News Top: August
The Components of Payroll Costs in Hospitality
Robert Mandelbaum | August 15, 2017
By Robert Mandelbaum Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly compensation for a hospitality industry employee increased by 3.6 percent in 2016. In the hotel industry, labor costs average roughly 50 percent of total operating expenses[1]. Therefore, with STR reporting an annual RevPAR growth rate of 3.2 percent for the year, it is understandable that U.S. hotel owners and operators were concerned about their ability to increase profits. Based on the results of CBRE Hotels' Americas Research's 2017 edition of Trends® in the Hotel Industry, hotel management was able to contain the growth of labor costs in 2016. On averag...
Long Abandoned, The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort on Longboat Key to Rise Again with St. Regis Slated as Operator
August 1, 2017
Aug. 01--LONGBOAT KEY -- Southwest Florida is about to get a boost in travel luxury it hasn't seen since the Ritz-Carlton opened here in 2001. St. Regis is slated to operate the long-abandoned 18-acre beachfront site of The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key, its Orlando-based owner said Tuesday. The high-end luxury brand of Marriott International Inc.'s Starwood Hotels and Resorts operates 61 hotels worldwide and just one other in Florida. In addition to that property in Miami, St. Regis' portfolio includes such exotic destinations as Cairo, Bali and Bora Bora. A name like St. Regis adds validity to the area in ...
Grupo Piñero, Bahia Principe’s Parent Company, Names Encarna Piñero CEO
August 2, 2017
The new CEO will report directly to company President and founder, Pablo Piñero MIAMI, FL (Aug. 2, 2017) – Grupo Piñero, the parent company of Bahia Principe – the leader in all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, has appointed Encarna Piñero as Chief Executive Officer. The executive will maintain dual responsibilities as the company's Vice President, a position she has held since 2007. Ms. Piñero's promotion is part of Grupo Piñero's generational succession plan and was included in the family protocol established in 2012. It is also a move towards a greater involvement of the second genera...
Top 6 Hotel Success Factors
Luigi Major | August 29, 2017
By Luigi Major What makes some hotels more successful than others? It is true that the selection of a site, market, brand, and management team are crucial to the success of a property. But after many years at HVS in the Consulting & Valuation division, and hundreds of consulting assignments later, I contemplated the question, "Aside from these things, what really makes some hotels work?" In this article, I share what I believe to be some of the most important factors that must be considered in the acquisition or development of a hotel, which ultimately lead to a property's financeability, profitability, and long-term success. I have...
Taking Four-Star Service to a Five-Star
Stephanie Leger | August 7, 2017
By Stephanie Leger In service comparison, four-star service will hit all the five senses at a luxury level, but it's taking those five senses to a level above and beyond creating that mystique of five-star service. For example, when arriving at a hotel, restaurant or any business. Four-star service is the basics of an ordinary arrival, but it's five-star service that creates a memorable experience from the beginning energizing the five senses. How to make an arrival experience five-star. Sight- This is the first impression to WOW the guest on their senses. The establishment is in pristine condition, even the associate's unif...
How to Be Successful with Google Hotel Ads & Hotel Meta Search
GCommerce | August 17, 2017
By Lisa McCreary | GCommerce Solutions | Search Marketing Manager We're breaking down what hotel metasearch means, where it fits into your online marketing strategy and how you can be successful using this marketing channel. In the world of online travel first came the search engines, then the OTAs (online travel agencies, i.e. Expedia) and most recently the metasearch engine websites such as Trivago and Kayak. Hoteliers are forced to evolve and utilize new online channels to be visible and compete effectively online. But what is the most effective way for hotels to use these channels? Since the launch of Google's Hotel CPC program, hot...
Key Pillars of Luxury Hospitality: The Soul
Suzanne Godfrey | August 1, 2017
By Suzanne Godfrey In a series of pieces on luxury hospitality based on interviews with leading hoteliers in Paris, Suzanne Godfrey examines key pillars that define the luxury hotel, or more specially, the Palace. Here she explores the need for the soul – the tangible and intangible, something that's not wholly definable. So far we've examined two key pillars of luxury hospitality: quality and consistency; and service and the emotional connection. Here we turn our attention to the third and final pillar: the soul of the luxury hotel or Palace. It's a concept that's hard to define, a confluence of elements that uniquely come togeth...
Irene Hoek Appointed Vice President of Development, Europe for Rosewood Hotel Group
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | August 22, 2017
Rosewood Hotel Group has appointed Irene Hoek as vice president of development, Europe. In this role, Hoek will be responsible for overseeing the development and growth of Rosewood Hotel Group's footprint in the region. Hoek joins Rosewood Hotel Group with over 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry and branded residential segment. Most recently, she served as the managing director of real estate development at Aman Hotels & Resorts, where she oversaw the growth of the Aman footprint worldwide. Prior to this role, Hoek spent more than three years with Dorchester Collection, where she served as the head of global d...
Guests Checking In With Fake ID’s is on the Rise: Provide Protection for Your Property with Scan2PMS by TTI
TTI Technologies | August 1, 2017
How Do You Know? August 1, 2017 – New York, NY – Reports of guests using fake documents is on the rise. As hospitality properties around the world seek ways to enhance security while delivering outstanding customer service, they require innovative solutions to meet their individual needs. Security regulations in many countries require hotels to check IDs. One very widely installed product is Scan2PMS. It works by scanning a guest ID; the system then populates selected fields on the guest profile of the Property Management System (PMS). Required information is automatically extracted and used to fill in registration informati...
Boutique Hotels Driving Trends
Frances Kiradjian | August 24, 2017
By Frances Kiradjian Even for an industry known for being in a constant state of flux, the hospitality industry was barely prepared for the sea change that came over it with the arrival of boutique and luxury lifestyle hotels two decades ago. The repercussions of that change are still being felt today, as the boutique sector has consistently remained a driving force for changing trends in the hotel industry. From design havens to signature restaurants and a focus of local suppliers, many of the big stories of recent years have originated in the boutique and luxury lifestyle environment. This is due in no small part to the independence o...
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel to Become The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Following $46 Million Renovation & Conversion
Prince Resorts Hawaii | August 16, 2017
Mauna Kea Resort Enters Into Franchise Agreement With Westin Hotels & Resorts; Hotel to Remain Part of Prince Resorts Hawaii HAPUNA BEACH, Hawaii, Aug. 16, 2017 -- Mauna Kea Resort LLC today announced it has signed a franchise agreement with Westin Hotels & Resorts to debut the renowned wellness hospitality brand on the Big Island of Hawaii, with the $46 million renovation and conversion of Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel to become The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort in February of 2018. The hotel will remain part of Prince Resorts Hawaii. Beginning as early as September 2017, the hotel will participate in SPG® (Starwood Preferred Gues...
Turnberry Associates Appoints Lukus Kindlesparker General Manager of JW Marriott Nashville Opening in 2018
Turnberry Associates | August 1, 2017
Nashville, TN/United States – August 1, 2017 – Turnberry Associates has announced the appointment of Lukus Kindlesparker as General Manager of the JW Marriott Nashville opening in 2018. Kindlesparker will be responsible for the property's operations and performance. He will also oversee the strategic direction of this luxury asset in conjunction with the overall JW Marriott brand strategy of delivering exceptional results in one of the most dynamic destinations in the U.S. "We are delighted to welcome Lukus to our team in Nashville, he brings with him extensive experience in luxury hotels and resorts and has done an exemplar...
Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club Set for December 2017 Opening on Caribbean Island of Ambergris Caye, Belize
Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club | August 22, 2017
San Pedro, Belize – August 22, 2017 – The highly anticipated Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio – A Collection By Hilton, will begin welcoming guests in December 2017. The first luxury resort from a global brand to open in the country, Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club is being built from the ground up on the picturesque Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. Set on 60-acres and nestled in a grove of tropical foliage, the resort is designed for those seeking relaxed adventure. Offering 205 charming cottages and villa-style accommodations, the decor will reflect the destination's authentic soul with col...
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts Signs with Ithaafushi Investments for Brand’s First New-Build Hotel in the Maldives
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts | August 31, 2017
MALDIVES and MCLEAN, Va – August 31, 2017 – Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) luxury brand of iconic landmark hotels, today announced the signing of a management agreement with Ithaafushi Investments Pvt. Ltd for the brand's first new-build resort in the Maldives. Located on the exclusive South Male Atoll, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives will be the second hotel in the Maldives for Hilton, adding to a total of 11 Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts properties open or under development in Asia Pacific. "Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts continues to deliver on its mission to be the world's fastest gr...
The Kor Group Acquires 250-Room Custom Hotel with Goldman, Sachs & Co. LLC
The Kor Group | August 31, 2017
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (August 31, 2017) – The Kor Group is proud to announce that it has acquired Custom Hotel in a joint venture with the Merchant Banking Division of Goldman, Sachs & Co. LLC, solidifying their continued partnership. In addition to Custom Hotel, Goldman, Sachs & Co. LLC is also the lead capital partner on The Kor Group's Austin Proper Hotel & Residences and Santa Monica Proper Hotel, both of which are under construction and opening in early 2019. The 250-room Custom Hotel is the only lifestyle boutique hotel near Playa Vista and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and will be managed by Proper ...
Four Vital Hotel Industry Trends to Watch
Chamberlin Public Relations | August 3, 2017
Hospitality is always changing, and it's hard to know which trends have real staying power and those that will be obsolete in a few years. From opening a new hotel, to choosing design elements and selecting technology, the choices managers and hoteliers make now will have a big impact on revenue in the future. Here are four trends that are already proving to have a lasting impact. Keep an eye on... Mixed-Use Properties: In the future, more and more urban hotels will be part of larger complexes, taking up floors or even full towers of office buildings, apartment developments and shopping centers. Hoteliers are seeing this as a great oppo...
CBRE’s 2018 Hotel Industry Outlook Remains Positive with Continued, Albeit Slower, Growth Predicted
CBRE Group, Inc. | August 23, 2017
Atlanta – August 23, 2017 – The U.S. lodging industry will enjoy continued growth in all major metrics in 2018, albeit at a slower pace. Based on the recently released September 2017 editions of Hotel Horizons®, CBRE Hotels' Americas Research is forecasting year-over-year increases in occupancy, average daily room rate (ADR), rooms revenue (RevPAR), total operating revenue, and gross operating profits (GOP) from 2017 to 2018. "As hotel owners and operators begin the process of preparing their 2018 marketing plans and budgets it is vital that they receive critical inputs on what will drive industry performance," said R. M...
R.D. Olson Begins Construction on $24 Million Hotel Trio in California’s Wine Country
R.D. Olson Construction | August 17, 2017
Irvine, Calif. (Aug. 17, 2017) – R.D. Olson Construction, an award-winning general contracting firm in California, has commenced construction on Hotel Trio, a 122-room hotel in the heart of Sonoma County's wine region. Located in Healdsburg, the hotel will connect the Dry Creek, Russian River and Alexander wine valleys, giving it its "Trio" moniker. Hotel Trio adds to the company's robust portfolio of hospitality and restaurant projects in Northern California. The 82,638-square-foot Hotel Trio will be located at 110 Dry Creek Road, with an expected completion in April 2018. The 122 guest rooms include 13 one-bedrooms and 109 studi...
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Appoints Michael Murphy as Its New General Manager
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort Spa and Casino | August 21, 2017
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. (August 21, 2017) – Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino announces the appointment of Michael Murphy as the property's new general manager. Murphy has worked with Hyatt for over twenty years, starting with a career at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C. Murphy brings a wide spectrum of knowledge about the Hyatt brand, having held various leadership positions at nine properties across the United States. Most recently, Murphy was the general manager at Hyatt Regency Austin in Texas where he oversaw a $20 million renovation. "I am so excited to join the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe family, especially as t...
7 Trainer’s Tips for Hotel Reservations Sales Success
Doug Kennedy | August 14, 2017
By Doug Kennedy If you're like most hotel managers, chances are you are highly focused on securing more direct bookings and thus reducing the costs of customer acquisition. If so, here are some train-the-trainer style tips for providing your reservations and/or front desk colleagues with the skills they need to covert today's over-informed, channel surfing callers. You can use these at your next departmental meeting or during one-on-one coaching sessions. "Understanding What Caller's Do Before Calling." Walk them through the process of researching hotel options prior to calling. Pick a city or travel destination that is similar to you...
Jared Williams Appointed General Manager of The Highland Dallas
The Highland Dallas | August 9, 2017
DALLAS – August 9, 2017 – The Highland Dallas is pleased to announce the appointment of Jared Williams as General Manager. With more than ten years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jared will bring his exceptional leadership skills and established luxury hospitality expertise to The Highland. In his new role, Jared is responsible for maintaining overall guest and employee satisfaction as well as the property's operations and performance. Jared will oversee all aspects of the hotel and work closely with the property team to create synergies and continue delivering unparalleled service and programming at the hotel. "...
Owned and Developed by DCS Investment Holdings, Construction Set to Begin on 516-Room Luxury JW Marriott Hotel in Orlando
Marriott International | August 4, 2017
Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) announced today that construction will begin in the fourth quarter on the 16-story, $282 million JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort, which will provide Orlando visitors a new option for luxury accommodations. The 516-room hotel will be built on the last available site zoned for hotel use in Bonnet Creek, a 482-acre, mixed-use resort community near Orlando's popular theme parks. Marriott International's turnkey management solution, Managed by Marriott (MxM), will operate the hotel when it opens in first quarter 2020. "We are thrilled to work with our partners to create an exciting JW Marriott hot...
IHG Appoints Marvin Alballi as Director of Restaurants and Bars – India, Middle East, Africa (IMEA)
August 1, 2017
New Delhi India, 01 August, 2017: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has announced the appointment of Marvin Alballi as its new Director of Restaurants and Bars – India, Middle East, Africa (IMEA). In his remit, Marvin will be focused on driving commercial operations across IHG's restaurants and bars (R&B) offering in IMEA, generating greater revenue and profitability for the company's hotels. He will also be responsible for operational excellence and delivering great guest experiences across the region. After studying in Europe and graduating with a degree in hotel and cateri...
Witkoff, Together with New Valley LLC, Acquires “Undervalued” Las Vegas Hotel, Formerly Known as the Fountainbleau, for $600 Million
Witkoff | August 30, 2017
NEW YORK-August 30, 2017-Witkoff, a global real estate development and investment firm, together with New Valley LLC, an investment company owned by Vector Group, today announced that they have acquired the significantly undervalued resort hotel located at 2755 Las Vegas Boulevard South in Las Vegas (formerly known as the Fountainbleau), for $600 million. The acquisition, which was acquired at a substantial discount to replacement cost, a core part of Witkoff's investment strategy, marks the Company's foray into the supply-constrained and fundamentally strong Las Vegas market. Witkoff spent four months conducting its due diligence on th...
Canadian Developer Harry Stinson Signs Deal to Buy the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Downtown Buffalo
August 18, 2017
Aug. 18--Canadian developer Harry Stinson has a signed contract to buy the Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown Buffalo. But the hotel's owner cautioned that the deal still has work before the sale closes. Stinson and Visions Hotels Chief Financial Officer Minesh Patel on Friday confirmed the formal agreement, which puts the transaction a step further than when Stinson disclosed in July he was negotiating for the property. The sale is expected to close in late October. Stinson, a Hamilton, Ont.-based developer, would not disclose the price. Patel cautioned that there are "additional terms and conditions" that still have to be...
