News Top: July
Hospitality Financial Leadership – How to Review a Hotel Budget
David Lund | July 31, 2017
Budget season is fast approaching and I am writing this article to highlight some areas to look at when you are reviewing a hotel financial budget. Maybe you want to make sure you have all your ducks in a row before you submit your 2018 numbers to the corporate office or perhaps you are the one doing the review. This article will give you some ideas of what you need for your review, what to look for and where to find it. The only thing we know for sure about the budget is, it's wrong. ~ Unknown Budgeting is first and foremost a business plan with numbers. It is the culmination of all the wants, wishes, aspirations and ideas laid out in ...
Social Media Marketing in the Hotel Industry: Trends and Opportunities in 2017
Jimmy Quach | July 25, 2017
By Jimmy Quach As social media platforms gain traction in usage rates and become ubiquitous in day-to-day life through the proliferation of mobile devices, they are proving to be valuable marketing channels, especially when targeting younger consumers. Although several prominent hotel brands have begun to scratch the surface of utilizing these social media channels for marketing and bookings, the state of this practice in North America is in its infancy. Other technology giants around the world have already capitalized on this opportunity with their social-media, mobile-adept user base. Nonetheless, the mass adoption of digital payment ...
Manage Housekeeping Inventory with a New System from Clear Sky Software
Clear Sky Software | July 24, 2017
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – July 25, 2017 – Clear Sky Software, Inc. ® announced today the release of Clear Sky HOUSEKEEPING for the hospitality industry. This new software allows hotels and clubs to track and control their linens, supplies, uniforms and other housekeeping products. Clear Sky HOUSEKEEPING is offered as a complement to the company's proven Food and Beverage inventory software and is available immediately for organizations desiring better inventory control of these items. Clear Sky HOUSEKEEPING supports more efficient ordering and receiving of housekeeping products and an easier transfer of these products ...
Mast Capital and Angelo, Gordon, & Co. Purchase Conrad Miami for $72 Million with Renovation Planned
Mast Capital | July 14, 2017
Mast Capital, a Miami-based investment and development firm, and Angelo, Gordon & Co. have completed the purchase of Conrad Miami from Holborn LC for $72M. This was a transaction facilitated by Christian Charre, Paul Weimer and Natalie Castillo of CBRE Hotels. The hotel is a flagship, trophy asset situated within the iconic Brickell Arch Tower and occupies an entire block within Miami's vibrant Financial District. The tower contains 267,000 rentable square feet of Class A office, 203 hotel keys, and 116 luxury residential units. The interest purchased includes 203 hotel keys, a rooftop amenity deck, and a rental program, which curre...
Owned and Managed by Stonebridge Companies, Courtyard by Marriott Opens in Pullman, Washington
Courtyard by Marriott | July 19, 2017
Pullman, WA – July 19, 2017 – Courtyard by Marriott Pullman is scheduled to open its doors in Pullman, Washington on Tuesday, July 25, 2017. 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 1295 NE North Fairway Road, on the campus of Washington State University, the 122-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Stonebridge Companies. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, guests of the Courtyard Pullman will have convenient ac...
A Look at the Future of the Boutique Hotel Industry: BLLA’s 2017 Sentiment Survey Results Revealed
Frances Kiradjian | July 7, 2017
By Frances Kiradjian A little insight is a valuable thing in the hospitality industry, and the value of comparing notes and getting an overview on the industry in general and broader trends is huge. These kinds of insights are also one of the reasons BLLA is such a useful organization to be part of for the Boutique & Lifestyle sector. And nowhere is this clearer than in our annual Sentiment Survey, an essential overview of the state of this thriving area of the hospitality industry. We reached out to you, our ever-expanding network of more than 1,000 of the finest Boutique & Lifestyle hoteliers, to find out the truth about the s...
Revenue Metrics Are Evolving: Average Room Rate Becomes Two for One
Dr. Gabor Forgacs | July 26, 2017
By Dr. Gabor Forgacs The previous methods of ADR (Average Daily Rate) calculations are not good enough any longer. In the fast-paced world of the hotel industry the ecosystem of distribution channels and methods is evolving fairly rapidly and we need to reflect that in our ADR calculations. We need to separately calculate an external ADR from guest-paid room rates and an internal ADR from hotel-collected net room rates in order to come to terms with some fundamental measurement challenges. Hotels compete hard and their performance for cost efficient sales and room rate maximization is under the microscope. Today as a result of successfu...
Affiliates of KSL Capital Partners and Henry Crown and Company Complete Transactions to Combine Three Major Resort Companies
Squaw Valley Ski Holdings | July 31, 2017
DENVER--July 31, 2017--The new joint venture formed by affiliates of KSL Capital Partners, LLC ("KSL") and Henry Crown and Company ("HCC") today announced the completion of their previously announced acquisition of Intrawest Resorts Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SNOW) ("Intrawest") and Mammoth Resorts. Through these transactions, Squaw Valley Ski Holdings ("SVSH"), previously owned by affiliates of KSL, Intrawest and Mammoth Resorts are now combined as one company. This new entity boasts 12 four-season mountain resorts with approximately six million skier visits, 20,000 skiable acres and significant land available for real estate development, a...
OTAs and Hotels: Friend or Foe?
Ryan Sikorski | July 27, 2017
by Ryan Sikorski The relationship between online travel agencies (OTA) and hotels exists along a spectrum ranging from that of cooperation to one of acrimony. The tenor of interactions has historically shifted over time and has done so in each direction. The relationship between the two recently appears to be shifting away from cooperation toward antagonism and this shift perception is supported by recent hotel initiatives and potential legislation. Hotels losing increased control of their bookings as OTAs gain booking share and rising related transaction costs are primary drivers in the change of this relationship. In terms of historic...
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown Appoints Mark Huntley as General Manager and Regional Vice President
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown | July 24, 2017
WASHINGTON, DC – July 24, 2017 – Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Huntley as general manager and regional vice president. A seasoned hotelier, Huntley's regional responsibilities for overall operations, performance and strategic direction will also include that of Fairmont Austin, Fairmont Pittsburgh, Pullman Miami and Sofitel Washington, DC Lafayette Square. Prior to his new position, Huntley was the regional vice president, Central U.S.A. & general manager for Swissôtel Chicago. Previously, he was regional vice president and general manager for Fairmont Chicago,...
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Celebrates Groundbreaking of First GLo® Property in Texas
July 27, 2017
PHOENIX (July 27, 2017) - Best Western Hotels & Resorts has marked the arrival of its newest GLō with a groundbreaking event in DeSoto, Texas – located just 15 miles outside of downtown Dallas. GLō, Best Western's energetic, new-construction boutique hotel brand, is designed for savvy travelers expecting the best in value, design and comfort. The festive event welcomed DeSoto Mayor Curtistene McCowan and City Manager Tarron J. Richardson, accompanied by multiple members of the DeSoto City Council. Local dignitaries were joined by Best Western's Managing Director of North American Development Bob Clasby, and Brand Development...
Red Lion Sues Hard Rock Cafe, Alleging Its Hotel Brand Aimed at Millennials is a Knockoff
July 12, 2017
July 13--Red Lion Hotels' parent company is suing Hard Rock Cafe International, saying the hotel chain has copied plans for its brand aimed at millennials. Spokane-based RLH Corp. filed the lawsuit Wednesday in U.S. District Court in New York. Hard Rock Cafe officials could not be immediately reached for comment. Red Lion debuted its hotel brand targeting millennials two years ago. The concept, designed by The Gettys Group, features a coffee bar with trained baristas in the lobby, a stage for local artists and civic events with stadium-like seating, and tech-savvy front desks that allow guests to check in at kiosks, if they prefer. ...
Samsung and TeleAdapt Team up to Deliver an Integrated Streaming Solution Powered by Chromecast for Hotel Guests
Samsung LYNK REACH 4.0 | July 12, 2017
Sparks, NV (July 12, 2017) -- TeleAdapt Inc., the global leader in connectivity solutions for the hospitality industry, announced a strategic partnership with Samsung Electronics America, Inc. The companies will partner to provide hotels with a state of the art in-room entertainment solution. Through the integration of Samsung's LYNK™ REACH 4.0, a superior content management system, and TeleAdapt's Roomcast™, a media streaming platform powered by Google Chromecast, guests will be given a seamless user experience; combining REACH 4.0 content with simplified mobile device streaming. Roomcast by TeleAdapt Roomcast is a true ove...
Keith Butz Named General Manager of The Confidante Miami Beach
The Confidante | July 19, 2017
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (July 19, 2017) – Keith Butz has been appointed general manager of The Confidante Miami Beach, effective immediately. In his new position, he oversees the day-to-day operations at one of Miami Beach's most playful, yet sophisticated hotels. Mr. Butz brings 24 years of leadership experience in hotel management and operations to Miami Beach; his hospitality career started with Hyatt at Hyatt Regency New Orleans, in various roles such as corporate management trainee and front office manager. He joins The Confidante from the prestigious Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, where he served as general manager leading all ...
Caneel Bay Resort Names Kyle Woodruff as Executive Chef
Caneel Bay | July 20, 2017
St. John, U.S.V.I. (July 20, 2017) - Caneel Bay Resort on St. John, U.S.V.I., announces the appointment of Kyle Woodruff as Executive Chef. In his new role, and second turn at the historic resort, Woodruff will oversee all dining operations, menu creation and procurement of the freshest, most flavorful ingredients for Turtle Bay Estate House, Caneel Beach Terrace, Caneel Beach Bar & Grill and Cannella. He also manages private dining and room service, as well as banqueting for special events and weddings. Caneel Bay Resort, Managing Director, Nikolay Hotze: "We are excited to have Chef Woodruff join the Caneel Bay Resort team. W...
Management Fees – A Growing Expense
Robert Mandelbaum | July 13, 2017
By Robert Mandelbaum The U.S. lodging industry recovery from the depths of the great recession was characterized by strong growth in rooms revenue (RevPAR), concurrent with strict cost controls. This combination resulted in double-digit growth rates for profits[1] from 2010 through 2014. Starting in 2015, market conditions changed. The pace of RevPAR growth slowed down, while expenses increased at their highest level of real change in the past 20 years. With RevPAR growth forecast to be somewhat muted for the next few years, the attention of owners and operators has how shifted on controlling expenses. An expense that has consistently g...
Phoenix American Hospitality Acquires Seven Select-Service Hotels in $109M Transaction
Phoenix American Hospitality | July 17, 2017
DALLAS (July 17, 2017) - Phoenix American Hospitality, a Dallas-based hotel fund manager, announces the $109M purchase of seven upscale select-service hotels in Arkansas, Louisiana and Florida. This acquisition of one Hilton and six Marriott properties adds 778 rooms to the Phoenix American Hospitality portfolio. So far in 2017 Phoenix American Hospitality has purchased 13 properties totaling 1532 rooms in nine states. These acquisitions were purchased through a joint venture arrangement with Aspect Investment Partners Ltd. The newly acquired properties include: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fayetteville North/Springdale ALOFT Rogers...
Restin Hospitality Plans Groundbreaking for New Comfort Inn & Suites Harrisburg Airport in Middletown, Pennsylvania
Restin Hospitality | July 11, 2017
(Middletown, PA) – July 11, 2017 – Restin Hospitality will host a groundbreaking event to celebrate the construction of a new 87-room Comfort Inn & Suites hotel. Located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, the Comfort Inn & Suites-Harrisburg Airport is scheduled to open in Spring 2018 and will operate as a Choice Hotels International franchise, owned by Restin Hospitality and managed by Prestige Hospitality Group of Albany, New York. State Representative Thomas Mehaffie, Dauphin County Commissioners Mike Pries and George Hartwick, representatives of Harrisburg International Airport, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commer...
First Hospitality Group Appoints Edward Rohn as Director of Construction and Development
First Hospitality Group | July 31, 2017
Rosemont, Ill., July 31, 2017 – First Hospitality Group, Inc. (FHG), a leading hotel management, acquisition and development company, announced that it has hired Edward Rohn as director of construction and development, two additional hospitality professionals and promoted four team members. FHG President and CEO Bob Habeeb made the announcement. "As we continue on our growth trajectory and move forward with some very big and exciting new developments in our pipeline, it's crucial that we have the right leadership team in place," said Habeeb. "Each of these individuals will play a key role in contributing to the overall growth and ...
Leadership Lessons Learned From Being a Guest When the Hotel Was Overbooked
Doug Kennedy | July 14, 2017
By Doug Kennedy Earlier this month I observed a difficult situation playing out at hotel where I was a guest, and it provided an invaluable reminder of just how important effective leadership is when things go wrong in the hotel business. The story is that I was traveling back from a trip to the Middle East where I had taken my college age daughter to practice the Arabic she is learning at University. To split up 16 hours of flying time, I planned for us to stay overnight in Rome, Italy at a hotel I had used previously and knew was directly connected by a walkway to the airport. Since we landed about 8pm, we would be able to grab our ba...
Owner and Developer Sam Moon Group Opens Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel
Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel | July 12, 2017
PLANO, TX – July 13, 2017 – Things will get really hot in Texas beginning in July when a very cool Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel welcomes its first guests. Guests who defy conventional travel and prefer to blur the lines between business and pleasure will be well rewarded with the newly built luxurious hotel. Located in Plano, Texas on Legacy Drive at the intersection of Dallas North Tollway and State Highway 121, the premier 304-room, 15-story hotel within the walkable epicenter of the $3 billion Legacy West urban mixed-use project is poised to bring a unique brand of hospitality sizzle and Zen to the progre...
AccorHotels Debuts ibis Styles Brand in the United States with Opening of ibis Styles New York LaGuardia Airport
ibis Styles | July 28, 2017
NEW YORK, July 28, 2017 - ibis Styles, the economy brand from AccorHotels has made its debut in the United States with the opening of ibis Styles New York LaGuardia Airport. As part of AccorHotels' continued expansion of its economy hotel brands worldwide, the global hospitality group announced the introduction of ibis Styles New York LaGuardia Airport - the first of the ibis Styles hotel in the U.S. The hotel will also serve as the flagship hotel for the brand in the country. Located at the former site of the LaGuardia Airport Hotel, the property has undergone a major renovation to cater to leisure and business travelers seeking a ...
Marco Roca Joins Caesars Entertainment as President, Global Development
Caesars Entertainment Corporation | July 6, 2017
LAS VEGAS, July 6, 2017 -- Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR) ("Caesars Entertainment"), the world's most diversified casino entertainment company, today announced the appointment of two senior executives to help lead the Company's growth and value creation strategy. Marco Roca will join Caesars Entertainment as President, Global Development, reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Frissora. Michael Daly will join as Senior Vice President, Strategy and M&A reporting to Eric Hession, Chief Financial Officer. "We have great opportunities to accelerate our top line growth by taking ad...
Jim Struna Appointed Regional Director of Revenue Management for Rosewood Hotel Group
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | July 12, 2017
Rosewood Hotel Group has appointed Jim Struna as regional director of revenue management, Eastern US and the Caribbean. In this role, Struna will develop Rosewood's revenue management team and execute creative strategies in pricing, distribution, and on-site reservations, with the aim of elevating revenue management outcomes. Struna joins Rosewood with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Most recently, Struna led revenue management for the Auberge Resorts Collection as the corporate director of revenue management. Prior to this role, Struna held the position of director of marketing, sales, and revenue management at...
OTO Development Adds 7 Properties to Managed Portfolio
OTO Development | July 10, 2017
SPARTANBURG SC (JULY 11, 2017) – As one of America's fastest-growing private companies, OTO Development expands consistently via smart developments and savvy operations – for itself as well as an increasing number of hotel ownership groups. The Spartanburg SC-based hospitality company develops, owns and operates its own portfolio of upscale select-service hotels while also lending its expertise to third-party management clients ranging from publicly traded REITs to private equity firms to high net worth individuals. The company currently operates 66 properties in all, including seven new management contracts recently added i...
