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
S3D Partners & Choice Hotels to Develop a Cambria Hotel in Seaside Near Monterey Bay, CA
Cambria Hotels | October 30, 2018
ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 30, 2018 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) has finalized an agreement with Jayesh Kumar of S3D Partners to develop a Cambria hotel in Seaside near Monterey Bay. Located at Lightfighter Drive and Second Avenue, the five-story, 138-room upscale hotel is slated to open in 2021. The hotel will offer breathtaking waterfront views and is part of the developing Main Gate area in the City of Seaside, which offers 60 acres of coastal land and will feature top-rated dining, shopping, and entertainment. The hotel's location is close to the beach and near California State University at Monterey Bay, the Leon ...
The Future of Hotel Management Systems: Identifying the Prospective Role of the PMS
h2c | October 30, 2018
Introduction Some hotel chains envision the Property Management Systems (PMS) to focus on its core functionalities (e.g., check-in/out and main operations), using open APIs for connectivity, while others encourage a high level of fully integrated systems such as CRS, RMS and CRM, eliminating the need for additional interfaces. As both strategies have their justification—every chain needs to go their own way—overall system performance remains dependent on the depth of integration with related systems, localization setup (e.g., including local tax and fiscal regulations), overall system cost and available staff skills. As a r...
Radisson to Introduce Radisson Larnaca Beach Resort in Cyprus Following Extensive Renovation
Radisson | October 26, 2018
Radisson Hospitality AB, publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden and part of the Radisson Hotel Group, is proud to announce the introduction of the Radisson hotel brand to Southern Europe with the signing of the Radisson Larnaca Beach Resort on the island of Cyprus – due to open in Q3 2019. The new Radisson Larnaca Beach Resort is the group's third hotel in Cyprus, and will complement the recently opened Radisson Blu Hotel, Larnaca. A year-round destination, Cyprus is a major tourist destination in the Eastern Mediterranean and is an island rich in history and culture – attracting more than two million tourists annu...
Innovation and Ease of Use Set Maestro PMS Apart, Proves Perfect for River Bend Casino Hotel Operated by Wyandotte Tribe
Maestro PMS | October 25, 2018
Maestro's Konami Gaming Interface Simplifies Cross Property Charge Posting; Direct Booking Makes Online Reservations a Breeze for Guests Markham, Ontario – October 25, 2018 – When the Wyandotte Tribe decided to develop the River Bend Casino Hotel in 2016 it started property software shopping. The Tribe asked its new GM to attend a national gaming conference to evaluate casino back office gaming solutions and hotel property software systems. "My business is casino hotel operations and I have worked with several property software systems at other casino hotels. We saw Maestro PMS at the show and included them in the systems we...
KB Hotels, LLC and Choice Hotels to Develop New Cambria Hotel Waco University Riverfront in Waco, Texas
Cambria Hotels | October 25, 2018
ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 25, 2018 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) has signed an agreement with Kiran "Kenny" Bhakta of KB Hotels, LLC, to develop the new Cambria Hotel Waco University Riverfront in Waco, Texas. Slated to open in 2020, the four-story, 135-room upscale hotel will be one of several Cambria properties to join the brand's growing portfolio in the state, with hotels already open in Dallas, McAllen, Plano, and Southlake, and opening soon in Austin and Houston. Situated along the Brazos River at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Bridge Street, the new Cambria Hotel Waco University Riv...
How 5 Hotels Compete With OTAs by Showcasing Unique Local Experiences
Nancy Huang | October 25, 2018
By Nancy Huang Today's travelers are no longer content with merely visiting a destination and have the same experience as everyone else. They increasingly yearn for something unique and want to explore the places they visit through a local perspective. This emerging need represents a huge opportunity for hotels. By creating in-depth destination guides, or by hosting their own locally-led tours, hotels can make their properties more desirable to drive more direct bookings. The following post highlights five hotels that are promoting their destinations with engaging neighborhood guides and authentic local experiences. But before diving...
Aimbridge Hospitality Hires Wade Fischer as Senior Vice President of Project Management
Aimbridge Hospitality | October 24, 2018
DALLAS, TEXAS (OCTOBER 24, 2018) – Aimbridge Hospitality is pleased to announce that Wade Fischer has been hired as their new Senior Vice President of Project Management. Fischer comes to Aimbridge Hospitality with over 20 years in hospitality focused development and project management. Most recently, Fischer served as the Chief Operating Officer and partner of Brine Wells Development, where he focused on re-adapt hospitality developments. Prior to Brine Wells Development, Fischer served as the Vice President of Design and Construction at Pyramid Hotel Group where he oversaw several high-profile projects from Hawaii to Florida, an...
Sense of Place Has a Human Side
Larry Mogelonsky | October 24, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Too often when we refer to the concept of a 'sense of place', our thoughts tend to drift towards the physicality of a hotel – mainly its exterior and interior design elements. Yes, these are both insurmountably important towards creating a unique impression on guests and bringing them into your property's exceptional experience, but they are hardly everything. While next down the list would be guestroom design, staff uniforms, authentically local additions to F&B, lobby or spa treatments and perhaps the keepsakes you give guests at checkout, one area that you cannot overlo...
How Technological Accountability Can Boost Guest Service
Jos Schaap, CEO -Founder and CEO | October 24, 2018
By Jos Schaap CEO and Founder StayNTouch Ask any leader — regardless of industry — what they believe is the key to driving customer experience and exceeding consumer demands, and their answer will likely detail some form of technological transformation. We have long since entered the age of the customer, which means customer experience can now be earmarked as the defining factor in the creation of brand longevity and customer loyalty. In fact, according to recent studies, 74% of respondents believe that digital is reinventing the overall experience that they deliver to customers and improving digital channels is the top acti...
Midas Hospitality Set to Open Dual-Branded Residence Inn and Courtyard Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri
Midas Hospitality | October 23, 2018
(St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 24, 2018) While Midas Hospitality has multiple hotels in 14 states throughout the country, the latest property – its 15th in Missouri – was built practically in its very own backyard. The dual-branded Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott will open its doors Oct. 26 at 12815 Daylight Dr. in West County. The four-story, 136,000-square foot hotel is located at Manchester Rd. and I-270. The hotels were developed and are owned by the Roberts' families, principals of Commercial Development Company, Inc., who have owned the former quarry property for more than 25 years. The 101-room Residence Inn and the 11...
Hilton Debuts New Hostel-Inspired Brand, Motto
Hilton | October 23, 2018
MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the launch of Motto by Hilton, its newest affordable lifestyle brand that will empower guests by giving them the freedom to create their own experiences in the world's most sought-after cities. As Hilton approaches its 100th anniversary, it continues to pioneer the hospitality landscape with a new brand to address the needs and desires of the evolving global traveler. "Hilton prides itself on being a leader in the hospitality industry and evolving with the needs of our guests," said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton. "Innovation is in our DNA, and as we embark on our 100t...
Interstate Hotels & Resorts Adds Hilton New Orleans/St. Charles Avenue Hotel to Portfolio
Interstate Hotels & Resorts | October 23, 2018
ARLINGTON, Va. – October 23, 2018 – Interstate Hotels & Resorts, the premier global hotel management company, adds the historic, 4-Diamond Hilton New Orleans/St. Charles Avenue hotel to its expansive portfolio. The new management contract furthers Interstate's coast-to-coast U.S. expansion following recent acquisitions, including the Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Resort/Convention Center in California and Wyndham Buffalo Downtown in New York. "Interstate is honored to be the designated management company for such a notable property," said Interstate Hotels & Resorts President and CEO, Mike Deitemeyer. "Great responsi...
The Top 5 Things You Need to Know Now in Hotel Digital Marketing: October Edition
HEBS Digital | October 23, 2018
By Margaret Mastrogiacomo As Q4 begins and the holidays approach swiftly, it's time for hotel marketers to kick their digital marketing into high gear. From Google unveiling new search tools (perfect for travel planning) to Facebook adding new, festive holiday design elements to its ad platform, here are the top things you need to know now in hotel digital marketing to take your digital strategy to the next level. 1. SEO: Google announces new search features and discovery tools, including new Activity Cards and Collections. At their annual Future of Search event, Google unveiled new features focused on the mobile user experience, struc...
Hospitality Management Corporation to Open Four Points by Sheraton Oklahoma City Airport
Four Points | October 22, 2018
Marriott International, Inc.® today announced the opening of Four Points Oklahoma City Airport. The hotel caters to the needs of today's everyday traveler offering an approachable design, stylish comfort and all the brand's popular extras including a 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and the Best Brews & BBQ™ program, detailed below. Asset managed by Hospitality Management Corporation, Four Points Oklahoma City Airport, previously under the name Route 66 Inn, offers 96 spacious guest rooms, over 750 sq. ft. of meeting space, a 24-hour fitness center, business center...
Best Western Signs With Doji Land Real Estate Investment Company for the Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long in Vietnam
October 22, 2018
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam (October 22, 2018) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced today the signing of an impressive new upscale hotel overlooking Ha Long Bay, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam. Developed by Doji Land Real Estate Investment Company Limited, the Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long is a spectacular new 31-story project that is currently rising in the heart of Ha Long City's hotel district. It will feature more than 1,000 spacious guestrooms, outstanding business and leisure facilities and panoramic views of the bay. The hotel is scheduled to open its doors in the fourth quarter of 2020. "Best We...
From Gridiron to Coffee Grinder, Aggie Defensive Back / NFL Pick Floyd Raven Brings “Last Shot Xpresso Coffee” to Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hot
October 22, 2018
Entrepreneur Embodies Aggie Values of Excellence, Service, Integrity College Station, Texas, October 2018 … From the legendary playing fields of Aggieland to the NFL and back again, defensive back, former Texas A&M student, NFL player and coffee magnate Floyd Raven has come full circle. At age 25, the young entrepreneur has kicked off the latest outpost of his coffee company, Last Shot Xpresso at the new Doug Pitcock '49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center (www.TexasAMHotelCC.com), that opened recently on the Texas A&M campus. The 250-guest room structure, adjacent to legendary Kyle Field, is now the university's gu...
Meyer Jabara Hotels Retains Management of Marriott Stamford Hotel Under New Ownership
Meyer Jabara Hotels | October 22, 2018
Providing unparalleled service for more than 20 years, MJH will continue to be part of the Stamford community operating this prominent, full-service downtown hotel and spa [Danbury, Conn., October 22, 2018] — Meyer Jabara Hotels (MJH) will remain property manager of the Marriott Stamford hotel downtown following its recent sale by HD Realty Associates LLC to a prominent, multi-strategy Manhattan investment group. MJH has successfully served as the property manager for more than 20 years. "Meyer Jabara Hotels is pleased to retain the management contract for this landmark hotel with its established business base in the city of Stamf...
Emlyn Brown Appointed Vice President, Wellbeing for AccorHotels’ Luxury Brands
AccorHotels | October 19, 2018
AccorHotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Emlyn Brown as Vice President, Wellbeing for AccorHotels' Luxury & Upper Upscale brands. Emlyn joins AccorHotels from Resense Spas S.A, where he most recently held the position of Global Design Director and was responsible for managing corporate strategies, wellbeing concepts and related design services. "We are delighted to have Emlyn join our team; his experience, skill set and leadership traits position him well for future success within the Group," said Rick Harvey Lam, Senior Vice-President, AccorHotels Luxury Brands, Global Brand Marketing. "Emlyn will direct our global str...
True North Studio Breaks Ground on New Cambria Hotel in the Roosevelt Row Arts District in Downtown Phoenix
Cambria Hotels | October 18, 2018
ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 18, 2018 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) and an affiliate of True North Studio, LLC announced construction has begun on the new Cambria hotel in downtown Phoenix in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. Slated to open ahead of schedule in late 2019, the seven-story, 127-room hotel will be the third Cambria property to enter the growing Phoenix area, joining the Cambria Hotel Phoenix Chandler-Fashion Center and Cambria Hotel North Scottsdale Desert Ridge. Situated within a blossoming arts and culture borough in the heart of the city, the hotel offers guests convenient access to the Sky Harbor Internationa...
Five Tips for a Successful Cyber Monday Campaign
HEBS Digital | October 18, 2018
By Victoria Hsia It's no secret: Cyber Monday is a huge opportunity for hoteliers to drive bookings. What began as a one-day online shopping holiday has, over the years, extended into Black Friday and Thanksgiving, with some brands promoting deals even earlier. As a result, consumers aren't just searching for deals earlier, they're also making more purchases over a longer period of time. According to Adobe Analytics, American consumers spent $19.62 billion online between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday in 2017, a 15% increase year over year. With the heavy saturation of Cyber Monday deals online, the market has inevitably become more comp...
Raj Patel Hospitality to Open Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Tyler, Texas
Fairfield Inn & Suites | October 18, 2018
The 88-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Tyler, Texas is set to open on Monday, October 22, 2018 with a new décor that provides guests with a feeling of warmth and calm while traveling. Located at 309 West Heritage Drive, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Tyler South will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Raj Patel Hospitality and managed by Hotel Equities of Atlanta, Georgia. General Manager Peter Wagner and Director of Sales Heather Trammell lead the management team at the property. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Tyler South offers guests convenient access to The Village at Cumberland Park, Kiepersol Winery an...
Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center Nearing Completion With Projected January 2019 Opening Date
October 17, 2018
City of Allen will welcome the first Delta new build by Marriott in the United States upon its completion ALLEN, TX –This January 2019, the City of Allen will have its first 4-star hotel and convention center--Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center (777 Watters Creek Blvd, Allen, TX 75013, 844-203-8999, Website). It will be the first Delta new build by Marriott in the United States upon its completion. Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center with 90,000 square feet of flexible and state of the art meeting space will position the City of Allen for even more gr...
How Hotels Can Compete in the Airbnb Landscape
Mia A. Mackman | October 17, 2018
By Mia A. Mackman Airbnb came on the scene in 2008, amidst corporate scandal, economic downturn and instability. Initially people were skeptical, but Airbnb has gained remarkable momentum building its platform with transparency and trust, at a time people were greatly seeking both. In the early years, Airbnb's inclusive and diverse model provided low-cost travel options with uncommon flexibility, which became an enticing alternative to the traditional big-name hotel booking systems. The social component and owner-intimacy of Airbnb also intrigued adventurous solo travelers, seeking more local and organic destination experiences. The...
Adjusting to a Hotel Labor Shortage
Larry Mogelonsky | October 17, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Not necessarily specific to the hospitality industry and certainly not applicable to every geographic territory, but there appears to be a rising labor shortage that will come to affect all manner of jobs in a hotel workplace. With such a diverse array of back-of-house ranks for both university-educated individuals as well as those without a college-level diploma, we must now fight to keep every team member lest we suffer from the long-term consequences associated with increasing onboarding costs, guest service gaps and lack of proper succession planning. Especially in major Western...
