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Industry Happenings
Travel Outlook Premium Reservations Call Center™ Signs with The Embassy Row Hotel in Washington, DC
Travel Outlook | April 16, 2014
Travel Outlook Premium Reservations Call Center™ has signed an agreement to provide reservations call services for The Embassy Row Hotel, by Destination Hotels & Resorts, in Washington, DC. In planning for the opportunity to answer reservations calls for Embassy Row, Travel Outlook's advance team visited the property, and its Quality Assurance team is worked to develop a detailed training program. Reference materials for Travel Outlook's agents will be constantly updated to educate its agents about Destination Hotels & Resorts' planned renovation of the property, and about new and exciting things happening near the hotel in th...
Sonnenblick-Eichner Arranges $13,500,000 of First Mortgage Financing for Hotel Mazarin, New Orleans
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company | April 16, 2014
Beverly Hills, California - April 16, 2014 - Sonnenblick-Eichner Company announced today that it has arranged $13,500,000 of first mortgage financing for Hotel Mazarin, located in the heart of the world famous French Quarter District of New Orleans, Louisiana. Funded by a money center commercial bank, the non-recourse 10-year loan has a fixed interest rate of less than 5%. The 102-room, upscale boutique hotel underwent an extensive renovation in 2011 and 2012, which included completely upgrading the rooms, meeting spaces, and common areas. As a result of the renovation, the hotel is now ranked #1 of 149 hotels in New Orleans on TripAdvi...
The 97-key Courtyard by Marriott Lehi at Thanksgiving Point to Open in Lehi, Utah Next Month
Courtyard by Marriott | April 16, 2014
Lehi, Utah - April 16, 2014 - Courtyard by Marriott Lehi at Thanksgiving Point is scheduled to open its doors in Lehi, Utah on Thursday, May 8, 2014. The hotel will be hosting visitor tours starting on Monday, April 28, 2014. If interested in taking a tour of the new property please contact Tess Brown (tess.brown@marriott.com) for an appointment. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard's latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 2801 West Clubhouse Drive, the 97-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franch...
Owned by Prestige Hospitality, the 122-key Homewood Suites Calgary-Airport Opens in Alberta, Canada
Homewood Suites by Hilton | April 16, 2014
April 16, 2014 - CALGARY, Alberta and MCLEAN, Va. - Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide's international brand of upscale, all-suite, extended-stay hotels, announced today the opening of its newest property, Homewood Suites Calgary-Airport, AB, Canada. The 10-story, 122-suite hotel, and the first Homewood Suites property in Western Canada, is owned by Prestige Hospitality HW LP, and managed by Hilton Hotels. General Manager Marcel Berube and Director of Sales and Marketing Kerrie Buist bring more than 40 years combined experience in the hotel industry to their positions. "We're pleased to offer visitors to the Calgary area a plac...
SHENGFENG COTTON CO. Ltd Participate in Guangzhou HOSFAIR 2014 in June
Guangzhou Huazhan Exhibition Co., ltd. | April 15, 2014
News from HOSA: The 12th Guangzhou International Hospitality Equipment & Supplies Fair will take place in China Import & Export Fair Complex on June 26th-28th, 2014. Being committed to create the new beginning of Chinese hotel supplies exhibitions, sticking to the professional service spirit and the theory of innovation, cooperation, internationalization as well as branding, we have been trying to show high quality trade platform for hotel suppliers, purchasers and agents and continuing to become one of world-class international hotel supplies exhibitions, which have the best publicity, most buyers present and the best exhibitio...
A Conversation with Chris Nassetta, CEO of Hilton Worldwide, as Part of Hunter Investment Conference
Hunter Hotel Advisors | April 15, 2014
Teague Hunter, President Hunter Hotel Advisors Returning Hilton from a lackluster to a leading performer Hilton has a different perspective about millennials than their peers The time is now to push ADR I had the honor of interviewing Chris Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Worldwide, as part of the Hunter Conference keynote address. Chris was at ease speaking to an audience of close to 1,000 industry executives made up of 40 percent hotel owners. For those of you who missed it, here are a few condensed highlights from our conversation: ON HILTON'S NEW IPO: Chris noted that the transformation undertaken in the last six years ha...
Washington, D.C.‘s Capitol Hill Hotel Completes Renovations for All 153 Guestrooms & Suites
Independent Collection | April 15, 2014
(Washington, DC) - April 15, 2014 - Sophisticated yet inviting, the 153-room Capitol Hill Hotel, managed by HHM, has completed a full guestroom renovation, marking the final stage of a three-part renovation and setting its transformation into a quintessential Independent Collection (IC) hotel. The new guestrooms, designed by New York-based firm datumzero, deliver a 'Federalist chic' feel, mixing historic elements into an overall modern scheme. Shades of white fill the rooms; a black trim adds dimension and colorful accents lend the rooms personality: a red leather wingback chair catches the eye while a gray zebra-striped desk chair adds...
Outrigger Appoints Andrew Gee, Karen Marvel & Jason Zvator to Asia Pacific Sales and Marketing Team
Outrigger Enterprises Group | April 15, 2014
April 15, 2014 - HONOLULU, OAHU, HAWAII - Outrigger Enterprises Group has announced new sales and marketing appointments as a result of its expansion activity through Asia Pacific. Andrew Gee has been named regional director of sales and marketing for Australia and New Zealand based in Sydney and focusing on the outbound market. Mr. Gee was most recently director of sales and marketing for the Outrigger on the Lagoon o Fiji. Prior, Mr. Gee was director of sales for IHG and held management positions at Featherdale Wildlife Park, Western Sydney; Tourism New South Wales, Sydney; Taronga Zoo, Sydney; Jetset Travel, London; and Thomas Cook T...
Loews Hotels & Resorts Adds Three New Executive Sales Directors
Loews Hotels & Resorts | April 15, 2014
Kerri Metcalf to Oversee Northern California and Northwest; Ramel C. Kelly for New York and Connecticut; and Brigitte Lundrigan for Southern California and the Southwest NEW YORK, NY - (April, 2014) - Loews Hotels & Resorts today announced added depth to its national sales team with the appointment of three, new executive directors. Kerri Metcalf has been named executive director of Northern California and Northwest; Ramel C. Kelly for New York and Connecticut; and Brigitte Lundrigan for Southern California and the Southwest. In their new roles, each will focus on building long-term relationships with their respective corporate and ...
Angela Landgraf Joins Red Lion as Senior Vice President of Business Development
Red Lion Hotels Corporation | April 15, 2014
SPOKANE, Wash., April 15, 2014 – Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) today announced the addition of Angela Landgraf as Senior Vice President of Business Development. To capitalize on the expansion prospects for Red Lion into leading markets around the country, Landgraf will manage hotel acquisitions and development. In her role, she will also act as a liaison between the company and hotel owners to facilitate hotel conversion opportunities for Red Lion. "Angela's depth of real estate development experience with some of the largest hotel brands in the country will be a valuable addition," said Greg T. Mount, President and CEO of R...
Third Annual HELP Conference Attracts Record Crowd
HELP Conference | April 15, 2014
Attendees Upbeat, Outlook for Deals/Financing Optimistic BOSTON, April 15, 2014- A record 400 attendees at the third annual Hotel Equity Lending and Perspectives (HELP) Conference held at the Seaport Boston Hotel were in an upbeat mood, expressing optimism about a positive industry outlook for as far out as 2020, with the vast majority weighing in for continued growth through at least 2016. The continued success of the event prompted organizers to announce the dates for the fourth annual event, which will be held at the same location April 6/7, 2015. "For the third straight year, attendees have become increasing optimistic about the hot...
Hotel Lobbies Undergo Change Adapting to Technological Advances and New Customer Expectations
April 15, 2014
It is not enough for hotel lobbies to simply welcome guests. Today they are changing from a place of passage to a space that encourages people to linger, share and meet, to work, eat and relax, in short a place to stop and stay while. While these changes remain a thing of the future for many hoteliers, particularly independent, chains are gradually taking action. Evolving at the rate of socio-cultural developments, technological progress and environmental factors, hotel design is constantly re-evaluated. The hotel lobby lies at the heart of this movement, adapting to the development of electronic check-ins and new behavior and customer ...
Carlson Rezidor Signs Two Radisson Blu Hotels in Sousse, Tunisia
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | April 15, 2014
The Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Sousse and the Radisson Blu Pearl Resort, Sousse will Open Q2 2016 Following Full Renovation and Conversion of Existing Hotels April 15, 2014 - Brussels - Carlson Rezidor, one of the most dynamic and largest hotel groups worldwide, reinforces its presence in Tunisia with the signing of two hotels, the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Sousse and the Radisson Blu Pearl Resort, Sousse. Both are existing properties now undergoing full renovation and transformation before re-opening under the Radisson Blu flag second quarter, 2016. "We are delighted to further strengthen our portfolio in Tunisia where we are ...
Atlantic City’s Resorts Casino Hotel Completes Renovations Totaling More Than $70 million
Resorts Casino Hotel | April 15, 2014
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.--April, 2014-Resorts Casino Hotel celebrated a landmark year in 2013 with the completion of more than $70 million in renovations, creating a new atmosphere for the property and bringing destination brands to Atlantic City. "I firmly believe in the successful future of Resorts and Atlantic City, and the only way to continue to grow is to invest," said Morris Bailey, owner of Resorts Casino Hotel. "2013 was a pivotal year for us for reinvestment and I am encouraged by the positive widespread reactions to our improvements. The redevelopment of our property combined with our partnership with Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authori...
Sheryl Tsugawa Named Assistant General Manager for Outrigger Reef on the Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii
Outrigger Enterprises Group | April 15, 2014
April 15, 2014 - HONOLULU, OAHU, HAWAII - Outrigger® Enterprises Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Sheryl Tsugawa as assistant general manager at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. In her new position Tsugawa will assist the general manager in the operation of the hotel by supporting operations staff in maximizing guest satisfaction scores, operational efficiency and hotel profitability. Tsugawa joined Outrigger in November 2010 as sales and marketing manager to the newly transitioned Holiday Inn® Waikiki Beachcomber Resort, an Outrigger-managed property and most recently as director of sales. Prior to joining Outrigger, T...
John Ozinga Appointed as COO of HotelInvest
Accor | April 15, 2014
April 15, 2014 - John Ozinga joins Accor as COO of HotelInvest. He will be a member of the Group's Executive Committee and his appointment will be effective as of June 18th, 2014. Reacting to this appointment, Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor declared: "I am very happy that John has agreed to join Accor. He brings 20 years of experience in real estate as well as in-depth knowledge of the hospitality industry in general and of Accor in particular, since he spent 10 years with the Group. These will be valuable skills for the rapid deployment of Accor's new real estate roadmap. With HotelInvest, Accor has clearly chosen to reinf...
Register Now! New Dates Announced for the Gay Wedding Institute Certification Course
14 Stories | April 15, 2014
With the ruling on Monday that same-sex marriages are to be recognized in Ohio, the gay wedding landscape has changed again. With rulings on assorted lawsuits affecting states as random as Utah and Ohio on a daily basis, the question is: will yours be next? And more importantly, are you ready for it? The 14 Stories Gay Wedding Institute (GWI) has trained thousands of wedding, travel and hospitality professionals from around the world, and hundreds are graduates of the world's only gay wedding certification course, presented by the GWI. Our next GWI course by webinar will be offered again on May 13, 20 and 27. Registration is now open at...
Negril, Jamaica’s 280-room Hedonism II Completes $5 Million Renovation
Hedonism II | April 15, 2014
NEGRIL, JAMAICA, April 15, 2014 - Hedonism II, the beloved inhibition-free resort in Negril, Jamaica, has announced the completion of its US$5 million renovation and debut of seven new room categories, including premium Jacuzzi suites, balcony rooms, and ocean view au natural rooms. The resort's premium Jacuzzi suites provide the ultimate in personalized accommodations and VIP services, including airport pickup with immigration and customs assistance. Additional perks consist of guaranteed restaurant reservations for up to four people per night, luxury bathroom amenities, a fully stocked refrigerator and premium in-room liquor set up, a...
Riu San Francisco in Mallorca, Spain to Reopen, Completing Refurbishment and Expansion to 165 Rooms
RIU Hotels & Resorts | April 15, 2014
Palma de Mallorca, April 15th, 2014 - RIU has invested 8 million Euros in the refurbishment of this Playa de Palma hotel which, when built in 1953, was the first in the RIU chain The renowned Riu San Francisco will reopen tomorrow to its new guests with a completely new appearance, with a contemporary image and style, after a six-month modernisation and reconditioning project. The RIU chain considers that this new image and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal option for holidays without children, so on its reopening it will be an Adults Only hotel. This new look is part of RIU's goal to maintain and increase the quality of its hotel acc...
Vista Hospitality Completes $12 M Renovation, Opens 201-key Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario
April 15, 2014
15 April, 2014 - KITCHENER-WATERLOO – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] announces the opening of the 201-room Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo hotel in Ontario, following a significant renovation funded by the owner, Vista Hospitality Group. Located at 105 King Street East, the hotel features eight suites, including an exclusive presidential suite with multiple rooms, Jacuzzi and fireplace. Prominently located in the heart of downtown Kitchener's business district, this hotel is the fourth Crowne Plaza location in Ontario and the eighth in Canada. The hotel is within walking distance to several corporate ...
European Recruitment: Hospitality-Catering Faced With a Shortage of Applications
April 15, 2014
While recruitment opportunities are good and should remain so thanks to growth of tourism on the international scene, industry professionals have difficulty recruiting personnel who meet their needs. There is thus a shortage of perspective employees, but contrary to popular belief young people are disenchanted by the pace of the lifestyle that these jobs implicate. This is what results from a survey of French professionals by Hospitality-ON with Olakala reveals. "Today, there is a gap between positions available and the number of applicants on the French hospitality job market, due to a real lack of awareness about the jobs and traini...
International Hospitality Enterprises Enhances 5 Hotel Portfolio in San Juan, PR with Renovations
| April 15, 2014
San Juan, Puerto Rico (April 15, 2014) - International Hospitality Enterprises (IHE), a leader in the development and management of award-winning hotels in Puerto Rico, continues to elevate their impressive portfolio with property enhancements and renovations at Hotel El Convento, La Concha A Renaissance Resort, Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa, Doubletree by Hilton San Juan, and Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort. From guestroom design updates to new amenities for leisure and group travel, IHE remains the leading hospitality company in Puerto Rico offering first-rate accommodations and exceptional guest experiences for trav...
Why Google+ is so Important to Organic SEO
Lodging Interactive | April 15, 2014
Incorporating Google+ into your hotel's social media strategy will result in a significant upswing in link clicks and web traffic PARSIPPANY, N.J. - APRIL 15, 2014 - Google is focusing on building the largest social network, with Google+ quickly becoming an important marketing tool for hoteliers, considering that it is expected to surpass Facebook by 2016 as the No. 1 social media outlet. Today there are more than 1.5 billion registered Google+ accounts and 359 million monthly active users as of January 2014. With this forum growing at 33 percent each year according to Google, and continuing to outpace Twitter by more than 140 million m...
The 98-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Durham/Southpoint Opens in North Carolina
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott | April 15, 2014
Owned by Leonardo Hotel One and Managed by Summit Hospitality Group Durham, North Carolina - April 15, 2014 - The 98-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Durham, North Carolina is now open for business. Located at 7807 Leonardo Drive, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Durham/Southpoint will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Leonardo Hotel One, LLC and managed by Summit Hospitality Group, Ltd. of Raleigh, North Carolina. Located 10 minutes from downtown and 11 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Southpoint Mall, Duke University and the University of North Carolina ...
