News Top: April
Developer Shamir Patel Hoping to Convert Knights Key RV Resort & Marina to 200-room Hotel
April 2, 2014
April 02--The Knights Key RV Resort & Marina in Marathon is once again in line for major redevelopment. Orlando-area hotelier Shamir Patel's Capital Hospitality Management is under contract to purchase the 24.3-acre parcel on the oceanside of U.S. 1 at mile marker 47 from Texas-based Beal Bank. In 2006, Earthmark Companies acquired the RV park and planned a high-end 199-unit resort, but that fell through with the real estate bust. According to city Planning Director George Garrett, Patel plans a large resort but hasn't submitted to the city. "It'll be a hotel with a number of independent units. They've got 199 units; my understandin...
The New Service Recovery Paradox: Step it Up with Follow-up
Coyle Hospitality Group | April 3, 2014
The service recovery paradox is as simple as it is timeless: A dissatisfied guest who becomes satisfied is more loyal than the guest who never had a problem. What isn't so simple is the act of service recovery itself. The hospitality industry as a whole has been committed to service recovery for some time. The brands, operators and employees all understand that things happen and that part of the daily routine is handling guest complaints. What differs dramatically though is how hoteliers handle complaints, and the ones that do it well have a distinct advantage in creating loyalty. Our study reveals where the difference-makers excel. Hot...
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...
The 290-key Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Bangkok to Open in Thailand on May 1, 2014
Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok | April 21, 2014
CHICAGO, IL (April 21, 2014) - On May 1, 2014, Bangkok moves to the Blu heartbeat as Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Bangkok opens its doors to welcome guests. Strategically located at the heart of business in Sukhumvit and a shopper's paradise right at the hotel's doorstep, it also offers guests the heart of flavors with an unrivalled variety of culinary choices in seven restaurants and bars. It is at the heart of lifestyle, dedicated to fitness and well-being. The first Radisson Blu in the city, the hotel is the latest addition to the brand's portfolio of more than 368 hotels in operation and development. It introduces to bustling Bangkok, a...
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...
New Owner and Property Manager for The Cliff House Resort & Spa in Maine
BuildCentral | April 21, 2014
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Have Updated 205 Hotels in the Last Two Weeks with Changes in Personnel, Property Management or Ownership Chicago, IL. April 21, 2014 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have reported 205 changes in personnel, property management and ownership in the Hotel Profiles database over the last two weeks. Many hotels are getting a fresh start with a new Owner, Property Manager or General Manager. Recommend your product or service to someone who might be looking for a change. Hotels Under New Management: Wingate by Wyndham Slidell/New Orleans East Area (Slidell, LA) Best Western Black Rock Inn (Fairfield, CT) Red ...
New Owners of 52-room Buck’s Barn Hotel in Thomson, IL Plan Upgrades and Re-Opening by Summer 2014
April 10, 2014
April 10--THOMSON, Ill. -- Two local men are doing what they can to put Thomson back on the map, and are hoping their newest business venture will be a swinging success. Ryan Eissens and Zac Vandendooren, both natives of Thomson, grew up playing golf on the village's 18-hole course formerly known as Buck's Barn. When the establishment shut down in the fall of 2011, both were disappointed to see a Thomson landmark no longer thriving and closing up shop. Because of that, the two took it upon themselves in March to get the facility back up and running under the name Sandburr Run Hotel and Golf Course. "I've lived in Thomson my whole life a...
Andrea Knowles-Mondello Appointed General Manager of the Philadelphia Airport Marriott in PA
Marriott Hotels | April 21, 2014
Philadelphia, PA (April 21, 2014) - Andrea Knowles-Mondello has been named General Manager of the Philadelphia Airport Marriott, it was announced today by David Marriott, COO - Americas Eastern Region and Bill Skoglund, Area Vice President of Marriott International. Prior to joining the Philadelphia Airport Marriott, Ms. Knowles-Mondello was Director of Hotel Operations at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, where she led the property through many successful multi-million dollar renovation projects. Ms. Knowles-Mondello began her career with Marriott over 28 years ago as a hostess at the Orlando World Center Marriott. She has held ...
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...
Baker, California Businessman to Develop $30 Million 31-room UFO Hotel Set to Open Summer 2016
April 8, 2014
April 08--BAKER -- In this Mojave Desert stopover halfway between Barstow and Las Vegas, Luis Ramallo has carved out a niche in the bustling billion-dollar-a-year beef jerky industry with his Alien Fresh Jerky market. In the last decade, he has grown his extraterrestrial-themed business from an 800-square-foot store selling beef jerky, pistachios and candy to a 5,000-square-foot concrete and stucco box housing more than 2,000 products, most of them carrying Ramallo's Alien Fresh Jerky brand with signature logo: a green alien face ringed in red. But Ramallo, who started his thriving business with credit cards and $70,000 in the red in 20...
The 143-room Aloft Calgary University Opens in Alberta, Canada; Owned by University Hotels
Aloft Hotels | April 23, 2014
April 23, 2014 - CALGARY, Alberta - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) today announced the opening of Aloft Calgary University, the first of its cutting-edge Aloft brand hotels in western Canada. Owned by University Hotels Ltd., the hotel underwent a multi-million dollar transformation prior to conversion. Aloft Calgary University features an urban design aesthetic with 143 stylish guest rooms, 4,000 square feet of meeting space and a lively social atmosphere. "We are thrilled that Aloft has arrived in western Canada. Calgary is a vibrant city for both students and travelling professionals who appreciate Aloft's ...
Owned by Falls Hotel LLC, the 79-room Hampton Inn Niagara Falls/Blvd Opens in New York
Hampton Hotels | April 23, 2014
April 23, 2014 - MEMPHIS, Tenn., NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. 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 79-room Hampton Inn Niagara Falls/Blvd located at 6501 Niagara Falls Boulevard in Niagara Falls. "The addition of a centrally located Hampton Inn & Suites hotel to Niagara Falls will make the area an even more attractive destination," said Robert Santiago, general manager. "Guests staying with us will have access to numerous tourist attractions, shopping ...
Hilton Worldwide Names John Allan General Manager of Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in Florida
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | April 23, 2014
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL- April 23, 2014 - Hilton Worldwide today announced that John Allan has joined the company as general manager of Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. In his role, Allan will be responsible for overseeing the quality and service brand standards for the property managing over 200 team members at the award-winning, 25-story, all-suite flagship property and resort, which recently installed wind turbines and is committed to environmental sustainability practices and initiatives. Allan brings over twenty years of hospitality leadership experience as he returns to Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort as general manager. He st...
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...
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...
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 ...
Jay R. Campbell Appointed General Manager of the 416-room Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort in Florida
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | April 23, 2014
Clearwater Beach, Fla. - April 23, 2014 -- Jay R. Campbell has been named general manager of the 416-room Hilton Clearwater Beach resort nestled on 10 acres of white-sand coastline in Clearwater Beach, Florida, according to Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president operations, US eastern region. Campbell will oversee the day-to-day operations of the hotel which is centrally located near two major airports; Tampa International Airport (TIA) and St. Petersburg/Clearwater International (PIE), next door to Pier 60 and within walking distance to the Beach's best restaurants and shopping. He will assume his new post, effective immediately. He most ...
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...
Ending Years of Turmoil, Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Turnaround Complete After $15 Million Renovation
April 12, 2014
April 12--Kiran Patel says the days of turmoil at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh are finally over. "The city and people at large want to see this property not as an eyesore," Patel, the hotel's owner since 2011, said this week. Nearly $15 million in renovations were completed in January, adding three floors to the front of the building, more meeting space and a pool with a breathtaking view of the Fort Pitt Bridge and the Point. But getting there was not easy. Patel, a Tampa physician and businessman, had to navigate the hotel out of bankruptcy, manage union unrest over a new contact, and complete the renovation project that was stalled f...
Hurdles Abound but Developer Remains Upbeat for $26 M 150-key Riverfront Hotel in Glenwood, Oregon
April 12, 2014
April 13--GLENWOOD -- While the developers of a proposed hotel and conference center in Glenwood are upbeat about their project, they face considerable hurdles, including persuading Lane County commissioners to pledge a $6 million subsidy. The local development group, Glenwood H&CC LLC, announced the project April 2. The group said it has secured the money needed to build the 150-suite riverfront hotel behind the Ramsey Waite equipment dealership. They estimate the hotel would cost nearly $26 million. Five days later, the Springfield City Council committed up to $2.5 million in public funds over the next decade to help build the adj...
Outrigger Enterprises Group Names Mary Loy and Richard Oshiro as Directors of Sales & Marketing
Outrigger Enterprises Group | April 23, 2014
April 23, 2014 - HONOLULU, OAHU, HAWAII - Outrigger® Enterprises Group announces two key sales and marketing appointments with the promotion of Mary Loy to director of sales and marketing for the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach and the hiring of Richard Oshiro as director of sales and marketing for the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. Both Loy and Oshiro will be responsible for planning and implementing sales and marketing strategies for their respective hotels across all market segments working closely with the revenue management team, corporate sales, advertising, public relations and business development to increase brand recognition and...
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, ...
Brian Cernik Named Director of Meeting & Event Management at Sheraton New York Times Square
the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel | April 25, 2014
The Sheraton New York Times Square hotel has named Brian Cernik Director of Meeting and Event Management, charged with overseeing the hotel's newly renovated 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space. With more than 17 years of experience in the hotel industry, a hallmark of Brian's style is bringing a personalized touch to each event, while creating seamless and memorable client experiences with the culinary, event management, banquet and sales teams. Prior to his appointment, Brian served as Director of Banquets at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. He joined the property in 2008 and has held previous positions as Banquet Direc...
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 ...
Waterford Hotel Group Appoints New Management Team at Fairfield Inn Marriott Boca Raton in Florida
Fairfield Inn Marriott Boca Raton | April 21, 2014
BOCA RATON, FL (April 21, 2014) --- Waterford Hotel Group recently announced the appointments of two key management positions at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Boca Raton, FL. Crystal Winter, General Manager, and Cristina Goncear, Sales Manager will lead the operations and sales teams of the 119-room hotel, located at the Boca Raton Airport in the Palm Beach County area of South Florida. Waterford Hotel Group, a national hotel and convention center management firm based in Southeastern Connecticut, assumed management of the Fairfield Inn Boca Raton in November 2013. As General Manager, Winter will be responsible for all phases of the ...
