Uncommon Hospitality to Open Boutique Hotel in Portland, Maine’s Historic West End District
Post Company | December 13th, 2022
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Ryan Hamilton | July 6th, 2022
Austin Convention Center Implements FlyteBoard for Attendee Travel Confidence
The Austin Convention Center | September 19, 2013
Instant, Real-Time Airline Information Gives High-Tech Convention Center Attendees Accurate Departure Schedules that Let Them Stay at Events Longer CHICAGO, IL September 19, 2013 - Flyte Systems announced the Austin Convention Center installed its FlyteBoard real-time airline schedule display to give event attendees accurate flight information for greater travel confidence. FlyteBoard's high-definition flat screen shows departure and gate information for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Flyte Systems is the leading provider of airport travel information displays and digital signage content for the hospitality industry, digital si...
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Opens the 283-key St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East | September 19, 2013
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - September 19, 2013 - St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announces the debut of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi in the capital of the U.A.E, marking the brand's second hotel in Abu Dhabi and third St. Regis hotel to open in the Middle East since the brand was introduced into the region two years ago. Having more than doubled its global footprint in the last five years to 31 hotels, St. Regis continues to reinforce its position as a leader in luxury hospitality. "We are proud to be part of the continued development of Abu Dhabi's travel and tourism sectors...
Hyatt Completes Sale of the 451-room Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center for $60 Million to JMI Realty
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | September 19, 2013
CHICAGO - September 19, 2013 - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that an affiliate of Hyatt has sold the 451-room Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center to an affiliate of JMI Realty for approximately $60 million or $133,000 per key. As part of the sale, Hyatt has also entered into a franchise agreement with JMI Realty. Davidson Hotels & Resorts will manage the hotel for JMI Realty under the Hyatt Regency flag. "This transaction allows Hyatt to retain its brand presence in the Denver Tech Center area and furthers our capital recycling strategy, which allows us to continue to achieve strategic growth," said Stephen Haggert...
Are We There Yet? By Scott Smith MAI and Bill Morton
the Authors | September 19, 2013
By Scott Smith MAI and Bill Morton September 19, 2013 As the U.S. hotel industry approaches pre-recession levels of operating performance, many of our clients are asking, "Is now a good time to invest in the lodging sector?" According to the respondents of the 2013 edition of PKF Consulting USA, LLC's (PKFC) Hospitality Investment Survey (HIS), it is a good time to be a hotel owner and investor. While opinions vary among industry professionals regarding the root cause of this positive sentiment, we at PKFC believe that several factors are attributable to the overall positive outlook for hotel real estate. 1. RevPAR grew 6.8 percent in 2...
FelCor Sells the 244-room Doubletree Hotel Wilmington, Delaware for $27.7 Million
FelCor | September 19, 2013
Enters Agreement to Sell Embassy Suites in Jacksonville for $10 Million IRVING, Texas, September 19, 2013 - FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated (NYSE: FCH) today announced that it sold the 244-room DoubleTree hotel in Wilmington, DE for $27.7 million. FelCor has also agreed to sell the 277-room Embassy Suites hotel in Jacksonville for $10 million. The purchaser has paid a non-refundable deposit toward the purchase price and FelCor expects the sale to close in October. The Company has made significant progress on its asset sale program. As part of FelCor's long-term portfolio repositioning strategy, the company is selling 39 non-strategic ...
BK Investments & Waterford Hotel Group Set to Open the 115-suite Residence Inn Hotel in Chicopee, MA
Marriott International, Inc. | September 19, 2013
Chicopee, Massachusetts - September 19, 2013 - The 115-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Chicopee, Massachusetts is scheduled to open this Tuesday, September 24, 2013. Located at 500 Memorial Drive, the Residence Inn Springfield/Chicopee will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by BK Investments and managed by Waterford Hotel Group of Waterford, Connecticut. Located six miles from downtown Springfield and 24 miles from Bradley International Airport, the Residence Inn Springfield/Chicopee offers its guests convenient access to Six Flags New England, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the MassMutual Center. Rates vary d...
The 105-suite Home2 Suites Memphis/Southaven, MS Opens; Owned by Cohen Realty, Managed by Vista Host
Home2 Suites by Hilton | September 19, 2013
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. and MCLEAN, Va. - September 19, 2013 - Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide's award-winning mid-tier, all-suite hotel brand designed for modern business travelers and extended stay guests, announced yesterday the opening of its 22nd U.S. hotel, Home2 Suites by Hilton Memphis/Southaven. The first guest to check-in received an iHome and a gift basket. "The Home2 Suites Memphis/Southaven will cater to two unique markets and serve a diverse group of travelers, from sports fans looking to enjoy the Dizzy Dean World Series Baseball Tournament, to families looking to getaway and enjoy the comforts of the hotel's hip and hu...
Shangri-La Signs Management Agreement for Shangri-La Hotel, Shaoxing, China Slated to Open in 2017
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts | September 19, 2013
HONG KONG, Sept. 19, 2013 -- Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has signed a management agreement with Zhejiang Yinan Group Co. Ltd. to operate a 336-room hotel opening in Shaoxing, China in 2017. Shangri-La Hotel, Shaoxing will be located close to the National Urban Wetland Park, near the city's new business district. It will be Shaoxing's first international luxury hotel and will be conveniently located near the city's culture centre, science and technology centre, financial centre and sport centre, all of which are also under construction in Jinghu. "Around 140 million people live in the Yangtze River Delta metropolitan area," said Shangr...
The 287-key Vivanta by Taj – Surajkund to Open in India Through Re-branding of Former Claridges
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces | September 19, 2013
FARIDABAD, INDIA (September 19, 2013) - Vivanta by Taj - Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the latest addition to the Vivanta portfolio with Vivanta by Taj - Surajkund. Re-branded as Vivanta by Taj - Surajkund, formerly operated and managed by Claridges, Surajkund, is now all set to embark on a new era of cool luxury nestled in the lap of a forested and tranquil neighborhood. Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Raymond N. Bickson, M.D. & C.E.O., Indian Hotels Company Limited said "We welcome the newest addition to our portfolio. This hotel will be the third Vivanta in the region after the recent launch of Vivanta by Taj ...
How to Drive Data for Better Decision-Making and Customer Fit
EyeforTravel | September 19, 2013
Sep 19, 2013 - Setting up a data infrastructure and reaping the benefits is a journey. However, if you use data efficiently to react to market conditions faster, then chances are you could understand your customers better, while also driving incremental revenue. EyeforTravel's Ritesh Gupta investigates If there is one thing that travel suppliers and intermediaries can agree on it is that data is central to decision-making. Furthermore, while it is difficult to define what makes a company truly data-driven, it is also clear that the industry is moving toward measurable ROI-driven models. For instance, in the past it would be acceptable f...
Russian Hotel OTA Integrates with eRevMax for Seamless Connectivity
Ostrovok | September 19, 2013
Ostrovok Connected Hotels to Benefit from Live Rate and Allocation Management Functionality Moscow, Russia, 19 September 2013: The biggest hotel search engine in Russia, Ostrovok has completed a 2-way XML interface with eRevMax to offer faster connectivity to its growing base of customers. The integration will help accommodation providers connected to the channel use eRevMax's online distribution platforms, Rate Tiger & Connect, for updating inventory availability and room rates in real-time helping them control pricing strategies and optimize their revenue. Ostrovok will also benefit from eRevMax's Reservation Delivery service, whi...
IHG Plans Two New Holiday Inn Resorts in Nashville, TN and Deadwood, SD
September 19, 2013
ATLANTA - September 19, 2013 – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] today announced plans for two new properties, one located in Nashville, and the other in Deadwood, S.D., adding to the growing global Holiday Inn Resort® brand portfolio, currently at 36 properties worldwide. "We are thrilled that the Holiday Inn Resort brand continues to expand in key leisure destinations," said Joel Eisemann, chief development officer, the Americas, IHG. "These new Holiday Inn Resort properties further strengthen the reach and presence of the Holiday Inn® Brand Family." Currently the Fontanel Mansion is a 27,000 sq. ft....
Dorchester Group Acquires Rome’s 121-room Hotel Eden; Dorchester Collection to Manage Iconic Hotel
Dorchester Collection | September 18, 2013
(London) September 18, 2013 - Dorchester Group Limited has acquired the 121-room Hotel Eden from Starman Hotels. Effective from September 18, 2013, Dorchester Collection will manage the hotel and continue to work closely together with the previous management company, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, to ensure a smooth transition for hotel guests, partners and employees. Commenting on the transaction, Christopher Cowdray, Chief Executive Officer of Dorchester Collection, said: 'Hotel Eden is an exciting addition to our portfolio as it is one of the world's most majestic and iconic hotels in a truly superb setting. Its landmark status, heri...
The 394-key B Resort to Open in 2014 in FL’s Walt Disney World Resort; Transforming the Royal Plaza
September 18, 2013
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Sept. 18, 2013 -- B Hotels & Resorts® introduces the first B Resort and lifestyle hotel to the Lake Buena Vista area, with a transformation of the former Royal Plaza hotel. A joint venture between InSite Group and Cube Capital, the B Resort, located in the Walt Disney World® Resort will open early 2014 and showcase 394 completely redesigned guestrooms and public areas that feature elegant yet playful decor, alluding to the surrounding destination and its imagination-inspiring attractions. Renovations are taking place throughout the property including the 25,000 square feet of function space, common areas, p...
WestHouse New York to Open this Fall in Manhattan
September 18, 2013
NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2013 -- Debuting this Fall in the center of Manhattan, just steps away from Central Park and Carnegie Hall, WestHouse is more than just a new boutique hotel; it is an entirely new hospitality concept that provides a curated portfolio of upscale services and amenities at an unprecedented value, and an elevated level of intuitive service designed to satisfy the world's most discerning guests in an environment reminiscent of a luxurious New York Townhouse. "House Away from Home" Award-winning design firm Jeffrey Beers International (JBI) conceived the overall design for WestHouse, creating timeless interiors that pay ho...
StepStone Hospitality Assumes Management of the 191-room Hotel Indigo Boston-Newton Riverside
StepStone Hospitality | September 18, 2013
NEWTON, Mass., Sept. 18, 2013 -- StepStone Hospitality today announced that the company has taken over management of Hotel Indigo Boston-Newton Riverside, adding the boutique hotel to its rapidly growing portfolio of managed properties. Hotel Indigo is the eighth hotel to join the StepStone managed portfolio during the past year, bringing the total number of managed properties to 12 hotels in six states. "This hotel is an outstanding addition for us," said Thomas Russo, StepStone Hospitality chairman and CEO. "The Indigo features affordable and sustainable luxury for discriminating travelers in an oasis of style and sophistication. It's...
Starwood Hotels’ Aloft Brand Debuts in Panama with the 139-room Aloft Panama
Aloft Hotels | September 18, 2013
STAMFORD, Conn. - September 18, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) today announced that its rapidly expanding Aloft brand has arrived in Panama, one of the most important travel markets in the Americas. Aloft Panama is the fourth Aloft hotel to open in Latin America, since the brand made its debut less than two years ago. It is owned and operated by Nuevos Hoteles de Panama S.A. under a franchise agreement. Aloft Panama offers 139 spacious loft-like rooms, tech forward innovation and a buzzing, social atmosphere. By 2014, it will offer an additional 186 rooms as part of an expansion phase. "Aloft's growth ...
Ascend Hotel Collection Adds the gibson hotel, Dublin, Ireland and Lindenwarrah at Milawa, Australia
Ascend Hotel Collection | September 18, 2013
PHOENIX, Sept. 18, 2013 -- Ascend Hotel Collection from Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, continues its global expansion with the announcement today that two boutique hotels have joined the portfolio. These properties are the gibson hotel, Dublin, Ireland and Lindenwarrah at Milawa, Australia. The announcement was made to industry insiders at the 19th annual meeting of The Lodging Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Ascend Hotel Collection is a portfolio of upscale independent hotels with rich local character. With its latest additions, the group now has 108 properties in North Americ...
Brad C. Mettler Appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing for the 1,306-key Grand Hyatt New York
Grand Hyatt New York | September 18, 2013
NEW YORK (September 18, 2013) - The iconic Grand Hyatt New York in Midtown Manhattan proudly appoints award-winning hospitality professional Brad C. Mettler as its new Director of Sales and Marketing. Mettler brings over 15 years of experience to his new post, and almost all of it within the Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Most recently, he spent four years as the Director of Sales and Marketing at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, where he managed that resort's sales initiatives throughout a $13 million renovation. During Mettler's time in Honolulu, Hyatt Hotels Corporation named his sales staff the Sales Team of the Year in 2012. ...
Florida’s Fontainebleau Miami Beach Names Bridget Ryder Vice President of Information Technology
Fontainebleau Miami Beach | September 18, 2013
Miami Beach, Fla. (Sept. 18, 2013) - Fontainebleau Miami Beach announces the appointment of Bridget Ryder to the position of Vice President of Information Technology. In this position, Ryder is responsible for establishing and maintaining information technology infrastructure and operations, as well as information security. Additionally, she is responsible for analyzing and predicting trends, proactively researching and recommending courses of action, and departmental management and decision making at the iconic 20 acre, 1,504 room oceanfront resort. "Bridget's knowledge and experience are ideally aligned with the information technology...
Benchmark Hospitality Names Bobby Moore Recipient of the Bob Zappatelli Award, Culinary Excellence
Willows Lodge | September 18, 2013
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, September 2013 ... Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading US-based hospitality management company, has announced Executive Chef Bobby Moore as the recipient of the 2013 Bob Zappatelli Award for Culinary Excellence. Bobby Moore is executive chef at Willows Lodge, a Personal Luxury Hotel® located in Woodinville, Washington, near Seattle. Benchmark Hospitality established the Award in 2009 in honor of Mr. Zappatelli, the company's first vice president of food & beverage and a noted chef, who passed away suddenly during that year. The award is given annually to a member of the Benchmark Hospitali...
PolyU Study Seeks to Enhance the Role of Travel Trade in Reducing Tourism’s Carbon Footprint
PolyU's School of Hotel and Tourism Management | September 18, 2013
18 September 2013 - The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today (17 September) announced the findings of a study on "Enhancing the Role of the Travel Trade in Reducing Tourism's Carbon Footprint". The study found that though senior management and owners of travel agencies are aware of tourism's contribution to carbon emissions, the limited provision of carbon efficient products is hindering their frontline staff from promoting low carbon tourism to their clients. The study also found that frontline travel trade staff are equally concerned about the environmental issues, but man...
Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown/Convention Center Earns Prestigious TripAdvisor Green Leader
TripAdvisor | September 18, 2013
Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 2013 ... CSM Lodging, a division of CSM Corporation, has announced that its property, the Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown/Convention Center, has been awarded the prestigious Bronze GreenLeaders™ Award from TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel website. The GreenLeaders program helps travelers plan greener trips by identifying environmentally-friendly lodging accommodations throughout the United States. The Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown/Convention Center is situated in the heart of one of the nation's greenest cities, Portland, Oregon, which is renowned for its sustainability init...
Deadline to Submit to Hotel Association of Canada Hall of Fame Awards Nears; Submit by October 18th
the Hotel Association of Canada | September 18, 2013
September 18, 2013- Ottawa, ON - The October 18, 2013 deadline for the Hotel Association of Canada's (HAC) 2013 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence is fast approaching. Don`t miss out on the opportunity! The awards program proudly recognizes those individuals, companies or properties that have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to our industry in the following divisions: The Humanitarian Award Given for individuals/programs that demonstrate to residents that the individual property is responsive to the local community. The Human Resources Award Given for programs/individuals that develop...
