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Industry Happenings
Twenty Four Seven Hotels Completes Over $11 Million in Renovations of Marriott Brands in Portfolio
Twenty Four Seven Hotels | May 9, 2014
Hotel Company Executes Portfolio Wide Upgrades at Average Cost of $14,500 Per Room May 9, 2014 - Twenty Four Seven Hotels ("24-7 Hotels") announced completion of multimillion-dollar renovations across its managed portfolio culminating with the recent opening of the new "Refreshing Business" Lobby and Bistro concept at the 145-room Courtyard – West Boise/Meridian, ID. ranged from franchise mandated Property Improvement Plans to voluntary ROI opportunities with improved energy efficiency, particularly at hotels. In addition to improving the look or efficiency at each hotel there the sourcing of materials, and compliance with changes in ...
Grace Hotels Names Marco Novella as Chief Operating Officer and Felipe Espinoza as Head of Americas
Grace Hotels | May 8, 2014
8 May 2014: Grace Hotels has announced the appointment of Marco Novella as Chief Operating Officer and Felipe Espinoza as Head of Americas. These two new roles have been created as the international boutique hotel group enters a significant period of expansion, prior to the opening of its latest hotel, Grace Panama. Marco joins from Belmond (formerly Orient Express Hotels) where he held the position of General Manager of the award-winning Villa San Michele in Florence. An experienced senior professional with almost 20 years in the luxury hotel industry, Marco began his career in his native Italy at the Four Seasons in Milan. Demonstrati...
Benchmark Hospitality Names Rikki Boparai Managing Director for Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels, FL
May 8, 2014
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 8, 2014 - Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Kanwaljeet 'Rikki' Boparai managing director for the Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels® brand, Florida collection. Greg Champion, Benchmark's executive vice president and chief operating officer, made the announcement. "It is with the greatest pleasure that I announce Rikki's promotion," said Mr. Champion. "In his expanded role, he will serve as an important extension of Benchmark's Home Office team in active day-to-day support of the Florida region for our Personal Luxury collection. Ri...
UAE’s 268-room Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers Re-Opens Following $50 Million Renovation
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | May 8, 2014
May 8, 2014 - DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced the re-opening of the iconic Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers following an extensive US$50 million renovation. Opened in 1978, the landmark hotel was the first Starwood hotel to open in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Following the transformation – which includes all guest rooms, facilities, public spaces and the hotel's Italian restaurant, Vivaldi by Alfredo Russo – Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers will continue to be a choice gathering place for global travellers and the local community. "With more tha...
W Hotels Worldwide Continues $100 Million Renovation Rollout Across The Americas
W Hotels Worldwide | May 8, 2014
May 8, 2014 - NEW YORK - W Hotels Worldwide today announced the second wave of renovation projects as part of the brand's plan to reinvigorate its iconic North American portfolio. The aggressive strategy focuses on further enhancing the W portfolio and $100 million investment of the brand and its ownership groups with cutting-edge updates to public spaces, new signature bar and restaurant concepts, and stylish guestroom updates in key markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Mexico City and Washington DC. "The W brand is rooted in New York City, and as we expand globally, we are committed to remaining at the forefront ...
Genting Group Unveils Details for $4 Billion 3,000-room Resorts World Las Vegas
Resorts World Las Vegas | May 8, 2014
LAS VEGAS, May 8, 2014 -- The Genting Group today revealed plans for a multi-phased opening of the highly anticipated Resorts World Las Vegas that will create tens of thousands of jobs, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue for Southern Nevada and feature 3,500 gaming positions, 3,000 rooms and dozens of food and beverage outlets. "Our goal at Resorts World Las Vegas is to complement existing properties and bring a new and unique entertainment destination to the Las Vegas Strip," said Genting Chairman KT Lim. "Our themed resort will cater to the high-end visitor as well as the budget-minded tourist. We will give first-...
FRHI Hotels & Resorts Plans Seven New Hotel Developments in Middle East, Africa, and India Region
FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI) | May 8, 2014
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - (May 8, 2014) - FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI), the leading hotel management company that operates the luxury and upper upscale hotel brands Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, today announced at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) the development of seven new hotels in the burgeoning Middle East, Africa and India (MEAI) region. The addition of these new hotels is an important step towards FRHI's goal of doubling its regional footprint by 2020. Currently, FRHI has 19 existing hotels in the MEAI region. The new developments are set to open in key strateg...
Century Park, Hotel Residences & Starwood to Develop Sheraton Kigali in Rwanda to Open in 2018
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | May 8, 2014
May 08, 2014 - KIGALI, Rwanda - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that it has signed an agreement with Century Park and Hotel Residences Ltd. to open a new Sheraton hotel in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Scheduled to open in 2018, Sheraton Kigali will mark Starwood's entry into Rwanda and will be the company's 50th hotel in Africa. With this signing, Starwood is on track to increase its African portfolio by over 30% with more than 15 new hotels to open over the next five years. "We look forward to partnering with Century Park and Hotel Residences on this milestone entry into Rwanda as we cont...
GCommerce Partners with New Client, JC Resorts
GCommerce | May 8, 2014
The two companies hit the ground running and have shown early success in digital marketing initiatives PARK CITY, UT May 8, 2014 - GCommerce, a hospitality digital marketing company, announced a partnership with new client, JC Resorts, a leader in the management and operation of premium golf and resort properties. The company has properties in some of the most sought after Southern California locations including San Diego, Laguna Beach, La Jolla and Temecula. GCommerce was chosen as the company's digital marketing firm, one that could keep JC Resorts at the forefront of hospitality digital marketing and would take a hands-on, strategic ...
Agreement Reached to Develop the 238-room Ritz-Carlton, Mumbai to Open in India in 2017
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC | May 8, 2014
MUMBAI, INDIA, May 8th 2014 - The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has signed an agreement with a consortium led by Oberoi Realty and Sahana Group to open the first Ritz-Carlton in Mumbai, the entertainment, commercial and financial capital of India, and the second in the country following the recent opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore in Karnataka. The 238-room Ritz-Carlton will be located in Worli, the heart of central Mumbai, a thriving new business district with easy access to the international airport. The newly built structure will be a beacon on the coastline of the Arabian Sea with magnificent views of the Mumbai skyline an...
RIU to Acquire 252-room Hotel on St. Martin for $45 M; To Re-Brand as Riu Palace St. Martin
RIU Hotels & Resorts | May 8, 2014
Palma de Mallorca, May 8th, 2014 - RIU Hotels & Resorts will purchase, on May 28, a luxurious hotel in the French part of the Caribbean island of St. Martin with a 45 million dollar investment. The hotel has 252 rooms, an exceptional seafront location at an exclusive cove with wonderful white sand and turquoise waters. The Riu Palace St. Martin offers several restaurants, bars, swimming pools, sports and aquatic activities, a mini-club for the little ones, a complete spa and marina, as well as dream-like places to hold events and weddings. St. Martin is an exclusive destination. Typical photographs of idyllic beaches, that traveller...
Educational Institute and CTHRC Reach Credential Recognition Agreement
the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute | May 8, 2014
Orlando, Florida, May 8, 2014 - The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) are proud to announce a credential recognition agreement that will offer hotel administrators the opportunity to hold credentials from both organizations. This agreement is an excellent example of two national organizations working together to serve their sector and address the needs of the industry. In Canada and internationally, the CTHRC offers the Certified Hotel General Manager (CHGM) credential through emerit, its training and certification brand. EI offers its Certified Hotel Administ...
Why Training Doesn’t Work (and What Does)
Aspire Marketing | May 8, 2014
by Renie Cavallari A big problem people have with training is that it doesn't stick. And they're right. It doesn't. So why would you pay for something that doesn't last? The answer: you shouldn't. Training doesn't work, because it usually doesn't deliver anything beyond mere information. That information flows in one direction, and one direction only. Do you know what direction that is? It goes straight in one ear and out the other. People don't engage with information delivered in a mechanical, "you need to learn this, so listen up" manner. If you go about training in this way, in the end, no one retains anything. How People Actually I...
Vertical Systems Inc. Launches Next Generation of mAPPs Cloud-Based, Back-of-House Mobile Apps Suite
VSi | May 8, 2014
Recent advances in mobile technologies and the proliferation of mobile devices are creating new opportunities for hotel management to rethink and reshape the entire back-of-house operational process that has been largely based upon creating and filling out paper forms and manually compiling reports to assist in managing productivity, profitability and guest satisfaction. Sunnyvale, CA - May 8, 2014 - Vertical Systems Inc., the company that revolutionized hotel back-end operations with its integrated mobile applications platform, has released the next generation of its mAPPs mobile apps suite. These cloud-based housekeeping and engineer...
Under Development in Poland, the 100-room Hampton by Hilton Wroclaw City Center West to Open in 2015
Hampton Hotels | May 8, 2014
WROCLAW, Poland and MCLEAN, Va. - 8 May 2014 - Hampton by Hilton is scheduled to open its first hotel in the Polish city of Wroclaw, following an agreement which marks the continued expansion of the focused service brand across Europe. The 100-room Hampton by Hilton Wroclaw City Center West is expected to open in 2015, and will operate under a franchise agreement between Hilton Worldwide and owner Wroclaw City Center West Sp. z o.o., which is part of the West Real Estate S.A. capital group. The newly built property will be situated in the centre of Wroclaw, Poland's fourth largest city, and will join 18 Hilton Worldwide hotels currently...
Oliver Companies GMs Tap Portfolio Data Analysis for ‘Idea Sharing’ to Strengthen Performance
Oliver Companies | May 7, 2014
How Does Oliver Companies Maintain a Healthy Bottom Line? Daily Property Business Intelligence Reports Help Managers, Corporate Financial Team Focus on Profitability May 8, 2014 - Oliver Companies operates 13 properties under multiple flags from Florida to Wisconsin. While its hotels include Hilton, Carlson, and IHG brands, plus independents, its management focus is on two, often competing goals, customer satisfaction and bottom line profitability. "Our hotel staff's primary goal is to create the best possible customer experience, whereas everything I do is based on dollars and cents. We are all about merging these two crucial aspects o...
The Rainmaker Group Names LuAnne Lambert Director of Sales for ReelREV™
Rainmaker | May 7, 2014
ATLANTA, GA - May 7, 2014 - The Rainmaker Group, a world leader in automated profit optimization software and services for the gaming/hospitality industry, is pleased to announce the addition of veteran gaming account executive LuAnne Lambert as Director of Sales for ReelREV™ - a hosted revenue management software and services solution for improving slot performance. "With continued domestic expansion leading to greater competition and advancements in technology, and, by extension, creating lots of options for players and operators, today's progressive operators are recognizing the need for innovative ways to maximize the revenue from...
Ann Cvelich Appointed as General Manager for 158-key Courtyard Scottsdale Salt River in Arizona
Courtyard Scottsdale Salt River | May 7, 2014
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 7, 2014 -- The Courtyard Scottsdale Salt River has appointed a veteran Marriott general manager to take the LEED-certified hotel to new heights of customer service. Ann Cvelich has accepted the lead position at the Scottsdale hotel and will begin her new job immediately, said Norm Long, area director for Marriott International. "We are very pleased that Ann will be overseeing the management and continued success of the Salt River Courtyard hotel," said Vince Lujan, CEO of Salt River Devco, the hotel's owner. "She brings a wealth of knowledge and proven management skills with her." Cvelich began her career with the...
Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center Appoints Executive Chef Franco Diaz
May 7, 2014
May 7, 2014 - Chicago, IL- Le Méridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center is thrilled to announce the appointment of culinary artist and Chicago native Chef Franco Diaz as Executive Chef. A seasoned chef with years of experience at some of the nation's most prestigious hotels, Chef Diaz will inspire guests to taste the uncommon, creating his dishes from the exploration of new cultures and infusing what interests him into his art. Upon completion of its $25 million transformation this July, Le Méridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center, a Rockbridge portfolio property, located at 2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook, Illinois, will unveil a chic new bar and res...
Meredith Voller Named as Director of Sales and Marketing for The Edgewater in Madison, Wisconsin
The Edgewater | May 7, 2014
New Leadership in Place for August 2014 Re-Opening Following $100 M Renovation & Expansion MADISON, Wis., May 7, 2014 - The Edgewater, which is reopening August 2014 after a $100-million renovation and expansion, today announced the appointments of David Buss as director of rooms, Meredith Voller as director of sales and marketing, and Sara Klemme as director of special events. Appointed by owner Robert Dunn and General Manager Ron Morin to navigate the historic Madison property through its new chapter, each of these leaders has had successful tenures in the hospitality industry and will act as a catalyst for the hotel's growth and ...
2014 Top Trends for (Successful) Boutique Hotel & Hotels in General, from Your Midwest Friends
IDM Group | May 7, 2014
Why is it that the trends must always start on the coasts and get to us here in the Midwest later? We'll not all of us in the Midwest are followers, in fact IDM boasts being a leader in the boutique arena. So here is the program, get with it, success. Choose not to...and your guests (or the lack there of) will clue you in. 10. Points are Pointless! Focus on service get over the points- we are overstimulated with points; points at the grocery store, points at the sandwich shop, points for every credit card, debit card, and loyalty program. The fact is that true boutiques can't compete head on for points with the big brands, and we should...
Guestroom Renovation Complete for the 80-room Hampton Inn Southport in North Carolina
Hampton Hotels | May 7, 2014
May 07, 2014 - SOUTHPORT, N.C. - Hampton Inn Southport located at 5181 Southport Supply Road, S.E., today announced that it has completed a renovation of its guestrooms. "This renovation demonstrates our commitment to providing guests with the most up-to-date, high quality accommodations they've come to expect during their travels," said Eleanor Erickson, general manager of the Hampton Inn Southport. "When travelers visit our hotel, they will continue to find the proactive, friendly service and value-added amenities synonymous with the Hampton name, all of which are backed by our 100% Hampton Guarantee." As part of the renovation, impro...
Adam Hayes Appointed as Executive Chef at Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, Georgia
Barnsley Resort | May 7, 2014
ADAIRSVILLE, Ga. (May 7, 2014) - Adam Hayes has been appointed as the new executive chef at Barnsley Resort (www.barnsleyresort.com), a luxury boutique resort located just north of Atlanta. With more than 15 years of experience in kitchen, banquet and à la carte operations for leading restaurants in North Carolina, he is now responsible for all aspects of the culinary experience at Barnsley Resort. A self-described "relentless innovator," Chef Hayes brings a passion for incorporating fresh, locally sourced produce, meat, poultry and fish into his menus. He takes pride in working with gardens, farms, ranches and fisheries guided by the ...
Heather Dill Named as Director of Sales for Embassy Suites Hotel Downtown Tuscaloosa in Alabama
Embassy Suites Hotel Downtown Tuscaloosa | May 7, 2014
TUSCALOOSA, AL, MAY 7, 2014 - Embassy Suites Hotel Downtown Tuscaloosa has chosen Heather Dill as Director of Sales for the under-construction hotel located at 2410 University Blvd. in Tuscaloosa. Heather is a hospitality sales executive with 10 years' experience with major brands in the hotel industry, including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt Regency - The Wynfrey, and Sheraton. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, majoring in Human Environmental Science with a concentration in Event and Meeting Planning/Restaurant and Hospitality Management. Heather is goal-oriented with a track record of consis...
