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
Aloft El Segundo – Los Angeles Airport Opens Following $20 Million Conversion Project
Aloft Hotels | April 27, 2016
STAMFORD, Conn. -- April 27, 2016 -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) today announced its tech-forward Aloft brand has expanded its presence in California with the opening of Aloft El Segundo – Los Angeles Airport, the brand's first hotel in Los Angeles County. Owned by Rubicon Companies and managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, the hotel recently completed a $20 million conversion project to reposition it as an Aloft. Conveniently located just one mile south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Aloft El Segundo – Los Angeles Airport features 246 spacious, loft-like rooms, intuitive technologi...
Hilton Worldwide Reports First Quarter 2016 Net Income of $309 million, up $159 million from the Same Period in 2015
Hilton Worldwide | April 27, 2016
MCLEAN, Va.--April 27, 2016--Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. ("Hilton," "Hilton Worldwide" or the "Company") (NYSE: HLT) today reported its first quarter 2016 results. Highlights include: EPS, adjusted for special items, for the first quarter was $0.17, a 42 percent increase from the same period in 2015; without adjustments, EPS was $0.31 Net income attributable to Hilton stockholders for the first quarter was $309 million, an increase of $159 million from the same period in 2015 Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter increased 9 percent from the same period in 2015 to $653 million, and Adjusted EBITDA ma...
Thomas J. Baltimore, Jr. Announces His Resignation as President & CEO of RLJ Lodging Trust to Become President & CEO of Hilton’s Planned Hotel REIT
RLJ Lodging Trust | April 27, 2016
RLJ Lodging Trust Board Appoints Ross Bierkan, EVP & Chief Investment Officer As Interim CEO BETHESDA, Md.- April 27, 2016 - Robert L. Johnson, Executive Chairman of RLJ Lodging Trust (NYSE:RLJ) announced today that the Board has received and accepted the resignation of Thomas J. Baltimore, Jr., as President & CEO of RLJ Lodging Trust. Mr. Baltimore is resigning to become President & CEO of Hilton Worldwide's planned Hotel REIT. Mr. Baltimore's resignation is effective at RLJ Lodging Trust on May 11, 2016. Mr. Baltimore is a co-founder with Mr. Johnson in the creation and establishment of RLJ Lodging Trust and has served as ...
Everyone Eats in Five Maxims
Larry Mogelonsky | April 27, 2016
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) "Everyone eats!" is the banner I so readily employ to draw attention to the importance of having a stellar F&B program. Some golf, some attend meetings, and most of us only get married less than five times. But everyone eats; even anthropomorphic robots need gasoline, fresh lithium batteries or some groovy infrared sun rays to recharge their photovoltaic cells. "Everyone eats" is also the impetus for me to constantly seek out the best and brightest in this department so that we might all improve our operations. And one crucial position to this end is the Executive Chef. Fairmont Le...
The Chattanoogan Hotel Personalizes Staff Productivity with Maestro PMS eLearning
Maestro Property Management Solution | April 27, 2016
At HITEC Visit Maestro PMS in Booth #1401 JUNE 20-23 at the ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER Hotel Staff Self-Learn Instantly On-Site or Remotely from a Growing Library of Over 30 Popup Tutorials; Each Person Optimizes His or Her Own System Training for Greater Productivity April 27, 2016 – Markham, ON – High turnover of line staff and property managers is a way of life in the hotel business. So is increased technology use. Continuous staff training is a challenge to efficient operations at many properties. Maestro PMS, with 35+ years of hotel solutions experience, created an eLearning system that helps property staff and...
AccorHotels Achieves Antitrust Clearance of Proposed Acquisition of Fairmont Raffles Hotels International
AccorHotels | April 27, 2016
AccorHotels announces today that it has cleared all antitrust approvals in relevant jurisdictions, satisfying one of the closing conditions of the pending acquisition of Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. As previously announced, the main next step to finalize this acquisition will be AccorHotels' Extraordinary Shareholders meeting to approve reserved capital increase and Board representations for Qatar Investment Authority and Kingdom Holding. This meeting should be convened in the coming weeks. The transaction is expected to close mid-2016. ...
RoamingAround Adds Public Safety DAS to Aid First Responder Communications
RoamBOOST | April 26, 2016
Leading provider of Distributed Antenna Systems for cellular networks teams with ADRF to install solutions that prevent in-building wireless signal disruption for public safety personnel Boston, Mass. — April 26, 2016 — RoamingAround, hospitality's mobile-technology expert, is fortifying its portfolio with code-compliant public safety wireless solutions to help commercial businesses meet rigorous municipal requirements for building occupancy. Working in tandem with Advanced RF Technologies Inc. (ADRF) of Burbank, Calif., RoamingAround is now offering a public safety Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and dual band (VHF/UHF) re...
Hotel Equities Selected to Operate New Fairfield Inn & Suites in Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Hotel Equities | April 25, 2016
Atlanta, GA–April 25, 2016– Atlanta-based Hotel Equities recently announced its selection as the management firm for the new-build Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott at 902 Winter Creek Drive in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Opened in late March, the hotel welcomes business travelers and tourists visiting the tristate area of Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado. It is easily reached by air from Denver, Colorado; Cheyenne, Wyoming and Rapid City, South Dakota. "We are excited to expand our management portfolio with the addition of our first property in the state of Nebraska," said Joe Reardon, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Busi...
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson Opens Hotel Near Harrisburg International Airport
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson | April 21, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS (April 21, 2016) – Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM, a leading upper-midscale hotel brand, today announced the opening of Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Harrisburg West, PA. Located 20 minutes from Harrisburg International Airport at 4943 Gettysburg Road, the hotel offers 66 guest rooms and suites. "We are pleased the brand continues to grow in the Northeast region with convenient locations," said Jeffrey Freund, senior vice president, Midscale Brands, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. "The hotel's close proximity to exciting attractions and the Harrisburg airport makes this a perfect option for both b...
Vagabond Inn Migrates to SHR’s WindsurferCRS Distribution Platform
SHR | April 21, 2016
HOUSTON, TX, April 21, 2016– SHR, an innovative provider of advanced distribution technology and services for the hospitality industry, today announced that Vagabond Inn, a California based hotel chain, has migrated to SHR's WindsurferCRS distribution platform. "We look forward to this partnership with Vagabond Inn as they upgrade their distribution strategy and implement WindsurferCRS. In particular, the chain management features of the system will offer the individual properties more flexibility while maintaining the appropriate level of control over rates and inventory at the corporate level to successfully implement their reve...
HeBS Digital Innovative Website Technology Platform smartCMS v7 Nominated for World Travel Awards Recognition
HeBS Digital | April 21, 2016
Summary: HeBS Digital's innovative website technology platform, the smartCMS v7, was nominated one of North America's Leading Travel Merchandising Solution Providers for 2016 by the World Travel Awards™. If the smartCMS v7 wins the award, it would come in addition to the technology's recent Gold Stevie® Award. Voting runs through June 26, 2016, at worldtravelawards.com. New York, NY – April 21, 2016 – The World Travel Awards has counted the HeBS Digital smartCMS v7 among its nominations for North America's Leading Travel Merchandising Provider 2016. HeBS Digital, the leading hotel digital technology, full-service d...
An Uber Point of View on Airbnb
Larry Mogelonsky | April 20, 2016
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) As of this writing, my home city of Toronto has been locked in a bitter, years-long feud between the established taxi companies and Uber, with legislation moving back and forth through the halls of municipal government. The taxis' position is that Uber drivers don't have to go through anywhere near the same number of legal hoops (read: upfront expenses) in order to serve customers, all while Uber drivers simply keep on driving. Putting aside personal judgments on this case or any preceding one, I can't help but think of the parallels this has with Airbnb and its disruptive impact on the hos...
HotSchedules and Agilysys Announce Global Partnership for Industry-Leading Workforce Management in Hospitality
Agilysys | April 20, 2016
Strategic Relationship Combines HotSchedules' and Agilysys' Solutions for Thousands of Joint Customers AUSTIN, TEXAS and ALPHARETTA, GA — April 20, 2016— HotSchedules, provider of cloud-based technologies that automate restaurant operations, and Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software and services, today announced a strategic partnership that adds the power of HotSchedules' world-class workforce management platforms to the award-winning Agilysys hospitality solution portfolio. With this partnership, customers will benefit from an integrated POS and labor management sol...
NewcrestImage Set for Early May Opening of Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown in Historic Allen Building
Hampton by Hilton | April 19, 2016
Dallas, Texas, April 19, 2016 – The much anticipated Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown will officially open in early May in the former Allen Building on Commerce and Ervay streets. The historic, ninety-three-year-old tower is located in the heart of the city, near some of its most popular attractions and trendy districts. NewcrestImage, a hotel development, construction and management firm based in Lewisville, Texas, owns the hotel. The 176-room modern, high-rise hotel, is a short walk to Dealey Plaza, the Majestic Theatre, Thanks-Giving Square and Deep Ellum. Guests can enjoy convenient excursions such as shopping at the N...
HeBS Digital Honored with Best in Class IAC Award and 7 IMA Outstanding Achievement Awards
HeBS Digital | April 19, 2016
Summary: HeBS Digital, the leading hotel digital technology, full-service digital marketing and website revenue optimization consulting firm, is proud to have earned nine digital marketing awards, including a "Best Hotel and Lodging Online Campaign" IAC Award, an Outstanding Online Campaign IAC Award, and Seven IMA Outstanding Achievement Awards. New York, NY – April 19, 2016 – The Internet Advertising Competition Awards (IAC) and Interactive Media Awards (IMA) have recognized HeBS Digital with nine prestigious website design and digital marketing awards. HeBS Digital, the leading hotel digital technology, full-service digit...
Radisson Hotel Dallas – North in Addison, Texas Celebrates Grand Opening Following Property-Wide Renovation
Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) | April 18, 2016
Dallas, TX – Leo Spriggs, President and CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC), is pleased to announce that the Radisson Hotel Dallas – North in Addison, Texas, celebrated the official Grand Opening of their 101-room hotel on Thursday, April 7, with local community officials and guests. Hosting the gathering was owner Mohamed Adatia and in attendance were the Mayor of Addison, Todd Meier, along with Director Orlando Campos and Manager Drew Dietrich of the Addison Economic Development Department who assisted with the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce were also represented by President E...
Benchmark Hospitality International’s Benchmark Resorts & Hotels Announces The “Top Meeting Trends for 2016”
April 18, 2016
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, April 18, 2016 … Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, a signature portfolio of Benchmark Hospitality International, announces the "Top Meeting Trends for 2016" as observed by its properties. Benchmark Hospitality International is a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, which operates 40 award-winning hotels, resorts, and conference centers coast to coast and off shore. Ted Davis, chief sales & marketing officer for Benchmark Hospitality, made the announcement. "We thought last year was terrific," said Mr. Davis. "It was the best year in the history of the industry and for...
NewcrestImage Completes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation of Hyatt Place Dallas/Plano
Hyatt Place | April 15, 2016
DALLAS (April 15, 2016) – Hyatt Place Dallas/Plano is excited to announce the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation including guestrooms and public spaces. The extensive renovation shows NewcrestImage's – the hotel owner and management firm – commitment to providing superb hotel accommodations in a diverse and evolving market. "This hotel and its team are fortunate to be a part of the Plano community since our original opening," said General Manager Angela Roberts, Hyatt Place Dallas/Plano. "Feedback since the renovation has been fantastic, and we can't wait to continue welcoming guests with the same authenti...
Benchmark Hospitality International Names Brandon Lehmeyer General Manager for the Spanish Garden Inn in Santa Barbara
April 15, 2016
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, April 2016 … Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Brandon Lehmeyer general manager for the Spanish Garden Inn, a Personal Luxury property located in Santa Barbara, California. Greg Champion, Benchmark's president & COO, made the announcement. "It is with great pleasure that I welcome Brandon to the Spanish Garden Inn," said Mr. Champion. "He comes to his new role with important operational experience and a natural ability to lead. We congratulate him on this promotion within our company!" Brandon Lehmeyer was most recently director ...
Hotel Equities and Scenic Capital Advisors Break Ground on Fairfield Inn & Suites in Terrell, Texas
Hotel Equities | April 14, 2016
Atlanta, GA and Terrell, TX–April 14, 2016– Atlanta-based Hotel Equities and Scenic Capital Advisors broke ground on the new-build Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott at 351 Market Center Drive in Terrell, Texas on April 7, 2016. Hotel Equities serves as the management company for the hotel under development by owner Scenic Capital Advisors. Thomas Chen, Principal of Scenic Capital Advisors, served as host along with representatives from Hotel Equities including Nahren Youkhana, Regional Director of Sales, and Yanbo Zhu, Regional Revenue Manager. Dignitaries at the event included The Honorable Hal Richards, Mayor of Terre...
HRI Lodging Names Julianna Viertel as Director of Sales & Marketing for Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas
HRI Lodging LLC | April 14, 2016
DALLAS, Tx. –April 14, 2016 – HRI Lodging, LLC announced Julianna Viertel will be joining the hotel's impressive leadership team as the Director of Sales and Marketing. The 32-story, 171-room hotel is located at 1600 Pacific Avenue and recently opened in September 2015. With more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Viertel most recently served as Director of Sales and Marketing at Hilton Waco where she consistently exceeded Revenue, RevPAR and Sales Productivity Goals. In her new position, Viertel will oversee all aspects of sales and marketing, specifically focusing on building each market segment, maxi...
Benchmark Hospitality International Appoints Armando Galeas Executive Chef for Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, Vero Beach, Florida
April 13, 2016
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, April 2016 … Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Armando Galeas executive chef for Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa, a Personal Luxury property located in Vero Beach, Florida. Chad Olson, Benchmark's general manager at the resort, made the announcement. "It is such a pleasure to welcome Armando to our resort," said Mr. Olson. "His passion for cooking, as well as his vast experience in luxury resort settings within Florida, will be invaluable to our resort's culinary success!" Armando Galeas was previously chef de cuisine for Temple ...
HRI Lodging Appoints Marianne McConathy-Nelson as General Manager of Hilton Shreveport
HRI Lodging LLCHRI Lodging LLC | April 13, 2016
SHREVEPORT, La. –April 13, 2016 – HRI Lodging, LLC recently appointed hospitality veteran Marianne McConathy-Nelson as General Manager of Hilton Shreveport after leading the hotel's sales team since 2006. As general manager, McConathy-Nelson will be in charge of directing all aspects of hotel operations, including guest services and satisfaction, hotel administration, and overseeing marketing efforts. She brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having worked for more than 20 years in the hospitality industry. McConathy-Nelson has a long history with Hilton and the distinctive Shreveport-Bossier market, which spans ove...
Restaurants and Wi-Fi Don’t Mix
Larry Mogelonsky | April 13, 2016
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Read the title carefully. I've been a longstanding backer of offering WiFi to hotel guests for free as a means of increasing guest satisfaction (or, at the very least, meeting the modern expectation of complimentary WiFi services). But restaurants are different. This is a specific instance where promoting complimentary wireless internet access may not be the prudent method of garnering consumer advocacy. Unlike hotels, where the primary components amounting to profitability are ADR and occupancy, many eateries live and die on the number of turns per day. And what we are seeing now is that d...
