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Industry Happenings
FRLA Welcomes Kevin Speidel as New Chairman and Executive Committee
the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association | January 22, 2018
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 22, 2018) - The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to announce its incoming 2018 Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee. Kevin Speidel, vice president of resort operations with Hilton Grand Vacations (NYSE:HGV), began serving as FRLA's new Chairman effective Jan. 1. Speidel presides over FRLA, one of the state's largest trade associations, representing more than 10,000 members in the hospitality industry. Speidel is an industry veteran with nearly 30 years' experience. He joined HGV in 2016 prior to its spin-off from Hilton. In his role at HGV, Speidel provides strategic leadersh...
Hilton Appoints Navjit Ahluwalia and Jatin Khanna to Key Leadership Positions in India
Hilton | January 22, 2018
GURGAON, India and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the appointments of Navjit Ahluwalia as Senior Vice President and Country Head, India, and Jatin Khanna as Vice President and Head of Operations, India. Effective immediately, Ahluwalia will oversee Hilton's 33 hotels trading and under development, including the recently opened Conrad Bengaluru, while leading the company's growth strategy in the country. Khanna, who assumes his position next month, takes over operations from Andre Gomez, who will be moving to a new role elsewhere in the company. "India is swiftly becoming one of the fastest growing travel a...
Century Group Developing TRYP by Wyndham in a Former School Building Located in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville Neighborhood
TRYP by Wyndham | January 22, 2018
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 22, 2018 -- TRYP by Wyndham, Wyndham Hotel Group's urban lifestyle brand, announces its next U.S. destination: a transformed former school building in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood –recently dubbed "America's Coolest Neighborhood" by Money Magazine. TRYP by Wyndham hotels celebrate the spirit of the urban traveler in the heart of the world's most alluring cities. Hotels are infused with local spirit allowing guests to uncover each destination's individual culture and TRYP by Wyndham Pittsburgh/Lawrenceville is no exception: creative adaptive re-use of a former school buildin...
Six Ways to Design a Winning Guest Experience
JLL Real Views | January 22, 2018
Even grand can be bland for today's experience-driven hotel guests, who prefer unique amenities and good connectivity over sheer aesthetics. Amid fierce competition from alternative accommodation providers like Airbnb, the industry is getting the message. To address the competitive threat, hotel owners and brands continue to look for innovative ways to differentiate their hotel with technology, unique design and creative operating solutions—with the ultimate goal of increased revenue, great guest experience and loyalty. Global hotel groups are responding by creating a flurry of new sub-brands as well as re-evaluating existing bran...
The Hotel Group Selected to Manage The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown – Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The Hotel Group | January 22, 2018
Seattle, WA, January 22, 2018 — The Hotel Group, a leading national hotel management and investment company, announced today it is expanding its footprint in Seattle by being selected to manage The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown, a Tapestry by Hilton in Seattle, Washington. This is the first Tapestry for Hilton Hotels and Resorts in Washington state. The hotel is being developed as part of a 42-story mixed-use building which will also house Arrivè (arriveseattle.com), a residential complex with elegantly designed one and two-bedroom contemporary rental apartments. The 142-room hotel property will be located on floors one thro...
Union Investment Acquires Two Holiday Inn Hotels in Poland for EUR 80 Million
| January 22, 2018
Planned new build in Gdańsk / Completed new build in Warsaw Union Investment has secured the future Holiday Inn Gdansk City Centre hotel at an early stage by way of a forward purchase agreement. The hotel will have 240 rooms and be located on Gdańsk's historic Granary Island. Completion and the transfer of rights and obligations are scheduled for mid-2019. The project has been acquired for the portfolio of one of Union Investment's institutional funds. The Hamburg-based real estate investment manager will also complete the acquisition of the 256-room Holiday Inn Warsaw City Centre on Ulica Twarda at the end of January 2018. The acqui...
The Provenance Chain: Uncovering the Connection Between Provenance and Sustainable Growth
IHG | January 22, 2018
2018 IHG Trends Report demonstrates the competitive advantage derived from a powerful and authentic provenance which resonates with consumers Provenance is the foundation for enduring brand success and has become more important than ever for organisations wanting to succeed in today's complex consumer environment. That is the finding of the 2018 Trends Report published today by IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) at the World Economic Forum in Davos. In the sixth edition of this annual report series, IHG reveals The Provenance Chain; five interconnected stages which provide a demonstrable link between provenance and sustainable gro...
AHLA Announces 2018 Officers & Board of Directors Slate
AHLA | January 22, 2018
Notable Board Members Represent Full Spectrum of Hotel Industry WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 22, 2018 – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced its 2018 Board of Directors which includes top industry leaders representing all segments of the industry. Notably, Dave Johnson, American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AHLEF) Chair and President and CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality joins the current 2018 Officer slate, which includes: Chair, Mark Carrier, President of the B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group, Vice Chair Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Wyndham Hotel Group, Secretary and Treasur...
Strand Hospitality Services Welcomes Kim Pecora as the Director of Sales at the Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Mill, S.C.
Strand Hospitality | January 22, 2018
(Fort Mill, S.C.) January 22, 2018- Strand Hospitality Services recently announced that Kim Pecora has been named as the Director of Sales at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Fort Mill, S.C. She will be responsible for the day-to-day sales and marketing efforts for the 102-room hotel located at 1520 Carolina Place Dr. Fort Mill, S.C. "I am thrilled to join the team at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Fort Mill and to be back with Strand," said Pecora, "It is a wonderful property to sell with a great location and great amenities. I am excited to build new relationships within the community and show them what we have to offer." With over 20...
Security Issue at Sabre Affects Rosewood Hotel Group Guests’ Payment Card Information
Rosewood Hotel Group | January 22, 2018
Los Angeles, CA, January 22, 2018 - Rosewood Hotel Group ("Rosewood") announced today an issue affecting certain Rosewood guest reservation information that was maintained on the systems of Sabre Hospitality Solutions ("Sabre"), a service provider used by Rosewood and other major hotel brands to process guests' hotel reservations. Sabre informed Rosewood that other hotel brands were similarly impacted by this issue. The issue occurred on Sabre's systems and did not affect Rosewood's own systems. Sabre notified Rosewood in late December 2017 that it had uncovered evidence that, between May 29, 2016 and January 11, 2017, an unauthorized p...
SHR Announces New CRS Product, Global PMS Integrations, and European Direct Connect
SHR | January 22, 2018
HOUSTON, TX, January 22, 2018—SHR, Sceptre Hospitality Resources, a leading provider and pioneer of advanced hotel distribution technologies, has unveiled a new CRS product, in addition to three new global Property Management System (PMS) integrations for its Windsurfer® CRS, and a powerful new direct connect with one of the largest Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) in Europe. New CRS Product Expanding on its legacy of innovative CRS solutions, and in direct response to market demand, the company is now offering a new CRS product, Windsurfer® CRS Essentials. A truly new Windsurfer, Essentials is a streamlined CRS and booking e...
Milestone Enhances Local Events Publishing Platform with New Channels & Third-Party Site Compatibility
Milestone Inc | January 22, 2018
Milestone's Local Events can now push events to Facebook Local and Eventbrite and can be deployed on non-Milestone CMS websites. Santa Clara, CA | January 22, 2018. Digital Marketing software vendor Milestone Inc has launched new features for its local events publishing platform. The events platform, part of Milestone's Digital Presence Cloud, allows businesses to add local events to their website manually, or by accepting events from nearby locations - automatically. "Milestone's events management platform provides massive SEO boosts to businesses," said Sathya Krishnamurthy, Milestone VP of Products. "A business in Chicago could accep...
Bruno Cristol Appointed General Manager of Crowne Plaza® Changi Airport
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport | January 22, 2018
Singapore, January 2018: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport announces the appointment of Bruno Cristol as General Manager of Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. A hotel veteran, Mr Cristol has spent his last 20 years in the Asia Pacific region working in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Philippines, and has vast experience in opening, renovating and repositioning upscale and luxury properties. During his career, Mr Cristol has had experience with various hotel groups, including IHG, having been Director of Food & Beverage at InterContinental Carlton Cannes. Prior to his move to Singapore, Mr. Cristol was the General Manager of Dusit Thani Manil...
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas to Open Six Senses Singapore Through Conservation Project in Heart of Chinatown
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas | January 19, 2018
BANGKOK – January 19, 2018 – Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has given two old beauties a complete restoration as part of a remarkable conservation project in Singapore. Ideally situated in the island city-state's central district, Six Senses Singapore is located in the eclectic heart of Chinatown where socializing, dining and nightlife take center stage. Six Senses Singapore is split across two buildings that are an easy wander apart. Six Senses Duxton and Six Senses Maxwell will mark the brand's first city hotels, celebrating local Singapore culture and history while adding a touch of playfulness to the heritage properties....
Heritage Hospitality Group Developing Embassy Suites by Hilton at HALCYON in Forsyth County, Georgia
HALCYON | January 19, 2018
Forsyth County, Ga. – HALCYON today announced a 152-room Embassy Suites by Hilton will be added to the 135-acre mixed-use development. The hotel will include ballrooms, meeting space, a premier fitness area with an indoor pool, saunas and a yoga studio, along with an extensive bar and atrium, as well as presidential suites to serve the Forsyth County area's upscale hospitality needs. HALCYON, currently under construction, is being developed by RocaPoint Partners and New York-based The Georgetown Company. Heritage Hospitality Group is developing the hotel. "Hotels have always been a part of our master plan for HALCYON and the Hilto...
Rosewood Puebla Appoints Claudia Pérez as Director of Sales and Marketing
Rosewood Puebla | January 19, 2018
Claudia Pérez has been appointed director of sales & marketing at Rosewood Puebla, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts'® newest property in Mexico which opened in May 2017. In this role, Claudia will provide leadership and strategic direction to Rosewood Puebla's sales team. Claudia joins Rosewood Puebla with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Most recently, Claudia served as corporate director of new products and portfolio at Universidad de Valle de México, where she had also been named director of Laureate Hospitality Education Mexico. Prior to that role, Claudia held a number of positions with Ma...
Adirondack Landmark Hotel Saranac Reopens as Part of Curio Collection by Hilton after $35 Million Restoration
Hotel Saranac | January 19, 2018
SARANAC LAKE, NY – January 19, 2018 – Reviving the pine-scented gem of an Adirondack legend, Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton has officially reopened today after a multimillion-dollar restoration that infuses modern indulgences with untamed North Country spirit. The reopening of the legendary property also marks the hotel's entrance into the exclusive Curio Collection by Hilton, made up of more than 40 distinctive hotels and resorts. With its glorious ballroom, gorgeous public spaces and landmark exterior burnished to a new glow, Hotel Saranac boasts amenities fresh as the Upstate air. Indigenous ingredients like pi...
KASHL Corporation Selects RAR Hospitality to Manage San Diego’s Radisson Rancho Bernardo
RAR Hospitality | January 19, 2018
SAN DIEGO – January 19, 2018 – RAR Hospitality has been selected by KASHL Corporation to operate Radisson Rancho Bernardo in San Diego. Founded in 1990 by hotelier, CEO and President Bob Rauch, RAR is a leading private hotel management and consulting firm headquartered in San Diego managing 14 lifestyle and branded hotels including Hilton, Marriott, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group brands across San Diego, Los Angeles, Colorado Springs, Colo., Phoenix, and Tucson, Ariz. Radisson Rancho Bernardo is the hotel management company's ninth San Diego hotel in addition to The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club ...
IHG Signs with Europe Trading Investment Company Limited for Hotel Indigo Saigon The City Set for 2019 Opening in Vietnam
IHG | January 19, 2018
As one of South East Asia's fastest-growing destinations, Vietnam has seen a rise in visitors seeking authentic and truly memorable experiences. Poised to meet the needs of curious travellers, IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Europe Trading Investment Company Limited for Hotel Indigo Saigon The City. This is the second Hotel Indigo to be signed in Vietnam, and will be the country's first when it opens its doors in 2019. The new-build hotel will boast a central location along District 1's Ly Tu Trong Street, just six kilometres away from the airpo...
INTRIGUE Hotels & Resorts by Interstate Forms Strategic Alliance with TQP Investments in Support of Growing Lifestyle Management Division
INTRIGUE | January 19, 2018
ARLINGTON, Va. – January 19, 2018 – INTRIGUE™ Hotels & Resorts – Interstate's platform for the management of independent and soft branded boutique and lifestyle hotels and resorts – announces that it has formed a strategic alliance with TQP Investments, founded by Thomas Prins, a principal of TQP Capital Partners, LLC. The union will accelerate the growth of this dedicated division. "Our alliance with TQP and Tom taps into a multitude of benefits, enhancing the depth of resources available to Interstate Hotels & Resorts," said Leslie Ng, Interstate's Chief Investment Officer. "Tom brings his superb ...
Condor Hospitality Trust Acquires TownePlace Suites Austin North Tech Ridge in Texas for $19.75 Million
Condor Hospitality Trust, Inc. | January 19, 2018
BETHESDA, Md.--January 19, 2018--Condor Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE American: CDOR), a hotel-focused real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered and incorporated in the state of Maryland, today announced that it has closed on its previously-announced agreement to purchase the 122-room TownePlace Suites located in the North Tech Ridge submarket of Austin, Texas. The hotel was purchased for $19.75 million and will continue to be managed by Aimbridge Hospitality. "With the closing of the TownePlace Suites Austin North Tech Ridge, we have added another young, high-quality select-service asset into our growing portfolio of new invest...
Noble House Hotels & Resorts Completes Expansion and Renovation of Napa Valley’s River Terrace Inn
Noble House Hotels & Resorts | January 19, 2018
NAPA, Calif. (January 19, 2018) – River Terrace Inn – a luxury Napa Valley hotel, today announced it recently completed a $5 million expansion and renovation. The renovation encompassed the porte cochere, lobby and front desk, hallways, and ALBA restaurant, as well as expansion of the guest rooms, ALBA's kitchen, meeting and event spaces, fitness center and more. "Our extensive expansion and renovation will allow us to capture additional business and leisure travelers coming to Napa Valley and provide them with an idealistic setting and luxurious accommodations," said Christine McDermott, general manager of River Terrace Inn...
The Whitley, a Luxury Collection® Hotel, Welcomes Marc Suennemann as Executive Chef
The Whitley | January 19, 2018
ATLANTA – Jan. 19, 2018 – The Whitley, a Luxury Collection® Hotel, Atlanta Buckhead is proud to introduce Marc Suennemann as executive chef of the newly rebranded neighborhood icon. In this role, award-winning Chef Suennemann is managing culinary operations for the 507-room luxury hotel, overseeing the culinary team, bringing to life signature, sophisticated dishes and providing the tailored, anticipatory service for which The Whitley is known. Under his leadership, the property will open Trade Root – a Mediterranean-inspired concept – coming in February 2018. "We're thrilled to welcome Chef Marc Suennemann, ...
Two Roads Hospitality Names John Remmers Area General Manager Overseeing Joie de Vivre’s Hotel Vitale and The Marker
Joie de Vivre Hotels | January 19, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO (January 19, 2018) – Hotel Vitale, a Joie de Vivre hotel, is pleased to announce that John Remmers has been named General Manager. Remmers will assume the Hotel Vitale role as part of his new assignment as Area General Manager for Two Roads Hospitality in San Francisco, where he will also oversee Joie de Vivre's The Marker. With 32 years of experience managing hotels and boutique hotel brands, John is perfectly suited to step into this leadership position and guide two distinctive, San Francisco Joie de Vivre properties. "I am delighted to lead the team at Hotel Vitale, and especially to have the opportunity to work ...
