Amadeus Launches Agency360+ to Expand Hotelier Access to Leisure and Business Travel Insights
Amadeus | August 31st, 2021
Travel Outlook Launches ExpressRez®, an Innovative and Affordable Call Center for Inns and B&Bs
Travel Outlook Premium Hotel Call Center | August 26th, 2021
News Top: August
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 253; Hotel History: Hotel Pennsylvania
Stanley Turkel | August 26, 2021
By Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Hotel Pennsylvania (1704 rooms) An iconic hotel in mid-town Manhattan is closing its doors for good. The Hotel Pennsylvania will not reopen, succumbing to this past year’s Covid 19 pandemic and years of narrowly avoiding the chopping block. The fourth-largest hotel in New York City was well situated, right across from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, making it a natural and affordable stop for travelers and concert-goers alike. The Hotel Pennsylvania was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad and operated by Ellsworth Statler. It opened on January 25, 1919 and was designed by William Symmes...
Monarch Hospitality Opens Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala in India
RADISSON HOTEL GROUP | August 24, 2021
Radisson Hotel Group announced its first hotel in the scenic hills of Lonavala today with the opening of Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala. A drivable getaway with convenient air, rail and road connectivity from Mumbai and Pune, the destination is a travelers’ paradise offering many tourist attractions such as Rajmachi Point, Lonavala Lake, Duke's Nose, Karla Caves etc. The resort is spread over 14,100 sqm, offering sweeping views of the majestic Sahyadri range and one of the largest venues for hosting off-site meetings and large weddings. The resort’s commitment to sustainable design practices and extraordinary local character makes it...
What Is Service Culture?
Franck Louveau | August 23, 2021
By Franck Louveau You may have heard how important service culture is, especially in the hospitality industry. But what exactly is service culture and why is it so important? Let’s take an in-depth look at this concept and how it plays out through customer service culture examples. Service Culture definition You may find varying definitions of the term 'service culture'. In essence, it refers to a company culture that’s focused on customer service, so you could also call it customer service culture. A company with a service culture focuses its mission and processes on serving the customer first and foremost. T...
Elise Capital Acquires Hampton Inn by Hilton Douglas in Georgia
Elise Capital | August 10, 2021
Atlanta, GA — August 10, 2021 — Elise Capital, a hotel real estate investment firm, announced the recent closing of its first hotel acquisition. The Hampton Inn by Hilton Douglas is located at 1604 S. Peterson Avenue in Douglas, Georgia. The property offers 61 guestrooms and completed a full renovation in 2019. The comfortable amenities and modern décor are supplemented by a daily complimentary hot breakfast buffet, an outdoor pool, a business center, and a fitness facility. "I am delighted to be acquiring the Hampton Inn Douglas and excited to watch this hotel reach its full potential," said Kendra Plummer, founding partner of E...
Hotel F&B Is Following Two Cs Post-Pandemic: Careful and Creative
HotStats | August 26, 2021
In the wake of the coronavirus, and the issues it created—including a labor shortage—hoteliers are working to get their arms around food and beverage service. That topic, and many more, were discussed by a quartet of industry professionals during a recent Profit Talks webcast moderated by David Eisen, HotStats’ Director of Hotel Intelligence, Americas. Joining him were Lisa Carlson, SVP of Operations, Chesapeake Hospitality; Janine Williams, CEO and founder, Impulsify, which creates grab-and-go spaces for hotels; Devin Burns, VP of Rooms, Food & Beverage, Omni Hotels & Resorts; and Ron Loman, SVP of Operations, Real Hospit...
STR & TE Lift 2021 U.S. Hotel Forecast, Lessen Growth Projections for 2022
STR | August 12, 2021
NASHVILLE — August 12, 2021 —Just released at the 13th Annual Hotel Data Conference, STR and Tourism Economics have upgraded the U.S. hotel forecast for 2021 as a whole and lessened growth projections for 2022. Additionally, full recovery of demand remains on the same timeline for 2023, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) is projected to surpass 2019 levels in 2024. “Rather than improved expectations for the coming months, our upward revision for 2021 more reflects the surge in demand that has already occurred as well as room rates hitting an all-time high on a nominal basis,” said Amanda Hite, STR’s president. “As we h...
What Is SOP – Standard Operating Procedure?
Franck Louveau | August 12, 2021
By Franck Louveau When you have an idea to start a business, you create a business plan to describe the goals of your company and how you plan to reach them. From your marketing plan and financial information to employees, equipment needed, and planned methods of operations – a solid business plan is a clear roadmap of what your successful business will look like. When it is time for your business to finally open, or in some cases, when it has been in business long enough for a tried-and-true testing of operational procedures, it is then time for you to create a SOP for the business. What is SOP for the Hospitalit...
Raffles Udaipur Opens Marking India’s First Raffles Hotel
Raffles | August 4, 2021
August 4, 2021 – Raffles Udaipur, India’s first Raffles hotel, opens on August 2, 2021 offering a fresh perspective on the city of Udaipur and region of Rajasthan from a 21-acre private island set in the middle of the serene Udai Sagar lake. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the expansive property is reminiscent of a magnificent country estate, with beautifully manicured, ornamental gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding hills, tranquil lake and a 400-year-old temple. Arrival is via a scenic 20-minute drive from the airport, followed by a calming boat ride tailed by migratory birds, as a natural spectacle unfolds bef...
The Standard to Debut in Singapore in 2023
Standard International (The Standard Hotels) | August 13, 2021
Standard International and Invictus Developments announce plans to build a new hotel in the heart of Singapore, the latest step in the pioneering brand’s global expansion New York, August 13, 2021–The Standard, the most innovative brand in the hospitality business, continues its expansion into key markets in Asia with the announcement of The Standard, Singapore. The Standard, Singapore, slated to open in 2023, represents the latest destination for the brand in Southeast Asia, following The Standard, Hua Hin, set to open in November 2021, and The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, which will open in 2022. “Singapore is a culturally rich...
What Is Slow Tourism? The Next Big Hospitality Trend
EHL Insights | August 17, 2021
By Joana Dickinson The trend of “Slow Travel” has become increasingly popular over recent years, however through COVID19 it has accelerated immensely and has almost become a new norm without people even realising. Slow tourism is forecasted to continue to grow in popularity, becoming an alternative to more traditional holidays and is estimated to grow at a 10% compound annual growth rate. Now what is Slow travel, where did it come from and how could hoteliers adapt? The trend of “Slow Travel” has become increasingly popular over the past years, however through COVID19 it accelerated immensely and has almost beco...
Aimbridge Hospitality Adds Four Properties to Portfolio
Aimbridge Hospitality | August 27, 2021
Plano, TX – August 27, 2021 – Aimbridge Hospitality, the leading, global, third-party hotel management company, announced that it has added four new properties to its growing portfolio. With the addition of these new properties, Aimbridge has grown its collection of hotels throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Ohio. This acquisition adds to the growing partnership between Aimbridge and owners Three Wall Capital, who have now selected Aimbridge to manage 59 of its extended stay and full service properties. Founded by Alan Kanders, Three Wall Capital is a hospitality equity and debt investment group for institutional and individ...
Karisma Hotels & Resorts Opens Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
Nickelodeon International | August 4, 2021
MIAMI – August 4, 2021 – As SpongeBob SquarePants says, “I’m Ready!” The highly anticipated five-star, all-inclusive Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya rolls out the Orange Carpet today as the ultimate family-friendly destination opens its doors. Here, Nickelodeon’s renowned Slimings and Character Experiences are combined with Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ and Grupo Lomas’ unmatched hospitality, with the brand’s first all Oceanfront Swim-Up Suite resort featuring an enormous six-acre Aqua Nick® water park, new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles themed penthouse suites, World-Class Gourmet Inclusive® dining with fan fa...
Paramount Lodging Advisors Successfully Transacts Godfrey Tampa
Paramount Lodging Advisors | August 17, 2021
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) has successfully executed the sale of the Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa. The PLA team representing the seller was led by Bennett Webster, Brent Clemens, and Brian Guernier. The sale allowed the lender to unwind their existing interest on the $45MM non-performing loan. “Despite the ongoing national and regional challenges in the current market, our team remains very bullish on the longer-term industry rebound. We believe Florida will remain at the forefront of the recovery,” stated Bennett Webster The sales add to Paramount Lodging Advisors’ continued and unprecedented success over the cou...
Keswick Hall Set to Reopen Following Completion of New Guest Accomodations and Amenities
Keswick Hall | August 4, 2021
Charlottesville, VA – August 4, 2021 – Keswick Hall, one of Virginia’s top destinations since 1912, will reopen this summer 2021, following the completion of a new guest wing, infinity pool and cabanas, red clay tennis courts and reimagined resort grounds. In addition, the renewed Keswick Hall will feature a new signature restaurant, Marigold, helmed by acclaimed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. For this project, owners Molly and Robert Hardie tapped the architecture firm Hart Howerton, distinguished lighting design firm, L’Observatoire International and renowned landscape architects, Nelson Byrd Woltz to work together to redefine the ...
Tane Picken Appointed as General Manager of Island Shangri-La and Area Vice President, Operations (Hong Kong)
Shangri-La | August 24, 2021
Hong Kong – August 24, 2021 – The Shangri-La Hotels in Hong Kong are pleased to announce that Mr Tane Picken has been appointed as General Manager of Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong and Area Vice President, Operations (Hong Kong). A South African native, Mr Picken is a well-versed hotelier with over two decades of experience in hospitality management covering a variety of luxury hotel brands across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Mr Picken progressed through the ranks of hotel operations before taking his first General Manager position at Hotel Jen Penang in 2016. Mr Picken has left an indelible mark on a number of Shangri-La prope...
The New Wave of Brand Loyalty
Travel Outlook | August 3, 2021
How Your Hotel’s Voice Channel Can Influence and Shape Traveler’s Buying Behavior Travel has gone through a year of unprecedented challenges. 2020 was, without a doubt, the single most difficult year in the hospitality industry in recent history. With that behind us, we enter unchartered waters where anything is possible. Now, as travel emerges from a slumber, hoteliers have a unique opportunity to reshape customers' purchasing habits that were all but forgotten. Travelers, like all consumers, are habitually minded. Changing a person’s purchasing behavior is no easy task. Habits dictate nearly half of every decision we make, an...
The Hythe, A Luxury Collection Resort, Vail Set to Debut Winter 2021
The Hythe, Luxury Collection Hotel Vail | August 5, 2021
VAIL, CO. – August 5, 2021 – The Hythe, Luxury Collection Hotel, Vail – a brand-new luxury resort concept in the heart of the Rocky Mountains – is set to debut this winter 2021. Located in the bustling Lionshead Village, perfectly situated at the base of Vail Mountain, The Hythe is poised to bring a new level of sophisticated vibrancy to the destination, imbuing guests with a sense of celebration and adventure year-around. Currently completing the final phase of a $40 million renovation, guests of The Hythe will enjoy elevated interiors to include a vivacious and welcoming arrival and lobby experience, four brand-new food & b...
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Set to Open Spring 2022
1 HOTELS | August 12, 2021
NEW YORK - August 12, 2021 - 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is now accepting reservations in anticipation of the wellness sanctuary's debut in the spring of 2022. Beautifully intertwined with the sparkling waters, moss-covered cliffs, and lush tropical flora of Kauai, the flagship property of 1 Hotels and Resorts, is more than a wellness retreat — it's a harmonious extension of the natural world. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the quintessential venue for true wanderlusters, future newlyweds, and business groups to indulge in the unsurpassed beauty of Kauai, "the garden island," and surrender to the physical, mental, and spiritual serenity it has to offer....
Hilton Signs With Al Sorouh Hospitality Development Real Estate to DoubleTree to Kingdom of Bahrain
DoubleTree by Hilton | August 6, 2021
Bahrain - August 6, 2021 - Hilton today announced plans to bring its DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Kingdom of Bahrain. DoubleTree by Hilton Al Sayh Residences has been signed together with Al Sorouh Hospitality Development Real Estate and is due to open its doors in 2022. Board Member of the Al Sorouh Hospitality Development Real Estate and CEO of Mabanee Kuwait Waleed Alsharian said, “We believe this is a great partnership that will add a valuable offering to the area. We are very pleased to be working with Hilton and bringing DoubleTree by Hilton to the Kingdom of Bahrain and look forward to further partnerships with Hilton in...
Where Are All These Guests Who Supposedly Prefer Humanless Hotel Experiences?
Doug Kennedy | August 17, 2021
By Doug Kennedy For probably a decade now, I have almost daily been reading articles and blog posts about how today’s hotel guests prefer to interact with technology rather than humans. Of course, it is not by coincidence that most of these are authored by executives who are peddling the latest “essential” guest technology. Often these articles and blogs are accompanied by survey results to supposedly support the theme. Yet when I look for details on sample size and methodology, I usually find there is no mention of these, or I find that the survey was conducted “online” with a very small, self-selected sample size. At fir...
Sandals Resorts International Plans April 2022 Opening for Sandals Royal Curaçao
Sandals® Resorts | August 4, 2021
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – August 4, 2021 – Sandals Resorts International (SRI) unveils new details for its flagship brand’s highly anticipated 16th resort and the company’s first venture into Curaçao, the newly named Sandals Royal Curaçao. Situated on 44 acres within the Santa Barbara private estate, an exclusive 3,000-acre protected preserve, Sandals Royal Curaçao will authentically intertwine natural world wonders - desert, ocean, mountains, and shoreline - with the resort experience. Here, couples will discover the beauty and geographic diversity of Curaçao, known for its adventurous terrain, pristine beaches, limestone ca...
McNeill Hotel Company Opens Newly Developed Courtyard by Marriott in Manhattan, Kansas
McNeill Hotel Company | August 12, 2021
Germantown, Tenn. – August 12, 2021 – McNeill Hotel Company today announced the opening of its newly developed Courtyard by Marriott in Manhattan, Kansas. It is the 27th property in the company’s portfolio and its first in the State of Kansas. Tyler Stevens is the new hotel’s General Manager. McNeill CEO Phillip H. McNeill, Jr. made the announcement. Located at 715 North 12th Street, the 127-room Courtyard Manhattan features an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard’s latest contemporary room design, which offers hybrid zones for working, sleeping, relaxing, and getting ready, as well as mobile check-in and digital key...
Mandarin Oriental, Boston Appoints Courtney Forrester as Director of Marketing
Mandarin Oriental, Boston | August 24, 2021
Boston, MA – August 24, 2021 – The Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Boston is delighted to announce the appointment of Courtney Forrester to the position of Director of Marketing as the newest member of the hotel’s executive team, and she will develop and manage all strategic marketing activities. Forrester is a marketing, entrepreneurship, brand development, special events and public relations industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience. Forrester’s previous roles include founding and managing Boston-based bakery Sweet, which grew to six retail locations, as well as launching and operating her own marketing and PR firm. She...
Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea Appoints Leadership Team Prior to Fall Opening
MOTTO BY HILTON | August 17, 2021
NEW YORK – August 17, 2021 – Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea announces the appointments of Bassim Ouachani as General Manager and Ryan Cortese as Director of Sales and Marketing for the hotel slated to open this fall. Located in New York’s iconic Chelsea neighborhood, Motto Chelsea will feature 374 rooms, including a variety of flexible accommodation options, a vibrant signature restaurant, expansive fitness center and more. Bassim Ouachani, General Manager, with two decades of experience in hospitality, will oversee all day-to-day operations at Motto Chelsea working to ensure profitability, efficiency and overall guest experie...
Hyatt Opens Thompson Savannah Marking Brand Debut in Georgia
Thompson Hotels | August 2, 2021
CHICAGO – August 2, 2021 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation today announced the opening of Thompson Savannah, the brand’s first property in Georgia. Set along the banks of the Savannah River, Thompson Savannah, located at the junction of the city’s Historic District and its newest neighborhood, Eastern Wharf, is a joint venture development by Regent Partners, Mariner Group and Cadre. Through thoughtful design that combines historic architectural details and contemporary flair, the hotel honors Savannah’s vibrant history and celebrates the local community. “This neighborhood strikes the perfect balance for visitors looking to exper...
