News Top: 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...
Nobody Asked Me, But…No. 164: Hotel History: Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, Whitefield, New Hampshire*
Stanley Turkel, CMHS | July 25, 2016
By Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa (1865), Whitefield, New Hampshire (144 rooms) One of America's great resort hotels, the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa had its origin in the post-Civil War period. On a rainy night in 1865, a group of travelers en-route to Montreal, was stranded when their stagecoach overturned in Whitefield, N.H.. The driver found shelter for his wet passengers a half-mile away at the home of William and Maryjane Dodge who welcomed them with overnight lodging and a home-cooked breakfast. On that morning, the spectacular views of the Presidential Range, a series of 5,0...
Which Hotel Tech Trends Have Staying Power?
Steffan Berelowitz | July 21, 2016
by Steffan Berelowitz Technology has progressed at an incredible rate in recent years, with mobile catapulting to the top and surpassing expert predictions. Tech has found a way to cross all industries, but in hospitality it has made a significant impact. As a result, technology has become essential in attracting and retaining guests, and in improving overall guest satisfaction. There's always a lot of buzz whenever a new technology emerges onto the market, and inevitably some hotels experiment with them. But which ones should the industry adopt, and which should they avoid? Here are our takes on the hottest tech trends that hotels shou...
Swissôtel and Sarah Towers For Real Estate Investment Company Enter Agreement for Swissôtel Al Maqam, Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
July 5, 2016
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - July 5, 2016 - Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Sarah Towers For Real Estate Investment Company to manage the 1,624-room Swissôtel Al Maqam, Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Becoming Swissôtel's second property in the religious city, Swissôtel Al Maqam will be situated in the prestigious Abraj Al Bait complex, part of the King Abdul Aziz Endowment Project, overlooking the Masjid Al Haram. With an imminent opening in September 2016, it will join the existing Swissôtel Makkah and is poised to become an iconic symb...
Container Hotel and Prefab Bungalow: Modular Building Construction in China
Wayne Wei | July 15, 2016
By Wayne Wei and Daniel J Voellm With a fast changing economic environment and society coming to terms with the 'new normal' in China, hotel developers are seeking for more carefully planned and executed projects, based on a sound economic footing to ensure sustainable operations. Under such circumstances the modular building system might become one possible remedy to bring momentum to hotel development in China, particularly in remote areas. This publication provides a brief introduction of China's modular building construction for the hotel industry. Why modular building? Modular building is a process in which a building is construc...
2015/16 United States Hotel Franchise Fee Guide from HVS
Kasia M. Russell | July 25, 2016
The selection of an appropriate franchise affiliation affects a property's ability to compete in its local market, generate profits, and achieve a desirable image and market orientation. By Kasia M. Russell and Bomie Kim The HVS U.S. Hotel Franchise Fee Guide provides a comparative review of various hotel franchises based on their applicable franchise fees. The selection of an appropriate franchise affiliation affects a property's ability to compete in its local market, generate profits, and achieve a desirable image and market orientation. Because the success of a hotel is based primarily on the cash flow generated, owners and lenders...
How Many Hotels Have Jumped on the Pokemon GO Bandwagon?
Ryan Solutions | July 20, 2016
In a matter of days Pokemon GO has gone from zero to marketing hero for many small businesses eager to capitalize on the crowds the app has mobilized. But what about resorts and hotels? Are they getting in on the Poke-action as well? Here's what we found. The Goods To find our answer we looked for mentions of Pokemon or elements within the game (PokeStops, Gyms, etc.) in the social media posts of 5,000 resort and hotel Twitter accounts. We counted what percentage of properties on each channel mentioned Pokemon at least once on any given day and plotted the results. For example, if 2,000 hotels tweeted and 20 mentioned Pokemon on Monday,...
Lixi Group Set to Open 160-Room Courtyard by Marriott in Quebec City, Quebec
Courtyard by Marriott | July 28, 2016
Quebec City, Quebec – July 28, 2016 – Courtyard by Marriott Quebec City is scheduled to open its doors in Quebec City, Quebec on Friday, July 29, 2016. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard's latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 900 des Rocailles, the 160-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by the Lixi Group of Montreal, Quebec. Located in the blooming Lebourgneuf district, just 10 minutes from charming Old Quebec and the Jean-Lesage International Airport, ...
When Digital Meets Physical: What Pokémon Go Means for the Travel Industry
Nick Vivion | July 14, 2016
By Nick Vivion In our world of fragmentation and hyper-targeted micro-niches, few mainstream hits cut through. That's what makes the nearly-instant global popularity of Pokémon Go so intriguing. The mobile app uses GPS and augmented reality technology to lead users on a hunt for the digital pets. Augmented reality often elicits mixed reactions, ranging from the hopeful to the dystopian. The technology layers digital information onto physical space, using the screen as the middleman. With Pokémon Go, the smartphone camera is the eye and the GPS is the compass to hunt and trap Pokémon. "Pokémon can b...
AccorHotels Appoints Kevin Frid as Chief Operating Officer for North & Central America
AccorHotels | July 21, 2016
Global hospitality leader AccorHotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Frid as Chief Operating Officer for North & Central America. As a key leader within the company, Frid's position is one of the first senior management appointments since the recent acquisition of FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI) and its three prestigious luxury hotel brands: Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel. The appointment of Frid, with his vast experience and expertise in the United States, Canada and Mexico, underscores AccorHotels' commitment to one of its key strategic objectives: building long-term growth and profitability in a region th...
U.S. Hotel Development Cost Survey 2015/16
Stacey E. Nadolny | July 12, 2016
By Stacey E. Nadolny This 2015/16 survey reports per-room hotel development costs based on data compiled by HVS from hotel projects proposed or under construction during the 2015 calendar year. Construction cost data for new projects was collected in 2015 in order to form the basis of the mean and median of the construction cost components. Data derived from published sources and industry indexes, as well as information obtained from architects, contractors, developers, lenders, and other professionals involved with hotel development projects, have been considered in this survey. The HVS Hotel Development Cost Survey sets forth ranges o...
Legacy Hotel Group Acquires The Graham Georgetown from Mast Capital for $37 Million
The Graham Georgetown | July 14, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC (July 14, 2016) --- Arkansas-based brother and sister duo Dwight and Lynn Curry will enter the Washington DC market with the purchase of The Graham Georgetown, the 57-room boutique hotel located in the heart of Georgetown that also features the destination rooftop lounge, The Observatory. Legacy Hotel Group, owned by Dwight and Lynn Curry, purchased the hotel from Mast Capital for $37 million. The acquisition closed on June 27, 2016. The Currys are third generation hotel owners following in the path of their grandfather, Lloyd Hobbs, who was a self-made entrepreneur and one of the first hotel franchise developers in the i...
Hotel Guest Satisfaction Plateaus as “Perks” Become Standard Expectations, J.D. Power Study Finds
J.D. Power | July 13, 2016
COSTA MESA, Calif.: 13 July 2016 — As hotel guests increasingly come to expect amenities that used to be special perks, such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfasts and premium bed linens, the industry may be reaching a customer satisfaction plateau, according to the J.D. Power 2016 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study,SM released today. The study, now in its 20th year, measures overall guest satisfaction across eight hotel segments: luxury; upper upscale; upscale; upper midscale; midscale; economy/budget; upper extended stay; and extended stay. Seven key measures are examined in each segment to determine overall sat...
Florida Atlantic University’s Hospitality & Tourism Management Program Scores Triple Win!
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) | July 19, 2016
The Hospitality Management Program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, FL continues its move to be the top educational program in the country. This summer it has received 3 top symbols of recognition including a Top 25 Spot among the Best Value College for its online MBA in 2016 by ONLINE U which recognizes Affordability, Accessibility, and Quality: http://www.onlineu.org/best-value-colleges/hospitality-management-degrees It also was recognized as one of the Top Hospitality Management Programs in the state of Florida by by the Best Hospitality Degrees, The Authority for Hospitality Degrees and Schools: http://www.besthos...
Pendry San Diego Appoints Victor Calzada as Director of Food & Beverage
Pendry Hotels | July 26, 2016
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (July 26, 2016) – Pendry San Diego is pleased to announce the appointment of Victor Calzada to its executive team in preparation for the opening of the hotel in late 2016. A new luxury brand from Montage Hotels & Resorts, Pendry is a collection of hotels for the modern day traveler and will be each destination's most inspired guest house. He will join Pendry San Diego's General Manager Michael O'Donohue and Director of Sales and Marketing Bob Frear in overseeing the development and launch of the 317-room property in the heart of the famed Gaslamp Quarter. Victor takes on the role of director of food & bev...
Omni Hotels Announced Data Breach of Customer Credit Card Information
July 12, 2016
Message to Our Valued Customers: Omni values the relationship we have with our guests and wants you to be aware of an incident that may involve your payment card. We recently became aware of a malware intrusion that affected some point of sale systems at certain Omni hotels. Promptly after discovering the issue, we immediately engaged leading IT investigation and security firms to determine the facts, and we have now contained the intrusion. Protecting the security of our customers' personal information is a top priority for Omni. We value and respect the privacy of your information, and we sincerely apologize for any concern or inconve...
Plateau in Hotels a Good News/Bad News Story
Daniel Lesser | July 21, 2016
by Daniel Lesser NEW YORK CITY—Primary US lodging metrics during the first half of 2016 reveal that after five consecutive years of above average increases in occupancy, average daily rate and profits, hotel performance appears to be reaching a plateau. While growth is clearly decelerating, there is also no evidence of a decline in US hotel fundamentals indicating that the current cycle has ended. The US hotel industry is currently a good news / bad news story. The good news is that: The US economy is demonstrating resilience in spite of global economic uncertainty; The US central bank is holding off on raising short-term inter...
Geoff Gray Named General Manager of The Royal Palms Resort and Spa, The Newest Addition to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | July 25, 2016
CHICAGO (July 25, 2016) - Geoff Gray has been named general manager of The Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Ariz. The hotel joins other local Hyatt properties in the state, including Hyatt Regency Phoenix and Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch. Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Spa is scheduled to debut later this year. Gray began his hospitality career as director of rooms at The Statler Hotel at Cornell University. Most recently he served as general manager of Hyatt Centric Park City, and in 2013, Gray was the executive director of rooms for the opening of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. "One of the most impress...
