News Top: April
Flow Through – Understanding How it Works and How to Include Flow Thru in Your Financial Statements
David Lund | April 25, 2017
By David Lund Flow Thru, this is my abbreviation, is a catch all phrase that measures how much made it through your business comparing one period to another. What made it through, from revenues to profit. Another term to describe this measurement is retention. A good analogy to grasp the concept of flow thru is to compare it to your paycheck. Imaging I give you a $1000 a week raise. The question then is how much will end up on your pay vs. how much got eaten up by higher taxes and other deductions. The same goes for additional revenues in your business. If revenues are $50,000 higher this month than the same month last year, how much of...
The ‘NEW’ Hotel General Manager
Paul Sarlas | April 20, 2017
By Paul Sarlas The position of general manager has never been a static one. When you're checking the financials one minute and tasting new dishes in your restaurant the next, you cannot afford to be a specialist. You need to be generalist, hence the title. With an enigmatic sounding title and a capricious job description, General Managers, as a rule of thumb, are generally quick to adapt. That being said, there has been a visible and real shift across the industry in the last ten years. A rare combination of circumstances; including, but not limited to, the financial crisis that have conspired to making today's General Manager v...
Christian Gonzalez Appointed Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | April 18, 2017
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® has appointed Christian Gonzalez as the regional director of sales and marketing for the Mexico region. In this new role, Christian will provide leadership and strategic direction for Rosewood Mayakoba and will also oversee strategy for Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, Rosewood Puebla, which will open this spring, and Rosewood Mandarina, which will open in 2019. A native of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Christian joins Rosewood Hotels & Resorts following sixteen years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Most recently, he served as the director of sales and marketing at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore ...
Denihan Hospitality Names Vera Manoukian as President & Chief Operating Officer
Denihan Hospitality | April 10, 2017
NEW YORK, April 10, 2017 -- Denihan Hospitality, an independent owner and operator of boutique hotels in top U.S. urban markets, announced that Vera Manoukian has joined as President and Chief Operating Officer. In her role, Vera is responsible for operations and management of the company and delivering superior performance, as well as accelerating pipeline growth of its portfolio of both branded and independent boutique luxury and lifestyle hotels. Vera's appointment comes just as the company is preparing to open two new James Hotels: The James - West Hollywood and The James - NoMad on Madison Avenue in NYC. "We are thrilled t...
4 Ways Concierges Can Use Technology to Craft the Guest Experience
ALICE | April 17, 2017
The concierge of the future needs to be supported by technology made expressly to enhance the role and place him or her at the center of the guest experience. by Alex Shashou Whether it's booking travel online, buying a book or watching porn, for years, the role of technology has been to improve our access to information and our ability to act on that information. As a result, consumers have become increasingly independent and able to satisfy their needs through technology. In economics this is called disintermediation - the removal of intermediaries from a supply chain, or the "cutting out of the middlemen" in connection ...
Hilton and Melwa Hotels & Resorts Sign Agreement for Six New Build Hotels & Resorts in Sri Lanka
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | April 6, 2017
Global hospitality company strengthens market footprint in major leisure destinations COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, April 6, 2017 -- Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today signed six management agreements with Melwa Hotels & Resorts Private Limited to manage three Hilton Hotels & Resorts and three DoubleTree by Hilton properties in Sri Lanka. This latest milestone also marks the debut of the award-winning DoubleTree by Hilton brand in Sri Lanka and significantly expands Hilton's presence in some of the most sought-after destinations in the country. The deal also bears testament to the global hospitality company's growing footprint in Asia Pacif...
Prince A. Sanders Named New General Manager of Trump International Hotel & Tower® New York
April 12, 2017
NEW YORK – April 12, 2017 – Trump HotelsTM, a global luxury hotel enterprise with an unparalleled history of providing extraordinary customer experiences, is pleased to announce the promotion of Prince A. Sanders to General Manager, Trump International Hotel & Tower® New York. With more than 15 years in the luxury hotel industry, Sanders brings valuable expertise, skill and experience to lead one of New York's most recognizable hotels. "We're thrilled to promote Prince Sanders to General Manager," said Eric Danziger, CEO of Trump Hotels. "Since joining us a few years ago, he's quickly helped to define and elevate our...
What Does a Rising Interest Rate Environment Mean for Hotel Owners?
Stephen Gaylor | April 6, 2017
By Stephen Gaylor On Wednesday, March 15, 2017, the headline from the Economy section of the New York Times boldly announced that the "Fed Raises Interest Rates for Third Time Since Financial Crisis." This is the second time in three months that the Federal Reserve has raised rates, yet only the third time in the past decade. For those who do not deal with interest rates on a daily basis, it is important to note that the rate hikes which have recently taken place do not have a direct impact on the type of debt utilized to finance real estate, however, they do provide us with a glimpse of the future. Rates are going up, and they are like...
Sofitel New York Appoints Rudy Tauscher as General Manager
Sofitel New York | April 13, 2017
NEW YORK – April 13, 2017 – Rudy Tauscher has been appointed as the new general manager of Sofitel New York. He brings to his role an illustrious 20-year track record at the helm of some of the finest hotels in New York City and overseas. "A natural leader, Rudy is among the most respected hoteliers in the business and his attention to detail is legendary," said Balendra Nagesvaran, vice president of operations for luxury and upscale brands, AccorHotels North and Central America. "We are thrilled to have him take the lead of one of our flagship hotels in the region and we anticipate that it will continue to flourish under hi...
These Major Trends Are Changing the Hospitality Industry, as You Know It
April 18, 2017
By Jos Schaap, CEO, and Founder, StayNTouch In the hospitality industry, the only thing that's constant is change. It's clear you can't talk about the hospitality industry these days without talking about disruption. As a hotelier, you need to constantly keep your pulse on emerging trends to avoid disappointing guests and falling behind competitors. The priority no longer lies in only increasing the number of guests you attract, but rather improving their experience to keep them coming back—whether it be online, on-property or across different touchpoints. Here are the three important changes that'll make (and continue to make) a ...
SMASHotels Names Key Members for Executive Team at Hotel EMC2 Opening May 2017
Hotel EMC2 | April 26, 2017
Chicago – April 26, 2017 – Hotel EMC2, part of Autograph Collection Hotels, is thrilled to welcome its executive team ahead of its highly anticipated opening in May 2017. The boutique hotel is the first of its kind and will celebrate the convergence of art and science through its design, cuisine, and guest experience. The team of seasoned industry veterans has been thoughtfully selected to be a driving force in delivering on the brand's promise of providing exactly like nothing else experiences for guests. The team includes: Christine Wechter, General Manager; Brandon Brumback, Executive Chef; Rebecca Royster, Director of Fo...
IHG Notifies Guests of Payment Card Incident at IHG-Branded Franchise Hotel Locations in the Americas Region
IHG | April 17, 2017
ATLANTA, April 17, 2017-- IHG values the relationship it has with its guests and understands the importance of protecting payment card data. Many IHG-branded locations are independently owned and operated franchises, and certain of these franchisee operated locations in the Americas were made aware by payment card networks of patterns of unauthorized charges occurring on payment cards after they were legitimately used at their locations. To ensure an efficient and effective response, IHG hired a leading cyber security firm on behalf of franchisees to coordinate an examination of the payment card processing systems of franchise hotel loc...
2017 Waterpark Forecast: Continued Growth
David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC | April 5, 2017
By David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC Introduction The waterpark industry continues to expand in North America, with more than $550 million worth of new investment in indoor and outdoor waterparks and their related resorts in 2016. Waterpark related development is expected to grow in 2017, with over 40 expansions and new facilities opening. In 2017, we project 16 municipal and nine private outdoor waterparks will open, outpacing 2016's nine municipal and five private outdoor additions. We foresee continued, albeit slower, growth in the indoor segment, where an additional 243,000 square feet of waterpark space are planned. Two of this year...
McNeill Hotel Company Opens New Hampton Inn & Suites in Germantown, Tennessee
McNeill Hotel Company | April 27, 2017
GERMANTOWN, Tenn. – April 27, 2017 – McNeill Hotel Company announced today that it has officially opened the new Hampton Inn & Suites in the heart of downtown Germantown, just outside of Memphis. The announcement was made by Mark Ricketts, the company's President and Chief Operating Officer. The hotel, which is part of an upscale mixed-use development, includes 133-rooms, each of which features HDTV, free in-room movie channels and a coffeemaker. It offers value-added amenities such as free, hot breakfast and "On the Run Breakfast Bags" for the on-the-go traveler. Complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center and a Jump...
Condé Nast Traveler Unveils 2017 Hot List Awards
April 18, 2017
NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 -- Condé Nast Traveler today announced the winners of its 2017 HOT LIST with 75 properties around the world recognized as the best hotel openings of the past year. Our team of editors, reporters, and photographers flew a collective 529,500 miles, slept in roughly 200 beds, and had passports stamped in more than 50 countries to select this year's winners. The HOT LIST selection process started with 675 contenders and ended with the 75 properties listed below. The winners are properties that made us giddy not just because they have onsen big enough to swim laps in, the piano where Rossini composed Tancr...
Select-Service Hotels: Efficient and Profitable
Robert Mandelbaum | April 19, 2017
By Robert Mandelbaum The definition of "select-service" within the lodging industry may vary from person to person, but there is no doubt that properties in this segment are the most popular among developers. Using the broadest definition of select-service, this category comprised an estimated 89 percent of the total hotel projects under construction according to the December 2016 U.S. Hotel Pipeline report from STR. As the name implies, select-service properties offer limited degrees of services and amenities compared to full-service hotels. While most select-service properties do not contain extensive meeting, recreational and retail ...
Hotel Equities Chosen to Manage 107-Room Home2 Suites in Carbondale, Illinois
Hotel Equities | April 28, 2017
Atlanta – April 28, 2017 – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE) has been selected to manage the 107-room Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel in Carbondale, Illinois. Starting immediately, Hotel Equities will partner in a supportive role to help manage the final construction and development phase of the property. The firm will begin hotel operations during the pre-opening stage with scheduled opening expected to be in August 2017. Hotel Equities continues its growth strategy in the mid-west with its first hotel in the state of Illinois. The HE portfolio now numbers over 100 hotels coast to coast. "We are extremely excited to partner wi...
Two Roads Hospitality Appoints Landy Labadie As Senior Vice President of Restaurants, Bars, Nightlife and Events
Two Roads Hospitality | April 11, 2017
DENVER, CO. – April 11, 2017 - Two Roads Hospitality, a leading international lifestyle company featuring an unrivaled collection of truly individual hotels, resorts and vacation residences, is proud to appoint Landy Labadie as Senior Vice President of Restaurants, Bars, Nightlife and Events. With nearly 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Labadie will be responsible for the overall strategic vision and operating performance of Two Roads' restaurants, bars and nightlife division, creating bold new concepts and customized food and drink experiences for guests across the company's portfolio of independent and boutiqu...
Robert Rauch’s Hotel Industry Forecast: 2017
Robert A. Rauch | April 5, 2017
by Robert Rauch The big news in 2016 was Marriott's merger with Starwood and provides the new company with over 1,000,000 hotel rooms in 5,700 hotels, 30 brands and huge bargaining power with online travel agencies. The second was the Republican sweep—President Donald Trump will have an opportunity to change the economic landscape. President Trump has a majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives and if he focuses on tax reform, wages, regulations and the strength of our nation, he could keep this long but slow recovery going and dramatically enhance it. Oil prices are back up around $50, consumer confidence is solid,...
Jean Duc, General Manager of the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, Debuts Destinations First Luxury Resort in 10 Years
Conrad Hotels & Resorts | April 4, 2017
PAPEETE, Tahiti and MCLEAN, Va. – April 4, 2017 – Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) hotel portfolio for the smart luxury traveler, today welcomes guests to Conrad Bora Bora Nui, the destination's first five star resort to debut in 10 years. Conrad's first property in French Polynesia is ideally located in a private cove on Motu To'opua, a small islet off the coast of Bora Bora. The beachfront property features 114 guest rooms, including 28 tropical garden and beach villas and 86 overwater bungalows, as well as the Presidential Villas, Bora Bora's only two-story overwater accommodations. The new resort blends ...
AJ Capital Partners Names Clay Thelen as Chief Financial Officer
AJ Capital Partners | April 28, 2017
Chicago, Ill. – AJ Capital Partners announced today the hire of a new member to its executive team. Clay Thelen joins the team as Chief Financial Officer, with a specific focus on capital markets. "Clay is an exciting addition for our Company," said Eric Hassberger, COO of AJ Capital Partners. "Clay's extensive knowledge and experience in the capital markets and lodging industry make him an ideal fit for the AJ Capital and Graduate Hotels team." Prior to joining AJ Capital Partners, Clay was Vice President, Capital Markets, Acquisitions, and Treasurer at Strategic Hotels & Resorts (SHR) where he led the capital markets, fi...
Hilton San Francisco Union Square Completes $26 Million Room Renovation in Tower Two
Hilton San Francisco Union Square | April 19, 2017
SAN FRANCISCO – April 19, 2017– Hilton San Francisco Union Square, the largest hotel on the West Coast, announces the completion of its $26 million room renovation project with upgraded accommodations in Tower Two. The new features include: comfortable but sleek colors and designs, noise cancelling windows and doors and electric plugs that are easily accessible throughout the room. Bathrooms and guestrooms have been completely redone, including ample bathroom lighting and in-room tablets for greater guest convenience, which will be available in all the hotel's 1,919 guestrooms. Other new enhancements include Cityscape viewin...
How Hotels Beat Airbnb by Getting in Bed with Today’s Traveler
Gilad Berenstein | April 10, 2017
By Gilad Berenstein Today's traveler is digitally savvy and wants to be inspired by destinations and authentic experiences throughout the entirety of their travel lifecycle. Airbnb was one of the first to notice this macro-trend and capitalized on this opportunity. Airbnb built a platform to connect travelers with hosts to enable them to stay like locals in their dream destinations. Airbnb's greatest genius is not the platform they built. It's the understanding of the traveler's mindset. Many hotel owners and operators are cautiously monitoring the growing demand Airbnb is attracting and how it is changing the travel landscape. While th...
First Hospitality Group Celebrates Re-Opening of SpringHill Suites Chicago O’Hare Following Renovation
First Hospitality Group | April 13, 2017
Rosemont, Ill., April 13, 2017 – Rosemont, Ill.-based First Hospitality Group, Inc. announced today the grand re-opening of its SpringHill Suites Chicago O'Hare hotel following an extensive renovation. To celebrate, FHG hosted a grand re-opening event yesterday on Tuesday, April 11. First Hospitality Group, Inc. President and CEO Robert Habeeb made the announcement. The renovation, which spanned over several months, included updates to each of the hotel's 245 guest rooms, including new décor, beds, mattresses and revamped guest bathrooms. "Our guests' experience is always top of mind when it comes to our hotels and service,...
Palm Holdings Acquires Florida’s 444-Room Holiday Inn Orlando SW
Palm Holdings | April 24, 2017
ORLANDO, Fla. (April 24, 2017) - Palm Holdings, an international hospitality developer, has acquired a full-service Holiday Inn serving the Orlando and Celebration area. Palm Holdings has purchased the Holiday Inn Orlando SW - Celebration Area, 5711 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee. The Holiday Inn Orlando SW - Celebration Area is an official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel just 2.5 miles from Walt Disney World Resort, which welcomes more than 50 million visitors annually and is the flagship location of Disney's worldwide theme park empire. The theme park is rapidly expanding with current and future development...
