Rethinking How to Use the Minibar for Total Revenues
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | December 21st, 2022
Using Artificial Intelligence to Positively Impact Your Hotel
John Smallwood, President of Travel Outlook | December 20th, 2022
News Top: December
Ennismore to Expand Presence in Spain With Two Hotels: Mondrian Ibiza and Hyde Ibiza
Ennismore | December 15, 2022
NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2022 -- Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, along with Grupo Azul Mar Cala Llonga owned by Apollo, announces the expansion of its global collective in Spain, with two new Mondrian and Hyde hotels on the island of Ibiza. Mondrian Ibiza and Hyde Ibiza are set to open on the scenic bay of Cala Llonga in June 2023 and will include nine food and beverage outlets with highly programmed pool spaces, nightlife and music venues. The project reflects Ennismore's significant growth in the region, with 15 hotels opening in Europe in 2023. Hyde Ibiza Chadi Farhat, Brand Chief ...
The St. Joe Company Acquires The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach
The St. Joe Company | December 22, 2022
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.--The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE) (“St. Joe”) announces that it recently closed on three strategic real estate transactions and provides an update on projects that are scheduled to open in 2023. In early December, The St. Joe Company closed on the purchase of The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach®, a luxury 55-room hotel in Northwest Florida’s highly sought-after Scenic Highway 30A corridor. Since 2014, The St. Joe Company has managed the hotel’s day-to-day operations. The Pearl Hotel, which has been named one of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels, features an on-site restaurant and spa as well as a stre...
Agilysys Announces Agreement With Marriott International to Deliver Its Cloud-Native Property Management System (PMS) Software Across Marriott’s
Agilysys | December 15, 2022
ALPHARETTA, GA — DECEMBER 15, 2022 — Agilysys, Inc. (NASDAQ: AGYS), a leading global provider of hospitality software solutions that deliver High Return Hospitality, today announced an agreement with Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) to deploy its cloud-native property management system (PMS) software across Marriott’s United States and Canada luxury, premium and select service hotels over the coming years. Agilysys offers hospitality-focused innovation, the ability to provide diverse capabilities across different types of properties, and cloud-native technology that simplifies employee operations and enhances guest exper...
Uncommon Hospitality to Open Boutique Hotel in Portland, Maine’s Historic West End District
Post Company | December 13, 2022
Portland, Maine (December 13, 2022) – Maine-based, family-owned hospitality group Uncommon Hospitality announce their newest project, The Longfellow Hotel , designed in partnership with New York-based design firm Post Company. Opening in Summer 2023, The Longfellow will be Post Company’s first hotel in Maine delivering a distinctive design and new wellness offering to the city of Portland. The property will be the first independent full-service hotel to open in Portland in 20 years and is the namesake of famed Portland poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The Longfellow will be a five-story, ground up building located at 754 Congress Str...
Rethinking How to Use the Minibar for Total Revenues
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | December 21, 2022
By Larry and Adam Mogelonsky The minibar is not a guestroom amenity set in stone. In fact, there are ways to use it either to boost total revenues per guest or to help craft an even better hotel experience. First consider minibar technology. You can buy configurations that automatically debit the guest when an item is removed. This saves labor as it eliminates the need for physical review, automatically orders replacement product and syncs with accounting for guest billing. You can even hire out your minibars to third party services that will manage the entire process on your behalf. Thinking broader, the minibar remains a thorn in m...
LRE & Companies and American Hospitality Services Unveil New Mixed-Use Project in Sacramento, CA Metro Area County
LRE & Companies | December 7, 2022
SAN RAFAEL, CA — December 7, 2022 — LRE & Companies, a full spectrum real estate development, asset manager, construction, and hotel management company, and American Hospitality Services, Inc., a development and hotel management company acting as sponsor, operating partner, and asset manager of strategic commercial real estate assets, have unveiled the plans for Roseville Junction, a new mixed-use project in Placer County, CA, one of the state’s fastest-growing counties. “Without a doubt, Roseville Junction is in a class of its own,” said Akki Patel, CEO of LRE & Companies. “Nothing like this project has been done befor...
RIU Hotels & Resorts Unveils Newly Renovated Riu Santa Fe in Mexico
RIU | December 22, 2022
RIU Hotels & Resorts presents the renovation of one of its three hotels in the Los Cabos area of Mexico: Riu Santa Fe. The hotel had been expanded in 2018 when the Riu Pool Party area and Splash Water World were built, and was fully renovated this year. Riu Santa Fe is a 24-hour All-Inclusive hotel in the Fun 4 All class and thus complements the offerings in Baja California Sur where RIU also has the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas and the Adults-Only Riu Palace Baja California. The hotel’s reopening is the cherry on top of RIU’s 25th anniversary in Mexico. The five-star Riu Santa Fe has 1288 rooms spread throughout various buildings and...
Fairmont Copley Plaza Appoints Tabish Siddiquie General Manager
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts | December 1, 2022
BOSTON, MA, December 1, 2022 – Fairmont Copley Plaza announces the appointment of Tabish Siddiquie to the position of General Manager. In this role, Mr. Siddiquie will direct the operation of Fairmont Copley Plaza, a landmark hotel located in Boston’s Back Bay featuring 383 luxurious guest rooms and suites, the award-winning restaurant OAK Long Bar + Kitchen, and a wealth of grand ballrooms and meeting space. “I am delighted to join the talented team at Fairmont Copley Plaza,” said Tabish Siddiquie. “It is an exciting moment in my career to become an ambassador for an iconic hotel with such rich history. My commitment is to manage...
Virgin Hotels Appoints Executive Team for Virgin Hotels New York City
Virgin Hotels | December 7, 2022
New York, NY (December 7, 2022)— Virgin Hotels, the luxury-lifestyle hotel brand by Sir Richard Branson, is pleased to announce that Candice A. Cancino has been appointed as Virgin Hotels New York’s General Manager. In her role, Cancino will oversee operations and strategies for the 460-room New York City hotel in NoMad and will manage all aspects of the hotel opening including all recruitment. Engaging with the local community is a key focus for Cancino and the hotel, and she will play a pivotal role in promoting Virgin Hotels New York as a destination for locals and tourists for both the leisure and business segments. After beginnin...
The Darwin Hotel Opens in Atlanta’s Historic Old Fourth Ward
The Darwin Hotel | December 14, 2022
ATLANTA, GA (DECEMBER 14, 2022) — The Darwin Hotel is now open in Atlanta's historic Old Fourth Ward, considered by many to be one of the city's hippest neighborhoods. The 111-room boutique hotel is breaking all of the rules when it comes to hospitality. According to General Manager, Alfonce McKinney III, "Our goal is to provide guests with a cozy, creative spot designed for those who want a functional place to stay with close proximity to really great local discoveries." The Darwin is an upper midscale property which channels the essence of reinvention while paying homage to the Old Fourth Ward. What is notable in an ever-changing ...
Almost Home: The Boston Hotel Market Approaches a Recovery
Erich Baum | December 13, 2022
By Erich Baum, Brian F. Bisema, Raymond Parejo According to STR, Boston’s revenue per available room (RevPAR) finished 2021 at roughly half the pre-pandemic 2019 level, a discouraging performance. But the city took a leap forward in 2022 and is on pace to finish the year with a RevPAR level just a shade below the pre-pandemic performance. After adjusting for inflation, these results are less significant, of course, but the turnaround still represents a huge achievement, particularly considering that the recovery is still in progress for the international travel, corporate transient, and convention demand channels. As illustrated in the ...
The Adolphus Appoints Danny Estevez as Area Managing Director
The Adolphus | December 8, 2022
[Dallas, TX – December 8, 2022] – The Adolphus announces Danny Estevez as Area Managing Director for the iconic, award-winning Downtown Dallas hotel. Relocating from South Florida, Estevez offers refreshed energy and expertise to the historic property. Estevez brings years of coveted experience in both hotel and food & beverage operations to his role at The Adolphus. Most recently, Estevez served as Area Managing Director of five properties for HEI Hotels & Resorts in South Florida. During this time, he also served as the General Manager for the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort where he played a key role in the property...
Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort Completes $40 Million Renovation
Paradisus by Meliá | December 19, 2022
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (December 19, 2022) - Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort is pleased to announce its reopening following a $40 million renovation, designed to enhance the guest experience throughout every area of the resort. Today, the resort unveils a reimagined resort with 596 newly designed suites including 58 swim-up suites, refreshed adults-only areas, new food and beverage concepts and extensive upgrades to the property’s convention center. In addition to these enhancements, the property has launched new upgraded luxury services that will debut at each Paradisus location. Located on the Dominican Republic’s l...
3 Simple Steps to Promote Your Hotel’s Sustainability Initiatives to Group Customers and Grow Your Sales
Ryan Hamilton | December 6, 2022
By Ryan Hamilton Sustainability is becoming a higher priority, and more importantly, a decision factor for meetings, groups and event planners In case you haven’t noticed, sustainability is currently the talk of the town – or should I say, the talk of the hospitality industry. Although green initiatives have been edging their way into hotel best practices for years, the post-pandemic landscape seems primed to embrace a more sustainable and eco-conscious approach. If you ask me, this shift is not only warranted but long overdue. In a 2022 article published by Forbes, author John Mariani wrote, “We should be focusing on mak...
Braintree Group Acquires the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bend, Oregon
Braintree Group | December 12, 2022
Boise, ID, December 12, 2022 — Braintree Group, a privately held, vertically integrated, national real estate development and investment firm, announced today it acquired the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bend, located in Bend, Oregon. The 117-room property features an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, business center, and three meeting rooms totaling 2.327 square feet of meeting space. It is located right off US Route 97 in the heart of downtown Bend, Oregon. Bend is known for its scenic setting and year-round recreational activities. Guests will enjoy being within walking distance of downtown’s unique boutique shops, restaurants, ba...
Station Casinos Appoints Key Leadership for Durango Casino & Resort Opening Late 2023
Durango Casino & Resort | December 12, 2022
Las Vegas (Dec. 12, 2022) – Station Casinos announces key leadership appointments for Durango Casino & Resort, a luxury resort set to debut in southwest Las Vegas in late 2023. David Horn, a longtime executive in the organization, has been named Vice President and General Manager of the property. Kai Speth has been named Vice President of Hospitality, and Chef Daniel Ye joins the organization as the property’s Executive Chef. David Horn, Vice President and General Manager Mr. Horn brings over two decades of experience to Station Casinos, starting as a front desk agent and then moving into management positions across all operatio...
Linchris Acquires The Cape Codder Resort & Spa In Hyannis, MA
Linchris | December 9, 2022
PLYMOUTH, MA – December 9, 2022 – Linchris Hotel Corporation, today announced the acquisition of The Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis, MA. The Cape Codder Resort & Spa is a 266-room hotel, located in beautiful Hyannis, MA – the gateway to Cape Cod. Featuring a bustling restaurant, a relaxing spa, and an indoor water park, the hotel truly is a year-round destination for those guests looking for a true Cape Cod getaway. Additionally, the hotel boasts 20,000 square feet of meeting space, and offers events from 50 – 400 guests. A prime location in Hyannis, the resort is close to many local restaurants and attractions. ...
Highgate Enters Agreement to Acquire Viceroy Hotels & Resorts
Highgate | December 15, 2022
New York, NY, December 15, 2022 - An affiliate of the Principals of Highgate announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Viceroy Hotels & Resorts (Viceroy). The LA-based, award-winning hospitality group is known for its highly individual modern luxury hotels and resorts throughout the world, and was voted one of the top 10 hotel brands globally in the 2022 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. The Viceroy brand debuted in 2000 with the launch of Viceroy Santa Monica and has evolved into a portfolio of hotels and resorts in iconic destinations such as St Lucia, Chicago, Los Cabos and Snowmass. “We are...
Aman Appoints Olivier Lordonnois as Managing Director of Aman New York
Aman | December 13, 2022
December 13, 2022 - Aman is pleased to announce the appointment of Olivier Lordonnois as Managing Director of Aman New York. Olivier joins the company with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry across both hotels and private members clubs. Beginning his career at the illustrious Hôtel de Crillon as a trainee in 1994, Olivier has gained an in-depth understanding of hotel operations having held leadership positions at several prestigious hotels as General Manager for Hôtel Costes and Hotel de la Trémoille in Paris, as well as The Mark Hotel in New York. In 2019, Olivier moved into the private members club space where he ...
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company Arranges Sale of the Cannon’s Hotel Development Site in Dana Point, California
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company | December 13, 2022
Beverly Hills, California (December 13, 2022) --Sonnenblick-Eichner Company announced today that it has arranged the sale of the fee simple interest in the Cannon’s Hotel Development Site in Dana Point, California. The former home of Cannon’s Restaurant, the site is fully entitled and has received California Coastal Commission approval for a 100-room boutique luxury hotel. The property is located on a bluff-top overlooking the Dana Point Harbor and Marina with expansive, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the California Coastline. The property was sold to a private investor. The site is located one block south of Pacific Coa...
Driftwood Hospitality Management Opens The Chifley in Uptown Houston Following Renovation
Driftwood Hospitality Management | December 22, 2022
HOUSTON – December 22, 2022 – The Chifley, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Uptown Houston, is now open and welcoming leisure, business, and group travelers. The boutique hotel’s rooms and public spaces are fully renovated, along with the hotel’s new destination dining establishment, Rouse, which will open its doors in January 2023. “We’re bringing a fresh, independent energy and spirit to the district,” says Brett Orlando, managing director, The Chifley. “Being in the Galleria - and convenient to River Oaks District, Highland Village and Memorial Park - makes us an ideal location for guests looking for world-class shopping...
The Galt House Hotel Announces Kendall Linhart as Executive Chef
The Galt House Hotel | December 15, 2022
LOUISVILLE, KY – December 15, 2022 – The Galt House Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Kendall Linhart as its new Executive Chef. Linhart debuts his new title after five years since joining The Galt House Hotel’s culinary team in 2017. A true Kentucky local, Linhart possesses a unique expertise in Southern flavors – honoring the classic and nostalgic feelings evoked by tried and true American cuisine. Drawing from a bold curiosity and vast culinary abilities, Linhart has continued to be an integral part of the success of The Galt House Hotel’s evolving culinary program. Possessing an admirable and respectable backgr...
Pyramid Global Hospitality Closes Acquisition of Provenance Hotels’ Operating Division
Pyramid Global Hospitality | December 19, 2022
Acquisition Adds 12 Independent Hotels to Pyramid’s Portfolio of Managed Properties BOSTON, MA and PORTLAND, OR Dec. 19, 2022—Pyramid Global Hospitality today announced the company has closed the acquisition of the operating division of Provenance Hotels, an independent owner of boutique hotels. The transaction adds 12 full-service, independent hotels to Pyramid’s national network of managed properties. In a related transaction, Gencom, an international owner and developer of hospitality and residential properties, acquired a 50% ownership stake in eight Provenance hotels. “The addition of the Provenance portfolio places Pyramid...
W Nashville Appoints William Friedrichs as the Director of Food and Beverage
W Nashville | December 7, 2022
Nashville, Tenn. – W Nashville, the luxury lifestyle hotel nestled in the Gulch, recently hired William Friedrichs as the director of beverage and food for the property. In his new role, Friedrichs is responsible for leading all food and beverage operations and activations for W Nashville. “We are thrilled to welcome Will to the team as director of beverage and food,” says General Manager David Cronin. “Will has had a hand in opening and managing some of the most iconic luxury hotels throughout his career, and we are lucky to have him at W Nashville.” Friedrichs assumes his role as director of beverage and food w...
How to Get Revenue Management Right for 2023
Ahmed Mahmoud | December 20, 2022
By Ahmed Mahmoud Recently hospitality industry has encountered the Russia-Ukraine conflict with no end in sight along with the sanctions imposed on Russia. The political and economic implications of the conflict have just started to manifest themselves and it may take us a long time to realize the actual damage cost of the conflict. It has, nonetheless, led to an increase in global oil prices and led to a disruption (shortage) in global food production and supply chains. It will lead to an increase in flight prices and the cost of travel and will delay demand recovery. The above means the global hotel industry will continue to navigate ...
