Why Historic Buildings Make Great Hotels
JLL Real Views | June 27th, 2019
Hotel Industry Unites on New Campaign to Fight Human Trafficking
AHLA | June 26th, 2019
News Top: June
20 Laws of Hotel Prospecting
Michael DeJesus | June 6, 2019
By Michael DeJesus Sales prospecting should not be an afterthought, rather, it is the foundation sales is built upon. If we remove prospecting from the equation, our business will be affected very quickly. With social media's increase in popularity, prospecting has actually become easier as we can now search for business opportunities online. However, most salespeople still find excuses to not incorporate this very valuable exercise into their daily routines. To be successful, we cannot rely solely on repeat business or business that falls into our lap. As we saw in 2009, with the economic downturn, it was evident that salespeople were...
The Liquidation Sale of the Former Crowne Plaza Old Town, in Alexandria, Virginia, Opens Thursday, June, 13th at 10:00 a.m. Sale Conducted by NCL/ Nat
NCL/ National Content Liquidators, Inc. | June 12, 2019
Everything Must Go! Alexandria, Virginia (June, 2019) – The Crowne Plaza Old Town has contracted with NCL/National Content Liquidators, Inc., the leading expert in hotel liquidation management, to clear the hotel of its current contents as a prelude to the property’s redevelopment. The 258 room hotel liquidation is being held on-site at the former Crowne Plaza Old Town, located at 901 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA., 22314, and is open to both the hospitality industry and the general public. The sale begins at 10:00 am, Thurs., June 13th, and will continue for 28 days only, Monday-Saturday, 10:00 am-6:00pm and Sundays, 12:00 pm-5...
Briad Group Holds “Top-Off” Celebration for AC Marriott Bridgewater, New Jersey
The Briad Group® | June 10, 2019
Bridgewater, NJ, June 7, 2019 – AC Hotels by Marriott, an upscale lifestyle hotel, celebrated a major construction milestone yesterday with a “top-off” party marking the completion of the property’s roof. Conveniently located off of Route 202 and I-287, the hotel is minutes away from the Bridgewater Commons Mall and features a walkway to Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar, a boutique burger restaurant. AC Marriott Bridgewater will be the brand’s first property in New Jersey and will employee approx. 100 people. The property is owned and managed by Briad Lodging Group, LLC, the hotel division of Livingston, New Jersey-based The Briad ...
Why Google Ratings Might Just Be Your Hotel’s Most Important Quality Metric
Daniel E. Craig | June 27, 2019
By Daniel E. Craig, Founder, Reknown Move over, TripAdvisor — there’s a new sheriff in town. Over the past couple of years, Google has revamped its review product, increased review volume exponentially, and made Google ratings more prominent in search, maps and hotel listings. As a result, Google ratings may have emerged as the most important measure of quality for hotels. Here’s why. In Search, Google Reigns Supreme Google’s role as chief gatekeeper to online travel planning difficult to dispute, but does it hold a monopoly on search? While company officials bristle at the suggestion, others aren’t so convinced. “Goo...
Airbnb’s Market Share: U.S. Lodging Demand Analysis
Hans Detlefsen | June 20, 2019
By Hans Detlefsen In this article, Hotel Appraisers & Advisors (HA&A) estimates Airbnb’s market share of U.S. lodging demand. This year’s edition of our study differs from prior publications in two major ways. Firstly, we isolate data from Airbnb, while excluding data from other, smaller home-sharing companies that were included in prior publications. Secondly, we have focused our analysis on Airbnb demand that we believe is most like traditional hotel lodging demand. We exclude, for example, the rental of shared rooms or rooms with shared living quarters. Since its creation in 2007, Airbnb has become a dominant channel for ...
Clearbrook Hospitality Appoints Ric Olsen as President
Clearbrook Hospitality, LLC | June 25, 2019
Nashville, Tennessee – (June 25, 2019) – Clearbrook Hospitality, LLC – a subsidiary of Clearbrook Holdings, Inc. has named entertainment industry veteran, Ric Olsen as President. The Clearbrook Hospitality group consists of multiple Nashville based initiatives including entertainment venues, consumer experience events, transportation services, group sales and live music. As President of Clearbrook Hospitality, Olsen will oversee all Operations, Marketing & Sales and Logistics. The company is based in Nashville. Olsen joined Clearbrook Hospitality in September 2018 as Senior Project Manager and was quickly promoted to the position...
What Is TRevPAR (Definition and Why It Matters)?
David Eisen | June 10, 2019
By David Eisen In a previous blog post, I took aim at RevPAR. My pursuit: to puncture the long-held notion that it’s the most exemplary data point to consult within the hospitality industry. And, according to one comment, I succeeded in doing so (thank you, Don Weintraub, you made my mother very proud). My thesis was not that RevPAR is obsolete; following it is still necessary, especially since RevPAR tracks revenue derived from the rooms department, the largest source of revenue for a hotel. It’s akin to tracking cap rates when investing in hotels—one data point but not the end-all. RevPAR (a combination of rate and occupancy) is...
The Briad Group Celebrates Groundbreaking of Element by Westin Wood-Ridge, NJ
June 6, 2019
Wood-Ridge, NJ, June 6, 2019 – Element by Westin, part of Marriott International, celebrated the groundbreaking of Element by Westin Wood-Ridge on Wednesday, June 5. Located at 269 & 359 Route 17 South, the upscale lifestyle hotel will provide guests with easy access to Routes 3, 17 and the NJ Turnpike and will be less than 10 miles from New York City. The property will also place guests across the street from Teterboro Airport and will be minutes away from the upcoming American Dream Meadowlands, a retail and entertainment complex which is planned to contain more than 500 stores. The Wood-Ridge location will represent the thi...
Why Amazon Should Acquire Airbnb, and It’s Not for the Love of Travel
Jason Price | June 20, 2019
By Jason Price Amazon has set the chessboard to succeed in the travel vertical – in a way that is not expected. Up until now Amazon’s foray into the travel vertical has been lackluster at best. Starting in 2012 and running for three years was Amazon Local, a Groupon-like business model for local travel providers. The steeply discounted "flash-sale" quickly ran its course with customers and never presented a sustainable economic value to the supplier community. In 2015, the launch of Amazon Destinations offered locally curated, weekend get-away vacation packages. Short excursions by car have its appeal but the two-fold punch of custo...
HVS Design and JN+A Release 2019 Hotel Cost Estimating Guide
June 10, 2019
Rockville, Md., June 7, 2019: HVS Design and Jonathan Nehmer + Associates, Inc. (JN+A), leading Architecture, Interior Design, and Project Management firms specializing in the hospitality industry, are proud to announce the completion of the 2019 Hotel Cost Estimating Guide. The Guide is a comprehensive listing of capital expenditure construction and FF&E costs for hotel renovations. Now in its eleventh year, the 2019 Hotel Cost Estimating Guide evaluates costs in a variety of hotel tiers including Economy, Extended Stay, Midscale, Upscale, Upper Upscale, and Luxury. Within each tier, costs are separated into the categories of Gues...
Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Pros & Cons of Keeping a Hotel Open During Renovation
Cicero's Development Corporation | June 11, 2019
PLAINFIELD, IL, JUNE 11, 2019 -- Renovating an existing hotel is all about time and money. That's why it is essential to plan ahead for the challenges—and costs—a renovation can pose. If you are a hotel owner or operator, balancing the need for cash with your renovation objectives is one of those challenges, bringing to the forefront the most crucial decision made during renovation planning: "Should we keep the hotel open or should we close?" The answer lies in the scope of the project plus any role seasonality plays in the business. On one side of the ledger, closing a hotel makes good sense. It allows for a far broader scope so th...
Harbour Plaza Hotels & Resorts Plans Early 2020 Opening of Hotel Alexandra in Hong Kong
June 11, 2019
June 11, 2019 - Situated at the heart of Hong Kong Island, along the North Point waterfront, the newly built stylish Hotel Alexandra is scheduled to open its doors in early 2020. The property is the newest addition to the line of established hotels managed by Harbour Plaza Hotels & Resorts which offers a collection of unique standalone hotels, committed to delivering exceptional hospitality and facilities to all guests. Hotel Alexandra is exquisitely designed melding timeless Victorian elegance and modern concepts that create a whimsical atmosphere evocative of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Features a picturesque striking hotel f...
The Wayfarer DTLA Opening Fall Appoints Francis Dimitrius as Executive Chef
The Wayfarer DTLA | June 27, 2019
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 27, 2019) - The Wayfarer DTLA today announced the appointment of Francis Dimitrius as executive chef. Dimitrius brings more than 14 years of culinary experience to The Wayfarer DTLA, where he will oversee all food and beverage operations and develop seasonal menus for the 156-room boutique hotel and its culinary experiences, set to open Fall 2019. The Wayfarer DTLA will bring a variety of socially-driven and distinctive dining and entertainment experiences to Downtown L.A.’s vibrant culinary landscape, including The Kitchen - a communal guest-hosted cooking and dining space; The Rooftop bar; Gaslighter Social Cl...
7 Things Hoteliers Can Learn From Airbnb’s Guest Experience
Kacey Bradley | June 21, 2019
By Kacey Bradley Airbnb has become a popular site for travelers who want an authentic and memorable experience. The hotel alternative has become so popular that it has grown to more than 6 million properties across 191 countries in as little as 12 years. With no recognizable brand name or structured expectations, what is it that attracts guests to the site? From reviews and photos to enhanced personalization through data collection, Airbnb utilizes several tactics to attract potential guests and turn them into loyal bookers. Hoteliers can learn to enhance their own guest experience by learning a lesson from Airbnb's approach. 1. Offer ...
The “No Problem” Problem
Roger Wolkoff | June 5, 2019
By Roger Wolkoff I walk into the hotel, wheeling my luggage and briefcase behind me. I am taken aback by the spacious and open modern lobby. I approach the front desk, and Carlos greets me with a smile. We have a friendly exchange - how are you doing, did you have a good flight, how do you like our city - that kind of thing. I ask for a restaurant recommendation for dinner, and he tells me about a fascinating off-the-beaten-path bistro that has excellent reviews. I thank him, and he says, "No problem." And there it is. Hanging like a lead balloon. No problem. What's the problem with "no problem?" It's an inhe...
Towneplace Suites by Marriott to Open in the Outer Banks With General Manager Amanda Phillips at the Helm
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | June 10, 2019
Kill Devil Hills, NC – June 10, 2019 – Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International’s TownePlace Suites by Marriott Outer Banks Kill Devil Hills is scheduled to open for business this month. Built for travelers looking for a simple and friendly place where they can settle-in, keep their routine, and easily connect to the Outer Banks area. The new hotel located at 2028 South Virginia Dare Trail, will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by First Flight Hotel, LLC and managed by Rocklight Capital of Williamsburg, Virginia. “We are excited to introduce the TownePlace Suites brand to the Outer Banks area,” ...
Eldorado and Caesars Enter $17.3 Billion Merger Agreement
Eldorado | June 24, 2019
June 24, 2019 -- RENO, Nev. & LAS VEGAS -- Eldorado Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ: ERI) ("Eldorado," "ERI," or "the Company") and Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR) ("Caesars") announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to create the largest U.S. gaming company. The proposed transaction will combine two leading gaming companies with complementary national operating platforms, strong brands, strategic industry alliances, and a collective commitment to enhancing guest service and shareholder value. The combined company will provide its guests with access to approximately 60 domestic casino–resorts and gaming ...
Downtown El Paso’s Plaza Hotel Undergoing $78 Million Renovation Now Rebranded to Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park
June 10, 2019
Vic Kolenc | El Paso Times, Texas June 06-- Jun. 6--The Plaza hotel building being renovated into a boutique hotel in Downtown El Paso has a new, longer name and a new general manager. The 19-story, 90-year-old hotel building, undergoing a $78 million renovation, is now The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park. It will be run by Hersha Hospitality Management, or HHM, a Philadelphia hotel development and management company operating 125 hotels across the United States. The simple white, Plaza letter signs that have been atop the hotel's roof tower for years will remain.The giant letters have been refurbished. The 130-room, upscale boutique hot...
Dream Hotel Group Appoints Kevin Croke as General Manager of Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa in Palm Beach, Florida
Dream Hotel Group | June 20, 2019
NEW YORK, NY (June 20, 2019) – Renowned hotel brand and management company, Dream Hotel Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Croke as General Manager of Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa, overseeing the management of the resort’s operations. Steeped in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa blends breathtaking panoramic ocean side views with upscale hospitality and accommodations. “Kevin’s impressive lifestyle management experience across the East Coast make him an ideal fit for our growing team of industry experts,” said Jay Stein, Chief Executive Officer, Dream Hotel Group. “He will u...
The Time Between Reservation and Arrival Is the Biggest Missed Opportunity for Revenue
Larry Mogelonsky | June 19, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) It’s financially prudent to have a good channel mix so your rooms appear wherever guests are looking and booking. While getting the reservation is a consummate top priority, we are often missing what falls immediately after in what’s known as the prearrival phase. With some exceptions in the groups segment, this time period is rife with opportunities to capture more revenue from incoming guests, whether that be through room upgrades, amenity purchases or merchandising. Before you investigate tech vendors that can help you leverage this gap, the first step is to understand post-p...
W Hotels Debuts Newly Reimagined W Atlanta – Midtown, W Atlanta – Buckhead and W Atlanta – Downtown
W Hotels | June 10, 2019
Georgia is on our mind. W Hotels Worldwide is excited to reveal major upgrades to each of the city’s three W hotels (W Atlanta – Midtown, W Atlanta – Buckhead and W Atlanta – Downtown). Through the vision of talented design partners and the W brand’s own globally renowned design team, a collective of 750+ guestrooms, multiple bars and restaurants and more than 50,000 square feet of innovative meeting space will soon be revealed. These exciting changes in Atlanta are the first of several renovations expected to be completed at W Hotels across North America, as hotel owners are poised to invest $200+ million on renovations showcasing ...
Martello Partners With GuestTek to Power Internet for Hotel Guests
Martello Technologies Group | June 17, 2019
Martello’s SD-WAN and link balancing helps GuestTek deliver reliable high speed internet connectivity for hotel guests. Minneapolis, United States (June 17, 2019) – Martello Technologies Group Inc., (“Martello” or the “Company”) (TSXV: MTLO), a leading provider of solutions that deliver clarity and control of complex IT environments, today announced a partnership with GuestTek, a global leader in broadband technology and interactive solutions for the hospitality industry with operations in 85 countries and serving more than 3,500 hotels. Together, the two companies are delivering reliable high speed internet access (HSIA) to m...
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Mexico with Conversion of The Resort at Pedregal
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts | June 24, 2019
LOS CABOS, Mexico and MCLEAN, Va. – June 24, 2019 – Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) iconic luxury hotel brand, today announces its upcoming debut in Mexico as it assumes operation of the award-winning The Resort at Pedregal and rebrands the iconic hotel as Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. Known as one of the best hotels in Mexico and recently acquired by affiliates of Walton Street Capital Mexico, the luxury retreat is set on 24 acres of dramatic mountains and pristine beaches, and is primed to welcome guests with True Waldorf Service beginning Q4 2019. “As the brand’s first property to debut in Mex...
Mainsail Appoints Bob Megazzini as General Manager for Fort Myers’ Luminary Hotel & Co. Opening Late 2020
Mainsail Lodging & Development LLC | June 27, 2019
FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 27, 2019) – Luminary Hotel & Co. announced today the appointment of Bob Megazzini as general manager of the 243-room hotel that will light up downtown Fort Myers in late 2020. Megazzini will oversee the hiring of new staff, day-to-day operations, and guest and employee satisfaction at Luminary Hotel, along with the remodeled Harborside Event Center, which will be rebranded, and the planned amphitheater in Centennial Park. “With his hospitality background and flair for outstanding service, Bob is the perfect person to assemble and lead our team as we look ahead to the opening of Luminary Hotel & Co. next y...
MSD Partners Closes Sale of 1,047-Room Boca Raton Resort & Club From Blackstone Group for $461.6 Million
MGM Resorts International | June 10, 2019
Jeff Ostrowski | The Palm Beach Post, Fla. June 07--In the biggest property sale in Palm Beach County history, the Boca Raton Resort & Club sold this week for $461.6 million, according to deeds made public Thursday. A company affiliated with billionaire Michael Dell announced in April that it would buy the iconic club from Blackstone Group, but the buyer and seller didn't disclose the price at the time. Dell's MSD Partners is the new owner of the 1,047-room hotel. Dell himself visited the hotel several times from 2000 to 2004, when the Boca Resort hosted annual meetings of The Business Council, an organization made up of the heads of th...
