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Industry Happenings
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort Completes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort | December 20, 2017
MIAMI BEACH, Fla., December 20, 2017 - Carillon Miami Wellness Resort today announced the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation at its iconic Miami Beach property. Led by renowned hotel designer Peter Silling, Carillon Miami now delivers a best-in-class wellness, culinary and luxury lifestyle experience in an unbeatable oceanfront setting. In addition to the resort's 70,000-square-foot spa, wellness and fitness center, guests can now discover new experiences throughout the property - from innovative culinary selections at new dining venues, including a new signature restaurant, The Strand Bar & Grill; striking new even...
American Hotel Income Properties REIT LP Completes Rebranding of 46 Rail Hotels to Various Wyndham Brands
American Hotel Income Properties REIT LP | December 20, 2017
American Hotel Income Properties REIT LP ("AHIP") (TSX: HOT.UN, HOT.U, and HOT.DB.U) is pleased to confirm that its previously announced agreement with Wyndham Hotel Group to convert 46 hotels – including all of the hotels in its Rail Hotel portfolio – to Wyndham hotel brands, has now been completed. In total, 28 hotels have converted to Travelodge® hotels, 15 hotels have become Baymont Inn & Suites®, two properties are now Super 8® hotels, and one hotel will remain a Days Inn®. Each of these hotels can now be booked through Wyndham's worldwide reservation network, and all converted hotels now provide the...
Minor Hotels Signs with Safari International Group for New AVANI Hotel in Muscat, the Oman Capital
Minor Hotels | December 20, 2017
Bangkok, December 20, 2017: Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 157 hotels and resorts in 24 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, has signed a management agreement with Safari International Group for a new AVANI hotel to be developed in Muscat, the Oman capital. Scheduled to open in 2020, the 250-key AVANI Muscat Hotel will be located in Seeb to the west of the city, 15 minutes' drive from Muscat International Airport. Seeb is a prime residential area in Muscat and a key area for future development as the city grows westwards. Th...
NOVUM Hospitality Acquires Conference Hotel in Frankfurt-Niederrad to Become Crowne Plaza Frankfurt Congress Hotel
NOVUM Hospitality | December 20, 2017
NOVUM Hospitality has concluded its latest mega-deal, acquiring a conference hotel in Frankfurt-Niederrad at the start of 2018. Following a short refresh, which will take place during normal operations, the 4-star conference hotel with 396 rooms and 14 event spaces will, on the basis of a franchise agreement with IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), in future be run as Crowne Plaza Frankfurt Congress Hotel. "On the basis of our productive and well-established partnership with IHG®, we are looking forward to running this 'big box' hotel, which is in a strategic location between Frankfurt airport and the city centre,...
Karma Group Acquires Resort in Historic Dharamshala, Home of the Dalai Lama
Karma Group | December 20, 2017
Karma Group have announced the acquisition of a new property in Dharamshala, in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley in India. Dharamshala is the adopted home of the Dalai Lama and the exiled Tibetan government, with the Dalai Lama's residence in the village of McLeodGanj, running along a ridge overlooking the town proper. Surrounded by the snow topped Dhauladhar ranges, the property is built on the side of a cedar forested mountain with sweeping views down into the valley below and the adjoining tea gardens. The property has 25 rooms and suites and with a restaurant, pool, gym and future plans include a Karma Spa, making it the ideal...
AHLA Releases Statement Following Historic Tax Reform Legislation
American Hotel & Lodging Association | December 20, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 20, 2017 – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of passing historic tax reform legislation. "We applaud Congressional leadership and all members of the U.S. House who voted for final passage of this tax reform legislation, which will help American businesses and strengthen our overall economy," said AHLA vice president of government affairs Craig Kalkut. "These tax cuts are key for the hotel industry, allowing it to continue to grow, create more jobs, and strengthen local economies. Not only...
Antonio Huguet Morera Named General Manager of OD Barcelona
OD Barcelona | December 20, 2017
Antonio Huguet Morera is General Manager of OD Barcelona, the fifth hotel from Balearic boutique hotel group OD Hotels. OD Barcelona opened August 15, 2017 with 98 rooms including five suites, restaurant with terrace and garden, lobby bar and rooftop Sky Bar with sun-deck and swimming pool. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, Huguet most recently was General Manager of the boutique four-star Olivia Plaza Hotel in Barcelona. Prior to that, he was General Manager at the Hotel Mediterráneo Park in Girona, Spain. Additionally, he spent several years in management positions for H10 in mainland Spain and the Canary Islands....
Aimbridge Hospitality Adds 13 Courtyard by Marriott Hotels to Management Portfolio
Aimbridge Hospitality | December 20, 2017
DALLAS, TEXAS (Dec. 20, 2017) Aimbridge Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the United States, announces it has been chosen to manage a portfolio of 13 Courtyard by Marriott properties owned by Canada-based Skyline Investments ("Skyline"). The portfolio includes 13 Courtyard by Marriott locations across the U.S., including: Courtyard Birmingham Hoover, AL: 153 rooms Courtyard Chicago Arlington Heights S., IL: 147 rooms Courtyard Chicago Deerfield, IL: 131 rooms Courtyard Dayton Mall Miamisburg, Ohio: 146 rooms Courtyard Fort Myers Cape Coral, FL: 149 rooms Courtyard Huntsville University Drive, AL: 14...
Analyzing the Relationship Between Serviced Residences and Hybrid Travel
Larry Mogelonsky | December 20, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Both traditional hotels and any form of alternate lodging provider share a common pool of potential customers, consisting primarily of those individuals looking for short-term accommodations away from home. Typically, those stays are measured in days, and rarely in weeks or months. The length of stay is often one of the critical differences that defines serviced residences such as apartment rentals from both the hotel and sharing economy products. Ascott Limited is a subsidiary of CapitaLand, one of Asia's largest real-estate companies. Through rapid growth over the past three d...
The Ramayan Supply Guide To Mattress Hygiene
Ramayan Supply | December 20, 2017
Many people are not aware how to maintain their mattress and may often end up damaging it if they are using the wrong cleaning methods. Mattress hygiene is one of the essential things that we should know because most of the diseases that we get these days are due to the dust that hides in our assets where we spend most of our time. Do you have a mattress in your home? Well, your answer might be yes. It does not mattter if your mattress is new, expensive or traditional, as with other domestic staff, mattresses also tend to get dirty with regualr use. As a result, they must be hygienic. You can wash everything on your bed, except the matt...
Extended Stay America’s CFO Jonathan Halkyard Promoted to Succeed Gerry Lopez as CEO
Extended Stay America, Inc. | December 19, 2017
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--The Boards of Directors of Extended Stay America, Inc. ("ESA") and its paired-share REIT, ESH Hospitality, Inc. ("ESH"), (NYSE:STAY and collectively, the "Company") today announced that they have appointed Jonathan S. Halkyard to serve as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of both companies, effective January 1, 2018. Concurrently with the appointment of Mr. Halkyard, the Company's current President and CEO, Gerry Lopez, will transition to the role of Senior Advisor until March 18, 2018. Mr. Halkyard will succeed to Mr. Lopez's positions on the ESA and ESH Boards of Directors on January 1, 2018. Mr. Halkyard...
FIRC Group Debuts New Cambria Hotel in Downtown Asheville, North Carolina
Cambria Hotels | December 19, 2017
ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 19, 2017 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, in collaboration with FIRC Group, Inc., announced the opening of the new Cambria Hotel in Downtown Asheville, N.C. Located at 15 Page Avenue, the new 136-room Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville is at the epicenter of the city's many attractions, steps from a multitude of award-winning craft breweries, restaurants, art galleries and music venues. The property is also a short distance from the iconic Biltmore Estate. The property offers a one-of-a-kind scenic view of the nearby Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mounta...
The St. Louis Cardinals and The Cordish Companies Break Ground on $260 Million Second Phase of Ballpark Village
the St. Louis Cardinals | December 19, 2017
ST. LOUIS, Dec. 19, 2017 -- The St. Louis Cardinals and The Cordish Companies recently broke ground on the $260 million second phase of Ballpark Village. The Cardinals and Cordish were joined by St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson and numerous civic, community, and business leaders to celebrate this exciting milestone. The 700,000 square foot mixed-use expansion project will complete a full build-out of Clark Street, transforming it into one of the most exciting streets in all of professional sports. "This second phase is more than seven times the scale of the first phase of Ballpark Village, bringing our total investment in new construct...
It’s Time for Hotel Brands to Wake Up and Re-Evaluate Their Voice Channel
Robert Post | December 19, 2017
By Robert Post The voice channel delivers from 20 to 50% of bookings for hotel brands. So why has the Contact Center become such an overlooked hospitality distribution channel? In my opinion, our industry has forgotten the impact of this valuable asset, its power to generate revenue, and the customer service it can provide to satisfy the demands of today's busy traveler. In a recent survey, we discovered a startling fact - Contact Centers are an increasingly poorly managed channel. In fact, we learned that a surprising number of organizations did not have a handle on their voice revenue conversion. And even when they had these numbers, ...
Auberge Resorts Collection to Manage Telluride’s Madeline Hotel and Residences
Auberge Resorts Collection | December 19, 2017
MILL VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 19, 2017 -- Auberge Resorts Collection, owner and operator of award-winning small luxury resorts, residences and clubs, today announced that the company has acquired, in partnership with Flynn Properties, and will manage Madeline Hotel and Residences, the world-class ski-in/ski-out resort in the mountain playground of Telluride, Colo. Auberge Resorts Collection will introduce the brand's customized guest experiences inspired by Telluride's natural spirit of adventure and exploration. Ideally situated in the heart of Mountain Village, the alpine resort sits mid-mountain above the historic mining town of ...
Hard Rock International Partners with Singha Estate for Hard Rock Hotel Maldives Slated to Open October 2018
Hard Rock International | December 19, 2017
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 19, 2017 -- Globally recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock International announces plans to expand its portfolio with Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, slated to open October 1, 2018. As part of the Emboodhoo Lagoon project, the first integrated resort destination in the Maldives, the brand will work in collaboration with Singha Estate Public Company Limited, a leading Thailand-based development company, to provide travelers with the ultimate, family-friendly Maldivian experience. The highly anticipated property will be located within one of the Maldives' lar...
HVS Market Pulse: Center City Philadelphia
Kim Lindell | December 19, 2017
By Kim Lindell , Scott Killheffer Philadelphia lays claim to many firsts in the U.S., including the first state capital, public library, hospital, stock exchange, and even the nation's first zoo. Today, revitalization efforts continue to fuel the city's engine of innovation, building on a base of airport, tourism, education, and convention demand drivers. Strong group demand in recent years, combined with rising levels of transient corporate and leisure travel, has boosted occupancy and average daily rate (ADR), especially within Philadelphia's Center City submarket. Major Economic Drivers Center City Philadelphia, which includes the Ce...
International Society of Hotel Association Executives Announces 2017 Awards of Excellence Winners
ISHAE | December 19, 2017
BOSTON, MA (December 22, 2017) – The International Society of Hotel Association Executives (ISHAE) awarded the 2017 Awards of Excellence at the 31st annual ISHAE Winter Conference at the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida. ISHAE presents the annual Awards of Excellence for the best lodging association programs and services throughout the year. Widely recognized as the "best of the best" within the hotel and lodging association industry, these awards represent innovation and creativity that has brought tangible results to the association and its members. Award winners receive complimentary registration to a future ISHAE Conferenc...
Former 1860s Factory in Hudson, New York Now Home to The Wick, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Redburn Development Companies, LLC | December 19, 2017
Community stakeholders toured The Wick, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Hudson, NY this past Thursday, ahead of the December 19 opening. Soon to be a key destination in Columbia County, The Wick is accepting reservations this holiday season, timed perfectly to host discerning travelers eager to experience the culture, community and culinary excellence of Hudson. Formerly a manufacturing plant, the adaptive re-use historic preservation project has preserved and transformed the historic property into a 55-room boutique hotel, with thoughtfully-designed guestrooms, including seven suites. The Wick Hotel draws upon the building's heritage thro...
Hospitality Financial Leadership – A White Paper on a 6-Month Client Workshop/Coaching Engagement – Part 2
David Lund | December 19, 2017
The following is an overview of a six-month financial leadership project that I recently completed at a full-service hotel. The project consisted of six half-day hospitality financial leadership workshops delivered in-house and monthly 1-1 leadership coaching appointments with the 15 managers assigned to the program. Each month of the project we completed a group workshop and each manager had a coaching meeting with me. The project goal had five measurable elements: Complete Forecasts—get the managers and leaders of this hotel to complete their monthly departmental financial forecasts. Track their results throughout the month. ...
Napa Valley’s UpValley Inn & Hot Springs Hotel Joins the Ascend Hotel Collection
Ascend Hotel Collection | December 19, 2017
ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 19, 2017 --The UpValley Inn & Hot Springs hotel in Calistoga, Calif., has joined the Ascend Hotel Collection, bringing the charm of Napa Valley's wine country to this global portfolio of unique, boutique and historic hotels and resorts. Known for inspiring individuality, the Ascend Hotel Collection is the world's first and largest soft brand, featuring best-in-class upscale properties with more than 200 properties open worldwide. Just 90 minutes from San Francisco, The UpValley Inn & Hot Springs hotel takes its name from Calistoga locals who refer to this area of Napa as "upvalley." A popul...
BENCHMARK Names Tom Cupo Area General Manager for The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center | December 19, 2017
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, December 19, 2017 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Tom Cupo area general manager for The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in Blacksburg, Virginia. Greg Champion, Benchmark's president & COO, made the announcement. "It is with pleasure that I welcome Tom to his new role with our company," said Mr. Champion. "Not only is he an extremely experienced leader, he knows The Inn at Virginia Tech and the Virginia market intimately, having overseen the property for many years. We look forward to his active ...
OTO Development Opens 123-Key AC Hotel Chapel Hill Downtown in North Carolina
AC Hotels by Marriot | December 19, 2017
CHAPEL HILL NC (DECEMBER 19, 2017) --AC Hotels by Marriott® has announced the opening of AC Hotel Chapel Hill Downtown, a European-inspired, frictionless, elegant hotel for the modern traveler. Notable as the first Marriott-branded modular construction project on the East Coast, the property also plays a pivotal role in the revitalization of Chapel Hill's central business district. The 4-story, 123-key hotel is nestled in the heart of Chapel Hill -- adjacent to the town's social district and just around the corner from the University of North Carolina -- adding distinctly Southern elements to the AC brand's European vibe...
2018 HEDNA Conference in Austin Attracts Global Industry Leaders & Attendees
Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA) | December 19, 2017
Attendees Come from Far and Wide to Discuss Hotel Distribution Challenges, Explore Innovations and Share Best Practices Washington, DC (December 19, 2017) –HEDNA (the Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association) is gearing up to host the Global Distribution Conference from January 29 through the 31, 2018. Leaders and experts from across the globe will meet in Austin, Texas for three days of technology and industry-focused keynotes, networking, breakout sessions and discussions. Innovation in Technology is the theme of this year's conference and the action packaged agenda is set to deliver the most comprehensive information,...
