Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
Travel Outlook, The Premier Hotel Call Center™ | October 2, 2024
Debunking Common Myths About AI: Why Human Hotel Staff Are Still Irreplaceable
John Smallwood, President of Travel Outlook | September 17, 2024
Operations
Five Ways to Make OTA Customers Yours Again
Larry Mogelonsky | June 29, 2016
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) If you've been following my writing over the years, you're well aware that I'm not a fan of the OTAs. They are strong marketers, and exceptionally well run. Now that the 'book direct' war cry has caught on with some of the major chains such as Hilton and Marriott, it's time to reinvestigate what actions you can take. In a way, I'm awed by the OTAs' clout. But, nothing personal, I see their business model as contrary to many hospitality organization's long-term goals. Three key arguments I've inculcated are margin erosion, commoditization and brand dilution. To sum them all up in a neat bow:...
NewcrestImage to Develop Four-Brand “Lifestyle Hotel Campus” in North Dallas Opening in 2018
NewcresImage | June 29, 2016
FRISCO, Texas - NewcrestImage is launching an ambitious and innovative 4-brand, 600-room "lifestyle hotel campus" in North Dallas that will include a dual-brand AC Hotel and Residence Inn property, both by Marriott, featuring about 300 rooms plus a Canopy by Hilton and a Hyatt Place, each featuring about 150 rooms. The properties will be located at Frisco Station, a 242-acre mixed-use "live-work-play" development located along the Dallas North Tollway about 25 minutes from DFW International Airport. Construction on the hotels will take place in two phases, with three hotels -- the AC, Residence, and Canopy -- scheduled to break ground i...
Sage Hospitality names Kara Akers Associate Director of Sales at The Oxford Hotel & The Crawford Hotel
Sage Hospitality | June 28, 2016
Denver, Colo. (June 28, 2016) – Denver's Sage Hospitality, one of the nation's top hotel investment and management companies, is pleased to announce that it has named Kara Akers the Associated Director of Sales at The Oxford Hotel and The Crawford Hotel. With more than 12 years of hospitality sales experience, Akers most recently served as a Sales Manager at The Four Seasons Denver. She previously served as a Group Sales Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch. Akers holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, Boulder and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colora...
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson Opens Hotel in Cordova, TN
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson | June 28, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS (June 28, 2016) -- Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM, a leading upper-midscale hotel brand, today announced the opening of Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Wolfchase-Memphis, TN. Located at 2270 North Germantown Parkway in Cordova, TN, the hotel offers 100 guest rooms and suites, and is one mile from the Wolfchase Galleria Mall, one of the largest premier malls in Memphis. "We are pleased that our brand continues to grow in Tennessee," said Jeffrey Freund, senior vice president, Midscale Brands, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. "Country Inns & Suites By Carlson is committed to creating a home-like environm...
Marriott Receives Antitrust Clearance from the European Union to Acquire Starwood
Marriott | June 27, 2016
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide (NYSE: HOT) today announced they have received unconditional clearance from the European Union for Marriott to acquire Starwood in a merger transaction. In announcing the decision in a press release issued by the European Commission, the Commissioner for Competition, Margaret Vestager, said, "This is an important merger for the hotel industry and its customers. Our investigation confirmed that the hotel sector will remain competitive for customers in Europe following the merger, so I am pleased that the Commission was able to clear the transaction quick...
The Rise of Commercial Operators on Airbnb – Deep Dive on City Data
June 27, 2016
The hotel and lodging industry thrives on a level and legal playing field and welcomes competition from the "sharing" economy. Competition in the lodging sector thrives when everyone plays by the same set of rules designed to ensure the safety of our guests and our communities. We support the rights of property owners to occasionally rent their homes to earn extra income. But we share the concerns local residents have expressed about the growing number of commercial operators who are using sites like Airbnb to run multi-unit, full-time lodging businesses without any oversight. Get the facts: An analysis, "From Air Mattresses to Unregula...
Midas Hospitality to Develop and Manage New Hampton Inn Coming to Cotton Ridge Development in Sikeston, Missouri
Midas Hospitality | June 23, 2016
(St. Louis, Mo., June 23, 2016) A 92-room Hampton Inn will be the second tenant to join the new 100-acre Cotton Ridge Development in Sikeston, Mo. The expansive development is located at the intersections of Highways 61 and 60. Midas Hospitality, a premier hotel management group, is set to develop the 60,000-square-foot hotel located at 1240 Commerce Dr. The Hampton Inn's groundbreaking will take place this Dec., and the hotel is scheduled to be completed by late 2017. The $10 million hotel will sit on 2.75 acres and feature amenities including an indoor pool, meeting room, and fitness center. The Cotton Ridge Development currently has ...
Sage Hospitality Appoints Two Key Leadership Positions for Halcyon - a Hotel in Cherry Creek, Set to Open August 2016
Sage Hospitality | June 23, 2016
CHERRY CREEK, Colo. (June 23, 2016) - Sage Hospitality, one of the nation's largest hotel development, investment and management companies, is thrilled to announce two promotions from within its company to its dynamic leadership team at Halcyon – a hotel in Cherry Creek. Anne Frye has been appointed as director of sales and Cindy Bedan will stand at the helm as general manager of Denver's newest luxury lifestyle hotel, set to open August 2016. "We're thrilled to welcome such proven veterans of the industry to Denver's newest hotel endeavor, Halcyon," said Frederick Kleisner II, regional vice president of operations for the premier...
“See Forever Meeting Package” Announced by The Downtown Conference Center in New York City, A Benchmark Conference Center
June 23, 2016
New York, New York, June 2016 … The Downtown Conference Center, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels conference center located in Lower Manhattan, New York City, is offering a meeting package with endless inspiration. Called the "See Forever Meeting Package", this unique package includes all the components of the Benchmark Conference Plan* PLUS tickets to One World Observatory at the top of the new World Trade Center, the Western Hemisphere's tallest skyscraper! Guests of the Downtown Conference Center can gather in meeting rooms featuring stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan. Conference rooms are fille...
Recently Merged Destination and Commune Appoint Todd Wynne-Parry to Executive Vice President of Global Acquisitions and Developments
Commune Hotels & Resorts | June 22, 2016
Englewood, Colorado – June 22, 2016 – Following the recent merger of the two successful, growing companies, Destination Hotels, the preeminent operator of independent hotels, resorts and residences in the United States, and Commune Hotels & Resorts, the international lifestyle hotel group comprising Joie de Vivre Hotels, Thompson Hotels, tommie, and Alila Hotels & Resorts, are pleased to announce the appointment of Todd Wynne-Parry as Executive Vice President of Global Acquisitions and Development for the combined company. In his new role, Wynne-Parry will lead global business growth efforts and drive the continued e...
Sometimes Guest Satisfaction is as Easy as Saying Hello
Larry Mogelonsky | June 22, 2016
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Hello. Bonjour. Hola. Buongiorno. Ni hao. As salam Alaykom. A basic greeting from hotel staffer to hotel guest can never go wrong. It's easy; it's fast; it's a sign that you are always welcome. Even better would be to follow-up the salutation with a simple, "How are you?" or "Can I help you with anything?" And yet, at many establishments outside of the five-star or ultra-luxury snack bracket, the only hello I get is the perfunctory one at check-in – an instance where I approach the front desk and not the other way around where an employee goes out of his or her way to offer assistance...
Airbnb vs. Hotels: Study Reveals Consumer Preferences Behind Explosive Growth
iModerate | June 22, 2016
Qualitative study finds boutique properties could help hotels chains bridge the gap with Airbnb DENVER – June 22, 2016 – Airbnb is growing at an explosive rate and gunning to become a full-blown hospitality brand, putting even more pressure on large hotel chains to hold onto their customer base. A new research study by iModerate, a progressive insights firm, reveals the consumer preferences behind this growth and details the personas and different expectations of guests who stay at each type of property. Airbnb Guests Seen as Risk-Taking Extroverts, Hotel Guests as Conservative Introverts iModerate asked 1,500 consumers nati...
Newly-Built 81-Room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Opens in Snyder, Texas
Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) | June 21, 2016
Snyder, TX – June 21, 2016 – The 81-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Snyder, Texas is scheduled to open today with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 5207 Big Spring Highway, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Snyder will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Civitas Capital Group and managed by Pillar Hotels & Resorts of Irving, Texas. This Fairfield Inn & Suites, the only Marriott property in an 80-mile radius, features the brand's new design and décor, which enhances the guest experience through flexible features and a ...
AccorHotels Expands MGallery by Sofitel Brand with Opening of Hotel Paris Bastille Boutet and Hotel Santa Teresa in Rio de Janeiro
MGallery by Sofitel | June 21, 2016
June 21, 2016 - AccorHotels announced the expansion of the MGallery by Sofitel brand with the opening of Hotel Paris Bastille Boutet in the French capital's 11th district - a hip and bustling neighborhood home to new shops, restaurants and nearby Le Marais - and Hotel Santa Teresa in the cultural and historic heart of Rio de Janeiro. Both hotels offer the brand's signature excellence in hospitality and represent the destinations in which they reside. AccorHotels MGallery by Sofitel hotels are an exclusive collection of distinctive and discerning properties around the world, which embody three unique atmospheres including Heritag...
Infor Enhances Hotel Management in the Cloud
Infor | June 20, 2016
Infor HMS with Advanced Mobility Helps Speed Daily Operations and Improve Guest Experience for Hotels and Casinos NEW YORK - Jun 20, 2016 - Infor, a leading provider of beautiful business applications specialized by industry and built for the cloud, today announced the availability of Infor Hospitality Management Solution (HMS) version 3.7.4 to help hospitality customers promote a superior guest experience with enhanced industry-specific features. In today's competitive market, utilizing an integrated suite of industry-tailored applications such as Infor HMS can be a critical function to help drive brand loyalty and facilitate measu...
Paramount Lodging Advisors Sells Days Inn Chicago
Paramount Lodging Advisors | June 20, 2016
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) is pleased to announce the sale of the Days Inn Chicago. PLA exclusively represented the seller with Managing Directors Brent Clemens and Bennett Webster leading the efforts on the transaction. The sale comes after six decades of ownership by the seller and includes the 133-room hotel and all accompanying ground level retail. "Our team ran a quiet and targeted marketing process that yielded considerable interest from nearly all parties that we approached. The asset's irreplaceable location and strong in-place cash flow is augmented by the retail and made it highly desirable," noted Clemens. Webster added...
Report Reveals Troubling Trends for Airbnb Operations in Boston Area
AH&LA | June 16, 2016
83% of Airbnb Revenue in Boston – or $40 Million – Comes from Operators Listing Units for Rent More Than 30 Days per Year WASHINGTON, D.C., June 16, 2016 – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) today released a new study that provides a detailed analysis of the rise in commercial activity taking place in Boston on Airbnb, one of the most trafficked short-term rental websites. The study was conducted by John O'Neill, MAI, ISHC, Ph.D., professor of hospitality management and director of the Center for Hospitality Real Estate Strategy in the School of Hospitality Management at Penn State University, and...
Hard Rock and glh Hotels Unveil Plans for Hard Rock Hotel London Slated to Open in Summer 2018
Hard Rock International | June 16, 2016
LONDON, June 16, 2016 -- With 23 Hotels & 11 Casinos globally, Hard Rock International, in collaboration with glh Hotels, unveils plans for Hard Rock Hotel London. A conversion of the existing Cumberland Hotel, once frequent host to guitar legend Jimi Hendrix, the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel London will be ideally situated in one of the city's most sought after locations – directly at Marble Arch on Hyde Park and at the crossroads of the iconic Oxford Street and Park Lane. Offering panoramic views over Hyde Park, the 900-room Hard Rock Hotel London is scheduled for completion in summer 2018. "From our foundation in 1971 ...
Never Look to Fast Food for Culinary Inspiration
Larry Mogelonsky | June 15, 2016
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) During a recent Saturday afternoon trip to the mall in my hometown of Toronto, I found myself cruising through the food court looking for some grub when I came across a burger joint flaunting its new burger with 'Fiery Srirachup Sauce', using that clever portmanteau of sriracha and ketchup to make it seem as though adding hot sauce is anything new. For those of you still strictly in the meat and potatoes camp, sriracha is a tangy Southeast Asian chili sauce that has only recently become a table name, largely due to the highly adept marketing and distribution tactics of a Huy Fong Foods, Los...
Carlson Rezidor Signs with Developer Riviera Point Development Group for Radisson RED at Miami Airport
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | June 15, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS (June 15, 2016) – Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the signing of a new Radisson RED in Miami. Radisson RED Miami Airport is expected to break ground this fall at 3450 N.W. 25th Street and plans to open in 2018. The hotel is being developed by Miami based Riviera Point Development Group and will be managed by Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. "We are excited to bring Radisson RED to Miami, a diverse and vibrant destination that aligns very well with the brand's DNA," said Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. "W...
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Signs with Suzhou Zheng He Investment Co. for Radisoon Suzhou in China
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | June 15, 2016
SINGAPORE (JUNE 15, 2016) – Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the signing of a management agreement for Radisson Suzhou in China with Suzhou Zheng He Investment Co., Ltd. The hotel will form part of a mixed-use development with an office tower and the hotel. Radisson Suzhou is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2017 and brings Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group's Asia Pacific pipeline to 87 hotels. Suzhou is the second largest city of the Jiangsu province and is a major economic center and focal point of trade and commerce in the region. Radisson Suzhou is a 155...
RoamingAround Adds to Its Expert Executive Team
RoamingAround | June 15, 2016
To support the company's explosive growth, Lucy McQuilken is named CFO and Melissa Sloan is named Chief Strategy Officer Boston, Mass. — June 15, 2016 — In response to overwhelming customer demand for its suite of mobile-marketing solutions, hospitality's mobile engagement expert RoamingAround has added two new executives to its all-star team whose expertise will help manage and continue the company's explosive growth in the field of Location-based Marketing. Lucy McQuilken joins the company as Consulting Chief Financial Officer, and Melissa Sloan is named Chief Strategy Officer. RoamingAround's GEO Location Technology deliv...
Maestro PMS Demos Tablet Capabilities, Mobile Guest Engagement Tools at HITEC
Maestro PMS | June 15, 2016
New Passport and Driver's License Scanning Modules, Web Hotel Management Give Independent Operators Solutions for Market Leadership June 15, 2016 – Maestro PMS comes to HITEC booth 1401 in New Orleans June 20 – 23 with a full suite of unparalleled hospitality solutions to make independent hotel companies and standalone operators more successful. Attendees can experience Maestro's mobile Tablet Front Office and Maestro Web, a full-function hotel management PMS that may be hosted or on-premise based. Maestro will also launch its passport and driver's license scanning module and demonstrate its new Guest Engagement Suite that c...
Hotel Equities to Manage Residence Inn Miami Beach – Surfside, Owned by Hotel Development Partners
Hotel Development Partners | June 15, 2016
Atlanta, Georgia / Miami Beach/Surfside, Florida (June 15, 2016) – Atlanta-based Hotel Development Partners (HDP) announced the opening of the 175-suite Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Beach-Surfside in hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by HDP-TLD Partners LLC and managed by Hotel Equities (HE), a JV partner in the deal. "We are pleased to introduce this unique, lifestyle Residence Inn to the Surfside area," said Allen O'Brien, President of Hotel Development Partners. Leisure guests and families will love the beach access and local options for entertainment and fun. "The location works well for small meetings with ...
