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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
Reinvigorate Your Guest Satisfaction Surveys
Larry Mogelonsky | October 11, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Does any hotel still offer customer satisfaction surveys? Do you, as a hotelier, rely upon comment cards as a quality control for your operations? A decade ago, the answer would undoubtedly be yes, but now it isn't so black-and-white. Let's reflect on what's happened, specifically related to the advent of internet-born travel websites. With the success of online review sites, including the behemoth that is TripAdvisor, it's all too easy to surmise that their growth was primarily because of how they aggregated hotels and cross-linked to OTA booking engines. However, we must also stom...
Two Roads Hospitality Selects NAVIS to Optimize Direct Channel Revenue
NAVIS | October 11, 2017
Award-winning international hotel management company expands partnership after properties using NAVIS solutions prove 'wildly successful.' BEND, Ore. (October 11, 2017) – Following a comprehensive review of available technology solutions, Two Roads Hospitality has selected NAVIS as their preferred partner for optimizing reservation sales and marketing. NAVIS, currently being used by 16 of their client properties, today announced that they have entered into an expanded business alliance which will benefit Two Roads Hospitality's collection of truly individual hotels, resorts, and vacation residences. Recognizing the positive impact...
When Guests Complain, Be All EARS!
Doug Kennedy | October 11, 2017
By Doug Kennedy Considering all of the many components of a positive guest experience during even just a 24 hour stay, and how many guests are in a hotel on any given night, it should not be surprising to any hotelier that at some point during a shift every colleague is likely to encounter complaints. Surely we can and should do all that is possible to prevent short comings, but it is also essential to train everyone how to respond in such a way as to not only fix what is broken, but also to show compassion for the guests' inconveniences. To their credit, most hotel operators seem to be working hard to improve the overall quality of the...
Foxwoods Casino Goes All In With BirchStreet Procure-To-Pay Suite
BirchStreet Systems, Inc. | October 11, 2017
Newport Beach, CA – October 11, 2017 – Foxwoods Resort Casino has chosen the BirchStreet Procure-To-Pay suite for its entire campus of casinos, restaurants, hotels and convention spaces. The Mashantucket, Conn. property, which is the largest resort casino in North America, will use the BirchStreet eProcurement, AP 3-Way Auto-Matching, Food & Beverage Inventory Control, Recipe Management and Capital Projects modules. They will rely on BirchStreet to meet procurement needs for both direct- and indirect-spend items across the Foxwoods campus. Foxwoods's evaluation found BirchStreet to be a user-friendly system, that, with i...
Pivot Hotels Expands IDeaS’ Proven Revenue Management Technology to Multiple Properties
Pivot Hotels and Resorts | October 11, 2017
Luxury and lifestyle hospitality division of Davidson Hotels & Resorts amplifies portfolio performance with revenue technology Tweet: @IDeaS_RevOpt expands partnership with Pivot Hotels & Resorts with leading #RevenueManagement tools and services www.ideas.com/about/news MINNEAPOLIS – October 11, 2017 – IDeaS Revenue Solutions, the leading provider of revenue management software solutions and advisory services, is pleased to announce the expansion of its relationship with Pivot Hotels and Resorts, the luxury and lifestyle operating division of Davidson Hotels and Resorts. With a growing collection of independent and ...
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Revolutionizes Hotel Guest Convenience with ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Mobile Access
ASSA ABLOY Hospitality | October 11, 2017
Australian luxury resort turns to leader in hospitality security technology to implement cutting edge digital key room access functionality Stockholm – October 11, 2017 – The Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, an award-winning luxury resort in Australia, has successfully implemented several of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality's innovative security technologies, including ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Mobile Access, VingCard Signature RFID electronic locks and the Visionline online platform. The property, which is situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region, is home to a variety of luxurious amenities, including a golf course, leisure ac...
How Hotel Technology Helps This Historic Hudson Valley Inn Do Everything From Feeding Their Geese to Turning Their Rooms
ALICE | October 10, 2017
Historic Hudson Valley bed and breakfast, Buttermilk Falls Inn, has selected ALICE's staff communications platform to improve employee communication and coordination across the 75-acre estate. ALICE is the hospitality industry's leading operations technology, connecting every department of the hotel with one platform for all staff communication and guest requests. ALICE recently acquired concierge software provider GoConcierge to augment its technology and customer service offering. Although the Buttermilk property had modernized and expanded its offering many times since erection of the main inn building in 1764 (recent additions inclu...
M3 Unleashes New Mobile App to Increase Hoteliers’ Productivity
M3 | October 10, 2017
Budget and revenue data just a swipe away on both iOS and Android devices (GAINESVILLE, GA – 10/12/17) – It's a familiar story for hoteliers; there are simply not enough hours in the day to get all the work that needs to be done completed. To allow busy hotel owners and managers easier access to property financial data, at home and on the road, M3 has recently introduced its mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. The M3 mobile app enables hoteliers to securely access their data like never before, viewing real-time, mission-critical information like: Key Performance Indexes: Occupancy and ADR Rooms Rented Total Room...
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village Welcomes New Executive Chef Christiana Menassa
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village | October 10, 2017
Cape Coral, FL – October 10, 2017 – The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village is pleased to announce the appointment of Christiana "Criss" Menassa as Executive Chef. Chef Menassa brings more than 30 years of experience in the culinary world and will be overseeing all of the hotel's culinary operations, including the property's two dining venues, Marker92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro and The Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill. "We're excited to see how Chef Menassa's creativity and talent – stemming from her rich and diverse culinary background – can continue to honor the vibrant and unique flavors of Flor...
Tambourine Shares We’re Using the Wrong Message to Fight OTAs
Tambourine | October 10, 2017
Looks like we might have been going about this all wrong. The thought that a guest's primary travel concern is saving money is an assumption that needs to be reexamined. According to JD Power & Associates' North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study, guests are more likely to be dissatisfied with their hotel experience and come across more problems (like canceled reservations or last-minute changes) if they book through a third-party, such as Travelocity or Expedia. So, what does this mean for you? It's time to change the overarching hotel industry strategy from emphasizing price parity to tapping into consumer fears of OTAs....
The Perry Hotel Key West at Stock Island Marina Appoints Troy Talpas as General Manager
The Perry Hotel Key West at Stock Island Marina | October 10, 2017
KEY WEST, FL — October 2017 — The Perry Hotel Key West at Stock Island Marina has announced the appointment of Troy Talpas as General Manager and Adelheid Salas as Assistant General Manager. The duo will oversee operations of the new 100-room boutique hotel, which opened its doors in May on the private, 220-slip Stock Island Marina. In his new role as general manager of the upscale, full-service hotel, Talpas will be responsible for all departments with duties that include managing daily operations, staff development, budgeting and financial planning, increasing sales and revenue, and ensuring guest satisfaction. Talpas brin...
Global Business Travelers Identify Top Challenges They Face on the Road
Sabre | October 10, 2017
ALEXANDRIA, Va.--October 10, 2017--Time spent in transit is the most challenging aspect of business travel, according to a new report released today by the GBTA Foundation – the education and research arm of the Global Business Travel Association. Layovers, changing a flight or train reservation mid-trip, the work environment while traveling and preparing expense reports also topped the list of most challenging aspects for North American business travelers. The study, Creating a Frictionless Travel Experience – North America, conducted in partnership with Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ:SABR), identifies the main challenges busine...
Hyatt Hotels in Partnership with ORIX Corporation Reveal Plans for the First Joint Hyatt Centric and Hyatt House Hotels in Japan
Hyatt House | October 10, 2017
CHICAGO (October 10, 2017) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with ORIX Corporation for a Hyatt Centric hotel and Hyatt House hotel in Kanazawa, Japan's north coast in the Hokuriku region. The hotels, expected to open in mid-2020, will mark Hyatt's first joint development and first Hyatt House hotel in Japan. "We are delighted to announce the first Hyatt Centric and Hyatt House hotel combination in Japan," said Hirohide Abe, senior vice president of Hyatt, Japan and Micronesia. "The opening of these hotels will allow us to meet the expectations of tra...
Kingston Holdings International Limited & IHG Sign Management Agreement for New Holiday Inn and Suites in Dubai Business Bay
IHG | October 10, 2017
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Kingston Holdings International Limited to develop a new Holiday Inn & Suites in Dubai Business Bay. The signing will complement IHG's hotel pipeline in the area, which includes a Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza and an InterContinental Residences, and anchor the company's position as one of the leading operators in the Business Bay area. Expected to open in 2021, Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Business Bay will be centrally located in Dubai's commercial and lifestyle hub and in close proximity to major attractions such ...
Fracture, Rupture, Humanity – The Image of Hospitality
Georges Panayotis | October 10, 2017
By Georges Panayotis How can the image of hospitality be improved when a good share of hotels has been weakened by the trivialization and aging of the product and by the turnover and demotivation of personnel who are often poorly paid and poorly regarded? Not to mention the value for price that is often considered excessive. Lately there has been talk of rupture regarding new hybrid products, hotels, and also inns that respond to the needs of millennials, post adolescents or carefree adults who wish live and share a community experience. If we look at the overall picture we can finally see innovations on certain segments, but is this a ...
Interstate Hotels & Resorts Opens New Hilton Dual-Branded Hotel at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Homewood Suites by Hilton | October 10, 2017
LOS ANGELES and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the opening of its newest hotel, the dual-branded Homewood Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport and H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton. Located less than a mile from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the new hotel brings 290 rooms to the City of Angels, and provides a great new lodging option for the more than 40 million* leisure and business travelers that come through what is considered one of the country's busiest airports**. The property is the first hotel in Los Angeles for both brands, Homewood Suites' fourth in Los Angeles C...
Owned by Pure Strike Development and WS Centennial, New WoodSpring Suites Denver Centennial Opening in Colorado
WoodSpring Hotels | October 10, 2017
Charlotte, N.C., October 10, 2017 - WoodSpring Hotels, the nation's fastest growing extended-stay hotel company, today announced the grand opening of WoodSpring Suites Denver Centennial. The hotel, owned by Pure Strike Development, LP, and WS Centennial LLC, will be operated by Overland Park, Kansas-based Hotel Management & Consulting, LLC (HMC). The hotel is located at 13253 E. Briarwood Avenue, Centennial, Colo., 80112-6853. "We continue to seek strategic and ambitious partners such as Pure Strike Development as we continuously grow the WoodSpring brand nationwide," said Ron Burgett, executive vice president of franchise developme...
Markie Mullins Promoted to Director of Revenue at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa | October 10, 2017
Oct. 10, 2017 (Rancho Mirage, Calif.) - Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa has announced the promotion of Markie Mullins to director of revenue management. A resort veteran who has spent the past two-plus years as assistant director of revenue management, Mullins now leads a team of six, overseeing the distribution strategy of the lush 240-acre property in Rancho Mirage, Calif. With responsibilities including, managing day-to-day yield operations; fashioning pick-up analysis, strategy adjustments and reporting; performing competitive benchmark studies and creating and developing pricing strategies, Mullins will utilize her knowledg...
New 120-Room Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Worth Downtown Set to Open in Texas with General Manager Catherine Carroll at the Helm
Fairfield Inn & Suites | October 10, 2017
Fort Worth, TX – October 10, 2017 – The 120-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Fort Worth, Texas is scheduled to open this Friday, October 13, 2017 with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 1010 Houston Street, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Worth Downtown will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Downtown FW Fairfield Lodging, LLC and managed by Icon Lodging of Irving, Texas. The management team at the hotel is led by General Manager, Catherine Carroll and Director of Sales, Claire Maisel. Located in downtown Fort Worth and 25 mil...
Washington D.C.‘s Family Owned The Graham Georgetown Slated to Join Tapestry Collection by Hilton in 2018
Hilton | October 10, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. and MCLEAN, Va. - Tapestry Collection by Hilton continues to expand with the signing of the distinguished hotel, The Graham Georgetown, in Washington, D.C., slated to join the collection in early 2018. With stunning rooftop views across the Georgetown neighborhood and its picturesque waterfront, the seven-story Federalist building is home to 57 guest rooms, including 32 one-bedroom suites with generous living space. As part of Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a growing portfolio of original upscale hotels, The Graham will continue to celebrate its authentic spirit while offering guests an independent hotel stay backed by ...
Hotels Are Leaving Money on the Table: StayNTouch Guide Explores Strategies for Maximizing Guest’s Share of Wallet
StayNTouch | October 10, 2017
Loyalty and bookings are not enough - hotels must increase guest spend Bethesda, MD (October 10, 2017) – In simple terms, share of wallet (SOW) is the percentage of a customer's total spending that is captured by a business. Today, hospitality technology leader StayNTouch® has launched a new guide aimed at helping hotels entice guests to increase the frequency and amount of their transactions each time they visit. Titled, 5 Easy Hacks to Supercharge Your On-Property Guest Spend, the strategies include profitable upsell and merchandising techniques, encouraging guests to stay more often and amplifying sales. Most hoteliers rea...
Hotels Should Already be Planning Their 2018 Summer Marketing Campaign, According to Industry Experts
Magnuson Worldwide | October 10, 2017
London UK/Spokane WA - October 10, 2017 - High season might have just drawn to a close but hotels should already be planning their marketing campaign for 2018, hospitality expert Magnuson Worldwide says. In a highly competitive sector, independent hoteliers are often too busy focusing on other areas to really put the time and resources necessary into effective marketing strategies. But they have the power to transform a hotel and deliver greater success. The summer months bring a huge number of opportunities for boutique hotels looking to expand their current customer base, with many local areas playing host to events and festivals. How...
New Builds Signal Growing Strength of Independent Hotels, New Entrepreneurial Brands, as a Dozen Teneo Member Hotels Open 2017-2018
Teneo Hospitality Group | October 10, 2017
Construction Trends Span Independent Properties, Leading Brands, Major Markets, Second Tier Cities, Historic Restoration, Contemporary Design Eden Prairie, MN, October 2017 … New hotel construction in major markets and second tier cities is signaling the growing strength of independent hotels and smaller entrepreneurial brands. The new properties span urban hotels, resorts, historic restorations, and anchors of major redevelopment programs, emerging business districts and dynamic new sports and entertainment complexes. They are breaking new ground in the areas of sustainability, art and architecture, historic preservation, food a...
Panasonic and Cetis Complete Interop Certification
Cetis | October 10, 2017
Cetis VoIP phones interop-certified with smart Panasonic business communication servers. Cetis, Inc. has announced that Teledex and TeleMatrix brand VoIP phones have been interop-certified by Panasonic, a leading global provider of Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC) services. Teledex and TeleMatrix corded and cordless VoIP hotel phones by Cetis have been validated to be interoperable with the Panasonic KX-NS700, KX-NS700G, and KX-NS1000 communication servers. Cetis telephone models include Teledex M Series, Teledex E Series, Teledex I Series, TeleMatrix 9600 Series, and TeleMatrix 3300 Series. According to Oliver Bodden, Pro...
