Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
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Operations
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Appoints Michael Dean as Chief Development Officer for the Americas
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | December 6, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS (December 6, 2016) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today appointed Michael Dean as chief development officer, Americas. Dean will report to Javier Rosenberg, president, Americas. "We are experiencing terrific development momentum and are delighted to add Michael's solid hotel finance and development experience to our team," said Rosenberg. "The recent opening of the first Radisson RED in the Americas, the brand's flagship in downtown Minneapolis, along with record signings across our brands, including a banner year for Country Inns & Suites, have received an enthus...
RLJ Lodging Trust Sells Two Hotels in New York City for $286 Million
RLJ Lodging Trust | December 6, 2016
BETHESDA, Md.--RLJ Lodging Trust (the "Company") (NYSE: RLJ) today announced that it has sold two hotels (the "Hotels") in New York City for $286 million or $494,500 per key. Separately, the Company sold one other hotel in Bakersfield, CA for $13 million. "We capitalized on the strong interest from international investors in the New York City market to execute an opportunistic transaction," commented Ross H. Bierkan, President and Chief Executive Officer. "While we continue to believe in the New York City market over the long-term, in the near-term these sales reduce our exposure as this market goes through a soft period." On December 5...
New LUMA Hotel Times Square Website Embodies Flair of Iconic Neighborhood
HeBS | December 6, 2016
Shining bright in the heart of Midtown Manhattan's Times Square, the brand new LUMA Hotel Times Square has partnered with HeBS Digital to launch a vibrant, user-friendly, responsive website that highlights this innovative property and its iconic address. This new urban oasis in Times Square, which features artful rooms with expansive windows and on-site dining at Ortzi, now has a strong web presence that seamlessly blends information about the hotel and area with high-res photos and easy booking features to serve both business and leisure guests seeking accommodations in the heart of New York City. LUMA's new website is powered by HeBS ...
New Radisson Blu Hotel Opens in Coimbatore, India Through Partnership Between Carlson Rezidor and GBJ Hotels
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | December 5, 2016
Coimbatore, India (December 05, 2016) - Radisson Blu Coimbatore, India, is proud to announce its opening today. Coimbatore, the second largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is known as the "Manchester of South India" due to its industrial activity, extensive textile mills and surrounding cotton fields. Centrally located on Avinashi Road and a mere seven kilometers away from Coimbatore International Airport and Coimbatore Junction, the city's primary railway station, the hotel is also close to textile and engineering industries, educational institutions and multi-specialty hospitals. Stylish, sophisticated and comfortable, gues...
Four Hotels Managed by Channel Point Hospitality Win Microtel’s 2016 Awards
Channel Point | December 5, 2016
Hotels Were Recognized at the 2016 Wyndham Hotel Group Global Conference (Dec. 5, 2016) – Channel Point Hospitality, a division of Aimbridge Hospitality, is proud to announce the following hotels received top awards at the 2016 Wyndham Hotel Group Global Conference. Microtel's Best of the Best and New Property of the Year winners are shining examples of the exceptional quality and value travelers expect from the Microtel brand. Best of the Best award winners for 2016 include: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Spring Hill, Florida and Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dickinson, North Dakota have each won this award for the f...
sbe Completes Acquisition Of Morgans Hotel Group
sbe | December 2, 2016
Transaction expands sbe's portfolio to 22 hotels, and 129 venues The Yucaipa Companies consents to transaction and together with Cain Hoy Enterprises will hold substantial Preferred and Common Equity stake in sbe Security Benefit to provide debt financing for recapitalization; Ron Burkle and Jonathan Goldstein to join Sam Nazarian on sbe Board of Directors NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2016-- sbe Founder and Chief Executive Officer Sam Nazarian today announced with partners Ron Burkle and Cain Hoy Enterprises the definitive closing of sbe's acquisition of Morgans Hotel Group, a move that further expands its international footprint and solid...
Hotel Equities Celebrates Grand Opening of DoubleTree Arlington DFW South Following $10 Million Renovation
Hotel Equities | December 1, 2016
Atlanta and Arlington, TX –December 1, 2016 – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE) recently held a Grand Opening and ribbon cutting celebration in Arlington, Texas for the DoubleTree by Hilton Arlington DFW South. Hotel Equities manages the 237-room, five-story property that recently completed a $10 million renovation in the Entertainment District of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex. Owned by Admiral Hotel Group LLC, the DoubleTree by Hilton Arlington DFW South marks the fourth property under management by Hotel Equities in Dallas and a total of 12 hotels under management in the state of Texas. Hotel Equities now counts four Doub...
Wyndham Hotel Group Acquires Latin America’s Fën Hotels
Wyndham Hotel Group | December 1, 2016
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Dec. 1, 2016 -- Wyndham Hotel Group today announced its acquisition of Latin America's leading Fën Hotels, adding 26 management contracts across Argentina, Peru, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and the U.S. including two new Fën-built Wyndham Grand hotels opening in Montevideo, Uruguay, and Asunción, Paraguay. With the addition of Fën Hotels' signature Esplendor Boutique Hotels and Dazzler Hotels, Wyndham Hotel Group's portfolio of distinct brands grows to 18, all of which will be bookable through the company's award-winning loyalty program, Wyndham Rewards, by the e...
Sage Hospitality Appoints Kimberly Terry-LeDoux as Director of Sales and Marketing of The Blackstone, A Renaissance Hotel
The Blackstone, A Renaissance Hotel | November 30, 2016
CHICAGO – November 30, 2016 – Sage Hospitality, one of the leading hotel management and investment companies in the country, is pleased to introduce the new Director of Sales and Marketing of The Blackstone, A Renaissance Hotel, Kimberly Terry-LeDoux. With over twelve years of experience, Terry-LeDoux will bring her expansive knowledge and expertise in the hospitality industry to the role. "I am thrilled to be a part of the team at the Blackstone," says Terry-LeDoux. "The hotel holds such a significant place in Chicago's history, and I look forward to being able to share its one-of-a-kind story with guests and clients." In h...
Ten Considerations To Fix Your Property’s Balance Sheet
Larry Mogelonsky | November 30, 2016
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) "Ownership is disappointed with the results." Through over 30+ years in the hospitality industry, this phrase is one that I hear all too often. Glass half full, it should open a further discussion as to why top or bottom line financial data is not living up to the plan, which usually then leads to spending cuts in a mad dash to restore the P&L to some sort of fiscal profitability. But why does this have to happen? In the packaged goods business, my vocation prior to entering the hospitality world, cutting expenses was rarely considered a primary solution to a brand's challenges. Rather,...
Waterford Hotel Group Promotes Ali Dezfoli to Director of Operations at HIlton Hartford
Hilton Hartford | November 29, 2016
WATERFORD, CT (November 29, 2016) --- Ali Dezfoli has been promoted to Director of Operations for the 393-room Hilton Hotel in Hartford, CT. Dezfoli will oversee the rooms, food and beverage, engineering and security departments of the hotel, including budgeting, scheduling, associate training and development, inventory, and strict adherence to all Hilton and Waterford Hotel Group standards. Waterford Hotel Group professionally manages the Hilton Hartford. Dezfoli joins the Hilton Hartford from his most recent positions as Assistant Director of Operations and Director of Rooms at the Marriott Hartford Downtown, also managed by Waterford...
Destination Hotels Reveals 2017 Trend Forecast in Fifth Annual ‘State of the Meetings Industry’ Survey
Destination Hotels | November 29, 2016
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 29, 2016 -- Destination Hotels, a leading collection of luxury and upscale independent hotels, resorts and residences across the United States, now part of Two Roads Hospitality, releases key findings on 2017 meetings trends today from its fifth annual "State of the Meetings Industry" survey. By analyzing the responses of more than 400 corporate, association, government and independent planners, Destination Hotels has gleaned trends about how planning duties and meetings themselves are changing for 2017. The following is a summary of the most significant survey results, in addition to related insight and...
Talking Talent – The Human Factor
Georgianne Fsadni | November 29, 2016
By Georgianne Fsadni AETHOS frequently advises clients on the considerable nuances involved in finding and developing talent. Recently, much has been published about today's sourcing and hiring processes, which seem to have become dramatically "technologized" for efficiency. However, speedy and transactional processes do not automatically equal quality outcomes. Until AI (artificial intelligence) can accurately and consistently mimic or perfect what human interaction can discern, technology can only assist in the match-making. The ultimate decision takes a bit more finesse. Let's revisit the basic challenges hiring managers continually ...
Webinar Video Available: HeBS Digital Discusses the “Key Tools to Optimizing Direct Bookings and Lowering Distributions Costs”
HeBS Digital | November 29, 2016
Last week, HeBS Digital hosted its third webinar in its "Direct is Always Better" series: "Key Tools to Optimizing Direct Bookings and Lowering Distributions Costs." Speakers from HeBS Digital discussed where the industry is heading in 2017: towards an inevitable decrease in occupancy in most major markets due to supply outpacing demand, Airbnb "stealing" demand share from hotels, and occupancy rates flattening—even declining (STR.) How can hoteliers improve the bottom line? In the webinar, HeBS Digital outlined how, despite this bleak picture of where our industry is headed, hoteliers can successfully arm themselves with tools to...
Two Roads Hospitality Powers New Brand with revintel Business Intelligence Solution from The Rainmaker Group
Rainmaker | November 29, 2016
Lifestyle hotel group turns to market leader in profit optimization for portfolio-wide business intelligence following merger of Destination and Commune Hotels ALPHARETTA, GA – November 29, 2016 – Two Roads Hospitality (Two Roads), a unique lifestyle and independent hotel management company, is expanding its use of The Rainmaker Group's revintel business intelligence platform portfolio-wide for increased insights into strategic data, following the merger between Destination and Commune Hotels in January 2016. The recent merger, and the rebranding to Two Roads Hospitality, created an opportunity for the newly combined organiz...
Marriott International Signs Four New Hotels in Mexico Expanding Latin America Presence
Marriott | November 23, 2016
As part of a visit to Mexico, Arne Sorenson, President and CEO of Marriott International, Inc., announced the signing of four hotels in the country. Following an aggressive expansion strategy in one of the region's key markets, Marriott expects to add the new properties to its existing portfolio of 70 hotels. The company operates more than 200 hotels in the Caribbean and Latin American region, spanning 20 brands in 33 countries and territories. "We are very excited to continue growing our reach in Latin America with brands as diverse as Renaissance, AC Hotels by Marriott, Westin and Aloft," said Sorenson. "These new projects are driven ...
Wyndham Hotel Group Strengthens Leadership Team in EMEA with Two New Regional Vice Presidents Appointments
Wyndham Hotel Group | November 23, 2016
LONDON, UK (23 November 2016) –Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company with nearly 8,000 hotels across a portfolio of 16 iconic brands, today announced two new appointments in the Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa (EMEA) leadership team. Patrick Divall has been appointed to the role of Regional Vice President, Western Europe, and Ignace Bauwens to the role of Regional Vice President, Middle East and Africa. Divall joins the company from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where he was most recently the Regional Director of Finance, Western Europe, and brings more than 30 years' experience in the hospitality industr...
With Google, Second Place Is The First Loser
Larry Mogelonsky | November 23, 2016
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) "Second place is the first loser." -Dale Earnhardt, American Racing Legend (1951-2001) This is a bold prediction I am about to make, and so I've channeled one of the boldest (and wealthiest) sportstars of our time. We all admire Google. While much is made of their self-driving car, Google Glass and other audacious new devices or applications, Google is also hard at work refining its core business – internet search. And this refinement has but one primary goal. However much the company espouses its noble goal of helping people find just about anything on the web, it is accountable to i...
Aimbridge Hospitality Names Derek Martin as New Vice President of Feasibility and Planning
Aimbridge Hospitality | November 23, 2016
DALLAS, Texas (November 23, 2016) - Aimbridge Hospitality announced today that Derek Martin has joined the company as the new vice president of feasibility and planning. Martin will be leading the feasibility team responsible for evaluating new management opportunities for Aimbridge. "We are so excited to announce Derek's new role," said Dave Johnson, President & CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality. "Derek's unique background of hospitality and asset management experience will make him a valuable addition to Aimbridge Hospitality and its partners." Derek Martin joined Aimbridge in 2016 with 15 years of hospitality experience. Prior to join...
Concord Hospitality to Open Pittsburgh’s First AC Hotel by Marriott in the Strip District in Downtown Pittsburgh
AC Hotels by Marriott | November 21, 2016
RALEIGH, N.C. (Nov. 21, 2016) – Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company announced today that it plans to open Pittsburgh's first AC Hotel by Marriott in the trendy Strip District in downtown Pittsburgh. Construction began on the new 133-room hotel, AC Hotel by Marriott Smallman, last week. "Recent development in the Pittsburgh area has spiked interest from outside investors and contributed heavily to the revitalization of downtown," said Mark Laport, co-founder, president and CEO of Concord Hospitality. "AC Smallman enriches Concord's vision to create irresistible places within vibrant communities, and we believe it will be very s...
Next-Generation Property Management Systems Play Key Role in Enhancing the Guest Experience Says New Study
Agilysys | November 21, 2016
New eBook Provides Roadmap for Hoteliers Looking for New PMS Technology ALPHARETTA, GA. — Nov. 21, 2016 — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, today announced availability of The 2016 Smart Decision Guide™ to Hotel Property Management Systems. Based on extensive research conducted by Starfleet Research, the eBook reveals that next-generation property management systems are increasingly important not only to streamlining operations and improving efficiency but also to enhancing the guest experience. According to the research, next-gener...
How to Jumpstart Your Hotel’s Direct Bookings Through Multichannel Campaigns
the Author and HeBS Digital | November 21, 2016
By Margaret Mastrogiacomo Multichannel campaigns are one of the most effective ways to boost direct bookings, build one-to-one relationships with current and future guests, and ultimately, encourage repeat guests throughout the customer lifecycle. According to Google, the travel planning journey is influenced by over 19 different touchpoints. While we have big-picture insight and data points that reveal the extensiveness of the travel planning journey, the path to a booking and the micro-moments along the way vary and key customer segments need to be reached through multichannel marketing campaign efforts. Why are multichannel campaigns...
Waterford Hotel Group Promotes Anthony Covino to General Manager of the Courtyard Cromwell
Courtyard by Marriott Cromwell | November 21, 2016
Waterford, CT (November 21, 2016) – Waterford Hotel Group has announced the promotion of Anthony Covino to General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott in Cromwell, CT. As General Manager, Covino is responsible for all aspects of the hotel's operations. Waterford Hotel Group, a national hotel and convention center management firm, manages the 145-room hotel. Anthony joined the Waterford Hotel Group in 2001 as Sales Manager at the Four Points by Sheraton in Norwalk, CT and has held numerous positions including: Sales and Front Office Manager at the Courtyard by Marriott in Cromwell, CT; Assistant General Manager at the Residence In...
Patricia E. Berry Named General Manager for the Ames Boston Hotel, A Gemstone Collection Property
the Gemstone Collection | November 21, 2016
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, November 2016 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Patricia E. Berry general manager for the Ames Boston Hotel. The luxury property, located near major downtown Boston attractions, is part of Benchmark's prestigious Gemstone Collection. Jeff McIntyre, Benchmark's co-president, made the announcement. "It is with great pleasure that I welcome Trish to our company," said Mr. McIntyre. "She brings solid on-property and executive experience to her new role, in addition to remarkable natural gifts of leadership and team mentoring." Patricia Berry is a veteran hotelier, having investe...
