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
Revinate Joins SiteMinder Exchange
Revinate | October 17, 2018
Partnership Allows Revinate to Broaden Addressable Market and Go to Market Even Faster October 17, 2018 – Revinate, the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company that helps hotels transform guest data into revenue, today announces it has partnered with the global hotel industry's leading cloud platform, SiteMinder, as the latest hotel application to connect into SiteMinder Exchange. The connection will make Revinate Marketing accessible to the multitude of leading property management systems (PMSs) integrated into SiteMinder Exchange, a powerfully-simple solution launched this year to solve the connectivity problem for hotel PMSs and h...
Key Takeaways From h2c’s Global PMS Study That Every Hotelier Should Know
Jos Schaap, CEO -Founder and CEO | October 17, 2018
By Jos Schaap CEO and Founder – StayNTouch It is a well-known fact that today's travelers have high expectations of a tech-forward, efficient and ultimately personalized experience throughout their travel journey. In many ways, this marks an exciting era in hospitality and inspires technological advancement within an industry which is often hesitant to keep pace with technological evolution. However, this shift into a more guest-centric hospitality model undeniably places newly realized pressure onto hoteliers to upgrade the tools they have in place to continuously enhance their offering and support their staff. A recent, global P...
The ‘Hack’ Leaders Should Use in Today’s Quagmire of Ambiguity
James Houran, Ph.D., Dallas | October 16, 2018
By James Houran, Ph.D., Dallas Common sense dictates that the more information people have the more informed decisions they will make. This reasoning works flawlessly with problems or issues that are composed of well-defined "cause-and-effect" relationships. Of course, business in the real-world does not get done in sterile environments but instead takes place in dirty test tubes. Here, critical information in an equation is neither always known nor can be properly measured. Indeed, this era of rapid technological advances and marked disruption often brings problems that are poorly structured or involve non-routine decisions, as well as...
Thompson Chicago Welcomes New General Manager Onal Kucuk
Two Roads Hospitality | October 16, 2018
Two Roads Hospitality's Thompson Chicago, the city's top luxury lifestyle hotel located in the heart of the Gold Coast, announces the appointment of Onal Kucuk as general manager. Kucuk brings close to two decades of hospitality experience in a variety of hotel properties including multiple luxury lifestyle brands in different markets. Kucuk's versatile operational background with his transformational leadership style grant him a unique perspective on the industry. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management at Bilkent University in his native city of Ankara, Turkey, Kucuk moved to the United States to further his educat...
Two Roads Hospitality Appoints Martin Smith as Managing Director of El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico
El San Juan Hotel | October 16, 2018
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (October 16, 2018) – El San Juan Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is excited to announce the appointment of Martin Smith as Managing Director of El San Juan Hotel, a premier luxury lifestyle hotel in Puerto Rico. As the new Managing Director, Smith will bring over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry to the landmark 388-room property. Prior to joining the El San Juan Hotel team, Smith was CEO and Managing Director of the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. In this executive position, Smith oversaw all aspects of that property, including its positio...
Best Western Signs With Rhom Bho Property to Debut BW Premier Collection in Phuket
October 15, 2018
Bangkok, Thailand (October 15, 2018) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts has signed a landmark agreement to introduce its prestigious BW Premier Collection® by Best Western soft brand to Phuket. "We are excited to debut The Title V Rawai Phuket, BW Premier Collection by Best Western on Phuket's up-and-coming central coast in 2020," said Ron Pohl Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. "This hotel will introduce guests to a new era of upscale hospitality at Rawai Beach and provide travelers with the unique charm and excellent service Best Western-branded hotels are known for." T...
Midas Hospitality Promotes Randy Rushakoff to North Carolina Area General Manager Overseeing Five Marriott Properties
Midas Hospitality | October 15, 2018
(St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 15, 2018) Premier hotel management group Midas Hospitality recently promoted Randy Rushakoff as the Area General Manager for Charlotte, N.C. In this position, Rushakoff will oversee five Marriott select service properties and ensure each one is in accordance with the parent company's vision. He will be responsible for providing a hands-on leadership approach with respect to top-line revenue, guest service, profitability, and associate satisfaction. Rushakoff will be involved with each hotel's operations, which includes ensuring brand compliance and setting department goals to achieve first-rate service. Prior to th...
At the Front Desk, Voice Inflection Can Change the Entire Meaning of What We Say
Cathy Cook | October 15, 2018
By Cathy Cook It has often been said that as much as 80% of communication takes place non-verbally. It is certainly true that facial expressions such as what we show with our eyebrows, our smiles (or lack thereof), and body language, which is what we show with our posture and gestures, all are essential for communicating. While communication is an important topic for all guest services departments, it is especially essential at the front desk because more often than not, they are the main point of contact for all guest requests. Although non-verbal communication is certainly essential, it is also important to focus on the subtleties of ...
Midas Hospitality Promotes Randy Rushakoff to North Carolina Area General Manager
Midas Hospitality | October 12, 2018
Premier hotel management group Midas Hospitality recently promoted Randy Rushakoff as the Area General Manager for Charlotte, N.C. In this position, Rushakoff will oversee five Marriott select service properties and ensure each one is in accordance with the parent company's vision. He will be responsible for providing a hands-on leadership approach with respect to top-line revenue, guest service, profitability, and associate satisfaction. Rushakoff will be involved with each hotel's operations, which includes ensuring brand compliance and setting department goals to achieve first-rate service. Prior to this promotion, Rushakoff was the ...
Now Available: NextGuest Magazine Issue #4
HEBS Digital | October 11, 2018
NextGuest Technologies' fourth magazine issue focuses on all things related to hotel digital marketing, how to reach guests throughout the travel planning journey, and insights into the future of luxury travel. Download now to learn about: The Evolution of Traveling: As global outbound travel booms, the luxury travel sector is embarking on a paramount transformation fueled by changing consumer preferences that will have far-reaching effects in the years to come. How Hotel Managers Can Generate Profits Above and Beyond Owners' Expectations: The economic collapse of nearly ten years ago brought not only havoc to the hospitality ind...
Dream Hotel Group Appoints Lynn Griffith as Vice President of Human Resources
Dream Hotel Group | October 11, 2018
NEW YORK, NY (October 11, 2018) – Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Lynn Griffith as Vice President of Human Resources. In this role, Griffith is responsible for developing, delivering and promoting best practices in human resource management for Dream Hotel Group and its portfolio of lifestyle brands: Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels. "Dream Hotel Group is rapidly expanding with new and existing locations worldwide. Bringing on board Lynn's tactical and strategic human resource skills will help us meet our company's growing demand to...
BENCHMARK® Appoints Jason W. Jonilonis Executive Chef for the Doug Pitcock ‘49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center
October 11, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, October 2018… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Jason W. Jonilonis executive chef for the Doug Pitcock '49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in College Station, Texas. Greg Stafford, general manager, made the announcement. "I am very pleased to welcome Jason to our newly opened property," said Mr. Stafford. "He brings extensive culinary knowledge and gifts to his new position with us, in addition to strong leadership skills. He also brings to us a keen understanding of Benchmark's signature 'Be The Difference' service ...
Radisson Hotel Group Partners With Bayaweaver for New Radisson RED in Noida, India
Radisson Hotel Group | October 11, 2018
Radisson Hotel Group has recently signed on management rights for a new Radisson RED hotel at a marquee location in Noida. With 350 keys, positioned strategically adjoining Noida expressway, the hotel is poised to be a leading Radisson RED hotel for the group globally and furthers the company's strategy of developing large scale hotels in India. Crowning a major upcoming mixed-use development project by Bayaweaver called 'Oh My God' (OMG), Radisson RED Noida Expressway is strategically located in Sector 129, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Led by world class consultants, the OMG project will be at the cutting edge of design and will consti...
Hard Rock International Partners With ASG for 2019 Opening of 159-Room Hard Rock Hotel Madrid
Hard Rock International | October 10, 2018
With a presence spanning more than 74 countries, Hard Rock International announces the expansion of its hotel portfolio, with the opening of Hard Rock Hotel Madrid in 2019. Working in collaboration with European real estate specialists, ActivumSG Capital Management Ltd. (ASG) Hard Rock will bring its signature vibe to this historic metropolitan city with the development of the new 159-room music-centric hotel. "We are pleased to join forces with ASG, a company who shares in our vision, integrity and dedication to quality," states Todd Hricko, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Hotel Development. "Hard Rock Hotel Madrid will bring ...
Hotel Equities and Tapestry Collection by Hilton Unveil Plans for Iconic United Artists Tower on Nashville’s Music Row
Hotel Equities | October 10, 2018
Tapestry Collection by Hilton to preserve landmark's historic significance, transforming famed UA Tower into vibrant hotel accommodations in the lively downtown Nashville market Atlanta, GA and McLean, VA – (October 09, 2018) Hotel Equities (HE), the hospitality industry's premier hotel management and development company, and Tapestry Collection by Hilton, revealed plans to transform Nashville's iconic United Artists Tower into an upscale, 185-room boutique hotel under Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand. The property, owned by Sai Ram 009 LLC, is located at 50 Music Square West in the heart of Nashville's famed Music Row in close...
How Marijuana Legalization Impacts Hotels
Larry Mogelonsky | October 10, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) With national legalization of marijuana in Canada coming into effect on October 17, 2018, it raises quite a few lucrative opportunities for hotels to capitalize on this new market, as well as a few cautionary notes. Further, with numerous states already adopting similar policies and even more soon to join the fold, this trend is one you must pay attention to. For starters, you must ask whether or not there is any money to be made in marijuana tourism. While you can certainly draw affirming statistics from the likes of anomalies like Amsterdam or Copenhagen's Christiania District, a ...
IHG Signs Multiple Development Agreement With GS Star for 15 avid® Hotels to Open in Germany Over the Next Five Years
IHG | October 9, 2018
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has announced a Multiple Development Agreement (MDA) with existing partner GS Star GmbH (GS Star) to bring 15 avid® hotels to the German market. This marks a significant milestone launching avid hotels, IHG's newest mainstream brand, in Europe for the first time. Germany is a priority market for IHG with 122 hotels already open or in the development pipeline. Strong growth momentum of 50 new signings since 2015 has been driven by IHG's 11 active MDA partners, which has expanded IHG's mainstream presence in Germany particularly with the Holiday Inn&...
Hard Rock International Names Paul Pellizzari Vice President of Global Social Responsibility
Hard Rock International | October 9, 2018
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Oct. 9, 2018 – Hard Rock International announces the appointment of Paul Pellizzari as vice president of global social responsibility. In his new position, Pellizzari will hold overall accountability for the growing entertainment brand's social responsibility programs and initiatives. In his previous role, Pellizzari led social responsibility for Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and developed a global leadership position for the corporation. This work included building and leading OLG's responsible gaming program, which was named "Best Overall Responsible Gaming Program in the World" by the Worl...
BENCHMARK® Names Pete Page Executive Chef for Chaminade Resort & Spa, Santa Cruz
Chaminade Resort & Spa | October 9, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, October 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Pete Page as executive chef for Chaminade Resort & Spa, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels historic property located in Santa Cruz, California. Kevin Herbst, general manager, made the announcement. "I am very pleased to welcome Chef Pete to our resort," said Mr. Herbst. "He comes to us with an incredible resume, having developed remarkable culinary programs for historic and landmark properties, earning industry awards and recognition along the way. He has also traveled throughout the country, gaining extensive regional cooking...
AccorHotels Completes Its Acquisition of a 50% Stake in sbe Entertainment Group; Founder & CEO Sam Nazarian Will Control the Remaining 50%
AccorHotels | October 9, 2018
Through this partnership, AccorHotels' will pursue its strategy to expand its offering in the luxury lifestyle hospitality segment and its footprint in gateway cities across North America. This long-term investment will allow sbe to leverage AccorHotels' leading global hospitality platform while remaining an independent luxury lifestyle operator. sbe will continue to be led by its Founder and CEO Sam Nazarian as well as its expert management team while retaining its global headquarters in New York. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO, AccorHotels: Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO, AccorHotels: "I am very proud of this u...
Country Inn & Suites Shows Growth in the Midwest With a Hotel Opening in Brookings, South Dakota
October 9, 2018
Minneapolis - October 8, 2018 - Country Inn & Suites® by Radisson, a leading upper midscale hotel brand, today announced the opening of Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Brookings, SD located at 3000 LeFevre Drive. The hotel's convenient location, just under six minutes from both the Swiftel Center and South Dakota State University, makes it the ideal place to rest after an event or following a campus visit. "We are thrilled to continue growing the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson brand in the Midwest," said Aly El-Bassuni, senior vice president, Franchise Operations, Americas, Radisson Hotel Group. "The opening of this ...
Olympia Hotel Management Opens The Glen House at Mt. Washington, New Hampshire
Olympia Hotel Management | October 9, 2018
Olympia Hotel Management is proud to announce the opening of The Glen House, a new 68-room hotel at the base of Mt. Washington, the highest summit in the Northeast. Located in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains, the hotel is owned by the Mt. Washington Summit Road Company (MWSRC) and managed by Olympia Hotel Management, a division of The Olympia Companies, an innovative leader in high profile hospitality management and development, real estate, and equity investment in the U.S. The Glen House is a complementary addition to the new breed of independently owned boutique hotel properties that Olympia Hotel Management excels in ma...
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, Names Geoff Young Managing Director for Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
October 8, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, October 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Geoff Young managing director for Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in Lake Arrowhead, California. Greg Champion, Benchmark's president and COO, made the announcement. "I am very happy to welcome Geoff to his new role with Benchmark," said Mr. Champion. "He brings solid leadership experience to Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa gained at multiple properties and across brands, in addition to important awareness of Benchmark's signature "Be The Difference" service culture." Geoff You...
HMC to Manage Newly Branded 220-Room Red Lion® Houston Intercontinental Airport Hotel
Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) | October 8, 2018
Dallas, TX – Leo Spriggs, President and CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC), is pleased to announce the addition of this exceptional 220-room Red Lion® Houston Intercontinental Airport Hotel, Texas, to their portfolio of managed hotels. The hotel was previously operated as the Park Inn by Radisson® Houston North Hotel & Conference Center, TX, acquired by Newstream Hotels & Hospitality®. HMC continues its ongoing business expansion which is made up of full service, conference center, select service and limited service hotels. HMC is one of the country's largest third-party privately held hotel manage...