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Industry Happenings
Tavros Investment Holding & Hyatt to Develop 270-key Hyatt Regency Almaty, Kazakhstan to Open in ‘17
Hyatt Regency | May 14, 2014
May 14, 2014 - CHICAGO - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Tavros Investment Holding for a Hyatt Regency hotel in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Expected to open in 2017, Hyatt Regency Almaty will mark Hyatt's return to Kazakhstan. "We are delighted to re-establish a Hyatt brand presence in Kazakhstan," said Peter Norman, senior vice president, acquisitions and development for Hyatt – Europe, Africa, and Middle East. "The development of this hotel represents a significant step for Hyatt as the company continues to expand its brand footprint in Central Asia." Hya...
Certified Hotel Administrators Can Earn College Credit from American Public University
the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute | May 13, 2014
Orlando, Florida, May 13, 2014 -The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) has signed an agreement with American Public University (APU) to enable hospitality professionals holding the Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA®) designation to earn undergraduate or graduate academic credit in select APU programs. Under the terms of the agreement, effective May 1, CHA designees admitted to and enrolled at APU may be eligible to receive academic credit towards a degree in management, business administration, or hospitality management. Eligible students may also be able to receive credit toward their undergraduate degree through...
Wyndham Hotel Group to Launch Ramada Brand in Kenya with Ramada Nairobi to Open Q4 2014
Ramada | May 13, 2014
Owned and Managed by Global Hotels Management Africa NAIROBI (May 13, 2014) - Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company with approximately 7,500 hotels and part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), today announced plans to expand into Kenya after signing a franchise agreement for Ramada Nairobi, the first Wyndham Hotel Group property in the country. Ramada Nairobi will be owned and managed by Global Hotels Management Africa Ltd. (GHMA), an affiliate of Global Hotels Management (GHM), which already operates the Ramada Hotel & Suites Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. The agreement adds to Wyndham Hotel ...
Andalusian Resorts and Spas to Acquire the 93-room Mona Lisa Hotel & Casino in San Jose, Costa Rica
Andalusian Resorts and Spas | May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014 - LAS VEGAS - Andalusian Resorts and Spas, Inc. (the "Company") (symbol: ARSP.PK), announced today that it has executed a letter of intent for the acquisition of the Mona Lisa Hotel and Casino in San Jose, Costa Rica. The Mona Lisa Hotel and Casino (http://www.monalisacr.com/) is located in historic Barrio Amon with 93 recently renovated guest rooms, a fabulous restaurant, and an 8,000 square foot Casino. Andalusian intends to use the Mona Lisa Hotel and Casino to cater to the LGBT community. Bernie Fried, President and CEO of Andalusian stated, "After completion of this transaction and integration of our business plan, we ...
The Spencer in Dublin Moves to Pegasus Connect+ Premium
Pegasus Solutions | May 13, 2014
DALLAS (May 13, 2014) – The Spencer in Dublin, formerly Clarion Hotel IFSC Dublin, has moved to Pegasus Connect+ Premium by Pegasus Solutions for global sales and marketing support of the newly refurbished and rebranded hotel. Situated in the heart of Dublin's IFSC, the design-focused hotel by Fitzpatrick Lifestyle Hotels is now available through the global distribution systems (GDSs) under the Pegasus Connect+ "UI" chain code, as well as through a thousand Pegasus-connected online channels. "In re-imagining our hotel, we thought through everything travelers might want out of their Dublin stay," said Paul Fitzpatrick, founder of Fitzp...
Marketers Wake Up: It’s Time To Hone Your Collaboration Skills
EyeforTravel | May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014 Thinking of your e-commerce strategy as a bit like a fashionable hairdo may sound offbeat but it may not be a bad idea, writes Ritesh Gupta A hairstyle worthy of the catwalks may look great in February but be so last-month by the end of May. So it is in the rapidly changing world of e-commerce, where you need to regularly revisit the look-and-feel of your digital assets to ensure customers stay engaged and relevant. In the travel industry this means responding quickly to new developments and opportunities like data-driven analytical intelligence. But while regular monitoring, spotting areas for improvement and execution of ...
Global Mobile Key Leader OpenWays Brings the Power of Bluetooth© 4.0 in a NEW Solution with BlueWays
OpenWays | May 13, 2014
Groundbreaking solution using proven technologies that supports ALL technology platforms - Bluetooth Smart / 4.0, RFID, Pure NFC and CAC - using existing locks and works with ALL cell phones in the world; Visit OpenWays in Booth 1209 at HITEC Los Angeles-MAY 13, 2014- To respond to the demands of modern travelers for mobile-based check-in solutions, OpenWays, developer of the hospitality industry's first mobile key front-desk bypass solution, is unveiling a true mobile alternative to traditional check-in offering straight-to-the-room service delivery that is sure to "wow" guests across the globe. Today, OpenWays introduces BlueWays©, ...
Luxury Collection to Invest Over $411 Million to Restore Iconic Hotels in Europe & Middle East
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts | May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014 - BRUSSELS - On the heels of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) and its partners investing more than 150 million euro to restore four of Europe's most iconic hotels under The Luxury Collection, the company will continue its commitment to the brand's portfolio with restorations planned for hotels in Europe and Middle East this year. The additional investment of over 300 million euro includes the restoration of Hotel Imperial in Vienna, Austria; Excelsior Hotel Gallia in Milan, Italy; Santa Marina resort in Mykonos, Greece; and Grand Hills in Broumana, Lebanon. In the past twenty four months, Starwood an...
Starwood Sells its Interest in The Park Lane Hotel, London to Sir Richard Sutton’s Settled Estates
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014 - STAMFORD, Conn. - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced it has sold its leasehold interest in The Park Lane Hotel, London to Sir Richard Sutton's Settled Estates (SRSSE). Starwood will continue to operate the hotel under a new long-term management contract under the Sheraton brand flag. "Sir Richard Sutton's Settled Estates shares Starwood's vision for The Park Lane Hotel to be a brand-enhancing property, and we look forward to collaborating together on the future success of this iconic hotel, which will undergo a full renovation beginning this Fall," said Michael Wale, President, Europe...
Red Lion Hotels to Deploy New Central Reservation System Powered by WindsurferCRS
SHR | May 13, 2014
HOUSTON, TX, May 13, 2014- Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) has entered into an agreement with Sceptre Hospitality Resources (SHR) to configure WindsurferCRS as the premise of its reservation platform and provide unprecedented access to reservation, distribution and reporting information. "For hotel companies, the central reservation system is the hub of all transactions, managing inventory and channels with dynamic rates, and directing outreach to customers through eCommerce and digital marketing," said Bill Linehan, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Red Lion Hotels Corporation. "Windsurfer will provide us...
Honey Lake Plantation in Greeenville, Florida Welcomes Greg Folden as Executive Chef
Honey Lake Plantation | May 13, 2014
Greenville, Fla. (May 13, 2014) – Honey Lake Plantation, a proper Southern plantation nestled among 4,800 acres of centuries old live oaks and spring-fed lakes in Northeast Florida, is proud to welcome Greg Folden to the plantation and its Whispering Pines Restaurant, as the new executive chef. With more than 20 years of culinary expertise, Folden brings a deep knowledge of Southern culinary to Honey Lake Plantation. Specializing in plantation-to-table cuisine, Folden will oversee all culinary operations, including banquets and events, managing kitchen staff and meal preparation, menu planning and operation, as well as developing new ...
Randy Pierce Appointed as Spa Director at the 260-room St. Regis San Francisco in California
The St. Regis San Francisco | May 13, 2014
SAN FRANCISCO (May 13, 2014) - Toni Knorr, general manager of The St. Regis San Francisco, is pleased to announce the appointment of Randy Pierce to the position of spa director at Remède Spa. Mr. Pierce brings nearly two decades of spa and wellness expertise to the city's premier address for unparalleled luxury and bespoke service. As spa director, Mr. Pierce will oversee programming at the hotel's expansive 9,000 square-foot Remède Spa with planned enhancements including the implementation of a yoga and wellness program, as well as updating the spa menu with innovative new treatments. A seasoned expert, Mr. Pierce will further enhan...
Fernando Alonso Barragan Bahena Named Operations Manager of Hotel Matilda, San Miguel de Allende, MX
Hotel Matilda | May 13, 2014
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - May 13, 2014: Hotel Matilda has appointed Fernando Alonso Barragan Bahena the trend-setting hotel's Operations Manager, announced Director Bruce James. Mr. Barragan, who has more than 10 years of hospitality industry experience, comes to Hotel Matilda from the Viceroy Riviera Maya where he had served as Food & Beverage Manager since February 2012. Previous experience includes serving as Restaurant Director, The Jalousie Plantation, St. Lucia; Restaurant Manager, Tides South Beach, Florida; and Food & Beverage Supervisor, Tides Zihuatanejo, Mexico (now Viceroy Zihuatanejo). About San Miguel de Alle...
Choice Hotels International Appoints Tim Muir as Vice President of Franchise Development
Choice Hotels | May 13, 2014
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 13, 2014 -- Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, announced today that it has appointed Tim Muir as vice president, franchise development. Muir will be responsible for the franchise growth of the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Cambria Suites, Sleep Inn and the Ascend Hotel Collection brands, and will report directly to David Pepper, senior vice president, global development. "Welcoming an industry leader of Tim's caliber to Choice Hotels is a testament to the strength of our brands and proven franchise system," said Pepper. "Choice Hotels is capitalizing on the upswing in ...
The Newly Built 88-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott to Open Next Week in Cheyenne, Wyoming
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | May 13, 2014
Owned by Braxton Development Group and Managed by InterMountain Management Cheyenne, Wyoming - May 13, 2014 - The 88-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Cheyenne, Wyoming is scheduled to open on Monday, May 19, 2014. Located at 1710 West Lincolnway, the TownePlace Suites Cheyenne will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Braxton Development Group and managed by InterMountain Management, LLC of Monroe, Louisiana. Located two miles from downtown and three miles from Cheyenne Regional Airport, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Cheyenne Frontier Park , F.E. Warren Air Force Base and Terry Bison Ranch. Rates vary depending...
IHG Signs for Development of Two Holiday Inn Hotels in Germany
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | May 13, 2014
Holiday Inn® Dresden – Am Zwinger and Holiday Inn® Hamburg – HafenCity 13 May, 2014 - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world's largest hotel companies has announced the signing of two more Holiday Inn hotels in Germany: Holiday Inn® Dresden – Am Zwinger and Holiday Inn® Hamburg – HafenCity. Operating under a franchise agreement Holiday Inn Dresden – Am Zwinger will be managed by All Stars Hotels Management Company and open towards the end of this year. The property will be converted from an office building into a 144-room hotel with five meeting rooms, a gym and an attractive bar and lounge area. The hotel...
Chris Leynes Named Executive Chef at Windows on the Park in Knoxville, Tenn.
Windows on the Park | May 13, 2014
Windows on the Park, adjacent to the newly remodeled Holiday Inn World's Fair Park, has appointed Chris Leynes as the new executive chef. Chef Chris has spent the past 17 years honing his culinary skills in Florida, and will bring his "refined rustic" interpretation of Southern cuisine to Windows on the Park. "I've had the pleasure of working with Chef Chris for several years, and we are delighted that he has joined our team in Knoxville," said Holiday Inn World's Fair Park General Manager Marc Bauer. "Chef Chris and his family are looking forward to getting involved with the local community and welcoming old and new friends to Windows ...
Hilton Reports Q1 2014 Net Income of $123M, Up $89M Over Last Year; RevPAR Increased 6.6%
Hilton Worldwide | May 12, 2014
MCLEAN, Va.--(May, 2014)--Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. ("Hilton," "Hilton Worldwide" or the "Company") (NYSE: HLT) today reported its first quarter 2014 results and raised its full year 2014 outlook. Highlights include: EPS, adjusted for special items, for the first quarter tripled from the same period in 2013 to $0.13; without adjustments, EPS was $0.12 Net income attributable to Hilton stockholders for the first quarter was $123 million, an increase of $89 million from the same period in 2013 Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter increased 22 percent from the same period in 2013 to $544 million and Adjusted EBITDA margin increas...
Chatham Lodging Trust Reports 7.8 % Q1 RevPAR Rise; Will Sell Cerberus/Chatham Joint Venture
Chatham Lodging Trust | May 12, 2014
Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire $342 Million Silicon Valley Residence Inn Portfolio PALM BEACH, Fla.--(May, 2014) -Chatham Lodging Trust (NYSE:CLDT), a hotel real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns wholly or through its joint ventures 77 premium-branded, upscale, extended-stay and select-service hotels, today announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. First Quarter 2014 Highlights Portfolio RevPAR – Increased hotel RevPAR 7.8 percent to $105 for Chatham's 25 wholly owned hotels. Comparable Hotel RevPAR – Grew hotel RevPAR 6.5 percent, excluding the Residence Inn Washington, D.C. hotel, which was without a...
Owned by Chase Hotel Group, the 79-suite Home2 Suites Erie Opens in Pennsylvania
Home2 Suites by Hilton | May 12, 2014
May 12, 2014 - ERIE, Pa., and MCLEAN, Va. - Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide's award-winning mid-tier, all-suite hotel brand designed for modern business travelers and extended stay guests, today announced the opening of its 32nd hotel, Home2 Suites by Hilton Erie. The Home2 Suites Erie is the third property for the brand in the state of Pennsylvania. The first guest to check-in received a basket with local items including a bottle of wine and chocolates. "Home2 Suites' continued growth and entry into new markets, like Erie, really showcases guests' overwhelmingly positive response to our brand," said Bill Duncan, global head, H...
The 251-room Nautilus South Beach, a SIXTY Hotel to Open in Q4 2014 in Florida Following Renovation
SIXTY Hotels | May 12, 2014
NEW YORK, May 12, 2014 - SIXTY Hotels today announced the latest addition to its collection, the Nautilus South Beach. Slated to open in the fourth quarter of this year, the Nautilus South Beach joins SIXTY Hotel's destinations in New York and Los Angeles, and will be the company's first Miami Beach location. "Miami Beach, with its burgeoning art scene, vibrant new districts, and increasingly stellar food, is the perfect location for our next hotel... and one that has been on our radar for quite some time," says Jason Pomeranc, co-founder of SIXTY Hotels. "South Beach is a natural fit for our clientele, who appreciate a great night out ...
California’s 370-key Marina del Rey Marriott Completes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation
Marriott Hotels | May 12, 2014
Marina del Rey, CA (May 12, 2014) - The Marina del Rey Marriott has just completed a multi-million dollar renovation, it was announced today by Misoon Kong, General Manager. The renovation encompassed all of the hotel's 370 guest rooms, suites, guest room corridors, and Concierge Lounge. The accommodations now feature a sleek, contemporary look that reflects the Southern California lifestyle with modern colors and artwork reflective of the beach destinations of Venice and Santa Monica. The renovation includes the replacement of most guest room furniture as well as new carpeting, chairs, lamps, tables, window coverings, bathroom counter ...
Robanda Amenities Partners with Baxter of California
Robanda International | May 12, 2014
New luxury soap created for boutique hotel The Line San Diego, Calif. (May 12, 2014) - Robanda Amenities, a division of diversified beauty manufacturer Robanda International, has partnered with luxury men's grooming product manufacturer, Baxter of California. This will be Baxter's first venture into the hospitality segment, with Robanda Amenities facilitating entry into four and five star properties. Using one of Baxter's most popular soap formulas, Robanda Amenities created a full custom set of amenities for The Line hotel, a boutique property in Los Angeles, California, owned by The Sydell Group, a New York based owner and developer ...
Carver Hotel Group Completes Launch of SalesXPRESS™ and RevenueXPRESS™ Models
Carver Hotel Group | May 12, 2014
XPRESS™ program designed to bring a full service sales and revenue management to select service hotels ATLANTA, GA - May 12, 2014- Joel Carver, CEO of Carver Hotel Group, L.L.C. has announced the expansion of the company's Task Force consultant team and the launch completion of both SalesXPRESS™ and RevenueXPRESS™. In increasing their Task Force resources, CHG is now able to provide consultants in the following areas for both Full and Select Service hotels: General Manager Director of Sales Director of Catering Director of Revenue Management Director of Food and Beverage Director of Rooms/Operations Sales ...
