Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
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Operations
Selling Food Through Stories
Larry Mogelonsky | June 24, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Food is by far one of the best ways to differentiate your property and make a lasting impression with guests. Why? For one, eating involves a range of senses – taste, smell, sight, touch and, if you count the hustle-bustle of a lively ambiance, sound. It's this activation of so many senses that primes our emotions and signals our memory centers to start taking notes. Plus there's the emotional transference effect – good times at a restaurant reflect kindly on the parent property. Next, there are so many ways to stand out and deliver a unique experience in a much cheaper capacity than, s...
HeBS Digital’s smartCMS Technology Wins a Gold Stevie Award in The 2015 American Business Awards
HeBS Digital | June 24, 2015
HeBS Digital's smartCMS, the industry's most advanced Content Management System (CMS) technology, won a Gold Stevie® Award in the Best Software Programming/Design category in The 2015 American Business AwardsSM for the second consecutive year. New York, NY (June 24, 2015) - HeBS Digital, the award-winning hotel digital technology, website design, full-service digital marketing and website revenue optimization consulting firm today announces its proprietary smartCMS technology won for a second consecutive year a Gold Stevie® Award in the Best Software Programming/Design Category in the 2015 American Business Awards. The American Busin...
Understanding Online Distribution Channels by Juan Duran of HVS
Juan Duran | June 24, 2015
This article covers the importance for hotels to invest in three online distribution channels – the website, Global Distribution Systems, and Online Travel Agents – to retain guests, improve hotel positioning, and gain a competitive advantage. In a period of economic uncertainty, hotel operators cannot seek to control economic conditions, but they can strategically implement marketing to increase sales and hotel profitability regardless of market uncertainty. This article summarizes the trends in three online distribution channels used in the hospitality industry: websites, Global Distribution Systems (GDS), and online travel agents...
Philip Bolson Joins Splendid Hospitality Group as Operations Director
June 23, 2015
June 23, 2015 - Splendid Hospitality Group has appointed Philip Bolson as Operations Director where he will oversee the management of hotels across the group's portfolio. Philip joins from Redefine BDL Hotels where during his role as Divisional Director he led the successful opening of the award winning Aloft Liverpool Hotel and NYL Restaurant & Bar in the iconic Royal Insurance Building. The new director steps in just in time for the opening of two star properties for the group launching this summer, the 101 bedroom Hotel Indigo York in Walmgate and the 292-bedroom Hilton London Bankside. Stuart Bailey, CEO of Splendid Hospitality ...
Hard Rock International Appoints Leong Wy Joon as Senior VP of Hotel Development – Asia and India
Hard Rock International | June 23, 2015
ORLANDO, Florida, June 23, 2015 -- Hard Rock International – owner of one of the world's most-recognizable and iconic brands – announces the appointment of industry veteran, Leong Wy Joon, as SVP of Hotel Development for Asia and India. Leong's appointment is a strategic move designed to continue momentum behind the hotel brand's global development plans. In this new position, Leong will be responsible for securing new development opportunities, working with development partners and growing the Hard Rock Hotel brand footprint in the Asia and India regions. Leong is recognized for most recently serving as executive director for Berja...
The Hotel, Swiss Boutique Design Hotel, Joins Autograph Collection
Autograph Collection | June 22, 2015
Discerning collection of independent hotels expands to include its second design property in Switzerland, located in the heart of Lucerne 22 June 2015: Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International's exclusive portfolio of hotels recognised for celebrating individuality, is set to welcome a luxurious new boutique property to its collection on 8 July 2015. Located in a beautiful corner building established in 1907, The Hotel, which opened in 2000, is an urban design hotel with exceptional park views set in the heart of Lucerne. Owner Urs Karli - a leading hotelier renowned for his innovative gastronomy concepts - is behind the visi...
Jetsetter Releases Annual 2015 “Best Of The Best” Hotel Awards
Jetsetter.com | June 19, 2015
NEW YORK, June 19, 2015 -- Jetsetter.com, the world's go-to brand for travelers with discerning taste, recently announced the winners of its annual 2015 Best of the Best hotel awards. This year's awards include 23 "Best" categories ranging from Boutique and Best-Looking Guests to All-Inclusive and Nightlife. Each category includes a winner and two runner-ups. "We spend every day at Jetsetter curating the best hotels around the world," Managing Editor Colleen Clark says. "The winning hotels on this list go above and beyond to deliver the best experiences in their categories. They're the kind of places that belong on the bucket lists of e...
White Lodging, Hyatt Hotels and the Weglarz Company Open 148-key Hyatt Place Chicago/Midway Airport
Hyatt Place | June 19, 2015
Under the leadership of General Manager Justin Rodgers and Director of Sales Jill Farley CHICAGO, June 19, 2015 -- White Lodging Services, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and the Weglarz Company today announce the opening of Hyatt Place Chicago/Midway Airport, just two blocks from Midway International Airport in Bedford Park, Ill. "The Midway Hotel Center already features nine premium brands, and we are grateful to the Weglarz Family for giving us the opportunity to be a part of the campus," said General Manager Justin Rodgers. "Hyatt Place Chicago/Midway Airport has many of the amenities that today's multitasking travelers seek, and my team...
Midas Hospitality, LLC to Sell Three Hotels in the Columbus, OH Market for $34M
Midas Hospitality, LLC | June 18, 2015
SAINT LOUIS, MO, June 18, 2015 - Midas Hospitality, a St. Louis-based hotel owner, operator and developer announces the sale of Staybridge Suites - Columbus, OH, Residence Inn by Marriott - Dublin, OH and the Residence Inn by Marriott - Worthington, OH. An investment group led by Midas Hospitality, LLC purchased the Staybridge Suites - Dublin, OH in December, 2011 and the Residence Inn by Marriott - Worthington, OH in May, 2013, successfully repositioned the assets along with a $2M and $3M renovation respectively. Recently announced, Midas Hospitality completed and opened the Residence Inn by Marriott - Dublin, OH, June 5, 2015. J. T. N...
AccorHotels’ Appointments within HotelServices in North, Central and South America
AccorHotels | June 17, 2015
Paris - June, 17 2015 - Christophe Alaux is appointed CEO HotelServices North (United States, Canada) & Central America (Mexico and the Caribbean, including Cuba) and will represent the region on the Executive Committee. Patrick Mendes is appointed CEO HotelServices South America in order to pursue AccorHotels' expansion in this region and consolidate the leadership position the Group already occupies in this market. He will report to Sven Boinet, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, who will represent him on the Executive Committee in order to take full account of this region's issues. These appointments will be effective as of July 1st...
AccorHotels Appoints Key Officer Positions for HotelServices France and the Executive Committee
AccorHotels | June 17, 2015
Paris - 17 June 2015 - Sophie Stabile, member of the Group's Executive Committee, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, HotelServices France. She succeeds Christophe Alaux, who has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, HotelServices North & Central America. The appointment is effective as of 1 October 2015. Deputy Chief Executive Officer Sven Boinet will act as interim CEO for France between July 1st and September 30th 2015. Jean-Jacques Morin joins the Group as Chief Financial Officer and will be a member of the Group's Executive Committee. The appointment is effective as of 1 October 2015. Commenting on the appointments, S...
FCS Computer Systems to Showcase Vega During HITEC 2015
FCS | June 17, 2015
Leading provider of hotel operations and guest services enhancement software to provide attendees with demonstrations of Vega - its innovative guest behavior business intelligent analysis platform Austin, TX - June 17th, 2015 - FCS Computer Systems (FCS), a leading comprehensive hospitality solutions and services provider, is set to provide visitors to this year's HITEC with demonstrations of their latest innovation, FCS Vega, a first-of-its-kind solution that provides hoteliers with the coveted ability to tap into, analyze and adapt to the specific behaviors of each guest. Taking place at the Austin Convention Center on June 15-18th, F...
Next-Generation Property Management Systems Key to Maximizing Efficiency and Driving Revenue
Agilysys | June 17, 2015
Independent Research Reveals Need for New Capabilities and Technology in Hospitality ALPHARETTA, GA. - June 17, 2015 - Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, today announced availability of the Upgrading to a Next-Generation Hotel Property Management System (PMS) eBook. Based on extensive research conducted by Starfleet Media, the document reveals how hotels are looking to new PMS technology to optimize efficiency, maximize revenue and profitability, and drive competitive advantage in a crowded marketplace. According to the research, achieving these goals ...
Never Forget Cross-Generational Word of Mouth
Larry Mogelonsky | June 17, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Trying to make sense of our generational differences is a common thread in hospitality publications, namely contrasting the rise of the millennials with the baby boomer's demise. The tendency is for us to describe the behaviors of these generations as wholly disparate and with little to no overlap. While differences in wants and motivations are undeniable when comparing a 60-year-old to a 22-year-old, there are far more similarities than we are acknowledging. In many cases, we are being lead to believe that members of one demographic do not influence the pricing behaviors of members in anot...
FCS Inspires Hospitality Students to Leverage Mobile Technology for Future Hotel and Guest Services
FCS | June 16, 2015
Partnership to implement FCS e-Solution with their Mobile Apps at Ruemz Hotel and host joint video competition for School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts students Malaysia - June 16, 2015 - FCS Computer Systems (FCS), a leading comprehensive hospitality solutions and services provider, together with Taylor's University in Malaysia today held a partnership signing ceremony and awards presentation at the campus of Taylor's University. FCS executives and Taylor's University administrators, as well as Ruemz Hotel staff joined together to celebrate the deployment of FCS Rainbow Solution at the Room Adoption Program that run by th...
Eaglewood Resort & Spa Receives Prestigious Four-Diamond Award For 10th Consecutive Year
Eaglewood Resort & Spa | June 15, 2015
Itasca, Illinois, June 2015 ... For the tenth year in a row, Eaglewood Resort & Spa has received the coveted AAA Four-Diamond Award. Given by the American Automobile Association (AAA), the prestigious award acknowledges hotels and resorts that consistently provide stellar service and world-class accommodations. Eaglewood Resort & Spa, which was the only Chicago-area property to receive the Four-Diamond rating, is a Benchmark Resort located in Itasca, Illinois, 30 minutes from the Chicago Loop. "We are truly delighted to receive this esteemed award for the tenth consecutive year," said Tom Garcia, general manager of the resort. "...
Destination Hotels Appoints Mark Jennings as Senior Vice President of Operations, East Region
Destination Hotels | June 15, 2015
Englewood, Colo. - June 15, 2015 -- Destination Hotels announces Mark Jennings as Senior Vice President of Operations, East Region. In this role, Mark will apply his strong background specializing in the Northeast urban hotel sector to oversee operations of the portfolio's East Coast properties with a continued focus on optimizing performance and executing the brand's strategic growth plan. Prior to joining the Destination Hotels team, Jennings spent more than 20 years in executive leadership roles for Hyatt Hotels Corporation looking after properties ranging from 500 to over 2,000 rooms. During his last assignment with Hyatt, Jennings ...
A Readers Response to Rich Siegel’s Siegel Sez Airbnb Commentary: Rich is Completely Wrong
Randy Hulce | June 11, 2015
by Randy Hulce Rich, first, let me remind you that I am a big fan of yours and always find your Siegel Sez observations, musings and expert commentary enlightening and entertaining. However, I would like to address your recent comments regarding Airbnb, the porn filming (which happens every day in hotels) and the destruction of a home by Airbnb "guests." While you do fairly point out that such incidents are "isolated" when compared to the millions who successfully utilize Airbnb, you may have unintentionally spotlighted and therefore exaggerated a fear that most hotel investors, owners and operators are happy to believe in – that Airb...
Benchmark Hospitality Names Ashley Hawn Director of Food & Beverage, Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa
June 11, 2015
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, June 2015 ... Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Ashley Hawn director of food & beverage for Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa. Ed Riley, Benchmark's general manager for the property, which is a Personal Luxury Resort located in Vero Beach, Florida, made the announcement. "It is with great pleasure that I welcome Ashley to our ocean-side resort and to Benchmark Hospitality," said Mr. Riley. "She comes to us with significant leadership experience within food & beverage and a keen understanding of luxury resort operations. Ashley H...
Agilysys Announces Latest Version of Industry-Leading Workforce Management Solution
Agilysys | June 11, 2015
WMx v6.1 Includes Enhancements Designed to Boost Workforce Efficiency, Profitability ALPHARETTA, GA. - June 11, 2015 - Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, today announced general availability of WMx v6.1, the latest version of its industry-leading workforce management software solution. The new version features a number of enhancements that streamline workforce operations, including improved scheduling efficiency, more precise labor forecasting and optimized display options. WMx is a comprehensive and feature-rich enterprise solution designed to help ho...
sbe Entertainment Group and CIM Group Sell SLS South Beach to Goldenpeaks Capital Real Estate
sbe | June 11, 2015
LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2015 -- sbe, the Los Angeles-based creative hospitality company, and CIM Group, a leading real estate fund manager, announced today the sale of the SLS South Beach hotel to GoldenPeaks Capital Real Estate, an international real estate industry management company. The sale price was not disclosed. The deal underscores sbe's newly implemented growth strategy of focusing on long-term management agreements, and follows the recent sale of SLS Beverly Hills. sbe and CIM, partners in the South Beach venture, have sold the hotel as the Miami market continues to heat up. As part of the sale, sbe will continue to operate the...
ALICE Launches First-Ever Hospitality App with Real-Time Translation between Hotel Guests and Staff
ALICE | June 10, 2015
From Spanish and Russian to French and German, ALICE Provides Translation For All Guest Requests; No More "Lost in Translation" Upgrade to Improve Guest Service, Staff Communication, and Operational Efficiency NEW YORK – June 11, 2015 – Every year, billions of people travel for work and pleasure to countries where their native language is not spoken. At the same time, hotels employ millions of staff from around the world whose native language may be different from the one spoken at the hotel. The hospitality world is an international one, and the communication barriers can be detrimental to the quality of hotel guests' stay as well ...
Gaurav Bhushan Appointed Chief Development Officer at AccorHotels
AccorHotels | June 10, 2015
Paris - June, 10 2015 - Gaurav Bhushan has been appointed Chief Development Officer at AccorHotels. In this capacity he will report directly to Sébastien Bazin, Chief Executive Officer of AccorHotels, and will continue to be directly responsible for the development of the Asia Pacific region under Michael Issenberg, Chief Executive Officer of HotelServices Asia Pacific. The appointment is effective from 1 July 2015. He will succeed Christian Karaoglanian who, after 40 years with the Group and in full agreement with Group management, has decided to pass on the baton. Christian will be on hand during the transition to help Gaurav Bhushan...
Midas Hospitality,LLC Opens New Residence Inn by Marriott in Dublin, Ohio
Residence Inn by Marriott | June 10, 2015
SAINT LOUIS, MO, June 10, 2015 - An investment group led by Midas Hospitality, LLC announces the opening of a new, 100-room Residence Inn by Marriott - Dublin, OH. Midas Hospitality, a St. Louis-based hotel owner, operator and developer will manage the hotel. Located at 6364 Frantz Rd, just off I-270, the $13 million development includes 100-suites, indoor pool, sport court, outdoor social area and 500 sq. ft. of meeting space. Kurt Furlong, EVP & Principal - Sales & Marketing, states "The Residence Inn by Marriott - Dublin, OH, will provide a terrific, high-end product to Dublin, OH market serving both the extended stay and tra...