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
Heading to Nashville for Hotel Data Conference? Don’t Miss These 5 Sessions
Alan E. Young | August 14, 2018
By Alan E. Young Nashville is known for many things; live music, nightlife, food, and from August 15th until 17th that list expands to include the Hotel Data Conference (HDC) hosted by STR. A yearly, sold-out event staple in the hospitality industry, the conference covers over 20 exciting, insightful presentations, industry outlooks, tips, trends, and so much more. Taking place at the Omni Nashville Hotel, attendees can expect to join in on conversations with industry leaders and panelists and leave with data-backed insights to enhance their hospitality offering in 2018 and beyond. After all, with the trend of hyper-guest personalizatio...
How Do You “Boutique” Your Hotel?
Frances Kiradjian | August 14, 2018
Hospitality professionals can apply the best of boutique to any and all lodging accommodations. By Frances Kiradjian While we are the biggest champions of boutique you'll likely come across, at BLLA, we realize the transformation of the term from differentiator to buzzword. Today, it is not uncommon to find a property touting themselves as boutique even though they're a branded chain or an economic lodging solution like a motel. Boutique started as an underdog in the world of lodging solutions, particularly luxury accommodations. Now, after a long climb to legitimacy, professionals and non professionals in the lodging space ofte...
BENCHMARK® Names Trevina Height Director of Catering and Conference Services at Delta Hotels-Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center
August 14, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, August 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has appointed Trevina Height director of catering and conference services for Delta Hotels - Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property under construction in the city of Allen, Texas, north of Dallas. The full-service hotel and convention center is scheduled to open in January of 2019. Stacy T. Martin, managing director, made the announcement. "It is a real pleasure to welcome Trevina to our property," said Ms. Martin. "She intimately understands the selling and servicing process,...
Terranea Resort Appoints Two Key Executives for Strategtic Leadership Team
Terranea Resort, A Destination Hotel | August 14, 2018
(RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA; August 14, 2018)—Terranea Resort, A Destination Hotel, announces the promotions of two executive members of the Strategic Leadership Team as the resort heads toward its 10-year anniversary in 2019. Agnelo Fernandes has been named Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Vice President Revenue for the 102-acre oceanfront resort, which he joined in 2011. In his new role at Terranea Resort, Fernandes oversees the business strategy, branding development initiatives, and revenue optimization for the iconic Southern California destination including the Revenue Management, Sales, Catering, Conference Services, Mar...
Sabre Hospitality Solutions Announces Business Travel Services Suite, With InterContinental Hotels Group® as One of Its First Adopters
Sabre | August 14, 2018
New, consolidated corporate hotel booking solution will offer three powerful tools in one place SOUTHLAKE, Texas – August 14, 2018 – Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR) today announced Business Travel Services, the new consolidated solution suite from Sabre Hospitality Solutions that will offer hoteliers easy-to-use tools with time-saving automations and simplified processes; access to industry insights and expert guidance; and unlimited access to travel management companies and consortia partners – all in one place. InterContinental Hotels Group® (IHG) will be one of the first hotel companies to use the new solution...
Lifestyle Hotels Gain a Foothold in Asia Pacific
Real Views | August 14, 2018
By Serene Lim Lifestyle hotels are carving out a niche in Asia Pacific, boosted by youthful guests looking for authenticity, community and local experiences coupled with features like innovative design, good connectivity and convenient locations. Once lumped together with independently run boutique hotels like those pioneered by hoteliers such as Ian Schrager with The Morgan in New York in the 80s, lifestyle hotels combine the intimacy and designer touches of boutique hotels while also offering the perks of a chain such as a consistent experience and economies of scale. Starwood's W brand is widely acknowledged to be the first mainstrea...
Owned and Managed by Sterling Hospitality Management, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Spokane Valley Opens in Washington
Fairfield Inn & Suites | August 14, 2018
Spokane Valley, WA – August 14, 2018 – The 127-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Spokane Valley, Washington is set to open on Thursday, August 16, 2018 with a new décor that provides guests with a feeling of warmth and calm while traveling. Located at 8923 East Mission Avenue, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Spokane Valley will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Sterling Hospitality Management of Spokane Valley, Washington. Located 14 miles from Spokane International Airport and 15 minutes from downtown, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Spokane Valley offers guests convenient access to dow...
Mobile Communication Is Key to Employee Engagement & Retention
Connie Rheams | August 14, 2018
By engaging hotel staff digitally with personal recognition, professional development and cross-team collaboration, hoteliers can touch employees' hearts, drive loyalty and reduce turnover By Connie Rheams With unemployment at an all-time low – 4% across all industries as of June 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – employee retention is top of mind. The proliferation of available jobs in hospitality has sparked even more competition among hotels to attract and retain employees. An additional dollar per hour or free daily lunch is proving to be enough of an incentive for hourly employees to leave one prope...
Horizon Hospitality Management Opens New 82-Room SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Ringgold, Georgia
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | August 14, 2018
Ringgold, GA – August 14, 2018 – Marriott International announced that the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Ringgold, Georgia is set to open today. The 82-suite hotel, located at 155 General Lee Drive, will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Horizon Hospitality Management, Inc. of Alpharetta, Georgia. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the SpringHill Suites Chattanooga South/Ringgold GA offers guests convenient access to the Tennessee Aquarium, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Ruby Falls, Rock City, and Camp Jordan Park and Arena. "As a brand opening a new hotel every 10 days on...
StayNTouch Partners With Seaside Hotels
StayNTouch Inc. | August 14, 2018
Hawaiian hotel group brings PMS efficiency to its portfolio with StayNTouch's cloud-based solutions Bethesda, MD – AUGUST 14, 2018 – StayNTouch, an innovator in mobile technology and Property Management Systems (PMS) for hotels, is pleased to announce it has partnered with Seaside Hotels Hawaii with the deployment of its Rover PMS™ and Zest™ products at Maui Seaside Hotel (Kahului, HI), Kona Seaside Hotel (Kailua-Kona, HI), and Hilo Seaside Hotel (Hilo, HI). "Our old PMS was so complex with too many screens that had to be populated at each step of any process. It really took away from the actual service and greet...
San Francisco’s Stanford Court Completes Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
Stanford Court | August 14, 2018
Following a comprehensive renovation and makeover, the iconic 400-room Stanford Court hotel has been newly reimagined to provide guests with a distinctly unique Nob Hill experience that celebrates San Francisco's avant-garde, start-up state of mind. From a fresh arrival and check-in experience to completely remodeled guest rooms and corridors, redesigned lobby, updated meeting spaces, the addition of a state-of-the-art fitness center in a glass "greenhouse" environment, and new local partnerships and programming, Stanford Court has undergone a full transformation. "Character, culture, tech, style and comfort are the focus of the new Sta...
White Lodging Celebrates Opening of Dual-Branded Hampton by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton in Teaneck, New Jersey
Hampton by Hilton | August 14, 2018
TEANECK, N.J. and MCLEAN, Va - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the opening of its newest hotel, the dual-branded Hampton Inn by Hilton Teaneck Glenpointe and Homewood Suites by Hilton Teaneck Glenpointe, bringing a total of 350 new rooms to the Meadowlands area. The dual-brand hotel adds even more versatile lodging options for guests visiting New Jersey, which increased to 101 million travelers in 2017*. "New Jersey's booming tourism gives us a promising opportunity to expand our footprint in the Garden State, and this dual-branded property diversifies our presence in the market," said Shruti Buckley, global head, Hampton by Hilton. ...
Elliott Lodging Makes U.S. Debut of Best Western’s ViB Brand With Opening of 92-Room ViB Springfield, Missouri
August 14, 2018
SPRINGFIELD, MO., (August 14, 2018) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts marked the arrival of its vibrant and stylish boutique hotel concept, Vīb, with a grand opening celebration at its first U.S. property in Springfield, Missouri. Local dignitaries, Best Western executives and members of Elliott Lodging joined community VIPs for an exciting and memorable evening celebrating the highly-anticipated debut of this innovative, traveler-centric brand in the U.S. market. A local musician performed at the event, exemplifying the vibrant atmosphere and localized experiences guests can expect from the Vīb brand. "We are excited to mark ...
IHG and Shimao Group Plan Q4 2018 Opening of InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts | August 14, 2018
August 14, 2018 (Shanghai, China) - InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland is expected to open its doors in the fourth quarter of 2018. Developed by Shimao Group and managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world's leading hotel companies, the luxury hotel, mostly below ground, is poised to welcome guests with an amazing landscape in a deep pit of a former quarry in southwestern Shanghai. The 18-story hotel has two floors above ground, and 16 below ground, including two floors underwater. With a construction area of more than 61,000 square meters, the hotel features 336 rooms and suites that all boast balconies wher...
Crescent Hotels & Resorts Adds Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio to Management Portfolio
Crescent Hotels & Resorts | August 14, 2018
San Antonio, TX (August 14, 2018) – The Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio is now being managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts. Crescent Hotels & Resorts is an award winning, nationally recognized operator of major hotels, resorts and conference centers throughout the United States, Canada & Caribbean. Steps from the River Walk in downtown, this historic landmark hotel boasts 322 updated rooms and over 19,000 square feet of meeting space that can accommodate more than 1,000 guests. "Crescent has extensive experience in major destination cities like San Antonio and is the perfect fit for the Sheraton Gunter Hotel," said Mi...
The Mount Vernon Company Teams Up with Provenance Hotels to Open Boston’s The Revolution Hotel
The Mount Vernon Company | August 14, 2018
BOSTON (August 14, 2018) – Change is coming to Boston. The Mount Vernon Company is teaming with Provenance Hotels to open The Revolution Hotel at 40 Berkeley Street. Inspired by the rebellious attitude and innovative spirit of Boston, this 164-room property is set to become a nexus of the city's South End, offering a sanctuary for the community's creative set. An adaptive reuse of one of the first YWCA's in America, The Revolution Hotel is being developed within a mid-century modern building at the intersection of Berkley and Appleton Streets. The hotel's design and attitude are informed by the building's original use as a place d...
ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach Appoints Jed Inductivo as Director of Vibe and David Lukela as Executive Chef
?Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach | August 14, 2018
Waikiki, HI – ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach today announced the appointments of Executive Chef David Lukela, and the hire of Jed Inductivo to the new role of Director of Vibe. Inductivo alongside Chef Lukela will guide the overall guest experience in atmosphere and food and beverage programming, driving forward the property's fresh perspective on hospitality in Waikiki. The two have established an ʻAlohilani "Think Tank" that will be creating bold and innovative initiatives and unique offerings for ʻAlohilani guests. Both positions report to General Manager Matthew Grauso. "I am thrilled to have joined ʻAlohilani," said Indu...
Country Inn & Suites Opens Hotel Near Wichita State University Following a Multimillion Dollar Renovation
August 14, 2018
Minneapolis - August 14, 2018 - Country Inn & Suites® by Radisson, a leading upper midscale hotel brand, today announced the opening of Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Wichita East, KS located at 333 South Webb Road. The hotel recently completed a multimillion dollar renovation featuring the brand's latest design, which includes modern interiors, stylish furnishings and spacious guest rooms and suites. The hotel's central location off I-35 and U.S. 400/54 allows guests to easily reach nearby upscale shopping and dining, as well as Wichita State University and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT). The hotel h...
North Dakota’s Sara Otte Coleman Wins 2018 State Tourism Director of the Year
The U.S. Travel Association | August 14, 2018
PHOENIX (August 13, 2018)—Sara Otte Coleman of the North Dakota Tourism Division has been named national State Tourism Director of the Year for 2018. Otte Coleman was announced as the honoree before more than 900 of her peers at the U.S. Travel Association's annual ESTO conference, held this year in Phoenix. The U.S. Travel Association's National Council of State Tourism Directors—a body representing the tourism offices of all states and U.S. territories—votes on the award annually ahead of the Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) conference, the premier annual gathering for destination marketin...
TTI On The Move With Paul Payette
TTI Technologies | August 14, 2018
August 14, 2018 – New York, NY – TTI welcomes Paul Payette as a Development Consultant to further expand the company's Managed Business Center products and services. "Paul's wealth of industry knowledge and experience will further enhance our growth and reputation", said Steve Blidner, CEO TTI. Paul Payette is an industry veteran with 20 plus years' experience leading sales and marketing of products and services, strategic planning, and achieving tangible bottom line revenues His experience includes developing a scalable digital signage solution, and a distribution and re seller network, and sales processes for a tec...
Keynote Speakers Announced for Revenue Strategy Forum London
Duetto | August 14, 2018
Blue Ocean strategy and blockchain just two of the topics up for discussion at this year's Revenue Strategy Forum in London, taking place ahead of World Travel Market. London, 14 August, 2018 — Hotel industry leaders, innovators and strategists will come together to discuss the hot topics of the moment, including Blue Ocean strategies, blockchain and e-commerce, at the fourth annual Revenue Strategy Forum (RSF) London. Organised by Duetto, the hospitality industry's only Revenue Strategy Platform, RSF London 2018 will present a packed programme of debate when it takes place ahead of World Travel Market on 5 November 2018 at the Am...
Anna Rench Joins McNeill Hotel Company as Vice President of Asset Management and Acquisitions
PDK PR | August 14, 2018
Germantown, TN, August 14, 2018 – McNeill Hotel Company, a growing nationally-recognized hotel owner, developer, and manager, announced today that it has hired accomplished industry executive Anna Rench to serve as the company's Vice President of Asset Management and Acquisitions. Mark Ricketts, President and Chief Operating Officer, made the announcement. In this newly created position, Anna will be responsible for the asset management of the company's existing portfolio that is currently comprised of 17 select service properties, as well as sourcing new opportunities for continued platform growth. Prior to joining McNeill, Anna ...
The Plaza, New York’s Iconic Hotel Improves Uniform Operations by Implementing RFID Technology
InvoTech Systems, Inc. | August 13, 2018
The Plaza Upgrades to RFID Technology using InvoTech Uniform System LOS ANGELES, CA – August 14, 2018 -- InvoTech Systems Inc. announced the recent upgrade of its Uniform System at The Plaza. InvoTech Systems is the leading provider of advanced Linen Management, Laundry and Uniform Systems that integrate the latest RFID technology to increase profitability for hotels, resorts, casino operators, sports arenas, convention centers and theme parks. The InvoTech System installed at The Plaza manages the Uniform inventory for 900 employees, and the property joins InvoTech's extensive client portfolio of RFID Uniform systems worldwide. C...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Why Your Average Joe Should Never Use an OTA – And… Why He Will Never Stop Using Them!
David Lund | August 13, 2018
With two large shortcomings I can't see why the average person who has a basic understanding of how the travel world works would ever use an online travel agency. In making this statement it occurs to me that—obviously—most people don't know the basics. If they did know the two things I'm going to talk about here, the OTA world would be dead on its feet. The real question is why hoteliers do not get together and create a presence in the online world and inform people so many more customers can make a favorable decision. Then hotels in turn could increase their own traffic and reduce commission costs. This is the $64,000 ques...
