Using Soft Metrics to Guide Hotel Operations
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | April 27th, 2022
Traveler Trends and Hotel Guest Behavior – What’s Changed, What’s New, What’s Next?
Preetham Shetty | April 26th, 2022
News Top: April
Understanding Distribution: OTA Channels
Vizergy | April 5, 2022
With countless channels and platforms to manage, distribution can be tricky. Today, we begin our series on distribution to help demystify some of the process and provide you with information you need to boost bookings and create new business. Building a Hotel Distribution Channel Strategy When it comes to hotel channel distribution, you have several options. To maximize production and revenue, you need to consider the right channel mix that best fits your property’s target market. Understanding different traveler segments who book at your property allows you to diversify your business mix and optimize your distribution strategy. The ...
Kiawah River Celebrates Groundbreaking of The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection
Kiawah River | April 7, 2022
Johns Island, SC – April 7, 2022 – Kiawah River, a new waterfront community and the Charleston region’s first agrihood, announced the groundbreaking of The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection on Friday, April 1, 2022. Located on the property’s 2,000 acres of picturesque land, The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, will be a charming, family-friendly getaway that invites guests to take in the natural beauty and simple pleasures of an authentic sea island lifestyle upon its opening in 2024. “For the past several years, we have built a vibrant community at Kiawah River,” said John Darby, CEO of The Beach Company. “...
Island Capital Group and MCR Acquire Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel for $373M
Island Capital | April 20, 2022
Joint venture marks the second high-profile hotel transaction between Island Capital and MCR and demonstrates continued optimism in the recovery of New York City's hospitality industry NEW YORK, April 20, 2022 -- MCR, a leading hotel investor and the third-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, and Island Capital Group LLC ("Island Capital"), a leading international real estate merchant bank that controls a diverse group of real estate services companies engaged in fund management, principal investment, and financial advisory and consulting services, today announced that they have jointly acquired the Sheraton New York Times ...
Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort Completes $33M Renovation
Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort | April 14, 2022
The Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort, owned by Taconic Capital Advisors and operated by leading hospitality company Aimbridge Hospitality, has announced the completion of a $33 million dollar renovation. Renovations began in May 2021. “We are delighted to unveil our reimagined and vastly improved resort and introduce the extraordinary changes throughout the property,” said Ian Gee, General Manager. “Guests and locals alike will appreciate the totally new-and-improved experience, in both design and services we offer.” Guests will immediately notice the large-scale commissioned sculpture bathed in ligh...
Fullsteam Acquires IQware Inc and Megasys Hospitality Solutions
Fullsteam Holdings LLC. | April 19, 2022
Fullsteam strengthens its position in the Hospitality Industry by acquiring IQware Inc. and Megasys Hospitality Solutions. Laval, Quebec, Canada - Fullsteam, a holding company acquiring software and payments businesses, announced its March 2022 acquisition of IQware Inc and Megasys Hospitality Solutions, leading providers of hospitality management solutions. IQware Inc and Megasys were merged at the end of 2021 to create an industry-leading software and services solution for hotels, condo-hotels, state parks, and other recreational facilities. Both companies have long served the hospitality market with deep expertise, understanding, and ...
Remington Hotels Acquires Chesapeake Hospitality
Remington Hotels | April 18, 2022
DALLAS, TX — April 18, 2022 — Remington Hotels, a dynamic and growing hotel management company, has acquired Chesapeake Hospitality’s hotel management expertise, and legacy of excellence. With 65 years of experience helping hotel owners and real estate investors in the eastern United States discover their properties’ full potential, Chesapeake joins Remington with a complementary vision and mission. The acquisition expands Remington’s footprint to Midwestern markets, including Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Detroit, and St. Louis. Additionally, Remington will expand its portfolio of IHG & Independent properties in several locations ...
Grand Orlando Resort at Celebration Under New Ownership, Management; Announces $35 Million Renovation
Tishman Hotel Corporation | April 13, 2022
CELEBRATION, FL – April 13, 2022 – The Grand Orlando Resort at Celebration is under new ownership and management. The 718-room property, located just 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World, was recently purchased by Tishman Hotel Corporation. StepStone Hospitality has been named the management company and will oversee the property. The resort is currently undergoing a $35 million renovation, which includes guest rooms and suites, outdoor pool areas, a restaurant and on-site conference center, with completion expected in early 2023. The room renovation construction is contained to one of the hotel’s six towers at a time, to avoid interruption...
Avion Hospitality Awarded Management of Five Hotels by Texas-Based Family Office Founder and Entrepreneur, Mac Haik
Avion Hospitality | April 26, 2022
DALLAS, TX (April 25, 2022) - Avion Hospitality, a third-party hotel management company, announces it has been awarded the management contract for five Texas hotels. The properties are owned by Haik’s parent company, Mac Haik Enterprises, LTD. “Choosing to partner and place our trust in Avion Hospitality as our hotel management company was an easy decision,” said Mac Haik, Chairman and CEO of Mac Haik Enterprises. “Avion devotes attentive oversight and a team of hospitality experts with deep knowledge and experience. Unquestionably, Avion will return exceptional results for our hotels.” The assets are a combination of Hilton and...
The Ranch at Rock Creek Appoints Jeremy Belnap as General Manager
The Ranch at Rock Creek | April 7, 2022
Philipsburg, Montana – April 7, 2022 – The Ranch at Rock Creek is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremy Belnap as General Manager. Belnap’s career spans nearly 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Most recently, Belnap was the General Manager of Magee Homestead, part of the Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection in Saratoga, Wyoming. Throughout his five-year tenure, Jeremy initiated Magee Homestead into the Relais & Chateaux collection and achieved a Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star rating within his first year and each year since under his direction. The Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection also received notable recog...
Ocean House Collection Appoints Daniel Abrashoff as General Manager of Rhode Islands’s Weekapaug Inn
Ocean House Collection | April 7, 2022
Westerly, RI – April 7, 2022 – Ocean House Collection (OHC), New England’s leading luxury hospitality group, today announced the appointment of Daniel Abrashoff as General Manager of the Forbes Five-Star Weekapaug Inn in Rhode Island, and T. Michael Chandler as Group Human Resources Director. Daniel Abrashoff joins Ocean House Collection and Weekapaug Inn with more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, including experience with other Relais & Chateaux, Forbes and luxury destinations across the U.S. Daniel previously served four years as General Manager of Devils Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, an award-winning, Orvis-endo...
Benchmark Pyramid Adds 126-Room Hotel 83 to Its Third-Party Management Portfolio
Benchmark Pyramid | April 27, 2022
Former Origin Hotel Raleigh to Begin Conversion to Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel Raleigh, N.C., April 27, 2022—Benchmark Pyramid today announced the company has assumed management of the 126-room Hotel 83 in Raleigh, N.C. Benchmark Pyramid also will oversee the conversion of the Hotel 83 (a former Origin Hotel) to a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Marriott’s upscale collection brand of independent, boutique hotels. The conversion process is expected to be completed by late Summer. Located at the intersection of the Warehouse and Glenwood South districts in downtown Raleigh, the seven-story hotel is within walking distance of the North...
The Development Boom in the Dominican Republic
CHICOS 2022 | April 5, 2022
By Kristina M. D'Amico Historical Demand to the Dominican Republic The Dominican Republic is one of the fastest growing economies in the Caribbean and the most popular tourist destination in the Caribbean region. Its tropical climate, white-sand beaches, diverse mountainous landscape, and colonial history attracts visitors from around the world. The country has 28 provinces spread across six main regions, with the East & Southeast region, which encompasses the cities of Punta Cana and Bávaro, serving as the most popular tourist destination and offering nearly 50% of all hotel rooms in the country. Over the last 20 ye...
Southall Set for July Opening in Franklin, Tennessee
SOUTHALL | April 1, 2022
FRANKLIN, TN – April 1, 2022 – Located less than 20 miles south of Nashville in historic Franklin, Tenn., Southall is now accepting reservations ahead of its opening this July. The farm-centric property is nestled within 325 acres of rolling Tennessee hills and will be a unique escape that salutes the agricultural heritage of the area while advancing innovative practices for a sustainable future. Set on a working farm dedicated to education, preservation and exploration, Southall will provide ample sustenance for the mind, soul and body. “Southall started as a dream to create a place for people to stay and experience all a fa...
Marriott San Antonio Airport Opens in Texas Following Redevelopment
Marriott San Antonio Airport Hotel | April 18, 2022
San Antonio, TX - April 14, 2022 - Leading the revitalization of San Antonio’s airport corridor, the Marriott San Antonio Airport Hotel opens to guests today, Thursday, April 14, 2022. After a massive re-imagining that took the original building down to the studs and reconfigured the entirety of the space, the new urban oasis is ushering in a new era of local gathering spots, meeting spaces, event options and guest rooms. Hotel offerings include an expansive Great Room with ample space to mingle and network; a trendy indoor-outdoor bar; an outdoor pool with unique water features; and a substantial amount of dining, meeting, social and eve...
OTO Development Introduces Homewood Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Following Conversion
OTO Development | April 29, 2022
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA (April 29, 2022) — OTO Development has converted an independent on-the-sand property in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand. OTO, which is part of The Johnson Group, acquired South Bay Inn & Suites in May 2021 and completed its transition to Homewood Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront on April 24. The rebranding follows a soft renovation to the relatively new hotel and a reimagining of the onsite restaurant and pool bar into Coconut Charlie’s, the company’s proprietary concept for beachfront food and beverage spaces. “This repositioning combines the power of Hilton...
The Inn At Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards Debuts in the Heart of the Virginia Highlands
The Inn at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards | April 5, 2022
BRISTOL, VA – April 5, 2022 – Situated on the grounds of the family-owned Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, The Inn at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards makes its debut in the charming town of Bristol, Virginia. Nestled in over 450 acres of rolling hills and meadows, the new luxury boutique property features 28 highly appointed luxury rooms and suites, including a 1200 sq. ft. Presidential Suite, overlooking some of the most beautiful scenery on property. This ground up destination brings an elevated hospitality experience to the region, boasting inviting common spaces, a world-class culinary and wine program and nine customized Yurts. Ja...
Jon McGaunn Appointed General Manager of Montage Palmetto Bluff
Montage Palmetto Bluff | April 1, 2022
ORANGE COUNTY, CA – April 1, 2022 – Montage Palmetto Bluff is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon McGaunn as general manager. With over two decades of hospitality industry experience, McGaunn will oversee all day-to-day operations of the resort set within the 20,000-acre development of Palmetto Bluff. “I am delighted to welcome Jon McGaunn to the Montage family,” said Jason Herthel, president and chief operating officer of Montage International. “Jon’s dynamic and extensive hospitality experience is exemplary, and we are honored to have him at the helm of Montage Palmetto Bluff.” McGaunn joins Montage Palmetto...
Q1 2022 Major U.S. Hotel Sales Survey
Daniel Lesser | April 20, 2022
By Daniel Lesser As the world was emerging from a once in century pandemic, global and national events during the first three months of 2022 have resulted in a transformative quarter unlike any for nearly 80 years. During the nuclear superpower age, the notion of an unprovoked brutal attack and invasion of a sovereign state was the stuff of fiction. "Never again" is a phrase associated with the Holocaust, the genocide of European Jews during World War II. Unfortunately, the phrase is merely two words as history is currently repeating itself in Eastern Europe. As of the end of Q1 2022, skyrocketing energy and food costs have greatly ...
Boutique Hotel The Georges Acquires Neighboring Sheridan Livery Building
The Georges | April 7, 2022
LEXINGTON, VA – April 7, 2022 – The Georges, an award-winning boutique hotel in Lexington, Virginia, announced today it has acquired the neighboring Sheridan Livery Building, currently the home of the Tonic Restaurant and Inn. This addition will expand The Georges from 21 guest rooms to 33 and provide more banquet and event space to benefit guests and the community. Dating back to 1887, the historic Sheridan Livery Building originally served as a horse stable and stagecoach depot and has an important place in Main Street Lexington’s history. The Georges’ owner Ann Parker Gottwald will lead the hotel’s renovation with the same r...
EOS Hospitality Completes Property-Wide Transformation of Hotel Bethany Beach
Hotel Bethany Beach | April 29, 2022
Bethany Beach, DE (April 29, 2022) – Hotel Bethany Beach announces its property-wide transformation, reimagining the hotel’s lobby, guest rooms, suites and breakfast area. Ideally located in the center of Bethany Beach, just steps away from boardwalk festivities and sandy beach, the redesign ushers in a new level of exceeding expectations, for both first-time and returning guests. The overall design aesthetic embraces the serene, coastal respite of the destination and brings a sense of calm that permeates throughout the hotel. Hotel Bethany Beach is owned and operated by EOS Hospitality, a full-service hotel management company that ...
Customer Satisfaction With Hotels Continues Free Fall, While Online Travel Agencies Bounce Back Slightly
ACSI | April 26, 2022
ANN ARBOR, Mich.--Customers have started to scratch their travel itch once again, but expectations aren’t being met. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) Travel Study 2021-2022, satisfaction with airlines is flying in the wrong direction, hotels aren’t hosting happy guests, and car rentals can’t get back on track. Online travel agencies are the only industry to improve customer satisfaction, but not by much. “Many folks ventured out to travel for the first time since the pandemic hit only to be met with lackluster service and dashed hopes,” says Forrest Morgeson, Assistant Professor of Marketing at M...
Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Slated for May 2022 Opening in Connecticut
Tapestry Collection by Hilton | April 20, 2022
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will soon make history as what is believed will be the first net-zero hotel in the United States. The revolutionary hotel will utilize renewable solar power sources on site to generate the electricity needed for its common areas, restaurant, laundry, meeting rooms and 165 guest rooms and suites. Set to debut this spring, the all-electric hotel is currently accepting reservations for May 19, 2022, and beyond. Hotel Marcel New Haven will operate independent of fossil fuels, resulting in zero carbon emissions. It is also expected to be the first Passive House-certified...
Electra America Hospitality Group Purchases Brand New West Palm Beach Property to Transform to Luxury Hotel Residence
Electra America | April 14, 2022
West Palm Beach, FL – April 14, 2022 – Electra America Hospitality Group (EAHG), a joint venture between Electra America and AKA, has acquired a brand new property in downtown West Palm Beach that will be transformed into an upscale, hotel residence catering to the city’s rapidly growing corporate and leisure travel community. The joint venture purchased the newly built, six- story building located at 695 S. Olive Avenue, for $84 million from developer Transwestern Development Company. It is conveniently located within walking distance of historic Clematis Street, the Brightline West Palm Beach train station, numerous restaurants and...
Omni Hotels & Resorts Names Kurt Alexander President
Omni Hotels & Resorts | April 12, 2022
DALLAS, TX – April 12, 2022 – Omni Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce that Kurt Alexander has been appointed president of the company, replacing Peter Strebel, who will now take on the role of chairman of Omni Hotels & Resorts. Alexander will assume his new role on May 1, 2022, after spending the last five years as the company’s CFO. As Chairman, Strebel will provide strategic counsel to the company. Both Alexander and Strebel will report to Blake Rowling, president of TRT Holdings, the parent company of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “Peter has been an outstanding leader for Omni Hotels & Resorts over the pa...
Anticipating Hotel Guests’ Needs
Travel Outlook | April 14, 2022
How Bella the Virtual Agent Can Help Your Hotel Handle Guests Needs as They Arise A good hotel is always a few steps ahead of its guests. Any experienced concierges will tell you that it pays dividends to anticipate guests' needs before they may even be aware of them. If a guest is checking in for a one-night stay, make them feel welcomed by offering a later checkout time to better suit their schedule. If a family arrives around dinner time, hand them their room keys with a list of restaurant recommendations and offer to have the concierges call ahead and make reservations if needed. Simple anticipatory actions, like offering an umbrella...
