Banyan Tree Plans Q2 2020 Opening of Luxury Resort in Krabi, Banyan Tree Krabi
Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts | November 26th, 2019
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Partners With Arkaz Investment for Rosewood Doha Opening in 2022
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | November 26th, 2019
News Top: November
Hotel Brands: Who Owns What?
Jennifer Luo | November 25, 2019
Hilton, The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, Wyndham, Hyatt, and so many more - discover the names behind the hotel brands. By Jennifer Luo #1. Marriott International Inc. Brands Marriott International - Overview Properties: 6,906 Rooms: 1.32 million Number of Countries: 130 Revenue 2018: $20.8 Billion Four categories of hotel brands make up Marriott's portfolio: Luxury: Bespoke and superb amenities and services Edition, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels Worldwide, St Regis Hotels & Resorts, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts. Premium: Sophisticated and thoughtful amenities and services. Sh...
Kimpton Identifies Top Food & Beverage Trends to Watch in 2020
Kimpton Restaurants | November 18, 2019
SAN FRANCISCO (November 18, 2019) – Black pepper ice cream, coconut ceviche and Japanese whisky highballs are just a few of the unexpected yet delicious trends that will be popular in 2020, according to Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ sixth annual Culinary & Cocktails Trend Forecast. Kimpton predicts that more adventurous health ingredients and plant-based menus will rise to the top, and lower-alcohol spritzes will take center stage at bars. From ingredients like seaweed, ashwagandha and nutritional yeast to dishes like fresh, elevated ceviche and flavorful Levantine cuisine, chefs are getting creative while catering to consumers...
Safety and Security Tips for Hotel Management
Kacey Bradley | November 18, 2019
By Kacey Bradley Safety and Security Tips for Hotel Management For some travelers, a hotel's a place to rest their head after a day of exploring. For others, it's where they decompress after a long day of meetings. However a guest might see their accommodations, a hotel serves as a home away from home — and it should feel like that in more ways than one. Namely, guests look for comfort — especially from the cozy rooms and extra amenities you provide. They also want to feel just as secure with you as they do in their own homes. Indeed, that's why safety is one of the fundamental basics that every hotel should provide. It's up t...
Hawkins Way Capital Acquires Copley Square Hotel in Boston’s Back Bay Neighborhood
Hawkins Way Capital | November 6, 2019
Beverly Hills, CA - November 6, 2019 – Real estate investment firm Hawkins Way Capital today announced the acquisition of Copley Square Hotel, a historic 143-room property that has the distinction of being the first hotel to open in Boston’s Back Bay area in 1891. “The prime Boston real estate market is difficult to break into competitively, so we are very pleased to be able to complete our third property acquisition in another coveted location with substantial value-added opportunity,” said Ross Walker, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Hawkins Way Capital. Hawkins Way Capital plans to update and reconfigure the guest rooms and ...
Phoenix Development Partners Acquires Historic Chicago Office Building to Redevelop as 350-Key Dual-Branded Hilton Property
Phoenix Development Partners | November 11, 2019
CHICAGO – November 5, 2019 – Phoenix Development Partners (“Phoenix”), as the lead sponsor, in partnership with Green Door Capital, Crowdstreet, Polaris, among other minority investors, announced the acquisition of 226 West Jackson (Chicago), a 238,000sf historic office building. This property will be restored and transformed to become a 350-room dual flag Hilton property (a Canopy by Hilton – 215 rooms - on the upper floors and a Hilton Garden Inn – 135 rooms - on the lower floors). John Mangel, Founder and CEO of Phoenix Development Partners commented that “the restored property will include a new 4,800sf rooftop restaurant...
Key Executives Appointed for New Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Centric Hotels Opening in Portland, Oregon
Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center | November 13, 2019
PORTLAND, Ore. (November 13, 2019) – Ahead of the winter openings of Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center and Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland, the hotels announce executive appointments for their leadership teams. Hospitality veteran Shane Nicolopoulos has been appointed general manager of Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center, slated to open December 19, 2019. In his new role, Nicolopoulos will oversee all property and opening operations for the hotel including 600 well-appointed guestrooms, an estimated 300 colleagues, and all food and beverage operations. Nicolopoulos has grown his 20-year hospitalit...
Briad Group Breaks Ground on AC by Marriott San Diego
The Briad Group | November 7, 2019
San Diego, CA, Nov. 7, 2019 – AC Marriott, an upscale lifestyle hotel, celebrated the groundbreaking of AC San Diego today. Located at 743 Fifth Avenue, the hotel is in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter and provides guests easy access to the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, Seaport Village, USS Midway Museum, Waterfront Park and a variety of shops and restaurants. AC by Marriott San Diego is owned and managed by Briad Lodging Group, LLC, the hotel division of Livingston, New Jersey-based The Briad Group. The hotel is one of 11 new properties Briad will open in the next three years. Community representatives joined Briad executives...
McKibbon Hospitality Appoints John Loute as Opening General Manager at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | November 5, 2019
LAKELAND, Fla. (November 5, 2019) –McKibbon Hospitality, an award-winning leader in hotel management, today announced the appointment of hospitality veteran John Loute as General Manager of SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland. Beginning his new role on November 4, Loute will be responsible for overseeing all operations for the 126-room, all-suites hotel, which is slated to open in downtown Lakeland in spring 2020. “We are excited to have John join the McKibbon family to oversee the opening and operations of downtown Lakeland’s newest hotel,” said Todd Kinney, McKibbon Hospitality regional vice president of operations. “John’...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Controlling Food Cost – Top 10 List
David Lund | November 11, 2019
By David Lund Food cost is a never-ending battle in a war that does not end. You can never take your foot off the gas, if you do you will slow down. When you slow down in the food cost world it is costly. Back in the day I cut my teeth as a receiver, F&B cost control clerk and ultimately an F&B cost controller. Here is my top 10 list of food cost control strategies you can either put in place, re-commit to doing, or ask yourself why it is not already being done.😊 Shop Around Check Your Receiving Lock it Up Menu Costings Embrace Contribution Margin Separation of Duties After Hours Invoice Approval ...
Separating Good From Great GMs in Two Questions
Larry Mogelonsky | November 20, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Working as an asset manager, one of my key responsibilities over the years has been to collaborate with the general manager to secure the underlying asset’s value as well as develop programs that will grow rate, occupancy and the hotel’s status within the community. Obvious enough, but just like something straight out of an old Soviet playbook, another primary duty is to assess the GM’s performance, offering guidance and mentorship where needed as well as giving the thumbs up or thumbs down on their employment contract renewal. While others will utilize a lengthy and formal...
The Hunter Group Salesperson: Endangered Species or Already Extinct?
Kristi White, VP, Product Management | November 4, 2019
By Kristi White Recently, I was attempting to source a new vendor for an installation. I did an exhaustive Google search and found three potential companies (they shall remain nameless to protect the guilty). I reached out to them via their websites inquiry form and waited for a response. Fortunately, all three companies responded promptly (within 2 hours). However, that is where the positive vibes ended. Four frustrating hours (and over 40 emails) later, I had scheduled appointments with all three companies but only AFTER I insisted on the call from each. Is This What Sales Has Become? This agita led me to drop by a colleague’s offi...
Northwood Hospitality Appoints Executive Team for The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte
The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte | November 19, 2019
Charlotte, North Carolina (November 19, 2019) – The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte is pleased to announce Christophe Le Chatton as its new General Manager and Beth Allen as its new Director of Sales and Marketing. Le Chatton will be responsible for all aspects of hotel operations and Allen will oversee all direct sales, public relations and marketing communications. Veterans of the hospitality industry, Le Chatton and Allen have more than sixty years of combined experience in operations, sales, and marketing communications in luxury hospitality. Christophe joins The Ballantyne with a strong background in luxury hotel o...
LHM Canada Breaks Ground on Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Toronto Airport South
Holiday Inn Express | November 12, 2019
Toronto, Ontario (November 12, 2019) – LHM Canada Inc. broke ground today on a new 120-room Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel in the Toronto Pearson International Airport area. The new hotel will be called, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Toronto Airport South. LHM Canada has had a long history with the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and has developed and managed several other IHG branded hotels over the years. The hotel is slated to open in the fourth quarter of 2020. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is the parent company of the Holiday Inn Express brand. The hotel ...
CEO Compensation in the Shrinking Casino Industry
Keith Kefgen | November 6, 2019
(November 6, 2019) - As the list of public gaming CEOs continues to shrink due to consolidation and the growing competition of technology-based options, "gaming" in its broadest sense will force any entertainment organization to consider a multi-segment strategy (think the NFL, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Jay-Z). The casino industry will be no different, as younger adults focus on their mobile device and skills-based gambling. Thus, the annual AETHOS list of public gaming CEOs has dropped to its lowest level since 2002, when AETHOS started to track their pay. Today, only 12 CEOs run traditional casino operations. Now in its 13th year of stud...
Aimbridge Hospitality Selected to Manage Three Marriott Properties in Indianapolis
Aimbridge Hospitality | November 19, 2019
DALLAS – NOVEMBER 19, 2019 – Aimbridge Hospitality, the world’s leading third-party hotel management company, announces it has been selected to manage three Marriott International-branded properties located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The portfolio includes Marriott Indianapolis East, Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis East and Delta Indianapolis East. The hotels are owned by U.S. OCG, a global investment firm based in Los Angeles. This management agreement marks the first partnership between U.S. OCG and Aimbridge Hospitality. “Aimbridge Hospitality has a renowned reputation as the leading hotel management firm, and we are lo...
The Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport Hotel Unveils Comprehensive Renovation
Westin Hotels & Resorts | November 13, 2019
IRVING, TX - November 13, 2019 - The Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport hotel recently completed interior renovations to its 506 rooms including 28 corner suites, 28 corporate executive suites, and two presidential suites, restaurant and bar, Westin Club, fitness center, and public spaces. C+TC Design Studio is the interior design firm for the renovation project. A new, spacious 2,955 square-foot Westin Club has taken flight and gives Marriott Bonvoy reward members a place to relax and enjoy an elevated experience. It is one of the largest Westin Club lounges in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. “The refreshed spaces in the hotel focuses on...
Hotel Sales RFP’s Circa 2020: How to Be the Best, Not Just the First to Respond
Doug Kennedy | November 8, 2019
By Doug Kennedy When I speak with hotel sales leaders at my training workshops and conference presentations, and when I read interviews with them in hotel trade publications such as this one, it seems that most are buying-in to these three myths about hotel sales in the current era: The most important factor in closing more leads is to be the first to respond. The second key to success is having the coolest PDF or online brochure, with more pictures than everyone else. Planners who send digital inquiries do not want to talk or correspond; they only want to get the proposal they asked for. Let’s tackle these mistaken beliefs...
6 Reasons Why Facebook Is Essential for Hospitality Marketing
Michael Del Gigante | November 22, 2019
By Michael Del Gigante It’s easy for hospitality marketers to take Facebook for granted. The platform has been around for so long—more than 15 years now—and is so well established that it sometimes can blend into the background and feel like just one marketing option among many. However, the reality is that it’s far from just another marketing channel: for hospitality brands, Facebook is a uniquely powerful platform that has distinct advantages and holds unparalleled opportunities. What are these advantages and opportunities? What makes the social network so special? Why should marketers remain bullish on it after all thes...
U.S. Lodging Industry Is Healthy, But Growth Is Slow Through 2021
CBRE Group, Inc. | November 20, 2019
Atlanta – November 20, 2019 – CBRE Hotels Research forecasts that revenue growth will continue to diminish, but the U.S. lodging industry will remain strong through the next two years. As outlined in the December 2019 edition of Hotel Horizons®, U.S. occupancy levels will dip slightly, but remain above 65.5 percent through 2021, 300 basis points greater than the STR long-run average. Concurrently, rooms revenue per available room (RevPAR) is forecast to increase at less than 1 percent per year during the same timeframe. “Throughout the recovery from the Great Recession, we have seen the U.S. lodging industry deviate from economi...
Resorts World Las Vegas Unveils Updated Plans for $4.3 Billion Resort-Casino
Resorts World Las Vegas | November 22, 2019
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 22, 2019 -- Resorts World Las Vegas has unveiled updated plans for the US$4.3 billion luxury resort-casino to include new amenities such as a 5,000-capacity state-of-the-art theater scalable to host A-list residencies and corporate events; a dynamic 75,000-square-foot nightlife and daylife concept; a 50-foot diameter video globe which will display over 6,000 square feet of captivating LED content; and additional luxury suites, villas and penthouses with individual lobby experiences, open balconies and a sky casino. Projected to open in Summer 2021, Resorts World Las Vegas will combine traditional and modern architecture, weav...
Maverick Hotels & Restaurants Adds Hilton Chicago / Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center to Portfolio
Maverick Hotels & Restaurants | November 6, 2019
Chicago, Illinois, November 6, 2019 – Maverick Hotels & Restaurants, a full-service third-party hotel operator, developer and consultant, announced today the addition of the Hilton Chicago / Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center to its portfolio. Robert Habeeb, Founder and CEO of Maverick, made the announcement. Located just west of downtown Chicago in the upscale area of Oak Brook, IL and nestled in a serene, 150-acre estate, this premier resort and conference center is the latest and highest profile property to join Maverick’s growing collection of properties operated for select owner groups. “We are thrilled to be ...
JMJ Development Bringing Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Resdiences to Dallas, Texas
JMJ Development | November 12, 2019
Dallas, November 12, 2019 -- JMJ Development has announced that it will be the developer and owner of a luxury hotel in Dallas, Texas which will be managed by the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. The project, which will also feature branded residences, is scheduled to open in 2022. The new development will comprise a 25-story mixed-use tower located in the exclusive Turtle Creek neighborhood, one of Dallas’s wealthiest and most attractive neighborhoods. The project is within close proximity to the central business district and a number of cultural attractions including the Dallas Theatre Centre and Arts District. The hotel will...
AJ Capital Partners Acquires Macdonald Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland
AJ Capital Partners | November 19, 2019
Chicago, Ill. – Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners announced today that it has acquired the Macdonald Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland. The 70-key hotel will begin pre-construction design and architectural work in November 2019 and will undergo complete renovations starting spring 2020. Once completed in summer 2021, the reimagined hotel will debut with an additional 44 keys and a rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking the 18th hole of the Old Course at St Andrews and the historic Swilcan Bridge. This marks the second acquisition by AJ Capital from the Macdonald Hotels & Resorts portfolio in addition to the Randolph Hotel i...
Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour Appoints Marc Schneider as General Manager
Park Hyatt St. Kitts | November 21, 2019
ST. KITTS – November 21, 2019 – Park Hyatt St. Kitts announces the appointment of travel industry leader Marc Schneider as General Manager. A highly esteemed Hyatt veteran, Schneider will oversee all operations at the distinctive luxury beachfront resort. Set within Christophe Harbour on Banana Bay, Park Hyatt St. Kitts features 126 sustainably-designed guestrooms, three innovative restaurants, a world-class Miraval Life in Balance Spa, and state-of-the-art event spaces. “As Park Hyatt’s first and only property in the Caribbean, we are excited to welcome Marc to the helm of Park Hyatt St. Kitts – A luxury resort that authen...
RIU Hotels & Resorts Acquires 531-Room Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco
RIU | November 19, 2019
Palma de Mallorca, Spain -- November 19, 2019 -- RIU Hotels & Resorts has added a new hotel to its Riu Plaza brand in the United States through the acquisition of the 531-room Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. The new Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf is located at 2500 Mason Street, in the heart of one of San Francisco’s most storied and vibrant neighborhoods and central to the city’s most iconic sites and attractions. “This project is great news for RIU and for the consolidation of our line of Riu Plaza urban hotels. San Francisco is a great city with a very competitive hotel market and this acquisition places u...
