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Industry Happenings
Marketing Trends in Hospitality: From Technology to Niches
Dr. Meng-Mei Maggie Chen | February 13, 2018
By Dr. Meng-Mei Maggie Chen Over the past year, Google made major inroads into the travel and tourism sector, changing the layouts of Google Flights and Hotels and, as a result, it's hard to differentiate these from online travel agencies and metasearch sites. Further, Google Trips now offers discounts for tours and activities, and allows users to create folders for future travel plans. This option could help Google identify the travel intentions of consumers early in the planning process and make relevant suggestions based on the travel history. Certainly, Google's footprint in the travel ecosystem is expanding. Depending on hoteliers'...
Aparium Hotel Group Expands with StayNTouch and Deployment of Rover Mobile PMS at The Inn at Cherry Creek
StayNTouch Inc. | February 13, 2018
Bethesda, MD – February 13, 2018 – StayNTouch, an innovator in mobile technology and Property Management Systems (PMS) for hotels, is pleased to announce it has expanded its systems offerings with Chicago-based Aparium Hotel Group, with the deployment of its Rover PMS™ and Zest™ products at The Inn at Cherry Creek in Denver, Colorado. The StayNTouch PMS platform has been previously deployed at four Aparium properties, Pontchartrain Hotel (106 rooms), Hewing Hotel (124 rooms), Hotel Covington (114 rooms) and Detroit Foundation Hotel (100 rooms). "At Aparium, we create hotels and restaurants that are emblems of the...
Mid-Market Brands Led Hotel Sales Volume in 2017
Lodging Econometrics | February 12, 2018
February 12, 2018 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – According to the recent U.S. Transaction Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), major mid-market brands with a price reported into the public domain led the U.S. in hotel sales volume in 2017. The Hilton brands with most hotel sales by price were Hilton Garden Inn with an Average Selling Price Per Room (ASPR) of $193,732 for 16 hotels, Homewood Suites with an ASPR of $189,342 for 13 hotels and Hampton Inn & Suites with an ASPR of $114,383 for 29 hotels. The Marriott brands with the most hotels sold in 2017 were Residence Inn with an ASPR of $152,672 for 31 assets, Courtyard with...
Orlando Tops 2017 Markets with 21 Hotels Sold and Average Selling Price Per Room of $96,402
Lodging Econometrics | February 12, 2018
February 12, 2018 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – According to analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE), through the end of 2017 the markets with the largest number of hotels with selling prices reported into the public domain were: Orlando with 21 hotels and an Average Selling Price Per Room (ASPR) of $96,402, followed by two markets with 19 hotels sold, New York with an ASPR of $426,443 and Washington DC with $260,681. The next three markets with 15 hotels sold each were: Seattle with an ASPR of $236,958, Phoenix with $205,265 and Atlanta with $136,321. ...
Chartwell Hospitality to Manage 11 Capstone Development Properties
Chartwell Hospitality | February 12, 2018
FRANKLIN, TN – February 12, 2018: Chartwell Hospitality LLC announced earlier this year that it has been selected to manage 11 Capstone Development LLC properties. This rapidly growing development and third-party management company has managed 8 additional Capstone hotels for the past several years. Chartwell Hospitality Chief Operating Officer Kevin Green made the announcement. "We are thrilled to grow our portfolio of hotels and manage additional properties for Capstone Development. Our relationship began with Capstone in 2014, when they purchased the Hampton Inn & Suites Elliston Place and Hampton Inn Vanderbilt/West End in...
HVS Market Pulse: San Diego, CA
Patrick Bursey | February 12, 2018
By Patrick S. Bursey and Aaron Solaimani Downtown San Diego is considered the heart of San Diego County, and given its excellent accessibility attributes, there are a variety of options for travel in and around the city. Three of the county's nine major freeways flow through the city, Downtown is located only two miles southeast of the airport, and there are several ridesharing and public transportation options that can easily connect tourists to the area's primary sources of lodging demand. San Diego benefits from a diverse mix of demand generated by local corporations, government entities, meeting and group business, and leisure-rela...
Hospitality Financial Leadership – Creating a Hotel Accounting Policy Manual – The Dos and Don’ts
David Lund | February 12, 2018
By David Lund After recently completing a policy manual for a client, I want to share what worked for this hotel company and what could work for you. I also want to clear the air on policy vs. procedure. I know it is a big challenge to get a policy manual together for a hotel or hotel company. The big brands have resources to get the job done but the smaller brands and management companies do not have the same bandwidth. It is a project that always gets kicked down the calendar to another month or quarter. Check out another article I have written on why creating a hotel accounting policy manual is so challenging: http://hotelfinancialco...
LBA Hospitality Selected to Manage 118-Room Hilton Garden Inn Victoria, Texas
LBA Hospitality | February 12, 2018
DOTHAN, AL (FEBRUARY 12, 2018) – LBA Hospitality, a full-scale hotel management, development and consulting firm, is pleased to announce management of the Hilton Garden Inn Victoria in Texas. The Hilton-branded hotel is owned by Victoria Akshar Hotels, Inc. and is now operated and managed by LBA Hospitality. Although Victoria is one of the oldest cities in Texas, this property is fresh and modern, having opened only four years ago. This custom-built 118-room hotel features a unique indoor and outdoor pool with a swim-up bar, signature Hilton linens, in-room refrigerators, beverage stations and high-definition flat screen televisio...
Outstanding Hospitality Advertising, Digital Marketing, Public Relations to be Honored at Adrian Awards Gala
HSMAI | February 12, 2018
(McLean, VA, February 12, 2018) The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has named the Gold Winners of the 2017 Adrian Awards, which honor innovative and inspiring best practices in advertising, digital marketing, and public relations in hospitality. Platinum and Best of Show winners will be unveiled at the HSMAI Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala on February 20 at the New York Marriott Marquis. After receiving more than 1,200 entries and adding a category to better reflect the prevalence of integrated campaigns, HSMAI will present Gold Awards to one of the largest groups of winners in the Awards' histo...
Avison Young Hospitality Group Announces January 2018 Closings
Avison Young | February 12, 2018
ATLANTA – February 12, 2018 – The Avison Young Hospitality Group announced today that it has brokered the transaction of six hotels in January. The hotels included a full-service Marriott, a Courtyard by Marriott, two Marriott Fairfield Inns, one Red Roof Inn and one Comfort Inn. The hotels were located in Chicago, Washington, D.C., El Paso, Texas, High Point and Greensboro, N.C., and Columbus, Ga. Avison Young Hospitality Brokers involved in these sales were Brad Sinclair, Andy Broad, Rick George, Wendy Blissett, Rex Cagle, Michael Bernath, Thierry Roch and John James. "Our market advice to sellers for the last eight months...
Harrah’s Las Vegas Completes $140 Million Transformation with Renovation of Valley Tower’s Remaining 672 Guestrooms
February 12, 2018
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 12, 2018) – Harrah's Las Vegas has completed a $140 million transformation, which includes 1,622 modern new guest rooms and suites in its Valley Tower. Pairing seven-day-a-week free, live entertainment with a new lobby bar and casino floor, Harrah's Las Vegas offers the best value at the center of the Strip. The new look comes as Harrah's celebrates 80 years as a premier gaming brand. This latest redesign follows the renovation of 672 guest rooms and suites on the south side of the tower in 2016, resulting in a completely refreshed Valley Tower at the beloved Caesars Entertainment resort. The easily accessible Harr...
Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington Green Completes $7.7 Million Hotel Renovation and Rebranding Led by General Manager Pam Avery
Embassy Suites by Hilton | February 12, 2018
LEXINGTON, KY and MCLEAN, Va. Feb. 12, 2018 – Embassy Suites by Hilton, a global brand of upscale, all-suite hotels from Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and 245 LGC Hotel Partners LLC, a U.S. based private real estate investment in conjunction with Quorum Hotels & Resorts, completed a $7.7 million renovation of the Hilton Suites Lexington Green and branded the hotel as the Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington Green. The property-wide renovation featured a complete revamp of the guestrooms and inviting public spaces pays homage to Kentucky's heritage of thoroughbred racing and bourbon with a modern twist. Quorum Hotels & Resorts acquired ...
Anichi Development Breaks Ground on 120-Room Anichi Resort in Dominica Set to Open Late 2019
Dominica | February 12, 2018
Roseau, Dominica – (February 12, 2018) Principals of the Anichi Resort and Spa hosted Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and members of his Cabinet in a ground breaking ceremony for the 120 room property to be built in the northern town of Portsmouth. This boutique property will be operated by Trust Hospitality under the Autograph Collection Hotels brand of Marriott and is expected to open in late 2019. According to Alick Lawrence, CEO of Anichi Development, "This ground breaking ceremony is particularly relevant post Hurricane Maria, as it shows the resiliency of our people while instilling trust in the economic climate and hope in...
Marriott International and Witkoff to Develop Integrated Resort and Casino, The Drew Las Vegas, Debuting EDITION Brand and Marking The Strip’s first
Marriott International | February 12, 2018
LAS VEGAS – February 12, 2018 – Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) and global development firm Witkoff announced today a plan to open a new resort at 2755 Las Vegas Boulevard South. Ushering in a new era of world-class hospitality, the integrated resort and casino to be named The Drew Las Vegas will debut the EDITION brand in Las Vegas and mark The Strip's first JW Marriott. Anticipated to open in late 2020, the resort will feature nearly 4,000 rooms and suites as well as over 500,000 square feet of convention and meeting space. Once open, the hotels will be managed by Marriott International. "The Drew Las V...
AHC+Hospitality Appoints Gergely “Greg” Seregi as Executive Chef at The Kitchen and The Kitchen Counter by Wolfgang Puck Within the Historic Amwa
Amway Grand Plaza | February 12, 2018
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – February 12, 2018 – The Kitchen and The Kitchen Counter by Wolfgang Puck is pleased to welcome Gergely "Greg" Seregi as executive chef. In his new role, Greg will oversee all aspects of The Kitchen and The Kitchen Counter by Wolfgang Puck's culinary operations within the Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection By Hilton. A Budapest native and fourth generation chef, Greg's passion for the culinary arts began at an early age and was heavily influenced by Hungarian and French-styled cuisine. Greg began his career at St. Jupat Restaurant in Budapest where he became executive chef during his 16-year ...
New Castle Hotels & Resorts Names Stephen Borecki General Manager of Fairfield Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown French Quarter Area
New Castle Hotels & Resorts | February 12, 2018
SHELTON, Conn. -- February 12, 2018 — Gerry Chase, president and COO of New Castle Hotels & Resorts, a leading third-party hotel management company, owner and developer, today announced that Stephen Borecki has been named general manager of the 104-room Fairfield Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown French Quarter Area. Borecki's career in hospitality included his most recent assignment with JenCare Senior Medical Centers where he doubled the patient census by applying a hotelier's approach to service to improve the patient experience. He launched his hotel career at the San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina before relocating...
Nikki Beach Worldwide Appoints Lucia Penrod as CEO
Nikki Beach Worldwide | February 12, 2018
Nikki Beach Worldwide, the family-owned and operated global luxury lifestyle and hospitality brand, announces the appointment of Lucia Penrod as CEO. Nikki Beach Worldwide founder Jack Penrod will continue to serve as Chairman of the company. Lucia Penrod, who has been with the brand since its inception in 1998, also sits on the Board of Directors for Nikki Beach Worldwide. In addition to her new responsibilities, Lucia will continue to act as Chief Marketing Officer of Nikki Beach Worldwide, a role that she's had since 2008. As CMO, Penrod oversees all facets of Nikki Beach's branding, marketing and communications, as well as creating ...
Dori Familiant Appointed General Manager Hilton McLean Tysons Corner
Hilton | February 12, 2018
MCLEAN, VA. – FEBRUARY 12, 2018 -- Dori Familiant has been appointed general manager of Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, according to Doug Gehret, Area Vice President, Park Hotels. Located in the Northern Virginia Technology corridor close to many major corporate headquarters, including Hilton headquarters, the 458-room hotel serves as an Innovation Hub where many of new meeting, guest room, service, technology and food and beverage concepts are tested. His appointment is effective immediately and he will oversee the day-to-day operations of Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Prior to this appointment, Familiant held the general manager pos...
Islamorada’s Amara Cay Resort Appoints Miguel Waldo as General Manager
Amara Cay Resort | February 12, 2018
Islamorada, Fla. (February 12, 2018) – Anchored in the laid-back and lighthearted lifestyle of Islamorada, Amara Cay Resort proudly announces Miguel Waldo as general manager. With 22 years of industry experience, Waldo will captain the award-winning, 110-room resort with strategic direction and island hospitality. "We look forward to seeing Amara Cay Resort flourish under Miguel's leadership," said Eddie Sipple, regional general manager of Islamorada Resort Company. "His keen attentiveness and dedication to establishing a personal connection enriches the entire Amara Cay Resort family. By taking every step necessary, Miguel will c...
Diego Fabian Heredia Appointed General Manager of Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
Viceroy L'Ermitage Beverly Hills | February 12, 2018
LOS ANGELES, CA (February 12, 2018) - Viceroy Hotel Group is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Diego Fabian Heredia to the position of General Manager of Viceroy L'Ermitage Beverly Hills. Heredia brings nearly 30 years of hospitality experience at various top-tier properties with him, including some of Viceroy's own. In this role Diego will continue to build on the success of the recent renovation and relaunch of the hotel as the modern luxury lifestyle experience around the world. "We are thrilled to have Diego return to the Viceroy family as General Manager of Viceroy L'Ermitage Beverly Hills," says Bill Walshe, CEO of Vic...
The Best Western River North Hotel Sees 300% Increase in Revenue with New Progressive Web App
Brewer Digital Marketing | February 12, 2018
A Case Study on Delivering the Best Mobile User Experience on the Web. Denver, CO - Brewer Digital Marketing, announces the launch of Best Western River North's new website, which leverages cutting-edge Progressive Web App (PWA) technology resulting in a 300% increase in revenue and a 500% increase in room nights vs the old website. Best Western River North is a modern, urban hotel set in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. It offers warm hospitality and extraordinary experiences for both leisure and business travelers alike. Although the hotel's former website was was performing relatively well, General Manager Heidi Bitar, knew t...
ALICE Voted Best Concierge Software in the 2018 HotelTechAwards
ALICE | February 11, 2018
"ALICE makes awesome hotel software. The more you use ALICE, the more useful it is." Feb 12, 2018 -- Concierges from across the country and around the world voted ALICE "Best Concierge Software" in Hotel Tech Report's 2018 HotelTechAwards. Over 100 of the industry's most popular hotel technology brands competed for a chance to win this prestigious title. ALICE scored a perfect 100 on the 100-point "HT score" scale, beating out the nearest competitor by over 30 points. The HotelTechAwards leveraged real user data - ratings and reviews - to determine the winning products across the twenty-eight categories of hospitality products Hote...
Owned by Elmwood Hospitality and Managed by Baywood Hotels, Residence Inn by Marriott Opens in New Orleans, Louisiana
Residence Inn by Marriott | February 9, 2018
The 119-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in New Orleans, Louisiana is scheduled to open today. Located at 1080 Elmwood Park Boulevard, the all-suite Residence Inn New Orleans Elmwood will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Elmwood Hospitality, LLC and managed by Baywood Hotels, Inc. The extended-stay hotel is located six miles from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and offers its guests convenient access to the Mercedes Benz Superdome, the Smoothie King Center and the National World War II Museum. Rates vary depending on length of stay. "We are pleased with the continued growth of Residence Inn hotels in the Ne...
Strand Hospitality Services Names Brenda Ford as Regional Director of Sales
Strand Hospitality | February 9, 2018
(Myrtle Beach, S.C.) February 13, 2018- Strand Hospitality Services, a leading provider of hospitality operations, consulting and advisory services, recently announced that Brenda Ford has been hired as a Regional Director of Sales. "I am very thankful to Strand Hospitality Services for giving me this opportunity," said Ford. "This is a very exciting time to join Strand and I look forward to being a part of their growth and development this year and beyond." Her well-rounded and accomplished hospitality career has included roles as Area Director of Sales for AURO Hotels where she was responsible for overseeing the sales e...
