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Industry Happenings
New Castle Hotels & Resort Celebrates Topping-Off of Dual-Branded Marriott/Residence Inn in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Global Fund International | July 16, 2018
SHELTON, Conn. -- (July 16, 2018)—Pouring the final slab of rooftop concrete, officials of New Castle Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel owner, operator and developer, along with Southwest Properties of Halifax, Nova Scotia and JLK Global Fund International marked the structure complete milestone on a 190-key Courtyard by Marriott/Residence Inn hotel in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The project, scheduled to open in January 2019, will include a 106-room Courtyard by Marriott and an 84-suite Residence Inn in the Dartmouth Crossing lifestyle center and in close proximity to the Burnside Business Park, the largest eastern seaboard busin...
Epelboim Development Group Breaks Ground on 259-Room Tru by Hilton in Orlando, Florida
| July 16, 2018
ORLANDO, Fla.--Hilton and Epelboim Development Group today broke ground on a new Tru by Hilton property located in Orlando, Florida. Dignitaries, executives and other key individuals who were instrumental in pushing the project forward attended the July 12, 2018 event. The roster of VIPs and speakers included: from the Orange County Government Commissioner Betsy VanderLey and Jessie Allen; Executive Director from the Orange County Convention Center; Alexandra Jaritz, global head, Tru by Hilton; and Noel Epelboim, president and CEO of Epelboim Development Group. The 259-room, eight-story hotel will be located on Westwood Boulevard, just ...
RLH Corporation Closes Sale of Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles for $19.5 Million
RLH Corporation | July 16, 2018
DENVER (July 16, 2018) — RLH Corporation (NYSE:RLH) announced the sale of Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles, for $19.5 million. The hotel is the eighth of 11 hotels being marketed for sale previously disclosed in October 2017. Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles, along with all other sold hotels, has signed a franchise license agreement to retain their Red Lion brand. RLH Corporation's total gain on the sale is expected to be approximately $11.5 million. With this sale, RLH Corporation fully retired the remaining $24.2 million of debt held by Pacific Western Bank applying $15.6 million of proceeds from the sale and the restricted cash associate...
Radisson Hotel Group Appoints Kristen Richter as Vice President of Revenue Optimization for the Americas
Radisson Hotel Group | July 16, 2018
Minneapolis (July 16, 2018) - Radisson Hotel Group today announced the appointment of Kristen Richter as Vice President of Revenue Optimization in the Americas. In this role, Richter will drive the overall Revenue Optimization vision and strategies in the Americas, working closely with global partners to define new best practices. She will lead the Americas Revenue Optimization team, which includes Strategy, Revenue Optimization Services and Revenue Generation Systems Support. These teams play a critical role in driving and maximizing revenue through defining strategic initiatives, executing programs to increase market share performance...
Florida’s Amara Cay Resort Appoints Ryan Wisely as Executive Chef
Amara Cay Resort | July 16, 2018
Islamorada, Fla. (July 16, 2018) – Anchored in the laid-back and lighthearted lifestyle of Islamorada, the oceanfront Amara Cay Resort proudly announces Ryan Wisely as executive chef. Wisely brings expertise gained over a 20-year career to Amara Cay Resort, where he will oversee the property's special event catering and Reelburger, the resort's signature restaurant presenting epicurean burger creations with infusions of island flavor, as well as Reelburger's Tiki Bar. "We are excited to have Chef Wisely as part of the Amara Cay Resort team," said Eddie Sipple, regional general manager of Islamorada Resort Company. "His dedication ...
Christian Metzner Appointed General Manager of W Kuala Lumpur
W Hotels Worldwide | July 16, 2018
Kuala Lumpur, July 2018 – W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International has announced the appointment of Christian Metzner as General Manager of the highly anticipated W Kuala Lumpur, as the iconic brand prepares to debut its unique style of modern luxury in the Malaysian capital this summer. Metzner recently joined W Kuala Lumpur from The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi, where he has been the General Manager since 2014, and brings with him a wealth of experience having been part of Marriott International for the past 15 years. German-born Metzner's career with Marriott International began in 1996 at the Arabell...
Hotels Use Tech and Design to Expand Within the Wellness World
Kacey Bradley | July 16, 2018
By Kacey Bradley It's no secret that the hotel industry is one the world's largest industries. They're consistently being utilized by travelers from all over the world – some more than others. Hotels are special because they become a home away from home for those who continuously travel or those who take a vacation. Either way, visitors want a safe place at the end of each day where they can decompress and relax. Wellness has become its own booming industry. Everything from spin studios, fitness boutiques, organic meal services and more play such an integral part in people's everyday lives, they want to continue their focus on we...
Supercharging Hotel and Spa Storytelling in the 21st Century
Babs Harrison | July 16, 2018
By Babs Harrison The power to tell a compelling marketing story is in the palm of our hands. Literally. Your cellphone. And it just keeps getting better from there. This week I spent one and one-half days in downtown Phoenix at a traveling Facebook training for small businesses called Community Boost - it's scheduled to visit 50 cities by the end of 2018. Find out when it's coming to your town and go, I'll tell that to GMs, DoSMs, PR managers, not just staff with digital in their job titles. That's because a big message from the Facebook training is that the power to communicate our stories - via Facebook, also Instagram...
TravelClick Hosts 2018 Industry Leaders Summit in Bangkok
TravelClick | July 16, 2018
Summit Discusses New Disruptive Technologies and Trends that are Shaping the Hospitality Industry in Asia Pac NEW YORK, July 16, 2018 – TravelClick, a leading global provider of data and revenue-generating solutions for hoteliers, held its first Industry Leaders Summit in Bangkok, Thailand - the most traveled-to city in the world - on July 12 through 13, 2018 at The Okura Prestige. Throughout the two-day event, more than 50 hospitality companies and their executive teams met to discuss how hoteliers can drive more direct bookings and convert and retain more guests using innovative technologies such as TravelClick's award-winning, ...
The Evolution of Traveling – From Leisure to Luxury
HEBS Digital | July 16, 2018
World outbound travel is booming and, according to IPK's World Travel Monitor®, the global travel industry set new records over the first eight months of 2017. The luxury travel sector in particular has embarked on a paramount transformation fueled by changing consumer preferences that will have far-reaching ripple effects in the years to come. While luxury travel only accounts for 7% of all international trips, it encompasses nearly one-fifth of global travel spending due to its high prices. Bouncing back from an underperforming 2016, the International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) forecasts that the global luxury travel market i...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Credits to Cost of Sales in Food & Beverage
David Lund | July 16, 2018
By David Lund Giving the proper credits to your food and beverage operation is an important task. You want to ensure it is done consistently and fairly. This article examines all the usual credits, different types, the proper way to take them and why we need to take them. The first question to answer is why we need to credit the F&B operation for its goods used in other parts of our business. Someone once asked me why we don't credit maintenance for their costs when used in other departments. Or better still, why don't we credit rooms when staff members stay over because of bad weather or business volumes? Why is F&B so special?...
Sage Hospitality Appoints Kim Corrigan General Manager at HALCYON, a hotel in Cherry Creek
HALCYON, a hotel in Cherry Creek | July 16, 2018
DENVER, Colo. (July 16, 2018) – HALCYON, a hotel in Cherry Creek is proud to announce the appointment of Kim Corrigan as general manager of the 154-room hotel that captures the spirit of the treasured Colorado lifestyle in one of Denver's chicest neighborhoods. With over three decades of management experience in the hospitality industry, Corrigan brings a refined expertise to her new position with a promise to bring authenticity, exclusivity and individuality to the guest experience. "Kim's passion and enthusiasm paired with her impressive background is the perfect combination for the continued success of the hotel," said John Arn...
Tara Cline Appointed General Manager at Kimpton Amara Resort and Spa in Sedona, Arizona
Amara Resort & Spa | July 16, 2018
Sedona, Ariz. (July 16, 2018) – Tara Cline has joined Kimpton's Amara Resort and Spa as the new General Manager. Cline was previously at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Ariz. where she spent over 25 years educating herself in hotel operations, revenue management, sales and marketing. Throughout her time at the independent resort, Cline found her passion for the luxury hospitality industry as she took on many roles and eventually worked her way up to Director of Rooms. She believes that teamwork and empowerment provide the ability to operate a successful hotel and is excited to become a part of the Kimpton family. Located in the hear...
Testing the Hotel Operator’s Abilities
Hotelivate Private Limited | July 16, 2018
For long, hotel owners have been trying to find ways to safeguard their investments and interests during negotiation of management contracts with potential operators. And indeed, they have made notable headway. There was a time when a performance test clause featured sparingly in management contracts. Over the years, however, it became a standard provision in most agreements being signed in the west. Today, owners across the globe, including in Asia Pacific, insist on this requirement even as operators continue to wrap it with several riders. An equitable performance test clause protects the hotel owner from an incompetent operator, whi...
Les Clefs d’Or Member, Laura Cunningham, Shares Her Thoughts on the Opportunities, Challenges, and the Future of the Concierge Industry
ALICE | July 15, 2018
ALICE sat down with Les Clefs d'Or member and Chief Concierge of The Dewberry in Charleston, Laura Cunningham, to discuss the current opportunities and challenges for the concierge, the impact of technology on the profession, and the future of the concierge industry. What brought you to the hospitality industry and the concierge profession? Someone once told me, make your hobby your job. I've always had a passion for traveling and experiencing a destination through the eyes of a local. Someone recommended I start a career behind the concierge's desk and I haven't left. I love exploring all of the incredible restaurants, neighbor...
Half of Americans Unlikely to Use Sharing Economy Services for 2018 Summer Travel, Despite Reporting High Familiarity and Better Value
Allianz Global Assistance USA | July 12, 2018
RICHMOND, Va., July 12, 2018 -- While Americans are growing more familiar with sharing economy services, the intention to use these services is declining in favor of more traditional services. According to the fourth annual Allianz Travel Insurance Sharing Economy Index* released by Allianz Global Assistance, 53 percent of Americans declared they are either "not very likely" or "not at all likely" to use sharing economy services during their 2018 summer travels. That's despite Americans' consistent belief that sharing economy services offer a more authentic local experience and better value for their money. S...
The Cordish Companies and Live! Casino & Hotel Celebrate Grand Opening of Flagship Live! Hotel
Live! Casino & Hotel | July 12, 2018
HANOVER, Md., July 12, 2018 -- The Cordish Companies and Live! Casino & Hotel celebrated the Grand Opening of the flagship, luxury Live! Hotel, the first hotel in the world to carry the renowned Live! brand. The Live! Hotel adds 310 rooms, including 52 suites; two new restaurants, a luxury day Spa and Salon, a 4,000-seat Event Center, and Club 21, the only private gaming area in a hotel in Maryland, along with 2,000 new parking spaces, to one of the largest commercial casinos on the East Coast, significantly increasing its competitive edge among other gaming properties in the region. The Grand Opening Celebration featured lavish red...
Windsor Court Hotel Unveils $15M Renovation Slated for Completion by Early October 2018
Windsor Court | July 12, 2018
July 12, 2018 (New Orleans, LA) – Windsor Court Hotel has unveiled a $15 million property renovation, slated to be completed by early October of this year. In addition to modernizations for all 316 guestrooms and suites and the grand opening of Waterman Poolside Bar, the impressive undertaking encompasses a refresh to public spaces, including hallways, elevator landings, the Club Level Lounge, and La Chinoiserie, the 3,700-square-foot ballroom on the hotel's top floor. "This project was rooted in our desire to stay true to our old-world British elegance and classic luxury décor without having any feeling of being dated or a...
Radisson Hotel Panama Canal Opens in Latin America Following Multimillion Dollar Renovation
Radisson | July 12, 2018
Minneapolis (July 12, 2018) - Radisson®, one of the best-recognized hotel brands, today announced the opening of Radisson Hotel Panama Canal. The hotel has a prime location in Panama City with breathtaking views of the Panama Canal, along with being just minutes away from Albrook International Airport. It is also within walking distance to the Amador Convention Center, which is scheduled to open December 2018. The hotel was originally a Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and recently completed a nearly $2 million renovation to convert the property into a Radisson. "We are thrilled to welcome this fantastic hotel as we continue gro...
Reviving the Spirit of Innovation in the Hospitality Industry
Olivier Harnisch | July 12, 2018
By Olivier Harnisch The hospitality sector is one of the world's most dynamic industries. Yet over the past decades it has lost much of its innovative edge, given the advances in technology that are fast-transforming the way we live and work. There are new models in the business, no doubt, but in pure-play hospitality, there is a definite need to look at how technology can be better and more effectively integrated. In the 1950s and 1960s, hotels stood out for the 'modern' conveniences they offered – from design to technology incorporation, hotel rooms had an advantage over private homes with the provision of amenities such as colo...
VICI Properties Completes Acquisition of Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace Las Vegas for $507.5 Million
VICI Properties | July 12, 2018
NEW YORK--VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:VICI) (together with its affiliates, "VICI Properties" or the "Company"), an experiential real estate investment trust ("REIT"), today announced it has completed the acquisition for the previously announced transaction with Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ:CZR) ("Caesars Entertainment" or "Caesars") to acquire, and lease back, all of the land and real estate assets associated with the Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace for $507.5 million. The Company funded the purchase of Octavius Tower using available cash. Caesars has operated, and will continue to operate, Octavius Tower pursuant to the te...
How to Create a Very Personalized Customer Experience
Shep Hyken | July 12, 2018
By Shep Hyken I just stayed at the Crowne Plaza in Lansing, Michigan. I've stayed at many Crowne Plazas in the past, and they are nice hotels, however, the experience at this one was quite unique. It was a personalized experience, and the way they went about it is an excellent lesson we all can learn from. First, the concept of personalization is to make the customer feel like the experience is somewhat unique to them. If I've stayed in a hotel and made a special request, the hotel may note that in my record, and the next time I stay at that hotel, they might remember the request so I don't have to ask. What the Crowne Plaza...
Turnberry Associates Celebrates Opening of 533-Room JW Marriott Nashville Led by General Manager Lukus Kindlesparker
JW Marriott Nashville | July 12, 2018
NASHVILLE, TN/UNITED STATES — Turnberry Associates and Marriott International today announced the Grand Opening of JW Marriott Nashville, ideally situated steps from Music City's most treasured landmarks. The striking, 33-story glass tower transforms the iconic Nashville skyline and ushers in a new chapter for luxury hospitality and sophistication in one of the South's most dynamic and storied destinations. "We are beyond excited and proud to welcome JW Marriott Nashville to our vibrant city. The work that the Turnberry and Marriott teams have done truly signifies a turning point for Nashville in the luxury space, and we ...
Hyatt Enters Management Agreement With A&B Grouup for Hyatt Regenncy Hotel in Nha Trang, Vietnam
Hyatt Regency | July 12, 2018
CHICAGO (June 12, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with an affiliate of A&B Group for a Hyatt Regency hotel in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Set to open in late 2019, the 434-room hotel will mark the first Hyatt Regency hotel in Nha Trang, a coastal resort city in southern Vietnam boasting scenic white sandy beaches and rich culinary offerings. "With its pristine beaches, night markets, and abundant dining options, Nha Trang provides business and leisure travelers countless opportunities to explore the city throughout their stay," said Asia Pacific ...
