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Industry Happenings
American Street Capital arranges $10.7 million for hotel in Chicago, IL
American Street Capital | May 17, 2018
Chicago, IL – May 17, 2018 – American Street Capital ("ASC") announced today that it has arranged $10.7 million loan for the 63-room Ivy Boutique Hotel in the Magnificent Mile district of Chicago, IL. The subject property is a top-rated boutique hotel in the premier Magnificent Mile district of Chicago. The sponsor required a fast close with a large cash out to negotiate and consolidate debt associated with the property and other assets. The loan also required an initial interest reserve to meet his strategy of repositioning the asset with a new management company. In less than three weeks from the application, the loan clos...
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts Plans Conversion of Mandarin Oriental on Las Vegas Strip to Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts | May 17, 2018
LAS VEGAS, Nev. and MCLEAN, Va. – May 17, 2018 – Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) iconic luxury hotel brand, today announced plans to convert the Mandarin Oriental on the Las Vegas Strip to the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas in August 2018. Waldorf Astoria will assume full operation of the property with plans to re-imagine and renovate the hotel with brand touches and improvements. When the property opens as the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas it will be at the epicenter of the entertainment capital and the brand's first property in the market. With elevated offerings alongside Las Vegas' most sought-after att...
The Omni Homestead Resort Appoints New Director of Sales and Marketing
Omni Hotels & Resorts | May 17, 2018
HOT SPRINGS, VA (May 17, 2018) – The Omni Homestead Resort, a premier destination located across more than 2,000 scenic mountain acres, recently appointed Richard A. Ross as the new director, sales and marketing for the property. In his role, Ross will lead the departments responsible for catering and convention service, marketing and communications, group sales, revenue management and resort membership in addition to being a member of the resort's executive leadership committee. Ross joins The Omni Homestead Resort with over 30 years of operations, sales, marketing and multi-property leadership experience. He has relocated from D...
How to Use the Google Ecosystem to Get Your Hotel’s Digital Strategy on Point
HEBS Digital | May 17, 2018
By Kerryn Gower With over 4 billion searches happening every day, the Google ecosystem continues to be one of the best suites of products available for hotels to drive online users to their website, and then convert those users into guests. With ongoing optimizations and new products being released regularly, it can be easy for hoteliers to fall behind on trends and miss opportunities to get the most out of their digital strategy through the entire Google ecosystem. Below, we've outlined some of the latest developments from Google, including new products and enhancements to existing products, which can greatly impact the digital marketi...
The Mayfair Hotel Appoints Peter Kolla as General Manager
The Mayfair Hotel | May 17, 2018
LOS ANGELES (May 17, 2018) – The Mayfair Hotel, an historic Downtown Los Angeles hotel established in 1926 and managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, has announced the appointment of Peter Kolla as General Manager. Ahead of the hotel's top-to-bottom renovation debuting in June, Kolla will be tasked with a multi-faceted opening launch, inclusive of overseeing all budgets, marketing plans and operations in his new position at The Mayfair. "I am elated to join the team of this reenergized and stunningly designed hotel, located in the heart of a burgeoning and animated part of Los Angeles," said Kolla. "With an unparalleled dedicat...
San Diego’s Paradise Point Resort & Spa Appoints Michael Stephens as New Managing Director
Paradise Point Resort & Spa | May 17, 2018
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May 17, 2018) – Paradise Point Resort & Spa, A Destination Hotel, is pleased to announce the new hire of Michael Stephens as managing director. In Stephens' new role as managing director of the newly renovated resort, he will oversee all business operations, while seeking out new ventures for the resort and bringing exceptional guest services. He brings extensive experience in the hospitality industry, holding with various management positions with Hyatt Hotels both domestic and internationally. From his first general manager position at the Hyatt Regency Lexington in Kentucky to general manager at the Grand...
Cliff House Maine Appoints Richard Carroll as Director of Sales & Marketing and Cyril Amini as Director of Food, Beverage & Entertainment
Cliff House Maine | May 17, 2018
Cape Neddick, ME (May 17, 2018) – The scenic oceanfront resort, Cliff House Maine, perched along the southern coast of Maine, is pleased to announce the acquisition of three industry professionals, Richard Carroll as Director of Sales and Marketing and Cyril Amini as Director of Food, Beverage and Entertainment. In his role as Director of Sales and Marketing, Richard will lead and cultivate a passionate team of sales and marketing specialists, driving the Cliff House brand to new heights in the wake of the property's recently completed second phase transformation. Formerly the President of MPI's New England chapter, he is well-kno...
Red Roof® Welcomes Gregory Fox to Franchise Development Team
May 17, 2018
Columbus, OH – May 17, 2018 – Red Roof has announced the addition of Gregory Fox to its Franchise Development team as Vice President of Development. Fox will primarily focus on the growth of Red Roof's first soft brand, The Red Collection™. An industry veteran, Fox brings more than 30 years of experience in hospitality to the company, including a background in sales, marketing, operations and franchise development. Throughout his accomplished career, Fox has a proven track record of strategically growing brands. Fox joins Red Roof from Wyndham Hotel Group, where he served as Regional Director of Franchise Development f...
Visit Tampa Bay Honors Mainsail Lodging & Development President Joe Collier as 2018 Tourism Ambassador of the Year
Visit Tampa Bay | May 16, 2018
TAMPA (May 22, 2018) – Visit Tampa Bay honored Joe Collier, president of Mainsail Lodging & Development as its Gonzmart Family Tourism Ambassador of the Year at the National Tourism luncheon Wednesday at The Gathering at Armature Works. The award was part of Visit Tampa Bay's sold-out celebration of tourism, which is currently the fastest-growing segment of Hillsborough County's economy. More than 500 people, including industry partners, attended the luncheon that also honored industry workers with the Bern Laxer Award of Excellence, named for the founder of South Tampa's iconic Bern's Steak House, and Visit Tampa Bay's Talk U...
Summer In The City: Marriott International Study Finds Cities Top the List for Vacation Plans
Marriott International, Inc. | May 16, 2018
New York City, Orlando and Chicago top travelers' lists; Children ages 6-12 have greatest involvement in picking trip destinations If your summer vacation this year brings you to a big city, lasts for four days, and includes a destination that your son or daughter picked, don't be surprised. Marriott International's newly released Second Annual U.S. Summer Travel Trends Report says that travelers are favoring cities over beaches in Summer 2018 and planning to take an average of two trips. And among families with children, it's becoming more common for the kids to pick the destination, the report shows. "Pack your walking shoes because f...
U.S. Lodging Fundamentals Portend Improved RevPAR Growth
Fitch | May 16, 2018
Fitch Ratings-New York/Chicago-16 May 2018: U.S. lodging RevPAR growth will be in the 2% - 4% range in 2018, according to Fitch Ratings. The agency raised its prior outlook of 0% - 2% growth due to better than expected corporate transient lodging demand in the context of continued, strong leisure demand and moderate industry supply growth. Higher-end resort hotels will outperform but elevated supply in key markets such as New York City will weigh on urban and upscale hotels. The sector credit outlook is stable, with most issuers reporting healthy operating fundamentals and managing leverage within stated financial policy targets. U.S. l...
RLH Corporation Opens The Island by Hotel RL in Fort Walton Beach, Florida Marking First Hotel RL Resort
RLH Corporation | May 16, 2018
DENVER (May 16, 2018) — RLH Corporation (NYSE:RLH) announced today the opening of The Island by Hotel RL, the first resort destination for the fast-growing upscale boutique brand. Part of an aggressive franchise expansion operation, this agreement marks the opening of the eighth Hotel RL with a robust pipeline of resort and urban destinations pending. Guests will enjoy fully renovated public spaces including multiple restaurants, lively bars and a market offering a selection of snacks, beverages and unique souvenirs. Newly designed guest rooms will debut in 2019. "Hotel RLs are culturally immersive destinations and our vision has ...
Understanding the True Cost of Distribution: Are You Leaving Money on the Table by Ignoring Your Direct Channel?
Gautam Lulla | May 16, 2018
By Gautam Lulla Hotels can make the biggest impact to their bottom line with an optimized direct channel. But a recent white paper by HEDNA found most independent properties are underinvesting and undervaluing this crucial part of their business. In "Hotel Distribution Data Management And Analysis," HEDNA discovered that just 48% of independents look closely at cost of distribution. Independents were also the least likely to use analytics to make decisions about distribution (67% relied on them), compared to chains (81%) and management companies (72%). Overall, the paper revealed something crucial: a lot of hotels just aren't focused on...
The Hotel Group Opens 254-Room Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Bellevue Washington
The Hotel Group | May 16, 2018
Seattle, WA, May 16, 2018 — The Hotel Group (THG), a leading national hotel management and investment company, announced today they will be opening the Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Bellevue Downtown located in Bellevue, Washington. The 254-room, six-story property is located in close proximity to downtown Seattle and several Fortune 500 businesses including Microsoft, Clearwire, Expedia, Symetra, and T-Mobile. Guests will enjoy Bellevue Square and Bravern Shopping Mall for high-end shopping and dining as well as being able to explore popular attractions like Bellevue Botanical Gardens, Meydenbauer Bay, and the Space Needle. "The Hilt...
Langham Hospitality Group Appoints Former Jumeirah CEO, Stefan Leser as Chief Executive Officer
Langham Hospitality Group | May 16, 2018
16 May 2018 – Langham Hospitality Group today announced the appointment of Stefan Leser as Chief Executive Officer. Based in Hong Kong, he will oversee all aspects of the group's global portfolio of hotels, resorts and residences, and will be providing strategic guidance to achieve the company's vision, implementing organizational processes for all divisions, and leading the global expansion drive. Leser has nearly 30 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industries, most recently at Jumeirah International where he was the group chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors. At the Dubai-based company,...
Local Search Evolved [Infographic]
MDG Advertising | May 16, 2018
Online search is constantly evolving, and the local search space is especially changing. Google reevaluates its algorithms and results pages regularly, making keeping up with the latest search trends a full-time job for many marketers. In 2018, these changes are expected to continue as new features and tools become available. Google's location-based searches are growing rapidly, and so are consumers' expectations. So, what key changes should you be aware of this year? We've updated our popular infographic, Local Search Evolved, with fresh approaches and statistics, giving you the tools you need to boost search engine rankings and expand...
Waldorf Astoria Chicago and Conrad Chicago Appoint Todd Temperly as General Manager
the Waldorf Astoria Chicago | May 16, 2018
CHICAGO – May 16, 2018 – The prestigious AAA Five Diamond award-winning Waldorf Astoria Chicago and the Conrad Chicago have appointed Todd Temperly as General Manager of Hilton's two premier luxury properties located in the heart of downtown Chicago. In his new position, Temperly will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the luxury 215-room and 289-room hotels, both owned by Geller Capital Partners. "I'm thrilled to return to the incredible city of Chicago and have the opportunity to create unforgettable guest experiences at two esteemed luxury hotels," said Todd Temperly. "It's an honor to work with two dynamic t...
Noble Merchant Properties Selects Hotel Equities to Manage Four New-Build Hotels in Texas
Hotel Equities | May 16, 2018
Atlanta, GA – May 16, 2018 – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities [HE] announces the addition of four new-build hotels in Texas; a Tru by Hilton in Cypress, the extended-stay Home2 Suites by Hilton in Richmond, the Holiday Inn Express in Katy and the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Spring. The hotels are owned and being developed by Noble Merchant Properties based in Sugarland, Texas. The addition of this diverse group of hotel brands is a complement to Hotel Equities' growing Texas portfolio. Joe Reardon, Sr. Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for Hotel Equities said, "We are pleased to partner with this ownership g...
Coral Hospitality-GA Welcomes Two New General Managers to State Park and Lodge Teams in Georgia
Coral Hospitality | May 16, 2018
Atlanta, Ga. – May 16, 2018 – Coral Hospitality-GA, LLC today announced the appointments of new general managers at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge and Unicoi State Park & Lodge. The two will oversee property operations - including the financial, food and beverage, staffing, recreational and guest services departments - for their respective locations. Georgia native Libby Cook joins Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge in a permanent capacity, after serving as interim task force general manager for the property and Unicoi State Park & Lodge since earlier this year. Cook's experience spans more than 30 years ...
Cambria Dallas Downtown Names Nathan Enders as Executive Chef
Cambria Hotels & Suites | May 16, 2018
DALLAS (May 16, 2018) – Petro Tower Grill, a full-service restaurant and bar in the Cambria Dallas Downtown hotel, announces Nathan Enders as Executive Chef. With more than 10 years of culinary experience, Chef Enders comes to Dallas from the Cambria Chicago Magnificent Mile, where he served as Executive Chef for four years under Fillmore Hospitality, the management company of both Cambria Dallas and Cambria Chicago hotels. Prior, Enders held chef positions at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Downers Grove, Illinois, and the Hotel Arista in Naperville, Illinois. Before joining the hotel industry, Enders gained experience at Moto, a fin...
Conrad Bora Bora Nui Appoints Sebastien Pisano as General Manager
Westgate Resorts | May 16, 2018
PAPEETE, Tahiti (May 16, 2018) – Conrad Bora Bora Nui has named Sebastien Pisano as General Manager of the luxury award-winning resort located in French Polynesia. Pisano brings vast, international luxury hospitality experience to his new role through his numerous leadership positions at Conrad and Hilton properties throughout his career and his international hospitality work. He will oversee all operations for the beachfront property. "I am thrilled to join the team at Conrad Bora Bora Nui and help guests discover the magic of such an incredible destination," said Pisano. "With our unique location in a private cove and dedicated ...
RLH Corporation Closes Acquisition of the Knights Inn Brand From Wyndham Hotel Group
OTO Development | May 16, 2018
DENVER (May 16, 2018) — RLH Corporation (NYSE:RLH) today announced that it closed its acquisition of the Knights Inn brand from Wyndham Hotel Group, LLC a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE:WYN). As a result of the acquisition, the Company acquired approximately 350 economy segment franchise contracts across North America and a pipeline of additional contracts. The acquisition is another step in RLH Corporation's transformation into an asset-light franchised hotel company. The Company expects the transaction will be immediately accretive to the Company's earnings and cash flow. "We are enthusiastic to have closed the acqui...
Epelboim Development Group to Develop New 259 Suite Tru by Hilton Hotel in Orlando, Florida
the author | May 16, 2018
MIAMI--Epelboim Development Group has secured a construction loan totaling $21.5 million from BridgeInvest for the development of an eight-story, 259 suite Tru by Hilton hotel in Orlando Florida. Designed as the largest Tru by Hilton in the U.S. to date, the Orlando property will be located on Westbrook Boulevard, conveniently across the Orange County Convention Center with easy access to major Orlando attractions. As a game-changer in the midscale segment, the Tru by Hilton brand is differentiated by its affordability, attention to the guest experience and vibrant, high-energy environments. The modern guest rooms are designed to maximi...
Being a Senior Team Member in Ten Steps
Larry Mogelonsky | May 16, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Years ago, it was simple – reaching 65 meant retirement. You got your gold watch, or other memorabilia of recognition, and set out into the sunset of your time on earth. Perhaps a life in Florida or Arizona was in the plans, with many thinking that their last days would be spent in the bliss of endless golf games and beach walks or inspirational hikes. At least, that is what the television commercials wanted you to believe. I vividly remember advertising for Sun Life Insurance where the current marketing slogan was 'Freedom 55' which envisioned a happy future starting ten year...
