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
Getting Creative With How You Use Your Guestroom TVs
Larry Mogelonsky | April 26, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) It's going to take a long time to dispel our belief that televisions are meant solely for a viewing experience while situated on a comfortable chair, sofa or bed, but the seeds are indeed already well-planted. The TV that is front and center in every guestroom is due for a 'smart' upgrade, but that's not the becoming for how screens can serve to heighten the guest experience. In fact, the future of screen technology is everywhere, pervading every point of interaction that a consumer has with your hotel. And the more you work to undo the antiquated notion that TVs are only for bedroo...
Hotel Equities Names Jim Holliday Regional Director of Sales
Hotel Equities | April 25, 2017
ATLANTA (April 25, 2017) – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE) recently named Jim Holliday as Regional Director of Sales for the firm. Mr. Holliday reports to Roger Miller, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Based in Atlanta, Mr. Holliday will focus on the hotels in the firm's Full Service and Resort Division as he works to assist, support and direct the sales efforts throughout the firm's growing portfolio. Additionally, he will help facilitate training for the Directors of Sales at their respective hotels. With more than 25 years of hospitality industry experience, Mr. Holliday came to Hotel Equities from the AAA Five Diamon...
sbe Appoints Peter Chambers as Chief Information Officer
sbe | April 24, 2017
NEW YORK, April 24, 2017 -- sbe, the leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hospitality venues globally, today announced that information technology executive Peter Chambers is joining as Chief Information Officer. In his role, Chambers will oversee information technology strategy, operations and data security programs across the sbe platform. He will be based in Miami, Florida. "We are thrilled to have Peter join our executive team to manage our IT operations," stated Jorge Giannattasio, Chief Operating Officer at sbe. "With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality s...
Owned and Managed by Innkeeper Hospitality Services (I.H.S.), The Current Iowa, an Autograph Collection by Marriott, Prepares for July Opening
| April 24, 2017
Davenport, IA (April 24, 2017) – Say hello to The Current Iowa: the stylish new Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel that places an emphasis on taking an artful approach to every aspect of the guest experience. The Current is located in the heart of downtown (2nd & North Main) Davenport with panoramic views of the Mississippi River and perfectly positioned one block away from The Figge Art Museum. Combining Midwestern hospitality with youthful energy, The Current provides a "hipstoric" experience in the heart of the Quad Cities. The Current Iowa comprises 78 rooms (including 30 suites) on 9 floors, with the seventh and eight fl...
RLJ Lodging Trust and FelCor Lodging Trust Enter Definitive Merger Agreement in an All-Stock Transaction
RLJ Lodging Trust | April 24, 2017
- Creates Third Largest Pure-Play Lodging REIT - - Attractive Strategic Combination with Complementary Portfolios and Value Creating Opportunities - - Broad Diversification and Strong Presence in Key Markets - - Investor Conference Call and Webcast at 8:00 am ET Bethesda, MD -- RLJ Lodging Trust ("RLJ") (NYSE: RLJ) and FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated ("FelCor") (NYSE: FCH) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement (the "Merger Agreement") under which FelCor will merge with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of RLJ in an all-stock transaction. Post-merger, RLJ is expected to...
Newest Premier Gaming and Entertainment Destination ilani Set to Open using InvoTech Uniform Management System
InvoTech Systems, Inc. | April 20, 2017
InvoTech Uniform System Reduces Labor Expense, Automates Tracking for Staff of 1,000 LOS ANGELES, CA – April 20, 2017 – InvoTech Systems Inc. announces the recent implementation of its Uniform System at ilani, Washington's newest premier gaming and entertainment destination. InvoTech Systems is the leading provider of advanced Linen Management, Laundry and Uniform Systems that integrate the latest RFID technology to increase profitability for hotels, resorts, casino operators, sports arenas, convention centers and theme parks. The InvoTech System installed at ilani manages the uniform inventory for over 1,000 employees. Clic...
BENCHMARK Names Ruben Sabater Director of Operations for Marenas Beach Resort, A Gemstone Collection Resort
Marenas Beach Resort | April 20, 2017
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, April 2017… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has appointed Ruben Sabater director of operations for Marenas Beach Resort, a Gemstone Collection property located in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Rikki Boparai, managing director, made the announcement. "I am so pleased to welcome Ruben back to Benchmark," said Mr. Boparai. "Not only is he well-versed in Benchmark's 'Be The Difference' culture, he has intimate knowledge of the local and regional markets, which will be invaluable to our hotel." Ruben Sabater was previously general manager of The Sherry Frontenac Resort of Miami Beach, F...
Swissôtel, an AccorHotels Brand, Enters the Bosnian Market via Franchise Agreement with Al Shiddi International
April 20, 2017
Swissôtel, part of AccorHotels, world-leading travel & lifestyle group, today announced that it has entered into a franchise agreement with Al Shiddi International for development of a new 218-room urban resort scheduled to open in early 2018. Situated next to Bosnian Parliament, within the expansive mixed use Sarajevo City Center project, consisting of shopping mall and office tower with 30,000 daily visitors, Swissôtel Sarajevo will enjoy a commanding downtown commercial and residential location, as a new landmark for Sarajevo, close to top attractions and Sarajevo International Airport. The project is being developed ...
HeBS Digital Recognized with Four Hermes Creative Awards for Excellence in Website Design and Emerging Technologies
HeBS Digital | April 20, 2017
Summary: HeBS Digital receives four Hermes Creative Awards, including Platinum and Gold, for excellence in emerging technologies and design in the Business-to-Consumer category for its innovative hotel websites. NEW YORK, NY — April 20, 2017 — HeBS Digital received a total of four accolades from the Hermes Creative Awards in recognition of excellence in website design and emerging technologies for its hotel partners. Winner of one Platinum and one Gold award, in addition to two Honorable Mentions, in the Business-to-Consumer category, HeBS Digital was selected among several thousand international entries from creative profes...
BENCHMARK® Names Felicia Rahm Director of Sales for The Copley Square Hotel, a Gemstone Collection Property
Gemstone Collection | April 19, 2017
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, April 2017… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Felicia Rahm director of sales for The Copley Square Hotel, a Gemstone Collection property located in Boston, Massachusetts. Stephen Cullen, BENCHMARK's general manager for the hotel, made the announcement. "It is a pleasure to welcome Felicia to The Copley Square Hotel and to the Boston market," said Mr. Cullen. "She comes to us with strong sales leadership skills and experience that will contribute to our sales team and the hotel's continued success." Felicia Rahm was most recently the director of sales & marketing for the Cr...
Two Roads Hospitality Names Onal Kucuk as General Manager for The Camby, Arizona’s First Autograph Collection Hotel
The Camby | April 19, 2017
PHOENIX (April 19, 2017) – The Camby, Arizona's first hotel from Marriott International's Autograph Collection, is proud to announce the addition of Onal Kucuk as general manager. Kucuk will be instrumental in creating an unrivaled culture for The Camby staff as well as bringing an innovative and a think-outside-the-box perspective to Phoenix's most engaging and elegant urban lifestyle hotel. A playful mix of the professional and the avant-garde, The Camby seamlessly blends the timeless beauty of the property, originality in contemporary design, and on-trend services to create a colorful and bold hotel that is exactly like nothing...
How Alternative Lodgings Affect Entry-Level Hotel Jobs
Larry Mogelonsky | April 19, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Raising the argument that Airbnb's business model does not directly support the local economy is not anything new for the hospitality industry, and even more so for real estate. However, there appears to be an additional impact on hotels, one that requires a bit of explaining. (Before we get underway, know this Airbnb is simply the largest of these alternate lodging accommodation companies. Its namesake in this article is used as shorthand to represent all others in this category and that Airbnb is not to be singled out in any way.) A hotel represents the combination of both a physi...
NewcrestImage Names Kevin Ruhman As Vice President, Sales & Marketing
NewcrestImage | April 18, 2017
NewcrestImage continues its plans for growth with the addition of hospitality veteran Kevin Ruhman as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and member of the Executive Management Team. He will lead revenue-generating areas of the company, including sales, marketing, revenue management, and e-commerce. "Kevin's extensive knowledge and intense passion will be invaluable as we build our portfolio and expand support services to our hotels," said Mital Patel, President of NewcrestImage's management division. Ruhman joins NewcrestImage with more than 20 years of hospitality experience in senior management positions, most recently as Divisiona...
HMC Appoints Brady Armstrong Area Director of Sales & Marketing
Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) | April 17, 2017
Dallas, TX – Leo Spriggs, President and CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC), is pleased to add Brady Armstrong to the Sales & Marketing team as Area Director of Sales. Armstrong will be responsible for top line revenue for a select group of HMC managed hotels in the Oil and Gas regions of South and West Texas. He will also oversee sales and marketing efforts, inclusive of weekly sales calls, account positioning, reporting and facilitating cross-sell opportunities. Armstrong will provide strategic key account management for targeted Oil and Shale accounts ensuring symbiotic relationships are shared across the HMC oi...
BENCHMARK® To Operate New Delta by Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Allen, Texas, Opening 2018
April 17, 2017
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, April 17, 2017 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, announced today that it will operate the new Delta by Marriott Hotel and Watters Creek Convention Center, currently being constructed in the city of Allen, Texas, north of Dallas. The Four Star, full-service hotel and convention center is scheduled to open in late 2018. Developed by Altera Development, the project will feature 300 guest rooms, 90,000 square feet of flexible convention, ballroom, and meeting space and 1,000 parking spaces, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind in North Texas. Located steps away from mixed-u...
NewcrestImage Launches “Lifestyle Hotel Campus” with Groundbreaking of AC Hotel and Residence Inn in North Dallas
April 12, 2017
Groundbreaking ceremonies on Tuesday, April 11 marked the start of construction by NewcrestImage on two properties of an innovative, first-of-its-kind four-brand, 600-room "lifestyle hotel campus" in North Dallas. The first two hotels – an AC Hotel and a Residence Inn, both by Marriott – will feature 300 rooms and are scheduled to open in mid-2018. They have separate entrances but will share the same management and sales team, as well as the same housekeeping staff. The second phase of construction is expected to begin later this year and will feature a Canopy Hotel by Hilton and a Hyatt Place, each with 150 rooms. "We have ...
Construction Set for the $91 Delta by Marriott Hotel and Watters Creek Convention Center in Allen, Texas in 2018
Altera Development | April 12, 2017
ALLEN, Texas, April 12, 2017 -- A new four-star, full service Delta by Marriott Hotel and attached convention center will open in Allen in late 2018. Altera development recently closed on the property, located on the northwest corner of U.S. 75 and Bethany Drive. Construction on the $91 million facility will begin later this month. The project will feature 300 guest rooms, 90,000 square feet of flexible convention, ballroom, and meeting space and 1,000 parking spaces, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind in North Texas. Located steps away from mixed-use center Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, visitors will enjoy easy acc...
What Hoteliers Need To Know About Indonesia
Larry Mogelonsky | April 12, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Right now, we are all still talking about the rapid growth of China and to a lesser extend India, Russia and Brazil under the collective banner of BRIC. Their evolution into capitalistic territories has presented countless lucrative prospects for hospitality organizations both big and small. But there should be a fifth name in this acronym which is often overshadowed despite what's happening on the ground and despite it being the fourth most populous country in the world. From what I've read of recent, the archipelago nation of Indonesia has as many opportunities for the hotel indus...
HeBS Digital Honored with Five Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) Awards, Including Best Hotel & Lodging Website
HeBS Digital | April 12, 2017
Summary: HeBS Digital is the recipient of four Internet Advertising Competition Awards (IAC) including one for Best Hotel & Lodging Website for The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block in Denver, Colorado. NEW YORK, NY — April 12, 2017 — HeBS Digital was awarded with 'Best Hotel & Lodging Website' by the Internet Advertising Awards for Sage Hospitality's The Maven Hotel website, along with four additional 'Outstanding Website' awards. These innovative, conversion-focused websites are backed by the award-winning smartCMS® website technology platform andshowcases each property's unique features and value proposition. Through...
Maestro PMS Thought Leadership: How Independents Boost Revenue with OTA Connections, Yield, Online Packages, and Direct Booking
Maestro PMS | April 12, 2017
PMS Tools that Drive Online Hotel Reservations for Independents: Multi OTA Channel Parity, Revenue-Raising Online Packages, and Instant Cross-Channel Yield Rate Optimization Markham, Ontario – April 12, 2017 – Hotel operators are continuously faced with emerging regional and international competition for guest business. Travelers have a choice. Hoteliers do not. To remain competitive they must have a persuasive online presence with price parity across multiple booking channels. Independent operators previously had to spend hours manually updating their channels for online hotel reservations. Not anymore. Maestro PMS worked ...
StayNTouch Partners with Orchard International Group
StayNTouch | April 12, 2017
San Francisco Hotel Group Selects StayNTouch's Cloud-Based PMS Solutions Bethesda, MD – APRIL 12, 2017 – StayNTouch, an innovator in mobile technology and Property Management Systems (PMS) for hotels, announced the deployment of its Rover PMS™ and Zest™ solutions at San Francisco's 104-room Orchard Hotel and at 86-room sister-property Orchard Garden Hotel. "Our old PMS was archaic, non-intuitive and cumbersome," said Juan Bueno, General Manager at Orchard International Group. "We knew we had to make the a change. Over a six-month period, we reviewed about seven different contenders. The team and the products at S...
RMS Property Management Solution Now Available as a FedRAMP Compliant Cloud Service for U.S. Department of Defense and Civilian Agencies
April 12, 2017
[SAN DIEGO, CALIF.— April 12, 2017] —RMS North America today announced that its RMS – The Hospitality Cloud platform (comprised of web-based modules for property management, point of sale, channel management, booking engine, guest marketing, business intelligence and more) is now available as a FedRAMP authorized cloud service through Project Hosts' Federal Private Cloud. U.S. government Department of Defense and Civilian agencies in need of a comprehensive property management, reservation, point of sale and dining-management solution can now gain immediate access to the RMS – The Hospitality Cloud solution from ...
AccorHotels Enters Agreement with New Mauritius Hotels for Management of Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
Fairmont | April 11, 2017
AccorHotels, world leading travel and lifestyle group, today announced the signing of a hotel management agreement (HMA) with New Mauritius Hotels Limited, one of the oldest and largest owning and management hospitality companies based in Mauritius. The new agreement will see AccorHotels relaunch the existing property under the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brand in May 2017. The reflagging will mark a major step for the luxury brand in Africa. Located just 12 kilometers from the bustling city of Marrakech, Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech is nestled within the heart of a century-old olive grove, spanning 231 hectares with uninterrupted vi...
Two Roads Hospitality Appoints Landy Labadie As Senior Vice President of Restaurants, Bars, Nightlife and Events
Two Roads Hospitality | April 11, 2017
DENVER, CO. – April 11, 2017 - Two Roads Hospitality, a leading international lifestyle company featuring an unrivaled collection of truly individual hotels, resorts and vacation residences, is proud to appoint Landy Labadie as Senior Vice President of Restaurants, Bars, Nightlife and Events. With nearly 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Labadie will be responsible for the overall strategic vision and operating performance of Two Roads' restaurants, bars and nightlife division, creating bold new concepts and customized food and drink experiences for guests across the company's portfolio of independent and boutiqu...
