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
Owned by Zanes Hotels and Managed by Areya Management, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Set to Open in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | August 9, 2018
Chambersburg, PA – August 9, 2018 – Marriott International announced today that the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania is scheduled to open on Wednesday, August 15, 2018. The 88-suite hotel, located at 451 Gateway Avenue, will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Zanes Hotels, LLC and managed by Areya Management of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The SpringHill Suites Chambersburg is located just 20 minutes from Hagerstown Regional Airport, and two minutes from downtown Chambersburg. The hotel offers guests convenient access to Shippensburg University, Wilson College, the Old Jail, and the Letterkenny...
Crescent Hotels & Resorts to Manage Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Valley Forge
Crescent Hotels & Resorts | August 9, 2018
Philadelphia, PA (August 9, 2018) – The Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Valley Forge 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. The 229-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Valley Forge is located near the King of Prussia Mall, the largest mall on the East Coast, and the Valley Forge National Historical Park. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle, and it just a short drive outside of downtown Philadelphia. "Crescent has ex...
DigiValet Accelerates In-Room Hotel Innovation, Pioneers the Interface Between Voice and Service as Part of Its “Uber-Luxury Experience”
DigiValet | August 9, 2018
Wake up to Morning Coffee with Alexa New York (August 9, 2018) — DigiValet, the company that is transforming the guest experience at luxury hotels around the world, has teamed with Amazon Alexa to add an expanded suite of voice commands to its in-room suite of services to delight and surprise guests. With the new Alexa integration, DigiValet offers guests the ability to change thermostats, lighting controls, TVs, and other in-room features simply with their voice. Guests can even brew a cup of coffee through the in-room coffee machine just by asking Alexa. DigiValet is not new to voice activated solutions. They first broke barrie...
Contractor’s Perspective on Renovating Chain Hotels Versus Boutique Hotels
Cicero's Development Corporation | August 9, 2018
PLAINFIELD, IL, AUGUST 9, 2018 -- With a booming economy, Americans are spending increasingly more time traveling. Luckily, when it comes to hotels, they have more options than ever, from the tried-and-true branding of large chains to smaller boutique hotels aiming to provide unique, one-of-a-kind experiences. Both options work, but offer distinctly contrasting atmospheres. These contrasts pose challenges to renovation contractors. Construction procedures and design goals differ greatly between chain and boutique hotels. Boutiques have become synonymous with the idea of quirky cool while major chains rely upon uniform, pre-approved Prop...
Now Available for Download: From Dreaming to Booking eBook
HEBS Digital | August 9, 2018
We all know from experience that a lot goes into planning the perfect vacation, and with so many devices and planning resources, the journey is complex. According to a leisure travel study conducted by Phocuswright, 60% of respondents reported that a vacation was their largest discretionary purchase. In light of this, before making this large investment, travelers are thoughtfully taking time to research all the possibilities. Download our latest eBook to learn strategies to implement in order to reach travelers at every stage of their travel planning journey. It is crucial to be present at every step of the way in order to capture the ...
Chief Concierge of The Jung Hotel and Residences, Claudette Breve, Believes Those in the Industry are Born to Serve
ALICE | August 9, 2018
ALICE spoke with Chief Concierge of the Jung Hotel and Residences of the New Orleans Hotel Collection, Claudette Breve, about the impact of technology on the concierge profession, the current challenges that face the industry, and where she sees the see the profession going in the coming years. How did you begin your career in the concierge profession? In 1981, I walked into The Hyatt Regency New Orleans and told them I would be a great asset to their Concierge desk. I was told there were no openings but my persistence paid off and after several tries, they finally agreed to bring me on board. Within the course of 4 years, I went on to...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 200: Hotel History: Cesar Ritz and Auguste Escoffier
Stanley Turkel | August 8, 2018
By Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Cesar Ritz (1850-1918) & Auguste Escoffier (1846-1935) Cesar Ritz was a Swiss hotelier whose name is more synonymous with hotel luxury and fine food than Conrad Hilton, J.W. Marriott or William Waldorf Astor. Along with his chef de cuisine, Auguste Escoffier, Ritz was already well known across Europe when they were invited to run the revolutionary new Savoy Hotel in London in 1889. The land on which the Savoy stands was bought in 1880 by the impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte to build the Savoy Theatre dedicated to presenting the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas which he produced. Impressed by the ...
The Time Is Now for Hotels to Move Operations Into the Cloud
Jonathan Morse | August 8, 2018
By Jonathan Morse You wouldn't go 20 years in between cleaning or redecorating your guest rooms, so why are so many hotels stuck in the past when it comes to the software they use to run their operations? Hotels have always been in the forefront when it comes to technology. A common hospitality saying is that hotels are 10 years ahead of restaurants when it comes to technology, but that hasn't been true since 2010. Just look at the explosion of new technology for restaurants with dozens of new cloud based point of sales solutions, reservation applications, and event management solutions. The great leap that has been made in recent years...
Understanding Modern Dietary Restrictions
Larry Mogelonsky | August 8, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Setting aside allergic considerations, the number and diversity of self-imposed dietary restrictions these days are enough to make any F&B director shake his or her head. I'm not opposed to any of these; rather, it is imperative that all hoteliers embrace these eating habit changes. There are vegetarians that don't consume any flesh, vegans who go a step further by not touching dairy or eggs, pescatarians who eat seafood but not any terrestrial animals, pollo-pescatarians for fish or chicken but never red meat, paleo dieters who abstain from grain and a host of religious regimen...
Q2 U.S. Lodging Market Update
Daniel H. Lesser | August 8, 2018
By Daniel Lesser Barring any black swan event(s), the near-term outlook for lodging remains very positive. Domestic and foreign investment, and institutional capital continue to be deployed into single assets and portfolios of all types and locations of US hotels. The second-longest recovery period in history endures, with a national unemployment rate at an 18-year low and robust consumer confidence across most sectors. As a result, the U.S. economy continues to exhibit very strong growth. Gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to rise as much as 3% this year with relatively mild inflation. Thus far, interest rate increases by the Fed...
Okura Nikko Hotel Management Partners With Meieki Management for Nikko Style Nagoya Opening in 2020
Nikko Hotels International | August 8, 2018
TOKYO--Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Hotel Okura Co., Ltd., announced today its conclusion of a contract with Meieki Management LLC to manage Nikko Style Nagoya, the first hotel under the new upscale, select-service Nikko Style brand, which will open in 2020. Nikko Style Nagoya will be located in Nagoya's popular Meieki district, which combines offices, retail outlets and other downtown conveniences, including Nagoya Station, within the fast-redeveloping Chukyo metropolis that extends well beyond Nagoya. Mr. Marcel P. van Aelst, CEO of Okura Nikko Hotel Management, remarked, "We are delighted that we will be op...
3 most outstanding hotel concierge software
Our.Guide | August 8, 2018
Traveling is a pleasant undertaking. Particularly, when the tourists are reassured that their expectations will be met by the hotel staff; as a result, they will travel more frequently. This article presents three amazing hotel concierge programs that are useful in running every type of hotel. At the very beginning, it is worth to highlight the specific role of a concierge at a hotel. The responsibilities of such a person is to resolve problems that the guests may have, or possibly are not aware of them; thus, making their stay more pleasant. The concierge is the first person that the guests will see when they enter the hotel. This empl...
Kokari Limited Opens New 309-Room Grand Hyatt Athens Marking City’s First Hyatt Hotel and First Grand Hyatt in Greece
Grand Hyatt | August 8, 2018
CHICAGO--Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Grand Hyatt Athens, marking the first Hyatt hotel in the Greek capital and the first Grand Hyatt branded hotel in Greece. The luxury property is located on Syngrou Avenue next to the Onassis Cultural Centre and combines dramatic architecture with innovative design, easily accessible to historic sites and best-in-class restaurants. The vibrant city of Athens offers countless activities for all types of visitors. At the same time, it is also known as the historic capital of Europe – an ancient city with rich culture, iconic sites and attractions. "Athens is f...
Neema Hospitality Acquires Two Pittsburgh-Area Hotels, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Neema Hospitality | August 8, 2018
MECHANICSBURG, Pa.-- Neema Hospitality, a hotel ownership and management company, announced today that they purchased the Fairfield Inn & Suites located in Slippery Rock, PA and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel located in Canonsburg, PA. Both hotels are located in the Pittsburgh metro area. The 75-room Fairfield Inn & Suites is located north of Pittsburgh next to Slippery Rock University and minutes from the Grover City Premium Outlets. Prime amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast, free WiFi, in-room microwaves, in-room refrigerators and an indoor pool. The 90-room Holiday Inn Express & Suites is located s...
BENCHMARK® Appoints Deborah E. Tant Director of Finance for the Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center
August 8, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, August 2018… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Deborah E. Tant controller for the Doug Pitcock '49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, which is nearing completion in College Station, Texas. The Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property is expected to open this month. Greg Stafford, general manager, made the announcement. "It is such a pleasure to welcome Deborah to our team," said Mr. Stafford. "Not only is she highly qualified, she is a long-time Benchmark executive and keenly aware of the company's signature 'Be the Difference' service philosophy. She will be an importa...
Calistoga Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection Appoints Avinash Haksar as General Manager
Auberge Resorts Collection | August 8, 2018
CALISTOGA, CALIF. (AUGUST 8, 2018) — Calistoga Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection is pleased to announce the appointment of hospitality veteran Avinash "Avi" Haksar as General Manager and Regional Vice President. In his new position, Haksar will oversee all operations for the 50-room resort including The Lakehouse restaurant, award-winning spa and the 22 owner lodges all situated on a 157-acre site marked by ancient oaks, majestic hills, a rock-hewn stream and private lake. "We are delighted to welcome Avi to Calistoga Ranch and the Auberge Resorts Collection family," said Mike Minchin, Chief Marketing Officer, Auberge Resorts Coll...
Independent Operators Discuss Must-Have Functionality for Multi-Property Operations
Maestro PMS | August 8, 2018
One Database for All Properties; Integrated Spa, Restaurant and Room Booking, Event Scheduling, Guest History and Loyalty: Maestro PMS Does it All Markham, Ontario – August 8, 2018 – "It is essential that all our properties and their activities be instantly accessible on one PMS system for our destination service agents. Maestro Multi-Property Management does a great job of connecting the different pieces of our business, the Spa, front desk, and food and beverage outlets. It all comes together on one system to support personalized experience that is essential for our Forbes rating," says Mary Arcuri, Group Director of Reser...
Alila Hotels and Resorts Chooses Infor to Streamline Operations and Increase Business Efficiency
Alila | August 8, 2018
Customer Service and Satisfaction was Key to Selection Choice NEW YORK - Aug 08, 2018 - Infor, a leading provider of industry-specific cloud applications, today announced that Alila Hotels and Resorts has deployed Infor Hospitality Management System (HMS) and Infor Revenue Management Solution (RMS) for its hotel operations in Kuala Lumpur to increase business agility and further enhance efficiencies. Alila Hotels and Resorts launched in Indonesia 15 years ago. Today it is the luxury brand under Two Roads Hospitality and manages hotels and resorts in India, Asia Pacific and Oman. In streamlining and automating its processes and enabling ...
Travel Trends Index: Strength of Domestic Travel Lessens Sting of Sluggish International Growth
U.S. Travel Association | August 8, 2018
WASHINGTON (August 8, 2018)—Travel to and within the U.S. grew four percent year-over-year in June, according to the U.S. Travel Association's latest Travel Trends Index (TTI)—marking the industry's 102nd straight month of overall expansion. Despite this positive trend, U.S. Travel economists remain wary that growth of international inbound travel to the U.S. is not keeping pace with the global long-haul travel boom. Most notable in the TTI is the strength of domestic business and leisure travel, buoyed by near-historic highs in consumer confidence and growth in forward-looking bookings and searches. According to the...
First Hospitality Group Opens First Hilton Tri-Branded Hotel at Chicago’s McCormick Place
First Hospitality Group | August 8, 2018
CHICAGO and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) along with First Hospitality Group, Inc. (FHG), today announced the opening of its newest hotel, the company's first tri-branded property, which includes Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place, Hampton Inn by Hilton Chicago McCormick Place and Home2 Suites by Hilton Chicago McCormick Place. Connected to McCormick Place, North America's largest convention center, and adjacent to Wintrust Arena, the property is a one-of-kind addition to downtown Chicago's South Loop and Motor Row District lodging offerings. The hotel also represents Hilton's first tri-branded property, furthering the company...
Greystone Hotels Completes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation of The Bristol Hotel San Diego
The Bristol | August 8, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Greystone Hotels, owner and operator of a collection of boutique hotels across California, announces the completion of a $7 million renovation of The Bristol Hotel. The multiphase project involved the remodel of the pre-existing 102 guest rooms and bathrooms together with conversion of the top floor meeting and event space into 12 news rooms and suites to create a 114-room hotel, with a brand new state-of-the-art fitness center located on the top floor. The hotel also instituted a complimentary expanded continental breakfast in the former restaurant space on the ground floor just off the lobby, which is also co...
The Resort at Glade Springs Appoints Phil Lane as Director of Sales and Catering
The Resort at Glade Springs | August 8, 2018
Daniels, W.Va. - August 8, 2018: The Resort at Glade Springs is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Lane as Director of Sales and Catering. Bringing over 25 years of experience in resort and hotels sales management to his new position, Phil will oversee all aspects of the Resort's sales and catering efforts. Phil obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Concord University, which led him to several resort and hotel sales, marketing, catering and revenue management positions in southern West Virginia. Previously, Phil had worked at The Resort at Glade Springs in sales and conference servi...
Greystone Hotels Appoints Brian Barden as San Francisco Area Operations Manager
Greystone Hotels | August 8, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (August 8, 2018) – Eric Horodas, President of Greystone Hotels, announces the selection of Brian Barden as the company's newest San Francisco Area Operations Manager. A motivated and highly-qualified addition to the team, Barden will oversee operations for Greystone's collection of San Francisco hotels, which includes the King George, the Hotel Griffon, and the Inn at Union Square. Before joining Greystone Hotels, Barden held the position of Director of Operations for Aegis Living. Constantly striving for excellence, Barden began his career as a Task Force Consultant for HEI Hotels & Resorts in 2003. Barden h...
Built-In or Portable: What’s Your AV Strategy?
Jeff Loether | August 8, 2018
Six factors to consider when balancing decisions between built-in and portable AV equipment By Jeff Loether To say that AV services are "out of balance" in some operations is an understatement. When properly managed, AV can produce the second highest profit margin in a hotel – behind rooms. However, as my good friend John Burns, president of Hospitality Technology Consulting, recently said, "No one understands [AV], and no one really wants to." If a hotel does not have enough AV rental revenue to share with an outside audiovisual company to manage these in-house services, trying to self-manage AV services can be a nightmare. With...
