Iconic St. James Hotel Reopens in Selma, Alabama Following Renovation and Expansion
Woodforest CEI-Boulos Opportunity Fund | January 26th, 2021
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 243: Hotel History: Hotel Roanoke, Virginia
Stanley Turkel | January 26th, 2021
News Top: January
5 Steps to Building a Successful Hotel Marketing Plan in 2021
Amadeus | January 18, 2021
As hoteliers hope to rebound from the lingering effects of COVID-19, they are presented with the challenges of repositioning, retargeting, and reviving their respective brands to meet the needs of emerging demand in 2021. To capture the most opportunity moving forward, hoteliers will have to look to multi-channel marketing strategies to drive bookings and optimize their property’s ability to return stronger this year. Here are 5 key steps to consider: 1. Take a Data-Driven Approach to Evaluate Market Conditions As each region recovers at its own pace, hotels are now required to have a more in-depth understanding of their feeder markets...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 242: Hotel History: Fisher Island, Miami, Florida
Stanley Turkel | January 5, 2021
by Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Fisher Island, Miami, Florida Fisher Island is in Miami-Dade County, Florida, located on a barrier island of the same name. As of 2015, Fisher Island had the highest per capita income of any place in the United States. The CDP had only 218 households and a total population of 467. Named for automotive parts pioneer and beach real estate developer Carl G. Fisher, who once owned it, Fisher Island is three miles offshore of mainland South Florida. No road or causeway connects to the island, which is accessible by private boat, helicopter, or ferry. Once a one-family island home of the Vanderbilts,...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 243: Hotel History: Hotel Roanoke, Virginia
Stanley Turkel | January 26, 2021
by Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke, Va (332 rooms) Roanoke was a little town named Big Lick when enterprising railroad magnate Frederick J. Kimball chose it as the site of a major railroad juncture. After Kimball combined two of his railroads into the Norfolk and Western Railroad, he built a comprehensive community with the Hotel Roanoke as its grand centerpiece. Built in a wheat field on a little hill, the Hotel Roanoke began as a rambling wooden structure of less than three dozen rooms. As the city grew, the railroad consistently provided resources for hotel additions, remodeling and furnishings to maint...
Consumer Behavior Changes During the Pandemic: What Should Businesses Know?
Hassan Al Sayegh | January 22, 2021
By Hassan Al Sayegh It has been one year since the first COVID-19 case was reported to the World Health Organization in December 2019. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic in March 2020. Multiple countries during the pandemic have initiated nationwide lockdowns and restrictions (WHO, 2020). The pandemic has led to global economic disruptions described by the IMF as the worst since the Great Depression (Jones et al., 2020). COVID-19 is having a lasting impact on consumer needs and preferences (Samuel, 2020). It is being declared as “the new normal” (Charm et al., 2020). Interestingly, consumers are adjusting to this n...
How to Get Revenue Management Right for 2021
Ahmed Mahmoud | January 14, 2021
By Ahmed Mahmoud Here we are again with our yearly opinion article about how to get revenue management right for 2021. The last few months with the COVID-19 crisis made a clean sweep of the past decades of hotel revenue strategies. As of today, almost all of the experience acquired during these years has become nothing more than castles in the air. While it can be frustrating to dismiss such hard-earned and valuable insights, it can also be invigorating to start anew. By elaborating the right strategy, you can reopen your hotel on the rock-solid ground and differentiate yourself from the competition. While doing so, it is paramount to stay...
An Introduction to Service Design
EHL Insights | January 12, 2021
Although service-oriented organizations now comprise 80 percent of the economy in developed countries, a surprising number of organizations in this field struggle to differentiate themselves from their competition. This can leave brands scrambling as they watch their customers select other hospitality options. Securing repeat customers, word-of-mouth recommendations and building a positive brand reputation all become significantly harder for brands that do not know how to use a service-design model. If these types of struggles sound familiar, then learning about the service-design strategies and how to incorporate them into a particular c...
2021 Top Hospitality Industry Trends
EHL Insights | January 7, 2021
What are the latest trends in the hospitality industry? Well, it goes without saying that the coronavirus outbreak and ensuing safety measures have had a significant impact on hospitality throughout 2020 and will no doubt spill over into 2021 and beyond. Some responses to this extraordinary situation, attempting to entice patrons back into food and beverage outlets and assure holidaygoers that it is indeed safe to enjoy a hotel stay, have accelerated existing hospitality industry trends and triggered lasting change. Meanwhile, evolution at the societal level - consequence in part of shifted values in the aftermath of the pandemic’s...
Top 5 Essential Hotel Management Tips for the Perfect Guest Experience
Patrick Landman | January 18, 2021
By Patrick Landman It is now more important than ever to make every guest’s stay be as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible for your hotel. It is simply too great a risk to lose revenues as a result of bad reviews, having to issue refunds, or through other issues that generate guest complaints. In this article, we reflect on where such issues may arise, how to measure, and how to take fast, effective action allowing you to manage your hotel in the best way possible. In this article: Personalize your hotel experience: the guest is king Break the barriers and silo mentality Rethink your value-adds What hotel guests re...
2021 Design Trends for Commercial Buildings Shaped by COVID-19
Cicero Construction Group | January 4, 2021
PLAINFIELD, IL, JANUARY 4, 2021 -- Predicting design trends for the commercial building industry can be difficult in the most reliable of times, but following 2020, a year of widespread uncertainty, planning ahead has become more complicated than ever before. Despite this uncertainty, Cicero Construction Group has gathered trend insights to assist building owners in their renovation planning for 2021 and beyond. While the word “trend” may imply short-lived, many of these new ideas being driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as touchless tech, in-room fitness and enhanced HVAC systems, are likely here to stay. PHYSICAL DISTANCING: ...
Former Kimpton Hotel Allegro Rebrands as The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation | January 22, 2021
CHICAGO (January 22, 2020) - The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel is proud to join the Sonesta International Hotels Corporation U.S. portfolio, becoming the third Chicago property and expanding the brand’s national footprint in key tourism regions. The announcement comes as a result of major branding and management changes from Service Properties Trust (SVC), which includes the transfer of 102 InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) properties to Sonesta. The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel is located in the renowned Loop cultural district, the Chicago hotel boasts enchanting public spaces that transport you back in time, and 483 stunning guest rooms...
How Hotels Are Getting Back to the Business of Meetings
Fran Worrall | January 26, 2021
Although in-person events may look different, the outlook is optimistic By Fran Worrall With the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine, can the return of meetings and conferences be far behind? Although the pandemic has no doubt changed the way events will be held—at least for the foreseeable future—most hoteliers and industry experts are feeling optimistic. In fact, many properties and meeting planners are already glimpsing signs of life after COVID. “We’re seeing an increase in inquiries, especially in the second half of 2021,” said Blair McSheffrey, vice-president of global & hotel sales at Sonesta, who attributes the uptick...
Aqua-Aston Hospitality Appoints Dieter Schmitz as General Manager for ADERO Scottsdale
ADERO Scottsdale | January 13, 2021
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 13, 2021 – ADERO Scottsdale, an Autograph Collection hotel, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dieter Schmitz to the role of General Manager for the region’s only Dark Sky Zone resort. The 177-room property, managed by Aqua-Aston Hospitality, opened in October 2020. The resort features elevated Sonoran Desert views of Arizona’s famed Four Peaks and McDowell Mountain Range and aspires to be guests’ gateway to the outdoors. Spread out over 17 wide-open acres, ADERO Scottsdale is a basecamp for adventure enthusiasts with convenient access to 55,000 acres of desert terrain, desert-inspired treatments at...
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Craig Jacobs | January 13, 2021
By Craig Jacobs OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT As we recover from the ravages of the Pandemic and the hospitality industry re- emerges from its devastation, the good news is that there is unprecedented opportunity for improvement. Much of the upcoming change is directly related to the virus and is well underway; improved cleanliness standards, solutions to minimize germ spreading, and the re-invention of hotel dining among them. One school of thought is that business will naturally return to 2019 levels eventually. While that may be true, now is not the time for passivity. This crisis has been shocking and painful, and while it has brought...
Dart Interests Redeveloping and Rebranding Villas at Grand Cypress to Evermore Orlando Resort
Dart Interests | January 20, 2021
ORLANDO, Fla. - Dart Interests, a leading developer and owner of groundbreaking, large-scale real estate projects, today announced the launch of their latest project, Evermore Orlando Resort, a comprehensive redevelopment of the former #1 Tripadvisor rated Villas at Grand Cypress. The 1,100-acre resort complex bordering Walt Disney World® brings a new approach to the traditional vacation home rental experience and debuts the latest addition to the Conrad Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) contemporary luxury hotel brand. “With the launch of the Evermore project, Dart is introducing an entirely new hospitality cat...
Margaritaville Hotel Opens Its Doors on Jacksonville Beach
MARGARITAVILLE | January 27, 2021
Jacksonville Beach, FL. (January 27, 2021) - Global lifestyle and hospitality brand Margaritaville and Elite Hospitality debut Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach, an oceanfront hotel located a few blocks north of the Jacksonville Beach Pier. The property is the first Margaritaville destination to open in 2021. The brand-new hotel features 202 rooms with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean or hotel grounds from private terraces and patios; three Margaritaville-inspired dining options with ocean view outdoor seating; a 1,050 square foot retail store; and a 1,700 square foot meeting room. Designed by McBride Design to embody ...
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company Arranges $30,500,000 of First Mortgage Financing for Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida Keys, Florida
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company | January 12, 2021
Beverly Hills, California – – Sonnenblick-Eichner Company announced today that it has arranged $30,500,000 of interim first mortgage financing for Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, an iconic 30-suite, full service, luxury resort located in Little Torch Key, Florida. The loan refinanced a recently matured fixed rate loan and closed within 30 days of application. Mast Capital and RWN Management provided the financing. The Resort is located on an exclusive 4.12-acre private island in the world famous Florida Keys. Accessibility to the Resort is by private boat from Little Torch Key, located approximately 3 miles to the north. Am...
Inherit Hotel Group Opens the Colton House Hotel in Austin, Texas
Inherit Hotel Group | January 6, 2021
Austin, Texas (January 6, 2021) – Today, Colton House Hotel, an 80-suite luxury property opens its doors on Austin’s hip South Congress Avenue. Drawing inspiration from its distinctive surroundings, the property showcases the captivating spirit of the Lone Star State and pays due respect to Texas’s rich history through locally handpicked art and design features. Pioneering the suite-based hotel concept at The Guesthouse Hotel in Chicago, Inherit Hotel Group brings the same approach to Colton House Hotel, combining residential luxuries with upscale boutique hotel amenities and staff that invites guests to “wander home” in a modern...
Janko Hospitality Plans April 2021 Opening of The Forester, A Hyatt Place Hotel, in Lake Forest, Illinois
Janko Hospitality | January 4, 2021
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (January 2021) – Janko Hospitality announced today that The Forester Hotel, a contemporary, chic new hotel located at 200 N. Field Dr. in Conway Business Park, is set to open in April 2021. The first hotel to open in the community since 1929, The Forester Hotel concept is inspired by the city of Lake Forest’s motto “Naturae et Scientiae Amor” which translates to “Love of Science and Nature.” The Forester Hotel will be at a crossroads safeguarding all the comforts of Hyatt, while at the same time blazing new trails with boutique offerings including an upscale bistro + bar and over 4,500 square feet of flexib...
Noble Investment Group Announces Senior Management Appointments
Noble | January 5, 2021
Atlanta, Georgia (January 5, 2021) – Today, Noble Investment Group ("Noble") announced senior management appointments as the firm enters its twenty-eighth year as a leading real estate investment manager. Ben Brunt has been named Chief Investment Officer, Jim Conley has been named Chief Compliance Officer, and George Dabney has joined the firm as Chief Financial Officer. Together with longstanding Noble principals, Adi Bhoopathy, Executive Vice President of Capital Markets, Kevin Grass, Executive Vice President of Development, and Steven Nicholas, Executive Vice President of Asset Management, they have each been named to Noble's Management ...
Mövenpick Debuts in Australia With Opening of Mövenpick Hotel Hobart
Mövenpick | January 21, 2021
Australia, 21 January 2021– Accor has opened the doors to Australia’s first Mövenpick hotel, Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, which stands on one of Hobart’s principal heritage streetscapes near the Hobart waterfront. Welcoming its first guests today, the 221-room warm and contemporary hotel promises to delight guests with Tasmanian nature design-inspired boutique interiors, fine food and wine experiences at Tesoro Modern Italian restaurant, a daily Chocolate Hour, and an assortment of other Mövenpick brand signature offerings. Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath, said: “Mövenpick Hotel Hobart transcends the traditional hotel experience by ...
The Role of Technology in Cleaning and Sanitizing in the Era of the New Normal
Nutthaphat Poolworaluk | January 14, 2021
By Nutthaphat Poolworaluk The need to be reassured that your night’s stay is cleaner than ever has never been this critical before in the hospitality industry. With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, heightened measures for cleaning and sanitization need to be imposed, as the safety of both the guests and staff remains paramount in this so-called ‘new normal.’ Hoteliers must ensure that cleaning nowadays is not just for the appearance of the property, but also for the health and safety of the guests and the wider community alike. However, during this difficult time when human contact should be minimized, and cleaning and ...
Can Hotels Claim Business Interruption Insurance Due to a Pandemic?
HotStats | January 7, 2021
Does a pandemic qualify for business interruption insurance? It’s a question hoteliers shouldn’t be asking themselves, but rather, their insurance company. COVID-19 was swift and pernicious, bringing the hospitality industry to its knees. As hotels find their footing, filing a business interruption claim with their insurer is of the essence, regardless of the ambiguity over whether a pandemic qualifies a business for such relief. Insurers, unsurprisingly, have denied the vast majority of these claims, which have in turn triggered scores of lawsuits asking courts to make insurers honor their contracts. Insurance companies contend t...
Wyndham Partners With The Thrash Group to Add Seven Hotels Managed by Charlestowne Hotels
the Thrash Group | January 26, 2021
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 26, 2021 -- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across 90 countries, today announced plans for further growth with seven new hotel franchise agreements for its namesake, upscale, Wyndham® brand in the U.S. The hotels are owned by national hotel development company, The Thrash Group, and managed by Charlestowne Hotels. The properties include The Thrash Group's Origin Hotel Collection, consisting of five lifestyle hotels as well as one historic hotel and a brand new construction hotel all of which will operate under the Wyndham umbrella. "We a...
Q&A: 5 Leading PMS Vendors & ROOMDEX: The New PMS – Enabling Integration
ROOMDEX | January 19, 2021
By Jos Schaap, CEO and Co-Founder ROOMDEX Historically, integration of hotel systems has been challenging, and even today it is still mostly a pain. However, PMS company attitudes are evolving not just in regard to the subject of integration but also in terms of the entire hotel technology ecosystem. As part of the ROOMDEX Webinar Series, our latest discussion brought together 5 leading hotel PMS company executives to talk about this evolution. Experts from apaelo, Mews, Oracle, Protel and StayNTouch joined the panel to give their take on the hotel PMS, the evolution of 3rd party integration strategies and the direction they believe th...
Iconic St. James Hotel Reopens in Selma, Alabama Following Renovation and Expansion
Woodforest CEI-Boulos Opportunity Fund | January 26, 2021
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Jan. 26, 2021 -- The Woodforest CEI-Boulos Opportunity Fund, a high-impact commercial real estate Opportunity Zone fund established by Woodforest National Bank® and CEI-Boulos Capital Management, announced its $2 million equity investment in the redevelopment of the historic, long-shuttered St. James Hotel in Selma, Alabama. The St. James Hotel, the only hotel in downtown Selma, will support the city's growing civil rights tourism industry and help revitalize the local economy, creating 45 permanent jobs with training, health insurance and other benefits (42 of these jobs will be accessible to people with low incom...
