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Wine as a Quick Win for Hotel Revenues in 2023
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | September 28th, 2022
News Top: September
New York Hilton Midtown Names Mark Sanders as General Manager
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | September 23, 2022
NEW YORK (September 23, 2022) – Hilton has announced the appointment of Mark Sanders as the general manager of the iconic 1,878-room New York Hilton Midtown, which is owned by Park Hotels & Resorts and managed by Hilton. In his new role, Sanders is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city’s hotel with the largest hotel meeting space footprint, including the largest ballroom in the destination. Sanders joins New York Hilton Midtown from Highgate Hotels & Resorts where he served as managing director and led hotel operations for The Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan Hotel, an IHG hotel. “New York Hil...
Hilton Signs Tempo by Hilton Times Square at TSX Broadway
Hilton | September 12, 2022
NEW YORK and MCLEAN, Va. – Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the signing of Tempo by Hilton Times Square, expected to open in 2023 as the global premiere of Hilton’s newest brand. Owned by L&L Holding Company and Fortress Investment Group, and managed by Hilton, the 661-room lifestyle hotel is located at TSX Broadway, the city’s new 46-story entertainment and hospitality destination that will also be home to TSX Entertainment, a next generation entertainment company that will empower the world’s most innovative artists and fans to stage the moments that define pop culture. Pioneering a new hospitality category, Tempo ...
NYC Hospitality Sector Continues Recovery as Travel Surges and Hotels Reopen
Hodges Ward Elliott | September 23, 2022
New York, NY – September 20, 2022 – As the U.S. continues to recover from the events of the last two years, New York City tourism is returning to pre-pandemic levels as both international and business travel to the area has surged over the past few months. In addition, the reopening of numerous hotels throughout the City, as well as the return of Broadway shows, has also stoked the market which bodes well for the future health of the New York City hospitality sector. These are some of the major takeaways from the New York City Q2 2022 hospitality market report, released by Hodges Ward Elliott ("HWE"), the premier boutique real estate c...
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. Convention Center to Unveil Completion of $30 Million Renovation Next Month
Hilton | September 23, 2022
The top-to-bottom renovation introduces fully redesigned guest suites, public spaces, enhanced amenities, a new restaurant, and state of the art meeting spaces Washington, D.C. (September 23, 2022) – Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. Convention Center is pleased to introduce the completion of its full property $30 million renovation that includes a complete transformation to the hotel featuring a fresh, modern redesign. The extensive renovation includes the complete overhaul of the property’s 388 two-room suites, fitness center and pool, lobby and public spaces, along with an upgrade to its 12,000 sq. ft meeting and event space, a...
Opwest Partners and Iridius Capital to Transform Iconic Tucson Building Into The Leo Kent
Opwest Partners | September 9, 2022
TUCSON, Ariz. (Sept. 9, 2022) - Opwest Partners, a Scottsdale-based investment and development firm, has partnered with Tucson-based Iridius Capital to open Tucson’s first soft branded lifestyle hotel inside the iconic One South Church building in early 2023. The first nine floors of the building are currently being renovated into The Leo Kent, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel, while the upper floors of the tower have been upgraded and will continue to function as office space. The repositioning from office to hotel at One South Church is one of only a few high-rise adaptive reuse conversions that have been executed in the state of Arizon...
NewcrestImage to Acquire 45 Hotels Across 11 States
September 8, 2022
NewcrestImage has reached definitive agreement to purchase 45 hotels from a private investment firm. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The portfolio totals approximately 3,300 rooms and includes 35 Marriott-branded, seven Hilton-branded, two Choice-branded, and one Radisson-branded properties, which are located in 11 states – Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas. “The current financial environment makes it very attractive to buy rather than build, and this group of fine hotels in high-traffic locations provides us with an exceptional opportunity to ...
Chef Carlos Alvarez Named Executive Chef at Caerula Mar Club in The Bahamas
September 29, 2022
South Andros, Bahamas – September 2022 – Carlos Alvarez has been named Executive Chef at Caerula Mar Club, a boutique luxury resort located on the quaint Bahamian island of South Andros that’s owned by HGTV celebrity power couple, Bryan and Sarah Baeumler. Driven by a deep love of cooking with more than 30 years of experience in kitchens around the globe, Alvarez brings an unparalleled passion to Caerula Mar’s culinary team. In 1993, he immigrated from his home country of Nicaragua to Canada, where he worked his way up the ranks from his first job as a dishwasher and eventually becoming a sous chef at the age of 27. Being raised by...
SH Hotels & Resorts to Open First U.S. Treehouse Hotel in Sunnyvale, California
Treehouse Hotels | September 26, 2022
Miami, FL [September 26, 2022] SH Hotels & Resorts, the sustainable brand management company founded by Starwood Capital Group Chairman and CEO Barry Sternlicht, today announced the first Treehouse Hotel to open in the U.S. in Sunnyvale, CA, in the high-tech heart of Silicon Valley, in late 2023. The free-spirited, environmentally conscious lifestyle brand creatively captures the carefree comfort, freedom, nostalgia and fun of childhood. Every Treehouse Hotel is founded on the adventurous ideas that inspire a child to build their “treehouse” and hang with real and imaginary friends. Treehouse Sunnyvale will fuse the creativity, innov...
Strong Rate Growth and New Travelers Discovering New York State’s Resort Markets
Christian Cross | September 26, 2022
By Christian Cross While New York City and its metropolitan area have largely steered the conversation around New York State’s pandemic recovery, with some secondary discussion of larger markets such as Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and Syracuse, in my opinion, the state’s resort markets have been the most interesting and have offered some of the biggest surprises to me and local market participants. I moved back to New York State to launch our firm’s Buffalo office in the middle of the pandemic and began working on assignments in the Finger Lakes, the Adirondacks, and the Catskills/Hudson Valley regions. While each individual ...
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Breaks Ground on Flagship Project ECHO Property in Plano, Texas
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts | September 7, 2022
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Sept. 7, 2022-- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across 95+ countries, celebrates today the first groundbreaking of its new extended-stay brand, in Plano, Texas. The all new-construction brand, operating under the working title "Project ECHO" is seeing great momentum with 72 hotels in the development pipeline as of the end of the second quarter. Demand for extended-stay accommodations continues to surge as interest grows among both guests and developers "This is a milestone moment for Wyndham, as we break ground on our first hotel under ...
Watermark Lodging Trust Announces Stockholder Approval of Acquisition by Brookfield
Watermark Lodging Trust | September 12, 2022
Chicago, September 12, 2022 – Watermark Lodging Trust, Inc. (“Watermark,” “WLT” or the “Company”) today announced that, at a Special Meeting of Stockholders, the proposed acquisition of WLT by private real estate funds managed by Brookfield was approved by its stockholders. Under the terms of the previously announced merger transaction, WLT common stockholders will receive cash consideration of $6.768 per Class A share and $6.699 per Class T share. The transaction is anticipated to close on or about October 21, 2022; however, closing remains subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement and there can be no assuran...
Hotel Budget Guide for 2022: Everything You Need to Know
September 12, 2022
By Josiah Mackenzie With David Lund I used to think of the budgeting process as a necessary evil, but speaking with David Lund, who has 30+ years of operational and financial leadership experience working with companies such as Hilton, Best Western, and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, changed my view on this. In his view, hotel budgeting is a way to engage your teams, align on goals, and deliver financial results. The hospitality industry has experienced unprecedented volatility over the past few years, which may make creating a budget for 2023 seem intimidating. But as Lund advises, “the only thing we know about a budget is that it...
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa Appoints Scott Mason as General Manager
Park Hyatt Aviara | September 6, 2022
CARLSBAD, CALIF. (September 6, 2022) — Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa, the iconic Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond resort situated in Carlsbad, Calif. overlooking the Pacific Ocean, today announces the appointment of Scott Mason as general manager. Now in his 25th year with Hyatt, Mason joins Park Hyatt Aviara from Andaz 5th Avenue in New York City, where he served as general manager for four years. “I have been fortunate to be at properties recognized as some of our best luxury and lifestyle hotels within Hyatt’s portfolio of brands. I feel honored to join the team at Park Hyatt Aviara as we celebrate the success ...
Carver Expands Services Bringing H2B Candidates to Orlando Market
Carver Companies | September 6, 2022
ATLANTA, GA – September 6, 2022 –The Carver Companies, the hospitality Task Force and Executive Search powerhouse has entered into an agreement with Ironsure Properties, making 100 H2B Visa Candidates available in the Orlando, FL market. In making the announcement, Carver Chief Development Officer Charlene Carter comments “Since our founding in 2013, Carver has continued to be on the cutting edge; providing Task Force, Task to Perm and Executive Search to the hospitality marketplace. This addition is designed to support the hospitality workforce where they are hurting most – the heart of the house .” The first round of H2B can...
Sentipensante – The Perfect Word for Teaching the Spirit of Hospitality
Doug Kennedy | September 20, 2022
By Doug Kennedy Having written hospitality and sales training articles for over two decades now, I’m often asked “How do you continue to come up with new ideas every month?” Truth is that it’s actually quite easy when you’re out on the road conducting training just above every week, spending time with the real experts in this industry such as the frontline superstars who make it all happen for guests. Recently, I found my latest writing inspiration while I was back at one of my favorite stops, the amazing Nizuc Resort & Spa in Cancún, Mexico. During one of my classes, we were discussing what I have always called “the lo...
Olympia Hotel Management to Operate the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant
Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) | September 19, 2022
Berea, Kentucky. September 19, 2022. Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) has announced that it will operate the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant, which is owned by Berea College, in Berea, Kentucky. The Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant was built on the old Dixie Highway (U.S. Route 25) and opened in 1909 in the center of town. Named after the early Kentucky explorer, Daniel Boone, it was designed by architect J. C. Cady in the Colonial Revival style. The venerable property is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel has welcomed a long line of celebra...
The Charleston Place Appoints Master Chef Olivier Gaupin to Director of Culinary
The Charleston Place | September 26, 2022
September 26, 2022 (Charleston, SC) - The Charleston Place, a newly independent landmark hotel in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, is pleased to welcome Master Chef Olivier Gaupin to its team as Director of Culinary, effective immediately. Master Chef Gaupin, one of only two chefs in South Carolina to carry this distinguished title, followed his family’s heritage of fine chefs to pursue a career in the culinary field and has been sharing his talents for more than 25 years. A native of Orleans, France, and a graduate of France’s CFA Charles Peguy School, Chef Gaupin’s international career highlights include serving as C...
Hotel del Coronado Opens Its New Luxury Oceanfront Hotel, Shore House at The Del
Hotel del Coronado | September 19, 2022
SAN DIEGO (September 19, 2022) – The legendary Hotel del Coronado, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, today announced the opening of Shore House at The Del, the resort’s newest oceanfront luxury hotel. Shore House at The Del features 75 one-, two- and three-bedroom residential-style seaside offerings, in a bright, modern beach house setting that encourages connection in an elevated neighborhood atmosphere. With the property’s opening, Hotel del Coronado now offers five distinct and authentic neighborhood experiences, including Shore House at The Del, which complements the luxurious Beach Village; The Cabanas, where refined coastal ...
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club Launches $30 Million Property Refresh
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club | September 14, 2022
DANA POINT, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2022) – The award-winning AAA Five-Diamond Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club has announced a $30 million guest room refresh of its 400-guest rooms and suites set to debut in September. “Following the property’s addition to the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts portfolio last year, we are excited to reimagine our room product and deliver a refreshed resort experience for our guests in the heart of Southern California,” said George Munz, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club. “We look forward to building upon the brand’s commitment to offering an exceptional ...
Salamander Hotels & Resorts and Henderson Park Unveil 373-Room Salamander Washington DC
Salamander Hotels & Resorts | September 13, 2022
(WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 13, 2022) – Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hotel company founded by renowned business leader Sheila Johnson, along with Henderson Park, a global private equity real estate manager headquartered in London, yesterday launched Salamander Washington DC, bringing Salamander’s welcoming and diverse style of luxury hospitality to the heart of the nation’s capital for the first time. The two companies recently partnered to purchase and re-brand the 373-room property, which formerly operated as a Mandarin Oriental. Under new ownership and Salamander’s management, the hotel will undergo an exciti...
The Top 5 Reasons Why Hotel Guests Look But Don’t Book
Brett Thoreson | September 14, 2022
By Brett Thoreson We are all familiar with ‘buyer’s remorse’ – but what about a buyer’s hesitation? The moment a consumer stares at their digital shopping cart, consumed with quiet contemplation before making the final decision to purchase. As a consumer, we’ve all been there, but as a hotel brand, this moment represents a critical obstacle. Within the hospitality industry, in particular, booking hesitation is incredibly high; in fact, conversion rates for hotel websites average between 1.7% and 2%. Although the travel industry spends billions of dollars every year driving traffic to their websites, 81% of visitors reporte...
The Kessler Collection Opens Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville in South Carolina
The Kessler Collection | September 19, 2022
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Kessler Collection celebrated the highly-anticipated grand opening of its second property in South Carolina, Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, today. Adding to its portfolio of artistically inspired boutique hotels, the newest hotel offering is a boutique modern lodge overlooking the iconic waterfalls and Falls Park on the Reedy River. “After years of planning, we’re proud to see our vision of natural beauty and tranquil ambiance come to life in downtown Greenville,” said Richard C. Kessler, chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection. “We look forward to introducing the luxurious Grand Bohemian Lodge to our bel...
Construction Underway on AC Hotel Naples in Southwest Florida
OTO Development | September 19, 2022
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA (Monday, September 19, 2022) — Construction is underway on the AC Hotel by Marriott Naples in Southwest Florida. AC Hotel Naples is the hospitality component of Naples Square, a mixed-use development master-planned by Wheelock Street Capital and The Ronto Group. Once fully complete, Naples Square will include nearly 300 luxury condominium units, multiple restaurants and a 350-seat performing arts complex in addition to the new 150-room hotel. South Carolina-based OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group, is developing and will manage AC Hotel Naples. Project partners include MHK Architecture & Plannin...
Six Senses Rome Set to Open in Early 2023 With General Manager Francesca Tozzi at the Helm
Six Senses Rome | September 26, 2022
BANGKOK – September 26, 2022 – When Six Senses Rome opens in early 2023, it aims to set a new level of consciousness in sustainability and wellness in a downtown setting. As the brand’s first hotel to open in Italy, it will offer a green oasis amid the hustle and bustle of Via del Corso. Enjoying a prime position within the UNESCO world heritage site of Rome’s historic center, it is just a few steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. When all the final touches are in place, Six Senses Rome will take guests on a journey into heritage, discovery, and community as the Eternal City strengthens its prese...
Winston Hotels Set for October Opening of AC by Marriott in Downtown San Antonio
Winston Hotels | September 13, 2022
SAN ANTONIO—September 13, 2022. Winston Hotels LLC—a leader in hotel development, repositioning, and reuse across the U.S.—announced AC by Marriott’s opening date of October 6th. A once mixed-used office space will be converted to a fully renovated, upscale home of two hotels—AC by Marriott and Element by Westin—and 1 Watson, a rooftop bar and lounge. Element by Westin and the rooftop bar and lounge are slated to open later this year. Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, AC by Marriott and Element by Westin are transforming the space into a sanctuary for savvy travelers featuring modern design details while preserv...
