News Archive: July
A Hotelier’s Guide to Pokémon Go
Sabre | July 18, 2016
We're going to assume you've heard of Pokémon Go. In the last week, this game has shot to the top of the mobile app sales charts, has been covered by every media company from ABC to Zee News and was even co-opted by the U.S. presidential campaigns. But beyond the hype, what does Pokémon Go mean for your hotel and for the broader travel industry? What is Pokémon Go? In case you've heard the name but aren't familiar with the details: Pokémon Go is a smartphone game in which players traverse the real world to hunt and capture Pokémon — pocket monsters. Players then breed and train their Pokém...
Sea Island Company President Scott Steilen Adds CEO to His Title
Sea Island | July 11, 2016
Sea Island, Georgia (July 11, 2016): Following the recent announcement that the Sea Island Company has been acquired by the Anschutz family and that Sea Island is now part of The Broadmoor – Sea Island Company, Steve Bartolin, President of the newly formed company, announced today that Scott Steilen, President of Sea Island, has added CEO to his title. "Scott Steilen has served as the President of Sea Island for the past five years and, in my estimation, he has done a remarkable job stabilizing and guiding this legendary resort," said Bartolin. "Scott has returned it to profitability, and I realize how important that is to ensure ...
The Battle for ‘Book Direct’ May Be Won, But the War Will Not
Bill Carroll | July 13, 2016
By Bill Carroll 'Book direct' is the war cry of hotel owners, management company executives, chain CEOs and many marketing consulting groups. Like real war, the costs and benefits must be evaluated, particularly by those who will be paying for it - hotel owners. This is even more critical for a war that is unwinnable. "Wars are won and lost on the basis of superior strategy and overwhelming resources." -Clausewitz, On War, Book 2, Chapter 2, 1873 An Unwinnable War In this war to win the hearts and minds of modern travelers, intermediaries like Google, Expedia and Priceline have the resources and major strategic advantages. Individually ...
Rules for Success by Bill Marriott
July 19, 2016
I like lists. They keep me organized; they keep me focused. I operate best with lists. From my years writing on this blog, I know my readers like lists, too. Two of the most viewed topics on my blog have been my 12 Rules for Success and my father's Guideposts to Management. My father gave me a list of guideposts to management when I became Vice President in 1964. I later adapted that list into my own rules for success. No one accidentally becomes a good leader. It takes dedication and discipline. My father knew—and I knew—that a brief list would help bring priorities into focus… keeping me grounded on the most importa...
SCG America Expands its U.S. Footprint; Takes Control of Major Hotel and Mixed-Use Development in Garden Grove, California
SCG | July 13, 2016
Newport Beach, CA – July 13, 2016 -- Maxim Hotel Brokerage is pleased to have represented SCG America in taking control of the approved Grove District Resort Hotel Development, a mixed-use development project located on Harbor Boulevard within the Anaheim Resort Area, just south of Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland. Garden Grove's City Council approved an entity controlled by SCG America as the developer. SCG America is an established and locally based subsidiary of one the largest construction companies in China and the world, with 20 years of experience in the US and significant holdings in NY and the LA area. The project...
Sagamore Pendry Baltimore Appoints David Hoffman as General Manager
Pendry Hotels | July 6, 2016
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (July 6, 2016) – Sagamore Pendry Baltimore is pleased to announce the appointment of industry veteran David Hoffman as General Manager. In his new role, Hoffman will oversee all operations of Pendry Hotels' first east coast property, developed in collaboration with Sagamore Development Company. With over 20 years of experience within luxury hotel management and operations, Hoffman has been a part of the Montage Hotels & Resorts team for over 13 years. Most recently, Hoffman held the position of Resort Manager at Montage Kapalua Bay, where he opened the resort and led the property to a Forbes Five Star rat...
Benchmark Resorts & Hotels and Gemstone Hotels & Resorts Join Together
July 11, 2016
New Company Operates 58 Independent Properties in US and Internationally The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, July 11, 2016 Benchmark Hospitality International® and Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, a Gencom affiliate, both recognized global leaders in the management and marketing of resorts, hotels and conference centers, announce that Benchmark and Gemstone have joined together to create a portfolio of 58 unique and distinctive properties with 10,000 staff members across the globe. "This merger was a natural fit," explains Benchmark Hospitality International CEO Alex Cabañas. "Not only do we share a similar focus on...
It’s Official: AccorHotels Shareholders Approve Acquisition of Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel Brands
AccorHotels | July 12, 2016
Following the approval of shareholders at the General Shareholders Meeting on July 12, 2016, AccorHotels Group officially announces the acquisition of FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI) and its three prestigious luxury hotel brands: Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel. This addition of three remarkable brands instantly positions AccorHotels as a leading player in the global luxury hotel market, increases long term growth potential and profitability, and significantly expands the company's footprint in North America, the world's largest and most influential consumer market. "Today is a great day for our Group. The acquisitio...
