News Top: June
Top 10 Selling Minibar Snacks for 2017 That Guests Love!
Minibar Systems | June 16, 2017
Minibar sales are driven by guest's impulses especially with comfort food and name brand recognition. Everyone always asks me "What are the top selling snacks out of the minibar?" says Walt Strasser, Executive Vice President at Minibar Systems, the Rockville, MD based global minibar supply company. "We are unique in that we track all product sales through our systems so we can monitor trends to better assist our client hotels with menu engineering and planning," says Strasser. The graphic above shows guest's desires when in the privacy of their hotel rooms. Unlike traditional stores or boutiques, the minibar sales are driven by guest's ...
SmartFridge – A New Supercool Product by Minibar Systems
Minibar Systems | June 20, 2017
The intelligent fridge that cools only when your guests need it! SmartFridge, an innovative new product from Minibar Systems, redefines hotel in-room convenience refrigeration technology with benefits for both guests and hotels. The control panel lets guests use the fridge when needed and can be shut down when not needed, saving up to 50% of specified energy consumption. Hotels are now able to offer guests the amenity they ask for and benefit from our fundamental commitment to develop sustainable products. LED guest convenience control panel Saves up to 50% in energy consumption Self-executing diagnostic tests Quiet compre...
HVS Releases the 2017 Hotel Cost Estimating Guide
Warren G Feldman | June 14, 2017
By Warren G Feldman, Scott P. Rosenberg , Christine Shanahan The Guide is a comprehensive listing of capital expenditure construction and FF&E costs for hotel renovations in the USA. ...
Branding and Hospitality: What’s Your Differentiation?
June 28, 2017
By Grace Goni Not a week appears to go by without the opening of a luxury hotel somewhere in the world. Just take a look a consumer travel magazine and you'll see all sorts of new concepts and offerings flooding the market. Until about 15 years ago, the differentiation between luxury hotel brands was clear. Guests knew who was who and what was what. Today, the market is saturated with many different hotels, brands and offerings. If you factor in the disruption of new entrants due to technology, it is not surprising that customers are confused. As client demands are also changing, is it any wonder then that many luxury hotels are struggl...
Hospitality Distribution Veteran David Chestler Joins Kognitiv
Kognitiv | June 22, 2017
Waterloo, Canada (June 22, 2016) – Kognitiv Corporation is proud to announce that David Chestler, a well-recognized hospitality and travel executive with more than 28 years in the industry has joined their global management team. Prior to joining Kognitiv Corporation, he held senior positions at Pegasus Solutions (Utell), BirchStreet Systems, RateGain, Sceptre Hospitality Resources (SHR) and most recently SiteMinder. At Kognitiv, David is focused on Business Development for the global hospitality industry, offering an AI inspired solution set within a travel marketplace that brings brands and consumers together. Kognitiv believes ...
New York City’s MADE Names Executive Team in Anticipation of Fall Opening
June 20, 2017
New York, NY (June 20, 2017) – MADE, opening in New York City September 5, 2017, is pleased to announce the appointments of Brian Fahey as General Manager, Diane Black as Director of Sales, Greg Proechel as Executive Chef, and Charles Seich as Food and Beverage Partner. Brian Fahey, General Manager With more than a decade of experience in leading first-class operations in the hotel industry, Brian Fahey welcomes his new leadership role at MADE. Previously, Fahey held Front of House Manager roles at the Crosby Street Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel New York, Lanhgam Place Fifth Avenue, and the The Setai Fifth Avenue. Fahey got his start ...
iRiS Software Systems Platform Evolves With Launch of Hospitality API Library
iRiS | June 27, 2017
London 27th June 2017: iRiS, the leading platform provider to the hospitality industry, will today launch its Hospitality API Library at HITEC in Toronto. Following the successful launch of the enterprise-ready Guest Experience Platform (GXP®) at HITEC 2016, this launch continues a strategic shift in focus by iRiS to a platform as a service provider, delivering modular platform capabilities with open API's that can be configured to suit the requirements of every hospitality business. Since its founding, iRiS have created innovative solutions to meet the changing digital needs of the hospitality industry. With the launch of the Hospi...
Hotel Cap Rates Inching Up: Is It a Good Time to Sell Hotels?
Hans Detlefsen | June 7, 2017
By Hans Detlefsen Introduction For the past seven years, hotel capitalization rates (cap rates) have generally declined, according to investor surveys. The last time hotel cap rates increased for consecutive survey periods was in 2008, as the investment community realized the U.S. economy was in the early stages of a severe economic recession. From 2008 through early 2010, hotel cap rates jumped roughly 150 to 250 basis points, depending on which survey and hotel chain scale you observed. Since then, hotel cap rates have declined roughly 200 to 300 basis points, according to the same surveys. At the beginning of 2017, hotel cap rates st...
7 Tech Tips to Improve Your Guests’ Experience
Chamberlin Public Relations | June 5, 2017
With a seemingly endless and ever-changing array of technology available for hotels, how do you know what is worth your time and money? Fortunately, the wealth of options means that you can find the perfect fit for your hotel's needs. After extensive research, here are a few of our top picks to help you connect with your guests before, during, and after their stays – and most importantly, keep them coming back. Before the Stay Get Social: It's imperative for hotels to have a social media presence, especially on Facebook and Instagram. Potential guests will not only visit your website, but will also check out your social media plat...
Summit Hospitality Plans Late 2017 Opening for Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida
Hard Rock International | June 13, 2017
Orlando, FL – June 13, 2017 – Hard Rock International announces plans to open its fourth property in Florida, bringing the brand's iconic vibe to Daytona Beach in late 2017. The 200-key property will bring unparalleled music offerings and amenities to one of Florida's most well known vacation destinations. The beachfront property is in collaboration with Summit Hospitality Management Group and managed by Hard Rock International. "From the gorgeous beaches to the NASCAR races that draw in hundreds of thousands of people each year, we're thrilled to bring our product to visitors and locals alike in Daytona Beach," said Marco R...
8 Reasons Why Your Hotel Brand Needs a Mobile App to Succeed
Mike Murray, CEO at TripCraft | June 7, 2017
By Mike Murray CEO, TripCraft Mobile Alexa Robertson is traveling for business. At the airport, she pulls out her smartphone and opens her favorite hotel's mobile app. With a few finger taps, she requests an airport transfer and early check-in, receiving a confirmation notification within seconds. Upon entering the hotel, a welcome message pops up, complete with her booking information and room number. Skipping the front desk line, she heads directly to her room, unlocking it with the app's mobile key technology on her smartphone. A push notification offers her a discount on a spa service, and she immediately books a massage before maki...
Tod Chambers Appointed Managing Director of Waldorf Astoria Chicago and Conrad Chicago
the Waldorf Astoria Chicago | June 15, 2017
CHICAGO – June 15, 2017 – The AAA Mobil Five Diamond Waldorf Astoria Chicago and Conrad Chicago have appointed Tod Chambers as Managing Director of the two premier luxury properties located within The Magnificent Mile. In his new dual role, Chambers will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the luxury 215-room and 287-room hotels, both owned by Laurence Geller, reporting directly to Pascal Duchauffour, Area Vice President of Operations-Luxury Hotels, The Americas. "It's an honor to continue my career with Hilton by joining Waldorf Astoria Chicago and Conrad Chicago," said Tod Chambers. "I am eager to work with the...
Facts About Minibars in 2017 – They’re Back!
Minibar Systems | June 22, 2017
Today's minibars are highly sophisticated and advanced. Hoteliers are always looking for additional sources of income and profit for the operation. The rebirth of automated minibars and new operations programs such as Outsourcing and Revenue Sharing has given a fresh update to this long time favorite guest amenity. There are so many interesting facts that hotels don't realize about minibars in 2017. Technology plays a dominant role in running a successful operation and today's minibars are highly sophisticated and advanced. They are loaded with intelligent feature and software to virtually eliminate all of the traditional "hassles" asso...
Pyramid Hotel Group to Debut the Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel Hotel Fall 2017
Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel Hotel | June 1, 2017
LOS ANGELES (June 1, 2017) – Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Shenzhen Hazens Real Estate Investment Group, LLC unveiled its latest development and stunning design of the new Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel Hotel, a multi-million dollar project slated to be open fall 2017. The 288-room hotel, which will be located on East Valley Boulevard, will redefine regional luxury and convenience with exquisite, culturally inspired design and accommodations, two best-in-class signature restaurants featuring Chinese and steakhouse cuisine, and more than 19,000 square feet of flexible event space. It will feature all of the Sheraton brand's s...
Minibars – Why Hotels Love to Hate The “Darn Things”. Can They Love Them Again?
Minibar Systems | June 13, 2017
Hotel magazines are littered with articles on why hotels are removing the "darn things" but refuse to discuss the fact that minibars still command a 30% guest utilization rate. Ah, the proverbial minibar, unwanted by so many hotels today. But why? Hotel magazines are littered with articles on why hotels are removing the "darn things" but refuse to discuss the fact that minibars still command a 30% guest utilization rate when offered. How can this be? Unwanted by guests (as the industry experts claim) yet 30% of guests use them? These opposing facts don't make sense. What's not being said here? The answer is IMPULSE. The indisputable dri...
Pullman Hotels & Resorts Plans Fall 2018 Opening of Pullman Tokyo Tamachi
Pullman | June 14, 2017
Pullman Tokyo Tamachi is being developed as part of the MSB Tamachi mixed-used complex and will open for the fall of 2018. Featuring 143 rooms, the contemporary designed hotel successfully connects the international style of Pullman with a delicate touch of Japanese art and culture. This business and leisure hotel includes meeting facilities and unique dining concepts. The hotel is directly connected to the JR Tamachi Station east exit and a three-minute walk from the Toei Subway Mita Line. From the hotel to the Haneda International Airport is about 30 mins by public transport and just one stop from JR Shinagawa station to Osaka and Kyo...
Oliver Bonke Named President and Chief Operating Officer of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts | June 12, 2017
Hong Kong, June 12, 2017 – Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts today announced the appointment of Oliver Bonke as president and chief operating officer. Reporting to Shangri-La Asia Limited Chief Executive Officer LIM Beng Chee, Bonke will assume responsibilities on September 1, 2017 and will be based at Shangri-La's headquarters in Hong Kong. In his capacity as president and chief operating officer, Bonke will oversee the group's executive vice presidents responsible for regional hotel operations, as well as the operational division heads of Food and Beverage, Sales, Marketing, Rooms, Engineering, Security, and Quality Improvement. "We...
HVS Key Takeaways: 2017 NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference
Chris Fernandes | June 13, 2017
By Chris Fernandes Manhattan's Marriott Marquis once again welcomed the most prominent leaders in the hospitality industry for the 2017 NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, held June 5 and 6. Over the two-day event, industry experts gathered to share their opinions on a wide variety of ownership, management, branding, lending, and economic topics. Despite uncertainties in today's global political and economic climates, the overall tone remains one of cautious optimism. A Call to Action No time was wasted skirting around discussion of the current White House administration, with conference chairman Jonathan M. Ti...
Why Hotels Are Setting up Shop in Suburban Shopping Centers
JLL Real Views | June 15, 2017
By Laura Agadoni Imagine stepping outside your suburban hotel, and instead of jumping in a car to shop or eat, you can easily walk to all your favorite stores and restaurants. Across the U.S., new hotels are enabling their guests to have local amenities on their doorstep – by backfilling vacant shopping center space. It's not just an arrangement that benefits guests and the hotel chains; it's also helping to revitalize American shopping centers that may have lost a middle-market anchor. Over the past two years, large format anchors have closed. JCPenney, Macy's, and Sears and Kmart are shutting down 324 stores between them across ...
Stonebridge Companies Appoints Jason Dorfman General Manager for The Jacquard Opening in 2018 as Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection
The Jacquard Hotel | June 28, 2017
DENVER – June 28, 2017 – The Jacquard, a hotel slated to open early 2018 within Denver's fashionable Cherry Creek North neighborhood, today announces the appointment of Jason Dorfman as general manager. Dorfman will lead the new Autograph Collection hotel, owned and operated by Denver-based Stonebridge Companies, upon its opening. Holding a B.S. in Business Administration from The Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management at the University of Denver, Dorfman brings an impressive track record in hospitality experience to The Jacquard. Over the years, he has worked at many other prominent hotels in Colorado and beyond. He...
How Hotels Can Counter High OTA Cancellation Rates
Joan Evelyn Lee | June 1, 2017
By Joan Evelyn Lee To entice consumers to book early, OTAs frequently advertise a free cancellation policy. Along with booking well in advance, the same tactic is used to encourage consumers to book multiple properties, which they can then choose from later. But this all comes at a heavy price for hotels. Guests are incentivized to book without worrying about whether they're certain about their choice. After all, they can always cancel if they change their mind. Unsurprisingly, this tactic has led to notoriously high OTA cancellation rates. These rates vary significantly among the OTAs. For instance, hotels on Booking.com, (which heavil...
Dorchester Collection Promotes Eugenio Pirri to Chief People and Culture Officer
Dorchester Collection | June 26, 2017
(London) - Dorchester Collection announces the promotion of Eugenio Pirri to the position of chief people and culture officer. Eugenio Pirri joined Dorchester Collection as vice president, people and organizational development in 2011, where he spearheaded a team responsible for all aspects of human resources, learning and development, employee and guest engagement, and innovation and corporate responsibility. Remaining true to Dorchester Collection's Values, Eugenio will continue to reshape the company's culture, ensuring a sustainable future through long-term perspectives on how it leads and develops current and future talent, as well...
The Future of Hotel Design
Rob Sykes | June 1, 2017
by Rob Sykes As the global hospitality marketplace evolves and travelers' preferences shift, what are the future trends that hotel designers need to anticipate? And how can we be visionary in our approach to each and every assignment? Our industry constantly yearns for innovation, with each hotel brand and independent operator seeking ways in which they can differentiate themselves to gain their own unique space in a very crowded marketplace. However, 'out of the box' thinking must always be balanced with economic pragmatism. Ultimately, hotels, as a real estate asset class, are challenging. Any investment risk must be justified by the ...
Top 5 Mistakes Hotels Make with Wi-Fi and How to Fix Them
Mitch Huskey | June 1, 2017
By Mitch Huskey Hotel technology isn't easy. In fact, it's getting harder every day because what guests demand is changing every day – especially in the area of guest Wi-Fi. Gone are the days when guests are satisfied with simply getting a reliable connection. Today's guest brings multiple devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. She wants them to all connect, fast – downloading emails, streaming video, and video conferencing live with work and family. Serving all these changing needs better than the next property can make or break a hotel brand. Let's review the top 5 mistakes that hotels make in delivering HSI...
Proper Hospitality and The Kor Group Plan Summer Opening of Flagship 131-Room San Francisco Proper Hotel
Proper Hospitality | June 30, 2017
San Francisco, CA (June 30, 2017) – San Francisco is a frontier city, perpetually on the edge and always looking forward. This is where the gold rushes, Ginsberg Howls, consciousness expands, love is legal, and young CEOs invent change. Now, the pioneers that converge in this 'Paris of the West' have another thing to look forward to: A 'Proper' Hotel. And the timing couldn't be better. This summer, a beloved flatiron hotel building on the corner of 7th and Market will be reborn as San Francisco Proper Hotel, the first injection of true luxury lifestyle hospitality into the city in over a decade. Once a hideaway for high society at...
