HFTP® Acquires Leading Hospitality Industry Brands: Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, The CIO Summit and The Executive Vendor Summit
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
North American Hoteliers Welcome Uptick in Rates & Bookings Across All Travel Segments as 2018 Begins
TravelClick | January 31, 2018
Transient Leisure Travel Sees Particularly Strong Bookings Boost of 6.8 Percent during Q1 NEW YORK – January 31, 2018 – TravelClick, a leading global provider of data and revenue-generating solutions for hoteliers, today released new data from the Company's January 2018 North American Hospitality Review (NAHR). According to this data, North American hoteliers are starting the New Year with gains across all travel segments in the first quarter of 2018, up 0.7 percent in average daily rates (ADR) and up 2.1 percent in bookings. The transient leisure segment in particular stands out during the first quarter, with bookings up an...
Twelve Useful Tips for Hotel Renovations
Larry Mogelonsky | January 31, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) With the kids gone, it was time to follow the footsteps of many other boomers and downsize to a condominium. What started as a mere paint job, however, morphed into a $150-per-square-foot renovation of the entire apartment comprising appliances, lighting, flooring, soft goods, mirrors, kitchen and plumbing fixtures. What we ended up having on our hands was a genuine case of 'scope creep' – something not uncommon in any property refurbishment. Hotel renovations are a necessary dread of our industry in order to keep apace with the constantly changing décor trends, star ra...
Checking In: Ensure Your Hotel’s Success with These 3 Things
the Author | January 31, 2018
By Magnus Friberg CEO, Zaplox As a hotelier, there is a simple, albeit crucial, understanding that should guide your on-going business approach: If you aren't looking to the future, you're probably already behind. So how do you keep your finger on the pulse of everything to come in the hospitality realm? Look no further than your guests. It is their needs, preferences, and expectations that will continuously advance and shape the technological and service-based demands of the hotels they stay in. As the travel and hospitality industry adapts to today's guest, one thing has become indisputably clear — convenience and availability a...
Groundbreaking rGuest Stay PMS Solution Adds Facial Recognition for More Efficient Guest Service
Agilysys | January 31, 2018
Cloud-based Property Management System Leads in Innovation ALPHARETTA, GA. — January 31, 2018 — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, today announced that facial recognition has been added as one of the innovative capabilities of their rGuest® Stay PMS solution to help streamline operations and deliver an improved guest experience. Built on the rGuest hospitality platform, the property management system is a native cloud-based solution that delivers innovations in guest service, property operations and 3rd party integrations. Facial recog...
PNK Group & Hyatt to Bring New Build Unbound Collection by Hyatt to Hollywood, California
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt | January 31, 2018
CHICAGO (January 31, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the development of a new hotel in Hollywood, Calif., for The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, slated to open in 2019. A Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with PNK Group, a subsidiary of S3D Partner, to build a new 64-room boutique lifestyle hotel, which will be located at 1525 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Located near the iconic Hollywood Palladium theater, famed Sunset Boulevard and star-lined Hollywood Walk of Fame, the new hotel will reflect the avant-garde attitude of Hollywood. The hotel will be managed by Interstate Hotels & Resor...
Developer Owner Scenic Capital Advisors Plans June 2018 Groundbreaking for Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown
Canopy by Hilton | January 30, 2018
MCLEAN, Va. – January 30, 2018 – Canopy by Hilton, Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) lifestyle hotel brand announces development plans for Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown. The developer and owner is locally based Scenic Capital Advisors, a private real estate investment firm founded by Richard Singleton. The property, which is scheduled to break ground in June 2018 and open in January 2020, will provide a comfortable stay for guests in search of a unique urban oasis and upbeat city culture in the heart of West 6th Street. Additionally, the hotel offers abundant amenities and is only a few minutes' walk from several of Austin's high prof...
Driftwood Acquisitions & Development to Build New 200-Room Canopy by Hilton in Tempe, Arizona
Driftwood Acquisitions & Development | January 30, 2018
MIAMI, Fla. and MCLEAN, Va. – January 30, 2018 – Driftwood Acquisitions & Development(DAD), a company with decades of hospitality experience and a strategic focus on hotel and resort acquisitions, today announced plans to build a new Canopy by Hilton (NYSE: HLT) in Tempe, Arizona. The $60M+, 200-room Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown, University Area is in the heart of Tempe on University Drive, across the street from Arizona State University (ASU), one of the largest public university campuses by enrollment in the United States. DAD is purchasing the land parcel from The OPUS Group to anchor a corner of OPUS' highly antic...
Georgia’s Lanier Islands, in Partnership with Safe Harbor Development and Margaritaville Holdings, to Undergo Multi-Million-Dollar Transformation
Lanier Islands | January 30, 2018
Buford, Ga. – January 30, 2018 – Lanier Islands, a stunning 1,500-acre lakeside resort and entertainment venue in north Metro Atlanta, is about to undergo another exciting transformation. The Virgil Williams Family's LLI Management Company, LLC has owned Lanier Islands since 2005, working diligently to secure its standing as one of the Southeast's premier tourism destinations. Today, the group announced a joint venture with Knoxville, Tn.-based Safe Harbor Development – a partnership that will enhance Lanier Islands' current offerings while positioning the destination for the next phase of its growth and development. "...
NOVUM Hospitality Signs with Toka Immobilien for 170-Key niu hotel in Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany
NOVUM Hospitality | January 30, 2018
In the new year, NOVUM Hospitality is flying high again. Thus, the Hamburg hotel group is expanding to the south-westernmost point of Germany with niu. Together with Toka Immobilien GmbH, NOVUM Hospitality has "put wood behind the arrow" at the turn of the year and is planning a hotel of the young mid-scale brand niu in Grenzach-Wyhlen at "Hörnle 62". The planned niu hotel has 140 rooms and 30 cosy hotel apartments. This brings the number of niu hotels that offer apartments in addition to their smart rooms to nine. In Grenzach-Wyhlen the apartments perfect the range of available accommodation, as Grenzach-Wyhlen lies on the border ...
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Embassy Group to Introduce New 230-Room Luxury Hotel in Bengaluru, India Summer 2018
Embassy | January 30, 2018
TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2018 -- Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world's leading luxury hospitality company, and Embassy Group, one of India's leading property developers, will open a new Four Seasons hotel and private residences later this year in Bengaluru, one of India's fastest growing cities. Located within Embassy ONE, a new mixed-use development featuring commercial office space and premium retail outlets, they will debut as Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE and Four Seasons Private Residences Bengaluru at Embassy ONE in summer 2018. Known as the information technology capital of India, Bengaluru offers a mix ...
Jack Penrod, Founder of Nikki Beach Worldwide Appoints Lucia Penrod as CEO
Nikki Beach Worldwide | January 30, 2018
MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Jan. 30, 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, market...
Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa Welcomes Mirko R. Loeffler as Executive Chef
Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa | January 30, 2018
BEDFORD, PA (January 30, 2018) – Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mirko R. Loeffler to the position of executive chef. A dynamic hospitality veteran with years of experience and a proven track record of professional success in providing superior culinary service, Chef Loeffler will oversee the resort's banquet and restaurant kitchens which execute hundreds of events each year. German born Chef Mirko Loeffler started his culinary training in South Germany. He got his start working in some of Europe's finest hotels throughout Germany, France, Monaco, Switzerland and Italy. He was hired...
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa Joins Virtuoso
Diamond Public Relations | January 30, 2018
ARENAL, COSTA RICA (January 2018) – Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, Costa Rica's leading thermal springs and spa resort, has been accepted into Virtuoso's exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, which is comprised of more than 1,700 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. Spread across 900 acres of lush primary and secondary rainforest, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is home to the country's largest and only 100% natural network of thermal mineral springs, which consist of more than 20 in-river pools and waterfalls fed by the Tabacón River and naturally heated by the magma found inside the nearby Aren...
Omni Shoreham Hotel Welcomes Mark Roche-Garland as General Manager
the Omni Shoreham Hotel | January 30, 2018
WASHINGTON D.C. (January 30, 2018) – Omni Shoreham Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Roche-Garland to the post of general manager. A dynamic hospitality veteran with years of experience and a proven track record of professional success in providing superior service and leadership, Roche-Garland will oversee the hotel's operation and its 600 dedicated employees. Roche-Garland joins Omni Shoreham Hotel following 19 years with The Doyle Collection. During his tenure, he rose through the organization working in Ireland, England and Boston. Most recently, Roche-Garland served as general manager at the Dupont Circle H...
The Hollywood Roosevelt Appoints Peter Hansen as Director of Operations, Food and Beverage
The Hollywood Roosevelt | January 30, 2018
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (January 30, 2018) – Journal Hotels announced today the appointment of Peter Hansen to Director of Operations, Food and Beverage at The Hollywood Roosevelt. In this role, Hansen will provide strategic leadership for the hotel's food and beverage outlets including Public Kitchen & Bar, 25 Degrees and Tropicana Pool Café. Hansen will oversee all front-of-house and back-of-house development of all concepts and menus at the iconic hotel as well as in-room dining. "Peter's knowledge and experience as a restaurateur working alongside esteemed hospitality groups in New York make him an asset to The Hollywoo...
Edgewood Companies Appoints Corinna Osborne General Manager for Edgewood Tahoe in Nevada
the Edgewood Companies/Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe | January 30, 2018
Jan. 30, 2018 (STATELINE, Nev.) — Edgewood Companies announced that Corinna Osborne will be Edgewood Tahoe's new general manager. Previously the director of hotel operations, Osborne joined the Edgewood Tahoe team in May 2016 and was an integral part of the grand opening of the Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe. In her new role Osborne will oversee all aspects of the property including the resort's food and beverage, three restaurants, and the storied golf course, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2018. (www.edgewoodtahoe.com) "Corinna joined the team about a year before we opened the Lodge and she took on many additional duties that...
Only One Thing Will Disrupt OTAs (and It Ain’t Blockchain)
Douglas Quinby | January 30, 2018
by Douglas Quinby OTA bashing is about as old as OTAs themselves. It's been bountiful fodder for media hype and conference roundtable hysterics for decades. We've heard it all before, from airlines, hotels and the myriad technology companies, startups and consultants that seek to serve them: OTAs are expensive, innovation-stifling gatekeepers who add far more cost than they deliver in value to travel brands or consumers. So many innovations – from GNEs (anyone remember those?) and NDC to metasearch and loyalty programs – were supposed to spell the death knell for OTAs. Just one thing: it never happened, and all those...
Prism Hotels & Resorts Adds Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown and Hyatt Place Seattle/Downtown to Management Portfolio
Prism Hotels & Resorts | January 30, 2018
DALLAS, Jan. 30, 2018 — Dallas-based Prism Hotels & Resorts, an award-winning, full service hotel management, investment, and advisory services company, is breaking into the Seattle market, adding the Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown and the Hyatt Place Seattle/Downtown hotels to its management portfolio. Prism President & CEO Steve Van made the announcement. "The opportunity to manage two new, fantastic properties in the largest city in the Pacific Northwest is exciting for us and further shows that our results are resonating with the specific needs of entrepreneurial owners," Van said. "We are exceptionally proud to exp...
Africa: The Land of Opportunity
Sofie Otto | January 30, 2018
By Sofie Otto, Tim P. Smith 2017 was full of triumphs and disappointments on the African continent. Some countries that had a positive outlook at the beginning, turned into the problem children of Africa and countries that seemed hopeless in the beginning, surprised us in the end. This article provides a brief summary of some of the most significant events of 2017 and commentary on how 2018 may evolve in the fast-developing world that is Africa. Trump's remarks have shown the need for Africans to independently take responsibility for their actions, resolve issues, help each other and above all, not rely on others who do not truly unders...
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, Adds Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center to Its Portfolio
January 30, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, January 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has added another prominent Texas property to its portfolio, Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center ( www.TexasAMHotelCC.com ). Currently under construction on the historic Texas A&M University campus in College Station, the new eight-story facility will offer 250 guest accommodations and suites, a formal restaurant, two-story bar and lounge, a gym and a business center. The hotel overlooks Kyle Field, site of numerous events and sports competitions, including the games of the fabled Texas "Aggies" football team. Alex Cabaña...
Agilysys rGuest Pay Complete Gateway Solution Now Supports Worldpay
Agilysys | January 30, 2018
New Partnership Provides Integrated Acquirer Services and a Simplified Payment Process ALPHARETTA, GA. — January 30, 2018 — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, today announced support for Worldpay in their rGuest Pay® gateway solution. rGuest Pay offers the hospitality industry's first, PCI-validated, point-to-point encrypted (P2PE) payment gateway that meets the latest and most robust security needs of merchants everywhere. Customers using the rGuest Pay gateway and Worldpay will have a payment solution that handles the entire payment p...
Facebook Dynamic Ads for Travel: A Marketing Tool to Boost Direct Bookings
HEBS Digital | January 30, 2018
By Victoria Hsia Facebook Advertising has always proven its value for brands striving to reach the platform's massive audience, but now it may become even more valuable. In a recent announcement, the social media platform revealed upcoming changes to its News Feed algorithm which prioritize organic content from family, friends, and groups. This means that users can expect to see less organic brand content, giving brands more pressure to invest in Facebook Advertising in order to maintain and build reach in the News Feed. While Facebook continues to limit brands' organic reach, it also continues to develop more effective Facebook Adverti...
dormakaba and OpenKey Partner For Mobile Access at AMResorts
dormakaba | January 30, 2018
Mobile Access Leaders Integrate Hotel App with Secure Mobile Technology to Deliver Convenience and Greater Guest Loyalty MONTREAL, QC, CANADA – January 30, 2018 – dormakaba, the provider of Saflok™ and Ilco™ electronic locks, announced it has partnered with OpenKey, the industry standard for keyless mobile entry to deliver mobile access at an AMResorts property. dormakaba and OpenKey first established a Preferred Partnership in February 2016 to provide fast, efficient installations of hospitality Mobile Access systems. Most recently, the partnership resulted in a mobile access solution at the AMResorts AAA Five D...
Gehr Hospitality Acquires 136-Room Aloft Jacksonville Airport in Florida
Gehr Hospitality | January 30, 2018
LOS ANGELES--January 30, 2018--Gehr Hospitality, a division of The Gehr Group (www.gehr.com), announced the acquisition of the Aloft Hotel, Jacksonville Airport, located three miles from the Jacksonville International Airport and just 15 miles north of downtown Jacksonville. The acquisition was financed by BMO Harris Bank, and McKibbon Hospitality will manage the hotel on behalf of Gehr Hospitality. Ms. Thuong Luong and Ms. Molly Caccamo of Gehr Hospitality led the transaction on behalf of the Company. "We like the Jacksonville lodging market, with its rapidly improving local economy, strong employment market, and robust port trade," sa...
