Cycas Hospitality Opens Hyatt Place London City East
Hyatt Place | June 30th, 2021
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Welcomes New General Manager, Amila Jeewantha Handunwala
Raffles | June 24th, 2021
News Top: June
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 250: Hotel History: Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York
Stanley Turkel | June 22, 2021
By Stanley Turkel, CMHS In 1869, Albert Smiley, a nature-loving Quaker schoolteacher, bought a property at a good price; 300 acres surrounding a lake and a tavern in a spectacular natural setting in the heart of a 26,000-acre area in the Shawangunk Mountains, New York. Alfred and Albert Smiley, devout Quaker twin brothers, created the resort in 1869 when they bought Mohonk Lake from John F. Stokes. As the Smileys expanded the hotel, they operated in accordance with their Quaker beliefs: no alcohol, dancing, smoking or card playing. The hotel offered concerts, prayer sessions, lectures as well as swimming, hiking and boating. Under the...
Ocean House Collection Names Dant Hirsch President and Managing Director
Ocean House Collection | June 2, 2021
WATCH HILL, R.I. - June 2, 2021 - Ocean House Collection, New England's leading luxury hospitality brand, today announced the appointment of Dant Hirsch as President and Managing Director. Ocean House Collection was founded by Charles and Deborah Royce in 2010 with the redevelopment of Ocean House, a Forbes Triple Five-Star hotel, now one of only 14 properties in the world to have that designation. Today, the organization consists of some of the most prestigious properties in the world, also including the Forbes Five-Star Weekapaug Inn. "Dant has the leadership track record, the creativity and the vision to successfully lead thi...
The Future of Independent Hotels
Travel Outlook | June 23, 2021
Why Some Travelers Will Go the Extra Mile for a Unique Hotel Experience As travel has slowly returned to normal, it’s clear that we are on the brink of an enormous travel boom. Of all the recent travel trends that have emerged, one is particularly promising for independent hotel owners, and that is that more and more travelers are straying away from hotel chains. Travelers in 2021 no longer want the same travel experiences as their friends and neighbors. They want a unique vacation handcrafted for their trip. Travelers are moving away from large chain resorts and towards individually owned and operated hotels. The trend of seeking out ...
New EVEN® Hotel Atlanta – Cobb Galleria Debuts in Georgia
EVEN HOTELS | June 16, 2021
ATLANTA – June 16, 2021 – In partnership with IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, Miami-based development group EPELBOIM opened the 133-room EVEN® Hotel Atlanta - Cobb Galleria earlier this month. The second Atlanta-area location for the brand, both developed by EPELBOIM, EVEN Hotel Atlanta - Cobb Galleria offers the perfect balance of work and play, with quick access to city thoroughfares I-75 and I-285 and minutes away from some of Atlanta’s top attractions, including Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, The Battery, Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing A...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 249: Hotel History: Ocean House at Watch Hill
Stanley Turkel | June 1, 2021
by Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Ocean House at Watch Hill (49 rooms) Ocean House is a large, Victorian-style waterfront hotel originally constructed in 1868 on Bluff Avenue in the Watch Hill historic district of Westerly, Rhode Island. The original 1868 hotel closed in 2003; it was demolished in 2005 and a new facility opened in 2010 on the same site which retained much of the original structure’s form and appearance, as well as the original name. Both the original and its reconstruction are noted for their rambling Victorian architecture and distinctive yellow siding. The original Ocean House was the last waterfront...
Embassy Suites by Hilton Alpharetta North – Halcyon Appoints Courtney Major as New Director of Sales
Sun Development | June 8, 2021
Courtney Major brings more than 19 years of industry experience to the position ALPHARETTA, Ga. – June 8, 2021 – Courtney Major has been named the new director of sales at the 160-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Alpharetta North - Halcyon, which is expected to open in December 2021. Major will lead all strategic sales and marketing endeavors while supporting the hotel's mission to provide outstanding service to guests. Located at the intersection of McFarland Parkway and Georgia State Highway 400 (exit 12) in Northwest Alpharetta, the hotel is owned by Heritage Hospitality Group and managed by SUN Development & Management Cor...
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Welcomes New General Manager, Amila Jeewantha Handunwala
Raffles | June 24, 2021
MALDIVES, 24th June 2021 – Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is pleased to announce the appointment of Amila Jeewantha Handunwala as General Manager. With over 25 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, his expertise will play a significant role in elevating the renowned twin-island hideaway to new heights. Possessing an extensive background with esteemed hospitality marques, Amila has previously lead hotel operations, sales, marketing, revenue management and distribution strategies in the Middle East, South Asia and Europe. Most recently, he held the position of Executive Assistant Manager for St. Regis Maldives Vommuli, with pr...
Stonebridge Companies Plans Fall Opening of The Slate Hotel in Denver
Stonebridge Companies | June 17, 2021
DENVER — June 17, 2021 — Stonebridge Companies, a privately owned, innovative hotel owner, operator and developer headquartered in Denver, has announced that The Slate Hotel at the site of the historic original Emily Griffith Opportunity School will begin welcoming guests this fall. Stonebridge Companies is the property owner and developer and will operate the hotel under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand. The 4-story, 135,000-square-foot property will add 251 guest rooms to downtown Denver, supporting the area’s strong demand for hospitality offerings. Located immediately adjacent to the Colorado Convention Center at 125...
Market Snapshot: Asia Pacific 2021
Hok Yean CHEE | June 11, 2021
By Hok Yean CHEE Transactions in the Asia Pacific In 2020, transaction activity in the Asia Pacific took a hit from the new high in 2019, achieving a transaction volume of approximately US $8.6 billion worth of hospitality assets, indicating a 41.8% decline year on year. Similarly, from 2Q 2020 to 1Q 2021, transaction activity in the Asia Pacific has continued to slow down. Despite the slow-moving transaction activity, growing interest in hospitality assets continues to be observed in regions such as Australia & New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and certain markets in the South-East Asia regions. The slowdown is mai...
Exploring Luxury Tourism Market Trends in 2021 and Beyond
Hrishikesh Kadam | June 25, 2021
By Hrishikesh Kadam From cruising, yachting, and customized private vacations to multigenerational travel, new trends in the luxury tourism industry are emerging from the global shutdown triggered by the COVID-19 crisis. As travel restrictions ease and borders reopen, travel at any level will be more precious and more exotic among people. Evidently, 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, and in 2021, travelers are likely to plan future trips as a way to unwind, whether through celebration journeys with families and friends, wellness focused experiences, or culinary explorations. Worldwide, there is a pent-up demand for travel wi...
OTO Development Acquires South Bay Inn & Suites in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
OTO Development | June 7, 2021
SPARTANBURG, SC – June 7, 2021 – OTO Development is growing once again with its fifth waterfront location, the purchase of the South Bay Inn & Suites in Myrtle Beach. “We have been watching for an opportunity to have a presence in Myrtle Beach for some time,” says Corry Oakes, CEO of OTO Development. “The oceanfront location and the quality of this newer hotel, with an indoor waterpark, makes this a perfect vacation destination year-round. While OTO has built its reputation by developing new hotels in high-barrier-to-entry markets, the company’s growth strategy also includes purchasing – and re-purposing – existing a...
Banyan Tree Opens Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa in Greece
BANYAN TREE HOLDINGS LIMITED | June 17, 2021
Corfu, Greece - June 17, 2021 - Banyan Tree Group, the world-renowned hospitality brand known for pioneering the pool villa concept and sustainable luxury, continues its global expansion today with the opening of its first flagship property in Europe, Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa. Set on an idyllic hilltop estate in Corfu’s Akra Punta bay, near Benitses Village, the new luxury resort debuts with a collection of 159 contemporary guest rooms, suites and 37 one to four-bedroom pool villas. Each pool villa is meant to evoke the feeling of an authentic, and private Corfu home with outdoor pavilions, terracotta rooftops and private pools. Boas...
Pendry Manhattan West Set for September 2021 Opening
Pendry Hotels & Resorts | June 25, 2021
NEW YORK – (June 25, 2021) – Located in Manhattan’s highly anticipated Manhattan West development, Pendry Manhattan West, opening in September, is now accepting reservations. Pendry Manhattan West, the first New York City property for Pendry Hotels & Resorts, invites travelers to be among the first to experience the new hotel and explore the destination revitalizing the West Side of Manhattan—already home to leading media, fashion, sports and technology companies including; Accenture, Amazon, Ernst & Young, J.P. Morgan Chase, Peloton and the National Hockey League. “When I think about the nexus of art, design, fashion, culi...
IHG Signs With Mediterranean Investment Group for Crowne Plaza Durrës, Albania
IHG Hotels & Resorts | June 30, 2021
IHG® Hotels & Resorts (IHG®), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has today announced the signing of Crowne Plaza Durrës, Albania. This franchised agreement with Mediterranean Investment Group will be a country debut for IHG Hotels & Resorts and the Crowne Plaza brand. Expected to open in 2024, Crowne Plaza Durrës will offer 140 guest rooms, as well as a restaurant, bar and lounge, meeting room facilities and a wellness area including a spa, fitness centre and indoor swimming pool. Located in the centre of this coastal city, the hotel will form part of Durrës’ new waterfront investment project, which promises to tran...
Lighthouse Investments and ESI Ventures Acquire the Hotel 1000 in Seattle
Evolution Hospitality | June 21, 2021
SAN CLEMENTE, CA – June 21, 2021 – Lighthouse Investments and ESI Ventures with equity financing from Kildare Partners has acquired the Hotel 1000 in Seattle and has selected Evolution Hospitality, the lifestyle operating division of Aimbridge Hospitality, to manage the hotel. The partnership plans to improve areas of the hotel including the spa, addition of a lobby lounge bar, updates to bathrooms and updating the golf simulator in partnership with a leading golf simulator company for an activated entertainment space. Plans also include joining Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts distinctive properties. Located in the heart of Downtow...
Hodges Ward Elliott Mourns the Passing of President Mark Elliott
June 15, 2021
Hodges Ward Elliott (HWE) is saddened to share the news that company President Mark Elliott passed away unexpectedly on June 12th. Mark joined the firm in 1983 and has served as the strategic leader of the firm’s various business lines for nearly forty years. Along with his partners, he dedicated his career towards shaping the culture of HWE and his steady-hand approach remains a central pillar of the firm’s overall philosophy. Mark is also one of the true legends in the hospitality industry and over the course of his career, he sold more hotels than any other individual in the United States. He was a past co-chairman of Industry ...
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica Appoints Sam Jagger as New General Manager
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows | June 17, 2021
SANTA MONICA; CA – June 17, 2021 – The iconic oceanfront Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica ushers in its historic 100th year in operation with a stellar new team of senior-level appointments led by Sam Jagger as the property’s new General Manager, along with Amy Funke as Director of Marketing, and Carla Ortiz as Director of Talent & Culture. These new additions will work alongside existing leadership team members including Executive Chef Jason Prendergast, who leads the property’s locally-sourced, farm-to-table FIG Restaurant. [caption id="attachment_269817" align="aligncenter" width="...
Virgin Hotels Nashville Adds to Leadership Team
VIRGIN HOTELS NASHVILLE | June 29, 2021
Nashville, TN — June 29, 2021 — Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Sir Richard Branson, is pleased to welcome three new members to its Nashville property’s leadership team: James Garrido as Director of Food & Beverage, Joshua Schaeffer as Director of Experience, and Shane Fortner as Director of Sales. James Garrido joins Virgin Hotels Nashville as the new Director of Food & Beverage. Garrido will oversee the Food & Beverage department to deliver a Virgin-branded experience that seamlessly incorporates fantastic food, delicious drinks, and superb service. Prior to joining Virgin Hotels...
David Morneau Named General Manager of Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach
Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach | June 21, 2021
PISMO BEACH, Calif. – June 21, 2021 – Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach - a boutique oceanfront resort in Pismo Beach, Calif. - has announced a new management team with David Morneau taking the helm as the new general manager and Tara Johns assuming the position of assistant general manager. According to Ian Pullan, vice president of asset performance, west for KSL Resorts, which operates Vespera Resort, Morneau will oversee all day-to-day operations at the 124-room beach resort, which opened in late 2019. “Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach is now fully open, and we are thrilled to have both David and Tara join our talented team as...
Menin Hospitality Set to Open The Gale Chicago
Menin Hospitality | June 24, 2021
MIAMI, FL – June 24, 2021 – Today, Menin Hospitality and Maxwelle Real Estate Group announces the Gale Chicago, opening on July 1, 2021. Gale Chicago is the former Raffaello Hotel, recently given luxurious updates to its guestrooms. Menin Hospitality will continue to manage and operate the property as the Gale brand expands to new markets outside of Florida. “For nearly a decade the Gale Hotel brand has created a bold statement in the travel industry, offering unparalleled experiences for those who are seeking an immersive vacation or business trip,” said Jared Galbut, managing principal at Menin Hospitality. “Due to the su...
Paolino Properties Plans Late Summer Opening of New Boutique Hotel, The Beatrice, in Downtown Providence
THE BEATRICE | June 2, 2021
Providence, RI. – June 2, 2021 – Paolino Properties has announced the upcoming opening of The Beatrice - a new boutique hotel located in Downtown Providence’s bustling historic district, scheduled to open in late summer 2021. Set in the 1887 Exchange Building, the 47-room hotel will introduce a destination for sophisticated travelers within steps of the city’s celebrated attractions, along with a world-class culinary hotspot with the debut of Ignazio Cipriani’s first Bellini Restaurant and private rooftop Club in the New England region. Developed by Joseph R. Paolino, Jr., Managing Partner of Paolino Properties and former Mayor...
Atlantis Paradise Island Appoints Tamir Shanel as Senior Vice President, Food & Beverage Operations
Atlantis Paradise Island | June 15, 2021
PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS – June 15, 2021 – Tamir Shanel has been named Senior Vice President, Food & Beverage Operations of Atlantis Paradise Island. Shanel’s hospitality career spans the globe with notable positions as Executive Vice President, Food & Beverage for The Stronach Group Racing and Gaming; Vice President of Food & Beverage at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore where he oversaw a team of 1,800 employees and earned recognition for his outstanding leadership; and Executive Director of Food & Beverage for The Venetian and Palazzo Resorts in Las Vegas, Nevada. In his new role as Senior Vice President, Food & Bev...
Hilton Signs With Amingiri Holdings to Launch Hilton Maldives Amingiri
Hilton | June 17, 2021
Maldives and Singapore – June 17, 2021 – Hilton, one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Amingiri Holdings Pvt Ltd, a hospitality focused subsidiary of Maldivian construction and real estate development company Amin Construction Pvt Ltd to launch the 109 all-villa Hilton Maldives Amingiri. Scheduled to open at the end of this year, Hilton Maldives Amingiri will mark the entry of Hilton’s flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand into the Maldives. It will be the fourth resort under the company’s portfolio of brands in the Maldives, joining Waldorf Astoria M...
Meliá Chiang Mai Is Set for Q4 2021 Opening in Thailand
AWC | June 21, 2021
CHIANG MAI, Thailand – June 21, 2021 – Meliá Chiang Mai, a 260-key urban hotel that towers over the River Ping and bustling Night Bazaar in the heart of Chiang Mai city in Thailand’s mountainous north, is slated to open its doors for business in the fourth quarter of 2021. Owned by Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group Asset World Corporation (AWC) and launched by Meliá Hotels International, the five-star hotel is part of the Meliá brand’s roll-out plan in key destinations across Thailand. Meliá Koh Samui debuted in January 2020 with a nautical theme underscored by boat suites made from refurbished merch...
AutoCamp Partners With Knowcross
Knowcross | June 24, 2021
Washington, DC – June 24, 2021 – Knowcross, a respected innovator in service optimization solutions for lodging companies, is happy to announce that AutoCamp has activated its service management software in three locations: Cape Cod, Yosemite, and Russian River. AutoCamp is an outdoor hospitality company that offers high-end camping, including the option of staying in a modern Airstream suite. “As we continue to grow our brand and add locations, we felt it was time to optimize our service and housekeeping operations,” said Bonniebelle Miner, Executive Partner to CEO at AutoCamp. “We chose Knowcross because it worked with our PM...
