News Top: September
Highgate Hotels Prepares to Open The Gates Hotel Key West, a New 100-room Boutique Hotel in Florida
Highgate Holdings LLC | September 9, 2014
September 10, 2014 (Key West, Florida) - The Gates Hotel Key West, a new independent hotel with 100 rooms, will open on the island of Key West, Florida, in Fall 2014. The boutique address under new ownership of Highgate Hotels will combine refined luxury, modern design, organic touches, and Floridian flare to recreate the verve of Hemingway's "old school Key West." With its authentic island ambiance, residential-style interiors, Cuban-themed dining and drinking, and splashy pool deck scene, The Gates will bring the Key West lifestyle to life for guests and locals alike. A departure from traditional hospitality in the Keys, The Gates can...
First Company to Target Hotels with Crowdfunding Launches
Hotel Innvestor, LLC | September 24, 2014
Hotel Innvestor Capitalizes On Recent Legal Changes Newport Beach, Calif. – Marking the first anniversary of SEC regulations that altered the face of crowdfunding for real estate, Hotel Innvestor is entering this emerging market by applying this approach to a first-of-its-kind business model for hotel investment – selling private securities in hotels to accredited investors via crowdfunding. Tim L. Edgar Founder and President Tim L. Edgar has created not only the first nationwide, web-based, hotel-investment-banking portal, but also what we believe is the first company to identify the strength of specializing in any specific commer...
Iconic Gilbert’s Resort and Marina in Key Largo, FL Sells for $11.2 Million to Jonathan Weisberg
September 5, 2014
Sept. 05--One of the Upper Keys' most iconic establishments sold this week. Gilbert's Resort and Marina, situated where U.S. 1 meets Key Largo at the southern end of the 18-Mile Stretch of U.S. 1, was bought for $11.2 million by Jonathan Weisberg, owner Gator Park Airboat Tours in southwest Miami-Dade County in the Everglades. Weisberg plans to spend about $1 million to renovate the 38 hotel rooms at Gilbert's and to add amenities, including a swimming pool and sandy beach, said A. Michelle Ash, owner of Simply Marinas Marine Real Estate & Development, which was the selling agent on the transaction. Ash said Weisberg researched Gilb...
Don’t Touch That! Use of Automated Minibar Sensors Hit Guests with Unexpected Charges
September 9, 2014
Sept. 10--Most consumers know that if they drink anything from the minibar in their hotel room, they'll be charged. But did you know some hotels now automatically charge your bill if you as much as touch the snack tray -- even if you don't eat anything? Automated minibars with sensors and snack trays with built-in electronic scales are now common practice at hotels, including Hilton, InterContinental, DoubleTree and Sheraton. But a slew of complaints in hotel reviews online reveal consumers still get taken by surprise when they discover "incidental" charges on their bill for food they never consumed. A manager at Milwaukee's Ambassador ...
SkyWire Names Robert Breedlove as New CFO
SkyWire | September 2, 2014
LAS VEGAS – September 3, 2014 - SkyWire, a nationwide Hospitality Technology provider, announces that they have brought on Robert Breedlove as chief financial officer. Breedlove will oversee the company's financial operations as well as human resources. He was most recently the CFO for Xpert Exposition Services. Breedlove is a certified public accountant (CPA) and received his master's of accountancy degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. ...
Visit the Vegas that Never Happened: A Look Back at Projects that Fizzled
September 9, 2014
Sept. 09--After waking up in your suite at the Titanic, a giant resort shaped like infamous ocean liner, you take a cab to the space-themed Moon hotel-casino on your way to an afternoon of motocross riding and wakeboarding at Vegas Extreme amusement park. Along the way you pass Parabounce Vegas, where people are playing an airborne version of bumper cars in which they bounce off of each other while strapped to huge helium balloons. Those who float high enough can catch a glimpse of a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge outside a San Francisco-themed casino. Welcome to the Vegas that never happened. The city's history is peppered with attr...
Club Med Columbus Isle Set to Unveil $8 million Renovation in San Salvador, Bahamas
Club Med | September 17, 2014
Sprawled across the pristine emerald waters of the Caribbean Sea and surrounded by secluded beaches, Club Med Columbus Isle will unveil the highly anticipated completion of a multifaceted renovation on the scenic island of San Salvador, Bahamas this November. With an $8 million investment and sparing no expense for reimagined amenities, guests will enjoy enticing enrichments including the first and only L'OCCITANE-branded spa in the Bahamas, redesigned main pool deck, a brand new kitesurfing school, new culinary experience at the modernized Christopher's restaurant and newly refreshed guest rooms. The new 13,000 square foot Club Med Spa...
Enseo on Aggressive Growth Path with 5,000 Hotel Rooms Signed in Last Month
Enseo | September 24, 2014
Richardson, Texas – Enseo, an integrator of in-room technology services for the hospitality industry, recently completed contract agreements for more than 25 hotels totaling more than 5,000 rooms, making it the highest in-demand service among integrators of in-room technology. Installation is in progress in more than 60% of the properties with completion of 100% of the rooms expected by end of the year. Enseo's E3 Platform is an IP Over Coax solution and includes the industry's most advanced interactive program guide, Dish Network HD free-to-guest television programming package, mini-guide, Welcome channels, compendium services, and s...
Somnath Hospitality Proposes $30M 90-key Boutique Hotel for Boston’s Bulfinch Triangle District
September 16, 2014
Sept. 16--A Woburn firm plans a $30 million, 90-room boutique hotel in the Bulfinch Triangle area near North Station, adding to the boom of approved and proposed development there. Somnath Hospitality wants to replace a vacant one-level former bank branch at 104 Canal St. with a new 15-story, luxury hotel with six two-story penthouse suites. "We think that's a great location because it's near TD (Garden), it's near Faneuil Hall (Marketplace), it's near Mass. General Hospital," said Vincent Cortina, a Somnath representative. "It will not only get business travelers, it will get tourists. There's plenty of amenities in the neighborhood fo...
Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Hotel Completes $12 million Renovation with an Emphasis on its Spa
September 28, 2014
Sept. 28--The renovation of the Rittenhouse Hotel is now complete, with the new Rittenhouse Spa & Club-Hair by Paul Labrecque. Of the nearly $12 million invested in overhauling the hotel, $5 million was spent on the spa and fitness center, which counts among its competition spas at the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, the Borgata in Atlantic City, and Woodloch in the Poconos. Even if they aren't hotel guests or residents of one of the 125 condos at the Rittenhouse, spa customers will be able to use the new locker rooms, sauna, and an indoor swimming pool that leads to an outdoor deck and lounge. Food from the hotel's ...
Missouri’s 110-key TownePlace Suites Springfield to Open this Month
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | September 4, 2014
Owned by RTT Hospitality & Managed by O'Reilly Hospitality Management Springfield, Missouri - September 5, 2014 - The 110-unit TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Springfield, Missouri is scheduled to open on Friday, September 12, 2014. Located at 2009 South National Avenue, the TownePlace Suites Springfield will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by RTT Hospitality, LLC, and managed by O'Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC, both of Springfield, Missouri. Located in the Medical District, five miles from downtown and 11 miles from Springfield-Branson National Airport, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Mercy Hospital, Bass...
Seattle, Washington’s Cedarbrook Lodge Hires David Sullivan as General Manager
Cedarbrook Lodge | September 11, 2014
SEATAC, WASH. - (September 12, 2014) -Cedarbrook Lodge, the quintessentially Northwest business and leisure destination located less than five minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, has hired David Sullivan as general manager. In his new position, Sullivan will be responsible for and directly involved with the daily operations of the award-winning Cedarbrook Lodge, including managing the expansion of the Lodge and the opening of The Spa at Cedarbrook. "David is an incredible asset to Coastal Hotels and we are thrilled to have him take on the role as general manager at Cedarbrook Lodge," said Yogi Hutsen, president and CEO of...
Jumeirah Group Names Doris Greif as Regional Vice President Europe & GM of Jumeirah Frankfurt
Jumeirah Group | September 22, 2014
Stefan Fuchs Promoted to GM at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi Dubai, 23 September 2014:Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, announces that following the decision of Derek Picot, the current General Manager of Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Regional Vice President Europe, to leave the company, Jumeirah Group has appointed Doris Greif as Regional Vice President Europe as well as General Manager of Jumeirah Frankfurt. Doris Greif moves from her current position as General Manager of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, which will be assumed by the current Hotel Manager Stefan Fuchs. A German ...
Alan Reynolds Joins National Conference Center and West Belmont Place as Director of Food & Beverage
the National Conference Center | September 9, 2014
LEESBURG, Va., Sept. 10, 2014 - The National Conference Center and West Belmont Place announced today that Alan Reynolds has been named the new director of food & beverage. Reynolds has many years of experience in the culinary industry. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park, he has held culinary positions at the Short Hills Hilton, the Penn Club and the Learning Center. In 1998, Reynolds joined Dolce Hotels and Resorts as director of food & beverage/executive chef at the GE Leadership Development Center in Crotonville, New York. In 2005, he transferred to the IBM Palisades Executive Conference Center in Palis...
Aimbridge Hospitality Selected to Manage Portfolio of 11 Marriott Hotels in Ohio
Aimbridge Hospitality | September 11, 2014
Dallas, Texas (September 12, 2014) - Aimbridge Hospitality announces it was chosen to manage a portfolio of 11 Marriott Ohio hotels, owned by an affiliate of Aimbridge Hospitality and by investment funds managed by BlueMountain Capital Management, LLC. This acquisition marks the first partnership between Aimbridge Hospitality and BlueMountain Capital Management, LLC. Dave Johnson, President and CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality, is pleased to add these properties to Aimbridge Hospitality's hotel management portfolio. "The Marriott Ohio portfolio consists of many strong properties and we expect significant growth opportunity with these additi...
JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead in Georgia Welcomes New Executive Chef Brian Lee
JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead | September 9, 2014
ATLANTA, Sept. 10, 2014 -- This August, JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead, a premier hotel in one of Atlanta's most prestigious areas, welcomed Brian Lee to its team. Lee is now the hotel's Executive Chef, bringing more than 19 years of culinary experience within a luxury hotel setting. Previously, he was at Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter conveying the concepts for the hotel's signature restaurant, Portico. Chef Lee attended Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts School in California and began his early career as a Lead Line Cook at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, a AAA Five Diamond and Mobil Five-Star resort. He then headed to Chef's Garden and Cu...
New Mexico Lodging Association & the Tourism Association of New Mexico to Merge
September 2, 2014
Sept. 02--New Mexico hospitality, tourism groups to merge The boards of directors of the New Mexico Lodging Association and the Tourism Association of New Mexico unanimously voted to consolidate the two organizations under one banner to promote tourism and hospitality in the state. The new organization's goal is to expand tourism, create more jobs and work together for the benefit of the thousands of people who work in the hospitality industry. "This is a great day for the hospitality industry in New Mexico," said Rich Verruni, chairman of the New Mexico Lodging Association. "Having one voice will make for a much stronger presence with ...
SkyWire Announces Open House at New Las Vegas Headquarters
SkyWire | September 2, 2014
LAS VEGAS – September 8th, 2014 - SkyWire, a nationwide Hospitality Technology provider, announces an Open House on SEPTEMBER 18th from 4pm to 10pm at their brand new headquarters close to McCarran Airport, minutes away from the world-famous Las Vegas sign. Everyone is welcome. SkyWire's new headquarters will further strengthen its ability to continue leading the transformation of how business is done in today's social age. Come meet the new residents, learn more about SkyWire's suite of solutions, and enjoy adult beverages and other refreshments! Office Address: 7251 Amigo, Suite 210, Las Vegas, NV 89119. Facebook Event: Using a mobi...
Jumeirah Group Appoints Jordi Tarrida and Fernando Gibaja as General Managers
Jumeirah Group | September 22, 2014
Dubai, 24 September 2014: Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, has appointed new General Managers at Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa in Mallorca and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in Dubai. Jordi E. Tarrida, a German national, will take over from Fernando Gibaja who has moved from Spain to Dubai to embark on a new role as General Manager of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Before joining Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa, Jordi E. Tarrida worked at Trump Turnberry Resort in Scotland where he was the General Manager for three years. Prior to this he was Area Manager for Arabella Golf & Spa Resort and Genera...
Sierra Hotel Management & IHG to Develop Holiday Inn Express Karlsruhe – City Park in Germany
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | September 11, 2014
12 September, 2014 - IHG® announces its seventh multiple development agreement in Germany InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world's largest hotel companies, has announced its seventh multiple development agreement (MDA) in Germany with existing owner partner Sierra Hotel Management Ltd. The first property already signed under the agreement is Holiday Inn Express® Karlsruhe – City Park, due to open in mid-2016. Holiday Inn Express Karlsruhe – City Park marks the first hotel out of a total of five hotels in the agreement. The newly constructed hotel will feature 115 rooms, three multifunctional meeting rooms and ampl...
Grand Hyatt Melbourne Collaborates with McLaren Technologies Utilizing Leading SaaS Technology
McLaren Technologies Asia Pacific Pte Ltd | September 10, 2014
Melbourne, 15 September 2014 – One of Melbourne's most awarded five-star hotels, Grand Hyatt Melbourne, is the latest luxury address in Australia to collaborate with Asia Pacific's leading provider of SaaS technology, McLaren Technologies ("McLaren"). McLaren this week unveiled a new digital dashboard at the hotel, introducing two different but complementary products designed to work together to pre-empt guest needs and deliver the ultimate accommodation experience, HotSOS and REX from Newmarket International, Inc. ("Newmarket"), an Amadeus company. "Digital and intuitive service solutions are definitely en trend for 2014," says McLar...
Owned by Alliance Hospitality, the 92-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbus/Polaris Opens in Ohio
Homewood Suites by Hilton | September 25, 2014
September 26, 2014 - COLUMBUS, Ohio, 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 by Hilton Columbus/Polaris, OH. The four-story hotel, owned by Alliance Hospitality; Inc., is the sixth Homewood Suites property in the Columbus area and features 92 suites. Donna Selby, general manager, and Thomas Graffeo, director of sales, have been in the hotel industry for a combined 50 years. "From our proximity to local attractions, to our complimentary internet, breakfast and fully equipped kitchen ...
Starwood Hotels and SERKA Turizm A.S. Open the Newly Built 240-room Sheraton Adana in Turkey
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | September 4, 2014
September 05, 2014 - ADANA, Turkey - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) has today announced the official opening of its tenth hotel in Turkey, the Sheraton Adana Hotel, in partnership with SERKA Turizm A.S., an Adali Holding Company. The new Sheraton Adana Hotel will be ideally located on the bank of the Seyhan River in the centre of Adana, Turkey's fifth largest city located in the southern region of the country. The hotel, imagined by Turkish architecture and design specialists Iki Design Mimarlik and Metex Design, is already a landmark in the city with its iconic architecture inspired by local cultural and herit...
Newly Built $12M, 93-room Hampton Inn is Set to Open in Lewiston, Maine
September 6, 2014
Sept. 06--LEWISTON -- A new Lincoln Street hotel will take in its first guests Wednesday. Owner Chris Thompson confirmed that the Hampton Inn will begin taking guests Sept. 10. "We wanted to get open as early as possible into the Bates College school year and certainly before the Dempsey Challenge," Thompson said. "That was a big driver for us, to be able to capture some of that great early-fall Maine business." A grand opening is scheduled later this fall. Work on the $12 million, 93-room hotel began a year ago. "You can book a room right now, if you want," said Lincoln Jeffers, Lewiston's director of Economic and Community Development...
Florida’s 1,000-room JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes Welcomes Tom Petrillo as General Manager
JW Marriott | September 11, 2014
Orlando, FL - September 12, 2014 - Tom Petrillo has recently been appointed General Manager of JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. In this position he will oversee operations of the hotel, which includes 1,000 guest rooms, over 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space, and 65,000 square feet of outdoor function space, including the resort's Whisper Creek Farm event space. A leader in the hospitality industry, Mr. Petrillo most recently served as Hotel Manager at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando where he led a $50-million renovation, and the resort's transition to the Marriott International port...
