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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
Developers to Create New Dream Hotel at Prime Times Square, New York Site
Soho Properties | April 8, 2014
Soho Properties and MHP Real Estate Services Join With Hampshire Hotels Management to Acquire 560 Seventh Avenue for the Project NEW YORK, April 8, 2014 -- Developer Soho Properties and MHP Real Estate Services, with international hotelier Hampshire Hotels Management LLC, announced the acquisition of 560 Seventh Avenue as a part of a development project valued in excess of $300 million, to make way for the creation of a new hotel and retail property to anchor the transformed Times Square market. The property, which once housed the Parsons School of Design along with the active Garment Center Congregation, is located on the northwest cor...
Starwood Hotels Places Ban on Shark Fin in All Hotels Worldwide
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | April 8, 2014
To Eliminate Ingredient From All Restaurant and F&B Venues by Year-End April 08, 2014 - STAMFORD, Conn. - As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that, beginning July 2014, it will no longer procure shark fin in any of its nearly 1,200 hotels or 1,300 restaurants around the world. The company has committed to completely eliminating the consumption of shark fin, without exception, in all restaurants and food and beverage services across its global portfolio by year-end. Starwood is the first global hotel operator to take this strong stand and commi...
Rizo Hotels Opens New 79-room Hampton Inn Carrizo Springs in Carrizo Springs, Texas
Hampton Hotels | April 8, 2014
CARRIZO SPRINGS, Tex. and MCLEAN, Va., April 8, 2014 - 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 79-room Hampton Inn Carrizo Springs, located at 2651 North US Highway 83 in Carrizo Springs, Texas. "Hampton has established an overwhelming presence in the state of Texas, but the opening of Hampton Inn Carrizo Springs puts our quality accommodations in a location seemingly untouched by the focused service segment," said Kunal Bhakta, general manager. "Our 100% Hampton® Gu...
InnLink LLC Acquired by IHS GmbH
InnLink CRS | April 8, 2014
Hendersonville, Tennessee - April 8, 2014 - InnLink LLC, a leading provider of central reservations solutions, has announced its sale to Frankfurt-based IHS GmbH, a provider of technology and marketing solutions to the global hotel industry. The combination enables both companies to leverage their complementary strengths by capitalising on their product, client and market synergies. With the acquisition of InnLink LLC, IHS GmbH also aims to strengthen its position in the attractive US market, building on InnLink LLC's strong client base and proven track record. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. As a result of the ...
Peter Stockmann Receives Mel Hosansky Award for Distinguished Service, IACC-America’s Highest Honour
The International Association of Conference Centres | April 8, 2014
(NEW YORK, NY) - April 8, 2014 - IACC-Americas has announced that Peter Stockmann, Chairman and COO of 3P Business Solutions of Bloomfield Hills, MI is the recipient of the coveted Mel Hosansky Award for Distinguished Service, IACC-Americas' highest and most prestigious honour. TJ Fimmano, President of IACC-Americas (and General Manager, Dolce Hotels & Resorts at GE Crotonville), presented the award last week at the association's 33rd annual conference at Pacific Palms Resort in Los Angeles, CA. "I am truly honoured to receive this award" said Stockmann, "especially knowing the list of past recipients who have made such an impact on...
The Embassy Suites at The Chevy Chase Pavilion Moves to the Cloud With ATRIO POS
PAR Springer-Miller Systems, Inc. | April 8, 2014
April 8, 2014 - STOWE, VT - PAR Springer-Miller Systems, Inc. (PSMS), a wholly owned subsidiary of PAR Technology Corporation (NYSE:PAR) and the leading provider of guest-centric hospitality management systems announced today the successful deployment of ATRIO® POS at The Embassy Suites Hotel at the Chevy Chase Pavilion, a Destination Hotels & Resorts property, in metro Washington D.C. With this deployment, PAR Springer-Miller achieves a significant milestone with the expansion of the ATRIO Hospitality Technology Platform and secures their reputation for technology innovation. ATRIO POS, the next generation point of sale system, re...
Lodging Econometrics Reports Construction Pipeline Declines Further in Europe and the Middle East
Lodging Econometrics | April 8, 2014
In Europe, the total Construction Pipeline at year-end 2013 stood at 734 projects/126,249 rooms, down 5% and 1% respectively from year-end 2012. Pipeline growth has been sluggish as widespread austerity measures have slowed the region's overall economic recovery. Many countries reported, however, that 4th Quarter economic activity was the highest in three years. The economic recovery still remains fragile. Europe will need to make even further adjustments to mitigate new financial headwinds caused by the US Federal Reserve's tempering of its quantitative easing program and the economic uneasiness caused by Russia's expansionary forays ...
Harrah’s Resort Southern California Opens Its New 403-key Resort Tower as Part of $160 M Renovation
April 8, 2014
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (April 8, 2014) - Harrah's Resort Southern California today announces the highlight of its $160 million multi-phase renovation and expansion – the debut of its highly anticipated 403-room hotel tower, making the resort an outstanding 1.2 million square foot all-season gaming resort. Harrah's Resort is ideally located in Southern California just 30 minutes from wine country, 50 minutes from downtown San Diego and two hours from Los Angeles. Harrah's SoCal offers guests an all-encompassing gaming resort experience in a spectacular setting with an array of amenities including a trifecta of pools, an award-winning spa, b...
HeBS Digital Wins Three IAC Awards, Including Best Hotel and Lodging Interactive App
HeBS Digital | April 8, 2014
HeBS Digital received three Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) awards, continuing a method of excellence in digital technology, hotel website design and digital marketing campaigns. The IAC awards honor innovation in nine competitive online categories. NEW YORK, NY April 08, 2014 - HeBS Digital, the industry's leading hotel digital marketing, website design and direct online channel firm, was the proud recipient of three Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) awards. The agency earned awards for "Best Hotel and Lodging Interactive Application" and "Outstanding Website." HeBS Digital received the following IAC Awards: Best Hotel and ...
IACC’s 2014 Copper Skillet Award Goes to Canada’s Chef Murray Hall
International Association of Conference Centres (IACC) | April 8, 2014
(NEW YORK, NY) - April 8, 2014 - One of the highlights of the 33rd IACC-Americas annual conference was the 11th annual gathering of IACC conference centre chefs from around the world to compete for the prestigious culinary award - the Copper Skillet - and the distinction of becoming the IACC Conference Centre Chef of the Year. This year's competition proved to an emotional triumph for Chef Murray Hall who had taken the Canadian prize for five years and earned a rousing and enthusiastic ovation from the audience of IACC members from nine countries. The competing IACC conference centre chefs included: First Place Murray Hall, CCC, (Canada...
Aimbridge Hospitality to Manage the 218-key Embassy Suites Bloomington in Minnesota
Aimbridge Hospitality | April 8, 2014
Dallas, Texas (April 8, 2014) - Aimbridge Hospitality announces it has been awarded the management contract for the Embassy Suites Bloomington Hotel - a Hilton Family Hotel. Conveniently located just five miles from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the Embassy Suites Bloomington is located within three miles of 16.1 million square feet of office space, occupied by major corporate users including Best Buy, Target, US Bank, Dairy Queen, United Health Group, General Mills, Buffalo Wild Wings and Heinz, among others. The hotel also serves as the gateway to area attractions such as the Mall of America, The Metrodome and Xcel Energ...
Hotel Equities Expands Portfolio in Texas and Florida with Management of Two Wyndham Branded Hotels
Hotel Equities (HE) | April 8, 2014
Atlanta, GA - April 8, 2014 - Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (www.hotelequities.com) recently announced its selection to manage two Wyndham branded hotels, one property on International Drive in Orlando, Florida and a brand new hotel in Southwest Texas. The firm's eleventh management contract in Florida marks its first in the booming Orlando market. For its entry into the state of Texas, the firm was tapped for a new-build property set to open later this month. "We are thrilled to add our first hotel in the state of Texas," said Joe Reardon, Vice President of Business Development for HE. "Cotulla and LaSalle County are the site of one of ...
Little River Casino Selects Rainmaker’s GuestREV® For Its First Hotel Revenue Management System
Rainmaker | April 8, 2014
ATLANTA, GA - April 8, 2014 - The Rainmaker Group, a world leader in automated forecasting and profit optimization software and services for the Gaming & Hospitality industry, today announced that Little River Casino Resort will implement its GuestREV® profit optimization system in the property's latest initiative to further strengthen its operational excellence. Rainmaker and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, which owns and operates the popular Michigan-based resort, finalized the agreement in mid-December. Established in the summer of 1999 with 600 slot machines, Little River Casino Resort has since expanded on multiple o...
$26 Million Renovation is Underway for InterContinental New Orleans; To Be Completed in Fall 2014
InterContinental New Orleans | April 8, 2014
April 8, 2014 - New Orleans, LA - InterContinental New Orleans is undergoing a $26 Million renovation, the first major work performed at the hotel property since it's opening in 1984. Work is expected to be completed by early fall. According to InterContinental New Orleans General Manager John Romano, the $26 million renovation is the most important investment made to date in New Orleans by the hotel's new ownership. Romano said, "The renovation demonstrates the ownership's commitment to deliver high quality dependable service. And, we intend to continue to look at trends and innovations in facilities improvement that competitively posi...
Sofitel to Open New Middle East Flagship, the 350-key Sofitel Dubai, on May 1, 2014
Sofitel, World Class Hotels & French Elegance | April 8, 2014
April 8, 2014 - Sofitel continues to grow its impressive portfolio in the Middle East with the opening of Sofitel Dubai, 7th brand hotel in the region, on May 1st. Set in a prime location, the hotel has amazing views of the Burj Khalifa tower — the world's tallest building — and the Arabian coast. Two major new launches are upcoming in Jeddah and Riyadh in 2015. Over the last few years Sofitel has made major inroads into the Middle East opening properties in Bahrain, Al Khobar (Saudi Arabia) Abu Dhabi and Dubai (UAE). Following the launch of Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche (2012) and the new Sofitel Palm Resort and Spa (2013), the Sofite...
Drury Hotels Works to Transform 2 Historic Santa Fe, NM Buildings into the 182-key Drury Plaza Hotel
| April 8, 2014
April 8, 2014 - Santa Fe, N.M. - Two buildings in Santa Fe-Marian Hall, completed in 1910, and the old St. Vincent Hospital building, completed in the early 1950s-show that old structures can be given new life. Drury Hotels is transforming these buildings, fully steeped in history, into the sleek new Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe. Two blocks from the Santa Fe Plaza and adjacent to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe will be the first new large hotel to open in downtown Santa Fe in 18 years. Also part of the Drury's revival of these five acres of dormant space at the intersection of East Pal...
The Lodge at Vail, a RockResort in Vail, Colorado to Undergo Major Renovations
April 8, 2014
BROOMFIELD, Colo. - April 8, 2014 - Vail's most historic hotel that celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort announces it will undergo significant renovations this fall to debut for the 2014-15 winter season. The property will remain open for business during the renovations, starting in August and completing in December, with all hotel amenities accessible to guests including spa, restaurants and other public areas. "The Lodge at Vail is a favorite spot among Vail visitors for its unrivaled Vail Village location just steps from the new Gondola One, as well as its alpine chalet charm and impeccable servi...
JMBM’s Global Hospitality Group® Announces 3rd Edition of The HMA & Franchise Agreement Handbook
April 7, 2014
In Response to Sea Change in the Hotel Industry The Global Hospitality Group® of Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP (JMBM) is pleased to announce publication of the 3rd edition of The HMA & Franchise Agreement Handbook, a guide for hotel owners, developers, investors and lenders negotiating or terminating hotel management agreements (HMAs) and franchise agreements. Co-authored by JMBM's Global Hospitality Group® Chairman, Jim Butler, and Senior Member of the Group, Robert E. Braun, the 3rd edition of The Handbook has been revised extensively to reflect a recent sea change in the industry - the proliferation of franchise agre...
The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino Names Three New Culinary Team Members
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino | April 7, 2014
PALM BEACH, ARUBA - April 7, 2014 - The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its culinary team. Executive Chef, Teddy Bouroncle, comes to Aruba from the JW Marriott Hotel Cusco and brings worldly influence and an extensive resume to Aruba Marriott's food & beverage program. Executive Sous Chef Romero Penacino and Executive Sous Chef Miguel Garcia have been brought on board to assist in overseeing all culinary operations under Chef Bouroncle. A Peruvian native with more than 10 years of culinary experience, Chef Bouroncle has cooked all over the world from Columbi...
Greg Barnhill Named Executive Chef of The 483-key Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia
The Omni Homestead Resort | April 7, 2014
April 7, 2014 (Hot Springs, Va.) - The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va. has announced the appointment of Greg Barnhill as executive chef. With a culinary career spanning three decades and experience cooked up in almost every aspect of food service, Barnhill is integral to the ongoing repositioning of food & beverage operations at the historic resort, including the new urban, contemporary American grill Jefferson's Restaurant and Bar and family game area DownTime. All together, Barnhill is responsible for operations at 11 resort restaurants and bars, as well as in-room dining and banqueting for meetings and special events. B...
Dorchester Collection Appoints Laura Fiore as Director of Sales & Marketing at Hotel Eden, Rome
Dorchester Collection | April 7, 2014
April 7, 2014 (London) - Dorchester Collection announces the appointment of Laura Fiore as director of sales & marketing for its newest property Hotel Eden, Rome. Fiore joins Dorchester Collection from her role as director of sales & marketing for Hotel Castello di Casole in Siena, Italy. With a 20-year career in luxury hospitality, Fiore has worked at a variety of prestigious hotels in Italy and New York. Previous positions have included director of sales & marketing at Hotel Majestic in Rome, Italy; director of sales & marketing at St Regis Grand & The Westin Excelsior in Rome, Italy and international sales manager...
Carlson Rezidor Signs Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa in Rajasthan, India
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | April 7, 2014
Mumbai (April 7 2014) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group announces the partnership with Rockwood Hotels & Resorts Ltd on the signing of Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa, formerly known as the Sheraton Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa. Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa will be the first Radisson Blu hotel in Udaipur and is expected to open in May 2014. Often referred to as Venice of the East, Udaipur is known for its history, culture and breathtaking scenery. It is home to magnificent lakes, grandiose palaces, temples and historic forts. "We are aggressively growing our presence and reinforcing our leadership positio...
HITEC 2014 Warns of Pirate Housing Groups
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) | April 7, 2014
AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA (April 7, 2014) - Along with its efforts to prevent pirate exhibitors from devaluing the conference, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is educating HITEC 2014 attendees about housing pirates. A housing pirate is an unauthorized housing provider that may approach exhibitors and attendees with fraudulent offerings of hotel rooms, request credit card information for "existing" reservations and provides false information regarding extended show dates. Only the official HITEC Housing Bureau can guarantee room reservations. To ensure attendees have time to make hotel room reservations, the HITEC Ho...
RIU Opens the 573-room Riu Playa Blanca in Panama
RIU Hotels & Resorts | April 7, 2014
Palma de Mallorca, Spain. April 7, 2014 - RIU Hotels & Resorts has opened its second hotel in Panama, which has involved a total investment of 100 million Dollars. The Riu Playa Blanca, located in Coclé province, joins the hotel Riu Plaza Panama which has recently celebrated its third birthday. With this project, RIU extends its hotel range and offers its guests the chance to enjoy a holiday in Panama that combines a city break with a relaxing stay on the beachfront with 24 hours All Inclusive service. The new resort has 573 rooms with a contemporary design, dominated by white and red to create a welcoming, modern feel. Flat-screen...
