The Carver Companies Launches Industry First, CARVER the App
Carver Companies | May 25th, 2022
Strength in Average Daily Rate Now Expected to Drive 2022 RevPAR Above 2019 Levels
PwC Hospitality Directions | May 23rd, 2022
News Top: May
How High Labor Costs Are Taking a Toll on the Hospitality Industry
John Smallwood, President of Travel Outlook | May 4, 2022
The real impact on guests when hotels reduce services By John Smallwood, President of Travel Outlook May 2022 Over the last decade, labor costs have risen sharply. After the pandemic, labor shortages are plaguing businesses across the world, and the hospitality industry is no exception. Demand for workers has never been higher, yet universal labor shortages persist, causing problems for hotels, despite a sharp rise in travel. Two years removed from the pandemic; travel is back in a big way. Hotels everywhere are preparing for what is sure to be a record-breaking summer of travel, but they’re doing so with one hand tied behind their ...
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo Welcomes New General Manager, Xavi Gonzalez
Ritz-Carlton Tokyo | May 10, 2022
TOKYO, Japan (May 10, 2022) – The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo is pleased to welcome Xavi Gonzalez as its new General Manger. Mr. Gonzalez will bring his wealth of experience in luxury properties across the globe, including more than 10 years in Asia, to lead the hotel. Born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, Mr. Gonzalez joins The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo with over 20 years of experience in multi-faceted luxury properties within Marriott International. He first joined The Ritz-Carlton at Hotel Arts Barcelona, followed by The Ritz-Carlton Penha Longa Golf & Spa Resort in Portugal, before making his debut in Asia in 2011. During Mr. Gonzalez’s ten...
Lodging Market Should Recover Fully by 2023
CBRE Group, Inc. | May 31, 2022
Drive-to and Leisure Hotels Continue to Perform Best Dallas – May 31, 2022 – CBRE is raising its forecasts of hotel performance for 2022 and beyond, based on Q1 2022 strength, continued slowing of construction activity, higher inflation and continued optimism about employment and economic growth. CBRE’s forecasts call for a full recovery in average daily rate (ADR) in 2022 and in demand and revenue per available room (RevPAR) in 2023. Despite headwinds from the Omicron variant, Q1 RevPAR reached $72.20, up 61 percent from year earlier. RevPAR growth was driven by a 39 percent increase in ADR)and a 16 percent increase in occupancy. ...
Paramount Lodging Advisors Arranges the Sale of the Sky Rock Inn – Sedona, Arizona
Paramount Lodging Advisors | May 2, 2022
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) is pleased to announce the sale of the Sky Rock Inn located in Sedona Arizona on behalf of Yang Capital. The 108-room hotel located at 1200 W Highway 89 in Sedona, is situated atop the West Sedona hilltop affording the best 360-degree views in the market. The hotel was purchased by Dauntless Capital Partners, an investment firm that builds and invests in durable businesses throughout the hospitality, consumer healthcare, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. The hotel will continue to operate under the Sky Rock Inn brand as well as the Spoken lifestyle experience, a supplemental brand to deliver an enhance...
Highgate Debuts Residence Inn by Marriott San Juan Isla Verde in Puerto Rico
Residence Inn by Marriott | May 9, 2022
MAY 9, 2022 — CAROLINA, PUERTO RICO – Residence Inn by Marriott San Juan Isla Verde officially opens its doors today offering a prime location in the Isla Verde neighborhood, just five minutes from the Luis Muñoz Marin International airport (SJU) and steps from the renowned Isla Verde Beach. With a global presence of over 870 hotels in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Caribbean & Latin America, Residence Inn is the world leader of the longer stay lodging segment, arriving for the first time in Puerto Rico. Operated by Highgate — a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized...
Park Hyatt Chicago Plans July 2022 Opening Following $60 Million Renovation
Park Hyatt | May 5, 2022
CHICAGO, IL (May 5, 2022) – Park Hyatt Chicago announced today an expected summer 2022 reopening of the iconic property at 800 N. Michigan Avenue, with reservations now available to book for stays July 1, 2022 and beyond. The hotel’s $60M transformation will include the introduction of new suite categories and 23 new suite additions, reimagined guestrooms, thoughtful enhancements to the lobby and The Library experience, a refreshed curated art program, as well as updates to the food and beverage programs and destination spa. With its rich history as the original Park Hyatt branded property, Park Hyatt Chicago exhibits the epitome of l...
The Wall Street Hotel Appoints David Sandler as General Manager
The Wall Street Hotel | May 23, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (MAY 23, 2022) – The Wall Street Hotel is delighted to announce the appointment of David Sandler as General Manager. Mr. Sandler brings more than a two decades of hospitality experience, specializing in luxury hotel operations and renovations, to his role at the soon-to-open hotel. Mr. Sandler began his career at Denihan Hospitality Group in 2000 and returned several years later after pursuing roles at Hotel Giraffe, Casablanca Hotel and The Maritime Hotel. Starting in 2005, Sandler held a variety of hospitality positions with Denihan including Director of Rooms, Corporate Operations Manager, Regional General Manager, ...
Del Mar Beach Hotel Set for June Debut Following Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
Del Mar Beach Hotel | May 9, 2022
Del Mar, CA (May 4, 2022) – After undergoing a multimillion-dollar redesign, Del Mar’s only hotel on the beach has been transformed into Del Mar Beach Hotel, set to debut in June 2022. This modern California coastal boutique hotel boasts 46 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, as well as two residences, all drenched in light woods and ocean-inspired art and located just steps from Del Mar Village. The property is managed by Azul Hospitality Group, a San Diego based hospitality management company focused primarily on lifestyle hotels and resorts. "We can’t wait to welcome guests to our sophisticated coastal oasis here at Del...
Strength in Average Daily Rate Now Expected to Drive 2022 RevPAR Above 2019 Levels
PwC Hospitality Directions | May 23, 2022
Despite an initial pullback in the recovery timeline caused by a surge in infections from a new omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus in December and January, continued improvement in top-line metrics for US hotels is expected for the remainder of this year and next. While leisure travel continued to drive much of lodging’s demand in Q1, individual business travel and group business have started to emerge as we head into the warmer months. Strong leisure business is expected to cause demand compression over the summer, driving room rates and resultant RevPAR levels to new highs. If tensions ease in Ukraine and immunity levels continue to in...
$150 Million Targeted for Georgia’s Hotels Will Get the Industry ‘Back on Its Feet’
GHLA | May 16, 2022
ATLANTA (May 16, 2022) — A $150 million grant announced by Gov. Brian Kemp today will dramatically improve the future of Georgia’s hotel and lodging industry, according to leaders of Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association (GHLA), the group charged with implementing the federal grant that will bring much-needed financial relief to an industry ravaged by the pandemic. GHLA’s program, Save Georgia Hotels, is an American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Negative Economic Impact grant that will help hotel operators and hotel employees return to work. All awarded funds must be used at Georgia properties. Funds used according to the rules and over...
Accor Adds Legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 to Its Portfolio in Dubai
Accor | May 10, 2022
Dubai, 10 May 2022 - Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with over 400 hotels across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey is adding the world-renowned cruise ship, Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), into its portfolio. Taking over operations from May 2022, the cruise ship will undergo further upgrades and renovations prior to joining the MGallery Hotel Collection. Once fully rebranded, Queen Elizabeth 2 will undoubtedly become a landmark property for the MGallery brand and Dubai overall. The group is collaborating with the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) Investments LLC, one of the government organizations under the Dubai gover...
The St. Regis New York Appoints Octavia Marginean-Tahiroglu as General Manager
St. Regis New York | May 4, 2022
New York, NY – APRIL 28, 2022 - The St. Regis New York is pleased to announce Octavia Marginean-Tahiroglu as General Manager of the celebrated and historic flagship property. A respected leader in the luxury hospitality arena, Octavia has been a part of The St. Regis New York family for over seven years and brings to her new role a wealth of experience and expertise garnered from her time at the landmark hotel. As the milestone first female general manager in the hotel’s history, Octavia’s designation marks a momentous and exciting new chapter in the hotel’s illustrious history. “I am thrilled and honored to be at the helm of one...
EOS Investors Acquires Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Cape Cod
EOS Investors | May 11, 2022
NEW YORK, NY (May 11, 2022) - EOS Investors LLC ("EOS"), a privately held real estate investment firm, today announced its acquisition of Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, a timeless, luxury, oceanfront resort in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The acquisition of Wequassett Resort further expands EOS’s presence in Cape Cod, following the company’s acquisition of Red Jacket Resorts in 2021. EOS’s New England drive-to resort portfolio consists of 17 properties, featuring over 1,000 keys, more than 20 restaurants and bars, and nearly $125 million of annual revenue. "We are excited to continue one of New England’s most special hospitality...
Guest Loyalty Is Not Dead – It’s Just Really Boring
Ellis Connolly | May 19, 2022
Hey Siri… play Loyalty by Kendrick Lamar By Ellis Connolly Let’s talk about loyalty. We write songs about it; we study it; we try to identify it in friends, potential suitors, colleagues, and customers – loyalty is an omnipresent force in our lives, whether it exists in abundance or, in some cases, is perceivably lacking. Specifically, loyalty has gleaned no shortage of attention over the last few years in the business world. Across industries, marketers and business owners find themselves ruminating over the same question – is loyalty dead? Are modern customers incapable of exhibiting loyalty to the brands they purchase from? I...
Alpine Acquisition Corporation Signs Agreement to Acquire Two Convention Hotels From Atrium Hospitality
Alpine Acquisition Corporation | May 19, 2022
PHOENIX & NEW YORK & LOS ANGELES--Alpine Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: REVEU, REVE, REVEW) ("Alpine"), a special purpose acquisition company, and Two Bit Circus, Inc., creators of the world’s first Micro-Amusement Parks and an experiential entertainment leader jointly announced today that they have entered into definitive agreements for a business combination. Alpine also entered into a definitive agreement with affiliates of Atrium Hospitality, LP, to acquire two full-service conference hotels with 739 rooms and 135,000 square feet of conference facilities located in Denver, CO and Stamford, CT. Upon the closing of the transacti...
Aimbridge Hospitality to Debut Two New Luxury Beachside Resorts at Frenchman’s Reef
Aimbridge Hospitality | May 12, 2022
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (May 12, 2022) – Aimbridge Hospitality announces that it will open two new resorts at Frenchman’s Reef in St. Thomas, as part of an extensive $350 million rebuild project on the property. The two resorts, including The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef and The Seaborn at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection, are expected to open in the Fall of 2022. Aimbridge Hospitality, a leading, global hospitality company, will manage the two properties under the leadership of Managing Director Kurt Wiksten, as part of a franchise agreement with Marriott International brands. Located steps ...
Practice Hospitality’s Newest Hotel, Drifthaven at Gearhart, Now Open on Oregon Coast
Practice Hospitality | May 27, 2022
May 27, 2022 – Gearhart, Ore. – Westward travelers have long sought the serene, scenic charm of Gearhart, Oregon. Tucked among the dunes along the picturesque Oregon Coast, Gearhart is home to: the idyllic childhood vacation home of “America’s First Foodie” James Beard, the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi and miles of unspoiled Pacific beaches. Gearhart is now also home to Oregon’s newest reimagined hotel, Drifthaven at Gearhart, handcrafted by Practice Hospitality, the hotel management company helmed by self-described hotel fanatic and Portlander, Bashar Wali. “Drifthaven is a pearl of a place. We have thought...
Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Appoints Jose Ballester as Executive Chef
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve | May 3, 2022
DORADO, PUERTO RICO – May 3, 2022 – Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Jose Ballester as Executive Chef. Chef Ballester is returning to Puerto Rico with more than 20 years of experience with Marriott International, most recently holding the position of Multi-Property Executive Chef for Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Japan, and The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui in Thailand. Throughout his career, he has worked in all areas of the culinary field at various Marriott brand hotels, including The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan; JW Marriott, Santo Domingo; and The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba. ...
Charleston the Second Most Expensive US Destination This Spring, Survey Reveals
Cheaphotels.org | May 5, 2022
Charleston, S.C., May 5, 2022 -- Charleston, the famous port city in South Carolina, is the United States' second priciest spring destination, according to a survey by Cheaphotels.org.The survey compared hotel rates in destinations across America during May 2022. Only hotels rated 3 stars or more and located close to a beach or city center/town center were included in the survey.In Charleston, visitors will have to spend $374 on average per night for the most affordable double room. Only the Hawaiian resort town of Poipu on Kauai island is pricier, with an average nightly rate of $397.Compared to spring 2021, rates have increas...
IHG Signs With Oscars Group for Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina on the NSW South Coast
IHG hotels & Resorts | May 5, 2022
IHG Hotels & Resorts is excited to announce the signing of its first hotel on the NSW South Coast, with the contemporary and inspiring Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina planned to open in 2025, following an agreement with Oscars Group. Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina will be part of a $1.5 billion master-planned coastal residential, commercial and tourist project within the Shellharbour region. The overall development will include a man-made in-shore harbour and a 270-berth marina, as well as a vibrant town centre that features a supermarket, retail outlets, restaurants, library, community centre, parklands – and the hotel. ...
Tidal Real Estate Partners Bringing Kimpton Hotel to Downtown Raleigh
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants | May 26, 2022
SAN FRANCISCO (May 26, 2022) – Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle Collection, announced today it will open a boutique hotel in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. The hotel will open in late 2025 as part of a new-build 20-story mixed-use development also featuring high-end residences in North Carolina’s capital city. Owned by Tidal Real Estate Partners, the new Kimpton in Raleigh will span the first six floors of the building and feature 179 guest rooms, including approximately 20 suites. Architects at Earl Swensson Associates, Inc., ESa, will build an entirely new mixed-use struct...
Benchmark Pyramid Adds Legacy Lodge to Third-Party Hotel Management Portfolio
Benchmark Pyramid | May 4, 2022
BOSTON, May 4, 2022—Benchmark Pyramid today announced the company added the 283-room Legacy Lodge in Lanier Islands, Ga., to its growing third-party hotel management portfolio. Nestled less than an hour’s drive from Atlanta on Georgia’s 1,200 acre Lanier Islands, the resort property is surrounded by marinas and water activities, rolling golf courses and the blue waters of Lake Lanier. Guests may enjoy the hotel’s heated saltwater lounging pool, state-of-the-art business center, more than 38,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and 24/7 fitness center. For entertainment of kids of all ages, the hotel also provides a Family En...
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge Unveils $15 Million Renovation
Residence Inn by Marriott | May 4, 2022
Cambridge, MA – May 4, 2022 – Marriott International, Inc. is pleased to announce that renovations to the Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge are complete and now offer unique Sensory Suites, aimed at providing children with autism and other disabilities a relaxing stay. The 16-story hotel located at 120 Broadway is proud to unveil its new look after a $15 million-dollar transformation that includes extensive renovations to the guest rooms, guest bathrooms, corridors, fitness center, boardroom, meeting spaces, lobby, entrance and dining area, plus a new-built, full-service lobby bar. The Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridg...
The St. Regis Bermuda Resort Appoints Leslie Prea as General Manager
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts | May 10, 2022
ST. GEORGE’S, BERMUDA (May 10, 2022) –The St. Regis Bermuda Resortis delighted to announce the appointment of Leslie Prea as General Manager. Mr. Prea brings more than 22 years of hospitality experience, 18 of which having been spent with Marriott International, to his new role at the resort. Mr. Prea began his career at La Cabana Resort & Casino, an independent property in Aruba, where he worked his way up to Manager of the Rooms Division. After his success at La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino, Prea joined the Aruba Marriott and Stellaris Casino team in 2006 as Front Office Manager and continued to excel at the resort, eventually ...
Waldorf Astoria Orlando Names Ryan Fitzgerald as General Manager
Hilton | May 25, 2022
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 25, 2022) – The Orlando Bonnet Creek properties of Hilton Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Fitzgerald as General Manager for Waldorf Astoria Orlando. In this role, Fitzgerald will lead the team in all aspects of hotel operations, from marketing and hotel administration to guest services and satisfaction for the 502-room, award-winning luxury resort. “With an impressive track record of leadership in luxury service and culture, driving profitability and implementing innovative processes to ensure success, Ryan brings specialized expertise to this role,” said Fred Sawyers, Waldorf Astoria Orland...
