HFTP® Acquires Leading Hospitality Industry Brands: Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, The CIO Summit and The Executive Vendor Summit
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
Cachet Hotel Group Partners with G-Holdings to Launch NANO Hotels & Resorts Brand; To Debut in NYC
Cachet Hotel Group | April 22, 2014
SHANGHAI, April 22, 2014 -- Cachet Hotel Group (CHG), announced today important milestones for their continued global expansion at a press conference held during the China Hotel Investment Conference (CHIC) in Shanghai, China. The announcement included a robust hotel pipeline and detail of 2014 initiatives across current properties including the unveiling of a new brand called NANO Hotels & Resorts - with plans to announce its first property in Manhattan, New York City later this year. According to Cachet Hotel Group CEO, Alexander Mirza, "In 2014 we are focused on the continued expansion of lifestyle and luxury brands worldwide. To...
The 3 Levels of a Customer Experience
Jana Love | April 22, 2014
by Jana Love Something that is always relevant and seemingly misunderstood is the Customer Experience. Harley Manning and Kerry Bodine of Outside In defines this as, "Customer Experience is how your customers perceive their interactions with your company." Here's some compelling proof on why this topic deserves focus and understanding: Over a recent 5-year period when S&P 500 was flat, a stock portfolio of customer experience leaders grew 22%! To further break down what's the "customer experience," it's the product and services you offer, how you manage your business, and what your brand stands for. It 's what a customer perceives w...
Invest Hospitality LLC and Cachet Hotel Group Form Joint Venture, Invest Hospitality Asia
Invest Hospitality LLC | April 22, 2014
SHANGHAI, April 22, 2014 -- Invest Hospitality (IH) and Cachet Hotel Group (CHG) today announce the formation of a joint venture hospitality company to be named Invest Hospitality Asia (IH ASIA). The partnership will focus on expanding established brands, developing exciting restaurant and nightlife concepts, and cultivating partnerships with celebrity chefs across Asia. IH ASIA will capitalize on its United States and European relationships to create customized partnerships for hotel, residential, retail and mixed-use developments. Among its partnership-focused ventures, IH is planning the opening of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in citie...
Hard Rock International Names Marco Roca Executive Vice President/Chief Development Officer, Hotels
Hard Rock International | April 22, 2014
ORLANDO, Fla., April 22, 2014 -- Hard Rock – one of the world's most-recognizable and iconic brands – announces Marco Roca as EVP of Hotel Development for Hard Rock International worldwide. Roca's appointment is a strategic move designed to further fuel the brand's aggressive development activity and expansion prospects. "Hard Rock International's expansion strategy is of utmost priority, the dividends of these efforts are on display today as we have hotels currently under construction in Ibiza, Abu Dhabi, Shenzhen and Haikou. Continuing this growth course demands a dynamic and knowledgeable individual who can help drive the momentu...
Kimpton’s Sky Hotel in Aspen, Colorado Welcomes Casandra Foister as New Director of Sales
The Sky Hotel | April 22, 2014
(Aspen, Colo.) - April 22, 2014 - Kimpton's Sky Hotel in Aspen is thrilled to welcome industry veteran Casandra Foister as the hotel's new Director of Sales and Marketing. With more than 20 years of experience in the Aspen area, Foister is uniquely qualified to take the Sky Hotel to the next level, bringing to the role strong relationships, expertise and a passion for Aspen as an international destination. Foister most recently worked for the Hotel Jerome in Aspen and began her Kimpton journey with the Sky Hotel earlier this month. "The Sky Hotel is undergoing a transformation of sorts, with a new team and a recent renovation to the hot...
Jeff Zelkin Named General Manager, Embassy Suites Hotel Colorado Springs, CO by Spire Hospitality
Spire Hospitality | April 22, 2014
CHICAGO (APRIL 22, 2014) - Spire Hospitality, one of the nation's leading and most respected hotel management companies, announces Jeff Zelkin as general manager of Embassy Suites Hotels Colorado Springs. Responsible for consistent delivery of product quality and service, Zelkin brings more than 13 years of management and leadership to the property and the Spire Hospitality team. Most recently, Zelkin served as opening general manager at Embassy Suites Tucson Paloma Village, where he assisted in ranking the hotel in the top 10 percent of over 213 other Embassy Suites Hotels and Resorts for Quality and Service from 2008 to 2013. Prior to...
Spire Hospitality Names Matthew Wheeler as General Manager of High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid, NY
Spire Hospitality | April 22, 2014
CHICAGO (APRIL 22, 2014) - Spire Hospitality, one of the nation's leading and most respected hotel management companies, appoints Matthew Wheeler as general manager of High Peaks Resort. Responsible for consistent delivery of product quality and service, Wheeler brings more than 14 years of marketing experience and 10 years of operational knowledge in both the food and beverage and rooms divisions to the Spire Hospitality Team. Most recently, Wheeler served as the director of lodging and guest services with Trapp Family Lodge in Vt., where he achieved budgeted targets and restored food and beverage to profitability. While with Trapp Fam...
Cendyn® Launches Cendyn/One™ Cloud-Based Software and Services Platform Company
April 22, 2014
Millions of dollars in research and development invested to create the first comprehensive one-to-one digital marketing solution for the hospitality industry Boca Raton, Fla. - April 22, 2014 - Today Cendyn, the leader in data-driven digital marketing solutions for the hospitality industry, announced the launch of its new company, Cendyn/ONE, providing a fully integrated software and services platform that leverages data to drive a significantly higher marketing ROI for hotels and resorts. Providing a single integrated view of guest history, value, behavior, desire, intent and engagement, Cendyn/ONE's cloud-based software and servi...
Benchmark Hospitality Names Billy Alberigi Director of Operations for Bardessono, Napa Valley, CA
April 22, 2014
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, April 22, 2014 - Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Billy Alberigi director of operations for Bardessono, California's first and only LEED Platinum Certified hotel. Bardessono is located in Yountville, Napa Valley, and is part of Benchmark Hospitality's Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels® collection. Jim Treadway, Benchmark's general manager at the hotel, made the announcement. "This promotion is well-deserved recognition of Billy's legacy here at Bardessono," said Mr. Treadway. "Getting things done in a quality fashion, and demonstrati...
StepStone Hospitality Awarded Management of the Hampton Inn Burlington, Vermont
StepStone Hospitality | April 22, 2014
Extensive Renovation Planned for Late 2014 PROVIDENCE, R. I. (April 22, 2014) - StepStone Hospitality today announced the acquisition of the Hampton Inn Burlington, Vt., as part of a joint-venture partnership with Garrison Investment Group. Rhode Island-based StepStone is a hospitality management company specializing in hotel and restaurant operations. "The Burlington market is multifaceted and offers excellent opportunities," said Thomas Russo, chief executive officer, StepStone Hospitality. "Our strategy is to grow our portfolio through management opportunities as well as opportunities where we can participate in ownership. We see gr...
Trigild & Blu Hotel Investors Acquire the 100-key Holiday Inn Express in Santa Cruz, CA for $16.5 M
Trigild | April 22, 2014
Trigild to Take Over as Property Manager SAN DIEGO (April 22, 2014) - Expanding their Southern California hotel portfolio, San Diego-based Trigild and Santa Barbara-based Blu Hotel Investors have completed the $16.5 million acquisition of the three-story, 100-room Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites at 1410 Ocean Street in Santa Cruz. Trigild, a real estate services firm with decades of experience in the hospitality industry, immediately takes charge of day-to-day management. "We are thrilled to announce this latest acquisition, which meets our overall criteria of investing in high barrier to entry markets with premium brands," said ...
IACC-Americas Presents Annual Education Awards and Scholarships
The IACC | April 22, 2014
NEW YORK, NY) - April 22, 2014 - At the 33rd IACC-Americas annual conference at Pacific Palms Resort in Los Angeles, CA, IACC-Americas President TJ Fimmano presented two major awards that honour significant contributions to IACC education and three industry scholarships to deserving students in hospitality programs. IACC Pyramid Award The Pyramid Award was established in 2000 to shine the spotlight on IACC members who show a true and long-lasting commitment to IACC education. Only one individual can receive this award each year. The 2014 Pyramid Award was presented to Louise Silbermann, Managing Director of the Summit Conference Center ...
VingCard Elsafe’s New Allure RFID Locking System Makes Global Debut at Luxury Alion Beach Hotel
VingCard Elsafe | April 22, 2014
5-Star oceanfront Cyprus hotel is first property worldwide to implement Allure by VingCard's interactive next generation security lock panel technology Paris - April 22, 2014 - VingCard Elsafe, the global leader in hospitality security solutions and part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, has installed the world's most technologically versatile and design-centric door lock at the 100-guestroom Alion Beach Hotel in Cyprus. With more features than previously integrated into a single lock design, Allure by VingCard is the ideal solution to the hospitality industry's increasing demand for enhanced operational efficiency, guest convenience and customi...
First New Hotel in 20 Years Set to Open in St. Pete Beach, FL, The Hotel Zamora
Trust Hospitality | April 22, 2014
St. Pete Beach, Florida - April 2014 – The Hotel Zamora, St. Pete Beach's first new hotel in more than 20 years, is slated to make its debut next month, adding modern charm to one of Florida's most coveted destinations. Influenced by the architecture, design and feel of the rocky hills of Zamora, Spain, this contemporary, waterfront hotel will feature spacious, Mediterranean-style rooms and suites with high ceilings, crown molding, arched windows and Spanish-influenced touches in its wooden doorways and artwork. Built by Tatro Construction with architectural design by Design Styles, the hotel's high-tech meeting and conference space, ...
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino Appoints Sam Basu as General Manager
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino | April 22, 2014
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (April 22, 2014) - Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino announced today the appointment of Sam Basu as the new general manager. Basu hails from The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico, bringing more than 23 years of nuanced experience throughout the luxury hospitality industry. "We're delighted to add Basu's knowledgeable perspective as we continue catering to San Juan's influx of discerning travelers," said Jeannette Aviles, director of sales and marketing. "His proven global successes and superior knowledge of Puerto Rico as a destination will further elevate our efforts as one of the leading hotels in t...
The 120-key TownePlace Suites Dodge City Set to Open in Kansas; Managed by Plains Management Group
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | April 22, 2014
Dodge City, Kansas - April 22, 2014 - The 120-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Dodge City, Kansas is scheduled to open on Wednesday, April 30, 2014. Located at 2800 West Wyatt Earp Boulevard, the TownePlace Suites Dodge City will operate as a Marriott franchise, managed by Plains Management Group of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Located six miles from Dodge City Regional Airport and five minutes from downtown, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Boot Hill Casino & Resort, United Wireless Arena and Boot Hill Museum. Rates vary depending on length of stay. "We are pleased to introduce the TownePlace Suites brand to the Dodge...
Owned by DSA Roanoke, the 126-room Hampton Inn & Suites Roanoke Airport Opens in Virginia
Hampton Hotels | April 22, 2014
April 22, 2014 - ROANOKE, Va. and MCLEAN, Va. - Hampton Hotels, Hilton Worldwide's global brand of more than 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 126-room Hampton Inn & Suites Roanoke Airport located at 5033 Valley View Blvd North NW in Roanoke. "Hampton combines quality, innovation, comfort and plenty of value-added extras, making it the brand of choice in the marketplace today," said Lisa Dellinger, director of sales. "Quality accommodations and amenities combined with proactive, friendly service from our team members ...
NYC Hoteliers, Sean MacPherson, Ira Drukier, & Richard Born to Open The 184-room Ludlow in June 2014
The Owners | April 22, 2014
New York City, April 22, 2014 - New York hoteliers, Sean MacPherson, Ira Drukier, and Richard Born, are making their Lower East Side debut with a new 184-room hotel that evokes the rich history of a neighborhood whose charm marches on. The Ludlow, within wafting distance of Katz's Deli on the corner and strumming distance of Ludlow Guitars next door, feels born on the Lower East Side. Elegant and comfortable, but with artful rough edges and personal quirks, the hotel conjures the area's vivid history, from the "Gangs of New York" era to Jewish immigration to the wild art and music of the '80s. But it's not just about the past. The Ludlo...
5 Tips to Growing Your Hotel Database for Increased Revenues and a Better Guest Experience
ZDirect | April 22, 2014
ZDirect says a rich customer database is key to helping hotel marketing strategies succeed, drive revenues and increase guest loyalty [HALLANDALE BEACH, FL- APRIL 22, 2014] - One of the most valuable assets a hotel has is its customer database, according to ZDirect, the hospitality pioneer of Hotel Marketing Automation and the industry's leading Email Service Provider (ESP). Information, such as demographics, purchase behaviors and buying preferences can guide marketers to develop strategies that deliver higher conversions on their campaigns. Guest preferences, survey feedback and purchase behaviors collected can help anticipate a guest...
Choice Hotels and Boli Hotel Management Enter Agreement to Develop Clarion & Quality Brands in China
Choice Hotels | April 22, 2014
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 22, 2014 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, is pleased to announce today the signing of a development agreement for Choice's Quality Hotel and Clarion Hotel brands with Boli Hotel Management Company Ltd. The deal marks the launch of the first Clarion and Quality Hotels in China, and the continual expansion of its international business. The development will begin in Hangzhou, one of China's most popular tourist destinations, with plans to expand across the region. Known for its historic relics and natural beauty, Hangzhou provides a scenic backdrop for the ...
Jin Jiang International Hotels Signs MOU with Hanwha Hotels & Resorts for Cooperative Partnership
Jin Jiang International Hotel Management Company Ltd. | April 22, 2014
SHANGHAI, April 22, 2014 -- On 18 April, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between two leading hospitality groups, Jin Jiang International Hotels and Hanwha Hotels & Resorts, was held at Jin Jiang's flagship business hotel, Jin Jiang Tower in downtown Shanghai. The signing of the MOU on behalf of the respective organizations were Mr. Simon Zhang, Chief Executive Officer at Jin Jiang International Hotels and Mr. Won-Ki Hong, Chief Executive Officer of Hanwha Hotels & Resorts and Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group. The MOU will commit the two parties to collaborate closely together as business partners and to work to...
Catawba Hotel Assoc. II to Break Ground on New Build Hampton Inn & Suites in Fort Mill, SC
Strand Development | April 21, 2014
April 22, 2014 (Fort Mill, SC) – Warren Norman Company, Inc. is happy to announce the groundbreaking of a 102 - room Hampton Inn and Suites in Fort Mill, SC. The six-story hotel will be located at 1520 Carolina Place Drive located off of Highway 160 behind Lowe's Home Improvement and across from Baxter Village. The hotel will be built to Hampton's new Forever Young initiative which includes: Perfect Mix Lobby, Jump Start Fitness, and the new FYI Guestroom. Additionally, hotels are infused with local photography and art work, highlighting each property's connection to its own community. The property is owned by Catawba Hotel Associates...
The 92-room Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore/Woodlawn Opens in Maryland
Hampton Hotels | April 21, 2014
Owned by Baltimore West Hospitality and Managed by Baywood Hotels April 21, 2014 - BALTIMORE and MCLEAN, Va. - Hampton Hotels, Hilton Worldwide's global brand of more than 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 92-room Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore/Woodlawn located at 1810 Belmont Avenue in Windsor Mills. "Hampton has strengthened the presence of the brand with the opening of the Baltimore/Woodlawn property," said Patrick Wilson, general manager. "Its location in the high-tech business corridor provides guests a superior ...
PolyU Study Finds More Differentiation Needed in Promoting South Pacific Destinations
PolyU's School of Hotel and Tourism Management | April 21, 2014
April 21, 2014 - Australian tourists tend to consider South-Pacific destinations as largely similar, notes Dr Stephen Pratt of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in a recently published research article. Destinations, he shows, are broadly substitutable for each other. Yet there is sufficient scope to enhance the attractiveness of less well-known islands to this, the region's largest tourist group. Dr Pratt assesses Australian tourist perceptions of similarities and differences among four South-Pacific destinations, and argues that marketing organisations need to strike a balance be...
