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Industry Happenings
Drive Direct Revenue with Paid Search Audience Targeting
GCommerce | October 10, 2017
By Emily Speicher | GCommerce Solutions | Account Manager Audience targeting and its introduction to Search Engine Marketing: As advertisers, we have the option to add specific audience targeting to paid search marketing campaigns. Google's audience targeting was originally only available on display networks and YouTube campaigns, but in May 2017, Google expanded audience targeting to its paid search ad network. For advertisers in the hospitality industry, the in-market audience targeting options include demographics, such as age and gender. Audience targeting for hospitality PPC: Age plays a vital part in marketing for the hotel and ho...
Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort Completes $25 Million Renovation, Adopts New Name
Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort | October 9, 2017
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort has completed a $25 million renovation aimed at evolving and elevating the resort's offerings for guests. Formerly known as the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort/Ocean Walk Village, the hotel is now operating under the name Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort and remains the largest full-service beachfront hotel in Daytona Beach. "One goal of the renovation was to create a true resort environment where our guests can unwind, and we've always felt that our prime oceanfront location is one of the most appealing aspects of the experience we offer," said Jim Berkley, general ma...
Developed and Operated by OTO Development, AC Hotel San Francisco Airport/Oyster Point Waterfront Opens
AC Hotels by Marriott | October 9, 2017
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – OCTOBER 9, 2017 - AC Hotels by Marriott has announced the debut of AC Hotel San Francisco Airport/Oyster Point Waterfront. Conveniently located just 10 miles from downtown San Francisco and 10 minutes from San Francisco International Airport, this brand-new 187-room property is the perfect addition to South San Francisco's growing biotech hub, and is ideal for entrepreneurial and innovative travelers seeking a sophisticated, European-inspired experience. "We are delighted to bring this design-driven hotel to the Cove at Oyster Point," says Corry Oakes, President/CEO of OTO Development, a Johnson Management comp...
Aimbridge Hospitality Opens New Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas Downtown at Baylor Scott & White in Texas
Home2 Suites by Hilton | October 9, 2017
DALLAS, Texas and MCLEAN, Va. - Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) All Suites portfolio, announced today its newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas Downtown at Baylor Scott & White, bringing the brand one step closer to its 200th property milestone. Designed for travelers who want to maintain their normal routine, the hotel features 132 suites and a range of value, tech-focused and eco-conscious amenities. Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas Downtown at Baylor Scott & White offers a new extended-stay lodging option for the 48.9 million travelers visiting the Dallas metro area annually.* "Whether you&...
Alex. Brown Realty JV with Hotel Development Partners to Develop Courtyard by Marriott in Alpharetta, Georgia
Alex. Brown Realty | October 9, 2017
BALTIMORE--October 9, 2017--Alex. Brown Realty, Inc. (ABR) and Hotel Development Partners (HDP) have announced plans to develop a 115-room Courtyard by Marriott in Alpharetta, Georgia. ABR Chesapeake Fund V, a value-add real estate fund sponsored by ABR, invested $7.2 million in the joint venture. Financing for the project will be provided by the Bank of North Georgia, a division of Synovus Bank. The joint venture recently closed on the 1.9 acre site located off of Old Milton Parkway directly across from Avalon – the 86-acre mixed-use development that is expected to be a major demand generator for the hotel. "Alpharetta is experie...
MCR Acquires Two Marriott Hotels in Salt Lake City for $27.5 Million
MCR | October 9, 2017
NEW YORK--October 9, 2017--MCR, the seventh largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, today announced the acquisition of two Marriott hotels located in Lehi, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City. Both properties, the Courtyard Lehi and SpringHill Suites Lehi, are situated at the entrance to Thanksgiving Point, Lehi's central business and leisure hub, which is known for its technology businesses, museums, and numerous entertainment facilities. The properties were purchased for $27.5 million. "We are very excited to make this investment in Salt Lake City's Silicon Slopes technology corridor," said Tyler Morse, Chief Executive Officer...
The ProSo Method to Achieving Service “Wows”
Jana Love | October 9, 2017
By Jana Love In the hospitality industry "wow factor" is a phrase not only used, but something the industry strives to achieve in the service they provide. There is a short list of companies that are noted and revered for consistently achieving this service level. The challenge often misunderstood is executing and delivering the "wow factor". Here's what I mean, as a consumer, we expect a certain level of good, consistent service and anything above this is a bonus. This isn't close to the level of service we are talking about regarding "wow." Studies show 65% of customers that are "satisfied&qu...
Emaar Hospitality Group Plans Vida Harbour Point Set to Open in The Island District of Dubai Creek Harbour
Emaar Hospitality Group | October 9, 2017
Set in The Island District, the 275-room Vida Harbour Point hotel opens to spectacular views of the Dubai Creek, the Downtown Dubai skyline and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Set by a marina, Vida Harbour Point is one of 7 upcoming Vida hotel projects in the UAE Dubai, UAE; October 9, 2017: Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure subsidiary of Emaar Properties, is offering an exceptional waterfront lifestyle with spectacular views of the Dubai Creek, the Downtown Dubai skyline and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, with its upcoming Vida Harbour Point hotel. The seventh upcoming hotel project in the UAE under Vida Hote...
Owned by Rookwood Hotel Partners and Managed by Jeffrey R Anderson Real Estate, New Residence Inn Opens in Cincinnati, Ohio
Residence Inn by Marriott | October 9, 2017
Cincinnati, OH – October 9, 2017 – The 118-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Cincinnati, Ohio opened on Friday, September 29, 2017. Located at 3815 Edwards Road, the all-suite Residence Inn Cincinnati Midtown/Rookwood will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Rookwood Hotel Partners, II and managed by Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Located 10 minutes from downtown Cincinnati and 19 miles from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, the Residence Inn Cincinnati Midtown/Rookwood offers its guests convenient access to Rookwood Exchange, Paul Brown Stadium, Great American Ballpark an...
General Manager Stephanie Artushin Set to Welcome Guests to New 117-Suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Altamonte Springs, Florida
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | October 9, 2017
Altamonte Springs, FL – October 9, 2017 – Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International's (NASDAQ: MAR) TownePlace Suites Orlando Altamonte Springs/Maitland is scheduled to open for business on Thursday, October 12, 2017. On average, a TownePlace Suites opens every six days. Built for travelers looking for a simple and friendly place where they can settle-in, keep their routine, and easily connect to the Altamonte Springs area. The new TownePlace Suites Orlando Altamonte Springs/Maitland located at 151 Douglas Avenue, continues to exemplify the brand's rapid growth. The new hotel will operate as a...
Midas Hospitality Appoints Deb Benhoff New Regional Operations Leader
Midas Hospitality | October 9, 2017
St. Louis, MO, October 09, 2017 - Midas Hospitality, a premier hotel management group, recently hired Deb Benhoff as Regional Operations Leader. In this position, Benhoff will oversee multiple hotels and ensure each one is in accordance with the parent company's vision. She will be responsible for providing a hands-on leadership approach with respect to top-line revenue, guest service, profitability, and associate satisfaction. Benhoff will be involved with each hotel's operations, which includes ensuring brand compliance and setting department goals to achieve first-rate service. Benhoff has more than 25 years of hospitality experience...
The Month of October’s Hard Start for Tourism
Dr. Peter Tarlow | October 9, 2017
By Dr. Peter Tarlow One day when historians of the tourism industry write about the first part of the twenty-first century they may view the week of October 1 as one of the tourism and travel industry's harder months. The week began with news of terrorism attacks in both France and Canada, and quickly moved onto the tragedy that took place in Las Vegas. Many people will desire to know the personal history of Stephen Paddock and what motivated him. In reality, there are other issues more important than his personal history, and the tourism industry needs to be careful not to allow itself to be seduced into spending a great deal of time o...
Owned by Forever Real Estate and Managed by Palace Hotels, Home2 Suites by Hilton Maumee Toledo Opens in Ohio
Home2 Suites by Hilton | October 6, 2017
MAUMEE, Ohio and MCLEAN, Va. - Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) All Suites portfolio, announced today its newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton Maumee Toledo, bringing the brand one step closer to its 200th property milestone. Designed for travelers who want to maintain their normal routine, the hotel features 106 suites and a range of value, tech-focused and eco-conscious amenities. Home2 Suites by Hilton Maumee Toledo complements the 41 million visitors that visit Ohio annually.* "Whether visiting to fish on the Maumee River, explore the Toledo Art Museum, or visit Arrowhead Business Park, Home2 Suites b...
Camino Hospitality Opens New 101-Key TownePlace Suites in Goodlettsville, Tennessee Close to Nashville
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | October 6, 2017
Goodlettsville, TN – October 6, 2017 – Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International's (NASDAQ: MAR) TownePlace Suites by Marriott Goodlettsville, Tennessee is scheduled to open for business this Friday, October 6, 2017. On average, a TownePlace Suites opens every six days. Built for travelers looking for a simple and friendly place where they can settle-in, keep their routine, and easily connect to the Goodlettsville area. The new 101-suite TownePlace Suites Nashville Goodlettsville located at 830 Conference Drive, continues to exemplify the brand's rapid growth. The new hotel is owned by Dr. Ani...
sbe Opens Mondrian Doha in Qatar and Mondrian Park Avenue in New York
sbe | October 6, 2017
NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2017 -- This week, sbe, the leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning international hospitality brands, welcomed their first guests to Mondrian Doha in Qatar and Mondrian Park Avenue in New York. Both properties opened their doors in two of the greatest cities in the world on the very same day. Sam Nazarian, founder and CEO of sbe, said: "Mondrian is a brand with international allure and we're thrilled to announce the openings in Doha and New York – two of the most dynamic and vibrant cities in the world. Mondrian is an extremely valuable brand to sbe and we ...
Resort Fee Litigation Advisory Group: How Resort Fees Became an Explosive $2.7 Billion Issue
Jim Butler | October 6, 2017
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 06 October 2017 Note: If you are a consumer with a Resort Fee issue, please do NOT contact us! We do not represent consumers with complaints against hotels. We are part of the fabric of the hotel industry and are committed to informing, educating and assisting players in the hotel industry. Resort Fees are a $2.7 billion issue — a juicy target for Federal and State governments as well as plaintiffs' lawyers It is very likely that the Resort Fee issue will present challenges in the near future to all stakeholders in the hospitality i...
Graduate Charlottesville Appoints Frank D. Paris III as Executive Chef
AJ Capital Partners | October 6, 2017
Charlottesville, VA – Graduate Charlottesville is pleased to name Frank D. Paris III as the new executive chef of Heirloom, the property's rooftop and bar, and Sheepdog Café, the hotel's lobby-level eatery. A fixture on the Charlottesville culinary scene, Paris will oversee all food and beverage operations for the property. Chef Paris joins Graduate Charlottesville after an impressive career at some of the top hospitality brands and restaurants in the South. Paris developed his taste for fine dining during his childhood, always looking to add flavor and finesse to his meals. Realizing that the best way to regularly enjoy el...
BENCHMARK Appoints André D’Amour General Manager for Stonewall Resort, A Benchmark Resorts & Hotels Property
Stonewall Resort | October 6, 2017
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, October 2017… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named André D'Amour general manager for Stonewall Resort, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in Roanoke, West Virginia. Todd Felsen, senior vice president of operations, made the announcement. "I am very happy to welcome André to Stonewall Resort," stated Mr. Felsen. "A seasoned hospitality leader and long-time Benchmark team member, André has important insights into our company's 'Be The Difference' service culture, which is so important for the guest experience. He brings this and key leadership ex...
Hilton Waikoloa Village Welcomes Christopher Anderson as Director of Sales
| October 6, 2017
Waikoloa, HI – Oct. 6, 2017 – The iconic Hilton Waikoloa Village – a 62-acre Pacific playground located on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii's Big Island – proudly announces the appointment of Christopher Anderson as Director of Sales. In this role, Anderson will focus on group sales initiatives to drive business and revenue for the property. "We're proud to welcome Chris to Hilton Waikoloa Village as we strive to deliver authentic Hawaiian experiences," said David Givens, General Manager of Hilton Waikoloa Village. "Chris' background in a variety of destinations and distinct roles, combined with his drive to create exc...
Olshan Properties Names Ernie Catanzaro Head of Hospitality
Olshan Properties | October 6, 2017
NEW YORK, NY – October 6, 2017 -- Olshan Properties, one of the country's leading private owners, developers and operators of commercial real estate, today announced the appointment of Ernie Catanzaro as Head of Hospitality in charge of the company's growing hotel portfolio. Mr. Catanzaro, who will report directly to Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Olshan, is based in Olshan Properties' headquarters in New York City and travels frequently to the company's Columbus, Ohio offices. His responsibilities include oversight of all the company's hotel operations and growth initiatives including revenue and sales growth; expense, cost and ...
Corporate Hotel Rate Negotiations for 2018 Forecast – Both Buyers and Sellers Have Positions of Strength
Bjorn Hanson, PhD | October 6, 2017
October 5, 2017 By Bjorn Hanson, PhD, Clinical Professor NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism As the corporate and contract rate negotiation season is about to begin, the outlook for corporate rates is for sides to negotiate with positions of strength. The sellers' position of strength is based on the highest occupancy percent for the US since 1984 - 65.5 percent for 2017 (about the same as it was for 2016). The buyers' position of strength is based on slowing US hotel room rate growth (approximate 3.0 percent in 2016 and between 2.0 and 2.5 percent in 2017) and increased use of alterna...
Witkoff & New Valley LLC Celebrate Topping Out of The West Hollywood EDITION Hotel and Residences
Witkoff | October 6, 2017
NEW YORK--October 6, 2017 -- Witkoff, a global real estate development and investment firm, and New Valley LLC, the real estate subsidiary of Vector Group Ltd. (NYSE: VGR), announced today the topping out of The West Hollywood EDITION Hotel and Residences, an innovative two-tower development that is poised to redefine luxury lifestyle in West Hollywood. This bold, high-profile project is the west coast flagship of the EDITION brand and marks Witkoff's entry into the Los Angeles market. Designed by renowned architect John Pawson in collaboration with Ian Schrager, The West Hollywood EDITION Hotel and Residences will feature 190 stylish g...
AVANI Hotels & Resorts Partners with Groupe Chaabane to Debut Brand in North Africa with Two Tunisia Properties
AVANI Hotels & Resorts | October 6, 2017
Bangkok, October 6, 2017: AVANI Hotels & Resorts, the vibrant upscale brand by Minor Hotels, is pleased to announce it will debut in North Africa with two new properties in Tunisia, in partnership with Groupe Chaabane. Scheduled to open in the coming months, AVANI Les Berges Du Lac Tunis Suites will be located in Les Berges du Lac II, a prime commercial, residential and diplomatic area in the Tunisian Capital. The 41-key property will offer exclusive serviced apartment accommodation options ranging from Studios to Three-Bedroom Apartments and Lofts, catering to corporate and extended-stay demand. There will also be an all-day dining...
Tambourine Shares Why Hotel Management Companies are Obsessed with Marketing Costs
Tambourine | October 6, 2017
Hotel marketing costs are affecting profitability more than ever. With profit growth slowing in the lodging industry, the focus among hoteliers is now shifting toward closely controlling costs, especially among management companies, whose earnings are directly tied to property performance (and incentives are tied to profits). As the pressure to find cost savings mounts, experts say one of the most significant expenses to watch is marketing, which has only grown more expensive with the rapid growth of digital media. In general, hotel management companies care deeply about costs, which have a direct linear effect on their ability to achie...
