Remarkable Hotels Sees 19 Percent Uplift in Rooms Revenue With IDeaS Revenue Management System
IDeaS | January 30th, 2020
Silverwest Hotels Plans Summer 2020 Opening of Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton
Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton | January 29th, 2020
News Top: January
7 Hotel Technology Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2020
Atul Gupta | January 23, 2020
By Atul Gupta INTRODUCTION With new technology trends such as the internet of things (IoT), many businesses have been able to improve their operations as well as make them more up to date. In the hotel and hospitality industry, technology has helped make many hotels and resorts more efficient as ones that are capable of providing better service for their guests. Technology in the hospitality industry has been able to capitalize on the internet of things (IoT) by providing a better user experience for guests. Today, guests can make reservations through an application and schedule their stay with their smartphones. Along with the inter...
Six Senses London to Open in the Former Art Deco Whiteleys Department Store
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas | January 16, 2020
BANGKOK – January 16, 2020 – With its proximity to Hyde Park and Kensington Palace, Bayswater in West London is recognized for its streets lined with grand terraces of white stucco houses and garden squares. Among them is an iconic building and former department store – Whiteleys – soon to become home to Six Senses London. The hotel, wellness club and spa mark the brand’s entry into the UK and will open with 110 guest rooms and suites, starting from 355 square feet and celebrating the building’s origins, while making space for modern living. There will also be 14 branded residences, with owners able to tap into all the privileg...
Looking at the Pros and Cons of Dispensers
Larry Mogelonsky | January 2, 2020
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) As part of a larger sustainability push, the hotel industry will soon be done with single-use plastic bathroom amenities. Dispensers are better for the environment and cheaper, after all, but are we losing anything in exchange, however small? Like all parts of the guest journey, we must look at how each individual moment influences the overall hotel experience. When considering bathroom amenities, while we all have ideas on what we think will work best to improve the guest perception, the focus will always be cost. Particularly at the luxury end these days, hoteliers must look to ho...
The Impact of Shift Length on the Productivity of Hotel Employees
John Kearney | January 17, 2020
By John Kearney Productive employees are essential for the success of any hotel - a fast-paced environment attending to demanding customers, sometimes 24 hours per day. It requires outstanding customer service, which can only be provided by a dynamic staff. To keep productivity at its best standard, you will have to consider several factors. And one with the highest impact is shift length. How it affects your staff’s performance, and what you can do to prevent it from having a negative influence, is what we will discuss in this article. How productivity is measured in hospitality The hospitality industry is diverse. Your hotel...
NewcrestImage and Baywood Hotels Start Joint Venture Canopy by Hilton in Downtown New Orleans
NewcrestImage | January 30, 2020
Dallas-based NewcrestImage and Baywood Hotels, Inc., based in Columbia, Maryland, will begin historic renovation construction in early February of a 176-room, 14-floor Canopy by Hilton in downtown New Orleans. This joint venture launches the third hotel in New Orleans for NewcrestImage and the fourth hotel in Louisiana for Baywood. Canopy by Hilton New Orleans Downtown is scheduled to open in the summer of 2021 at 1100 Tulane Avenue in the heart of the Central Business District, immediately adjacent to the French Quarter. It will revive the former Oil and Gas Building, which originally opened in 1959 and was placed on the National Register...
The Value of Your Meeting Space – You Can’t Manage What You Can’t Measure
Knowland | January 14, 2020
By Kristi White Meeting space, the last bastion of unmanaged revenue in a hotel. Some of you may balk at the thought, even argue that you effectively manage meeting space. However, for all too many hotels, managing the meeting space looks something like this: The list would go on and on, detailing each room and each time period, however, it often becomes the Ron Popeil “set it and forget it” method of revenue management. Oh, we pull it out once a year and pretend to look at it but really, it only gets the cursory “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” glance. Are you nodding your head yet? Perhaps, there is a sheepish grin...
Making the Minibar Profitable for the New Decade
Larry Mogelonsky | January 15, 2020
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) The minibar has long been a stable, albeit relatively minor, source of revenue for hotels. So if you isn’t broken, then why fix it, right? Typically stocked with an assortment of big brands from the alcoholic beverages sector along with some sugary snacks, the concern is that this archetype for profitability will soon be outmoded by the trends of higher demand for local or small batch products as well as the push healthier food options. Putting these two together, a minibar that’s stacked with items you can find practically anywhere else in the world isn’t doing anything to...
Labor Optimization Is Critical to Reducing Soaring Costs and Maximizing Profitability
Hospitality Upgrade | January 20, 2020
Seven practical ways to optimize the hotel workforce By Fran Worrall Labor costs are historically the largest costs for hotels, and in recent years they have far outpaced RevPAR gains, fueled by a number of factors, including low unemployment rates, higher mandated minimum wage requirements and soaring benefit costs. In November 2018, for example, the City of Oakland, Calif., approved an amendment increasing the hourly minimum wage for hotel employees from $13.23 to $15 with healthcare benefits or $20 without benefits. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hourly compensation levels for hospitality employees increased by an ...
Hotel Values Moderate, Cap Rates Stable
Suzanne Mellen | January 28, 2020
Supported by lower interest rates, transaction activity held up during a year of uncertainty. This article addresses recent trends in hotel sales and capitalization rates, the course of hotel values since the last downturn, and the outlook for 2020. By Suzanne Mellen Despite increasing concerns about a global economic slowdown, the trade war, and geopolitical risks, the U.S. hotel transaction market remained healthy and active in 2019. According to preliminary data generated by Real Capital Analytics (RCA), total sales volume declined by 15%, from $43.6 billion in 2018 to $37.1 billion in 2019, though as will be illustrated, the declin...
Stonebridge Companies in Partnership With Walton Street Capital Acquires Le Méridien New Orleans
Stonebridge Companies | January 8, 2020
Stonebridge Companies, a Denver-based, privately owned, innovative hotel owner, operator and developer, in partnership with an affiliate of Walton Street Capital, L.L.C., has acquired the 410-room Le Méridien New Orleans hotel. The acquisition is the group’s third in the New Orleans market and second in just over 12 months, having purchased the Embassy Suites by Hilton New Orleans in late 2018. Le Méridien is located in the heart of downtown at 333 Poydras Street and is just steps away from Harrah’s New Orleans Casino, the legendary French Quarter, Bourbon Street and the renowned Warehouse Arts District. The property also provides co...
5 Trends Making an Impact on the Hotel Industry
Karan Iyer | January 31, 2020
By Karan Iyer Technology and other trends are creating big ripples in the hospitality industry. When you know what is working and what is not, it allows you to serve your customers better. Let us look at 5 important trends in the hotel industry that will help you grow your hotel business. Technology Supporting Smoother Hotel Operations Managing a hotel is no longer chaotic or challenging, thanks to modern technology and software sophistication. Systems like property management software and revenue management system for hotels are increasingly being adopted. Such software helps in providing a hassle-free booking experience for ...
Batteries Included
Shep Hyken | January 22, 2020
By Shep Hyken “There are two kinds of people: Batteries Included and Batteries Not Included.” That quote comes from Dan Sullivan, founder and president of the Strategic Coach program. If you’ve been following my work, you’ll probably recognize his name. I’ve learned a lot over the years by attending his workshops and coaching sessions. He recently released a book that included many of his quotable words of wisdom. This one—about Batteries Included or Batteries Not Included—resonated with me. If it doesn’t already resonate with you, I bet it will in just a moment. I have what appears to be an endless amount of energy. ...
AWH Partners Acquire DoubleTree Nashville Downtown
January 17, 2020
NEW YORK – Jan. 17, 2020 – AWH Partners, LLC, a privately held real estate investment, development and management firm, announces today an investment into the DoubleTree by Hilton Nashville Downtown, a strategically planned investment in the alluring market. Conveniently located in the epicenter of Downtown Nashville, the newly renovated, 341-room hotel offers ideal access to Music City’s impressive list of corporate and leisure demand generators. Newmark Knight Frank (NKF) brokered the sale and financing of the acquisition for the purchaser, an affiliate of The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. (Inland), and Spire Hospitality...
Floating Luxury Hotels Coming to Qatar for FIFA World Cup 2022
ADMARES | January 21, 2020
Turku, Finland (January 21, 2020) --In preparations to host the 2022 World Cup, Qetaifan Projects, a Katara Hospitality owned company signed a memorandum of understanding with ADMARES; the world leader in alternative real estate with pioneering construction methods. Qetaifan Projects continues its series of local and international partnerships that would add to Qetaifan Island North and serve the tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors in Qatar. The Memorandum of Understanding includes the construction and operation of 16 floating hotels on the shores of Qetaifan Island North to provide accommodation for the masses within the fan vill...
Hotel Revenue 101: What Is ADR and How Does It Affect the Bottom Line
HotStats | January 6, 2020
Average daily rate (ADR) is one of the most popular revenue metrics in the hotel industry. A key contributor to revenue per available room (RevPAR), it allows hoteliers to zoom in on how much a room is selling for on average and, typically, RevPAR growth driven by ADR is more profitable than RevPAR growth driven by occupancy, since the latter increases the variable costs associated with servicing additional rooms. Driving rate, meanwhile, doesn’t have a cost attached to it, and, essentially, results in pure profit. However, hotel ADR absolutists beware: This key performance indicator (KPI) can be deceiving. Too much emphasis on ADR is li...
Soon-to-Open Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale Appoints Executive Team
Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale | January 15, 2020
Eyal Goldberger named General Manager and Katherine Beja-McLennan named Director of Sales and Marketing FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – January 2020: Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s bustling business district, Hyatt Centric Las Olas announces the appointment of General Manager Eyal Goldberger and Director of Sales and Marketing Katherine Beja-McLennan. The duo will oversee operations of the new-build, full-service, 238-room property, which will open its doors this spring as a premiere destination for business, group, and leisure travelers, looking to experience South Florida. An Israel native with roots in Miami, Goldb...
Legoland® New York Resort Appoints Stephanie Johnson as Divisional Director
Merlin Entertainments | January 14, 2020
GOSHEN, NY (January 14, 2020) – A marketing professional with more than 15 years of experience, Stephanie Johnson has been named Divisional Director for LEGOLAND® New York Resort, parent company Merlin Entertainments announced today. An Orange County native, Johnson is yet another addition to the Park’s growing list of locally sourced talent. In her new role, Johnson will direct, manage and create strategy for LEGOLAND New York Resort to meet and exceed attendance, revenue and profitability goals for the 150-acre theme park. “The theme park arena is a new frontier for me, but I’m no stranger to leading large-scale tourism destinat...
JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort Appoints Executive Team to Lead New Theme Park Area Hotel
JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort | January 29, 2020
Anaheim, CA (January 29, 2020) – Orange County’s highly anticipated luxury travel destination, the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort, announces the appointments of its executive team: Scott Kimmel as Director of Food and Beverage, and Amol Agarwal as Executive Chef. Each bringing unique expertise, the executive team leads the hotel through its grand opening in April 2020. The JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort, owned by a joint venture between Prospera Hotels, Inc. and O’Connell Hotel Group, is located at the Anaheim GardenWalk, just steps from the Disneyland Resort®, Anaheim Convention Center and all the other attractions of Anaheim including A...
Silverwest Hotels Plans Summer 2020 Opening of Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton
Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton | January 29, 2020
(ST. LOUIS; January 29, 2020) – Silverwest Hotels announces plans today for Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton, a new upscale hotel destination for creative and culturally-minded travelers and locals alike in downtown Clayton, Missouri, just outside of St. Louis. Located at the corner of Bonhomme Ave. and Bemiston Street (7730 Bonhomme Ave, St. Louis, MO 63105), the 268-room hotel will open this summer after a multi-million dollar, full-scale transformation. Silverwest Hotels acquired the property over 18 months ago, and the new Marriott brand mark showcases the extensive investment into restoring the property as a destination for St. Louis. ...
Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group Adds The StateView Hotel in Raleigh, NC to Management Portfolio
Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group, LLC | January 16, 2020
Cincinnati, OH — January 16, 2020 — Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group, LLC, brought in the new year with the addition of the StateView Hotel, Autograph Collection to its management portfolio. Owned by Eagle Realty Group a division of the Western & Southern Financial Group, the 164-room hotel is located on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University “We are very pleased to add the StateView Hotel and North Carolina to the southern presence of our hotel portfolio,” said Mike Conway, Chairman and Chief Portfolio Officer for Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group. “We look forward to working with the hotel team in...
Hotel Equities Appoints Leadership for REVERB by Hard Rock Opening in Atlanta June 2020
REVERB by Hard Rock | January 31, 2020
Atlanta, GA., January 31, 2020 — Today, Hotel Equities announced the hiring of Tyrone Tindell as the general manager of the Reverb by Hard Rock in downtown Atlanta. Tindell will lead the new hotel’s opening team alongside Terri Hunt, director of sales and marketing. Hard Rock International revealed REVERB by Hard Rock™, the brand’s entrance into the upscale select service hotel category in late 2018 and partnered with the hotel’s ownership group, Bolton Atlanta LP; hotel operator, Hotel Equities; and consultant and asset manager, Horwath HTL, to launch the inaugural flagship hotel in Atlanta. Tindell brings extensive e...
Hyatt Signs With KL MIDTOWN to Develop 450-Room Hyatt Regency in Kuala Lumpur
Hyatt Regency | January 13, 2020
CHICAGO (January 13, 2020) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with KL MIDTOWN Sdn. Bhd., a joint venture company by Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad (Hap Seng) and TTDI KL Metropolis Sdn. Bhd., to develop a new 450-room Hyatt Regency branded hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Set to be completed in 2024, the new hotel will mark the return of the Hyatt Regency brand to Kuala Lumpur. For leisure and business travelers visiting the Malaysian capital, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur will deliver energizing experiences and a stress-free environment that embodies the Hyatt Regency br...
Proper Hospitality Appoints Blake Danner as Chief Operating Officer
Proper Hospitality | January 14, 2020
LOS ANGELES, CA (January 14, 2020) Luxury lifestyle brand Proper Hospitality, that designs, brands and operates hotels and residences, has named industry veteran Blake Danner as the new Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Danner will oversee business strategy, organizational growth and development, and day-to-day operations within the Proper portfolio, which includes properties in San Francisco, Santa Monica, Austin, and later this year, Downtown Los Angeles. “Blake Danner is an exciting addition to the Proper family, bringing years of hospitality experience to our rapidly expanding luxury brand,” said Brian De Lowe, Co-Founder and Pr...
Serenade Caribbean Hotels Renames New Hotel to Serenade Punta Cana Beach, Spa & Casino Resort
Serenade Caribbean Hotels | January 13, 2020
PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic (Jan. 13, 2020) - Serenade Caribbean Hotels has announced the renaming of its flagship hotel to Serenade Punta Cana Beach, Spa & Casino Resort, which incorporates "casino" in the title. Casino, along with the existing "beach" and "spa," reflect the value-added amenities that will be available at the new five-star, 603-room, all-inclusive resort scheduled to open in June 2020 on Playa Cabeza de Toro in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. "In order to convey a complete vacation experience for guests, we have decided to update the name of our first resort to Serenade Punta Cana Beach, Spa & Casino Resort," s...
Balboa Bay Resort Appoints Marina Dutton as General Manager
Balboa Bay Resort | January 8, 2020
Prior to joining Balboa Bay Resort, Dutton served as General Manager of Costa Mesa Marriott Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach’s premier waterfront resort, is pleased to announce the appointment of Marina Dutton as its new General Manager. With over 22 years of hospitality experience, Dutton will now manage all operations, food and beverage, sales and marketing. Most importantly, Dutton will oversee all aspects of the guest experience at the Forbes Four-Star Resort. “We are delighted to welcome Marina to Balboa Bay Resort,” said Todd Pickup, co-owner of Balboa Bay Resort. “Marina’s knowledge of the local market and her extensive...
