. "We are excited to announce one of the largest and most impactful hotel renovations in the city, creating a luxury property that wil...
The Pearl, The New Luxury Property on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Appoints Executive Team
The Pearl | June 7, 2013
The Pearl is pleased to announce the selection of a distinctive team to lead the new boutique, luxury resort opening on Florida's Emerald Coast July 2013. Appointments include Michael Votta to General Manager, Shelby Schuler to Director of Sales, Michael Guerra to Executive Chef and Sara Reese to Director of Restaurants. General Manager, Michael Votta Joining The Pearl as General Manager, Michael Votta brings over forty years of experience in hospitality management to the team. Votta's passion for the industry is evident throughout his impressive career and his well-rounded years of experience, including Associate Vice President of the ...
OPINION: Tourism Matters: Leaders lead by example (Caribbean News Now, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
June 3, 2013
By Adrian Loveridge, Caribbean News Now, Grand Cayman, Cayman IslandsMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News June 03--Since time immemorial, it has of course always been important to protect a brand. A successful brand not only makes promises, but matches them with consistent delivery. From a tourism perspective, regardless of whether that brand is an individual hotel, chain, destination or other singular or group entity. Years ago, it was far more difficult to inflict damage on an image and reputation that could have taken generations to build. But nowadays it can be destroyed in seconds just by using the social media, at absolutely no cost to the c...
Cabela’s project in Cheektowaga to include a hotel (The Buffalo News, N.Y.)
June 3, 2013
By Jonathan Epstein, The Buffalo News, N.Y.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News June 03--Say goodbye to Walden Village shopping center. Say hello to Cabela's Crossing, the soon-to-be-rebranded retail plaza featuring not only the nationally known outdoor retailer but also a new Hilton-flagged hotel aimed at the regional and Canadian shoppers who flock to the Galleria mall area. Benderson Development Co. said Monday it is putting in a 105-room, all-suites hotel on the western tip of the Cheektowaga shopping plaza on Walden Avenue, where it also confirmed plans to replace a former Wegmans Food Markets store with the first Cabela's store in New York s...
Atlantic City casino revenue down nearly 11% in March (The Press of Atlantic City, Pleasantville, N.J.)
April 11, 2013
By Donald Wittkowski, The Press of Atlantic City, Pleasantville, N.J.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 11--Atlantic City gambling revenue fell nearly 11 percent in March, marking the third straight month of double-digit declines in a market still hurting from Hurricane Sandy and intense competition from casinos in surrounding states. Altogether, the 12 casino hotels took in $238.5 million from their slot machines and table games, down 10.5 percent compared to $266.5 million a year ago, according to figures released Wednesday by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Only the Atlantic Club Casino Hotel posted higher revenue in Marc...
DCA: Hotel/motel taxes can be used for salaries, with some exceptions (The Albany Herald, Ga.)
April 11, 2013
By J.D. Sumner, The Albany Herald, Ga.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 11--ALBANY, Ga. -- The Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the government arm that oversees administration of hotel/motel tax revenues, says that the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau can use tax proceeds to fund part of an executive's salary, but only if the position meets certain conditions. Earlier this week, City Attorney Nathan Davis questioned $86,000 in expenses paid by the CVB toward the salaries of a marketing executive, an accountant and a senior executive, all of whom also work for the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Chris Hardy,...
Hotel proposed in Farmington; Home2 Suites targets business travelers (The Daily Times, Farmington, N.M.)
April 11, 2013
By Chuck Slothower, The Daily Times, Farmington, N.M.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 11--FARMINGTON -- A development group plans to build a Hilton-affiliated hotel and residential condominium project at the intersection of Browning Parkway and Wildflower Drive in Farmington. Mark Robinson, a local developer involved in the project, said the hotel will be built first. "As quickly as possible, we're planning to start on the hotel," he said. The hotel is slated to be a Home2 Suites by Hilton. The all-suite concept targets business travelers and extended-stay guests. The project has not broken ground. Mary Holton, the city's director of com...
Key deadline for small hotels is Thursday (Sun Sentinel)
April 11, 2013
By Arlene Satchell, Sun SentinelMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 11--Thursday is the last day for small hotels and inns in Broward County to request an inspection as part of the qualification process for 2013-14 Superior Small Lodging designation. The designation is awarded to qualifying lodgings with 50 rooms or less who score at least 82 percent on the inspection and meet other criteria established by Hollywood nonprofit Florida Superior Small Lodging Association (FSSL). Properties are inspected and selected based on their cleanliness, personalized service and charm and participation in the SSL program is an "earned privilege," accordi...
Add $5 a night to your bill: The Venetian and Palazzo up their resort fees (Las Vegas Sun)
April 11, 2013
By Ed Komenda, Las Vegas SunMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 11--The reign of the resort fee continues. This time it's a change at the Venetian and Palazzo, where resort fees have been upped from $20 to $25 a night. But don't fret: there's a way out. According to the Venetian website, the fees are not reflected in the total price quoted in a guest's reservation because patrons don't have to accept the fee. "You may decline the Resort Fee and the services included in the fee at check-in or check-out," a description on the website reads. "If you decide to decline the Resort Fee, the services included in the fee are charged whenever you use...
What makes the perfect Las Vegas casino? World-class restaurants, no smoking, crunchy cannolis … and 3:2 blackjack payouts (Las Vegas Sun)
April 11, 2013
By Andrea Domanick, Las Vegas SunMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 11--With Resorts World Las Vegas, the Gansevoort and SLS on the way, the Strip is preparing itself for a new wave of hotel-casinos, each promising a unique Las Vegas experience to top their predecessors and draw tourists the world over. Novelty, however, isn't enough to guarantee that a casino will thrive. Greenspun Media Group staff members from Vegas Magazine, Vegas Inc. and the Las Vegas Sun weigh in on the elements they'd like to see, as journalists and Las Vegas residents, that would make for the perfect casino: -- A brand new model I'd like to see everything turned u...
New $1 hotel tax gains support in Mitchell (The Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.)
April 11, 2013
By Chris Mueller, The Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 11--City leaders say there is now sufficient support for a $1 tax on occupied hotel rooms to help fund a second indoor ice sheet and kick-start the creation of a local sports authority. According to a petition presented Tuesday night to the Mitchell City Council, 13 of the city's 17 hotel and motel owners support a $1 tax on occupied rooms in the city through the creation of a business improvement district (BID). A BID is a self-taxation arrangement in which businesses agree to pay a fee, with the money going toward a specific project. The council review...
McAllen may re-examine Convention Center’s focus (The Monitor, McAllen, Texas)
April 11, 2013
By Dave Hendricks, The Monitor, McAllen, TexasMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 11--MCALLEN -- The City Commission may re-examine the Chamber of Commerce's contract to book major meetings for the McAllen Convention Center. McAllen opened the Convention Center six years ago, hoping the $62.2 million building would attract out-of-town visitors and boost the local economy. Convincing meeting planners, though, hasn't been easy. Drug-related violence across northern Mexico transformed McAllen's biggest tourism asset into a major liability. And without an adjacent hotel, some meeting planners have turned down the Convention Center even when the...
Mayor-elect Renner meets with city manager, talks downtown hotel (The Pantagraph, Bloomington, Ill.)
April 11, 2013
By Rachel Wells, The Pantagraph, Bloomington, Ill.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 11--BLOOMINGTON -- By 8:30 Wednesday morning, Tari Renner had kicked off his efforts to attract a hotel to downtown Bloomington by calling the local tourism office. The incoming mayor, elected Tuesday with about 51 percent of the vote in a three-way race, will take office May 1, but during his campaign he promised to start hotel discussions the day after the election. "If we have a hotel across from the (U.S. Cellular) Coliseum, we'll get more events, more conferences, more revenue, and we'll have more money to divert from that to fix up our streets," Renn...
Tensions take toll on tourism in Lebanon (The Daily Star, Beirut, Lebanon)
April 11, 2013
The Daily Star, Beirut, LebanonMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 11--BEIRUT -- The World Travel & Tourism Council estimated the tourism industry's direct contribution to the Lebanese economy would decline by 2.1 percent this year, as industry sources said the hotel occupancy rate fell by 30 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2013. Luxury hotels such as the Hilton, Le Gray and The Four Seasons told The Daily Star they had taken drastic measures to economize in 2012 and 2013, including laying off employees, putting projects on hold and shutting down complete hotel floors to save on energy costs. The Tourism Ministry, however, has ...
Holiday Inn $1.3M overhaul complete (The Record, Stockton, Calif.)
April 11, 2013
By Reed Fujii, The Record, Stockton, Calif.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 11--STOCKTON -- KFP Lodi Management of Lodi has announced the completion of a $1.3 million renovation and reopening of a Holiday Inn Express in Stockton. The 73-room hotel at Arch Road and Highway 99 was converted from a Hampton Inn. "The hotel went through a complete renovation; everything is brand new," said Beth Kim, operations manager and co-owner of KFP Lodi. The family business, which also operates the 65-room Quality Inn and Suites in Lathrop and the Holiday Inn Express in Lodi, with 94 rooms, acquired the Stockton hotel in 2008. It was first opened as a H...
Grover Beach lodge and conference center project gets approval (The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, Calif.))
April 11, 2013
By Cynthia Lambert, The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, Calif.)McClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 11--A unanimous vote by the California Coastal Commission on Thursday evening allows Grover Beach to move forward with a decades-old vision to build a lodge and conference center next to the beach. However, commissioners also dealt the city and a group of equestrians a setback by narrowly denying a request to allow a horse facility on the south side of West Grand Avenue. That won't stop the overall project at Highway 1 and West Grand Avenue, but it will prompt city officials -- who say they are committed to ensuring equestrians have access to the be...
Holiday Inn redux: Approved replatting first step in hotel area’s rebuilding (The Tribune-Star, Terre Haute, Ind.)
April 11, 2013
By Sue Loughlin, The Tribune-Star, Terre Haute, Ind.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 11--TERRE HAUTE -- The Vigo County Area Plan Commission approved a replatting of property Wednesday that will pave the way for redevelopment of the Terre Haute Holiday Inn and surrounding property. Those plans include renovation of the existing Holiday Inn five-story structure; demolition of its two-story structures; addition of two new restaurants and potential future construction of a third hotel on the site. One definite is a Panda Garden Express that will be located on property south of the current hotel. The Area Plan Commission approved a request b...
Environmental issues hurting China’s tourism industry (China Daily, Beijing / Asia News Network)
April 10, 2013
By Jin Haixing, China Daily, Beijing / Asia News NetworkMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News April 10--BEIJING (China Daily/ANN) -- Environmental issues such as poor air quality and water pollution have turned away inbound tourists during the first quarter of the year, according to the Chinese tourism authority. The number of overseas tourists to China was estimated at 31.66 million in the first three months, a drop of 1.8 per cent compared with the same period last year, according to a report released on Tuesday by the China Tourism Academy, affiliated with China National Tourism Administration. Chen Xu, a researcher from the academy, added that ...
