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
Applications for the 2015 Bob Zappatelli Culinary Arts Scholarship Now Open
the James Beard Foundation (JBF) | May 1, 2015
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 1, 2015 ... Benchmark Hospitality International® in partnership with the James Beard Foundation announces applications are open to culinary students globally for the 2015 Bob Zappatelli Culinary Arts Scholarship. The scholarship fund was established by Benchmark Hospitality in 2009 to celebrate the memory and culinary legacy of Bob Zappatelli, the company's first vice president of food & beverage. Applications for the scholarship will remain open through May 15, 2015. "One of the wonderful aspects of Bob's scholarship is that annually we're reminded of our dear friend and his importance to our or...
Pennsylvania’s 155-room Hyatt Place Pittsburgh South/Meadows Racetrack & Casino Opens
Hyatt Place | May 1, 2015
May 1, 2015 - CHICAGO - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H), FFC Capital Corp. and Crescent Hotels & Resorts today announce the opening of the 155-room Hyatt Place Pittsburgh South/Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Washington, PA. The hotel is connected to The Meadows Casino by an enclosed walkway bridge, and it is the first Hyatt Place hotel to open in Pennsylvania's Washington County. "Hyatt Place Pittsburgh South/Meadows Racetrack & Casino is located in a very desirable area, and we're looking forward to creating a positive travel experience for each and every guest that walks through our doors," said General Manager Gabriel P...
HeBS Digital Joins the HSMAI’s New York Chapter Panel to Discuss Meta Search Best Practices
the Author and HeBS Digital | May 1, 2015
By Margaret Mastrogiacomo Recently, HeBS Digital participated in the HSMAI's New York chapter panel entitled "A Meta Conundrum" discussing the "ins and outs" and "ups and downs" of meta search. Patrick Merryman, who leads meta search at HeBS Digital, provided an in-depth industry perspective and insight on the topic including ways hoteliers can maximize returns on the platform. Read on for the top five questions and key takeaways discussed during the panel. 1. How would you describe the current state of Meta Search, and how would you prioritize Meta Search marketing? Meta Search marketing is not a new frontier in digital marketing and h...
The 164-room Hyatt Place Washington, D.C./Downtown/K Street Opens
Hyatt Place | May 1, 2015
CHICAGO (May 1, 2015) - Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Songy Highroads, LLC and Aimbridge Hospitality today announce the opening of Hyatt Place Washington, D.C./Downtown/K Street, a refreshing new choice for business and leisure travelers alike. Situated in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., the hotel is located at 1522 K Street NW, just two blocks from the White House. Additionally, the hotel is within walking distance of numerous tourist attractions, including the Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Institution, National Mall, and countless memorials and museums. "Hyatt Place Washington, D.C./Downtown/K Street is located in a very desirable...
What Does the California Drought Mean for the Hospitality Community?
Diane Vondrasek | April 30, 2015
By Diane Vondrasek This article summarizes the impact of the California drought on the hospitality community, including a review of the recent Executive Order on water conservation and its impacts on water availability, rates, and hotel operating practices. As you have probably heard in the news lately, California is experiencing its worst drought in recorded history. There was less rainfall in 2013 than in any year since California became a state 165 years ago. Precipitation and snowpack levels remain well below average, and there does not appear to be an end in sight. To mitigate impacts from the drought, California Governor Edmund G....
Hotel Equities Chosen to Lead Premier Hospitality’s Portfolio of 21 Hotels in Texas and Oklahoma
Hotel Equities | April 29, 2015
Atlanta, GA - April 29, 2015 - Hotel Equities recently announced its selection as the management firm for a portfolio of 21 hotels located in Texas and Oklahoma. The portfolio is owned by Premier Hospitality Management, Inc. Hotel Equities assumes management on May 1, 2015, taking its overall portfolio to 90 hotels in 14 states. Raj Patel serves as President and CEO of Premier, a firm he founded 23 years ago. Premier's portfolio features nine hotel brands and two independent full service hotels totaling 2,166 guest rooms. The portfolio is represented with premium brands such as Marriott, Hilton and IHG. "We're excited to announce the pa...
HeBS Digital to Speak on Content Personalization at EyeforTravel’s Online Marketing Strategies Conf.
HeBS Digital | April 29, 2015
HeBS Digital's Sara O'Brien, Senior Marketing Manager, will be speaking at EyeforTravel's upcoming Online Marketing Strategies for Travel conference in Miami on how Dynamic Content Personalization significantly increases visitor engagement, boosts conversions and increases revenues on the hotel website. NEW YORK, NY April 29, 2015 - HeBS Digital, the award-winning hotel digital technology, website design, full-service digital marketing and website revenue optimization consulting firm, is pleased to announce Senior Marketing Manager Sara O'Brien has joined the list of noteworthy speakers for EyeforTravel's Online Marketing Strategies for...
Building Rapport Beyond the Spoken Word
Larry Mogelonsky | April 29, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) If you've ever read a book on body language or perfecting your public speaking abilities, then you've probably come across the statistic touting that our verbal language skills only account for approximately 7% to 15% of all communications. The other 85% is comprised of: Vocal tonality (calm and slow, loud and forceful, terse and upset, tense and chatty etc.) Facial expressions (direct eye contact, nervous sideways glances, smiling, frowning etc.) Body movements (posture, hand gestures, fidgeting, gait etc.) I bring this up because every so often I come across a published article discu...
Accor Sells 29 Hotels in Germany and the Netherlands Under a $259M Sales & Franchise-back Agreement
Accor | April 29, 2015
Paris, April 29, 2015 - As part of the restructuring of HotelInvest's assets, Accor announces the sale and franchise-back of 29 hotels (3,354 rooms) in Germany (18 hotels, 2,167 rooms) and the Netherlands (11 hotels, 1,187 rooms) for a total value of €234 million. The selling price amounts to €209m. The buyer has committed to a €25m renovation plan. The portfolio comprises 2 ibis budget, 11 ibis, 12 Mercure and 4 Novotel hotels. Of the 29 hotels sold, 27 were acquired in June 2014 as part of the acquisition of the Moor Park portfolio. The two other establishments – an ibis budget in Germany and a Mercure in the Netherlands – w...
Hilton & Centurion American Development Announce Rebirth of the Iconic Statler Hotel in Dallas
April 28, 2015
Historic Hilton Hotel to Join Curio – A Collection by Hilton DALLAS and MCLEAN, Va. – April 29, 2015 – Hilton Worldwide and Dallas-based Centurion American Development today announced the signing of a franchise license agreement to open The Statler Hotel & Residences, in Dallas, Texas. Debuting in October 2016, the refurbished landmark hotel will be part of Curio – A Collection by Hilton, a global brand of distinctive upper upscale and luxury hotels, hand-picked for travelers who seek local discovery and authentic experiences. The original Dallas Statler Hilton, an iconic building of mid-twentieth century design located at 1...
Best Western Signs Two North American Deals to Develop its New Urban Boutique Concept Vib
Best Western International, Inc. | April 27, 2015
To Break Ground for Vib Miami in November 2015 and Vib Chicago in Summer 2015 PHOENIX (April 27, 2015) Best Western International announced the first two deals signed in North America to develop its new urban boutique concept Vib (as in Vibrant). In addition, the brand has announced the first international Vib hotel will be developed in Seoul, South Korea. Best Western first announced Vib, a chic, hip, urban boutique hotel concept focused on style, technology and guest engagement at the brand's annual convention. "Since the launch of Vib we have had tremendous interest from hotel developers, especially entrepreneurs who have not develop...
White Lodging Names Five New General Managers in Q1 2015
White Lodging Services Corporation | April 23, 2015
MERRILLVILLE, Ind., April 23, 2015 -- White Lodging is pleased to announce the following individuals have been named general managers last quarter across the company. Alison Brooks has been promoted to general manager of the Courtyard by Marriott in Mesquite, Texas. Previously, Brooks was a sales manager at the same hotel. She also served as the hotel's operations manager from August 2012 to August 2013. Brooks' hospitality career started at the Courtyard by Marriott Houston-Galleria where she gained experience as the front desk supervisor and lead guest services representative. "After being at the Courtyard Mesquite for almost three ye...
Hilton Worldwide & HRI Lodging to Convert Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown to Full-Service Hilton
HRI Properties | April 22, 2015
RICHMOND and MCLEAN, Va. - April 22, 2015 - Hilton Worldwide and HRI Lodging, LLC today announced the conversion of Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown into a full-service Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand property by the end of 2015. The New Orleans-based owner, HRI Properties LLC, will oversee the $11.5 million dollar transformation of the hotel, which is housed in the former Miller & Rhoads department store. The historic Miller & Rhoads building was constructed between 1888 and 1909 as a one-room store and later expanded to an eight-story building in the block bound by Broad, Grace, Fifth and Sixth streets. The landmark depar...
Leading Characteristics for Your Next Executive Chef
Larry Mogelonsky | April 22, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Do you remember the times when the top restaurants in most cities happened to be located in the best downtown hotels? This was the era of the carving station serving chateaubriand for two, Caesar salad with dressing made by the waiter tableside and flambéed desserts. Today, however, this isn't a guarantee. Excellent restaurants can be found nearly anywhere, and even though hotel restaurants in the luxury segments have matured significantly, they are nevertheless engaged in a perpetual war for culinary dominance with just about every other upscale purveyor in the area. As every brand sharpe...
Maestro PMS Expands Solution Offering, Services, Price Options for 2015
Maestro Property Management Solution | April 22, 2015
Maestro Announces New Service and Price Models at 2015 Maestro Users Conference in Santa Cruz, CA April 22, 2015 - Maestro PMS™ continued expansion of its new-image launch for 2015. Warren Dehan took the stage at Maestro PMS' 2015 Users Conference in Santa Cruz, California today to announce the company will expand its offering to include new Analytics Business Intelligence reporting to bring a wealth of new data to clients. Dehan also introduced flexible pricing and system adoption options to enable operators to implement Maestro PMS with a new monthly solution subscription model that includes software licensing and support to simpli...
Wyndham Hotel Group Boosts Global Sales Organization with New Appointments
Wyndham Hotel Group | April 21, 2015
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (April 21, 2015) – To help further its sales strategy in the Americas, Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company and part of Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN), today announced the addition of two proven hospitality sales leaders to its global sales organization: Carol Bullock, vice president, global sales, North America and Latin America, and Dawn Parisi, vice president, field sales. Bullock will lead global sales for all of the company's brands and all major market segments throughout North and Latin America while also overseeing diverse teams covering both regions. In this role, she will focus on developing...
City of Allen, Texas and TCH Altera, LLC to Develop $85M Watters Creek Hotel and Convention Center
TCH Altera, LLC | April 21, 2015
April 21, 2015 - ALLEN, Texas - The Allen City Council has approved a development agreement with TCH Altera, LLC, for the construction of The Convention Center at Watters Creek, an $85 million, full-service four-star facility. The convention hotel will contain 290 guest rooms, a 64,500 SF convention center and a 1,000-car parking garage on seven acres at Bethany Drive and North Central Expressway, adjacent to Allen's premier Watters Creek mixed-use center. Projected to open in January 2017, the center will offer the largest convention and exhibition space among the north Dallas suburbs and compares to DFW's most significant centers, inc...
Full Renovation/Conversion Launched for 216-room Hilton Garden Inn Kauai/Wailua Bay to Open in 2016
Hilton Garden Inn | April 21, 2015
April 21, 2015 - MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a franchise license agreement to operate the first Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Hawaii, bringing the brand to all 50 U.S. states. Once opened, the Hilton Garden Inn Kauai/Wailua Bay will be the only Hilton branded hotel on the island of Kauai. Owned by a partnership led by DiNapoli Capital Partners and managed by Aston Hotels & Resorts, the 216-room beachfront hotel is expected to be renovated and open early in 2016. "Hilton Worldwide continues to experience a period of incredible growth both domestically and internationally-as one of the industry's largest...
The Smart Hotelier’s Action Plan to Digital Content Marketing
the Authors and HeBS Digital | April 21, 2015
By Max Starkov and Mariana Mechoso Safer Background: Digital Content Marketing involves the distribution of engaging information across digital marketing channels - from blogs and social media to the property website and email marketing. The sole objective of this type of marketing is to lure travel consumers to engage with the hotel property and brand, providing enough value in the form of useful content to ultimately result in a hotel booking. The big question is, if Digital Content Marketing has been around since the mid-1990s, why is there so much attention on this marketing format lately? A big reason is the emergence of this multi...
Hotel Equities Selected to Operate New Fairfield Inn & Suites in West Monroe, Louisiana
Hotel Equities | April 21, 2015
Atlanta, GA–April 20, 2015 – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (www.hotelequities.com) recently announced its selection as the management firm for the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott under development in West Monroe, Louisiana. The hotel will break ground in the summer of 2015. Expected to open in the third quarter 2016, the hotel will be located near numerous corporate offices, as well as the University of Louisiana-Monroe and the Ike Hamilton Expo Center, the area's number one tourist attraction and an important economic engine in the region. "We are excited to continue our growth in Louisiana with this entrepreneurial ownership...
Best Western International Opens Four Hotels in March 2015
Best Western International, Inc. | April 21, 2015
PHOENIX (April 21, 2015) - Property name: BW PLUS Truckee-Tahoe Hotel Property location:Truckee, CA # of rooms:100 Conversion (from independent) Property name: BW Mt. Vernon Inn (26176) Property location: Mount Vernon, MO # of rooms: 49 Conversion (from Super 8) Property name: BW PLUS DFW Airport West Euless (44719) Property location: Euless, TX # of rooms: 66 Conversion (from Plaza Suites) Property name: BW PLUS Lake Jackson Inn & Suites (44704) Property location: Lake Jackson, TX # of rooms: 64 New Build As a member, the Best Western properties will benefit from a global reservations system, as well as advertising, marketing, purc...
Eleven Benchmark Hospitality Chefs Bring a Classic American Comfort Food to New Heights
April 16, 2015
Celebrating "National Grilled Cheese Month" The Woodlands (Houston) Texas, April 2015 ... It's the classic comfort food, a childhood staple, and an American culinary icon. It appears on tables from coast to coast, bubbling with cheesy goodness between two slices of white toast, often paired with a smoky portion of ham or bacon and accompanied by a hot cup of tomato soup. In April, we celebrate this American classic with National Grilled Cheese Month, as chefs from Benchmark Resorts & Hotels® and Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels® bring the much-loved sandwich to new levels of sophistication, taste and variety. These superb sand...
V&A Waterfront Signs Deal for New Build Radisson Red Hotel V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, Africa
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | April 15, 2015
Carlson Rezidor, one of the most dynamic hotel groups worldwide, announces the very first Radisson Red in Europe, the Middle East and Africa: the group's new upscale lifestyle select brand launches in Cape Town, South Africa. The Radisson Red Hotel V&A Waterfront will open in late 2016 and be located at the V&A Waterfront, with 24 million visitors per annum one of Africa's most visited cultural and historical hubs. Set on the edge of a natural harbour with the Table Mountain as its backdrop, the V&A Waterfront offers a cosmopolitan mix of experiences ranging from shopping to exclusive entertainment. It also features prime re...
FCS Unveils Vega, Hospitality’s First Guest Behavior Business Intelligence System
FCS | April 15, 2015
Revolutionary platform provides hoteliers with a comprehensive overview of guest behavior and its effects on hotel operations and profits Hong Kong, April 15 2015 - FCS Computer Systems (FCS), a leading global provider of comprehensive hospitality solutions and services, has announced the release of its latest innovation for the global hospitality market: FCS Vega, a first-of-its-kind solution that provides hoteliers with a long desired ability to tap into and understand the specific behavior of each individual guest. This innovative new business intelligence system leverages the extensive guest-related data available through the FCS Ra...
