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
Amir Nahai Appointed AccorHotels Chief Executive Officer Group Food and Beverage
AccorHotels | September 1, 2015
Amir will be responsible for the F&B business worldwide. September 1, 2105 - Amir Nahai is appointed AccorHotels Chief Executive Officer Group Food and Beverage. He will be a member of the Group's Executive Committee. Amir will be responsible for the F&B business worldwide. He will work closely with the regional CEOs and the Global Marketing teams to redefine our Food & Beverage objectives and strategy for each region and brand. He will also be responsible for rolling out Food & Beverage concepts. This appointment will be effective from September 1st 2015. Commenting on the appointment, Sébastien Bazin, AccorHotels' Cha...
White Lodging to Partner with Jackson Street Holdings to Manage SpringHill Suites Milwaukee Downtown
White Lodging Services Corporation | August 31, 2015
Opening in Spring 2016, the 155-suite hotel will occupy a converted historic office building MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Aug. 31, 2015 -- White Lodging is pleased to announce it will once again partner with Milwaukee-based Jackson Street Holdings, LLC to manage the 155-suite SpringHill Suites Milwaukee Downtown. Located at the corner of 4th and Wells streets, the SpringHill Suites Milwaukee Downtown, which is scheduled to open in Spring 2016, will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by JSWD Commerce, LLC, an affiliate of Jackson Street Holdings and managed by White Lodging Services. The SpringHill Suites Milwaukee Downtown is located at 744...
Hospitality Management Corportation to Manage Four Super 8 Hotels in Texas
Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) | August 31, 2015
Dallas, TX – Leo Spriggs, President and CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC), announces management of four hotels which include Super 8 (Cotulla, TX); Super 8 (Dilley, TX), Super 8 (Karnes City, TX); and Super 8 (Stanton, TX). These hotels service the Eagle Ford and Permian Basin and Texas Oil & Shale development play/areas within Texas. HMC is one of the country's largest U.S. third-party privately held hotel management companies, ranked in the top 40 of all third party and owner operated hotel management corporations. "We're pleased to add numerous hotels to our portfolio of managed hotel properties. HMC realizes the ...
Hilton Worldwide Honors Top Hotel Owners in the Americas with Annual Development Awards
Hilton Worldwide | August 31, 2015
McLean, Va., August 31, 2015 — Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) today announced honors for its top annual development awards in the Americas. Awards are presented in five categories across the company's portfolio of hotels, including: Developer of the Year, Best Conversion, Deal of the Year, Outstanding Achievement and Lifetime Achievement. Recipients are recognized based on criteria ranging from total number and quality of hotels developed to impact on community and fastest construction time. Once nominated, the finalists are chosen by Hilton Worldwide's global brand heads. "We are proud to celebrate the achievements of these valued ...
Autograph Collection Welcomes Kessler’s New Grand Bohemian Charleston Opening Later This Year
Autograph Collection Hotels | August 27, 2015
Bethesda, Md., August 27, 2015 – Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International's curated portfolio of hotels recognized for celebrating individuality, is pleased to welcome the newest hotel from The Kessler Collection to its portfolio – Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston in South Carolina. This is the first South Carolina hotel for The Kessler Collection and for Autograph Collection Hotels. The Autograph Collection Hotels portfolio now includes 10 of The Kessler Collection's 11 artistically inspired boutique hotels and restaurants. With 89 hotels worldwide and growing, Autograph Collection anticipates welcoming its 100th hotel by...
Beefing Up Your Hotel Gym In Eight Steps
Larry Mogelonsky | August 26, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Wellness is all the rage these days, and that isn't bound to change anytime in the next decade. We are increasingly becoming a health-conscious society and, with comfortable guestrooms, spas, restaurants and fitness facilities, hotels are primed to capitalize on this movement. It's the latter of these operations that is the focus here. Spas and wellness go hand-in-hand, and your F&B department likewise has numerous options in this regard (organics, local sourcing, gluten-free, calorie counting and so on). A property's gym and any other associated sports facilities are often neglected 1....
On Social Media? Maestro PMS Gives Operators, Guests Direct Social Media Booking
Maestro Property Management Solution | August 26, 2015
New Social Media Widget Lets Twitter Followers and Facebook Fans Instantly Connect with a Property's Maestro ResWave for Personalized Direct Web Booking August 26, 2015 – Toronto – Guests, travelers, all of us are on social media every day. LinkedIn is for business, but Facebook and Twitter are where people go to relax. Now Maestro PMS makes it possible to instantly book hotel reservations directly from your favorite social sites. Social media sites are where guests post photos and comment on recent travel experiences and resorts. This usually includes a photo and link to their favorite property's social media page. With Maestro's...
Hotel Equities Selected to Manage Courtyard Lake Placid, NY and Hampton Inn Bennington, VT
Hotel Equities | August 25, 2015
Atlanta, GA–August 26, 2015 – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities recently announced its selection as the management firm for the Courtyard by Marriott in Lake Placid, New York and the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Bennington, Vermont. Gordon Properties, based in Albany, New York, owns both hotels. Located in scenic resort areas, the hotels draw both leisure and business guests throughout the year. The 96-room Courtyard by Marriott Lake Placid delivers a wide variety of amenities and friendly service with a welcoming "Adirondack" ambiance. The Hampton Inn by Hilton Bennington, nestled between the Green and the Taconic Mountains, offers proximi...
The 167-key SpringHill Suites Houston Downtown/Convention Center Opens in Texas
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | August 25, 2015
HOUSTON, Aug. 25, 2015 -- The 167-suite SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Downtown Houston, Texas, opened today. Located at 914 Dallas Street, Houston, TX, 77002, the SpringHill Suites Houston Downtown/Convention Center will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by RLJ Lodging Trust of Bethesda, Maryland, and managed by White Lodging Services of Merrillville, Indiana. In downtown Houston, eight miles from Hobby Airport (HOU) and 21 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the hotel offers guests convenient access to the George. R. Brown Convention Center, as well as being walking distance to Minute Maid Park, home of the H...
White Lodging Breaks Ground on the Aloft and Element Hotel Development in Downtown Austin, Texas
White Lodging Services Corporation | August 25, 2015
MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Aug. 25, 2015 -- White Lodging Services Corporation today announced the groundbreaking of the dual branded Aloft and Element hotel complex in Austin, Texas. Located at the intersection of 7th and Congress, the 32-story development will include the 278-room Aloft Austin Downtown and 144-room Element Austin Downtown. The hotels are both scheduled to open in the early summer of 2017. "We are excited to be bringing another cool lodging option along with a hip restaurant & bar to the heart of downtown Austin," said Deno Yiankes, President and CEO, Investments & Development, White Lodging. "Starwood's Aloft and Ele...
Carlson Rezidor Signs Three New Contracts for Hotels in the North, South and West of India
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | August 25, 2015
NEW DELHI, Aug. 25, 2015 -- Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, ramps up its expansion in India with the signing of three new contracts for hotels in the North, South and West of the country. These latest additions to the India pipeline add to Carlson Rezidor's growth momentum and reinforces its long-established leadership position in this key market. Carlson Rezidor currently has 71 hotels in operation and 41 under development, across 45 Indian cities, including 14 state capitals. "We have a strong and active development pipeline, with many of these projects already under construction....
Best Western Signs Five New Vib Hotel Development Projects in the U.S.
Best Western International | August 24, 2015
Vib projects now total eight hotels under development, all to open by the end of 2016 PHOENIX - August 24, 2015 - Best Western International announced today that it has five additional Vib deals signed; all of which are anticipated to be open by the end of 2016. Since announcing Vib (as in Vibrant), Best Western's new urban boutique concept last October, the brand has eight Vib projects under development and is actively negotiating deals in key U.S. cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, New Orleans, Scottsdale and San Diego. "Since the launch of Vib we have had tremendous interest from hotel developers and are especially pleased ...
Business Demand for Airbnb Surges as Company Sees Record Corporate Signups
Airbnb | August 24, 2015
Within 24 hours of debut of new corporate dashboard, more than 500 companies join Airbnb for Business August 24, 2015 - Airbnb, the world's leading community-driven hospitality company, today announced that it signed 500 new companies to its Airbnb for Business program within 24 hours of launching the new global travel management suite on July 20. There are now more than one thousand businesses from over 35 countries around the world who are formally making Airbnb part of their corporate travel programs. Among this roster are Fortune 1000 companies, including Google, who are allowing employees to benefit from Airbnb's wide range of acc...
HeBS Digital Joined HSMAI Panel Discussing Hospitality Industry Digital Marketing Trends
HeBS Digital | August 24, 2015
New York, NY (August 24, 2015) - HeBS Digital participated in a panel hosted by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) on August 20, 2015, discussing industry digital marketing insights and trend forecasting into 2016. The "End of Summer Check-Up" discussion focused on gained insights and notable digital marketing trends that made an impact on the hospitality and hotel industry in 2015 to-date, as well as upcoming trends through Q4 and into 2016. HeBS Digital was represented on the panel by Emily Ditman, Manager of Digital Marketing. Ditman presented on year-to-date digital trends, including the impact of ...
Hospitality Management Corporation Appoints Patrick Bajdek Vice President of Development
Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) | August 24, 2015
Industry Veteran Brings Established Experience to Dallas Based Hotel Management Company Dallas, TX – Leo Spriggs, President and CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC), proudly announces the addition of Patrick Bajdek. Bajdek will be leveraging HMC's diverse platform and experience to service additional 3rd party hotel management opportunities, evaluate new partnerships, and coordinate with existing properties and clients to enhance existing relationships. The company continues its ongoing business expansion efforts and is made up of full service, conference center, select service and limited service hotels. HMC is one of the ...
Daniel Schlaipfer, Executive Chef for Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade: “Cooking is like haute-couture”
Daniel Schlaipfer | August 24, 2015
From the mountains of Bavaria to the beaches of Portugal, Daniel Schlaipfer worked in restaurants all across Europe learning the tricks of his trade, until he developed his very own cuisine, a fusion of Northern and Southern influences, which you can discover at AdLib, the Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade's restaurant where he is now the Executive Chef. You're a German chef, living in Lisbon and cooking for international guests. What culinary experiences led you to this? It all began in my home town, Garmish-Partenkirchen, which is a ski resort 70km from Munich. As you know, it's close to Austria and we share the same taste for regional, seaso...
Conor Acquisitions Purchases 96-room Courtyard by Marriott East Lenox Park in Memphis, Tennessee
Hotel Equities | August 20, 2015
Fort Myers, FL and Memphis, TN–August 20, 2015 –Conor Acquisitions recently announced the purchase of the 96-room Courtyard by Marriott East Lenox Park in Memphis, Tennessee. Jonathan Williams serves as the General Manager. "The acquisition of this hotel reinforces our commitment to create a truly nationwide presence for Conor," said Mike Patel, Conor's Chief Investment Officer. "We are looking for value-added properties beyond the southeast that will both benefit their local communities and afford Conor many opportunities for success. "Because of Conor's unique ability to reposition and convert projects, we have a strong vision for...
Destination Hotels Names Greg Miller VP & Managing Director for Newest Independent Hotel in Phoenix
Destination Hotels Management | August 20, 2015
PHOENIX (August 20, 2015) – Destination Hotels is proud to announce the promotion of Greg Miller to vice president, managing director of the newest independent luxury lifestyle hotel in Phoenix set to open in December. A hospitality veteran for 34 years, Miller will be instrumental in launching Phoenix's soon-to-be most engaging, creative and elegant urban hotel. The former Ritz-Carlton Phoenix will reopen after a multi-million dollar renovation as part of Marriott International's Autograph Collection – the first in Arizona – owned by Host Hotels & Resorts. "Greg is a recognized leader in the tourism industry and Phoenix marke...
HeBS Digital to Host The Smart Hotelier’s Guide to 2016 Digital Marketing Budget Planning Webinar
HeBS Digital | August 20, 2015
Summary: The industry's leading digital technology, full-service hotel marketing and website design firm will host a webinar covering its 10th annual guide to digital marketing budget planning, providing hoteliers with expert analysis and invaluable insight into the 2016 digital landscape. NEW YORK, NY (August 20, 2015) – HeBS Digital will host The Smart Hotelier's Guide to 2016 Digital Marketing Budget Planning Webinar on Thursday, August 27th at 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT). The webinar will help hoteliers kick off the 2016 budget planning season by covering important and emerging factors of the digital marketing landscape. In 2016, simpl...
Hyatt Selects Samie Barr as Vice President – Global Brands
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | August 20, 2015
CHICAGO--August 20, 2015--Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that Hyatt has named Samie Barr as vice president, global brands. Barr will be responsible for the brand development and management of the Hyatt Regency and Grand Hyatt brands. She will report to Sandra Cordova Micek, senior vice president, global brands. "Samie comes to us with a track record of success and a wealth of experience in every facet of marketing, and her collaborative style is a wonderful fit for Hyatt," Micek said. "She will be an instrumental leader to Hyatt as we continue to build distinctive experiences for the Hyatt Regency and Grand Hyatt bra...
The Luxury Boomer: A Unique Demographic
Larry Mogelonsky | August 19, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) I have written on this topic since August of last year, but as the grand horde of boomers among us continues to gradually work their way into retirement, this topic is once again worth addressing. Normally when we discuss retirement, we talk about the nuances of balancing a tighter budget with far fewer inbound monetary streams to buoy any excessive spending. In short, retirement at a macro level means less spending overall. However, the baby boom presents a fascinating counterargument to this established demographic trend. That is, the boomers (at least in a North American sense) came into...
Benchmark Names Julia Maldonado-Rodriguez Director of Human Resources for Villas of Grand Cypress
August 19, 2015
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, August 2015 ... Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Julia Maldonado-Rodriguez director of human resources for Villas of Grand Cypress, located in Orlando, Florida. Rikki Boparai, managing director of Benchmark's Personal Luxury collection of Florida, made the announcement. "It is a pleasure to welcome Julia to our resort," said Mr. Boparai. "She comes to her new role with vast experience in human resource management, and with intimate knowledge of the Orlando market. We look forward to her important leadership contributions." Julia Maldonad...
Are Hotel Management Companies All the Same? 2015 Hotel Management Benchmark Study
Hans Detlefsen, MPP, MAI | August 19, 2015
by Hans Detlefsen and Emiliia Gordiienko Introduction Hotel Appraisers & Advisors (HA&A) recently completed our 2015 Hotel Management Company Benchmark Analysis. The study was designed in response to a series of questions we frequently hear from our clients in the hotel industry. These developers and investors seek our help identifying hotel operators and negotiating hotel management contracts. They ask us: Aren't most hotel management companies basically the same? How much does it really matter which operator we select? Is there any quantitative data suggesting that different management companies produce different profitability...
HMC to Manage Newly Branded Country Inn & Suites in Austin, TX
Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) | August 17, 2015
Dallas, TX – Leo Spriggs, President and CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC), proudly announces the recent rebranding of the Country Inn & Suites in Austin, TX. This 84-guest suites property is located conveniently off IH-35 near Pflugerville, only 25 minutes from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and 15 miles from downtown Austin. HMC is one of the country's largest U.S. third-party privately held hotel management companies, ranked in the top 40 of all third party and owner operated hotel management corporations. The hotel is just minutes from numerous local attractions including the University of Texas, Haw...
