News Top: December
Robert Rauch’s Top 10 Trends in Hospitality for 2017
Robert A. Rauch | December 1, 2016
Just 10 years ago, Facebook morphed into a mainstream business tool, Twitter arrived, the iPhone exploded on the scene and Android phones were born. Today, the pace of change has accelerated dramatically. In his new book, Thank You for Being Late, Thomas Friedman explores this very age of acceleration. Our trends this year do not include every trend, just what we believe are the Top 10. Certainly we could add the Internet of Things (IoT) but we cover some of that in our technology trends below. We could also add the proliferation of brands but that is more of a continuation of the past few years. Feel free to weigh in on social media or...
Condé Nast Traveler Reveals The Winners Of The 2017 Gold List Award
December 20, 2016
December 20, 2016 (New York, NY) – Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its 23rd Annual Gold List Award. The Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2017 recognizes the hotels around the world that CNT's editors and contributors visit time and time again – and daydream about long after checkout. "This year's Gold List is a collective love letter to all of those hotels and resorts around the world that set the standard for a life well-lived," says Pilar Guzmán in her editor's letter. "So while these stays are meant to take you out of the familiar, they nonetheless serve as the gold standard for how we...
Valuing a Hotel’s Real and Personal Property Separately
Hans Detlefsen | December 7, 2016
How to Separate Tangible Personal Property Value from Real Property Value in Hotels A hotel's value can be categorized into real property and personal property. Real property includes the land and improvements. Personal property includes tangible1 and, sometimes, intangible2 personal property. When valuing a hotel for ad valorem tax purposes, it is often necessary to separate the tangible personal property value from the real property value, as many jurisdictions tax the real property separately. This article describes a methodology for separating the tangible personal property from the real property value of hotels. Introduction by Exa...
Bennett Hospitality and Salamander Hotels Plan Fall 2017 Opening Hotel Bennett in Charleston, South Carolina
Bennett Hospitality | December 1, 2016
CHARLESTON, SC (December 1, 2016) – Hotel Bennett, the South's grandest new hotel, will open in fall 2017 overlooking Charleston's iconic and historic Marion Square. Years in the making and located on King Street – Charleston's most prominent address – the hotel perfectly blends unparalleled luxury with an unmatched setting. Hotel Bennett, which is under construction, will be among the most significant lodging developments ever built in the Holy City and the State of South Carolina. It will feature 179 luxurious guestrooms and suites, a signature restaurant with stunning views of Charleston's famed park, and a styl...
HRI and Rockbridge Acquire Country Inn & Suites New Orleans French Quarter
Rockbridge | December 5, 2016
NEW ORLEANS – December 5, 2016 – HRI Properties, LLC (HRI) and investment firm Rockbridge announced today through a joint venture, the acquisition of the Country Inn & Suites New Orleans French Quarter, located at 315 Magazine Street, near the city's central business district. The joint venture, the first between the firms, will be led by Rockbridge. HRI Lodging, LLC (HRIL), a subsidiary of HRI, will manage the 155-room hotel which will undergo major renovations and repositioning beginning second quarter of 2017 and will be completed by late 2017. "We have an opportunity to create a unique and special property in a first...
Tauseen Malik Named General Manager of The Adolphus
The Adolphus | December 1, 2016
(DALLAS, TX; December 1, 2016)— The Adolphus, the timeless address for Dallas style, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tauseen Malik as General Manager, Hotel Operations. As general manager, Malik is charged with inspiring each guest's journey by offering vibrant and storied surroundings at the iconic hotel, and is ultimately responsible for all aspects of the property, including guest relations, front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, finances, team building, and staff development. In partnership with Anthony Cournia, The Adolphus's General Manager, Food & Beverage Operations, Malik is guiding a comprehensive transform...
$40 Million Coconut Beach Resort by Marriott Breaks Ground on the Island of Antigua in Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda | December 8, 2016
NEW YORK, NY--December 8, 2016 - Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy The Hon. Asot Michael has announced the entry of a prestigious global hospitality brand Marriott hotel for Antigua and Barbuda. Marriott International will expand its portfolio in the Caribbean with the latest addition from the brand's Autograph Collection coming to the shores of the island of Antigua. The estimated $40 million project, which broke ground on November 29, 2016 will be situated just two miles west of the island's capital, St. John's, and a convenient six miles west of the airport. The Ant...
Conquering Complaints™: Part One – A Complaint Is Like A Carrot
Doug Kennedy | December 8, 2016
By Doug Kennedy Recently I was asked by a long-term client to offer a training module specific to handing guest complaints. Now I've always covered service recovery as part of my existing hospitality excellence training, focusing on using proactive hospitality and anticipating needs in order to avoid complaints before the occur. However, this resort client's staff had already been through that many times and really wanted me to specifically address the topic of complaints. Like many other hoteliers, their leaders realize that with the proliferation of online guest reviews and social media postings, service levels are more transparent th...
U.S. Hotel Market Outlook Shows Sector’s Top 5 ‘Buy’ and ‘Sell’ Markets
Ten-X | December 7, 2016
Ten-X Research reveals hotel sector facing major challenges due to a large infusion of supply and steadily declining demand IRVINE, Calif. and SILICON VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 7, 2016 -- Ten-X, the nation's leading online real estate marketplace, today released its latest Quarterly Hotel Monitor report, including the top five 'Buy' and 'Sell' markets for hotel real estate assets. The long-term forecast reveals the sector continues to face significant challenges, including a slowdown in international travel and an expansion in supply coming to market as demand slows. Ten-X's long-term forecast reveals Las Vegas, Jacks...
California Supreme Court Rules OTAs Exempt from Paying Hotel Occupancy Taxes
December 12, 2016
Dec. 13--In a loss for local governments, the California Supreme Court decided Monday that online travel companies such as Expedia Inc. are exempt from paying hotel occupancy taxes. The ruling came in one of several lawsuits filed by California cities and counties against the online firms, including Hotwire Inc. and Priceline.com. The local governments have been attempting to get the firms to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in back taxes. Lawyers for the government argued the tax should be based on the total amount the companies collect from consumers, not the lower dollar figure the hotels receive. Cities and counties wanted the on...
Where the OTAs are Going Next: The Evolution of Voice Search for Hotels
Natasha Prats | December 15, 2016
By Natasha Prats At the recent Skift Global Forum 2016, the major OTAs discussed the future of online travel. Most of them are pretty convinced that the current era of automation is coming to an end, and that voice search will soon redefine the way consumers browse and book hotels. Artificially intelligent chatbots are already being used by travel brands to offer quicker, streamlined interaction. This year, Booking.com launched its own chatbot to help customers more easily communicate with the hotel they've made reservations with. But current forms of SMS-based chat could soon be transformed by a new era of voice assistants. The likes o...
HSMAI Names Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, & Revenue Optimization for 2016
HSMAI | December 13, 2016
The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is proud to announce its 2016 honorees for The HSMAI Top 25: Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization. The hospitality and travel industry requires creative thinkers and innovators. The HSMAI Top 25 honors these top achievers in sales, marketing, and revenue optimization of hospitality, travel and tourism organizations for their accomplishments in the preceding 18 months. HSMAI will honor The HSMAI Top 25 in conjunction with the Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala on February 21, 2017, at the New York Marriott Marquis, and in a p...
What Hotels Can Learn From Walmart
Larry Mogelonsky | December 7, 2016
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Years ago, and well before my hotelier days, I traveled to Bentonville, Arkansas selling ergonomic furniture, mouse pads and the like. The Walmart offices were huge then and I can only imagine how much they have grown since. Today, Walmart is the world's largest company by revenue ($288 billion) and employees (2.2 million), rivaling the GDP of many nations, including some that are traditionally defined as first-world. What's most interesting to me is that hoteliers, by and large, have never really looked to this retail titan to see what they can glean. Perhaps it's a stigma whereby Walmart ...
BD Hotels and CB Developers Plan Spring 2017 Opening of Pod Brooklyn in New York City’s Williamsburn Neighborhood
The Pod Hotels | December 7, 2016
Brooklyn, NEW YORK (December 7, 2016) — Meet Pod Brooklyn, the latest addition to the trendy Williamsburg neighborhood and next generation of innovative properties from BD Hotels and CB Developers opening spring 2017. Following the successful models in Manhattan (Pod 51 and Pod 39), Pod Brooklyn will take the micro-hotel concept to the next level by constructing the property with modular guestrooms, built entirely in Poland and shipped here, making it the premier modular hotel in New York City. The clever design by Garrison Architects in collaboration with Pod Hotel design director, Vanessa Guilford weaves pod rooms with numerous ...
Westmont Hospitality Group and Varde Partners Acquire Washington, D.C.‘s University Inn from George Washington University
Savills Studley | December 14, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. (12.14.16) – Savills Studley's Capital Markets National Hospitality Group, led by Marc Magazine, Tom Baker, Justin Magazine, is pleased to announce that it has arranged the sale of the University Inn, a 95-room hotel at 824 New Hampshire Ave. NW in D.C.'s Foggy Bottom neighborhood. The buyer was Houston-based Westmont Hospitality Group and Varde Partners. Savills Studley represented the seller, George Washington University, in the transaction. The transaction officially closed on December 8, 2016. Located just one block from the Foggy Bottom Metro and two blocks from George Washington University and the Kennedy Ce...
KKR and KSL to Acquire Apple Leisure Group from Bain Capital Private Equity
Apple Leisure Group | December 13, 2016
PHILADELPHIA-- Apple Leisure Group, a leading hospitality company, today announced that KKR and an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners (KSL) have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the company from Bain Capital Private Equity. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Apple Leisure Group is North America's top seller of all-inclusive vacation packages, with a vertically integrated business model that leverages its capabilities and expertise to deliver exceptional value to travelers, and distribution reach and resort management expertise for hotel owners. Apple Leisure Group's collection of leading subsidiaries inc...
Tavistock Development Company Acquires Ft. Lauderdale’s Pier Sixty-Six Marina & Hyatt Regency Hotel
Tavistock Development Co. | December 8, 2016
Tavistock Development Company, an Orlando-based real estate development firm owned by Joe Lewis' Tavistock Group, announces the acquisition of Fort Lauderdale's Pier Sixty-Six (Pier 66) Marina and Hyatt Regency Hotel. Set on 22 waterfront acres at 2301 Southeast 17th Street along the Intracoastal Waterway, Pier 66's 17-story main tower is an architectural icon of the Fort Lauderdale skyline with its famous rotating panorama rooftop. The 127-slip mega-yacht marina is one of the largest in the state and recently served as a host location of the 56th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. In addition to the existing 384 hotel rooms, the ...
Miami Beach Most Expensive U.S. Destination to Spend New Year’s Eve 2016
CheapHotels.org | December 28, 2016
MIAMI---Miami Beach is the most expensive U.S. destination for New Year's Eve. That's according to the latest survey from CheapHotels.org, which compared 30 major destinations in the United States based on the cost of their lodging this December 31st. For each destination, the survey established the minimum amount visitors will have to spend on December 31, 2016 to stay overnight in a double room. Only such hotels rated 3 stars or higher and those located close to the city center/ beach were considered. With a rate of $366 for its most affordable room, Miami Beach leads the rankings. Second most expensive is Atlantic City, New Jersey. T...
Marriott Officially Debuts New Luxury Group for Eight of Its 30 Brands
Marriott | December 5, 2016
From International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Cannes, Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced that the company continues to grow its leadership position in luxury, doubling its portfolio of luxury hotels through the recent merger with Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Providing global travelers an unrivaled selection of diversified, high-end experiences in 61 countries, the Marriott International Luxury Brands group now includes the iconic St. Regis, The Luxury Collection and W Hotels brands, in addition to the company's world-renowned hospitality hallmarks The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bulgari Hotels & Re...
White Lodging Names Ken Barrett, Current CFO, as New CEO Amid Hotel Building Boom
December 1, 2016
Dec. 01--White Lodging, one of the largest hospitality companies in the United States, has named a new chief executive officer as it gears up for rapid growth. Chief Financial Officer Ken Barrett has been named CEO of the Merrillville-based company, which has invested $2.5 billion in developing more than 125 upscale hotels over the last three decades. He replaces Dave Sibley, who will become chief operating officer. Chairman and founder Bruce White said the changes were made because of an upcoming phase of rapid expansion. White Lodging plans to open new hotels in Wisconsin, Texas, Tennessee, Colorado and Indiana next year. "The ne...
Leonardo Hotels Set to Open NYX Milan in Early 2017; Prepares NYX Prague and NYX Madrid for Extensive Renovations
Leonardo Hotels | December 9, 2016
BERLIN, December 9, 2016. While the preparations are almost complete for the grand opening of NYX Milan, the currently named Fusion Hotel Prague is closing its doors at the beginning of the New Year for extensive renovations – as is the Gran Atlanta Madrid in the spring. Both will then rise as goddesses of the night. These three hotels mark the launch of the brand-new lifestyle brand NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels and are set to become hot spots for unique individuals from all around the world. The excellent location and inspiring atmosphere give the guests of NYX Prague and NYX Madrid the ability to do exactly what they fancy. All...
Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui Completes $100 Million Transformation
December 7, 2016
MAUI, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 2016 -- Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui today announced the substantial completion of its sweeping $100 million transformation set to debut December 24, 2016. Inspired by its iconic Wailea Beach oceanfront location and the restorative power of the sea, the comprehensive transformation ushers in a new era of modern elevated services and memories for Wailea's original resort. The entirely transformed contemporary resort features a reimagined arrival experience, six new dining options including HUMBLE MARKET KITCHIN by Roy Yamaguchi, three new distinct pool environments, and 547 redesigned rooms and sui...
The Historic Renwick Hotel in New York City Opens as Curio – A Collection by Hilton Offering 173 Fully-Renovated Guestrooms
Curio - A Collection by Hilton | December 5, 2016
NEW YORK and MCLEAN, Va. - Once home to John Steinbeck, Thomas Mann and other celebrated writers and artists, The Renwick Hotel, a historic property in the heart of midtown Manhattan, is now open as part of Curio - A Collection by HiltonTM. As the first New York City hotel to join Curio's global set of remarkable upscale properties, The Renwick facilitates travelers' desire for unique discovery and authentic experiences. Housed in an iconic 1920s brick building, The Renwick Hotel New York City, Curio Collection by Hilton is located just two blocks from Grand Central Station and a short walk to Bryant Park, the New York Public Li...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 171: Hotel History: Hotel Theresa (1913)
Stanley Turkel | December 20, 2016
by Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Hotel Theresa, "The Waldorf of Harlem" Fidel Castro's recent death brings to mind his visit to New York City. On September 18, 1960, four months before the United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, Fidel Castro arrived in New York City for the 15th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He and his staff first checked into the Shelburne Hotel at Lexington Avenue and 37th Street. When the Shelburne demanded $10,000 for alleged damage that included cooking chickens in their rooms, the Castro entourage moved to the Hotel Theresa in Harlem. Castro's group rented eighty rooms for a ...
Former Historic Mayfair Hotel Debuts as Magnolia Hotel St. Louis, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Tribute Portfolio | December 7, 2016
Tribute Portfolio, part of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR), today announced its official debut in "The Gateway City" with Magnolia Hotel St. Louis, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Originally the historic Mayfair Hotel, the property's charming character and features have been preserved, while integrating touches of indie design and flair. The elegant Magnolia Hotel St. Louis is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and takes pride in its meticulous attention to detail, as well as experiential touches that invite guests to Stay Independent. "The vibrant city of St. Louis has an unmistakable indie vibe, making it a perfec...
