The Top 7 Pain Points in Hospitality Procurement and How to Overcome Them
Johannes Vocke | July 24th, 2024
Navigating the Complex World of Conversational AI – Part 2
Travel Outlook, the premier hotel call center™ | July 16th, 2024
News Top: July
These 100 Hotels Were Voted Best in the World by T+L Readers — and 16 of Them Are in the U.S.
Travel + Leisure | July 9, 2024
Hotels in Asia, India, and the United States got the most attention from T+L readers in the annual “World’s Best Awards” survey for 2024. By Paul Brady and Jess Feldman Travel + Leisure readers are going global. In this year’s World’s Best Awards, readers’ favorite hotels span far and wide, with 38 countries making an appearance on the 2024 list. Properties in destinations like India and Southeast Asia are among the highest scorers this year, along with 16 stellar U.S. properties. At each hotel, voters were wowed by the style and the service of the top 100: Every winner scored higher than 97 on our 100-point survey. How ...
Marriott International Appoints Sam Basu as Area General Manager for Puerto Rico and General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC | July 23, 2024
(San Juan, Puerto Rico – July 23, 2024) - Marriott International is pleased to announce Sam Basu as new Area General Manager of Puerto Rico, and concurrently to General Manager of the iconic The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan. With over two decades of extensive experience in luxury hospitality spanning across the United States, Central America and Puerto Rico, Basu will oversee the breadth of Marriott’s portfolio on the island, liaise with franchise partners, foster relationships with local officials and lead the highly anticipated re-opening of The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan. As the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, Basu brings a wealt...
CoralTree Hospitality Names Leadership Team Ahead of Pier Sixty-Six’s Grand Opening
CoralTree Hospitality | July 9, 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., JULY 9, 2024— CoralTree Hospitality announces the appointment of Pier Sixty-Six’s leadership team, marking a significant milestone for the centerpiece of a $1 billion redevelopment project by Tavistock Development Company. Following a property-wide transformation, the iconic Fort Lauderdale establishment has embarked on a new chapter set to open in the fall of 2024 as a 32-acre waterfront resort complex along the Intracoastal Waterway. Colm O'Callaghan joins Pier Sixty-Six as the resort’s Vice President and Managing Director, bringing extensive experience from a distinguished career in luxury hospitality. H...
Shenandoah Mansions, the Newest Hotel From Ash, Plans February 2025 Opening
Ash | July 25, 2024
July 25, 2024 — Today, Shenandoah Mansions, the fifth hotel from hotelier Ash, launches reservations ahead of its February 2025 opening in Richmond, Virginia. Owned and designed by Ash, Shenandoah Mansions is a redbrick 73-key hotel inhabiting a six-story historic apartment building dating back to the 20th century. Once home to community leaders such as Ellen Gertrude Tompkins Kidd, a women’s suffrage activist and Pickle entrepreneur, Shenandoah Mansions exudes old-world charm through cinematic interiors with Richmond influence and references to local myths and legends. “Since first visiting Richmond, I’ve been captivated by the...
Hotel Food and Beverage Trends: Shaping the Future of Hospitality
Nasir Zahir | July 24, 2024
Hotel Food and Beverage Trends: Shaping the Future of Hospitality The hotel food and beverage (F&B) sector is constantly evolving, adapting to the changing preferences and expectations of guests. Here are some of the key trends shaping the future of hotel F&B: 1. Health and Wellness: With an increasing focus on health and wellness, hotels are offering more nutritious and balanced menu options. Guests are seeking organic, gluten-free, and vegan dishes, pushing hotels to incorporate fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Smoothie bars, juice stations, and wellness-focused dining experiences are becoming common, catering to the health-con...
How to Make a Hotel’s Common Areas Anything But Common
Cicero Construction Group | July 24, 2024
PLAINFIELD, IL, JULY 24, 2024 -- Before embarking on a hotel renovation, do not overlook common spaces like the pool, business center, and grab-and-go pantry. Updating these spaces can improve the overall guest experience, attract new customers and lead to return visits. In addition, renovating common areas can save the hotel money in the long run by addressing maintenance issues, therefore preventing deterioration and extending the lifespan of the property. Cicero Construction Group, a premier contractor with more than fifty years renovating commercial properties, offers the following renovation ideas for hotel common spaces: BUSINESS ...
Q2 2024 Major U.S. Hotel Sales Survey
Daniel Lesser | July 22, 2024
By Daniel H. Lesser Despite the Federal Reserve’s aggressive monetary policy aimed at controlling persistent inflation, during the first half of 2024, the U.S. economy continued to demonstrate resilience. While strong growth in many subcategories of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) including consumer and government spending, investment, exports, and employment have many optimistic, the economic outlook is tempered by global geopolitical risks including on-going wars in Europe and the Middle East. Although the U.S. economic outlook remains positive, signs of a softening consumer are mounting within lower-to-middle-income households. While re...
The Retro Motel Trend With Hotel Zazz in Albuquerque
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | July 10, 2024
With the recent Fourth of July holiday, we bring you a story of true American success in hospitality. The Hotel Zazz in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which opened in Fall 2022, is emblematic of the retro motel trend that has captured the hearts of drive-to-vacationing millennials and Gen Xers, alongside other independents like The Vagabond Hotel in Miami, The Dive Motel in Nashville, Skyview Los Alamos in California and Thunderbird in Marfa, Texas as well as multi-property brands like Bluebird and Urban Cowboy. Right along the famed Route 66, all of the 48 guestrooms are imaginatively decorated with colorful, eclectic finishings while the public s...
The Perry Hotel Naples Slated for Fall Opening in Florida With 160 Guestrooms
The Perry Hotel Naples | July 17, 2024
NAPLES, FL (July 17, 2024) – The Perry Hotel Naples, a 160-room hotel located along the Cocohatchee River in North Naples, Florida, is slated to open this fall. It will be the second location for The Perry, a boutique hotel brand that launched in Key West in 2017. The $80-million project is a new-build, featuring seven floors, a modern industrial design, spacious guest rooms, most with balconies, a ground-floor pool and adjacent activity lawn, a poolside tapas eatery, a lobby coffee bar, a fitness center, and an open-air deck featuring a rooftop pool, a chic poolside bar highlighting craft cocktails, and rooftop Tigress Restaurant, a full-...
Hotels to NYC: Slow Down on Bill That Would Decimate Hospitality Economy
AHLA | July 22, 2024
WASHINGTON (July 22, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey issued the following statement today after the introduction of a New York City Council bill that would force hotels to abide by arbitrary operational mandates in order to stay in business. “This abrupt and destructive bill would permanently alter how hotels operate and threaten the jobs of thousands of New Yorkers,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “If it becomes law, thousands of hotel jobs could be lost, hotels will shutter, and New York City’s economy – especially small business retailers, r...
Hotel Loyalty Programs: Betting on the Law of Large Numbers
CBRE | July 15, 2024
Executive Summary Despite 5% growth in global room count last year for the five public hotel companies we analyzed for this report, an 11% increase in hotel loyalty program members resulted in a 2.5-percentage-point (pp) increase in total hotel occupancy attributable to loyalty member bookings. Loyalty programs are becoming less dominated by frequent travelers. Heavy users (30+ nights a year) comprise a declining percentage of total membership as the earning of loyalty points has become more tied with credit cards and affiliate programs and less directly with just frequent travelers. Loyalty program redemption revenues increased by...
The Top 7 Pain Points in Hospitality Procurement and How to Overcome Them
Johannes Vocke | July 24, 2024
By Johannes Vocke, FutureLog Chief Financial Officer Siloed and fragmented procurement software often complicates the procure-to-pay process. Outdated solutions are typically expensive, inflexible, and inefficient, yet many organisations persist in using these antiquated systems. This reliance on old-fashioned procurement management systems hinders operational efficiency. A 2023 Procurement Insights report reveals that 80% of organisations still depend on manual or semi-digital tools to manage their P2P cycle. These businesses typically utilise ERP or accounting software—an approach comparable to using a flashlight to crack a nut. W...
Tale of Two Travel Markets: High-End Hotel Segments See Steady Guest Satisfaction Improvement, While More Affordable Hotel Segments Post Declines, J.D
J.D. Power | July 16, 2024
Higher Room Rates, Longer Stays and Fewer Trips Put Focus on Quality of Guest Rooms and Hotel Maintenance TROY, Mich.: 16 July 2024 — With an average daily rate (ADR) for a U.S. hotel room of $158.45 in May 2024—the second-highest month ever behind $159.01 in October 20231—virtually every traveler in every hotel price bracket is paying more for a hotel room. According to the J.D. Power 2024 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index (NAGSI) Study,SM released today, travelers’ perceived value for those higher prices is very much dependent on how well the hotel delivers on their expectations. This year, the luxury and upper upsca...
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) Arranges the Sale of the Doubletree Jersey City
Paramount Lodging Advisors | July 17, 2024
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) is pleased to announce the sale of the Doubletree Jersey City. PLA transacted the 198-room asset through a receiver sale. The buyer purchased the property with an assumption of the existing CMBS debt. Sales efforts were led by PLA Principals Bennett Webster and Brent Clemens, and PLA director Sean Banilivy. “Our team remains bullish on the market and we look forward to continued strong positive RevPAR trajectory for New York City and surrounding areas. We were pleased to be able to trade with the debt assumption amidst continued uncertainty in capital markets,” noted Webster. PLA is now also...
Grande Lakes Orlando Welcomes Chef Graeme Little as Executive Chef at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Grande Lakes Orlando | July 15, 2024
ORLANDO, FLORIDA (July 15, 2024) – Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort destination in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, is excited to welcome Chef Graeme Little as JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes new Executive Chef. Chef Little brings with him nearly 20 years of culinary expertise, garnered from his extensive experience in luxury hotels. "I am absolutely thrilled to join the Grande Lakes Orlando team,” said Chef Little. “It's an incredible opportunity to be part of such a renowned establishment known for its dedication ...
Robots? In My Hotel? Three Ways AI Is Stepping Up as Hospitality’s Next Great PMS Support Tool
Warren Dehan | July 23, 2024
Artificial intelligence is uniting departments and supporting hospitality from behind the scenes By Warren Dehan Where did all of these robots come from? While hospitality may seem like the last place you might expect to find Artificial Intelligence, this technology has significantly impacted how hoteliers do business. While most generative AI today reacts to text prompts, it will soon rewrite the rules for hotel operations. Properties of all sizes, branded and independent alike, will benefit from automation taking over repetitive, mundane tasks — but our industry often struggles to explain how this will play out in practice. Unlike scie...
Chatham Bars Inn Welcomes Michael Briggs as Managing Director
Chatham Bars Inn | July 18, 2024
Chatham, MA (July 18, 2024) – Today, Chatham Bars Inn, Cape Cod’s storied oceanfront luxury resort for over a century, announces the appointment of Michael Briggs as Managing Director. A proverbial homecoming, Briggs returns to the Forbes Five-Star resort with familiarity, as he previously held various leadership positions at Chatham Bars Inn for nearly a decade. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael back to Chatham Bars Inn,” said Rikki Boparai, Senior Vice President of Operations for Pyramid Global Hospitality. “His experience speaks for itself. We are confident that his dynamic and dedicated leadership will contribute to the Inn...
The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel Names Brandon Bayne as New Executive Chef
The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel | July 30, 2024
Lincoln, Neb., July 30, 2024 – The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, the timeless hotel located in the heart of downtown Lincoln, has named Brandon Bayne as its new executive chef. Chef Bayne will oversee the culinary operations of the hotel, including banquets and catering, menu creation, and overall execution of the property’s comprehensive food and beverage program. "We are thrilled to welcome Chef Bayne to the Lincoln Marriot Cornhusker Hotel as our new executive chef," said Kevin Miller, general manager of Lincoln Marriot Cornhusker Hotel. "Chef Bayne is a respected culinary professional with a passion for food that enlivens ever...
Creating the Wow Factor in Hospitality
Sean Flakelar | July 11, 2024
We have all heard of the Wow Factor. We see it in architecture, the view, the interiors of a resort or in a sensational meal. We feel it in the smallest and most unexpected touches and gestures. The Hospitality Wow Factor Creating the Wow Factor in hospitality involves going beyond your guests’ expectations to deliver memorable and delightful experiences. Bringing the Wow Factor into your business will set you apart from the competition and build brand integrity. Wow Factor Contributors: Know your Surroundings Utilise the surrounding landscape (rural or urban). Know what’s in your backyard and develop local partnerships to create un...
President and CEO of HSMAI, Bob Gilbert Announces Retirement
HSMAI | July 19, 2024
The Esteemed HSMAI Leader Will Retire After More Than 30 Years of Dedicated Service FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (July 19, 2024) – Following 30 years of executive leadership for the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, HSMAI Foundation and HSMAI Global, the organization is announcing the retirement of President and CEO, Bob Gilbert. A cherished and admired leader in the global hospitality industry, Gilbert has accelerated his retirement plan as a result of a serious health issue. “It is with the utmost respect that we announce today the retirement of Bob Gilbert from his role of Pre...
John Silva Appointed to Executive Chef of Hell’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Resort Southern California
Harrah’s Resort | July 24, 2024
FUNNER, CALIF. (July 24, 2024) – Harrah’s Resort Southern California is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef John Silva as Executive Chef of Hell's Kitchen. In this role, Chef John will oversee daily culinary operations for the first and only Hell’s Kitchen in California. With close to two decades of experience in the industry and a long-standing background in destinations across the region, Chef John will be a tremendous asset as Hell’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Resort Southern California continues to evolve. “I am honored to be leading the Hell’s Kitchen team at Harrah’s Resort Southern California,” said Chef John. “...
Don’t Throw Fellow Employees Under the Bus
Shep Hyken | July 18, 2024
By Shep Hyken I couldn’t hold back. I told an employee to stop complaining about her fellow employees in front of us, her customers. Here’s the story. My wife and I were at a restaurant. The server seemed pleasant and professional, but as our food was delivered, we saw a different side of her. There was a mistake in the order. The side dishes we received were not the ones we chose. I didn’t think it would be a big deal. She could either take our meals back to the kitchen or let us keep our meals and bring out the side dishes we ordered. But to the server, it was a big deal. She started to complain about how this happens “...
HFTP, AHLA and GFC Unveil Groundbreaking 12th Revised Edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI™)
AHLA | July 11, 2024
The USALI is the worldwide, authoritative standard for lodging financial and operating reporting. The adoption date for this newest edition is January 1, 2026. AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 11, 2024) – A newly-revised edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI™) is now available, published by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®). The publication is available for purchase and download here. The revision process for the 12th Revised Edition has been overseen by the Global Finance Committee (GFC), jointly sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and HFTP. The G...
Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown Appoints David Cron as General Manager
Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown | July 19, 2024
David Cron joins the Embassy Suites team with more than two decades of hospitality experience ASHEVILLE, N.C. – July 19, 2024 – Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown announces David Cron as general manager. The 188-room hotel, owned and managed by Parks Hospitality Group, opened earlier this year alongside two onsite dining concepts, E’Terie and Soprana Rooftop Cucina. “David Cron will be an excellent addition to this team,” said Jack Benton, director of sales at Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown. “He is an award-winning general manager with more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, ...
Peter Island Resort Introduces Leadership Team in Preparation for Its Fall 2024 Opening
Peter Island Resort | July 15, 2024
New York, New York, July 15, 2024 – Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands is on schedule to unveil its reimagined, luxury private island hideaway this fall. In preparation, the resort is pleased to introduce its Leadership Team overseeing the much-anticipated relaunch of this treasured Caribbean classic that has been undergoing its transformed to a new level of luxury for the past six years. General Manager, Carrie Bligh A seasoned hotel and real estate professional, Bligh saw the opportunity to oversee the relaunch of Peter Island Resort as the ultimate dream job. Prior to her post as General Manager of Peter Island Re...
