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Operations
IHG Expands Middle East Presence across Three Countries
IHG | May 13, 2015
Signings include second Hotel Indigo in Dubai and double deal in Kuwait New Delhi, India 13 May 2015: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced four new signings across four brands last week, marking its continuous expansion across the Middle East: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo. The signings will see the hotel company grow its presence by about 600 rooms across the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia over the next three to five years. UAE Together with leading real estate developers Diamond Developers, IHG will open the second Hotel Indigo in the UAE. Due to open in 2017, the 170-room Hotel Indigo Dubai The ...
What You Can Learn from Economy Hotels
Larry Mogelonsky | May 13, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Most of the time, innovation flows downstream. In our industry, logically, this implies that ideas generated amongst four and five star (rated) properties are the idea generators, leading the industry with new features that are emulated further along the food chain. In this way, we are highly focused on learning from exemplary hotels in the premium price range that we seldom give enough attention to those providers who are succeeding at the economy level. These are operators who might not have the lavish facilities or a monstrous and pliable budget, and yet they nevertheless find a way to m...
Liberty University and Hotel Equities to Open Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Lynchburg, VA
Fairfield Inn & Suites | May 12, 2015
Lynchburg, Virginia - May 12, 2015 - The 129-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Lynchburg, Virginia is scheduled to open this Monday, May 18, 2015. Located at 3777 Candlers Mountain Road, the former Wingate by Wyndham will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Liberty University and managed by Hotel Equities of Atlanta, Georgia. Overlooking the campus of Liberty University and 15 minutes from downtown Lynchburg, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Liberty Mountain Snowflex, Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest and River Ridge Mall. "We are pleased to introduce Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in the Lynchburg area,...
Benchmark Hospitality Names Richard Cimilluca Director of Sales for Downtown Conference Center, NY
May 12, 2015
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 12, 2015 - Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Richard Cimilluca director of sales for the Downtown Conference Center. Tom Murray, Benchmark's conference center manager for the center, located in lower Manhattan, made the announcement. "It is a pleasure to welcome Rich to the Downtown Conference Center," stated Mr. Murray. "His extensive experience within the New York market will be extremely beneficial as we strengthen the positioning of our state-of-the-art, urban-based conference center and further develop our business." Rich Cimillu...
Accor Signs Management Contract with Gran Caribe for 581-room Pullman Cayo Coco in Cuba
Accor | May 12, 2015
May 12, 2015 - On the occasion of the French President's visit to Cuba, Accor announces the signature of a management contract with Gran Caribe (Ministry of Tourism) for the Pullman Cayo Coco hotel in Cuba. This 518-room hotel-resort (including 40 suites), will offer upscale services and will notably be the first establishment on the island offering Wi-Fi in all its rooms. The Pullman Cayo Coco is located just 10 minutes from the international airport and boasts a vast sea front (over 500 meters) on the beautiful "Las Coloradas" beach. The Pullman Cayo Coco will open in November 2015. Jean-Philippe Claret, SVP Operations Mexico, Central...
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Opens Country Inns & Suites in Sandusky, Ohio
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson | May 12, 2015
MINNEAPOLIS (May 12, 2015) – Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM, a leading upper-midscale hotel brand, today announced the opening of Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Sandusky, OH. "We're thrilled to expand our brand in the Sandusky community," said Scott Meyer, senior vice president, Midscale Brands, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Americas. "Both business and leisure guests visiting this location will experience the brand's caring and comfortable service." The hotel recently underwent renovations to the lobby and breakfast room which included the addition of an InnCase Market which features essentials like beverages, snacks, a...
Hyatt Appoints Steven Dominguez as Vice President of Brand Experience
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | May 12, 2015
Dominguez to lead brand experience marketing for Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Zilara, and Hyatt Ziva CHICAGO (May 12, 2015) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that Steven Dominguez has been selected as vice president of brand experience for the Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Zilara, and Hyatt Ziva brands. Dominguez will be responsible for the brand development and management of Hyatt Place and Hyatt House, the company's select service and extended stay brands, as well as Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva, the company's all inclusive brands. He will report directly to Sandra Cordova Micek, Hyatt's senior vice president,...
Aimbridge Hospitality Adds California’s Embassy Suites Anaheim-Orange to Management Portfolio
Aimbridge Hospitality | May 12, 2015
DALLAS (May 12, 2015) - Aimbridge Hospitality, the nation's second largest independent hotel management company, announces that it has been awarded the management contract for the recently renovated Embassy Suites Anaheim-Orange (formerly the Hilton Suites Hotel). The property is a favorite with leisure and corporate travelers given its strategic location in Central Orange County adjacent to both the Angel's Baseball Stadium and Anaheim Ducks Arena, two miles from Disney Land, and proximate to over 35 million square feet of office inventory. More than $8M was invested in the extensive renovation of the 230-room all-suite hotel. The fres...
Iconic DC Hotel, The Mayflower, Finalizes $20 Million Renovation and Joins The Autograph Collection
The Mayflower Hotel Washington, DC Hotel | May 11, 2015
Washington, D.C. (May 11, 2015) – The Mayflower, one of D.C.'s most storied properties and a Washington original since 1925, is declaring its independence as of July 1, 2015. For nearly a century, The Mayflower's draw has brought D.C.'s power scene and personalities to its doors, filling the hotel with a quintessentially capital spirit – and with a signature appeal as iconic as the hotel itself. Refreshed with a $20 million room renovation, innovative culinary enhancements at Edgar Bar + Kitchen, and signature experiences, The Mayflower will join the Autograph Collection, Marriott International's exclusive portfolio of hotels recogn...
Benchmark Hospitality Names Alexis Panetta Recipient of the Bob Zappatelli Culinary Arts Scholarship
The Bob Zappatelli Culinary Arts Scholarship Fund | May 11, 2015
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 2015 ... Benchmark Hospitality International® has announced the recipient of the Bob Zappatelli Culinary Arts Scholarship. The winner is Alexis Panetta, a student at Johnson & Wales. The scholarship, launched in 2009 in partnership with the James Beard Foundation in New York City, celebrates the life and legacy of Benchmark Hospitality's first vice president food & beverage, the late Bob Zappatelli. The annual scholarship serves as a memorial to Mr. Zappatelli's enthusiasm for the advancement of the culinary arts, and his championing of new culinary talent. Applications for the 2015 Bob Zappa...
Benchmark Hospitality International Names Todd M. Felsen Senior Vice President of Operations
May 11, 2015
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 2015 ... Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Todd M. Felsen senior vice president of operations. This represents a promotion for Mr. Felsen. Greg Champion, Benchmark's chief operating officer, made the announcement. "This is a well-deserved promotion for Todd," said Mr. Champion. "His strong operational leadership has proven invaluable for ensuring maximum operational efficiencies and future growth opportunities for Benchmark. He is an important member of our senior management team. Todd Felsen most recently held the position of vice pres...
Carlson Rezidor to Open Two Park Inn by Radisson Hotels in Saudi Arabia in 2016
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | May 7, 2015
Brussels/Dubai – May 6, 2015 – Carlson Rezidor, one of the most dynamic hotel groups worldwide, further strengthens its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by announcing two Park Inn by Radisson hotels. The group's first property in the holy city of Makkah will feature 330 rooms and welcome the first guests in 2016. In Najran, Carlson Rezidor develops a hotel with 120 rooms that is also scheduled to open in 2016. "Saudi Arabia is a focus country for our group. The Kingdom actively develops its infrastructure and industries, and will play an increasingly important role within the travel & tourism sector of the Middle East. We...
Benchmark Hospitality International Names Kirk Jones Senior Vice President of Finance
May 7, 2015
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 2015 ... Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Kirk Jones senior vice president of finance. Greg Champion, Benchmark's chief operating officer, made the announcement. "It is with great pleasure that I welcome Kirk to the Benchmark Hospitality organization," said Mr. Champion. "He brings important expertise within our market niche—independently-branded hotels and resorts, as well as a global perspective on the hospitality industry." In his new role, Kirk Jones has responsibility for the overall financial operations of Benchmark Hospitali...
Mannai Holding Signs with Wyndham for Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Island in Bahraini Capital Manama
Ramada | May 6, 2015
DUBAI, UAE (06 May 2015) – Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company and one of three hospitality business units of Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN), today announced the continued expansion of its managed property portfolio with the signing of the 162-room Ramada® Hotel & Suites Amwaj Island in Bahrain. The signing adds to the company's existing pipeline of managed hotels across the Middle East, which includes three further openings in Bahrain, along with properties in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In total, two in every three deals in Wyndham Hotel Group's Middle Eastern pipeline are now planned to ...
Hotel Equities and Owners, Scenic Capital Advisors, Break Ground for Marriott Hotel in Texas
Hotel Equities | May 6, 2015
Atlanta, GA–May 6, 2015 – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (www.hotelequities.com) and owners Thomas and Michael Chen of Scenic Capital Advisors recently broke ground for a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Waxahachie, Texas. The hotel is located at 2020 Civic Center Ln., the intersection of Interstate 35 E and Highway 287, just 30 minutes south of Dallas, Texas. Expected to open in early summer 2016, the hotel will sit beside the Waxahachie Civic Center, site of numerous events and meetings, and across from the newly completed Baylor Scott & White Hospital. On hand for the ceremony were Brad Rahinsky, President & COO, H...
Maestro PMS Users’ Conference 2015: Ah Ha Moments for Everyone
Maestro Property Management Solution | May 6, 2015
At HITEC Visit Maestro PMS in Booth #1029 June 15 to 18 at the Austin Convention Center The 2015 Maestro Users' Conference in Santa Cruz, CA Gave Operators New Information, Best Practices and Some Great Times May 6, 2015 - Toronto - Maestro PMS™ wrapped up its most successful - and well attended -Users' Conference April 23. A contingent of nearly 100 of Maestro's clients, partners, and Maestro professionals met for 3 days at the Chaminade Resort and Spa on the coast in Santa Cruz, CA. The event provided independent operators with hands-on instruction, new system announcements, and Ah Ha moments that will make their businesses more pr...
Benchmark Hospitality Names Bill Antone Director of Food & Beverage for The Chattanoogan
The Chattanoogan | May 6, 2015
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 2015 ... Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Bill Antone director of food & beverage for The Chattanoogan. Tom Cupo, Benchmark's general manager for the property, which is a Benchmark Hotel located in the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee, made the announcement. "I am very pleased to welcome Bill to The Chattanoogan and to Benchmark Hospitality," said Mr. Cupo. "We look forward to his creative leadership as we continue to strengthen and innovate our culinary program." Bill Antone was previously director of food & beverage for Choc...
The Importance of Vintage
Larry Mogelonsky | May 6, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) "A 2008 Chateau X? Or how about the 2009? Who cares about the year, just give me the one that tastes the best!" is a conversation you've probably overheard at a restaurant before. It might have even been you uttering these words at one point. Or, instead of asking for the best of multiple options, you're simply demanding the cheapest. And, importantly, ask yourself how many times multiple vintage years of the same product on your wine list? Unless a patron has previously visited a specific winery and participated in a vertical tasting of different vintages from the same vines, he or she pro...
HeBS Digital To Host Webinar: The Smart Hotelier’s Action Plan to Digital Content Marketing
HeBS Digital | May 5, 2015
NEW YORK, NY May 5, 2015 -HeBS Digital, the leading hotel digital technology, full-service digital marketing and website revenue optimization consulting firm, today announces it will host a webinar on Digital Content Marketing in hospitality. Attendees will learn the key elements that should make up a property's content marketing strategy, essential in bringing the hotel's story to life and ultimately resulting in a higher level of engagement and direct revenues. HeBS Digital's Miriam Gross, ReviewPro's Josiah Mackenzie and Portola Hotel & Spa's Jackie Olsen will discuss how hoteliers can create a deeper level of engagement and ulti...
sbe Sells SLS Beverly Hills in California to Sunrider International
sbe | May 5, 2015
LOS ANGELES, May 5, 2015 -- sbe, the Los Angeles-based creative hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hotels, restaurants and nightlife, announced today the sale of one of its portfolio assets, SLS Beverly Hills, to Sunrider International, a family-owned health and beauty company. Keeping in line with sbe's current growth strategy of focusing on long-term brand management and operating agreements, the hotel's ownership group (which included sbe and the Nazarian family) seized the opportunity to sell its flagship SLS property in an expanding market while remaining onboard as the brand operator. "The sale o...
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Appoints Greg Burgett as VP of Development for the Midwest
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | May 5, 2015
MINNEAPOLIS (May 5, 2015) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today appointed Greg Burgett as vice president, Development, Americas. Burgett will report to Phil Silberstein, executive vice president, Development, Americas and will lead development for the Midwest region of the U.S. "We are pleased to welcome Greg to our team, an industry veteran that will help us grow and strengthen our brands presence in the Midwest," said Silberstein. "We have aggressive goals for growth in the coming years and Greg will be an asset in allowing us to achieve those goals." A veteran of the hospitalit...
Dorma and Kaba Announce Merger Plans
Hotel Equities (HE) | May 5, 2015
dorma+kaba to become one of the global top 3 companies in the security and access solutions market, with pro-forma sales exceeding CHF 2 billion (EUR 1.9 billion) Leading product and services offering from a single source thanks to complementary portfolios, value chain and geographic footprint in all key markets Excellent growth opportunities and significant synergy potential to create substantial added value for Kaba shareholders; planned special dividend of CHF 50 per share Dorma owner family to increase its entrepreneurial commitment by acquiring 9.1% stake in Kaba and together with Kaba family shareholders to form strong, long-t...
FCS Expands Australian Presence with New Channel Partner Unified Network Group
Unified Network Group | May 5, 2015
With a strong foundation in Australia's ICT communications and infrastructure market, Unified Network Group now offers FCS' complete line of solutions to their client portfolio. Australia - May 5, 2015 - FCS Computer Systems (FCS), a leading comprehensive hospitality solutions and services provider, has signed its latest Channel Partner agreement with Unified Network Group, a leader in Australia's Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector. Unified Network Group currently serves Government Defense, Hospitality, Healthcare, Manufacturing and National Ports Organization (NPO) markets. As a result of their new Channel Partne...
White Lodging Assumes Management of Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites in Downtown Omaha, Nebraska
White Lodging Services Corporation | May 4, 2015
MERRILLVILLE, Ind., May 4, 2015 -- White Lodging is pleased to announce it has officially taken over the management of the Hampton Inn & Suites Omaha-Downtown and Homewood Suites by Hilton Omaha-Downtown. This addition expands White Lodging's managed portfolio to 161 hotels, including three in Omaha, and the company's sixth Hampton property and sixth Homewood Suites. "We are very excited to continue to grow our portfolio and strengthen our presence in downtown Omaha," said Regional Director of Operations, Hunter Carmichael. "The hotels are great assets in a prime location. We know our guests will enjoy everything each hotel has to o...
