A Warm Reception From the Hospitality Industry for Annette, the Virtual Hotel Agent
Travel Outlook | February 24th, 2022
Four Trends for Revenge Travel 2.0 Right Now
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | February 23rd, 2022
News Top: February
Club Med to Open 17 New Resorts by 2024
CLUB MED | February 11, 2022
MIAMI, FL - February 11, 2022 - Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept for more than 70 years, will open 17 new resorts by 2024. The new openings, along with Club Med's destination-forward experiences, digital innovations, and new product novelties, will further solidify the brand as the leader in the booming all-inclusive market for families and upscale travelers. With such a wide range of locations and activities to choose from, Club Med invites guests to write their own vacation stories, emphasizing that "when everything is included, all you need to add are the memories." "Since 1950, Club Med has continued to sha...
U.S. Hotel Development Cost Survey 2021-22
John Berean | February 25, 2022
Each year, HVS researches and compiles development costs from our database of actual hotel construction budgets. This source provides the basis for our illustrated total development costs per room/per product type. HVS has tracked hotel construction budgets throughout the United States since 1976. Download PDF - U.S. Hotel Development Cost Survey 2021-22...
Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor Plans May 2023 Opening
SUNSEEKER RESORT CHARLOTTE HARBOR | February 16, 2022
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - February 16, 2022 - The highly anticipated Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor announces today that the property is officially accepting guest reservations for stays beginning May 2023. The independently flagged property – which will be the first completely new-build resort with more than 300 rooms to open in Southwest Florida in over thirteen years – features 785 well-appointed guest rooms including 189 top-tier luxury suites. When finished, the resort will offer guests 60,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, 19 total dining options and bars, two pools, and retail outlets situated along a scenic...
Hotel Forty Five Opens in Macon, Georgia
Hotel Forty Five | February 3, 2022
MACON, GA – February 3, 2022 – Hotel Forty Five, the 94-room boutique hotel, has announced their opening for this Tuesday, February 1. Situated on the iconic 45-degree angle formed by Cherry and First Streets, and Cotton Avenue, across from the newly designed Rosa Parks Square, the hotel will be the first in Macon’s Historic Central Business District. The angled street was a city design ahead of its time that made transportation of cotton barges to and from the river possible. This emblematic wedge serves as the creative thoughtfulness behind the hotel's name. Hotel Forty Five is a part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio and is owned an...
Marriott Signs With Cola Holdings and The Westbury Hotel Limited to Bring Iconic St. Regis Brand to the UK
Marriott International | February 24, 2022
Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed a management agreement with Cola Holdings and The Westbury Hotel Limited to bring the storied St. Regis brand to the well-heeled area of Mayfair, London. Combining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, this highly anticipated signing will bring the brand’s signature Butler Service, celebrated rituals, and rich heritage to one of London’s most alluring neighbourhoods. Solidifying St. Regis’ position as a global leader in luxury, The St. Regis London is expected to welcome its first guests in 2023, offering a highly personalised guest experience on the corner of Bond Stree...
Eugénie Béziat Named Chef at L’Espadon at The Ritz Paris
the Ritz Paris | February 2, 2022
Paris, France – February 2, 2022 – The Ritz Paris announces the arrival of Eugénie Béziat as Chef at L’Espadon, starting April 1st, 2022. In the months ahead, she will work on a new menu and concept for the space, which is now closed and will reopen in its exciting new incarnation in the last quarter of 2022. Born in Gabon, Eugénie Béziat spent her entire childhood in Africa, an experience that is reflected in her modern, creative cuisine based on unexpected and refined associations. After earning a BTS Hôtellerie Restauration diploma in Toulouse, in 2006, she embarked on her career as a commis in the kitchen at Michel Guérard...
The Watergate Hotel Appoints Manuel Martinez as Managing Director
The Watergate Hotel | February 21, 2022
Washington, D.C. – February 21, 2022 – Rakel and Jacques Cohen, owners of The Watergate Hotel, are pleased to announce the appointment of Manuel Martinez, to the position of Managing Director. An experienced leader within luxury hospitality, Martinez brings over 20 years of experience to the hotel. Martinez began his career at The Palace Hotel in Madrid, Spain before making the move to the states. Here, he has held leadership positions at some of the most prestigious hotels in the world including The Essex House and Ritz-Carlton Central Park South hotels in New York City. His extensive experience includes roles as Hotel Manager at Th...
Make It Meta: What Is Metasearch and Why It’s Important for Travel Marketers
Dave Goulden | February 3, 2022
By Dave Goulden, VP of Product at Sojern Hotels are always looking for new ways to attract travelers and drive direct bookings. From display ads to social media, video to native, marketers already have a great mix of options at their fingertips. However, a healthy multichannel marketing approach doesn’t stop there. In today’s marketing landscape, hotels must also leverage metasearch, as it has the power to drive big results. Metasearch has the potential to be one of the most powerful marketing channels available for travel brands. Metasearch helps travelers with one the most important factors when considering travel: price. Travele...
Newly Built Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa Debuts in Los Cabos
Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa | February 16, 2022
Los Cabos, Mexico – February 16, 2022 – Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa, a new record-breaking luxury resort, opens this month in Mexico’s most visited destination, Los Cabos. Located on Golden Beach in the main corridor near Cabo San Lucas, the all-inclusive optional Villa La Valencia is anchored by a 1,148-foot waterfront lazy river – the longest in the region – featuring an art-mural bottom and a fleet of luxury pool floats. Other property highlights include an infinity pool overlooking the Sea of Cortez, contemporary suites outfitted with private terraces and Jacuzzis, multiple fine dining concepts, stylish cocktail ...
Colorado’s Viewline Resort Snowmass Reopens Following $40 Million Transformation
Viewline Resort Snowmass | February 23, 2022
SNOWMASS, CO – February 23, 2022 –High Street Real Estate Partners, RGP Partners, ACRON Real Estate Investments, and Davidson Hospitality Group announced today the official opening of Viewline Resort Snowmass, an iconic ski-in/ski-out property located in the heart of Snowmass Village, Colo. Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, Viewline Resort Snowmass debuts with elevated interiors and exteriors, enhanced culinary offerings, and curated guest programming, delivering a modern luxury resort experience with a 1960’s mountain town ethos. “We are thrilled to officially debut Viewline Resort Snowmass at the heig...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 261: Hotel History: The Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia
Stanley Turkel | February 15, 2022
By Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: The Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia The Homestead is a famous luxury resort that opened a decade before the American revolutionary war. Located in the middle of the Allegheny Mountains, the area has the largest hot springs in Virginia. Native Americans used the waters to rejuvenate themselves during their many excursions through the area. Captain Thomas Bullett and Charles and Andrew Lewis were part of the militia and surveyors during the French and Indian War. They were told of the many healing qualities of the waters in the area. In 1764, at the end of the war, Capt. Bullett received Gold and...
Verdant Thermostats Deliver Seamless Compatibility With LG VRF Systems
Verdant Environmental Technologies | February 1, 2022
Montreal, Quebec – Verdant is proud to announce a new collaboration with LG Electronics, U.S.A.’s Air Conditioning Technologies that allows for seamless integration of Verdant’s energy management thermostats with the LG Multi V™ VRF series product line available in the United States. Whereas some other HVAC controls rely on costly third-party adaptors to achieve such integrations, the collaboration between Verdant and LG ensures a native integration using LG’s VRF InDoor Unit protocol, preserving the full benefits of thermostat and VRF system alike. “We estimate that over 25 percent of new construction projects in our core m...
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Announces The Kimpton Wade Hotel, Opening Summer 2022 in Atlanta’s Midtown Neighborhood
KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS | February 2, 2022
ATLANTA, GA – February 2, 2022 – Set to open this summer in Atlanta’s Midtown neighborhood, Kimpton’s much-anticipated hotel announces its name, Kimpton Wade Hotel, and the appointment of its leader, General Manager Alan Rae. The Wade will be part of MetLife Investment Management’s Midtown Union development, a mixed-use community located in the city’s “Heart of the Arts” and new epicenter for business. The Wade will reflect this unique intersection of culture and connection with a spirit and style that is equal parts creatively inspired and modernly sophisticated. Located at 17th Street and West Peachtree Street, The Wade wil...
The National, Autograph Collection Set for Spring 2022 Opening at Oklahoma’s Historic First National Center
The National, Autograph Collection at the First National Center | February 8, 2022
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – February 8, 2022 – History comes to life yet again in Oklahoma City with the highly anticipated Spring 2022 debut of the region’s restored crown jewel, The National, Autograph Collection, at the First National Center. The building originally opened in 1931 as an iconic bank and landmark monument, and stands proudly at 32-stories high to this day. Following an extensive restoration and one of the biggest renovations in the state's history, the former bank office tower has been transformed into a hotel with 146 guest rooms alongside opulent new apartment homes, restaurants, bars, and retail offerings. ...
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Partners With DAMAC for Private Island Resort in the Maldives
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group | February 28, 2022
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a new resort on a private island in The Maldives that is scheduled to open in 2025. The resort is currently under development on a pristine Indian Ocean site and will stretch across three private islands on Bolidhuffaru Reef in South Male Atoll, accessed by an easy 20-minute speedboat ride from Male’s Velana international airport. Surrounded by white sand beaches and the vibrant coral reefs for which The Maldives is renowned, the resort will provide a picturesque backdrop from which to enjoy a variety of activities including wellness experiences and watersports. The accommo...
CoralTree Hospitality to Manage Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon
CoralTree Hospitality | February 3, 2022
DENVER, CO – February 3, 2022 – CoralTree Hospitality, one of the top independent hospitality management companies in the United States, starts the New Year by adding Sunriver Resort near Bend, Oregon to its growing management portfolio. Situated in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Sunriver is a 3,300-acre residential resort community with four golf courses, 245 hotel rooms, 282 vacation rentals, 11 restaurants, the 36,000 square foot Sage Springs Club and Spa, more than 45,000 square feet of meeting space and the only private resort airstrip in the Pacific Northwest. Sunriver’s amenities are located throughout three distinct ...
Signia by Hilton San Jose Appoints Executive Team Ahead of Spring Opening
February 15, 2022
SAN JOSE, CA – February 15, 2022 – Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the appointment of members of the hotel executive team at the 805-room Signia by Hilton San Jose, slated to open this spring as Signia by Hilton’s first California hotel and the second in the brand portfolio. The hotel executive team consists of Jimmy Sarfraz, general manager; Catherine Hendricks, complex director of sales and marketing; Nicole Kent, complex director of revenue management; and Hans Lentz, executive chef. The hotel is currently accepting reservations for April 25, 2022 and beyond. Cradled by the redwood-covered Santa Cruz Mountains, Signia ...
6 Main Ethical Concerns of Service Robots and Human Interaction
Dr Reza Etemad-Sajadi | February 17, 2022
By Dr. Reza Etemad-Sajadi “Service Robots” come with a variety of ethical questions regarding their use. Research in this field can help to find the win-win balance where companies reduce their costs, adapt employee activities and give customers added value with the right use of robot technology. A newcomer in the service sector Around the world, a lot of people have lost their jobs during the pandemic. In parallel, automation, AI, and the usage of robots are becoming more and more frequent. Indeed, the health situation has increased firms’ digitalization and automatization processes. In the past, when automa...
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa Appoints Paige Lund as General Manager
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa | February 1, 2022
PHOENIX, AZ – February 1, 2022 – JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Paige Lund to the role of general manager of the luxurious resort set on 316 acres of sweeping Sonoran Desert. As a seasoned hospitality and luxury hotel professional, Lund brings more than 25 years of experience to her new role at the resort celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Prior to joining the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort team, Lund was the general manager of another Arizona favorite, JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. She graciously embodies the spirit and tenacity of...
The Tremont House Galveston Launches Renovation
February 3, 2022
GALVESTON, TX – February 3, 2022 – The Tremont House Galveston has announced it is embarking on renovations set to be complete by Fall 2022 and touching all areas of the property. 135 guestrooms, including 27 suites, will unveil their fresh look in Summer 2022 with historical design touches like hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and 14-to-16-foot ceilings. Penthouse units in The Quarters range from one-bedroom lofts to two-bedroom, fully furnished residences ideal for luxury weekend getaways or even short-term housing. Guestrooms will also have upgraded amenities from full Keurig coffee makers and 55-inch HDTVs with streaming serv...
Wolfgramm Capital Acquires Avatar Hotel Group Portfolio and Management Company
Hodges Ward Elliott | February 9, 2022
DALLAS, Feb. 9, 2022 -- Hodges Ward Elliott ("HWE"), the premier boutique real estate capital markets advisor, announced it has arranged the fee-simple sale of the entire hotel portfolio for Avatar Hotel Group ("Avatar"), comprised of three select-service hotels in Texas with 280 rooms in total, to Wolfgramm Capital. Wolfgramm Capital also purchased and assumed Avatar's management company. In addition, HWE negotiated a separate transaction on behalf of Avatar selling a nearly three-acre development site in Plano, Texas pre-approved for a Home2 Suites development, to another buyer. An HWE team led by Austin Brooks advised the selle...
With New CDC Guidance, Travel, Aviation, Business Groups Urge Biden Admin to Lift COVID Travel Restrictions
U.S. Travel Association | February 28, 2022
WASHINGTON — February 28, 2022 — With new guidance issued Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that relaxes many COVID-era policies—including indoor mask wearing—the U.S. Travel Association, the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Airlines for America and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are appealing to White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Jeffrey Zients in a letter that urges the Biden administration to replace pandemic-era travel advisories, requirements and restrictions with endemic-focused policies that enable travel to resume fully and safely and the American economy to accelerate its recovery. The...
Napa Valley’s Historic Silverado Resort and Spa Acquired by KSL Capital Partners and Arcade Capital
KSL Capital Partners | February 2, 2022
Denver, CO – February 2, 2022 – KSL Capital Partners, LLC (KSL) and Arcade Capital LLC announced today the acquisition by their affiliates of the iconic Silverado Resort and Spa, a luxury resort in the heart of Napa Valley wine country. Terms were not disclosed. A 2021 Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Award Winner and an annual recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award since 1976, Silverado has been one of Napa Valley’s premier destinations for over 150 years, first as a private estate and now a contemporary 449 room resort, with two Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed championship golf courses, a 16,000-square-foot spa and fitness center...
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa Welcomes Returning General Manager, Ralph Scatena
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa | February 24, 2022
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - February 24, 2022 - JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is thrilled to announce the return of Ralph Scatena to the role of general manager, as well as area general manager, Phoenix, at the award-winning resort set on 125 acres of Sonoran Desert terrain in affluent Paradise Valley. This marks the first returning general manager in the 85-year history of the resort. As a 40-year Marriott International veteran, Scatena has held multi-faceted positions spanning numerous brand portfolios and markets. He served as general manager of several Marriott properties, including Orlando World Center Marriott in Florida...
OMNI PGA Frisco Resort Appoints Jeff Smith as Vice President and Managing Director
Omni PGA Frisco | February 7, 2022
FRISCO, TX – February 7, 2022 – Omni Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce two appointments for the highly anticipated Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Jeff Smith as vice president and managing director, and Gus Tejeda as director of sales & marketing. The resort, slated to open in Spring 2023 in partnership with PGA of America and the City of Frisco, has also just launched its sales efforts for groups and events. Jeff Smith, Vice President and Managing Director Having served over three decades in the hotel industry, and almost 20 at Omni Hotels and Resorts, Smith is a seasoned hospitality veteran and passionate lead...
