News Top: June
Ten Reasons to Love the Hospitality Industry
Larry Mogelonsky | June 27, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Have you ever sat back for a moment to reflect on the hotel business and what first drew you to it? With all its ups and downs, could you think of any other business you would rather be in? These are important questions to ask because nowadays it would seem as though our industry is collectively having a harder time engaging young students to pursue a career in hospitality. As someone who admittedly has never been at the helm of a property with the exception of short term MOD responsibilities, I feel as close as anyone can be to hotel management. Yet I recognize that it is not the s...
Hilton Honors Its Top Owners and Developers; Awards Presented at NYU International Hospitality Conference
Hilton | June 4, 2018
MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today recognized its top owners and developers as winners of the 2017 Hilton Owner Awards. In addition to the annual Development Awards announced each year at the NYU conference, Hilton added a "Top Performer" category to celebrate owners achieving excellence in guest experience and business performance. "Our owners are incredible partners and we are deeply appreciative of their many contributions to our nearly 100-year legacy of spreading the light and warmth of hospitality," said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton. "Today we are honored to unveil our 2017 Hilton Owner Awards, which cele...
HVS Design and JN+A Release 2018 Hotel Cost Estimating Guide
HVS | June 21, 2018
HVS Design and Jonathan Nehmer + Associates (JN+A) are proud to announce the completion of the 2018 Hotel Cost Estimating Guide. The Guide is a comprehensive listing of capital expenditure construction and FF&E costs for hotel renovations in the USA. ...
Why Hoteliers Must Defend the Necktie
Larry Mogelonsky | June 6, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) The office-casual nature at most contemporary workplaces seems to be far more amiable to the sweater and jeans attire, with nary a collared shirt even under the slightest of considerations. Given this trend spurred on by the younger generations, it would seem as though the necktie is on its way out from regular usage. Being of a more 'scholarly' age, donning a suit and tie comes naturally to me. Looking in the mirror, I selfishly feel at least a bit more professional in demeanor with a psychological boost in tow. What is equally refreshing is how often I encounter hoteliers who are ...
BENCHMARK®, A Global Hospitality Company, Makes Strategic Investment in UK’s etc.venues
etc.venues | June 4, 2018
Investment Expands Benchmark's Reach to over 80 locations Across Three Continents The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, June 4, 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, and its capital partner, Gencom, have made a strategic investment in the UK-based etc.venues, a pioneering non-residential day meetings company with 15 properties in London, Birmingham and Manchester. The move and positioning significantly increases Benchmark's global footprint and creates exceptional opportunities for international expansion for both companies. The partnership means that Benchmark will now operate across three continents, with a total o...
Montage Hotels & Resorts Appoints Casey Lavin as General Manager of Montage Palmetto Bluff
Montage Palmetto Bluff | June 11, 2018
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF. (June 11, 2018)- Montage Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Casey Lavin as general manager of Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina. With more than 15 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Lavin will oversee all daily operations at the coastal Carolina resort. "We are thrilled to announce Casey as part of the Montage Palmetto Bluff leadership team and welcome him to the Montage family," said Jason Herthel, president and chief operating officer of Montage International. "His creativity, vision and extensive leadership experience in luxury hotel and reso...
Aimbridge Hospitality Promotes Lynne Roberts to Executive Vice President of Capital Markets
Aimbridge Hospitality | June 11, 2018
DALLAS, Texas (June 11, 2018) – Aimbridge Hospitality has promoted Lynne Roberts to the position of Executive Vice President of Capital Markets. In her new position, Roberts sources capital for sizeable transactions and structure both North America and off-shore inbound investment platforms. Additionally, she oversees a Capital Markets team growing Aimbridge's footprint of investors with large scale acquisition requirements in hotel real estate with longer term hold horizons. "My time at Aimbridge has been extremely gratifying since joining with eight hotels under management," said Roberts. "I'm particularly interested in leveragi...
Owned by RFR Holding, The Jaffa – a Luxury Collection Hotel Set for July Opening in Tel Aviv
June 13, 2018
June 14--Marriott International will open a 121-room luxury hotel in Jaffa on July 22. The Jaffa -- a Luxury Collection Hotel will be housed in a renovated 19th century building on the corner of Yefet and Louis Pasteur Streets that formerly served as the French Hospital, alongside a new building designed by world famous London-based architect John Pawson and local architect Ramy Gill. Nakash Bros set to open Jaffa boutique hotel Marriott is opening the hotel in partnership with the building's owners RFR Holding, a New York real estate company founded by Aby Rosen and Michael Fuchs. With the complex combination of preservation and co...
Dream Hotel Group Signs With Tamayo Desarrollos to Launch The Chatwal in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in 2020
Dream Hotel Group | June 8, 2018
NEW YORK, NY (June 8, 2018) – Renowned hotel and brand management company Dream Hotel Group today announced plans to launch its five-star luxury brand The Chatwal in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in 2020. The latest hotel signing with Mexico-based Tamayo Desarrollos represents a major milestone for Dream Hotel Group, positioning the company as international hospitality innovators and leading the way for new growth in the region. "We are honored to partner with Alejandro Tamayo and his team in bringing The Chatwal brand to San Miguel de Allende," said Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein, "San Miguel is one of the most creative and cult...
Top Five Hottest Leisure Trends for Independent Hotels
June 22, 2018
There is no doubt that global leisure travel has been on the increase over the past decade and there are no signs of slow down. According to howmuch.net, the five countries that spend the most on travel are China ($164.9 billion), the US ($145.7 billion), Germany ($106.6 billion), the UK ($79.9 billion) and France ($59.4 billion). Independent hotels are fantastically placed to capitalize on some of the hottest leisure trends. Below we review the top five trends that independent hotels should consider as they develop their sales and marketing plans. 1. "Bleisure": With the frequency of business trips increasing, corporate travellers have...
How Halal Tourism Is Reshaping the Global Tourism Industry
Paramount Lodging Advisors | June 7, 2018
By Yulia Belopilskaya Spending by Muslim travelers is expected to rise to US$220 billion by 2020, with the number of Muslim tourists growing to 156 million from 121 million in 2016. That's according to the Global Muslim Travel Index (GTMI) 2017, which was produced by Mastercard and CrescentRating, a 'halal-friendly' travel consultancy. 'Halal' tourism is clearly a growing market segment, with Muslim tourists seeking destinations which meet their needs, in terms of diet, dress or rituals. Translated from Arabic, 'halal' means permissible in accordance with Islamic teaching. Alcohol, pork, nudity and gambling are off limits. With a burgeo...
Sirenis Hotels & Resorts Plans December Launch of Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Following $30 Million Renovation
Sirenis Hotels & Resorts | June 27, 2018
MIAMI, Fla. – June 27, 2018 – Sirenis Hotels and Resorts announced that its Sirenis Punta Cana Resort Casino & Aquagames in the Dominican Republic is set to rebrand as Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort, following completion of a $30M renovation. Just in time for the winter holiday break, the resort will re-open mid-December 2018, welcoming guests to experience the newly transformed and improved hotel offerings. "In order to stay relevant, it is very important to provide our guests with top-quality product and service and we are very excited to introduce the new and enhanced Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort," commented Sonia...
Nine New Hotels Answer Rising Demand in Philadelphia
VISIT PHILADELPHIA | June 27, 2018
Major Brands & Boutique Properties Pop Up While Existing Hotels Receive Exciting Renovations PHILADELPHIA, June 27, 2018 – Big-name hotels are opening new properties in Philadelphia—Cambria, W, Element—while just-in-Philly properties are strengthening the city's boutique cred. Altogether, the nine new hotels are unlocking 1,902 new rooms to meet visitor demand, which has increased at a rate of 86% over the past 20 years. So, what's coming? A sky-high Four Seasons, a dual-hotel complex housing a W and an Element, an extended-stay property (ROOST Apartment Hotel) and an "invisible service" model (Lokal Fishtown), plu...
Loews Hotels & Co Names Dan Kornick Chief Information Officer, Gary Womack Senior Vice President, Design and Construction
Loews Hotels & Co. | June 19, 2018
NEW YORK (June 19, 2018) – Loews Hotels & Co has announced new senior-level appointments including Dan Kornick as Chief Information Officer and Gary Womack as Senior Vice President, Design and Construction. "We want to welcome Dan and Gary to our senior leadership team and anticipate significant contributions from each as we focus on the continued growth of the company," said Jonathan Tisch, Chairman & CEO of Loews Hotels & Co. "With their extensive experience within the hospitality industry and beyond, coupled with their personal passions for their respective roles, both Dan and Gary are perfectly suited for Loews Hot...
Hawkeye Hotels and HOS Management Acquire Hotel Indigo in Downtown Fort Myers, Florida
June 27, 2018
FORT MYERS, FL -- Iowa-based firm Hawkeye Hotels in a joint venture with Georgia-based HOS Management (HOS) today announced the completed acquisition of Hotel Indigo in downtown Fort Myers, Florida, for an undisclosed sum. HOS will manage the property, which is the first Florida asset in Hawkeye Hotels' portfolio. The seven-story hotel has oversized guest rooms and seven suites with hardwood floors. Guests have access to a rooftop pool and bar, in addition to a large retail space connected to the hotel. Neither Hawkeye Hotels nor HOS purchased the retail space, but it will continue to operate for guests' convenience. "We lo...
United States – HVS/STR Hotel Valuation Index
Stephen Rushmore, Jr. | June 25, 2018
By Stephen Rushmore, Jr. HVS, the world's leading hospitality consulting and valuation firm, in collaboration with STR, is pleased to deliver the Hotel Valuation Index (HVI). The HVI offers critical information on 38 U.S. hotel markets and the nation, including: Historical and projected valuation and RevPAR changes Intelligence on market dynamics for primary, secondary, and tertiary hotel markets So how can the HVI be of use to an individual investor? Although the HVI cannot tell you what a particular hotel is worth, it does provide excellent "big picture" data, indicating which market areas are experiencing positive trends, and thu...
Stratus Development Partners, LLC Signs Multi-Unit Agreement with Choice to Develop Five New Cambria Properties
Cambria Hotels | June 4, 2018
ROCKVILLE, Md., June 4, 2018 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), franchisor of the Cambria Hotels brand, entered into a multi-unit agreement with Stratus Development Partners, LLC to develop five Cambria properties, beginning with a 180-room new construction hotel in Santa Clara, Calif. "The Cambria Hotels brand is experiencing tremendous success and our strategy centered on multi-unit development is accelerating the brand's growth," said Mark Shalala, vice president, development, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. "Choice Hotels is currently collaborating with Stratus Development Partners on three Cambria h...
OBITUARY: Death of THE Salesman
June 4, 2018
Following a lengthy, valiant battle with multiple myeloma , David M. Brudney, one of our industry's greatest salesman, passed away on May 30th, 2018. He was 79 years old and resided in Carlsbad, California. Brudney's hospitality career covered half a century: 15 years at Westin, Hyatt and Marriott, followed by activities as an independent sales development and training consultant through his firm, David Brudney and Associates. Brudney was a charter member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) and Laguna Strategic Advisors (LSA). He was also a well-known public speaker, hospitality school lecturer and hotel indus...
BirchStreet Offers Comprehensive Inventory Management Solution
BirchStreet Systems, Inc. | June 12, 2018
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – BirchStreet Systems, a long leader in the hospitality procure-to-pay space, is debuting its comprehensive Inventory Management system at the upcoming HITEC show in Houston. The newly redesigned module called BirchStreet Inventory with AccuBar combines all of the profound capabilities of BirchStreet Inventory with AccuBar's comprehensive beverage management and barcode scanning process. The result is a powerful system that excels in fulfilling the wide-ranging needs of hospitality operators who until now have been unable to find one combined solution that helps decrease high inventory carry cost and reduce s...
New Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport Appoints Sean Reardon as Director of Sales and Marketing
Omni Hotels & Resorts | June 14, 2018
BOSTON (June 14, 2018) – Omni Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean P. Reardon as director of sales and marketing for the new Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport. Effective June 18, 2018, Reardon will lead the luxury hotel's sales team and will oversee all sales and marketing efforts including managing, developing and implementing sales and marketing strategies that drive group, catering, business and leisure travel revenue for the property set to open in early 2021. Executives from Omni Hotels & Resorts alongside Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Masspo...
Hilton Garden Inn Greenville Unveils Multi-Million Dollar Renovation Led by General Manager Barrett Alexander
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | June 7, 2018
Top-to-bottom renovation project yields 'like new' hotel in well-established location GREENVILLE SC (June 7, 2018) -- A $4-million project has totally revamped Hilton Garden Inn Greenville. The renovations include both interior and exterior upgrades to the six-story, 120-room property at 108 Carolina Point Parkway, near the intersection of I-85 and I-385 in Upstate South Carolina. "This was a full, top-to-bottom renovation," says Brandy Hardy, Director of Sales at Hilton Garden Inn Greenville. "It's like having a brand-new hotel in an already-established location." The project began last fall with exterio...
Teary Owner of New Ocean Resort Said He Invested in Former Revel Without Ever Visiting Atlantic City
June 20, 2018
June 21--ATLANTIC CITY -- Bruce Deifik, who freed the failed $2 billion Revel casino from the eccentric grip of Glenn Straub, said Wednesday that he made his initial, refundable $10 million investment into the place without ever having visited Atlantic City. And after buying the property for $200 million, investing $35 million in renovations, and putting up $70 million of his own equity, Deifik said, he spent the last 13 months living out of the Tropicana, paying $40 a night and walking the Boardwalk at 3 a.m. An emotional Deifik testified before the New Jersey Casino Control Commission eight days before his property is set to open as t...
New “Accessibility” Regulations for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Jim Butler | June 25, 2018
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 21 June 2018 As the number of electric and hybrid vehicles in California continues to grow, we are also seeing the proliferation of electric vehicle charging stations in the parking areas provided by hotels, theaters, stadiums and hotel mixed-use properties. While owners and managers of these facilities are providing a much-needed service to their guests, many are unaware that – at least in California – if their facility provides electric vehicle charging stations, a certain number of them must be accessible to the disabled. T...
Manhattan Lodging Index: First Quarter 2018
June 5, 2018
Continuing the momentum from the end of last year, RevPAR growth accelerated in the first quarter of 2018. Occupancy levels continued to increase due to accelerating demand growth and decelerating supply growth, with pricing power appearing to finally begin to return to Manhattan hotels. RevPAR increased 7.4 percent, driven equally by increasing occupancy and average daily rate ("ADR") levels. A combination of continued strength in lodging demand and a slowing of supply growth to 2.8 percent, the lowest supply increase since Q1 2015, led to a 3.7 percent year-over-year increase in occupancy levels. Q1 2018 may prove to be a turning poin...
5 Reasons Your Hotel’s Conversion Rate Is Low—and How to Fix It
Joanna DeChellis | June 5, 2018
By Joanna DeChellis Getting customers to your hotel's website is one thing. Converting their clicks into bookings is quite another. According to Sam Weston, marketing manager for 80 DAYS, conversion rates for hotel websites average between 1.7% and 2%. (If you're looking at anything higher than that, you're doing great.) But even in the best-case scenarios, where a hotel might be seeing a 5% conversion rate, 95% of visitors are still abandoning. The good news is, the majority of visitors who abandon a booking are not lost for good. It's more likely these visitors want to shop around. (According to a recent statistic by SaleCycle.com ...
