Hilton Signs With Shimao Group Holdings to Launch Four Luxury Hotels in China
Hilton | April 30th, 2021
Five PMS Features to Help Grow TRevPAR
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | April 29th, 2021
News Top: April
Aparium Hotel Group Opens Daxton Hotel in Birmingham, Michigan
Daxton Hotel | April 30, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, MI - April 30, 2021 - Daxton Hotel opens its doors in Birmingham, MI, located just 30 minutes north of Detroit. The hotel serves as a magnet for cultured locals and modern travelers alike within the vibrant city of Birmingham which has long been tied to luxury with its high-end shopping and dynamic art scene. Daxton is the latest hotel to launch in the Aparium Hotel Group portfolio and the group's first collaboration with owner, Mark Mitchell, a local entrepreneur and lifelong metro Detroit area resident. The 151-room Daxton Hotel brings a modern vision of Birmingham luxury incorporating some of the finest art, wellness, din...
Elegant Hotels to Transform The House and Treasure Beach Into All-Inclusive by Marriott Resorts
Elegant Hotels | April 21, 2021
BARBADOS – April 21, 2021 – The House by Elegant Hotels will re-open on May 18, 2021 and Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels on June 10, 2021 respectively, under a new adults-only, all-inclusive resort concept as part of the All-Inclusive by Marriott portfolio. Located on the beautiful Platinum West Coast of Barbados, both boutique properties will now offer an array of culinary, romantic, wellness and cultural experiences on a complimentary basis. Popular with couples, honeymooners, and celebrities alike, The House is a chic hideaway destined to be one of the island’s finest adults-only, all-inclusive resorts. The 34 well-equi...
Bill Doak Joins Stockdale Capital Partners as Head of New Hospitality Platform
Stockdale Capital Partners | April 19, 2021
LOS ANGELES – April 19, 2021 – Stockdale Capital Partners (“Stockdale”), a Los Angeles-based, vertically-integrated real estate investment firm, announced that hospitality veteran William “Bill” Doak has joined the company as a Managing Director and Head of Stockdale Hospitality. Bill Doak has more than 30 years of hospitality industry experience, with senior leadership roles in operations, marketing, product development, and asset management with top real estate investment and hotel firms including: CIM Group, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Ian Schrager Company, JRK Hotel Group, Loews Hotels, and Morgans Hotel Group. With CI...
ESJ Capital Partners to Redevelop Jungle Island, an Eco-Adventure Park in Miami
ESJ Capital Partners | April 22, 2021
MIAMI – April 22, 2021 – ESJ Capital Partners (hereinafter: ‘ESJ”), an Aventura, Florida-based commercial real estate firm and a registered Investment Advisor, has secured the final approvals necessary to move forward with developing a one-of-a-kind eco-adventure destination and hotel on 18.5 acres of prime waterfront in Miami. The $300 million project is an ambitious re-imagining of the historic “Jungle Island,” a zoological theme park and botanical gardens built in 1936 that once boasted the largest and rarest collection of exotic animals and birds. It is located on Watson Island, roughly five minutes from both downtown Miam...
Karen Chastain Appointed General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel | April 20, 2021
DANA POINT, CA – April 20, 2021 – Southern California’s premier coastal resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, proudly announces the appointment of a new General Manager Karen Chastain, who joins the oceanfront resort from Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino where she served as Complex General Manager. She returns to California, overseeing The Ritz-Carlton’s flagship just as the resort unveils a captivating guestroom, suite, and Club Level renovation. With over 28 years of industry experience, she brings a strong leadership foundation with expertise in finance, operations, strategic management, and career development. ...
Fairmont Waterfront Appoints Jean-François Vary as General Manager
Fairmont | April 5, 2021
Vancouver, BC – April 5, 2021 – Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the iconic world leading hotel group known for its historic luxury and unparalleled service, has announced the appointment of Jean-François Vary as General Manager of Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver, BC. In his new position, Vary will lead the overall operations, performance, and strategic direction for Fairmont Waterfront. Joining the Fairmont Waterfront team following his most recent role as the General Manager of Fairmont Winnipeg, Vary brings over 25 years of experience working within the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brand. “Fairmont Waterfront has become an ...
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Appoints Greg Durrer as Hotel Manager
JW Marriott | April 6, 2021
NEW YORK - April 6, 2021 - The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is thrilled to announce the promotion of Greg Durrer to the position of Hotel Manager. A 21-year company veteran, Mr. Durrer has returned to Grande Lakes, having held the role of Rooms Director at The JW Marriott from 2007 to 2011. Starting his career in 2000 with The Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown, Mr. Durrer moved to Florida in 2002 where he spent time in Miami and Orlando working with several different properties. After his time at Grande Lakes Orlando, he moved to the Marriott Corporate office where he held positions with the JW Marriott Global Brand in Design and Deve...
Dreamscape Companies Acquires The Saint Hotel in New Orleans
Aimbridge Hospitality | April 8, 2021
PLANO, TX – April 8, 2021 – Dreamscape Companies, a real estate development and investment firm, has acquired The Saint Hotel in New Orleans and has engaged Aimbridge Hospitality, the leading, global, third-party hotel management company, as their operating partner to manage The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection®. “We are very pleased to announce our acquisition of The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection and our partnership with Aimbridge Hospitality. With their deep operating acumen and proven record of success, we are certain we will see a continued mutually beneficial relationship on this transaction,” said Eric Birnbaum, Founder &...
Wild Dunes Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel, Appoints Robb Walker as New Managing Director
Wild Dunes Resort, A Destination by Hyatt Hotel | April 1, 2021
CHARLESTON, S.C. – April 1, 2021 – Wild Dunes Resort, a Destination by Hyatt hotel in Isle of Palms, S.C., is pleased to announce the appointment of Robb Walker as Managing Director. Walker most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of Catalina Island Company in Avalon, Calif. With 30 years of leadership experience in the hospitality industry, leading first-class operations throughout the United States and Canada, Walker is responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations in the Wild Dunes Resort community, with an immediate focus on the successful launch of its new 153-key Sweetgrass Inn which opened last month. “Ro...
Waterparks: Despite 2020 Challenges, Growth Forecasted in 2021
David J. Sangree | April 26, 2021
By David J. Sangree The COVID-19 crisis was the definitive event of 2020. The lodging and attractions industries were among the most negatively impacted sectors and experienced record declines in occupancy, attendance, and revenue. With mandated closures, limited capacities, and travel restrictions, many outdoor waterparks delayed their season openings while others decided, or were mandated, not to open at all in 2020. Many resorts with both indoor and outdoor waterparks and standalone indoor waterparks were forced to close for several months. Current projections for the vaccine rollout indicate a return to normalcy no earlier th...
The Importance of Training and Onboarding Staff in a Post-Pandemic World
Jeff Venza | April 8, 2021
By Jeff Venza In any industry, hiring, training, and effectively onboarding new staff is a significant undertaking that is often wrought with nuanced challenges. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, however, we find ourselves in an entirely new landscape. Over the past 12 months, rapid digital transformation has enabled organizations to reimagine how they work and manage talent completely. By 2028, 73% of all departments will have remote workers (Upwork), and internal communication and support processes across organizations have been placed under a critical lens. Workflow breakdowns and lapses in best practices have come to the fore...
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore Appoints Cindy Kong as Hotel Manager
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore | April 21, 2021
Singapore – 21 April 2021 – Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Cindy Kong as Hotel Manager. A veteran in the hospitality industry, Cindy brings with her extensive knowledge of hotel operations, including over 20 years of experience with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group with her most recent role as Hotel Manager of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. In her new capacity, Cindy will play a pivotal role in spearheading initiatives to drive operational excellence and ensure high levels of guest satisfaction. Cindy is no stranger to Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, having worked here in 2000 as a Gues...
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel Appoints Sylvain Delpique as Executive Chef
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel | April 6, 2021
New York, NY – April 6, 2021 – With nearly 25 years of experience in the luxury restaurant and hospitality industry, Sylvain Delpique has joined The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel as executive chef. He will oversee all culinary aspects of the legendary Upper East Side hotel, including the famed Bemelmans Bar and celebrated Café Carlyle. Delpique joins The Carlyle from the renowned ‘21’ Club, where he spent the last six years as executive chef. Inspired at a young age to pursue a culinary career, he earned a degree at Challes-les-Eaux Culinary School, while working in some of the most celebrated restaurants...
IHG Signs With Choengmon Real Estate for Kimpton Koh Samui in Thailand
IHG Hotels & Resorts | April 29, 2021
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, is proud to announce the expansion of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants with the signing of Kimpton Koh Samui, the second Kimpton hotel in Thailand following the brand’s debut in October 2020. The 138-key luxury boutique beachfront property on Choengmon Beach will open later this year where guests will enjoy Kimpton’s signature heartfelt service and locally-inspired design features. A short drive to Chaweng Beach, Fisherman’s Village walking street and Koh Samui International Airport, domestic and international travellers alike will benefit from its convenie...
Travel + Leisure Announces the 2021 It List of Best New Hotels
TRAVEL + LEISURE | April 20, 2021
NEW YORK - April 20, 2021 - Meredith Corporation's Travel + Leisure announces its annual It List of the best new hotels of the year, spotlighting the 73 most remarkable new and newly redone properties around the globe. Selected by the editors of Travel + Leisure, the hotels on this 16th annual list provide experiences that are sure to inspire wanderlust, offering travelers more reasons to make plans to get up and go. The 2021 It List is featured in the May issue of Travel + Leisure, on newsstands now, and at www.travelandleisure.com/it-list. Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure, said, "It's an honor to recognize each o...
U.S. Hotel Industry Posted Highest Demand and Occupancy Since Pandemic
STR | April 15, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — April 15, 2021 — The U.S. hotel industry posted its highest demand and occupancy levels since the beginning of the pandemic, according to STR‘s latest weekly data through 10 April. 4-10 April 2021: Occupancy: 59.7% Average daily rate (ADR): US$112.22 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$66.99 Reflecting the country’s almost 2-point improvement in occupancy from the previous week, more than 50% of properties posted a weekly occupancy above 60%. Additional insights are available in STR’s Market Recovery Monitor. Among the Top 25 Markets, T...
Owner of Two of the South’s Leading Properties Chooses Advanced Vapor Technologies’ MondoVap 2400® Steam Vapor Systems for Cleaning &
Advanced Vapor Technologies | April 20, 2021
AIKEN, S.C. — April 20, 2021 — At Aiken, South Carolina’s The Willcox and Lake Toxaway, North Carolina’s The Greystone Inn—lauded for their southern hospitality by readers of the world’s leading travel publications—owner Shannon Ellis is using MondoVap® 2400 machines from Advanced Vapor Technologies to keep the properties sparkling clean and disinfected with just one ingredient: ordinary tap water. “There is nothing safer than working with water rather than chemicals,” says Kerry Rigg, an OSHA instructor who visited The Willcox and The Greystone Inn a year ago to train staff on the MondoVap®. [caption id="attachment_...
Abby Murtagh Appointed General Manager of Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort | April 7, 2021
PHOENIX, Ariz. – April 7, 2021 – Debuting May 1, 2021 after a landmark transformation, Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Abby Murtagh as general manager. A renowned hotelier, Murtagh will usher in the groundbreaking reimagination of the sprawling 39-acre Frank Lloyd Wright inspired desert gem. As general manager, Murtagh will oversee general operations and development of the next chapter in the legendary resort’s history. She holds over two decades of executive leadership experience within heritage lifestyle, hotel and entertainment brands including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Th...
Jumeirah Group Appoints Ermanno Zanini as Regional Vice President and General Manager of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Jumeirah Group | April 7, 2021
United Arab Emirates, Dubai - April 7, 2021 - Jumeirah Group, a global luxury hospitality company, has announced the appointment of Ermanno Zanini to the role of Regional Vice President and General Manager of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, its flagship hotel in the United Arab Emirates. In his new role, Ermanno will oversee all aspects of the global icon’s operations, building on his rich background to further cement the exceptional service that Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is renowned for. He will lead and support the team in its unwavering dedication to create unforgettable guest experiences, while maintaining oversight for Italy and Spain. Erma...
Virgin Hotels Partners With Silk Property Group for New Hotel in Glasgow, Scotland
Virgin Hotels | April 1, 2021
MIAMI - April 1, 2021 - Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson, announces plans to open and operate a new hotel in Glasgow, Scotland. Expected to open in 2022, Virgin Hotels Glasgow will be the brand's second Scottish hotel to be signed and will be managed by Virgin Hotels. The property will be located at 236-246 Clyde Street, which is in a prime City Centre position overlooking the River Clyde in the heart of Glasgow's shopping area, making it an ideal base to explore the city. The hotel will showcase panoramic river views and feature 242 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites; meeting and even...
Marriott International Appoints Sandeep Walia as Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East
Marriott International | April 20, 2021
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - April 20, 2021 - Marriott International, Inc. (www.Marriott.com) has announced today the appointments of Sandeep Walia as Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Jerome Briet as Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa. Walia will step into the role on July 1, 2021, following the retirement of current COO, Guido De Wilde, announced last month. Briet will take on the role from Carlton Ervin, who was recently appointed as Marriott’s Global Development Officer, International. Walia, will be responsible for Marriott International’s 146 operating hotels across the Middle ...
Kohler Co. Veteran Shawn Dortman Appointed to General Manager of Green Bay’s LODGE KOHLER
Kohler Hospitality & Real Estate Group | April 12, 2021
KOHLER, Wis. — April 12, 2021 — Kohler Hospitality & Real Estate, part of Kohler Co., a leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath plumbing products, is pleased to announce the appointment of Shawn Dortman to the general manager of LODGE KOHLER, the AAA Four Diamond hotel in the heart of Titletown in Green Bay, WI, just steps from historic Lambeau Field. “It is a pleasure to announce the promotion of Shawn Dortman to general manager of LODGE KOHLER after 23-years with Kohler Co.,” said Christine Loose, vice president of lodging and wellness for Kohler Co. “Gracious hospitality has defined our lodging portfolio since its ince...
Alaia Belize Appoints Leadership Team Ahead of May Opening
ALAIA BELIZE | April 8, 2021
AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE – April 8, 2021 – Alaia Belize, one of the largest waterfront resorts and residential properties on the principal island of Belize, announced seasoned professional, Sandra Grisham-Clothier, as the general manager and veteran sales expert, Edward Donaldson, as the director of sales and marketing. In her new role, Grisham-Clothier will be responsible for the daily operations at the hotel to assure optimum performance, guest satisfaction and that the property upholds the high-quality standards of the Marriott brand. In his new role, Donaldson will develop a strategic plan to drive online bookings and lead marketing and...
Sunridge Hotel Group Opens Residence Inn by Marriott in Sedona, Arizona
Sunridge Hotel Group | April 15, 2021
Sedona, AZ – April 15, 2021 – The 90-suite Residence Inn by Marriott hotel in Sedona, Arizona is now open for business. Located at 4055 West State Route 89A, the all-suite property will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Sedona Hospitality Group II, LLC and managed by Sunridge Hotel Group of Mesa, Arizona. The all-suite hotel sits adjacent to Sunridge Hotel Group’s award-winning Courtyard by Marriott property, that has a running history of providing quality service since its opening. General Manager Jill Meixueiro leads the management team at the Residence Inn by Marriott Sedona for Sunridge Hotel Group. Nestled in the red r...
Hilton Signs With Shimao Group Holdings to Launch Four Luxury Hotels in China
Hilton | April 30, 2021
SHANGHAI, China and MCLEAN, Va. - Leading global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and Shimao Group Holdings Ltd. (Shimao) today announced the signing of a landmark agreement to launch four luxury hotels in China: Waldorf Astoria Shenzhen, Conrad Shanghai, Conrad Wuhan and Conrad Zhuhai. When they open, the hotels will mark the entry of Hilton’s iconic luxury brands, Waldorf Astoria and Conrad, in the four cities, while Conrad Shanghai takes the spotlight as the largest Conrad hotel in Asia to open, with more than 700 rooms. The multi-deal signing signals optimism from both companies on the luxury tourism outlook in China and a...
