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Industry Happenings
What TripAdvisor’s New Sponsored Placements Ad Format Means for Hoteliers
HEBS Digital | May 14, 2018
by Jason Price, EVP, HEBS Digital Gaining visibility on websites such as Kayak, Expedia, and the largest travel website with over 570 million reviews and opinions across the globe, TripAdvisor, is a core component to any hotelier's distribution strategy. Therefore, when TripAdvisor comes out with a new product, the industry is abuzz trying to understand implementation and determine if it's a good fit for their property. Following the recent announcement of TripAdvisor's new ad format called Sponsored Placements, we have outlined some of the top questions hoteliers may have and some tips for implementing this new offering. First, What Ar...
Owned and Managed by Daly Hotel Management, New Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Opens in Athens, Tennessee
Fairfield Inn & Suites | May 14, 2018
Athens, TN– May 21, 2018 – The 100-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Athens, Tennessee is scheduled to opened Tuesday, May 15, 2018 with a new décor that provides guests with a feeling of warmth and calm while traveling. Located at 106 Burkett L. Witt Boulevard, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Athens will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Daly Hotel Management of Greensboro, North Carolina. General Manager Cory Grubb and Director of Sales Melody Gibby lead the management team at the hotel. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Athens offers guests co...
All Guest Services Staff Should Love Guests’ “Buts”
Doug Kennedy | May 14, 2018
By Doug Kennedy Each month I get to travel the world and present 6 – 8 training workshops, many of which are for frontline staff. It is a career I have been blessed to have for nearly 30 years. We talk about a lot of important subjects these days, such as the fact that in the era of social media and online guest reviews, every guest contact colleague is in the public relations and marketing field. We also talk a lot about loving guests' buts. The reason I train everyone to love guests' "buts" is because when we can manage to get a good "but" out of a guest, that means that we have shown the guest we are asking because we truly car...
Residence Inn Hotel To Open In Denver, Colorado
The Sage Agency | May 11, 2018
The 100-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Denver, Colorado is scheduled to open today. Located at 6762 Tower Road, the all-suite Residence Inn Denver Airport/Convention Center will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by DIA Development, LLC and managed by Baywood Hotels Inc. of Columbia, Maryland. Located six miles from Denver International Airport, the Residence Inn Denver Airport/Convention Center offers its guests convenient access to Gaylord Rockies Convention Center, Dick's Sporting Goods Park and The Shops at Northfield Stapleton. The extended-stay hotel is also nearby to Buckley Air Force Base and Aurora Sports Park. Rates va...
White Lodging and Friedman Properties Open Moxy Chicago Marking Brand Debut for the Windy City
Moxy Hotels | May 10, 2018
CHICAGO, May 10, 2018 -- The dynamic River North neighborhood of Chicago welcomed a new hotel brand to the neighborhood today, Marriott International's playful Moxy Chicago. Developed by White Lodging and Friedman Properties, and managed by White Lodging, the 156-bedroom hotel, situated on the corner of Grand Avenue and LaSalle Drive, fully embraces modern fun-hunting travelers with its spirit and style. "Moxy flips the conventional hotel experience on its head, and we're excited to bring this vibrant concept to Chicago for the first time with the opening of Moxy Chicago Downtown," said Vicki Poulos, Senior Global Bran...
Wyndham Worldwide Completes Sale of Its European Vacation Rentals Business to Platinum Equity Affiliate for $1.3 Billion
Wyndham Worldwide | May 10, 2018
PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 10, 2018 -- Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN) today announced the successful completion of its previously announced sale of its European vacation rentals business to an affiliate of Platinum Equity, LLC, a leading global private equity firm, for approximately $1.3 billion. The industry-leading European vacation rentals business is the largest manager of holiday rentals in Europe, with more than 110,000 units in over 600 destinations across more than 25 countries. The business operates more than two dozen local brands, including cottages.com, James Villa Holidays, Landal GreenParks, Novasol and Hoseasons. In...
The St. Joe Company and Key International to Form Joint Venture for Development of New Resort Hotel in Panama City Beach, Florida
St. Joe | May 10, 2018
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.--The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE) ("St. Joe") and Key International, Inc. ("Key International") today announced their intent to pursue the formation of a joint venture to develop a new resort hotel in Panama City Beach, Florida. "Key International welcomes the opportunity to work with a well-established and reputable partner like St. Joe, with the goal of expanding full service hotels in the Panama City Beach market," stated Inigo and Diego Ardid, Co-Presidents of Key International. Since the 1970's, Key International has been investing in and developing high end properties in Spain and the United States. Key Inte...
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile Unveils Extensive Renovation Led by General Manager Matthew Blackmore
Sofitel Hotels & Resorts | May 10, 2018
Paris, May 10, 2018 – Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile has completed an extensive renovation celebrating the property's championed modern design by French architect Jean-Paul Viguier. Drawing inspiration from the building's prism shape, modern metal tones, elegant lines and purposely functional design, the two-year restoration is a significant milestone for one of the most remarkable addresses in Chicago's Gold Coast Historic District. "We're very excited to share the renovation with guests and industry observers alike," expressed Matthew Blackmore, General Manager of Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile. "With luxury touches inspired...
PM Hotel Group Completes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation of Homewood Suites by Hilton Dulles-North/Loudoun
Homewood Suites by Hilton | May 10, 2018
WASHINGTON--Officials of PM Hotel Group, a leading, national hotel management company, today announced the completion of the renovation of the Homewood Suites by Hilton Dulles-North/Loudoun. The Buccini/Pollin Group (BPG), a privately held, full-service real estate acquisition, development and management company, owns the hotel. "With the completion of this multi-million dollar renovation, the hotel has achieved 'like-new status,' with upgraded public spaces, guest suites, a glamorous outdoor kitchen/dining/entertainment area, and other life-cycle investments, including a new roof," said Joseph Bojanowski, president of PM Hotel Group. "...
The OTA’s Attempt at Discrediting the Value of the Hotel’s Direct Channel
HEBS Digital | May 10, 2018
By Max Starkov Background: Earlier this week, the European Technology and Travel Services Association (ETTSA) released a report called "Hotel Distribution Costs," examining the costs associated with direct and indirect distribution channels for hotels, together with the impact of channel shift. ETTSA is an organization "representing and promoting the interests of global distribution systems (GDSs) and travel distributors (read: OTAs), towards the industry, policy-makers, opinion formers, consumer groups and all other relevant European stakeholders." The report, prepared by a consultancy called Infrata, concluded that hotels that attempt...
The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa Appoints Will Chamberlin as New Director of Food & Beverage
The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa | May 10, 2018
(TAMPA BAY, FL; May 10, 2018)— The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa (7700 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway) announces the addition of Will Chamberlin as the hotel's new Director of Food and Beverage. In this role, Chamberlin oversees existing food and beverage operations which include a full-service restaurant; a craft coffee bar in The Godfrey's lobby, featuring locally roasted Buddy Brew coffee beans; room service; and 7,000 sq. ft. of event space. Chamberlin is deeply engaged in preparations for the late spring 2018 unveiling of WTR Pool & Grill, a waterfront pool and dining venue at The Godfrey that will feature multiple swi...
Aqua-Aston Hospitality Appoints Chris Port as New Chief Development Officer
Aqua-Aston Hospitality | May 10, 2018
Honolulu, Hawaii – Aqua-Aston Hospitality, a top hospitality company known for its owned brands in Hawaii, the continental United States, and Costa Rica, announced the appointment of Chris Port to the role of chief development officer. He reports to Kelvin Bloom, chief executive officer, Aqua-Aston Hospitality. In this role, Port is responsible for the expansion of Aqua-Aston Hospitality by optimizing the potential of its existing portfolio of hotels and resorts, and focusing on the company's growth in the markets it currently serves, as well as by identifying new markets. "We are very pleased to announce the addition of Chri...
Hotel ICON Turns to IDeaS for Best-Practice Revenue Management Capabilities
Hotel ICON | May 10, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS – May 10, 2018 – IDeaS Revenue Solutions, the leading provider of revenue management software and advisory services, announced today their reformed relationship as the revenue management technology provider of choice for Hong Kong's upscale and award-winning Hotel ICON. Located in bustling Tsim Sha Tsui, with 262 sophisticated guest rooms and exceptional harbor views, Hotel ICON is a modern, elegant property with a commitment to delivering unrivalled comfort and a wide range of dining choices for both leisure and business guests. Seeking total revenue performance and extraordinary revenue impact, Hotel ICON deter...
Crescent Hotels & Resorts Selected to Manage 299-Room Las Vegas SpringHill Suites Convention Center
Crescent Hotels & Resorts | May 10, 2018
Las Vegas, NV (May 10, 2018) – Crescent Hotels & Resorts recently assumed management of the 24-story, 299-room SpringHill Suites Las Vegas Convention Center, an all-suite hotel at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Crescent Hotels & Resorts is an award winning, nationally recognized operator of major hotels, resorts and conference centers throughout the United States and Canada. "Crescent has extensive management experience in Las Vegas and is very excited to add the SpringHill Suites Las Vegas to our portfolio," said Michael George, Chief Executive Officer of Crescent Hotels & Resorts. "As an award winning Marriott mana...
Avison Young Hospitality Group Discusses 2018 Hospitality Market Trends
Avison Young | May 10, 2018
Principal H. Keith Thompson highlights key developments during 2018 By: H. Keith Thompson, principal, Avison Young Hospitality Group Thursday May 10, 2018 The last five months have been unusual for the hotel transaction market. Some of the hotel real estate investment trust (REIT) stocks began to compress in late January, resulting in fewer REIT purchases than the first five months of the same time period in recent years. This market change began after the ALIS hotel investor conference in late January, which is somewhat countercyclical, given there is usually an uptick in stocks after investment conferences. Clearly, market analysts he...
Next Gen Tech You Shouldn’t Miss at This Year’s HITEC in Houston [CHECKLIST]
StayNTouch | May 10, 2018
The hospitality industry is always changing, subject to the exciting emergence and evolution of new technology and intelligent solutions to improve experiences for guests and hoteliers alike. For those industry professionals eager to keep their finger on the pulse of all that could positively impact their business, HITEC often becomes an eagerly anticipated yearly highlight. For many hoteliers, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain an understanding of all the new products and technologies set to revolutionize the industry, all in one place. StayNTouch will be at HITEC in full force, and in addition to showcasing our latest innovat...
Restaurant Revenue Management Practices: Altering Customer Perceptions
Dr. Reza Etemad-Sajadi | May 10, 2018
By Dr. Reza Etemad-Sajadi Revenue management is all about pricing strategies to allocate the right capacity to the right customer, at the right place, at the right time. Airlines and hotels use such practices, and their customers seem to see the benefits. However, for the restaurant industry, things are different. Based on our research, we found that the majority of revenue management practices in the restaurant business are perceived as unfair (see Table 1). Customers though seem to accept price variations between lunch and dinner, as well as cancellations due to late arrivals. The practice which is perceived to be most unfair is the...
Owned and Managed by Vision Hospitality Group, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Set to Open in Downtown Atlanta
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | May 10, 2018
ATLANTA – May 16, 2018 – Marriott International announced today that the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Atlanta, Georgia is scheduled to open on Thursday, May 17, 2018. The 170-suite hotel, located at 239 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The SpringHill Suites Atlanta Downtown is located downtown, close to the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Park. The hotel offers guests convenient access to the Center for Civil & Human Rights, the College Football Hall of Fame and the World of Coca-Cola. "As a brand opening a n...
KEYPR and Dow Jones Partner to Deliver The Wall Street Journal to Hotels
KEYPR | May 10, 2018
Collaboration brings WSJ's full digital content to hotel guests via KEYPR's hospitality platform LOS ANGELES, CA (May 10, 2018) — KEYPR®, the technology company whose enterprise cloud platform is the leader in guest experience and hospitality management, announced today it has partnered with The Wall Street Journal to seamlessly deliver the company's award-winning content to hotel rooms worldwide, via KEYPR's expansive platform. "The Wall Street Journal is the premier publisher of business and finance focused news, information, commentary and analysis. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of our readers – most of whom a...
Bristol Hospitality and Chase Hotel Group Open New Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Greenville, North Carolina
Fairfield Inn & Suites | May 9, 2018
Greenville, NC – May 9, 2018 – The 73-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Greenville, North Carolina is now open for business with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 908 Moye Boulevard, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Greenville will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Bristol Hospitality and managed by Chase Hotel Group both of Erie, Pennsylvania. Whether traveling for business or leisure, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Greenville offers guests convenient access to Vidant Medical Center, East Carolina University, the Greenville Museum...
Anne-Marie Houston Appointed as General Manager of Montage Laguna Beach
Montage Laguna Beach | May 9, 2018
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. (May 9, 2018) - Montage Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Anne-Marie Houston as general manager of Montage Laguna Beach. As the previous resort manager of Montage Laguna Beach, and with international hospitality experience across four continents, in her new role Houston will continue to oversee all daily operations at Montage Laguna Beach. "We are thrilled to be appointing Anne-Marie to the helm of Montage Laguna Beach," said Jason Herthel, president and chief operating officer of Montage International. "Her breadth of experience and exceptional leadership will not only support the...
La Quinta Board of Directors Approves Spin-Off of CorePoint Lodging in Connection with Transaction with Wyndham Worldwide
| May 9, 2018
IRVING, Texas, May 09, 2018 -- La Quinta Holdings Inc. ("La Quinta" or the "Company") (NYSE:LQ) today announced that its Board of Directors has formally approved the distribution to its stockholders of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of CorePoint Lodging Inc. ("CorePoint Lodging"), which will become the holder of the owned real estate assets previously held by La Quinta. Promptly following the distribution of CorePoint Lodging, La Quinta, which will then continue to hold its management and franchise businesses, expects to complete the previously announced merger (the "Merger") with Wyndham Worldwide Corporation ("Wyndham W...
Sydell Group and MGM Resorts Continue Property-Wide Transformation of Las Vegas’ Monte Carlo Now Branded as Park MGM
MGM Resorts International | May 9, 2018
LAS VEGAS (May 9, 2018) – With the lighting of its new marquee and hotel tower signs, Monte Carlo officially sheds its name this week for a new identity – Park MGM – making way for the resort set for completion later this year. Following a transformation that will touch every element of the central Strip property, Park MGM is a welcoming social hub that evokes the residential spirit, intimacy and individuality of a boutique experience on a resort scale. A partnership between Sydell Group and MGM Resorts International, Park MGM was born from the collaborative vision of the New York-based lifestyle hotelier and one of th...
Parks Hospitality Group Celebrates Topping Off for the Homewood Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown
Homewood Suites by Hilton | May 9, 2018
GREENVILLE, S.C., May 9, 2018 -- Homewood Suites by Hilton, the award-winning upscale, all-suite hotel brand announced today the "topping off" of its new hotel in Greenville SC, signifying that the final beam has been placed and that the structural framework is complete. Homewood Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown is projected to be up and running by Q1 of 2019. The eight-story, 151-suite hotel developed and owned by Parks Hospitality Group, is located at 942 S Main St. in Greenville's Historic West End, directly across from the Greenville Drive minor league baseball team. "This topping off marks a milestone in cons...
