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Industry Happenings
Using Coffee to Illustrate the Concept of Hyper-Regionality
Larry Mogelonsky | August 29, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Although this article pertains to only coffee, the concepts presented apply to nearly all types of cuisine and F&B presentations. In today's world where Starbucks and McCafé are considered the baseline for what's tolerable, any café or hotel that wants to make an impression through its coffee service must exceed these two franchised products which, for our purposes, are where the current expectation is. Thus, success requires two key elements – superior quality and diversity of menu. As an example of how this works, suppose the nearest franchised coffeehouse ...
StayNTouch CEO Jos Schaap Shares His Vision for the Future of Hotel Technology
StayNTouch Inc. | August 29, 2018
There is no shortage of great ideas — rather, the bigger challenge can be found in bringing those great ideas to fruition and envisioning the ways in which they can change lives and better businesses. When Jos Schaap first saw a B2B application on an iPad in 2012, he wasn't merely consumed with admiration of that technology in its existing form — he was already imagining how it could impact hoteliers. What would that look like? How could new and innovative software change the hospitality industry for the better? His determination to cultivate this idea within the hospitality industry lead to the conceptualization of StayNTou...
DigiValet Powers In-Room Technology at the Newly Opened Loews/Universal Aventura Hotel
DigiValet | August 29, 2018
A Unique Experience for Guests ; Unparalleled Benefits for Owners, Operators New York (August 29, 2018) — DigiValet, the company that is transforming the guest experience at luxury hotels around the world, has teamed up with The Loews Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal theme park's newest hotel, to mark the US debut of DigiValet's unparalleled guest experience http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-aventura-hotel-opening-20180815-story.html The in-room technology provides unrivaled benefits for guests as well as hotel ownership and management, leading to a smoother, more intuitive, and elevated travel experience. For...
Hotel & Spa Tech Live Gives Hotel Online an Exclusive Show Preview!
| August 29, 2018
Hotel & Spa Tech Live is the Europe's leading event for technological innovation in the hotel and hospitality sector It's only 4 weeks until the Hotel & Spa Tech Live takes place at the ExCeL London, on the 25th – 26th September, and as their partners, we have managed to get a sneak preview of everything that is coming up at the 2018 event! Haven't registered for your free ticket yet? Then check out these top reasons to attend the UK's ultimate marketplace for hotel and spa professionals – and register here to avoid missing out! Artificial Intelligence Grow your business the smart way, with the abundance of artificia...
Newly Released 2018 Guest Experience Assessment Provides Valuable Insights to Hoteliers on Guest Engagement
Travel Tripper | August 29, 2018
StayNTouch, Travel Tripper, and TrustYou examine trends in guest experience in their new report, "The Complete Guest Experience: How Does Your Hotel Stack Up?" Bethesda, Md. — Sept. 6, 2018 — StayNTouch, Travel Tripper, and TrustYou have partnered to launch a new report that examines guest experience trends and their adoption in the hotel industry. The report provides key insights and takeaways to empower hoteliers to improve their own guest-driven decisions and gain a better understanding of the market. The study surveyed more than 300 hoteliers in the U.S., Canada, and key hotspots around the globe on questions regarding c...
Hilton Waikiki Beach Hires Jamie Choi as Director of Sales and Marketing
Hilton Waikiki Beach | August 28, 2018
Honolulu, Hawaii - Jamie Choi is the new director of sales and marketing at Hilton Waikiki Beach on Kuhio. Choi functions as the leader for the sales and marketing teams of the 601-room hotel overseeing the planning and implementation of strategic programs to drive rooms and catering revenues and achieve property objectives. Choi also manages the overall branding and communications for the hotel continuing to raise awareness and strengthening brand recognition and differentiation. "Jamie is a smart and experienced sales and marketing executive, we are excited to have her as part of our team," says Henry Perez, general manager ...
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia Appoints Patrick Brophy as General Manager
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia | August 28, 2018
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is pleased to announce the hire of new General Manager Patrick Brophy to oversee the property's teams and enhance guest experiences at the luxury Arizona oasis. Working in hospitality since he was 18 years old, Brophy's knowledge and leadership has been a true champion of Omni's culture and core values, nurturing talent within his team to pioneer growth and recognition within the Omni family. "The Omni experience is driven by dedicated associates that embody energy, passion, drive and focus and I look forward to empowering this tremendous spirit to garner further success for this magnificen...
Rocco Forte Hotels Names Stuart Johnson as Managing Director of Brown’s Hotel
Rocco Forte Hotels | August 28, 2018
Rocco Forte Hotels announces the return of legendary hotelier Stuart Johnson to Brown's Hotel as Managing Director effective 3 September 2018. Mr Johnson's appointment to head Brown's Hotel demonstrates the special place the hotel holds in the hearts of not just its loyal guests, but also the hotel industry in general. Considered the epitome of elegant English hospitality, the renowned Brown's Hotel was established in 1837 as the first hotel in London and became part of the Rocco Forte group in July 2003. Johnson, who was named 2012 Hotelier of the Year by Caterer and Hotelkeeper, will be responsible for the 115 elegantly appointed room...
GDF Group’s 500-Year-Old Grand Hotel Villa Torretta Milan Sesto Joins Curio Collection by Hilton
Curio Collection by Hilton | August 28, 2018
MILAN and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the opening of Grand Hotel Villa Torretta Milan Sesto, Curio Collection by Hilton. Handpicked to be a part of the exclusive collection of one-of-a-kind, independent hotels and resorts celebrated for their individuality, the stunning 16th century property joins more than 55 one-of-a-kind Curio Collection by Hilton hotels around the world, including 10 in Europe – two of which are also in Italy. "We are excited to introduce Grand Hotel Villa Torretta Milan Sesto to Curio Collection by Hilton, as we make our debut in the iconic city of Milan," said Mark Nogal, global hea...
Procaccianti Hotel REIT, Inc. Acquires Hotel Indigo in Traverse City, Michigan
Procaccianti Hotel REIT, Inc. | August 28, 2018
August 28, 2018 (Cranston, RI) - Procaccianti Hotel REIT, Inc., announced today that it acquired the Hotel Indigo located at 263 West Grandview Parkway in Traverse City, Michigan on August 15, 2018. The hotel property is managed by TPG Hotels & Resorts, Inc. The 107-room, boutique style, select-service hotel opened in May 2016 and overlooks Lake Michigan's West Grand Traverse Bay. Located in the Downtown Warehouse District, the hotel features include underground valet parking, approximately 3,000 square feet of meeting space, a fitness center, business center, restaurant and a rooftop bar overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay. "We bel...
Texas A&M System and BENCHMARK®, A Global Hospitality Company, Debut the Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center at Ribbon Cutting C
August 28, 2018
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (August 28, 2018) – Rising on the legendary campus of Texas A&M University, the new Doug Pitcock '49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center (www.TexasAMHotelCC.com) officially debuted today with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. The ribbon cutting ceremony included a special guest, and the property's namesake, James D. "Doug" Pitcock, Jr., and it highlighted remarks from Chairman Charles W. Schwartz, Chancellor John Sharp, President Michael K. Young, Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Philip Ray and Benchmark CEO Alex Cabañas. "Today marks a significant milestone for the University an...
Midwest Lodging Group Opens Fairfield Inn & Suites Ann Arbor Ypsilanti in Ypsilanti, Michigan
Fairfield Inn & Suites | August 28, 2018
Ypsilanti, MI – August 28, 2018 – The 100-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Ypsilanti, Michigan opened on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 326 James L Hart Parkway, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Ann Arbor Ypsilanti will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Midwest Lodging Group. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Ann Arbor Ypsilanti offers guests convenient access to historic downtown Ypsilanti, the Michigan Firehouse Museum, the Ypsilanti Automoti...
The Dominick Hotel Appoints Marianna Di Franca as the Director of Catering & Conference Services
The Dominick | August 28, 2018
(NEW YORK, NY – August 2018) Located in New York City's SoHo neighborhood, The Dominick continues to surpass expectations with personalized service that speaks to intuitive, intimate hospitality. Following its recent rebranding, the property is pleased to announce the newest appointment of Marianna Di Franca as the Director of Catering & Conference Services. In her new position, Di Franca will provide client consultation for on-site events by overseeing banquet orders, coordinating special requests with the culinary team and soliciting new business endeavors. Fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish with a penchant for launching ...
ONYX Hospitality Group Appoints Phan Ing Pai as Vice President, Operations – Greater China
ONYX | August 28, 2018
Hong Kong. 28 August 2018 — ONYX Hospitality Group, one of the region's leading hotel management companies, today announced the appointment of Phan Ing Pai as Vice President, Operations – Greater China. Based in Shanghai, Phan will report to Gina Wo, Senior Vice President & Head of Greater China. Phan will be responsible for leading the operations team in the Greater China region, providing support to all operational properties across the region and ensuring all properties are in line with the Group's established operational standards. Phan will also work closely with the sales & marketing team by offering commercial...
What’s So Great About Wellness Hotels?
Tucker Johnson | August 28, 2018
By Tucker Johnson When the first wellness-inspired 'EVEN Hotel' by IHG opened in 2014 I remember thinking, "It's not for me but there must be a bunch of people that are looking for something like this." In retrospect, I guess my assessment wasn't too far off as four years later they have only nine hotels open and 14 in the pipeline. These growth numbers seem especially weak when compared to 'avid', IHG's answer to Millennial-focused brands Tru (Hilton) and Moxy (Marriott). The 'avid' brand was announced in 2017, and now has one hotel open and 126 hotels in the pipeline. I often read about new wellness-inspired hotels and amenities a...
Vesta Hospitality Acquires Embassy Suites Jacksonville Baymeadows in Jacksonville, Florida
Vesta Hospitality | August 28, 2018
Vancouver, Washington, August 29, 2018 – Vesta Hospitality announced today that it has acquired the Embassy Suites Jacksonville Baymeadows hotel located in Jacksonville, Florida. The 277-suite hotel is now the largest in Vesta's growing portfolio. Rick Takach, Chairman and CEO of Vesta, made the announcement. The only full service, all-suite hotel in Jacksonville, the property recently underwent a top-to-bottom $15 million renovation and Vesta will make additional investments in select upgrades. Vesta will manage the property as well. The hotel is ideally located near downtown Jacksonville, one quarter mile east of I-95 and close ...
Hilton Hotels and Resorts Appoints Robert Watson as General Manager of Hilton Anatole
Hilton Anatole | August 28, 2018
Dallas, TX (August 28, 2018) - Hilton Anatole has appointed one of Hilton's most valued leaders, Robert Watson, to the position of general manager effective August 27th. Watson comes to Dallas following an award-winning tenure as general manager of Hilton Austin. In his new role, Watson will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the iconic 1,606-room hotel located adjacent to Dallas's Design District. "As an esteemed Hilton team member for more than 30 years and a recognized hospitality leader within the state of Texas, Robert's experience will undoubtedly bring the revered Hilton Anatole to even greater heights," sai...
The Top 5 Things You Need to Know Now in Hotel Digital Marketing: August Edition
HEBS Digital | August 28, 2018
By Margaret Mastrogiacomo, VP Strategy The latest digital innovations this month include big announcements from Google, new Pinterest video opportunities, and geometrical shapes making a statement in website design for lifestyle brands. From SEO to design, read on for the top five things you need to know now in hotel digital marketing. 1. SEO: Google announces expandable featured snippets in search results. Providing more context to search results has always been Google's mission. Now, when a user submits a search query to Google, they may receive a variety of expandable snippets below the main snippet in the knowledge panel. This is cu...
The Talbott Hotel Names Anderson Foote as New General Manager
The Talbott Hotel | August 28, 2018
CHICAGO (August 28, 2018) — Anderson Foote has joined The Talbott Hotel as General Manager, where he will oversee operations of the 178-room hotel in the historic Gold Coast neighborhood, recently named by Travel + Leisure as one of the top 10 Chicago hotels. Foote comes to The Talbott with more than 15 years of experience in hotel operations, most recently as the hotel manager of the Park Hyatt Chicago. A Detroit native, Foote studied business and hospitality at Northwood University. He got his start with the hotel management company White Lodging, where he worked as a front office manager for two Marriott properties in the Detro...
PwC Hospitality Directions U.S. Report Updates Lodging Outlook Suggesting Sustained Momentum Through 2019
PwC Hospitality Directions US | August 28, 2018
Stronger economic indicators in Q2, coupled with accelerating group demand, suggests sustained momentum for the lodging sector through 2019 Second quarter fundamentals remained positive, as consumer confidence continued. Here is a quick summary of its findings: Q2 results yielded strong demand for hotels, outpacing increases in supply, as well as the highest Q2 increase in ADR since 2016. Continued growth in demand led to a midyear year-to-date occupancy of 65.9 percent. Looking ahead to 2019, there is an expectation of continued confidence by hoteliers as increases in room rates continue to become a bigger driver of RevPAR growth. ...
Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts Awarded Patent For WorkLife Room
August 28, 2018
Patent Marks Major Milestone for the Brand's Proprietary "Guest Room of the Future" ATLANTA, Aug. 28, 2018-- The Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts brand today announced the approval of its patent application for the WorkLife Room: the brand's innovative "guestroom of the future." The newly-patented concept is designed to help modern business travelers unleash their productivity and provide them with a space that fits their blended lifestyle. The WorkLife Room was developed as part of the Crowne Plaza Accelerate program, IHG's $200 million, multi-year investment to transform the Crowne Plaza brand in ...
Michelin-Star Chef Opens ‘The Hill’ With Staff Clad in Craft Collection Aprons by Riegel
Riegel | August 28, 2018
Owner and Chef Ben Pollinger chose the service-staff garment for its rustic utilitarian look and ability to integrate into the restaurant's regular uniform and linen service [Johnston, S.C.— August 28, 2018] — When Michelin-Star Chef Ben Pollinger opened The Hill restaurant this summer in Closter, N.J., front-of-house service staff greeted diners wearing crisp Craft Collection Bib Aprons by Riegel. Chosen specifically to complement the sleek-looking dining room and earthy, natural color palette of the overall design, the twill-weave apparel accents the venue's approachability. The aprons also provide uniformity, cleanliness...
Thorofare Capital Funds $16 Million Bridge Loan to Refinance Sheraton Silver Spring Hotel in Silver Spring, MD
Thorofare Capital | August 28, 2018
Los Angeles, CA (August 28, 2018) — Thorofare Capital (Thorofare), through its bridge lending platform, has provided an affiliate of Integrated Capital LLC with a $16 million short-term senior loan for the refinance of the Sheraton Silver Spring Hotel in the Washington D.C. metro area submarket of Silver Spring, MD. Located at 8777 Georgia Avenue, the 229-room, 16-floor full-service hotel was built in 1971 and renovated in 2017. It is managed by Atlanta-based Davidson Hotels & Resorts, one of the largest privately held management companies in the lodging industry. Proceeds from Thorofare's 12-month, interest only, non-recourse...
Shiji Grows Distribution Platform Into International Hotel Market
Shiji Distribution Solutions | August 28, 2018
CHINAonline now known as Shiji Distribution Solutions is formally opening to the international hotel markets with dedicated teams in the US and Europe ATLANTA – Shiji launches Shiji Distribution Solutions team to accelerate international growth. Founded in 2007, CHINAonline was the first connectivity provider in China and the first to build connections between international hotel chains and Chinese OTAs. Today with over 100,000 hotels and 100+ channels, CHINAonline exists as Shiji Distribution Solutions and is formally opening to the international hotel markets with dedicated teams in the US and Europe, in addition to the Asia Pac...
