News Top: February
Is Trump Organization Slowdown a Confirmation of STR’s Lower Occupancy Projections?
Tucker Johnson | February 18, 2019
By Tucker Johnson On February 12th, the Wall Street Journal published an article titled Slowing Hotel Growth Could be Worst in 10 Years. This headline was based on an STR (formerly Smith Travel Research) forecast suggesting that supply was overbuilt and hotel occupancy would level off, then decline over the next two years. On February 14th the Washington Post published an article titled Trump's Company Officially Halts Hotel Expansion. The Trump Organization cited the 'political climate' as their reason for scrapping their new American IDEA Hotels and Scion brands. As someone who follows hotel news closely this seemed like strange timin...
Evaluating Housekeeping in Minutes per Room
Larry Mogelonsky | February 20, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) While you may know your operations so thoroughly that you can trust your intuition to prudently guide your next move, we have now found ourselves in the age of measurement and analytics, letting us fall back on the data to make sound inferences to hone each and every task. Just as you would evaluate your rooms in terms of RevPAR or your guests in terms of RevPAG, there's another metric for your housekeeping department that can help give a reliable snapshot of the current state and where improvements are needed. As many executive housekeepers and management companies that already use...
Kingwood International Resorts Acquires Reunion Resort in Central Florida
February 11, 2019
ATLANTA (Feb. 11, 2019) – Kingwood International Resorts has purchased the AAA Four Diamond-rated Reunion Resort, located on 2,300 lush acres in Central Florida, just minutes from Walt Disney World theme parks. Specializing in golf-centered clubs and resorts, Atlanta-based Kingwood International currently owns and operates Kingwood Country Club & Golf Resort and Achasta Golf Resort community, both in North Georgia, and the eco-friendly Plantation on Crystal River in Central West Florida. The purchase of Reunion Resort from real estate investment firm Lubert Adler was finalized Friday, Feb. 8. "Reunion Resort is a perfect compl...
The Hotel Amenities Travelers Really Want
Kacey Bradley | February 13, 2019
By Kacey Bradley In the hospitality industry, there seems to be a disconnect between what hotels think guests want, what guests think they want and what they actually use. Because people are expecting services they're used to, some amenities aren't as novel as they once were, while others go unused. So, what makes travelers content during their stay at a hotel? Do guests need extra packaged toiletries or a pool to rave about the establishment? The following seven amenities are what guests hope for and take advantage of during their visit. 1. Outlets As travelers are stowing their electronics along for their trips, their charging...
5 Easy Ways to Reduce Turnover at the Front Desk
Cathy Cook | February 11, 2019
By Cathy Cook With one of my main roles at KTN being to conduct front desk hospitality training worldwide, one issue that always seems to surface is turnover at the front desk. Turnover everywhere in the hotel staff is a major challenge in tight labor markets most hotels operate within, however it seems to especially be an issue at the front desk. Certainly, working at the front desk can be a stressful job as we are dealing with guests who are arriving after a long day of travel disruptions and frustrations and therefore prone to over-reaction to even the smallest challenges. Also, regardless of where any gap in service occurs during a ...
Why Coworking Is Coming to Hotels
February 21, 2019
It's not just offices that are adapting to new, flexible ways of working and an increasingly mobile workforce. Growing numbers of hotels are also looking to get involved in the flexible space boom, transforming underused spaces in communal areas or outdated business centers into modern, vibrant coworking spaces. The Virgin hotel in Chicago has a monthly membership model for its coworking space, the Virgin Commons Club, which includes a bar, private meeting areas, free drinks, a library, Wi-Fi and wireless printing. The lobby of the Ace Hotel in New York attracts coworkers with its plentiful outlets, communal tables and a lobby bar that ...
The Breakers Palm Beach Promotes Tricia Taylor to Executive Vice President & General Manager
The Breakers Palm Beach | February 18, 2019
PALM BEACH, FL – The Breakers Palm Beach has promoted Tricia Taylor to hold a pivotal leadership role, as announced by Paul N. Leone, CEO of the independent, luxury hotel enterprise and Flagler System, Inc. Tricia Taylor, senior vice president & general manager, and a 23-year veteran of The Breakers, has been promoted to Executive Vice President & General Manager. Taylor's wide-ranging responsibilities for this complex, multi-faceted resort, consist of leading 1,800 associates throughout the property's four operating divisions: rooms, food & beverage, event services and recreation (spa, pool & beach, activities, go...
Excellence Group Plans Early 2020 Opening of Finest Punta Cana in Dominican Republic
Excellence Group | February 1, 2019
PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, Jan. 31, 2019 -- Following the success of Finest Playa Mujeres, Excellence Group Luxury Hotels and Resorts has announced plans to open the second outpost from their Finest Resorts brand. Set to open its doors the first half of 2020, Finest Punta Cana will be set on the shores and crystal blue waters of Punta Cana and will be the third Excellence Group property in the Dominican Republic. The first of its kind in the area, Finest Punta Cana will house all of the exacting standards and personalized luxury that Excellence Group has become renowned for, with 450 suites, including 60 family suites, that will ra...
The Upside of Opportunity Zones for Hotel Developers and Hotel Owners
Nicole Ament | February 26, 2019
By Nicole Ament and Erik Jensen One of the products of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Qualified Opportunity Zones could have a significant impact on real estate development in 2019, including the hotel industry. While developing in an opportunity zone will not turn a bad hotel deal into a good deal, it can generate an increased pool of interested investors. Hotel investors may not see the immediate potential of opportunity zones given that the census tracts designated as Qualified Opportunity Zones are technically low-income neighborhoods. However, a closer study of the Qualified Opportunity Zones map reveals that in many key markets the op...
What Hotels Can Learn About the Guest Experience From Starbucks
Larry Mogelonsky | February 27, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Starbucks has thousands of outlets. Nowadays if you find yourself in nearly a major city center anywhere in the world, you're never more than a few blocks away from your next americano. The long-term and strategic vision for Starbucks may surprise you, though. It's not just about coffee and compelling you to consume every ounce of caffeine exclusively from them; it's about the culture. There have been several books written about the brand and their business approach. True, there are issues and growing pains, as there are for any corporation of this size and stature. Let's set those ...
Sawyer Realty Holdings Acquires 130-Room Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Tewksbury/Andover in Massachusetts
Sawyer Realty Holding | February 6, 2019
(Tewksbury, MA) – February 6, 2019 – Sawyer Realty Holdings has announced the acquisition of the 130-room Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Tewksbury/Andover located at 1775 Andover Street in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Founded over 25 years ago, Sawyer Realty Holdings, a Newton, Massachusetts based multi-disciplinary real estate investment firm, maintains a diverse portfolio of multi-family, senior housing and hotel properties throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maryland. The company also owns and operates five restaurants in Massachusetts under the Good N U Hospitality brand. The acquisition of the Tewksbury Residence...
Forbes Travel Guide Unveils 2019 Star Rating Awards
February 20, 2019
ATLANTA, Feb. 20, 2019 -- Forbes Travel Guide today debuted its 61st annual list of Star Rating winners, recognizing the world's finest properties and rewarding gracious, intuitive service. The 2019 award recipients include 21 new Five-Star hotels, 49 new Four-Star hotels and 62 new hotels in the Recommended category. Other first-time recipients include six Five-Star restaurants, eight Five-Star spas and 21 Four-Star spas. See the complete list of winners here. A standout was The Peninsula Hotels, which made Forbes Travel Guide history by becoming the world's first all Five-Star hotel company. The Peninsula Manila earned its fif...
How Hotels Are Upgrading Their Sustainability Efforts
JLL Real Views | February 15, 2019
Running a more environmentally friendly hotel is becoming part of day-to-day operations for major American hospitality chains, which are exploring new ways to save on costs while giving their properties greater ethical appeal. At the Home2 Suites by Hilton, scraps of soap leftover in the shower after guests check out are purified and recycled, preventing 600,000 pounds of soap from heading to landfills. Marriott International is aiming to cut food waste in half and electricity usage by 30 percent by 2025, and remove all plastic straws from its 6,500-plus hotels by July this year. Westin and Sheraton brands have brought down water and e...
Marriott Cleveland Downtown at Key Tower Taps Joseph Dubbs as New Executive Chef
Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower | February 11, 2019
CLEVELAND, OH (February 11, 2019) – Former Cleveland Airport Marriott/AMP 150 Executive Chef Joseph Dubbs will join the downtown Marriott Cleveland Downtown at Key Tower's team, leading all the hotel's culinary efforts. Dubbs, a Cleveland native, first began his culinary career working at local bars and taverns, before landing his first chef gig at Tremont's Southside restaurant, where he worked while attending classes at Cleveland State University. Not long after graduating CSU, Dubbs decided to pursue cooking full time and headed to Denver where he was accepted to the College of Culinary Arts at Johnson and Wales University. Hi...
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Acquires WorldHotels
February 18, 2019
Phoenix, AZ (February 18, 2019) – Best Western® Hotels & Resorts announced today it has acquired renowned global hotel brand WorldHotels™ representing a collection of approximately 300 unique and special hotels and resorts in premier destinations around the world. "There is tremendous synergy between Best Western and WorldHotels. By joining forces in this new partnership, we will create competitive advantages for both companies," said David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts. "I have the utmost respect for WorldHotels and believe in its vast potential." The acquisition of WorldHotels was com...
2018: A Year of Growth and Profitability for Hotels
Hospitality Upgrade | February 8, 2019
By Fran Worrall, Hospitality Upgrade Editor Major brands saw increases in occupancy and ADR, along with expansion across the globe As 2017 came to an end, many industry forecasters predicted that the coming year would be a good one for hotels. And, for the most part, they were right. A strong economy, rising employment and higher consumer net worth translated into more travel (for both business and pleasure) as well as higher transaction volumes in 2018. Leading independent investment research firm Zacks reports that hotels saw increases in both occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) in 2018. As early as the first quarter, the industry ...
Boston & Cambridge Lodging Market Peaks in 2018 as Demand Outpaces Supply
Sebastian J. Colella | February 1, 2019
Sebastian J. Colella The Boston and Cambridge lodging market accommodated approximately 7.5 million roomnights in 2018, growth in demand of 3.4% from the prior year. The market's supply increased 2.8% with the opening of four new hotels and a guestroom expansion which combined for approximately 760 new rooms available nightly. As a result of these dynamics, the market's occupancy increased 0.3% to 82.7%, its highest point in history. Despite the market's continued demand growth and capacity constraints through much of the year, average daily rate (ADR) increased only 1.6% to $262. Similar to the trends experienced nationally, the market...
Supply Growth in Top 25 U.S. Markets to Accelerate
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | February 12, 2019
February 12, 2019 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – Analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) report that in 2018, new supply growth was 2.0%, the first time it has reached 2.0% in eight years. The top 25 markets had new supply growth of 2.7% while the remainder of the country showed growth at 1.7%. Demand growth was 2.5% for both the top 25 markets and for the remainder of the country as well. Last year, 12 of the top 25 markets had supply growth in excess of demand growth. With the exception of Houston, Seattle, and Orlando the variances were modest. As the economy settles into the "new normal" of slower growth and low inflation, LE expects ...
Marriott, Hilton and IHG Development Projects Lead the U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline
Lodging Econometrics | February 4, 2019
February 4, 2019 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – In the Lodging Econometrics (LE) year-end report for 2018, analysts detailed the leading franchise companies and their brands in the construction pipeline. Marriott International tops the list with 1,498 projects/197,227 rooms, Hilton Worldwide with 1,359 projects/152,060 rooms, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) with 972 projects/98,377 rooms. Sixty-nine percent of the projects in the pipeline derive from these three franchise companies. Marriott and Hilton both have pipelines that are up 6% by project count year-over-year (YOY). The two companies set new all-time pipeline records at...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 209: Hotel History: The Americana of New York (1962)
Stanley Turkel | February 19, 2019
by Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: The Americana of New York The Americana of New York opened on September 25, 1962 as a 2,000-room convention hotel. It was constructed by brothers Laurence Tisch and Preston Tisch, co-owners of the Loews Corporation and was the first over 1,000-room hotel to be built in New York since the Waldorf Astoria in 1931. With 51 floors, it was acclaimed for many years in its advertising and by the media as the tallest hotel in the world, based on the number and height of its inhabited floors. The Americana was built, along with the New York Hilton facing Sixth Avenue on the next block, to serve the huge num...
Hilton Launches New Brand, Signia Hilton, Focused on Meetings and Events
Signia Hilton | February 22, 2019
MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the launch of Signia Hilton, its dynamic, new meetings-and-events-focused brand. The portfolio of hotels is setting out to transform the industry for meeting professionals and sophisticated business travelers by infusing state-of-the-art technology and design into every aspect of the guest experience. The brand further reinforces Hilton's commitment to innovation that meets the evolving needs of today's travelers and will bring premium experiences to top urban and resort destinations around the world. "In our 100th year of hospitality, we are more focused than ever on providing exceptiona...
Compensation for US CEOs in Lodging: Fair Pay Is a Real Issue
Keith Kefgen | February 18, 2019
(February 18, 2019) - AETHOS New York Managing Director Keith Kefgen, in his annual review of CEO compensation for a variety of hospitality disciplines, shares candid insights as a result of his latest look at CEOs of U.S. lodging companies: "What we have found over the twenty years of studying CEO pay, is that the many public boards did a poor job at linking CEO pay to company performance," observes Kefgen. "In fact, that was the goal of creating our pay-for-performance model." The AETHOS Pay-for-Performance Model analyzes key financial metrics such as market capitalization, stock appreciation, EBITDA growth, and to...
Hyatt and S.D. Malkin Properties, Inc. Celebrate the Groundbreaking of Two Beachfront Hotels in Oceanside, California
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | February 6, 2019
SAN DIEGO (February 6, 2019) – Hyatt and S.D. Malkin Properties, Inc., an innovative developer and owner of iconic retail, hotel, and entertainment destinations, today will hold a groundbreaking ceremony in Oceanside, California on the site where two new properties are expected to open under the Joie de Vivre Hotels and Destination Hotels brands in late 2020. The adjacent hotels together will be the largest oceanfront development in San Diego County in over a decade. Located at the hub of Oceanside's booming renaissance, the 2.75-acre new-build project along Mission Avenue and North Pacific Street will offer guests immediate beach...
Snow King Resort Hotel in Jackson, Wyoming, Purchased by KDG Capital
KDG Capital | February 12, 2019
BENCHMARK® will continue to operate popular destination resort. The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, February 2019 … KDG Capital, a Florida-based real estate private equity firm, has purchased the Snow King Resort Hotel in Jackson, Wyoming. BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, will continue to operate and market the 230-room property, located at the foot of Snow King Mountain in the Grand Teton mountains, just minutes from the center of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. KDG plans to invest $5 million in capital improvements to the property. Snow King Resort Hotel is part of Benchmark's signature Benchmark Resorts & Hotels brand....
Promising Food Trends for 2019
Kacey Bradley | February 14, 2019
By Kacey Bradley Your hotel or resort recommends local dining, stocks popular snacks and hosts an in-house restaurant. With shifts in how people choose food and prefer to be served, evaluating guests' needs and desires is crucial in the hospitality industry. Prepare to accommodate guests by brushing up on the latest food trends. From convenient digital ordering to yolk-covered meals, there are plenty of innovative and imaginative switches underway. Here are nine promising food trends you can watch for in 2019. 1. Self-Service Kiosks As guests opt for fast and effortless meals, hotels and restaurants are offering kiosks to cut down o...
