Ground Zero and Your Brand’s Image
Travel Outlook | March 25th, 2021
News Top: March
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 246: Hotel History: Hotel McAlpin, New York, N.Y. (1912)
Stanley Turkel | March 30, 2021
by Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Hotel McAlpin (1,500 rooms) The Hotel McAlpin was constructed in 1912 by General Edwin A. McAlpin, son of David Hunter McAlpin. As well as being the world’s largest hotel, it was also one of the most luxurious. The amenities were as breathtaking as they were opulent including a massive Turkish bath and plunge pool on the 24th floor. The hotel also had its own in-house orchestra, as well as its own fully-equipped hospital. When construction of the Hotel McAlpin neared completion by the end of 1912 as the largest hotel in the world, The New York Times commented that it was so tall at twenty-five...
Highline Hospitality Partners Inks Third Deal With Acquisition of Pearl South Padre Resort
Highline Hospitality Partners | March 24, 2021
Transitioning to a Margaritaville resort after renovations, the new ownership tapped Aimbridge Hospitality to manage the property, set to open in 2022. NEW YORK – March 24, 2021 – Highline Hospitality Partners (HHP), the hospitality investment platform launched by Highline Real Estate Partners (HREP), has added their third property with the acquisition of Pearl South Padre Resort in Texas and tapped Aimbridge Hospitality, the leading, global, third-party hotel management company, to manage the property. They are preparing to convert the destination to a Margaritaville resort, the global lifestyle brand synonymous with fun and escapism,...
New Sapphire Bay Resort, a Destination Hotel, Will Anchor New $1 Billion Mixed-Use Community in Rowlett, Texas
Sapphire Bay | March 3, 2021
ROWLETT, Texas -- March 3, 2021 -- Sapphire Bay, the new $1 billion master-planned mixed-use development project on the shore of Lake Ray Hubbard with a multiphase opening beginning in 2022, announced today that Hyatt will operate the new Sapphire Bay Resort & Conference Center on behalf of a public-private partnership with the City of Rowlett. Set to be located on the Sapphire Bay Peninsula and expected to open in fall 2023, the resort will join Hyatt’s Destination Hotels brand and showcase more than 500 guestrooms, suites and villas each with waterfront views overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard and the seven-acre man-made Sapphire Bay Lagoon...
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples to Undergo Transformation and Expansion
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples | March 16, 2021
NAPLES, FLORIDA – March 16, 2021 – The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is set to embark on a journey of transformation as the luxury beachfront destination announces a resort remastering, inclusive of a substantial expansion as well as a redesign of interiors beginning May 2021. An icon on Florida’s Gulf Coast for over 35 years, the hotel will reveal 92 new luxury suite accommodations including 57 additional suites and a sprawling Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge as well as dramatic enhancements to the lobby, meeting and event spaces, pools and all existing guest rooms and suites. This next chapter in The Ritz-Carlton, Naples’ storied history is exempla...
Sustainable Travel Statistics: 6 Facts to Open Your Mind
EHL Insights | March 2, 2021
What do industry professionals need to know about the 'new norm' in tourism? In this article we take a deeper look at 6 sustainable travel statistics. While COVID has upended the $8 trillion global travel industry, the pandemic has also paved the way for tourism and hospitality professionals to reflect, rethink and reshape the sector, making it better - and ultimately more sustainable - for people and places around the world. As UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: Sustainability must no longer be a niche part of tourism but the new norm for every part of our sector. That means an opportunity to build back better and create ...
JC Hospitality Opens Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton
Virgin Hotels | March 29, 2021
LAS VEGAS – March 29, 2021 – Hilton announces the opening of the reimagined and reconceptualized Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton. Owned by JC Hospitality LLC, the highly anticipated hotel is the latest addition to the Curio Collection by Hilton brand and Hilton’s expanding portfolio in the Las Vegas market. Located just off the Las Vegas Strip, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton offers guests and locals alike a distinctly authentic and one-of-a-kind Vegas experience within a resort oasis with over 1,500 chambers and suites, an exclusive spa, 12 exciting food and beverage outlets, vibrant d...
NewcrestImage Acquires Magnolia Hotel in Downtown Dallas From Stout Street Hospitality
NewcrestImage | March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021 - The Magnolia Hotel in downtown Dallas begins the latest chapter in its long and rich history when Dallas-based NewcrestImage acquires the 325-room, 29-floor property today from Denver-based Stout Street Hospitality. It’s the first investment by NewcrestImage’s new $100 million real estate fund, which has raised more than $25 million since being announced on January 4th of this year. The hotel is one the most recognized buildings in downtown Dallas, opening in 1922 as the headquarters offices for Magnolia Petroleum. It was the city’s first skyscraper and the first high-rise in the United States to hav...
U.S. Weekly Hotel Occupancy Reached Highest Level in a Year
STR | March 18, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—U.S. weekly hotel occupancy reached its highest level in a year, according to STR‘s latest data through 13 March. 7-13 March 2021 (percentage change from comparable week in 2020): Occupancy: 52.1% (-1.4%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$102.62 (-14.5%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$53.45 (-15.8%) Year-over-year percentage changes are now more favorable as comparisons have shifted to pandemic-affected weeks from 2020. When indexed against 2019 levels, the U.S. has recaptured between 70-75% of occupancy in recent weeks. Florida, lifted by Spring Break and Bike Week, was most represented ...
Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort Now Open on the South Carolina Coast
SWEETGRASS INN AT WILD DUNES RESORT | March 29, 2021
CHICAGO – March 29, 2021 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today is pleased to announce the opening of Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes, a newly built signature hotel located on four acres of the coastal Resort. Inspired by the sweetgrass that is indigenous to the South Carolina coast, Sweetgrass Inn is nestled among the dunes of Charleston’s barrier island, Isle of Palms. Offering distinct, modern and beachy accommodations with elevated amenities for travelers beckoned by the Lowcountry, Sweetgrass Inn offers an inviting, lively retreat ideal for couples, families and groups. Sweetgrass Inn features 153 guest rooms and suites, a p...
James Bermingham Appointed CEO of Virgin Hotels
Virgin Hotels | March 1, 2021
MIAMI - March 1, 2021 - Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announces James Bermingham's appointment as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Bermingham joins the Virgin Hotels executive team following nearly two decades with Montage International. He will be responsible for delivering the company's exciting global growth pipeline, multi-award-winning customer experience, and unique culture. "We are thrilled to welcome James into the Virgin Hotels family," says Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group. "For over a decade, we have been devoted to providing entertaining and ...
Dovetail + Co Acquires Hawaii Hotel to Become Wayfinder Waikiki
Dovetail + Co | March 24, 2021
Dovetail + Co Enters the Hawaii Market With the Acquisition and Planned Redevelopment of Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel in Honolulu As Its Second Wayfinder Hotel New York, NY and Honolulu, HI — March 24, 2021 — Hotel owner, developer, and operator Dovetail + Co moves into Hawaii with the acquisition of Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii. Located along the Ala Wai Canal within close walking distance to Waikiki Beach, the hotel will be rebranded as the Wayfinder Waikiki following a renovation of the property's 228 rooms, 70-foot saltwater lagoon pool, and multiple bar and restaurant spaces. Dovetail + Co’s Wayfinder Hotel brand is co...
Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia Appoints New Executive Chef Mako
Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia Hotel | March 31, 2021
Los Angeles, Calif. — March 31, 2021 — The much-anticipated Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia Hotel, the new hotel that will bring Le Méridien’s distinctive European heritage to the Southern California destination on May 26, 2021, announces the appointment of Executive Chef Mako (Makoto Tanaka) to helm the opening of Mélange, the swanky new on-site eatery that will feature delectable Asian-European inspired cuisine. The seasoned chef boasts an impressive career, complete with catering to some of Hollywood’s A-list celebrities and entertainment industry executives after working at Spago by Wolfgang Puck and later opening his own res...
Vaccine Tourism: Should the Hospitality Industry Acknowledge this Trend?
Hassan Al Sayegh | March 18, 2021
By Hassan Al Sayegh The world is shifting into a recovery stage from the pandemic that has resulted in a loss of millions of lives and impacted many businesses. The emergence of several vaccines around the world is a critical tool to battle against COVID-19 [1]. Currently, eight COVID-19 vaccines are finalized or in-progress according to the World Health Organization, including Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca-Oxford and Sinopharm, which are being administered to the people of certain countries [2]. However, there are specific protocols to follow concerning eligibility to receive the vaccine. There are priority groups such as senior citizen...
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa Completes Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa | March 23, 2021
LAHAINA, Hawaii – March 23, 2021 – Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, the first destination resort in the world, is excited to announce the resort has just finished a multimillion-dollar renovation to its 810 guestrooms including 31 suites and its lobby. Guests will enjoy an entirely new guestroom experience inspired by the rich heritage and authentic spirit of the famed Ka’anapali Beach. The renovation, led by Wimberly Interiors, embraces natural surroundings with new and modern design. The rooms feature private lanais with glass balconies beautifully showcasing views of the Pacific Ocean, the West Maui Mountains, scenic golf course...
Hotel Indigo Miami Brickell Opens in South Florida
IHG HOTELS & RESORTS | March 10, 2021
Boutique lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo draws upon the beauty of contrasts in Miami in the city’s Brickell district with its fifth opening this year. Today sees the much-awaited opening of the latest addition to IHG Hotels & Resorts’ growing Luxury & Lifestyle collection, as the team at Hotel Indigo Miami Brickell safely welcomes their first guests with a uniquely local experience. Situated south of the Miami River on SW 11th Street in Mary Brickell Village – part of the city’s financial district which has seen significant investment and development in recent years – the hotel tells stories of its neighborhood, whe...
Porter, a New Contact-Free Food Ordering Technology, Launches in 10 U.S. Hotels
Porter | March 4, 2021
Company Aims to Disrupt Traditional Hospitality Model with Room Service via Smartphone LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2021 – A web-based technology called Porter is powering up a new digital era of food service at hotels, starting in Los Angeles but with its sights set on growth across the United States. Porter, an award-winning business transformation platform that fundamentally changes hospitality, is now operational at the H Hotel Los Angeles from the Curio Collection by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton LAX and the Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles LAX/Century Boulevard. Together with seven limited-service hotels near the company’s head...
Hilton Appoints Sharilyn Toko as General Manager to Lead Iconic Caribe Hilton
Hilton | March 23, 2021
MCLEAN, Va. – March 23, 2021 – Hilton announces the appointment of Sharilyn Toko as general manager of the 652-room Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the company’s first hotel to open outside of the continental U.S. in 1949 and birthplace of the piña colada. With more than three decades of hospitality experience, Toko joins the Caribe Hilton team following a year of holding a dual role as general manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel & Casino and The Condado Plaza Hilton, where she took the helm in 2016 to reenergize the team and elevate the guest experience. An award-winning general manager, Toko is a Hilto...
GHM Plans The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort, Doha, Qatar
TRIPLE A | March 8, 2021
SINGAPORE — March 8, 2021 — GHM has announced plans to open a new luxury resort, composed of 59 rooms and suites as well as 32 chalets and villas at Katara Cultural Village in Qatar’s capital city, Doha. Developed by the Qatari real estate consortium, Triple A in partnership with Katara Cultural Village, The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort, Doha, Qatar shall occupy a beachfront setting within the landmark 100-hectare (247 acre) Katara Cultural Village district that includes theatres, concert halls, exhibition galleries, mosques, restaurants, shops, a park and an open amphitheatre. The area is a magnet for well-heeled travellers and Qa...
JLL: Hotel Investment Outlook 2021
JLL | March 1, 2021
This report shares anticipated investor trends accelerated since the onset of the pandemic Uncertainty and cautiousness plagued hotel investor interest in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the global lodging industry is eager to move forward. According to JLL Hotels & Hospitality’s annual Hotel Investment Outlook, the industry’s resilience has shaped new experiences and demand from consumers. It has also introduced a wave of trends that have been accelerated as hotel leaders quickly shifted operations and strategy to navigate through one of the most transformational and economically challenging times in modern h...
Urgo Hotels & Resorts Adds Moxy Miami South Beach to Management Portfolio
Urgo Hotels & Resorts | March 16, 2021
BETHESDA, Md./MIAMI — March 16, 2021 — Officials of Urgo Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel company that develops, invests, owns and operates hotels and resorts throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, today announced that it has assumed management of the newly opened, 202-room Moxy Miami South Beach. Developed and owned by Lightstone, one of the largest and most diversified privately-held real estate companies in the United States, the new-build hotel marks the brand’s first resort-style property in the world. “The Moxy Miami South Beach is the perfect addition to our ever-growing portfolio of lifestyle hotels a...
Hotel Equities Selected to Manage The Kimpton Goodland Hotel – Fort Lauderdale Beach Opening in Florida
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants | March 9, 2021
SAN FRANCISCO – March 9, 2021 – Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced today it will open the newest and hottest boutique hotel in Fort Lauderdale, marking the brand’s entrance in the market and seventh overall in the Sunshine State. Set to open next month, The Kimpton Goodland Hotel – Fort Lauderdale Beach, will place emphasis on discovery of experience and want-for-nothing amenities. Blending in with the mid-century, nostalgic look and feel of its North Beach Village neighborhood, The Kimpton Goodland will span three two-story buildings, inclusive of an eclectic American restaurant and a 500-square-foot private dining room, s...
MCR Acquires 99-Room Inn of Naples in Florida
MCR | March 16, 2021
NEW YORK -- March 16. 2021 -- Caddyshack up here! MCR, the fourth-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, has acquired the 99-room Inn of Naples in Naples, Florida, the self-proclaimed golf capital of the world. After a winning renovation of public spaces, MCR will convert the hotel to a Hilton Tapestry. The Inn of Naples Hotel & Suites Tapestry by Hilton will welcome its first guests in August 2021. In the meantime, the hotel is open so you can still have a ball and be the ball — there are greens as far as the eye can see. The Inn of Naples is located within five miles of more than a dozen championship courses, while ...
Garrett Parker Appointed General Manager for Hilton Salt Lake City Center
March 19, 2021
Salt Lake City, UT – March 19, 2021 – Garrett Parker has been appointed General Manager of Hilton Salt Lake City, according to Area Vice President Michael Dunne effective, Monday, March 8, 2021. In his new role, Parker will be responsible for overseeing the guest experience and hotel operations of the 499-room property, located in the entertainment district of Salt Lake City and adjacent to the Salt Palace Convention Center. Previously, Parker served as Hotel Manager at San Francisco Union Square where he managed operations, sales and marketing, revenue management and events & catering teams of the 1921-room hotel with 1400 Team Memb...
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor Mt. Pleasant Celebrates Grand Opening
Embassy Suites by Hilton | March 24, 2021
CHARLESTON, S.C. - March 24 2021 - The contemporary Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor Mt. Pleasant celebrates its official opening in the Historic Charleston Harbor. Located at the foot of the iconic Ravenel Bridge, the seven-story, waterfront all-suite hotel boasts 175 suites with breathtaking views of the Lowcountry and harbor. With a stylish lobby featuring calming hues and a one-of-a-kind centerpiece chandelier, Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor Mt. Pleasant welcomes guests to enjoy its one- and two-room suites, including balcony suites, equipped with free Wi-Fi, a living area with wet bar, coffeemaker, microwave, mi...
Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection, Debuts in Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
Autograph Collection Hotels | March 22, 2021
FORT WORTH, Texas - March 22, 2021 - Hotel Drover, an Autograph Collection hotel, opens today in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards’ National Historic District. The hotel will serve as the anchor to award-winning Mule Alley, an entertainment destination transformed from beautifully restored 100-year-old horse and mule barns. Hotel Drover joins Autograph Collection’s diverse and dynamic portfolio of 200+ hotels around the world that are independent, one-of-a-kind, and champion values of vision, design, and craft. Nestled alongside Marine Creek, Hotel Drover embodies the same spirit and core values of honor and dignity exemplified by...
