The Winners and Losers in the Pandemic? It Came Down to This.
HotStats | December 20th, 2021
INTELITY Named Both Best Hotel Digital Key and Best In-Room Tablet Provider in 2021 by World Travel Tech Awards
INTELITY | December 16th, 2021
News Top: December
Raffles London at The OWO to Open in Late 2022
Raffles London at The OWO | December 13, 2021
London - December 13, 2021 - Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Hinduja Group are delighted to announce ‘Raffles London at The OWO’ opening from late 2022, a grand new hotel in the landmark Grade II* listed former Old War Office on Whitehall. The building will open to the public for the first time, having undergone a monumental transformation to create 120 rooms and suites, 85 unique branded residences and 11 destination restaurants and bars. Located at one of London’s most historically significant addresses, the UK’s first Raffles hotel will have an extensive wellness space featuring world leading spa and fitness partners and will be ...
2022 Top Hospitality Industry Trends
EHL Insights | December 7, 2021
What are the latest trends in the hospitality industry? It goes without saying that the pandemic and ensuing economic downturn greater than the 2008 recession and chaos caused by fluctuation in demand have had a significant impact on hospitality throughout 2020 and 2021 - no doubt with lingering effects. Some innovative responses to this extraordinary situation like 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, there has been a shift in society, partly ...
Top 7 Drink Trends in 2022
EHL Insights | December 23, 2021
After years marred by a global public health crisis, many of us are lapping up in-person social gatherings with friends, family and colleagues. Morning catch-ups over coffee, afterwork happy hour at the favorite waterhole or weekend drinks in town had mostly been replaced with coffees-to-go, virtual apéros, or alfresco drinking in winter like in summer. Consumers have become today their own baristas and bartenders, imbibing alone at home or at a distance outside. So how, and with what, will we quench our thirst? Here is EHL's selection of the top drink trends in 2022. In this pandemic-era, there is no doubt that the megatrends fo...
New Dual-Brand AC Hotel by Marriott and Element by Westin to Open in the Brickell Area of Miami
Robert Finvarb Companies | December 20, 2021
MIAMI, FL – December 20, 2021 – The Robert Finvarb Companies of Miami, Florida and Concord Hospitality of Raleigh, North Carolina today announced the opening of the uniquely designed, dual-branded 156-room AC Hotel by Marriott and 108-suite Element by Westin in the Brickell neighborhood of Miami. The properties will share an outdoor rooftop pool, a well-equipped fitness center, 4,683 square-feet of versatile event space and a rooftop bar & lounge - Rosa Sky, which is managed by The Restaurant People and offers a lite food menu and an elevated cocktail program. Rosa Sky is scheduled to debut in Q1 2022. Located at 115 SW 8th St...
Understanding PIP Requirements Can Make or Break a Hotel Investment
Lauren Cicero | December 10, 2021
By Lauren Cicero NORTHBROOK, IL - December 10, 2021 - Stay-in-place orders, travel restrictions, and cancellations intended to control the spread of COVID-19 caused a severe drop in hotel occupancy and revenue. Even the best marketing has not prevented the most enticing hotels from becoming victims of the pandemic. Famed names like the Renaissance Grand & Suites Hotel in St. Louis, the iconic Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, Washington, D.C.’s century-old Marriott Wardman Park, and The Blakely New York have all fallen into bankruptcy. More hotel bankruptcies may be on the horizon as lenders lose patience with defaulting property...
A Flurry of Hotel Tech Company Mergers and Acquisitions Marks the End of 2021
Fran Worrall | December 2, 2021
By Fran Worrall Since early 2020, the hospitality sector has witnessed a sea change. The worldwide disruption triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic forced almost every technology company in the industry to review their portfolios, reassess their strategies and redirect resources into areas with the greatest growth potential. Some businesses became targets for opportunistic deals, while others struggled to operate in ‘new normal’ mode. Yet for companies with solid balance sheets and a willingness to take calculated risks, the pandemic provided unprecedented opportunities for growth through mergers and acquisitions. Mergers enabled some ...
KSL Capital Partners Acquires Luxury Hotel Portfolio From Davenport Hotels in Spokane, WA
KSL Capital Partners | December 9, 2021
SPOKANE, WA - December 9, 2021 - KSL Capital Partners, LLC (KSL) announced today a definitive agreement under which an affiliate will acquire the privately held Davenport Hotels from Walt and Karen Worthy, who assembled the portfolio of the five top luxury, convention, business and leisure hotels in Spokane, WA over the past two decades. Terms of the off-market transaction will not be disclosed. The transaction is expected to close within the next 30 days. Upon completion of the sale, Davenport Hotels will continue to build on the legacy established by the Worthys, who plan to retire, and operate under the continued leadership of Lynnelle ...
IQware Inc Acquires Megasys Hospitality Solutions
IQware Inc | December 20, 2021
IQware strengthens its position in the Alternative Lodging Market and acquires Megasys Hospitality Solutions. Laval, Quebec, Canada. IQware Inc, a leader in the Independent Market of Hospitality Technology providers, has acquired Megasys Hospitality Solutions, a Hospitality Property Management Software company that provides a robust guest-centric application for managing Hospitality accommodation properties. The move to acquire Megasys Hospitality Solutions commenced in the summer of 2021 after IQware Inc. raised capital from its new co-owner and Director Mr. Doug Skrepnek. Mr. David Perkins – CEO and Partner says “Doug and I clearl...
BPH Group Acquires Radisson Suites Hotel Buena Park-Disneyland Area for $21.5M
Roberts Hospitality | December 1, 2021
Orange County, CA – December 1, 2021 – The 200-all suite hotel located at 7762 Beach Blvd in Buena Park has sold for $21,500,000 or $107,500 per room. The buyer was BPH Group LLC a newly formed private investment group experienced in operating and ownership in other Southern California hospitality assets. The buyer assumed an existing securitized loan in the approximate amount of $16,400,000. The seller was Golden Capital Ventures LLC who acquired the property in 2015. The hotel has been re-named the Buena Park Grand Hotel and Suites and will be managed by Aimbridge Hospitality. The property will undergo major renovations over ...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 258: Hotel History: The Willard Hotel, Washington, D.C.
Stanley Turkel | December 7, 2021
by Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Willard Hotel (394 rooms) The Willard InterContinental Washington, commonly known as the Willard Hotel, is a historic luxury Beaux-Arts hotel located at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in downtown Washington, D.C. Among its facilities are numerous luxurious guest rooms, several restaurants, the famed Round Robin Bar, the Peacock Alley series of luxury shops, and voluminous function rooms. Owned by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, it is two blocks east of the White House, and two blocks west of the Metro Center station of the Washington Metro. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department o...
Amadeus Releases New HotSOS Experience Assisting Hotels to Improve Operational Efficiency
Amadeus | December 2, 2021
Update to market leading software helps hotels to do more with less and alleviate the pressures of labor shortages December 2, 2021 - The hospitality industry has adapted at record speed during the COVID-19 crisis, adopting new cleaning protocols and processes as part of its response. Now as restrictions change and travel resumes in some areas, hotels continue to face challenges such as labor shortages, rising operational costs and changing guest expectations. In response to this, Amadeus has launched a new experience for its industry-leading service optimization solution, HotSOS. The new interface displays an overview of hotel performa...
US-Led Consortium Wins Bid for Redevelopment of Historic Mogamma El Tahrir Into ‘Cairohouse’, a Luxury Lifestyle Hotel and Mixed-Use Compl
Oxford Capital Group, LLC | December 22, 2021
CAIRO - December 22, 2021 - On December 6th, 2021, an international consortium of developers and investors including Oxford Capital Group, Global Ventures Group and Al Otaiba Investments were selected as the winning bid to develop and repurpose the historic Mogamma el Tahrir Complex on Tahrir Square as CairoHouse, a groundbreaking mixed-use development, which will be a catalyst for a reimagined Downtown Cairo and future investment in the Egyptian economy. Chicago-based RKF Global provided legal and strategic consulting on the opportunity. Representatives of Chicago-based Oxford Capital Group, Global Ventures Group, along with UAE-based Al...
Marriott International Signs With Cotton Bay Holdings to Debut the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Brand in Eleuthera
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC | December 7, 2021
Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with Cotton Bay Holdings to introduce a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. A highly personalized leisure experience that blends intuitive service with local design and stunning natural landscapes, the resort joins an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties around the world. “We are thrilled to bring the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand and service to this pristine island in the Great Bahama Bank” said Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer, Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International. “We are excit...
Adam Heffron Appointed General Manager of Conrad Los Angeles
Conrad Hotels & Resorts | December 15, 2021
LOS ANGELES, CA – December 14, 2021 – Adam Heffron has been named as the general manager of the new luxurious 305-room Conrad Los Angeles, scheduled to open in spring 2022 as Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in California and part of The Grand LA, Los Angeles’ newest dynamic destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. A hospitality veteran with over 20 years of experience, Heffron joins Conrad Los Angeles from the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Park City in Utah, where he served as general manager since 2019. In his new position at the design-forward Conrad Los Angeles, Heffron plays a pivotal role in redefining t...
The Lasalle Hotel Appoints Leadership Team Ahead of Spring 2022 in Chicago
THE LASALLE HOTEL | December 10, 2021
CHICAGO, IL — December 10, 2021 — The LaSalle Hotel—the newest Marriott Autograph Collection hotel opening in spring of 2022 in Chicago—is proud to announce its leadership team, led by General Manager Stefan Gruvberger and Director of Sales and Marketing Shannon Moore. Gruvberger has more than 25 years of experience working with luxury hotel properties including Chicago’s Drake and Palmer House Hilton hotels. He started his hospitality career working at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City—a serendipitous start that he shares with the historic LaSalle Hotel’s Manager, George H. Gastly. Most recently, Gruvberger served as the R...
Historic Partridge Inn Appoints Holly White as New General Manager
The Partridge Inn | December 20, 2021
AUGUSTA, GA – December 20, 2021 – Atlanta-based NorthPointe Hospitality Management Company, the management company for The Partridge Inn, has appointed Holly White to serve as the historic property’s new general manager. Ms. White is responsible for managing all operational aspects of the hotel including sales & marketing, revenue management, profit and loss, maintenance, food and beverage, loss prevention and personnel management. White has spent the past eight years in progressive managerial positions with NorthPointe Hospitality, including area director of sales where she oversaw the sales and marketing initiatives of The Par...
Makeready Appoints Carly Skinner as General Manager at Emeline
Emeline | December 10, 2021
CHARLESTON, SC – December 10, 2021 – Makeready, a hotel, restaurant and retail operator and management company, announced today that Carly Skinner has been named general manager at Emeline. Skinner joins the group after serving as general manager at Hotel June (Proper Hospitality) located in Los Angeles. “Carly’s keen focus on the luxury guest experience, operational excellence and value enhancement in hotels in major markets makes her the perfect fit to lead our award-winning team at Emeline,” says Gary Thomas, Senior VP of Hotel Operations. “We look forward to the continued growth of Emeline, under the helm of her va...
Hyatt Signs With Al Mirqab Tourist Company LLC to Debut Andaz Brand in Qatar
Andaz | December 14, 2021
CHICAGO, IL – December 14, 2021 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Al Mirqab Tourist Company LLC to debut the Andaz brand in Qatar. The 318-guestroom Andaz Doha is expected to open in fall 2022, at the same time football fans around the world will turn their eyes to Qatar. The hotel will mark the fourth Hyatt hotel in the country. The Andaz brand of luxury lifestyle hotels offer distinctively local experiences that stimulate the senses. Andaz means “personal style” in Hindi, and Andaz hotels celebrate the individuality of every guest and speaks to ...
Aries Living Acquires Berkshires Historical Property, The Apple Tree Inn, for $2.7M
The Apple Tree Inn | December 14, 2021
LENOX, MA – December 14, 2021 – Aries Living hospitality group today announced that it has acquired The Apple Tree Inn, a historical a 34-room bed-and-breakfast located in the heart of the Berkshires for a purchase price of $2.7 million, or approximately $79,411 per key. The historical 22-acre estate was originally built in 1885 and operated as an inn. Aries Living funded the acquisition with existing cash on its balance sheet. “We are pleased to expand our footprint into the northeast region by acquiring this historical asset in the heart of the Berkshires set with culture, music and the magic of the mountains,” commented Max Khag...
Riu Paraiso Lanzarote in the Canary Islands Unveils Renovation
RIU | December 23, 2021
RIU Hotels & Resorts is presenting the total refurbishment of the hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote, a family favourite on this island. With this refurbishment completed, all of RIU’s hotels in the Canary Islands are now open for the winter high season. The hotel, located on the promenade at Playa de los Pocillos, has a totally fresh look with more comfortable and modern spaces, and the facilities have been redecorated throughout. The hotel has become a firm favourite for families thanks to its courteous staff and 24-hour all-inclusive service. Guests will now be able to enjoy open, bright spaces that are at one with nature thanks to the...
Hyatt Place New York Chelsea Celebrates Opening
Hyatt Place | December 13, 2021
NEW YORK CITY, NY – December 13, 2021 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today the opening of Hyatt Place New York Chelsea. Hyatt Place New York Chelsea today celebrated the 510-room hotel’s opening. The new 510-room, 45 story hotel offers business and leisure travelers contemporary rooms equipped with modern technology, blush bedding, dedicated work and seating areas and some of the best, unobstructed views of the Empire State Building and One World Trade. Guests are invited to experience a thriving atmosphere, and practical amenities throughout their stay, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, pet-friendly rooms, business center, f...
How to Get Revenue Management Right for 2022
Ahmed Mahmoud | December 16, 2021
By Ahmed Mahmoud As vaccination programs continue to find success against Covid-19, lockdown policies are easing, and hotels are reopening. Tentative steps are being made toward the resumption of international travel – there is now significant domestic leisure travel taking place in a number of countries. With consumers starting to make travel plans, hoteliers should begin preparing their strategy for reopening and a wider recovery. Like most hotel departments, revenue management changed dramatically in light of the last two years’ unprecedented challenges. Established processes were flipped upside down as demand dried up and histor...
OTO Development Acquires Dunes Manor Hotel, Court & Suites in Ocean City, Maryland
OTO Development | December 10, 2021
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA – December 10, 2021 – OTO Development has acquired Dunes Manor Hotel, Court & Suites in Ocean City, Maryland. The deal adds a long-popular resort complex to the hotelier’s growing beachfront portfolio. Headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, OTO Development is part of The Johnson Group. The company develops, owns and operates select-service hotels across the country. “Ocean City bills itself as the East Coast’s favorite vacation destination,” says Corry Oakes, CEO of OTO Development. “More than 8 million people visit every year – and we are delighted to be here now, too.” ...
Conrad Nashville Appoints Leadership Team Ahead of May 2022 Opening
CONRAD NASHVILLE | December 20, 2021
NASHVILLE, TN – December 20, 2021 – Opening May 2022 in the heart of downtown Nashville, Conrad Nashville has appointed Martin Wormull as General Manager and John Stack as Director of Sales & Marketing. An exciting addition to the city’s newest mixed-use development, Broadwest, Conrad Nashville is comprised of 234 contemporary guest rooms and over 11,000 square-feet of sophisticated meetings and event space. Conrad Nashville will offer an exciting mix of food and beverage concepts, reflecting the energy and creativity of contemporary Nashville. A modern American restaurant with an open kitchen, a lobby bar and lounge, third-floo...
Park Lane New York Opens on NYC’s Prestigious Billionaires’ Row Following Transformation
Highgate | December 2, 2021
NEW YORK, NY – December 2, 2021 – Rising 47 stories into the New York skyline and situated steps away from Central Park, Park Lane New York has been transformed into a unique and inclusive retreat – a bold departure from its neighbors. Entrusted with reawakening the spirit of the iconic hotel, global design agency Yabu Pushelberg embarked on a total redesign of the building, reinvigorating the interiors to create an entirely new space for guests to enjoy – while mindfully restoring the existing architectural details of the historic building, a unique example of legendary Emery Roth & Sons’ trademark post-war style. Drawi...
