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Industry Happenings
Hyatt Signs with Henderson Park and Hines for Grand Hyatt Athens Set for Q3 2018 Opening
Grand Hyatt | May 22, 2018
CHICAGO (May 22, 2018) - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with both Henderson Park and Hines for the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Greece, Grand Hyatt Athens. The opening is expected in Q3 2018. The hotel will be managed by Kokari Limited and will deliver bold and vibrant luxury for guests in this iconic destination. "We are thrilled to announce plans for the first Hyatt property in Athens with Henderson Park, Hines and Kokari," said Takuya Aoyama, vice president, development for Eastern Europe, Russia & CIS at Hyatt. "We have long sought to bring the Grand...
Interstate Hotels & Resorts Names Mike Wylie Head of eCommerce
Interstate Hotels & Resorts | May 22, 2018
ARLINGTON, Va. – May 22, 2018 – Interstate Hotels & Resorts, widely recognized in the hospitality field as the leader in hotel and resort management, is igniting its digital prowess by naming industry guru, Mike Wylie, head of eCommerce. "Hiring thought leaders such as Mike is a crucial strategy to give us a competitive advantage," said Mike Deitemeyer, president and CEO of Interstate Hotels & Resorts. "With 20-years in digital marketing, his experience will propel us ahead of the industry, driving innovative growth and impacting global distribution." Named one of the 25 Most Extraordinary Sales and Marketing Minds i...
Omni Hotels & Resorts, Governor Baker, Mayor Walsh, MAssport and Community Celebrate Breaking Ground on Boston Seaport Hotel
Omni Hotels & Resorts | May 22, 2018
BOSTON (May 22, 2018) — Executives from Omni Hotels & Resorts along with Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and New Boston Hospitality, broke ground today on the highly anticipated Omni Boston Seaport Hotel. The city's fourth largest hotel will reflect the rich history of the city of Boston while providing guests with the ultimate Omni experience. "This project's hotel, retail, restaurant and outdoor space is a welcome addition to Boston's Seaport District and will lead to expanded economic opportunities for many businesses within the Commonwealth," said Governor Charlie ...
Golden Entertainment Selects Comprehensive Rainmaker Suite to Drive Guest Bookings and Increase Profitability
Rainmaker | May 22, 2018
Company to Implement Rainmaker's Industry-Leading Revenue Optimization Solutions at Two Properties ALPHARETTA, GA. — May 22, 2018 —The Rainmaker Group (Rainmaker), a leading provider of cloud-based hospitality revenue and profit optimization software, today announced that Golden Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: GDEN) has selected a comprehensive Rainmaker suite to drive competitive advantage at two of the company's Nevada properties. The agreement marks Rainmaker's expansion in the U.S. gaming market. Golden Entertainment wanted an integrated cloud-based revenue management suite that would streamline operations, drive guest booki...
Phoenix Hotel Gains Better Control Over Beer, Liquor and Wine Inventory Thanks to Clear Sky Software
Clear Sky Software | May 22, 2018
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – May 22, 2018 – Clear Sky Software, Inc. – Clear Sky Software, Inc.® announced today that The Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel has implemented the company's beverage inventory control system to help manage and control all beverage products. The Renaissance Phoenix is taking advantage of the features of this industry-leading beverage inventory system. Called Clear Sky BEVERAGE, this is a comprehensive, perpetual inventory system that tracks and controls all beverage products. Functions include purchasing/ordering, receiving, electronic requisition, outlet transfers/issues/returns and phy...
Village of Bedford Park and Hunden Strategic Partners Announce Request for Indications of Interest for Proposed Indoor Sports and Event Facility
Hunden Strategic Partners | May 21, 2018
Village of Bedford Park (VBP) is soliciting expressions of interest from organizations who may be interested in partnering on the proposed Multipurpose Sports and Event Center near the Midway Hotel Center (MHC) in Bedford Park, Illinois. The MHC consists of ten (10) branded hotels with more than 1,600 rooms, as well as several restaurants. The intent of the proposed facility is to support local use and generate sports tournament activity, along with other related event uses. Hunden Strategic Partners (HSP) is advising VBP and co-managing the process with VBP. Village of Bedford Park is interested in learning what experienced organizatio...
Village of Bedford Park and Hunden Strategic Partners Announce Request for Indications of Interest for Proposed Indoor Sports and Event Facility
Hunden Strategic Partners | May 21, 2018
Village of Bedford Park (VBP) is soliciting expressions of interest from organizations who may be interested in partnering on the proposed Multipurpose Sports and Event Center near the Midway Hotel Center (MHC) in Bedford Park, Illinois. The MHC consists of ten (10) branded hotels with more than 1,600 rooms, as well as several restaurants. The intent of the proposed facility is to support local use and generate sports tournament activity, along with other related event uses. Hunden Strategic Partners (HSP) is advising VBP and co-managing the process with VBP. Village of Bedford Park is interested in learning what experienced organizatio...
InterContinental® Debuts in Bulgaria With Opening of 194-Room InterContinental Sofia
IHG | May 21, 2018
InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts has brought modern luxury to Bulgaria with the opening of InterContinental® Sofia, an IHG® hotel, in the culture-filled capital city. Sofia, an untapped destination for UK travellers, blends history and modernity with its scattering of domed churches and ottoman mosques intertwined with the sheen of new buildings and striking historic architecture. Steeped in historical charm, it offers travellers a cultural escape as well as the dynamism and energy of a city on the up. Marking the brand's debut in Bulgaria but seventh opening in Eastern Europe, the hotel features 194 rooms, including 2...
Karisma Hotels & Resorts Plans June 2018 Opening of Allure Palazzi Kotor Bay Hotel by Karisma in Montenegro’s Dobrota
Karisma Hotels & Resorts | May 21, 2018
MIAMI (MAY 21, 2018) — Karisma Hotels & Resorts, an award-winning luxury hotel collection which owns and manages properties in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, is pleased to announce the opening of Allure Palazzi Kotor Bay Hotel by Karisma in June 2018. Built from the ground up in Montenegro's idyllic Dobrota, the exclusive five-star beachfront property seamlessly blends stunning architecture and design with its mountainous landscape, offering spellbinding views of Kotor Bay. Sitting on Kotor Bay's only private beach, the resort features 89 premium guestrooms, 10 villas with private beachfront access, and three breatht...
Nish Palas Istanbul Opens in Istanbul as Part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt | May 21, 2018
CHICAGO (May 21, 2018) - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Nish Palas Istanbul as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The 45-room boutique hotel is located in Nişantaşı, one of Istanbul's oldest and most exciting neighborhoods, and will mark the entry into Turkey for The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. Once popular in 19th century for Ottoman hunting events, the Nişantaşı neighborhood is now known for its one-of-a-kind designer boutiques, lively restaurants and story-worthy art galleries. It is also home to many of Turkey's most creative minds, including the 2006 winner of the Nobel Prize in...
Pebblebrook Responds to LaSalle – Blackstone Merger
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | May 21, 2018
BETHESDA, Md--Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) (the "Company") today responded to LaSalle Hotel Properties' ("LaSalle") announcement that it has entered into a merger agreement with Blackstone at a price of $33.50 per share, a significantly lower price than Pebblebrook has been willing to pay. Pebblebrook is proposing to merge with LaSalle at a fixed exchange ratio of 0.9200 Pebblebrook common share for each LaSalle common share, with the option for LaSalle shareholders to elect to receive cash up to a maximum of 20% in the aggregate (subject to pro rata cutbacks). Based on Pebblebrook's closing share price on May 18, 2018, this impl...
Denihan Hospitality Appoints Michael Goldrich Vice President of Marketing
Denihan Hospitality | May 21, 2018
NEW YORK--Denihan Hospitality ("Denihan" or the "Company"), a premier operator of upscale luxury, boutique and lifestyle hotels, is pleased to announce the expansion of its senior team with the appointment of seasoned digital marketing and ecommerce executive Michael Goldrich as Vice President of Marketing. Mr. Goldrich will report to Garine Ferejian-Mayo, Denihan's Senior Vice President of Market Strategy and Revenue Management. At Denihan, Mr. Goldrich, will be responsible for the development of brand strategy, positioning and digital marketing for all of the Company's flagships, including The James, The Surrey, Affinia Hotels and Sui...
Coming Soon to Your Hotel: The Integrated Revenue Generation Team
HEBS Digital | May 21, 2018
By Max Starkov and Scott Dahl Background: The hospitality industry is enjoying its longest expansion and healthiest growth in decades, yet there are some troubling trends beginning to surface that threaten profitability and overall performance. One of these trends is that net room revenue—i.e., revenue that remains with the hotel after accounting for distribution costs (OTA commissions, traditional agency commissions, and other distribution expenses)—has been declining steadily over the past several years. For example, U.S. hotels earned roughly $155.2 billion in guest-paid revenue in 2017 but paid an estimated $25.2 billion...
The Source Hotel Names Brandon Biederman as Executive Chef
The Source Hotel | May 21, 2018
Denver, CO (May 21, 2018) – Located on The Source Hotel's expansive rooftop, The Woods is primed to become an essential dining destination in Denver; especially with the appointment of Brandon Biederman as the restaurant's Executive Chef. Biederman's Mile High City cuisine credentials are extensive, with recent positions at Ace Eat Serve and Steubens Food Service. The hotel and restaurant are slated to open in early summer 2018. "I'm thrilled to join the team at The Source Hotel," Biederman says. "I am excited for The Woods to open as a neighborhood hangout – a place that Denverites visit on the way home from work, mixing an...
Main Street Hospitality Appoints Robert Mickey Senior Director of Regional Operations and General Manager of The Red Lion Inn
Main Street Hospitality Group | May 21, 2018
STOCKBRIDGE, MA (May 21, 2018) – Robert Mickey has joined the Main Street Hospitality team as Senior Director of Regional Operations and General Manager of The Red Lion Inn. Mickey brings 20 years of hospitality experience to Main Street Hospitality with extensive operational and management expertise. His tenure at Old Edwards Hospitality Group in Highlands, NC was preceded by work at other prominent properties throughout the Southeast, including The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV, as the Vice President of Guest Relations. Mickey also served as Director of Room Operations at the Sea Island Company in St. Simons Island, GA...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: The Three Dimensions of Delegation
David Lund | May 21, 2018
By David Lund Delegation has three dimensions that are powerful tools. Delegation is also quite often misunderstood. In this article I am going to explain my thoughts on how to use delegation to be more productive, to grow your own abilities and to help you see the way forward using delegation to develop others. First off let's examine what delegation is all about and clear up some misunderstandings. I for one was not a fan of being delegated to early in my career and I did not understand how to use it properly. I thought I was being "put upon" by being delegated to. It was not until I had my first post as an assistant controller that I...
Coni Thornburg Named General Manager of Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa | May 21, 2018
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May 21, 2018) – Southern California's only Relais & Châteaux property, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, has announced Coni Thornburg, an accomplished hospitality expert with more than 25 years of luxury resort and hotel experience, as general manager of a world class property. In this new position, Thornburg will oversee the entire hotel operations from wellness programming and culinary concepts to the resort's Forbes Five-Star Spa and private Villas as well as leading the hotel staff to continually delight guests with its hospitality and warm charm. Guided by an entrepreneur spirit and a tactful fina...
LaSalle Hotel Properties to Be Acquired by Blackstone for $33.50 per Share in $4.8 Billion Transaction
LaSalle Hotel Properties | May 21, 2018
BETHESDA, Md., May 21, 2018 – LaSalle Hotel Properties (NYSE: LHO) ("LaSalle" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Partners VIII, under which Blackstone, a leading global asset manager, will acquire all outstanding common shares of beneficial interest of LaSalle for $33.50 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $4.8 billion. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by LaSalle's Board of Trustees (the "Board"), represents a premium of approximately 35 percent over LaSalle's unaffected share price of $24.84 as of March ...
RLH Corporation Closes Sale of Red Lion Hotel Templin’s on the River for $9.25 Million
RLH Corporation | May 21, 2018
DENVER (May 21, 2018) — RLH Corporation (NYSE:RLH) announced today the sale of Red Lion Hotel Templin's on the River in Post Falls, Idaho for $9.25 million. The hotel marks the seventh of 11 hotels being marketed for sale previously disclosed in October 2017. Red Lion Hotel Templin's on the River, along with all other sold hotels, has signed a franchise license agreement to retain their Red Lion brand. RLH Corporation's total loss on the sale is expected to be approximately $0.3 million, and $6.7 million of the proceeds of the sale was used for debt repayment at the closing. Together with the other six previously announced sales, ...
PolyU Study Explores Why Lodging Reviews Matter in the Sharing Economy
May 21, 2018
More and more people are offering their homes through peer-to-peer sites such as Airbnb to generate extra income, and those who are awarded "Superhost" status can expect to receive more reviews and higher ratings, according to Dr Markus Schuckert and Professor Rob Law of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and co-researchers. Their study of the Airbnb platform explores various factors that influence whether guests post reviews of their accommodation and which characteristics generate higher ratings, as reviews are "a highly significant factor" in the success of a tourism business, pa...
SHR Announces VHP PMS Integration for APAC Region
SHR | May 21, 2018
HOUSTON, TX, May 21, 2018—SHR, Sceptre Hospitality Resources, a leading provider and pioneer of advanced hotel distribution technologies, has announced the integration of a new global Property Management System (PMS) for its Windsurfer® CRS. This integration, Visual Hotel Program or VHP, marks SHR's continuing commitment to provide additional and more robust integrations for its rapidly growing Asia-Pacific (APAC) market partners. The VHP PMS, created by PT. Supranusa Sindata, primarily serves the Indonesian market as a fully-integrated, modular business intelligence solution for the region's hotel industry. "At SHR, we are co...
Xenia Hotels & Resorts and Steelite Executives Named Conti Professors
Penn State School of Hospitality Management | May 21, 2018
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – For the 30th anniversary of the Conti Professorship, the Penn State School of Hospitality Management has named the 2018-2019 visiting professors and announced enhanced engagement of past and future executives named in the program. Walter Conti, a Penn State trustee emeritus who died in 2016 at the age of 87, served on the Penn State Board of Trustees from 1974 to 1992. Conti earned his bachelor's degree in home economics from Penn State in 1952, becoming a well-known restaurateur and industry leader. The Conti Professorship Program was established by alumni and friends of the Penn State School of Hospitality...
Cost vs Price vs Value of a Hotel Room
Hotelivate Private Limited | May 21, 2018
Frequently confused, often used interchangeably and seldom understood – The cost, price and value of a hotel are not the same thing! It is rather surprising that industry stakeholders routinely seem to obfuscate these distinct terms and their implications on the worth of an asset. This article aims to set the record straight and explain the specific differences when performing a hotel's monetary assessment. In a bid to avoid 'death by jargon', I'm also going to tell you a story… COST The total cost of a hotel is simply the accumulation of all expenditures incurred during the tenure of its development. This could include (bu...
Tel Aviv’s The Hotel Drisco Set to Open Following Decade-Long Restoration of the Circa 1866 Hotel
The Drisco Tel-Aviv | May 18, 2018
Tel Aviv, May 18, 2018 – On June 3, The Drisco Hotel will start welcoming guests in the heart of Tel Aviv's vibrant American Colony neighborhood. The 42-room luxury boutique property perfectly captures the essence of the hip, urban Israeli city and offers savvy travelers an upscale hospitality experience enhanced by the storied past of the building. HISTORY The Drisco Hotel pays tribute to the 1866 original grandeur of the property, when Evangelist pilgrims John and George Drisco set out to open the very first luxury hotel in the region, just outside the Jaffa wall. In 1870, Ernst Hardegg, a Templar hotelier, acquired the hotel an...
