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Industry Happenings
In the heart of Florence Pierattelli Architetture designs a new concept of hospitality: it’s Domux
Nemo Monti | December 5, 2017
In the heart of Florence, Pierattelli Architetture designed eleven apartments in the exclusivity of Palazzo Ricasoli and Palazzo Levi. It's Domux Home: a new concept of luxury living. The apartments have been designed to be a symbol of a new way of conceiving hospitality, focusing on the visitor's experience and the importance of "feeling at home". Palazzo Levi Inside this palace Pierattelli Architetture arranged four luxury penthouses that can be rent for short periods. These open spaces, overlooking unmistakable views of Florence skyline, are furnished according to the concept of a sophisticated and never excessive m...
Dual-Branded Homewood Suites and Hampton Inn Long Beach Airport Opens in California with General Manager R.J. Escobedo in the Pilot’s Seat
Hampton by Hilton | December 4, 2017
December 4, 2017 LONG BEACH, Calif. and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the opening of its newest hotel, the dual-branded Hampton Inn by Hilton Long Beach Airport and Homewood Suites by Hilton Long Beach Airport bringing a total of 241 new rooms to the beautiful Long Beach area. The dual-brand hotel enters a market that saw its strongest year since 2008 as the city reported an estimated $300 million economic impact by overnight visitors in the last recorded year*. "Southern California has presented a prime opportunity for expansion, coming on the heels of a record-breaking year for Long Beach tourism in 2016*,"...
SSN Hotels Opens 111-Suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Collegeville, Pennsylvania
Residence Inn by Marriott | December 4, 2017
Collegeville, PA – December 4, 2017 – The 111-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Collegeville, Pennsylvania is scheduled to open this Monday, December 4, 2017. Located at 500 Campus Drive, the all-suite Residence Inn Philadelphia Valley Forge/Collegeville will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by SSN Hotels of Wilmington, Delaware. Located inside the Providence Corporate Center and 35 miles from Philadelphia International Airport, the Residence Inn Philadelphia Valley Forge/Collegeville offers its guests convenient access to Valley Forge National Historical Park, King of Prussia Mall, Philadelphia Premium Ou...
AHLA President and CEO Katherine Lugar’s Statement on Senate Passage of Tax Reform Legislation
the American Hotel & Lodging Association | December 4, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 2, 2017 – "We applaud Majority Leader McConnell, Finance Committee Chairman Hatch and all Senators who voted in support of this critical tax reform legislation that will benefit American families and businesses, create more jobs, and grow the economy," said AHLA president and CEO Katherine Lugar. "This legislation is key for the industry's small businesses in particular. Three out of every five hotels are small businesses, and many jobs in local communities are dependent on a thriving hotel and tourism sector. Not only will small business owners benefit, but so will their employees and guests, str...
YOO Hotels & Resorts and Opus Hotel Corporation Launch 10-Year North American Partnership
YOO Hotels and Resorts | December 4, 2017
United Kingdom-based YOO Hotels and Resorts and Canada's Opus Hotel Corporation are delighted to announce an exciting brand partnership and 10-year expansion plan to develop and operate a series of OPUS by YOO Collection and OPUS by yoo2 hotels across Canada and Mexico, as well as in select U.S. markets. This exclusive international partnership will allow both globally recognized boutique hoteliers to explore ground-up development, repositioning, and management opportunities in North America's key urban and resort destinations. The deal also includes an exclusivity arrangement for Opus Hotel Corporation within Canada and Mexico. The YOO...
sbe Opens SLS Baha Mar Within $4.2 Billion Resort Destination in The Bahamas
sbe | December 4, 2017
MIAMI – December 4, 2017 – Introducing a new level of lifestyle hospitality to The Bahamas, the 299-room SLS Baha Mar hotel is now open within Baha Mar, the $4.2 billion beachfront resort destination in Nassau with an elite collection of global luxury brands set along 3,000 feet of sparkling white sand beach and crystal clear waters. "This is an exciting time for The Bahamas and our sbe team, as the international expansion of our SLS footprint is a huge step for the brand, along with the 11 additional SLS properties in the pipeline," says Sam Nazarian, Founder and CEO of sbe. "We are thrilled to open our doors at SLS Baha Ma...
Deb Elless, Senior Reservations Agent at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Awarded Tourism Employee of the Year at the 2017 Canadian Tourism Awards
the Canadian Tourism Awards | December 4, 2017
VANCOUVER - December 4, 2017: Deb Elless, a Senior Reservations Agent at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver for 22 years, was awarded Tourism Employee of the Year at the 2017 Canadian Tourism Awards presented by the Travel Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) in Gatineau, Quebec on November 28. This prestigious award was designed to recognize success, leadership and innovation in Canada's tourism industry and to recognize those people who consistently provide superior tourism experiences across the country. "This speaks to the service excellence that Deb consistently provides to our guests and fellow colleagues every day she comes to wo...
Kokua Hospitality Appoints Shouma Moniz as New Director of Sales & Marketing at Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach | December 4, 2017
(SAN FRANCISCO; December 4, 2017) – Kokua Hospitality, LLC, an independent hotel management company based in San Francisco, announces the appointment of Shouma Moniz as director of sales and marketing (DOSM) at Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach (175 Paoakalani Ave, Honolulu, HI). In his current role, the native Hawaiian leads the hotel's sales and marketing strategies, managing a team of three sales associates and working directly with Kokua Hospitality's corporate regional sales manager. Moniz, who brings such accolades as Evolution Hospitality's national sales person of the year for 2014, contributes to the hotel's holistic business str...
IHG Partners with Ghelambo for 430-Room Dual-Branded Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express Warsaw Hub, an IHG-First in Poland
IHG | December 4, 2017
Crowne Plaza Warsaw Hub will be built alongside Holiday Inn Express Warsaw Hub, IHG's first dual-branded hotel complex in Poland 430-room dual hotel will be IHG's largest in the market As business and leisure travel to Eastern Europe continues to surge, IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, is pleased to announce its 10th signing in the region in 2017, with partners Ghelamco. Crowne Plaza Warsaw Hub will be the first Crowne Plaza in Poland and will be built alongside Holiday Inn Express Warsaw hub, becoming IHG's first dual-branded complex in the market. The 430-room complex will be IHG's ...
Kori Johnson Appointed General Manager at The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection
The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection | December 4, 2017
Washington, D.C. – Decmeber 4, 2017 – The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection is pleased to announce the appointment of seasoned hospitality executive Kori Johnson as General Manager. With an extensive background within the Marriott portfolio, Kori will bring over two decades of hotel expertise to spearhead the historic D.C. landmark. As General Manager, Kori will be responsible for all property operations, including 581 modern guestrooms & suites, over 42,000 square feet of newly restored meeting & event space, and the vibrant EDGAR Bar & Kitchen. "Kori brings an extensive resume of workforce innovation, custo...
David Stutz Appointed General Manager for The Source Hotel Opening May 2018 in Denver, Colorado
The Source Hotel | December 4, 2017
Denver, CO (December 4, 2017) – The Source Hotel announces David Stutz as the hotel's first General Manager. The boutique hotel, opening in May 2018, will feature 100 rooms and complement its adjacent sister property, The Source, with a market hall showcasing New Belgium's first Denver small-batch brewery; a collection of experiential, craft-focused vendors; three restaurants; and a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the downtown Denver skyline and Rocky Mountains. A hospitality industry veteran, Stutz brings a hands-on approach to ensuring The Source Hotel's commitment to intuitive service and exceptional guest experiences. A...
Cornell Presents the 2017 Center for Hospitality Research Sustainability Roundtable Summary
the Center for Hospitality Research | December 4, 2017
2017 CHR Sustainability Roundtable Summary Sustainability remains top of mind for many global hospitality industry corporations. This was evidenced by the robust engagements of participants that attended the 2017 Cornell Sustainability Roundtable recently hosted by The Center for Hospitality Research at The School of Hotel Administration in the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University. Participants gathered to from around the world to discuss a wide range of emerging topics including actionable strategies for the industry to meet prioritized United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), sustainable tourism "asset ma...
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa Appoints Derek Ellis to Resort Manager and James Anderson to Director of Sales & Marketing
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa | December 4, 2017
Phoenix, Arizona (Decmeber 4 2017) – JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa has appointed Derek J. Ellis to Resort Manager and James Anderson to Director of Sales & Marketing, according to General Manager and Area General Manager Steve Hart. Prior to returning to the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa where he initially opened the 950-room luxury property as Director of Rooms Operations in 2002, Ellis was most recently the General Manager of the JW Marriott Houston Galleria. Ellis brings extensive industry experience to his new position and has spent 27 years within the Marriott organization. He has held similar lead...
Europe’s Hotel Construction Pipeline Up 22% Led by AccorHotels
Lodging Econometrics | December 4, 2017
December 4, 2017 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – A recent Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report for Europe states that the Total Pipeline has 1,228 Projects/189,490 Rooms, up 22% by projects Year-Over-Year (YOY) according to Lodging Econometrics (LE). There are 586 Projects/95,775 Rooms Under Construction, up 17% by projects YOY. Projects Scheduled to Start Construction in the Next 12 Months are at 388 Projects/58,008 Rooms, up 51%, while projects in Early Planning at 254 Projects/35,707 Rooms are up by 2%. The top countries in the Europe Construction Pipeline are: United Kingdom with 228 Projects/34,614 Rooms, Germany with 185 Projec...
Embassy Suites Dallas DFW Airport North Completes Phase One of its Multi-Million-Dollar Renovation
Atrium Hospitality | December 4, 2017
Grapevine, Tex. – December 4, 2017 – Guests of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas DFW Airport North will now be able to experience a new sleek and modern feel during their stay. The 329-suite hotel in Grapevine, Texas, just two miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, has completed the first phase of its multi-million-dollar property renovation. Enhancements have been made to the following areas: Lobby: Guests will be greeted to an all new design including contemporary décor and lighting. Atrium: The contemporary look and feel continues as guests relax in the new and inviting 12-story atrium Meeting Sp...
McKibbon Hospitality Adds Three Clearwater Beach Hotels to Management Portfolio through Partnership with Page Hotels & Resorts
McKibbon Hospitality | December 4, 2017
Tampa, FL (December 4, 2017) – McKibbon Hospitality, an award-winning leader in the hotel development and management industry, announced today that it has added three Clearwater Beach hotels to its management portfolio through a partnership with Page Hotels & Resorts, a family-owned development company based in the Tampa Bay area. The partnership includes the new Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach, the Quality Hotel Beach Resort, and the Coconut Cove All-Suite Hotel. "We are excited to partner with Page Hotels & Resorts to significantly expand our management portfolio," said Randy Hassen, president of McKibbon Hospi...
Driftwood Acquisitions & Development Acquires Hlton/Dallas Rockwell Lakefront and Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel
Driftwood Acquisitions & Development | December 4, 2017
MIAMI, Fla. – December 4, 2017 – Driftwood Acquisitions & Development (DAD) – a company with a first-of-its-kind business model that provides the perfect vehicle for accredited investors to co-invest in institutional quality cash flowing hotel assets – today announced it has acquired the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront and Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel. The announcement is the latest in a string of positive news for the company, which is poised to celebrate its best year ever heading into 2018. Most recently, DAD unveiled plans for a $10M renovation program at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Central Missouri, which will b...
Latin America’s Construction Pipeline is Stalling, Down 4% by Projects YOY
Lodging Econometrics | December 4, 2017
December 4, 2017 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – The Total Construction Pipeline in Latin America has 855 Projects/146,307 Rooms, down 4% by projects Year-Over-Year (YOY). There are 413 Projects/72,070 Rooms Under Construction, up 1% by projects YOY. Rooms Scheduled to Start Construction in the Next 12 Months are at 192 Projects/31,896 Rooms, up 5%, while those in Early Planning are at 250 Projects/42,341 Rooms, down 17% YOY. The top hotel companies in Latin America's Construction Pipeline by projects are: AccorHotels with 142 Projects/20,785 Rooms, Marriott International with 92 Projects/15,080 Rooms and Hilton Worldwide with 69 Project...
The Wardman Group Acquires Maine’s Ocean Gate Resort from GEM Hospitality Group
The Wardman Group | December 4, 2017
SOUTHPORT, Maine – Dec. 4, 2017 – The Wardman Group, a Washington, D.C. based real estate investment firm, has acquired Ocean Gate Resort and has engaged Scout Hotel & Resort Management as its operator. Ocean Gate Resort is a 65-room waterfront resort just two-and-a-half miles from the popular town of Boothbay Harbor, Maine. A New England favorite for family vacations and special events, the resort opened in the mid-1950s and had been owned and operated by GEM Hospitality Group since 2006. "Ocean Gate Resort has been a true labor of love for our family, and we couldn't be more pleased with The Wardman Group's interest in...
Leveling the Data Field: How Hotels Can Compete with Better Data Access
Margaret Ady | December 4, 2017
By Margaret Ady Amazon's purchase of Whole Foods took over the business news this fall. A behemoth retailer acquiring a well-known but much smaller-scale grocer inspired a lot of speculation about what would change for Whole Foods and how. Of course, Amazon can afford to slash prices to grow the grocer's market share, but clearly, Amazon must do something that makes Whole Foods' model more sustainable. There's no easy answer or there wouldn't be so much conversation; however, among the things Amazon can offer that Whole Foods didn't have before are large-scale efficiencies. As one expert in the field told The Washington Post, "The key t...
GDPR Countdown: How Will the New EU Data Protection Laws Affect Hotel Marketing?
Tris Heaword | December 4, 2017
By Tris Heaword Proposed new restrictions to EU data protection laws will soon limit how tech companies such as Facebook and Google collect customer data. As a result, hotels with EU customers could see their own marketing efforts stifled. Set to take place in May 2018, the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is designed to provide EU citizens with greater online privacy by limiting how their personal data is collected and used. Under new laws, companies will still be able to collect data in order to offer services that consumers ask for. But using personal data for other purposes won't be permitted unless consumers give thei...
Apple Hospitality REIT Acquires Home2 Suites by Hilton in Anchorage for $24 Million, or $178,000 Per Key
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. | December 4, 2017
RICHMOND, Va. - December 4, 2017 - Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (NYSE: APLE) ("Apple Hospitality" or the "Company") today announced that it acquired the 135-room Home2 Suites by Hilton® in Anchorage, Alaska, for a purchase price of approximately $24 million, or $178,000 per key. "We are pleased to add this extended-stay hotel to our portfolio and increase our presence in the dynamic Anchorage market," said Nelson Knight, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Apple Hospitality REIT. "The hotel is located in midtown Anchorage and benefits from a variety of corporate and leisure demand drivers including nearby corpor...
Host Hotels and Resorts Rebrands The Former Ritz Carlton, Buckhead as The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The Whitley | December 4, 2017
ATLANTA – December 4, 2017 – The Luxury Collection Hotels® and Resorts today announced the official debut of The Whitley, a Luxury Collection® Hotel, situated in the heart of Atlanta's urban chic Buckhead neighborhood. Owned by Host Hotels and Resorts, and officially rebranding from the iconic The Ritz Carlton, Buckhead, The Whitley joins a growing ensemble of more than 100 Luxury Collection hotels and resorts around the world, all of which offer a unique expression of their destination. Now, the luxurious 507-room property will host guests from around the world with tailored stays featuring timeless, yet trendsettin...
5 Essential Things to Know About Your Customers, and How You Can Use Them
Voyat | December 4, 2017
By Benjamin Habbel They're tech-savvy, experienced-focused and expect a certain level of personalization from booking to check-out. Here are five trends shaping customer thought patterns right now, and how your brand can harness them… 1. Customers are prioritizing new experiences over consistency "Access is becoming the new ownership… our bling isn't our house or our car, it is the theatre of Instagram and the experiences we are having in the world." So says Airbnb founder Brian Chesky, whose $30bn global rental giant is now offering a range of tours and learning experiences from truffle-hunting to pottery classes. Hotel ...
