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Operations
Carlson Rezidor Appoints Jeffrey Freund Senior Vice President, Midscale Brands, Americas
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | June 2, 2015
MINNEAPOLIS (June 2, 2015) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today appointed Jeffrey Freund, senior vice president, Midscale Brands, Americas reporting to Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Americas. "Jeffrey is a seasoned hospitality professional with extensive operations experience who will bring strong leadership with a focus on delivering impeccable service and performance to our midscale brands," said Rosenberg. "He will also play a critical role in meeting our ambitious goals for expanding the Country Inns & Suites brand across North America." Freund has served Ca...
HRI Lodging Names Patrick Vyncke as Director of Acquisitions and Development
HRI Lodging | June 2, 2015
NEW ORLEANS - June 2, 2015 -HRI Lodging announced today that Patrick Vyncke has joined the company as Director of Acquisitions and Development. In this position, Patrick lends his experience in support of the fast-paced lodging growth the company is experiencing associated with its acquisition, development, and third-party-management pipeline. Prior to joining HRI Lodging, Patrick served as Director of Acquisitions and Development at CSM Corporation based out of Minneapolis, MN. He also worked with Watermark Capital Partners to identify, underwrite and lead the transaction and due diligence process on the company's acquisitions. Patrick...
HVS Perspectives on the All-Inclusive Product
Kristina M. D'Amico | June 1, 2015
By Kristina M. D'Amico Today's rising popularity of all-inclusive resorts is directly correlated to the value proposition for the guest. The resorts that offer customized products and services with personalized experiences are beneficial to both the owner and the customer. It is true that the long-held perception of the all-inclusive resort was fraught with thoughts of average quality accommodations, long buffet lines, and mediocre food. However, the industry has recently trended to a far more upper-upscale and even luxury vacation experience offered by the all-inclusive segment, with prices remaining extremely reasonable for the luxury...
Wyndham Hotel Group and Corinthian Development Company Sign Multi-Unit Wingate Development Deal
Wyndham Hotel Group | June 1, 2015
$250 million plan to develop more than 15 new-construction Wingate by Wyndham® properties in key markets throughout the U.S. and Canada over the next two years PARSIPPANY, NJ - June 01, 2015 - At the 37th Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in New York City today, Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company, announced it has entered into an agreement with Corinthian Development Company to develop more than 15 new-construction Wingate by Wyndham® properties in key markets throughout the U.S. and Canada over the next two years. Corinthian, along with a strong capital partner with significant ex...
Waterford Hotel Group Appoints Nick Lorusso New Director of Operations, Marriott Hartford Downtown
Marriott Hartford Downtown | May 28, 2015
WATERFORD, CT (May 28, 2015) – Marriott Hartford Downtown has announced the appointment of Nick Lorusso as their new Director of Operations. In his new role, Lorusso is responsible for overseeing all rooms and food & beverage departments of the hotel, including budgeting, scheduling, associate training and development, inventory, as well as strict adherence to all Marriott and Waterford Hotel Group standards. Waterford Hotel Group, Inc. professionally manages the 409 room Marriott Hartford Downtown. Lorusso joins the Marriott Hartford Downtown team from his most recent position as the Director of Food & Beverage at the Sherato...
Concord Clear Springs Hotel to Open Courtyard by Marriott at Kingsley in Fort Mill, SC
Courtyard by Marriott | May 28, 2015
Fort Mill, S.C. (May 28, 2015) – Buoyed by recent corporate relocation announcements from Charlotte-based Lash Group and LPL Financial, Kingsley will soon welcome travelers to a 125-room Courtyard by Marriott, being developed by Raleigh, NC-based Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company. Slated to open in fall 2016, Courtyard by Marriott at Kingsley is owned by Concord Clear Springs Hotel LLC, a partnership between Concord Hospitality and Kingsley developer Clear Springs Development Company. "Fort Mill has really become a relevant living and commercial destination thanks in part to Clear Springs Development's commitment to balancing pr...
Wyndham Hotel Group Signs Franchise Agreement for Ramada Suites Auckland Federal Street
Ramada | May 27, 2015
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (May 27, 2015) - Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest and most diverse hotel company, today announced the continued expansion of its portfolio in New Zealand with the signing of a franchise agreement for the four-star Ramada Suites Auckland Federal Street, located in the heart of Auckland's central business district (CBD). The 42-apartment, boutique-style hotel is being developed by Robert Neil of New Zealand's The Safari Group. The NZD$12 million development is scheduled for completion in October 2015 and will offer a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. The franchise agreement furthers Wyndham Hote...
Maestro PMS Powers-Up Independents at HITEC 2015 with Apps, Mobile Solutions and Big Data Analysis
Maestro Property Management Solution | May 27, 2015
At HITEC Visit Maestro PMS in Booth #1029 June 15 to 18 at the Austin Convention Center Maestro Gives Independents Mobile Apps and Wi-Fi Flexibility for Personalized Guest Service, Greater Profitability and Productivity May 27, 2015 - Toronto - Maestro PMS™ will arrive at HITEC 2015 with a suite of new mobile solutions to give independent operators a competitive edge. Maestro's Housekeeping app, mobile tablet signature capture and curbside check-in, and mobile guest management modules will give independent operators leading edge tools to enhance guest service and productivity. Click here to learn more about Maestro's solutions for pr...
Accor Enters Sale & Franchise-Back of Seven Hotels in United Kingdom and Ireland for $58.9 million
Accor | May 22, 2015
As part of the Group's strategy to restructure the assets of HotelInvest, its hotel owner and investor business, Accor today announces the sale and franchise-back of seven hotels (708 rooms) for €32.6 million, along with a commitment from the buyers to carry out €5.2 million worth of renovations. The transactions were carried out with two strong partners: Starboard Hotels Ltd. for a portfolio of five ibis hotels (Birmingham Bordesley Circus, Leicester City, London Gatwick Airport, Plymouth and Sheffield City) and a joint venture between Cannock Investments Ltd and Hetherley Capital Partners for the ibis Coventry Centre and the ibis ...
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Appoints Roger Chacko as Chief Branding and Marketing Officer
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | May 21, 2015
MINNEAPOLIS (May 21, 2015) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the appointment of Roger Chacko as executive vice president and chief branding and marketing officer reporting to David P. Berg, chief executive officer, Carlson Hospitality Group. Chacko joined the company in 2014 on an interim basis and is responsible for all aspects of marketing and brand performance worldwide for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group and its brands including Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu®, Radisson®, Radisson Red, Park Plaza®, Park Inn® by Radisson and Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonS...
The New-Build 345-room BEST WESTERN Bogor Icon Opens in West Java, Indonesia
Best Western International, Inc. | May 20, 2015
Bangkok – May 20, 2015: Best Western International has continued its rapid expansion in Indonesia with the launch of a new hotel in Bogor, West Java. The new BEST WESTERN Bogor Icon is a modern, 16-story midscale hotel located in the heart of Bogor, easily accessible from Jakarta and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. It is also situated just 15 minutes' drive from the Bogor Presidential Palace and Botanical Garden. Guests are offered the choice of 345 contemporary rooms, all offering comfortable bedding, mini-bars, room service, complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with international satellite channels. The hotel's all-day dini...
Shining a Light on Emotional Reviews
Larry Mogelonsky | May 20, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Life used to be simple and somewhat orderly. Hotels were classified as one through five stars (or diamonds) by reputable agencies such as AAA or Mobil/Forbes. Classification was based upon a very specific set of criteria for both service and physical operations. Annual inspections were exciting times on property with staff anxiously awaiting any changes in classification, for better or for worse. No one believes that inspections only take place once or twice per year. Each and every guest that crosses your transom is an inspector, fully capable of providing an instantaneous blow-by-blow of ...
Wyndham Hotel Group to Manage New-build 217-room Dolce Conference Hotel Near Cincinnati, Ohio
Wyndham Hotel Group | May 20, 2015
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (May 20, 2015) – Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company, today announced it has entered into an agreement to brand and manage a new-construction hotel and conference center less than 10 miles from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, under its Dolce Hotels and Resorts® flag. The 217-room hotel is being developed by RBM Development Company LLC in Madisonville, Ohio, and will be operated by Wyndham Hotel Group's management arm. Scheduled to open in 2017, it will become the centerpiece of a $124 million mixed-use development project, known as Madison Center, which is home to the headquarters of Medpace, a global c...
Best Western International Opens Six Hotels in April and Early May 2015
Best Western International, Inc. | May 20, 2015
PHOENIX (May 20,2015) Property name: BEST WESTERN PLUS Leamington Hotel & Conference Center Property location: Leamington, ON Opening day: May 8, 2015 # of rooms: 94 Conversion (from Days Inn) Property name: BEST WESTERN PREMIER Boulder Falls Inn Property location: Lebanon, OR Opening day: May 7, 2015 # of rooms: 84 New Build Property name: BEST WESTERN PLUS French Lick Inn Property location: French Lick, IN Opening day: May 7, 2015 # of rooms: 68 New Build Property name: BEST WESTERN PLUS Fort Stockton Hotel Property location: Fort Stockton, TX Opening day: May 1, 2015 # of rooms: 75 New Build Property name: BEST WESTERN PLUS Coll...
Hotel Equities Promotes Joe Reardon to Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development
Hotel Equities | May 19, 2015
ATLANTA, GA (May 19, 2015) - Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE) www.hotelequities.com recently promoted Joe Reardon to the position of Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Mr. Reardon leads the development team in evaluating market studies, analyzing feasibility and reviewing third party and acquisition opportunities. His responsibilities include working with all major brand development teams in addition to his work with existing and new owners to identify the best use for land acquisitions and for repositioning opportunities. Hotel Equities now has responsibility for 90 hotels in its 14-state portfolio with repres...
Midas Hospitality, LLC Selected to Operate Holiday Inn – St. Louis / Airport West in Missouri
Midas Hospitality, LLC | May 19, 2015
SAINT LOUIS, MO, May 19, 2015 - St. Louis-based hotel owner, operator and developer, Midas Hospitality, LLC has been selected to manage the 155-room Holiday Inn - St. Louis / Airport West. The Holiday Inn - St. Louis / Airport West is located at 3400 Rider Trail South, St. Louis, MO. Originally opened in 1975, the hotel closed its doors to complete a $10 million renovation, reopening in January, 2013. Located less than 7-miles from the Midas Hospitality, LLC headquarters, the 155-room Holiday Inn - St. Louis / Airport West is only 5-miles from Lambert - St. Louis International Airport, offering 24-hour airport transportation, Concierge ...
PAS Solves Integration Heartburn with pasUNITY Integration HUB (IHUB)
PAS | May 18, 2015
Integration no longer needs to be difficult With hundreds of connections already in place, pasUNITY Integration HUB (IHUB) already connects to a majority of applications in any given hotelier's financial ecosystem. "pasUNITY IHUB, a next generation technology, that's built specifically around hospitality, leverages our experience in connecting over 1,000 hotels across the globe to revenue generation, labor, payroll, banking and other auxiliary systems for hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and year-end transaction load, reporting and consolidation," says Bill Euler, President and CEO of pasUNITY. Hoteliers require data, and lots of it. This...
Fixed Expenses Aren’t Really Fixed!
Kirby D. Payne | May 18, 2015
By Kirby D. Payne, May 15, 2015 In most hotel P&Ls, usually towards the bottom, is a heading called Non-Operating Income and Expense, formerly known as Fixed Expenses. Few costs are uncontrollable in a hotel. There are simply some expenses which take longer to reduce than others! Somewhere on most hotel financial statements, usually towards the bottom, is a major heading called Non-Operating Income and Expense. Before the 11th Edition of the Uniform System it was known as Fixed Expenses. I firmly believe that General Managers and Comptrollers created the former title for two reasons: Either owners handled the items bundled in there...
Google Doorway Page Algorithm Update: Action Plan for Hotel Vanity Websites
the Author and HeBS Digital | May 18, 2015
By Max Starkov and Asher Fusco Background: On March 16, Google announced the rollout of an algorithm change intended to minimize the visibility of spam content on search engine results pages. The update, known as the "Doorway Page Algorithm Update," targets pages with thin, low-quality content and unnatural keyword usage. Google wants to dissuade sites from creating shallow content pages that are designed primarily for search engines, rather than human beings. These pages attempt to rank for keyword terms without providing users any unique or useful information. This falls in line with the search engine's goal of giving users the quicke...
Benchmark Hospitality Names Darren Law General Mgr for Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Curaçao
May 15, 2015
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 2015 ... Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Darren Law general manager for Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort. Todd Felsen, senior vice president overseeing the property, which is a Benchmark Resort located oceanside on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, made the announcement. "It is with great pleasure that I formally welcome Darren to Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort," said Mr. Felsen. "He comes to our property with important experience managing luxury resorts in remarkable destinations. Darren is a welcome addition to our lea...
HeBS Digital’s smartCMS Named Finalist for Third Consecutive Year by The American Business Awards
HeBS Digital | May 15, 2015
HeBS Digital's smartCMS, the industry's most advanced Content Management System (CMS) technology, was again named a finalist in the Best Software Programming/Design category in The 2015 American Business Awards SM and will receive the coveted Stevie® Award for this category. The firm won the Gold Stevie last year. New York, NY (May 14, 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 has once again been named a finalist in the Best Software Programming/Design category in the 2015 Ame...
Carlson Rezidor Launches New Brands, Quorvus Collection & Radisson Red, for Expansion Plans in China
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | May 14, 2015
SHANGHAI, CHINA (MAY 14, 2015) – Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced at the China Hotel Investment Conference (CHIC), plans to triple its number of hotels to over 50 in the next four years. "We have an over 20 year history in China and increasing our footprint in the country is an integral part of our growth strategy in Asia Pacific," said Thorsten Kirschke, president, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. "In addition to the 50 hotels we plan to have in operation by 2019, we are moving forward aggressively to grow our presence and expand our pipeline in China fur...
Marriott International Honors Eight Associates Worldwide with Company’s Top Honor
Marriott International, Inc. | May 14, 2015
BETHESDA, Md., May 13, 2015 -- Despite 30 feet of snow or hurricane force winds, associates at Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) are always there to take care of their guests and their communities. The company is known for its friendly service, pursuit of excellence and welcoming culture. Last night, Marriott honored eight associates from around the world with its highest honor, the J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence, at a companywide celebration last night. Established in 1987 to pay tribute to the company's founder, the Award of Excellence is presented annually to Marriott associates nominated by supervisors or peers for o...
Select Benchmark Hospitality Properties Offer “Summer Cyber Tuesday” Travel Packages and Values
May 14, 2015
The Woodlands, TX (May 14, 2015) - Benchmark Hospitality International announced today many of the hotels within its Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels® and Benchmark Resorts & Hotels® portfolios will offer special travel packages and values during its 24-hour Summer Cyber Tuesday promotion. Similar to Cyber Monday following the Thanksgiving holiday, Benchmark's Summer Cyber Tuesday will launch immediately following the Memorial Day holiday, the official launch of summer travel season, on Tuesday, May 26 and will be available to book that day only. Until then, guests may sign up to be alerted when the deals go live and will be a...
