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Industry Happenings
Ashford Trust Completes Acquisition of Virginia’s 252-Room Hilton Alexandria Old Town for $111 Million
| July 2, 2018
DALLAS, July 2, 2018 -- Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AHT) ("Ashford Trust" or the "Company") announced today that it has completed the previously disclosed acquisition of the 252-room Hilton Alexandria Old Town located in Alexandria, Virginia, for total consideration of $111 million. This acquisition of the Hilton Alexandria Old Town is expected to be Ashford Trust's first hotel acquisition to benefit from the Enhanced Return Funding Program (the "Program" or "ERFP"), which was announced on June 26, 2018. In connection with this acquisition and subject to the terms of the ERFP, Ashfo...
Grace Bay Resorts Appoints Stephanie Navatto to Director of Sales
Grace Bay Resorts | July 2, 2018
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS (July 2, 2018) – Grace Bay Resorts is pleased to announce Stephanie Navatto as Director of Sales for the complete collection of boutique luxury resorts, effective July 2, 2018. Ms. Navatto brings over 15 years of experience to this role and a comprehensive understanding of the luxury hospitality market. As Director of Sales, her focus is on transient and group segments for Grace Bay Resorts. "I am honored to join Grace Bay Resorts during this exciting time, and represent a collection so committed to its guests," stated Ms. Navatto. "I look forward to contributing to the continued success of this wo...
The Loren at Pink Beach Bermuda Appoints Sebastien Maingourd as General Manager
The Loren at Pink Beach | July 2, 2018
July 2, 2018 (Bermuda) – The Loren at Pink Beach, an elegant, 45-suite, design-forward hideaway in Bermuda, has announced the appointment of Sebastien Maingourd as General Manager. Drawing on close to two decades of management-level experience at luxury hotel and resort properties, Maingourd is responsible for all day-to-day operations at The Loren including oversight of departmental management, staff recruitment, sales and marketing efforts and ensuring a remarkable guest experience by the cerulean waters of the Atlantic. Maingourd arrived at The Loren from The William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where as opening Genera...
Lodgis Acquires Two Historic Raffles Hotels in Cambodia—Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap
Lodgis Hospitality Holdings | July 2, 2018
SINGAPORE, July 2, 2018 -- Lodgis Hospitality Holdings Pte. Ltd. ("Lodgis"), a leading fully integrated hospitality platform sponsored by Warburg Pincus and VinaCapital (the "Shareholders"), announced today that it has successfully completed the acquisition of two historic landmark hotels in Cambodia, the flagship Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh ("Raffles Le Royal") and the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor Siem Reap ("Raffles Grand d'Angkor") (collectively the "Raffles Hotels"). With the acquisition of the Raffles Hotels, Lodgis now owns the largest collection of luxury historic ho...
Wharf Hotels Appoints Sandy Russell as Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Wharf Hotels | July 2, 2018
2 July 2018 (Hong Kong) – Wharf Hotels has announced the appointment of Ms Sandy Russell as Vice President, Sales & Marketing to lead the group's corporate sales and marketing. Overseeing the hospitality management company's robust division, Sandy will spearhead revenue optimisation and distribution initiatives alongside global sales and marketing to strategically build the group's sales and marketing efforts internationally. Holding over two-decades of industry knowledge, prior to joining Wharf Hotels, Sandy held the position of Vice President Commercial Operations Asia Pacific at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, based in Singapo...
Tourism Tidbits: Creating a Balanced Tourism Industry
Dr. Peter E. Tarlow | July 2, 2018
By Dr. Peter Tarlow At its very essence tourism is a business and to be a successful business there needs to be a balance between the needs provider's (merchant's) needs and those of the receiver (the customer). If the product is too expensive then people will find alternatives, and if it is too inexpensive than it loses prestige or there is no profit to be made. -Find ways to spend the least but give the most value. For example, many governments see tourism as an easy industry to tax. High taxes eventually drive tourists away. Visitors are not ignorant and they may pay a high tax rate the first time but they may not be back a second ti...
Vista Collina Resort Appoints Executive Chef Vincent Lesage and Food & Beverage Manager Brian Campagna
Vista Collina Resort | July 2, 2018
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. (July 2, 2018) – Set to debut in July, Vista Collina Resort, a Meritage Collection property, is adding vibrancy to Napa Valley with the debut of its new culinary team: Executive Chef Vincent Lesage and Food & Beverage Manager Brian Campagna. With notable years of experience in the culinary industry, Lesage and Campagna will serve up innovative cuisine at Napa's newest culinary hot spot featuring The Village with nine tasting rooms from local wineries and breweries, a locally-sourced Fivetown Grocery, Food & Wine Center and partnership with Hestan Cue Smart Cooking which will deliver guests a personal cu...
Palo Alto’s Garden Court Hotel Appoints Leonardo Mariotti as General Manager
Garden Court Hotel | July 2, 2018
Palo Alto, Calif. (June 18, 2018) – Jan Henningsen, representative for the owners of the Garden Court Hotel, is pleased to announce that Leonardo Mariotti will assume the role of General Manager. The hotel, which is located in downtown Palo Alto, features 62 Guestrooms including one penthouse suite. The property is distinctly European in feel with Mediterranean architectural features and design details including interior open-air tiled floor courtyards, private patios, outdoor fountains and French doors. "Mariotti has a wide range of experience in the hospitality world working at leading hotels and hotel groups including the Atlan...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Top 10 List – How to Create More Hospitality Financial Leadership
David Lund | July 2, 2018
By David Lund 1. You can increase the way you lead your team financially. Create an environment that has your managers working together on the "business" of running your hotel. It all starts by knowing that it is a team effort and it can't be done properly by only the executive. Line level managers need to be included. The idea that someone produces numbers in a vacuum and gives them to a manager to hit is absurd. If you're doing that today, stop it. 2. Know this, what we place our attention on grows. Financial leadership in your hotel is no different. Like service and colleague engagement we must invest time, resources and our efforts ...
Chesapeake Bay Beach Club to Unveil Multi-Million Dollar Expansion Debuting The Barn and The Cottages
Chesapeake Bay Beach Club | July 2, 2018
STEVENSVILLE, MD (July 2, 2018) – Ideally situated on the coast of Maryland's Eastern Shore, the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club – known as the region's premier venue for extraordinary waterfront weddings, special events and corporate functions – proudly announces it will complete construction on the second phase of The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, unveiling a multi-million dollar property expansion that includes the late summer 2018 opening of The Barn, a standalone farm-style building featuring 18 guest rooms and suites, and late fall 2018 opening of The Cottages, an enclave of five distinct, one-bedroom luxury bungal...
OHR Whistler Management (OHRWM) Selects Aimbridge Hospitality to Manage The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, British Columbia
The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler | July 2, 2018
DALLAS (July 2, 2018) – OHR Whistler Management Ltd. ("OHRWM"), operator of The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, is pleased to announce an agreement with Aimbridge Hospitality, LLC ("Aimbridge"). Under that agreement, Aimbridge has invested in OHRWM, and effective immediately Evolution Hospitality, a subsidiary of Aimbridge, will work closely with O'Neill Hotels & Resorts, Ltd. ("OHR") to actively lead the day-to-day operation of the Resort. Aimbridge Hospitality is North America's largest independent hotel management company, currently operating more than 800 hotels and resorts, with nearly 400 properties under various Marr...
Five Real Ways to Personalize the Guest Experience
Chamberlin Public Relations | July 2, 2018
In spite of the impressive growth of loyalty programs and the stacks of membership cards we all have in our wallets, travelers don't want to be just a number in a business' computer. Hotel guests want to be recognized as individuals with unique tastes when they check in, and throughout their stay. While it used to be hard to personalize the guest experience, the abundance of information that guests share both directly and indirectly with hotels has made it easier than ever to learn what a guest's preferences are, and to personalize their stay to their tastes. 1. Use the property management system and loyalty program to keep notes on wha...
Twelfth Avenue Realty Holdings to Debut W Hotels Brand in Music City With 2020 Opening of W Nashville
W Hotels Worldwide | July 2, 2018
NEW YORK – July 2, 2018 – How do you make Music City USA even more exciting? Set up a new stage for people to play. W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, today announces the anticipated 2020 opening of W Nashville. Owned by Twelfth Avenue Realty Holdings, the new-build hotel is the latest North American development in the brand's packed line-up of extraordinary new hotels across the United States and beyond, including the soon to open W Aspen and W Philadelphia. Known for pushing the boundaries of modern design, W Hotels will infuse the rich culture and musical legacy of Nashville into every aspect of the prope...
Hilton Opens Dual-Branded Hampton by Hilton Monterrey Apodaca and Homewood Suites by Hilton Monterrey Apodaca in Mexico
Hampton by Hilton | July 2, 2018
MONTERREY, Mexico and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the opening of its newest hotel, the dual-branded Hampton by Hilton Monterrey Apodaca and Homewood Suites by Hilton Monterrey Apodaca. This opening represents Hilton's second dual-brand hotel in Mexico. "While expanding our presence in Latin America, we have focused on growing the dual-brand segment of Hilton's portfolio, as well as the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand set to open eight properties across Latin America, including four in Mexico," said Juan Corvinos, vice president, development, Latin America and the Caribbean, Hilton. "We recognize the importance of bl...
Apple Hospitality REIT Acquires Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody for $29.5 Million ($223K per Key)
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. | July 2, 2018
RICHMOND, Va.--Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (NYSE: APLE) (the "Company" or "Apple Hospitality") today announced that it acquired the 132-room Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody (the "Hotel") for a purchase price of approximately $29.5 million, or $223,000 per key. "We are pleased to strengthen our presence in Atlanta with the acquisition of this Hampton Inn & Suites," said Nelson Knight, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Apple Hospitality. "The Hotel opened in May 2016 and is situated in the heart of the Perimeter Center area, one of Atlanta's largest business districts, where it wil...
IHG Completes Acquisition of 51% Stake in Regent Hotels & Resorts for $39 Million
IHG | July 2, 2018
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is pleased to confirm that its acquisition of a 51% stake in Regent Hotels & Resorts ('Regent') has now completed. The 51% interest has been acquired for $39 million in cash, payable in three tranches of $13 million. $13 million was paid on completion, with the second amount due in 2021 and the third in 2024. IHG will have the right to acquire the remaining 49% interest in a phased manner from 2026. As detailed in the announcement published on 14th March 2018, IHG will bring Regent into its brand portfolio at the top end of the luxury segment and will accelerate its growth globally, supported by I...
A Welcomed Metamorphosis of the Chief Human Resources Officer Function
Thomas Mielke | July 2, 2018
By Thomas Mielke In the late 19th and early 20th century, the French-American duo of mathematicians Henri Poincaré and Norbert Wiener investigated how minor changes can trigger an unpredictable chain of events that lead to significant consequences on a grander scale. This phenomenon is known today as the "Butterfly Effect" - a term coined in the mid-1970s by another American mathematician, Edward Norton. Norton was also a pioneer in "Chaos Theory", studying the behaviour of dynamical systems that are sensitive to fluctuations in their internal and external conditions. And, what are today's businesses and o...
Scenic Hotel Group Adopts TravelClick’s Industry-Leading iHotelier® Booking Engine 4.0
TravelClick | July 2, 2018
New Zealand's Largest Independent Hotel Group Selects TravelClick to Maximize Bookings and Drive More Revenue NEW YORK, July 2, 2018 – TravelClick, a leading global provider of data and revenue-generating solutions for hoteliers, today announced Scenic Hotel Group, New Zealand's largest locally owned hotel group, has adopted TravelClick's award-winning iHotelier® Booking Engine 4.0, part of TravelClick's Central Reservations System (CRS). Working with TravelClick, Scenic Hotel Group is able to maximize their site conversion rates by leveraging TravelClick iHotelier Booking Engine 4.0's simple, intuitive and personalized guest ...
Guestware Delivers the Personal Touch for Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest
Guestware | July 2, 2018
Rapid Response to Guest Requests, Pre-Arrival Guest Detail Reports, Operations SMS Communications Give Radisson Blu, Bucharest Staff Power Tools for Guest Service July 2, 2018 – When guests check into the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest they are surprised at the friendly, personal way they are received. If they stayed there before, the staff recognizes them and knows many of their preferences. First-time guests are impressed with the staff's professionalism and how quickly they respond to requests. "We use Guestware to connect our property teams and track all operational incidents and guest requests. Communications between departme...
Cendyn is Europe’s Leading Hotel CRM Technology Provider & Data Driven Marketing Agency 2018 as Voted by Prestigious World Travel Awards
Cendyn | July 2, 2018
JULY 2, 2018 – Boca Raton, Florida – Cendyn, the leading provider of hotel CRM and hotel sales platforms in the hospitality industry, has been voted as Europe's Leading Hotel CRM Technology Provider and Europe's Data Driven Marketing Agency, 2018. The prestigious World Travel Awards recognizes companies, organizations, and brands that push the boundaries of industry excellence. "We are truly honored to have won these awards," says Charles Deyo, CEO & President at Cendyn. "The hospitality landscape is constantly evolving, so it is wonderful to see how many hoteliers are embracing this change and ado...
Upgrading.cc is the world’s first online travel platform that allows hotels and service apartments to upsell at no investment.
LEAP IMS | July 1, 2018
Launching at a pivotal moment in travel, as consumers worldwide continue to embrace the convenience and instant gratification of online travel planning, Upgrading.cc brings travelers the ability to secure their desired hotel upgrades prior to arrival, and on their own terms. At the same time, it allows hotel and service apartment partners an opportunity to upsell, at no investment. Set to launch in the third quarter of 2018, Upgrading.cc will be the world's only online platform for guests to gain access to 'Three-in-One' upgrading options and exclusive promotions offered by the hotels and service apartments they have reservations for, i...
AccorHotels Agrees to Acquire 50% in sbe for $125 Million With Promise of $194 Million in Additional Investment for Future Development
sbe | June 29, 2018
AccorHotels and sbe Entertainment Group ("sbe") have signed a Letter of Intent and entered into exclusive negotiations for AccorHotels to acquire a 50% stake in sbe, further illustrating AccorHotels's strategy to expand its offering in the luxury lifestyle hospitality segment. This partnership will combine the expertise and savoir-faire of the two groups; AccorHotels will acquire the 50% of sbe's common equity held in part by Cain International for $125 million. Sam Nazarian will continue to own the remaining 50% of sbe. In addition, AccorHotels will invest $194 million in a new preferred debt instrument that will be used ...
Weighing up the Pros and Cons of Soft Brands
Amistad Hotel Marketing Partnership Ltd | June 29, 2018
Today's AP voice is from our managing director Beate Christeleit. At Amistad, we have seen a substantial increase in the number of "soft brands" in the past few years. While there are obvious benefits for independent hotels, it's worth taking a deeper dive into the benefits and disadvantages and other possible options, such as hotel representation companies. Let's start with the basics of what we define as a soft brand. Some well-known examples are Marriott International's Autograph Collection launched in 2010, or The Luxury Collection acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 1998. The theory behind soft brands is that independent h...
Has Incredible India Lost Its Incredible Hotels?
Hotelivate Private Limited | June 29, 2018
by Manav Thadani During the exclusive 'owners-only' meet at the recently concluded HICSA in Mumbai, there was an interesting discussion on the type of branded hotels entering the market today across positioning. Everyone agreed that too much of the same thing is being churned out and except for the logo and the hotel name, there is really very little of the ambience and décor that sets one mainstream brand's property apart from the other – which begs the question, does standardization need to be so obvious? While I am not here to promote any brand, most owners in the room agreed that what the Andaz has done both in Delhi an...
