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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
Gencom-Led Ownership Acquires Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
Gencom | October 5, 2017
Miami, Fla. (October 5, 2017) – Gencom, a leading Miami-based international luxury hospitality and residential real estate investment and development firm, today announces the acquisition of Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo by a Gencom affiliate, Papagayo Partners Ltd., in conjunction with local real estate developer Sinergo Development Group S.A. Following the August 2016 purchase of the 1,400-acre Peninsula Papagayo and Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, this marks the second resort investment for the new ownership guided by Gencom on Peninsula Papagayo, a premier resort and residential destination in the Guanacaste pr...
Waterton Acquires 356-Room Loews Madison in Downtown Washington, D.C.
Waterton | October 5, 2017
WASHINGTON--Waterton, a U.S. real estate investor and operator, today along with an affiliate of private equity partner Walton Street Capital, L.L.C., announced the acquisition of the 356-room hotel formerly known as the Loews Madison in downtown Washington, D.C. Located at the intersection of M and 15th streets – just a half mile north of the White House – the property has been rebranded as The Madison, a Hilton Hotel. It will be managed by Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Built in 1963, the hotel originally opened as the Madison Hotel at a ceremony attended by President John F. Kennedy and has since hosted every U.S. president...
Main Street Hospitality Group Acquires the Briarcliff Motel in Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Main Street Hospitality Group | October 5, 2017
Stockbridge, MA (October 5, 2017) – Sarah Eustis, CEO of Main Street Hospitality Group (MSHG), today announced the addition of a sixth hotel into the company's portfolio with the acquisition of the Briarcliff Motel in Great Barrington, MA. "The addition of this property to the Main Street family reinforces our commitment to the Berkshires as stewards of a 50-year legacy of hospitality in the region," said Eustis. "The Briarcliff is a perfect fit to our portfolio and an ideal complement to its sister hotels, and we are so grateful to Richard and Clare Proctor for entrusting its future with Main Street," she continued. Main Street t...
dormakaba Video: Steps for Easy Hotel Mobile Access Adoption
dormakaba | October 5, 2017
Secure, Easy to Use dormakaba Mobile Access Meets Business Goals, Enhances Guest Experience MONTREAL, October 5, 2017 – dormakaba, one of the top three companies in the global market for access and security solutions, released a video on how to simplify mobile access electronic door lock adoption. dormakaba manufactures the Saflok™ and Ilco™ electronic door locks and provides installation and service for its systems. Click here for information on electronic door locks from dormakaba. "dormakaba offers multiple services that help operators simplify Bluetooth Low Energy mobile access adoption with their RFID locks," said...
Resort Fee Litigation Advisory Group: National Task Force of 47 Attorneys General Goes After Resort Fees
Jim Butler | October 5, 2017
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 05 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: It is not just the FTC. Now there are 47 Attorneys General focused going after perceived abuses of Resort Fees Consumer complaints have been protesting Resort Fees for almost two decades. In 2012, the FTC took its first major action. The ...
Rainmaker Ends Summer with Record-Setting Performance and Growth
Rainmaker | October 5, 2017
Leading provider of revenue and profit optimization software deploys solutions at more than 150 properties in 14 countries ALPHARETTA, GA – Oct. 5, 2017 – The Rainmaker Group (Rainmaker), a leading provider of cloud-based hospitality revenue management software, today announced that it has ended the summer with record-setting performance and growth, deploying its solutions at more than 150 properties in 14 countries in July and August. The properties include hotels, resorts and casinos throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Among the company's recent implementations are: FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai; Palazzo Versa...
Owned by Mac Haik Enterprises and Managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, Embassy Suites by Hilton Opens in College Station, Texas
Embassy Suites by Hilton | October 4, 2017
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Embassy Suites by Hilton, a global brand of upscale, all-suite hotels from Hilton (NYSE: HLT), announced today the opening of a newly-built hotel in College Station, TX. Embassy Suites by Hilton prides itself on providing guests an approachable and stress-free experience at each of its spacious, all-suites hotel properties. Embassy Suites by Hilton College Station offers a central location to Texas A&M University, the ideal home base for travelers in town for the big game or an official college visit. Kyle Field and the George Bush Presidential Library are just miles from the hotel and visitors can explore t...
How Should I Compensate My Sales Manager?
Leora H Lanz | October 4, 2017
By Leora H Lanz and Eydie Shapiro This is a very common question, and yet one which typically has a complicated answer. But should it? It's unfortunate that many hotels boast about how much money was spent on artwork decorating their lobbies and yet compensation increases for the sales managers who book business to their rooms are embarrassingly low. Sadly, the cost of living, the price of gas, and other expenses have increased, while, generally, the rate of pay increase has either stayed stagnant or has not kept up. Recently, we've been approached by a handful of different hotel owners asking for guidance on how to compensate the sales...
Murat Yilmaz Named Vice President of Business Development at Deutsche Hospitality
Deutsche Hospitality | October 4, 2017
Frankfurt am Main, 4 October 2017 - With the EXPO Real, the world's largest real estate and property trade fair, about to get underway, Deutsche Hospitality has continued to expand its Development Department by recruiting Murat Yilmaz to the team as Vice President Business Development. Mr. Yilmaz can look back on 25 years of experience in the branch, during which time he has worked for leading hotel companies in Germany, Russia, Hungary, Romania, Kazakhstan, Belgium and Turkey. He brings comprehensive expertise to the table in the areas of business development, asset management, real estate development, finance and hotel management and ...
Patrick Taylor Appointed Executive Chef of Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | October 4, 2017
October 4, 2017 (Georgetown, Texas) -- Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center announces the appointment of Patrick Taylor as executive chef. Chef Taylor will be responsible for the culinary direction of all food and beverage outlets for the hotel including the signature restaurant Brix And Ale, Jack's Lounge, banquets and catering. Chef Taylor will put his signature spin on the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus at Brix And Ale, which features a modern interpretation of classic American fare paired with a robust selection of wine and beer. "Chef Taylor's exceptional culinary expertise, creativity and leadership skills w...
Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel Welcomes Kenneth “Skip” Cerf, Jr. as New General Manager
the Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel | October 4, 2017
TOWSON, Md., Oct. 04, 2017 -- The Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel is pleased to announce Kenneth "Skip" Cerf, Jr. as General Manager of the property. With over 30 years of hospitality experience in various hotels, major metropolitan markets, and difficult labor environments, Skip's experience will allow him to adapt and excel in his new position. Skip has held diverse roles with Marriott throughout his career, demonstrating strong leadership skills in each position. His proven record of success has been recognized throughout the hospitality industry. In 2015 Skip was the recipient of the Community Engagement Award by Marriott's Worldwide...
GHM Appoints Deasy Swandarini as First Local Female General Manager for The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah in Bali’s Highlands
GHM | October 4, 2017
Singapore, October 04, 2017 – General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM) has named Deasy Swandarini general manager of its intimate 20-villa resort – The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Ubud, Bali – a private hideaway nestled in Ubud's emerald rice paddies. Balinese by birth, Swandarini joins the GHM family after having spent a large part of her hospitality career in several of Bali's highly regarded resorts including Kayumanis Nusa Dua, The Royal Santrian Luxury Beach Villas, The Mulia and The Ritz-Carlton Bali. Her extensive knowledge of sales, marketing and revenue management is a natural complement for her dynamic leadership, as t...
Two Roads Hospitality Appoints Rika Lisslö as Vice President of Acquisitions and Development
Two Roads Hospitality | October 4, 2017
Denver, Co., October 4, 2017 – International lifestyle company Two Roads Hospitality has appointed Rika Lisslö to Vice President of Acquisitions and Development. Lisslö comes to the Two Roads Hospitality team with over 10 years of experience as a real estate executive with a proven track record in mixed-use developments across the hospitality, retail, office and restaurant sectors. Her multi-disciplinary background will be applied to growing the Two Roads Hospitality family of brands across the Eastern United States. "Rika's vast network in hospitality finance and experience in hotel and real estate development make her ...
Stefan Mirevski Appointed as General Manager of Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza
Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza | October 4, 2017
New York – October 4, 2017 – Located in the heart of the international United Nations Headquarters, Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza, New York City's leading Midtown East accommodation option, announces the appointment of Stefan Mirevski to the position of general manager. In this new role, Mirevski will oversee the day-to-day operations of this prestigious 439-room landmark property, continuing to build upon the hotel's reputation as a "home away from home" for the world's most esteemed leaders, diplomats and heads of state. As the hotel's general manager, Stefan will spearhead all hotel operations with a focus o...
SHR CEO to Speak on Global Technology Panels in Hong Kong and Singapore
SHR | October 4, 2017
HOUSTON, TX, HONG KONG, SINGAPORE, October 4, 2017—Rod Jimenez, CEO for SHR, Sceptre Hospitality Resources, a leading provider and pioneer of advanced hotel distribution technologies, will be speaking as an expert panelist at two major hospitality technology events. The first panel, The Future of Hotel Technology, will be held at the Revenue Strategy Forum, Hong Kong, Hotel ICON, on October 11, 12:00-1:00 p.m. This discussion will revolve around how innovative hotel companies are beginning to rethink their tech stack, and are looking for new ways to integrate multiple systems in a modern cloud architecture to better personalize of...
What You Need to Know About Drone Photography for Hotels
Larry Mogelonsky | October 4, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) The saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words." Now imagine what a video says! Last year, some 750,000 drones – known to the professional industry as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and abbreviated as UAVs – were sold through big box retailers, with a forecast of over a million transactions this year. In parallel are frequent stories on the evening news recanting tales of UAVs making close contact with commercial aircraft in tandem with the fitting calls for regulation of this fast-growing, seemingly recreational activity. If you own or operate a large resort, golf cou...
Agilysys Announces General Availability of New rGuest® Buy Self-Service Kiosk Capabilities for Café and Enhancements to Grab N Go
Agilysys | October 4, 2017
Next-Generation POS Kiosk Extends Agilysys' Leadership in Cloud-Based POS Solutions ALPHARETTA, GA. — October 4, 2017 — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, today announced the general availability of innovative enhancements to rGuest® Buy, the company's groundbreaking self-service kiosk POS solution that extends point-of-sale reach, improves guest service and reduces staff demand. The enhancements for Café workflows and a new Grab N Go guest experience are part of Agilysys' continuing dramatic market penetration in food and bevera...
The Big Hotel Technology Debate: One-Stop Shop vs. Best-of-Breed
Glenn Wirick | October 4, 2017
By Glenn Wirick It's been hotly debated within the travel technology industry whether putting all of your eggs in one vendor basket, or spreading those eggs around, is better. Essentially, is a "one-stop shop" technology provider better than having a "best-of-breed" strategy that includes the use of many different technologies, services, and platforms? Which is the right choice for your business? And does it even matter? It does matter. A lot. Hoteliers deserve control of their technology, simpler solutions and outstanding service providers. While "one-stop shop" once meant that a single technology vendor offered all of the components o...
Tivoli Hotels and Resorts Takes Over Operations of Doha’s Historic Souq Waqif, A Collection of Nine Properties in Qatar
Tivoli Hotels & Resorts | October 4, 2017
Bangkok, October 4, 2017: With the goal of developing outstanding hotels in Qatar, Tivoli Hotels and Resorts – part of Minor Hotels – announces it is now operating the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels in Doha, a collection of nine unique and historical buildings featuring intricate décor and architecture, nestled in the heart of the historic Souq Waqif. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, which is one of the many assets managed by Katara Hospitality, Qatar's leading hospitality organisation, will now be known as Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli. The synergies of these two brands will enhance the development of the local hospita...
IMH Financial Corporation Acquires Sonoma’s Historic Farmstead, MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa
IMH Financial Corporation | October 4, 2017
October 4, 2017 (Scottsdale, Ariz.) – IMH Financial Corporation, the real estate, finance, and hospitality investment company, has acquired MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa, an upscale 64-room hotel situated on a five-acre parcel in Sonoma, California. The Scottsdale-based group also manages L'Auberge de Sedona and Orchards Inn, both in Sedona, Arizona. "The historical significance and provenance of MacArthur Place are precisely the attributes we seek when acquiring a boutique property," said Lawrence Bain, chairman and CEO of IMH. "We look forward to bringing the same five-star level of service and quality to the Sonoma community ...
Competitive Advantage 2018 – The World Has Changed
Robert A, Rauch | October 4, 2017
By Robert A. Rauch The classic model of competitive advantage is Michael Porter's five forces shown below. This is still a useful model for the hotel industry. The most interesting part of this in 2017 is the "substitute" portion of the grid–this is what Airbnb is all about and they will have had a huge impact on our industry by the time most people wake up to it. According to Porter, "the existence of products outside of the realm of the common product boundaries increases the propensity of customers to switch to alternatives." Michael Porter's Five Forces Airbnb has become a powerful force in the hotel industry and as a reactio...
Lightning Strike in Georgia Brings Help From Illinois
Cetis | October 4, 2017
DNDC Telephone Company restores Mitel phone system…and customer confidence. When the phone rang at the Cetis marketing office in Champaign, Illinois, Anna Saint, General Manager, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham, Jasper, Georgia, was desperate to get her hotel phone system back in service after a recent lightning strike. After more than a week of phone calls and broken promises, Anna had finally decided to call the Wyndham Hotels corporate office vendor support line, and was pleasantly surprised at the results. "I was really frustrated, when I finally called Wyndham Hotels support," Anna shares, "They advised me to visit the ...
Managed by Shaner Hotels, the 150-room AC Hotel Columbus Dublin Welcomes First Guests
AC Hotel Columbus Dublin | October 4, 2017
Dublin, Ohio – October, 2017 – Located in the upscale Bridge Park neighborhood, just 20 minutes from downtown Columbus, Ohio, AC Hotel Columbus Dublin has opened its doors, welcoming the first guests. The hotel, developed by Crawford Hoying and managed by Shaner Hotels, caters to design-savvy business and leisure travelers. "With this hotel, we've created something unique in the area, and we're really excited to share it with our guests and the Columbus community," said Orcun Turkay, general manager. "Our location in the pedestrian-friendly Bridge Park development is the center of all the action. And when our rooftop restaur...
SiteMinder Secures Atahotels as Group Remains in Prime Position to Capitalize on Italy’s Tourism Boom
SiteMinder | October 4, 2017
Dallas, USA – One year after completing its merger with UNA Hotels & Resorts, Atahotels today announces it has partnered with the global hotel industry's leading cloud platform, SiteMinder, to further capitalize on Italy's rising tourism numbers. SiteMinder will power the distribution of Atahotels' more than 4,700 rooms online and increase guest acquisition for the hotel group through the company's 350-strong network of the world's top booking channels. Atahotels merged with UNA Hotels & Resorts in 2016 to form the first wholly-Italian-owned and operated hotel group. Together, the two brands have 43 properties located in 2...
