News Top: April
Understanding the Role of the Hotel Revenue Manager
Ahmed Mahmoud | April 7, 2015
By Ahmed Mahmoud Revenue management has developed from yield management and market analysis, where it is not secret or a passing fad, but it is critical to maximizing a hotel's profitability, it might be "A dark science ... Combining high technology and black arts" The recent survey conducted by revenueyourhotel.com showing that there is a high link between RevPAR and profitability, indicates if the hotel take any actions to increase the RevPAR this will translate into improving the hotel's profit. This is what is 94% of the survey statistical saying. The survey includes some others statistics, finding out that 15% of key EBITDA hotels ...
Lifestyle Hotels: The Emergence of a New Creative Class
HVS | April 23, 2015
April 2015 How It All Started The Lifestyle niche has gained momentum in recent years and has evolved into an established category of hotels. This article aims to explore the dynamics and behavioral patterns of this unique market and to reveal the emerging trends that encompass this modern subdivision of the industry. The Conception of Lifestyle Hotels The travel industry of the 21st century has been marked by a rising creative movement. Demand is slowly gearing toward the desire for unique experiences based on originality, design, authenticity, and cultural connections. Consequently, the definition of luxury has evolved as it is no lo...
In Memoriam, A Tribute to Rebecca Kollaras 1969 – 2015
April 28, 2015
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, April 2015....Rebecca Kollaras, who was regional director of public relations for Benchmark Hospitality International and an esteemed colleague of the company's sales, marketing and public relations teams, passed away suddenly on April 19 while on a seaside outing with her family. A seasoned and exemplary public relations professional for Benchmark's Personal Luxury collection in Florida, Rebecca was one of the most exceptional human beings anyone could have the pleasure of working alongside or meeting in life. She was pure class: a feisty, courageous and adored leader who loved rocking a red power dress!...
What Is The Most Important Question Your Reservations Sales Agents Should Ask?
Doug Kennedy | April 6, 2015
by Doug Kennedy If you're like most hoteliers these days chances are you are looking to reduce distribution costs by increasing direct bookings. If so, perhaps it's time to update your reservations sales processes. Based on my experience running a hotel reservations mystery shopping business, I can definitively say that these days the majority of front desk and reservations agents offer little more than what I call "website search support." In other words, they do nothing more than what the caller could have done themselves by visiting the website; find out the dates, the number in the party, click enter, and then read off a list of the...
Conde Nast Traveler Releases The 2015 Hot List: The World’s Best New Hotels
April 20, 2015
May Issue on Newsstands April 28, 2015 NEW YORK, April 20, 2015 -- Today, the editors of Conde Nast Traveler announce the definitive guide to the best new hotels and resorts in the world, the 2015 Hot List. A select 60 properties made the 2015 Hot List, after being vetted by editors and contributors who visited hundreds of recently opened properties around the world, from West Africa to Miami. This year, an invisible and seemingly effortless attention to detail was appreciated more than over-the-top gestures. Conde Nast Traveler Editor-in-Chief Pilar Guzman says, "The standout properties were those that understood the intuitive ne...
Ocean By H10 Hotels Adds Two Cuba Resorts to Caribbean Management Portfolio
Ocean By H10 Hotels | April 29, 2015
The new all inclusive resorts, Ocean Casa del Mar and Ocean Vista Azul, will be opening by end of 2015 in Cuba. Riviera Maya, Mexico (April 29, 2015) - Ocean by H10 Hotels - H10 Hotels Caribbean Division - has announced the expansion of its presence in Cuba and the Caribbean, by adding two new resorts which will be opening later this year. In addition to the existing Ocean Varadero El Patriarca, all inclusive resort located on Cuba's famed Varadero Beach, the new all inclusive resorts Ocean Casa del Mar and Ocean Vista Azul will be opening by end of 2015 in Cuba. The 800-room, five-star Ocean Casa del Mar, located in Cayo Santa Maria (S...
Brian Obie, Developer of Inn at the 5th, Plans More of Prototype in the West
April 26, 2015
April 26--When Brian Obie opened his upscale boutique hotel Inn at the 5th in 2012 there were plenty of people who questioned whether the hotel would survive, let alone thrive. The country was deep into a punishing recession and, with rates starting at $189 a night, the inn was the priciest hotel in the local market. At a time when many Americans were cutting their travel budgets, the inn targeted a high-end market. It offered amenities such as room service from March? restaurant, original artwork, in-room fireplaces and a "butler door" that allowed hotel employees to deliver food and beverages to a room through a pass-through from the ...
Turks & Caicos Government are Aware of Legal Issues for Developer of Planned $224M Ritz-Carlton
April 17, 2015
April 17--PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands -- Almost two weeks after questions were first directed to its press office, the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) government finally issued a statement on Thursday saying that it is aware of a civil lawsuit against the developer of a planned $224 million Ritz Carlton resort in the TCI seeking to recover funds fraudulently transferred by the convicted operator of a Ponzi scheme. "We are aware of the civil lawsuit against members of the Desarrollos Hotelco group. We are in receipt of representations from their attorneys, and note that those involved have filed defences in the US courts," th...
North Point Hospitality Group to Build $120M, 455-key Tri-Branded Marriott Property in Nashville, TN
North Point Hospitality Group, Inc. | April 21, 2015
The property will consist of an AC Hotel by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, and a SpringHill Suites by Marriott NASHVILLE, TN - April 21, 2015 - North Point Hospitality Group, Inc., an award-winning Atlanta based hotel development and operations company, announces their return to the Nashville market with the development of the first ground-up, tri-branded Marriott hotel in the country. The $120 million hotel project will be located at the epicenter of the SoBro neighborhood on the corner of Korean Veterans Boulevard and Fifth Avenue South across from the new 2.1 million square foot Music City Center. It will add a combined total o...
Starwood’s Oldest Franchise Empowers 1,500 Clients with Social Tables
Social Tables | April 6, 2015
Built in 1926, the Sheraton Commander is the oldest franchise in the Starwood Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Home to 5,500 square feet of meeting and event space, the Cambridge, Massachusetts hotel hosts over 1,500 events per year. Located on the historic Cambridge Common, and surrounded by Harvard, MIT, Lesley and Tufts, Director of Catering & Event Management, Judy Brillhart, CSEP, PBC notes that, "we are in the fortunate position of being our community's go-to venue. Weddings, social, non-profit, higher education, and corporate events all come through our doors." "Many of our events fall under the wedding and higher-ed fundraisi...
What Does the California Drought Mean for the Hospitality Community?
Diane Vondrasek | April 30, 2015
By Diane Vondrasek This article summarizes the impact of the California drought on the hospitality community, including a review of the recent Executive Order on water conservation and its impacts on water availability, rates, and hotel operating practices. As you have probably heard in the news lately, California is experiencing its worst drought in recorded history. There was less rainfall in 2013 than in any year since California became a state 165 years ago. Precipitation and snowpack levels remain well below average, and there does not appear to be an end in sight. To mitigate impacts from the drought, California Governor Edmund G....
Flip.to Continues To Raise Its Game By Adding A Trifecta Of Heavy Hitters
Flip.to | April 9, 2015
April 9, 2015 - Flip.to has gained massive momentum in helping hotels reach millions of new travelers each month. To keep up the pace and continue delighting customers, Flip.to has expanded its world-class team to include three new key hires. Eric Peters joins the team from The Walt Disney Company where he led multiple software development teams focused on Walt Disney Parks' online experiences. He joins the Flip.to team as the Director of Engineering, His background also includes startup experience for MyList as Senior Software Engineer in charge of mobile web applications for iOS, Android and other mobile devices. Before that, Eric...
Hilton Hotels & Resorts Announces Recipients of 2014 Hilton Brand Awards
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | April 16, 2015
Hilton's Flagship Brand Honors Hotels Globally for Outstanding Achievements April 16, 2015 - MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide with more than 550 hotels across six continents, today announced winners of Hilton Brand Awards for 2014. Through these awards, Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide are recognized for their high performance, with five properties receiving the highly coveted Connie Award, named in honor of the brand's founder Conrad Hilton. "As a global industry leader, Hilton Hotels & Resorts Team Members are committed to quality experiences for our guests," said Ro...
GF Management Affiliate Acquires the 408-room Westin Chicago Northwest in a $27M Deal
GF Management | April 28, 2015
Property Renovation Planned April 28, 2015 PHILADELPHIA - GF Management, a leading national hotel ownership and management company, through its affiliate, has acquired the 408-room Westin Chicago Northwest located in Chicago's suburb of Itasca, IL, marking the Company's first foray into the Chicago market. The AAA four-diamond hotel features more than 47,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 9,600 square-foot grand ballroom. GF Management is poised to invest in a property renovation designed to reposition the Westin as the premier hotel in the western Chicago suburbs. Managing Director Adam McGaughy and Senior Vice President Joh...
HEI Hotels & Resorts Promotes Three of its Senior Management Team
HEI Hotels & Resorts | April 6, 2015
NORWALK, Conn., April 6, 2015 -- HEI Hotels and Resorts announced today several promotions and organizational improvements that will ensure the company is organized in the most efficient manner possible to best serve and exceed the expectations of its investors, partners and third party owners in the face of rapid growth. Anthony Rutledge, CEO and Managing Partner of HEI Hotels and Resorts, the parent company of all HEI-owned subsidiaries, announced the following promotions and organization improvements. Ted Darnall, Chief Operating Officer, will be promoted to the position of CEO of HEI Hotels and Resorts Lodging and Technical Services...
The Gettys Group’s Miami Office Announces New Projects under Senior Design Director Lorraine Masch
The Gettys Group | April 27, 2015
MIAMI, Fla. (April 27, 2015) - The Gettys Group celebrates several recent hospitality projects developed under the senior direction of Lorraine Knapp Masch, LEED AP, Director of the firm's Miami studio. During her first year leading the Miami Studio, Masch has overseen the design work for a number of high profile properties and renovations to existing hotels throughout the United States and internationally in the Caribbean and South America. Some recent highlights from The Gettys Group's Miami Studio include Autograph Playa Largo Resort, Doubletree Nashville, and Wyndham Lake Buena Vista in Orlando Florida. Autograph Playa Largo Resort ...
Sunflower FZE to Manage First Hotel Indigo Debuting in 2017 in Dubai’s Business Bay District
Hotel Indigo | April 22, 2015
New Delhi, India, 22 April 2015: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) today announced the launch of its boutique hotel brand Hotel Indigo in the UAE with the signing of a management agreement with Sunflower FZE for a new, meticulously designed 285-room Hotel Indigo in Dubai. Located in the upcoming Business Bay District – a large, master-planned, mixed use community – and a stone's throw from the world renowned Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and the emerging Design District, the hotel's design, food & beverage, amenities and services will reflect the area's vibrant business, cultural and high-end residential community. Featuring an...
From Lookers To Bookers: How Your Online Reputation Can Be Your Best (Or Worst) Asset
Leora Lanz | April 16, 2015
by Leora Lanz and Juan Lesmes Digital word of mouth is the new marketing powerhouse. With the explosion of news and content through media over-sharing in the digital world, it can be hard to keep track of what people are saying about your business. Some hospitality executives tend to underplay how positively or how negatively, their company is trending on the web. This can be a dangerous inaccuracy, as there is a significant correlation between online reputation and bookings: 78% of travelers say reviews help them feel more confident in their booking decisions, while 53% of them will simply ignore a hotel that has no reviews.(i) Travele...
Currently Under Renovation in Richmond, VA, Quirk Hotel, A Destination Hotel, will Open in Q3 2015
Destination Hotels | April 7, 2015
Englewood, Colo. - April 7, 2015 - Destination Hotels announces today the addition of soon-to-open Quirk Hotel, A Destination Hotel, in Richmond, Va. to its dynamic urban collection. The locally-owned hotel, located in downtown Richmond at 201 West Broad Street and Jefferson Street in the historic J.B. Mosby & Co building, will undergo a comprehensive transformation to become an independent luxury lifestyle hotel under Destination management. Opening in time to coincide with Richmond acting as host city for cycling's international pinnacle event, World Road Cycling Championships (Worlds) in late-September 2015, the hotel is an exten...
In Memoriam, A Tribute to James Mahon 1951 – 2015
IACC | April 29, 2015
Chicago, Illinois, April 2015 ... James Mahon, who was the long-time public relations director for the International Association of Conference Centres (IACC), passed away peacefully earlier this month, surrounded by his loving family. He had been ill for a short time. Anyone who genuinely knew James would never forget him or his communications gifts. He was a special blend of wit, intelligence, knowledge and humor, with a constant side helping of attentive parenting of his gifted daughter. James cherished his family, including his devoted wife Mary and their beloved daughter Kathleen, and his IACC and media colleagues whom he included i...
Wine-Themed Boutique Hotel, the Lodge at Columbia Point, Coming to Richland, WA
April 20, 2015
April 20--A long-awaited boutique hotel is one of several new businesses in the Columbia Point area of Richland. Ground could finally be broken next month on the Lodge at Columbia Point, overlooking the Columbia River, one of its developers said. The hotel first filed environmental permits in 2007, but the recession made raising money difficult, said Tom Drumheller. "We've been raising money, and we've got our finances, but nothing is easy," he said. They will try to start excavation on the site at 530 Columbia Point Drive in May, Drumheller said. The four-story hotel should open about a year later. The wait has given Drumheller, CEO of...
Metamediaries Forcing Hotels to Adapt
Chris Nieberding | April 7, 2015
By Chris Nieberding Online travel agencies (OTAs) were among the first to enter this realm. Today, new companies are attempting to compete with the OTAs through a different business model to control the search platform rather than the booking process itself. Introduction The growing use of online shopping is drastically changing travel consumer behavior. This shift in behavior is transforming the business dynamics of hotels at a rate with which the industry has been unable to attain. The customer now has countless ways to interact with hotels, whether directly or indirectly, on all points of their experience: from the hotel search to t...
IACC Reveals Top 10 Conference Food Trends for 2015
IACC | April 6, 2015
Useful tips for meeting planners contribute towards healthier conferences Chicago, Illinois, April 6, 2015 - Following extensive research among the 400 members of the International Association of Conference Centres, the organization released its Top 10 Conference Foods Trends for 2015, which are influencing meeting planners across the globe. Mark Cooper, IACC's CEO, commented, "Planners are always looking for new and interesting ways to nourish and invigorate their conference attendees, as food has become so much more than just fuel. Recently there has been an enormous shift towards health and the impact that food can have on concentra...
New Wrinkle for Investors Attempting to Recoup Nearly $180M from Nikesh Patel’s Alleged Fraud
April 17, 2015
April 17--The U.S. Small Business Administration has moved to foreclose on a Peoria hotel owned by a Florida man accused of defrauding investors, including an Illinois municipal fund, of nearly $180 million. The agency's claim adds a new wrinkle to the sale of the hotel. The hotel was one of several commercial and residential properties seized for the benefit of investors from Nikesh Patel, the man at the center of the federal investigation into a scheme involving government-backed loans. Investors are counting on the sale of the properties to recover some of their losses. The Oak Brook-based Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund, which...
Cendyn Acquires Ovations Management Solutions™ Enhancing Cendyn Arcaneo’s Event Technology Platform
April 28, 2015
Innovative Software Allows Seamless Tracking and Reporting on Entertainment Spend to Help Improve ROI and ROR Boca Raton, Fla. - April 28, 2015 - Cendyn® announced the acquisition of Ovations Management Solutions™, an Atlanta, GA - based corporate ticket management company. This acquisition complements Cendyn Arcaneo's® portfolio of highly intuitive, cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) applications which make-up the industry's most dynamic Event Technology Platform. The addition of Ovations™ gives Cendyn Arcaneo's enterprise customers the ability to manage corporate tickets and entertainment assets via a...
