Guest Loyalty Is Not Dead – It’s Just Really Boring
Ellis Connolly | May 19, 2022
Loyalty
Hotel Loyalty Programs Are Broken – Here’s How to Fix Them
Joel Montaniel | August 29, 2019
By Joel Montaniel As travel increases, so does competition amongst hospitality operators. With spend on lodging exceeding $200 billion in 2018 alone, hotels have a unique opportunity to build their guest base and capture an even greater share of the market. However, to do that, they need to be memorable. And with over a third of hotel guests believing that hotel loyalty programs are rarely relevant to them, there’s a clear opportunity to improve how hotels interact with guests, both during and after their stay. One way companies across different sectors have built a strong customer base is through programs that reward regulars and i...
Loyalty Is Poised for Disruption: How to Award Loyalty the Right Way
Sara O’Brien | June 18, 2019
By Sara O'Brien Traditional points-based loyalty programs have been around since 1983, emerging as a unique way for major brands to build stronger relationships with their most valued customers. At the time consumers found them appealing and interesting, allowing hotel brands to generate buzz and additional revenue. But much has changed in the last 40 years. Technology and A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) have evolved to be able to deliver things people want when they want them. Netflix recommends which movie you’d like to watch next and Amazon can tell you what you should buy for your child’s birthday this year. Yet, so many hospital...
Five Strategic Directions to Take Your Hotel
Larry Mogelonsky | May 8, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Value adds always become expectations. Such is the course for hospitality and if you aren't constantly evolving your brand then it will become stale. And in an overstuffed hotel marketplace, you need bold new directions to differentiate your product and drive rate. So, how do hotels adapt so that guests don't lose interest in any of these ostensibly great properties in favor of the 'next big thing'? How do you innovate a boutique property so that its repeat revenue figures will always be a healthy contributor to the bottom line? Broader still, how do lifestyle hotels continue to rei...
Hyatt and Mizrahi Developments to Develop 160-Room Andaz Toronto – Yorkville
Andaz | May 1, 2019
CHICAGO—May 1, 2019--Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Mizrahi Developments to build a 160-room luxury Andaz hotel at the prestigious address of One Bloor Street West in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Slated to open in 2022, the first Andaz hotel in Toronto will be the hotel component of The One, a commercial and residential luxury mixed-use tower that is expected to be the tallest building in Canada, upon completion. The Andaz brand features 18 hotels globally and is designed to attract inspired expressives: well-traveled creative individuals who embr...
Brands Performance Update
Rodney G. Clough | April 18, 2019
By Rodney G. Clough The following article illustrates the 2018 RevPAR levels across four categories, from the top RevPAR earners to the low end; we note that the statistics for this article, inclusive of occupancy and average daily rate (ADR), were pulled from the various 10-K filings of the brands on their corporate websites. 2018 RevPAR, Top Ten Source: 10K filings Ritz-Carlton led the pack in RevPAR, with W Hotels, Waldorf Astoria, and Park Hyatt not too far behind. It should be noted that Four Seasons does not disclose brand averages. Occupancy levels from the above group ranged from a low of 71.4% (Waldorf Astoria) to a high of 82....
The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) Launches New Brand, SeleQtions
| April 15, 2019
Mumbai, April 15, 2019: The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), South Asia's largest hospitality company, today, announced the launch of a new hotel brand - "SeleQtions", which is a collection of named and distinctive properties. SeleQtions was launched with 12 hotels across the country. The vision for the brand is to celebrate individuality, by offering unique experiences through landmark hotels that have their own legacy and charm. Speaking on the occasion, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, "SeleQtions will allow IHCL to cater to a broader audience of travelers who prefer staying in hotels wi...
Hyatt Signs With Towa Real Estate to Develop 120-Key Hotel at Japan’s Historic Fuji Speedway
Unbound Collection by Hyatt | April 3, 2019
CHICAGO -- Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Towa Real Estate Co. Ltd., an affiliate of TOYOTA Group, to develop a 120-key hotel at the Fuji Speedway, Japan's historic racing circuit. Slated to open in 2022, the project will be the first in Japan under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand and the first hotel in the world to be built by Towa Real Estate. "As we look to expand Hyatt's brand footprint in Japan, we are excited to be entering into a management agreement with TOYOTA group company, Towa Real Estate, as it builds its first-ever hotel." Hotel a...
HRI Properties and Hyatt Celebrate Opening of Dual-Branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Indianapolis
Hyatt Place | April 2, 2019
INDIANAPOLIS – (April 2, 2019) – HRI Properties, LLC (HRIP) and Hyatt officially opened Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels in the Wholesale District of Indianapolis. Developed and constructed by HRI Properties, the dual-branded property represents a prominent landmark within central downtown and creates an experience that enables guests to enjoy both brands under one roof. "HRI Properties is excited to continue our relationship with Hyatt by introducing this dynamic new combined hotel offering to the great city of Indianapolis," said Tom Leonhard, president and chief executive officer for HRI Properties. "Hyatt Place Indiana...
Hyatt Partners With 3M Hotels Group for Hyatt Place Krakow Marking Return of Hyatt Flag to Poland
Hyatt Place | March 27, 2019
CHICAGO (March 27, 2019) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with 3M Hotels Group for the first Hyatt hotel in Krakow, marking the return of the Hyatt brand to Poland. Hyatt Place Krakow will feature 216 spacious guestrooms and will be managed by Hotel Professionals Management Group. The hotel is expected to open in 2021. The Hyatt Place brand is rooted in extensive consumer insights indicating that guests seek stylish, comfortable, seamless experiences that accommodate their lifestyles and familiar routines. To embody this, the brand offers casual hospi...
Hyatt and Homeinns Enter Into Strategic Joint Venture to Expand Footprint Across China
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | February 26, 2019
CHICAGO & SHANGHAI -- Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and BTG Hotels (Group) Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Stock Exchange: 600258) announced today affiliates of Hyatt and Homeinns Hotel Group (affiliated with BTG Hotels which is also named BTG Homeinns Hotels Group) have entered a strategic joint venture to create a new hospitality brand. The brand, to be named later, is aimed at meeting the evolving needs and aspirations of a growing number of young travelers in the upper-midscale segment in China, providing them with a seamless and premium travel experience. In an unprecedented move expected to set a new benchmark for the local hospitali...
Hilton Launches New Brand, Signia Hilton, Focused on Meetings and Events
Signia Hilton | February 22, 2019
MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the launch of Signia Hilton, its dynamic, new meetings-and-events-focused brand. The portfolio of hotels is setting out to transform the industry for meeting professionals and sophisticated business travelers by infusing state-of-the-art technology and design into every aspect of the guest experience. The brand further reinforces Hilton's commitment to innovation that meets the evolving needs of today's travelers and will bring premium experiences to top urban and resort destinations around the world. "In our 100th year of hospitality, we are more focused than ever on providing exceptiona...
The Art and Science of Hotel Brand Valuation
Hotelivate | February 15, 2019
Businesses are frequently valued using one or more established approaches across industries and sectors. Their replacement cost, income generation ability and/or comparable sales of similar businesses usually form the basis of such valuations. However, in most cases, a business value using the approaches mentioned herein is largely determined for tangible assets, as they have been regarded as the main source of value creation. In recent times, several companies have increasingly and justifiably so, embraced the idea that a business's value is not made up of its tangible assets alone. The importance of not just the brand, but also patent...
2018: A Year of Growth and Profitability for Hotels
Hospitality Upgrade | February 8, 2019
By Fran Worrall, Hospitality Upgrade Editor Major brands saw increases in occupancy and ADR, along with expansion across the globe As 2017 came to an end, many industry forecasters predicted that the coming year would be a good one for hotels. And, for the most part, they were right. A strong economy, rising employment and higher consumer net worth translated into more travel (for both business and pleasure) as well as higher transaction volumes in 2018. Leading independent investment research firm Zacks reports that hotels saw increases in both occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) in 2018. As early as the first quarter, the industry ...
Hyatt and S.D. Malkin Properties, Inc. Celebrate the Groundbreaking of Two Beachfront Hotels in Oceanside, California
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | February 6, 2019
SAN DIEGO (February 6, 2019) – Hyatt and S.D. Malkin Properties, Inc., an innovative developer and owner of iconic retail, hotel, and entertainment destinations, today will hold a groundbreaking ceremony in Oceanside, California on the site where two new properties are expected to open under the Joie de Vivre Hotels and Destination Hotels brands in late 2020. The adjacent hotels together will be the largest oceanfront development in San Diego County in over a decade. Located at the hub of Oceanside's booming renaissance, the 2.75-acre new-build project along Mission Avenue and North Pacific Street will offer guests immediate beach...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: The 5 Hidden Costs of Being Branded
David Lund | February 4, 2019
By David Lund Marriott. Hilton. IHG. Wyndham. Choice. For years these chains have publicized the advantages of working with them: advanced loyalty programs that promise to bring consistent customers, low fees, tough negotiations with OTAs, and preferred financing options. Not so fast. Are the brands' claims actually true? While many owners have fallen victim to the claims of the brands, you need not do the same. As Mark Twain once said, "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." Let's take a closer look at what the brands are claiming, to make sure you know what to expect before entering i...
Hyatt Regency Austin Appoints Jeff Ouradnik as Director of Sales and Marketing
Hyatt Regency Austin | January 15, 2019
Austin, Texas (January 15, 2019) – Hyatt Regency Austin, located on the shores of Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, has named Jeff Ouradnik as director of sales and marketing. Ouradnik joins the property from Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in the Seattle area. "We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to Hyatt Regency Austin," said Dan Johnson, general manager at Hyatt Regency Austin. "Jeff brings an extensive amount of experience, excitement and talent to his work and he has a true passion for creating the best possible workplace for his colleagues. He is going to be an invaluable asset to our team." Recognizing his 10-year anniversary wi...
Newly Opened ‘Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi’ Hotel Marks First Property Under Hyatt’s Andaz Brand in the Region
Andaz | November 6, 2018
CHICAGO (November 6, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the official opening of Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi,turning the iconic 'Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi' into the first Andaz branded hotel in the Middle East. Represented across the globe in destinations including London, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai, Hyatt's luxury lifestyle brand celebrates distinctively local culture and delivers an elevated experience that awakens the senses. Aligned with the brand ethos of authentically bringing the local neighborhood to life, Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi offers inspiring experiences, helping guests immerse themselve...
Presidio Companies Breaks Ground on Hyatt Centric Hotel in Downtown Sacramento City Center Slated to Open Summer 2020
Presidio Companies | October 10, 2018
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – (October 10, 2018) – Presidio Companies and Hyatt announce the groundbreaking of the highly anticipated Hyatt Centric hotel in downtown Sacramento's City Center, slated for opening in Summer 2020. Perfectly located in the heart of the vibrant redevelopment currently underway downtown, the Hyatt Centric hotel will be located at 1122 7th Street, directly adjacent to the new world-class sports and entertainment venue Golden 1 Arena. The building represents an important part of downtown Sacramento's rich past and its promising future. It was first opened in 1911 as the Hotel Clayton and then by its more w...
Hyatt Hotels Corporation to Acquire Two Roads Hospitality
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | October 8, 2018
CHICAGO—October 8, 2018-- Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced an agreement to acquire Two Roads Hospitality, an international lifestyle hotel management company with a unique collection of distinctive brands, properties and a robust development pipeline around the globe. Through the addition of Two Roads, its established lifestyle brands and the management agreements for the majority of its 85 properties in eight countries, Hyatt will expand its brand presence into 23 new markets while enhancing its offerings in lifestyle hotel experiences and wellbeing. With Two Roads and its distinctive collection of lifestyle hot...
Hyatt Hotels to Transition Chief Financial Officer; Patrick Grismer to Step Down to Be Succeeded by Joan Bottarini
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | October 8, 2018
CHICAGO (Oct. 8, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) today announced that Patrick Grismer has resigned as chief financial officer, effective November 2, 2018, in order to assume the CFO position at Starbucks Corporation. Upon his departure, Grismer will be succeeded by Joan Bottarini, currently senior vice president of finance for the Americas at Hyatt. Bottarini has been with Hyatt since 1999 and held a number of finance positions over her career, including vice president of hotel finance for Asia Pacific, vice president strategic financial planning and analysis, and director financial communications. "We are grateful for P...
Hyatt Partners With Kanha Limited for Dual-Branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Nairobi/Westlands in Kenya
Hyatt Place | September 27, 2018
CHICAGO (September 27, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) today announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Kanha Limited for the first Hyatt-branded hotels in Nairobi, Kenya. Hyatt Place Nairobi/Westlands and Hyatt House Nairobi/Westlands will be comprised of 233 guestrooms total and are both expected to open in early 2020. The Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands are rooted in extensive consumer research indicating that guests seek stylish, comfortable, seamless experiences that accommodate their lifestyles and familiar routines. To embody this, the two brands offer casual hospitality and p...
Cornell Hospitality Research Shares Index and Analysis on Hotel Brand Reputation in U.S. and Canada
Chris K. Anderson, Ph.D. | September 26, 2018
Chris K. Anderson, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration Saram Han, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration Abstract Using monthly online reputation data from 2016 through to the first quarter of 2018, we index major hotel brands in the United States. This analysis of online reputation for branded properties yields three major conclusions: (1) the variation in reputation across brands is four times larger than the variation across chain scales; (2) online reputation is mainly a function of brand and sub brand rather than segment or hotel location; and (3) variability in reputation across hotels within a brand is gr...
What Do Hotel Guests Really Want? Anticipated Versus Actual Use of Amenities
Chekitan S. Dev | September 25, 2018
by Chekitan S. Dev, Rebecca W. Hamilton, Roland T. Rust, and Matthew V. Valenti Abstract: Hotels provide a lengthy menu of amenities based on the (largely accurate) perception that guests want those amenities and claim they will use them. While many guests do exactly that, a substantial percentage will "overpredict" which amenities they will use. This study of fifty hotel-wide and in-room amenities details both the overpredictions and, in some cases, underpredictions of amenity use by 724 guests in thirty-three hotels operated by six hotel brands—one upscale, two upper upscale, and three luxury—belonging to one hotel company...
Vista Development, Ltd. and Hyatt Enter Agreement to Develop Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay, the Brand’s First Caribbean Property
Andaz | September 25, 2018
CHICAGO (September 25, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today plans for Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay, a hotel and residences development expected to open in 2021, marking the Andaz brand's first property in the Caribbean. To be developed by Vista Development Ltd. of Pronet Capital, LLC, the property will stretch more than 5.5 acres providing a new level of luxury hospitality and real estate on the archipelago's famed Grace Bay Beach. The Andaz brand delivers thoughtful, unscripted service for curious-minded guests in search of inspiring local experiences. Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay will be s...