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Post Company | December 13th, 2022
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Driving Hotel Bookings Through Mobile Channels and The Phone Renaissance
Frank Vertolli, Co-founder, Net Conversion | August 30, 2013
by Frank Vertolli & Ryan Fitzgerald August 2013 Last year, Google Travel found that 25 percent of all online search for travel came from a mobile device. eMarketer predicts that this figure will jump up to 40 percent by the end of 2013. [1 ] In fact, HeBS, a New York-based agency, found that 39.5 percent of all online traffic came from either a smartphone or a tablet during their first quarter this year for various hotels they manage across North America. [1] People are already choosing to search on their mobile devices over a desktop computer in locations where both devices are likely available to them (work or home).[2] It's no su...
Mexico Plaza Irapuato Hotel Acquired by Fibra Inn for Conversion into a Wyndham Garden Hotel
Fibra Inn | August 30, 2013
MONTERREY, Mexico - August 30, 2013 - Deutsche Bank Mexico, S.A., Banking Institution, Trust Division F/1616 or Fibra Inn (BMV:FINN13) ("Fibra Inn" or "the Company"), a Mexican real estate investment trust specializing in the hotel industry serving the business traveler, announced today the purchase of the Mexico Plaza Irapuato hotel. The acquisition was paid in cash with the proceeds from the initial public offering that took place on March 13, 2013. The price was Ps. 93 million, excluding taxes and acquisition expenses at a stabilized cap rate of 10.1%. Fibra Inn will convert this property into a Wyndham Garden hotel with an investmen...
Fibra Inn Acquires the 192-room Marriott Real Puebla Hotel in Puebla, Mexico for $27.8 Million
Fibra Inn | August 30, 2013
MONTERREY, Mexico - August 30, 2013 - Deutsche Bank Mexico, S.A., Banking Institution, Trust Division F/1616 or Fibra Inn (BMV:FINN13) ("Fibra Inn" or "the Company"), a Mexican real estate investment trust specializing in the hotel industry serving the business traveler, announced today the purchase of the Marriott Real Puebla Hotel. The acquisition was paid in cash with the proceeds from the initial public offering that took place on March 13, 2013. The price was US $ 27.8 million, excluding taxes and acquisition expenses. The foreign exchange purchase was made during May and June to anticipate this transaction, as follows: US $22.0 ...
Hotel Banquet Department Staff Now Part Of The PR and Marketing Team / Doug Kennedy
Doug Kennedy | August 30, 2013
By Doug Kennedy August 30, 2013 Over the many years I have been conducting on-site training for the hotel industry I have trained nearly every department from front desk through hotel maintenance on hospitality and guest service excellence. Yet until recently one department I had never been asked to train before was the banquet services. When I received the call from an existing client to train the 100+ banquet servers and bartenders I immediately thought it was a good idea. Yet the more I thought about it I realized it was actually a brilliant idea for management to recognize the importance of this unique department. It really hit me w...
Crestron Introduces New 3 Series™ Control Processors
Crestron | August 30, 2013
Provide ideal solution for commercial lighting, home control, and hospitality applications Rockleigh, NJ, August 30, 2013 - There's more technology in commercial buildings and custom homes than ever. All of the systems need to be networked, managed, and controlled in fundamentally new ways. The new DIN-AP3 and DIN-AP3MEX 3-Series control processors, designed for DIN rail mounting, answer the call. The DIN-AP3 delivers wired control, while the DIN-AP3MEX is ideal for applications that require wireless control. Built on the 3-Series platform Compared to other control systems, 3-Series processors provide a dramatic increase in processing p...
Key West Inns Brand Debuts in Virginia with a 52-room Property in Newport News
Vimana Franchise Systems LLC | August 30, 2013
Newport News, VA - August 30, 2013 - Vimana Franchise Systems, LLC has added a new property to their Key West Inn brand. This 52 room property located near the heart of Newport News, VA is just minutes to Colonial Williamsburg and the beach and is in close proximity to the Newport News airport. "Key West offers the best possible franchise agreement out there and that made our choice very simple," said owner, Vishal Amin, "and the executives at Vimana could not be better. I truly feel they have my best interests in mind." Vimana Franchise Systems, LLC is the franchisor of Key West Inns, Hotels & Resorts as well as Centerstone Inns, H...
Halekulani Corporation Appoints Marce Olson as Sales Manager-Western Regional Sales Division
Halekulani Corporation | August 30, 2013
HONOLULU - August 30, 2013 - Halekulani Corporation, which owns and manages Waikiki hotels, Halekulani and Waikiki Parc Hotel, announces the appointment of Marce Olson as Sales Manager-Western Regional Sales Division. Effective immediately, Ms. Olson will lead Halekulani Corporation's Domestic US Sales Team in California, where she will oversee all wholesale, retail agencies, and corporate accounts. "We are excited to have Ms. Olson join the Western Regional Sales Division of Halekulani Corporation," said Peter Shaindlin, Chief Executive Officer of Halekulani Corporation. "Ms. Olson's skills, energy, and talent for developing strategic ...
Joan Bowden Joins the 517-room W Fort Lauderdale in Florida as Director of Spa
W Fort Lauderdale | August 30, 2013
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - August 30, 2013 - W Fort Lauderdale welcomes Starwood spa veteran Joan Bowden as the new director of its iconic bliss spa. Bowden's responsibilities as director of spa will include overseeing marketing and promotions, retail initiatives and operations of the 4,000 sq. ft. facility featuring a luxe nail lounge, pampering treatment rooms, men's and women's lounges that open on to an outdoor terrace, a retail boutique and a legendary brownie buffet. Bowden has unparalleled multi-property experience in the Fort Lauderdale spa scene, most recently serving as the director of spa at The Westin Beach Resort and Spa, Fort L...
Marc Greenberg Appointed as General Manager for Sonesta ES Suites Atlanta in Georgia
Sonesta ES Suites | August 30, 2013
Boston, MA - August 30, 2013 - Marc Greenberg was just introduced as General Manager at Sonesta ES Suites Atlanta. His leadership will help to guide the hotel through the ongoing repositioning process and oversee the hotel's reintroduction into the local market. With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, most recently as an area general manager for A.G. Hospitality overseeing Towneplace Suites and Candlewood Suites. Marc's background also includes management roles with Residence Inn, Homewood Suites and the Hawthorn Suites in Atlanta. "Marc will be a great general manager for this property, and he is excited to lead the way w...
The 109-suite Homewood Suites Columbus/OSU Opens in Columbus, Ohio
August 30, 2013
Owned by Lane Avenue Enterprises and to be Managed by S&S Management COLUMBUS, Ohio - August 30, 2013 - Homewood Suites by Hilton, the international brand of upscale, all-suite, extended-stay hotels, announces today the opening of its newest property in Columbus, OH. Creating 20 permanent jobs, the five story, 109-suite hotel is owned by Lane Avenue Enterprises, Ltd. and will be managed by S&S Management, Inc. General Manager Nathan Lipps has been in the hotel industry for 16 years, and will be supported by Director of Sales Lesley Cornathan. "A destination for both the business and education communities, in addition to leisure ...
Generation Y: How Today’s Newest Travelers are Impacting Hospitality Design
Harry Wheeler AIA, NCARB, Principal, Group One Partners, Inc. | August 30, 2013
By Harry Wheeler AIA, LEED, NCARB Hospitality design is constantly evolving and being influenced by trends, technology, and most importantly, the growing expectations of our guests. As the generations change, so do their wants and needs. With the newest population group -Generation Y-coming into maturity, we are on the cusp of another evolution of change in hospitality design. Gen Y is not a generation that we are preparing for, but a mass population that has already arrived. Born between 1982 and 2001, Gen Y'ers are between the ages of 12 and 31 with a population estimated to be in the 70 million range. They are the fastest growing seg...
UniFocus Honored by Inc 5000 as One of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies
Inc. magazine | August 30, 2013
August 30, 2013 - UniFocus is a proud recipient of Inc.'s 500|5000 award for Fastest Growing Private Companies in America, an annual list compiling the best run, most innovative, and most inspiring businesses, joining the ranks of past honorees such as Microsoft, Pandora, Under Armour, and Zappos. The honorees are a comprehensive look at America's independent entrepreneurs, who have proven to be essential and beneficial to the economy. "As a team, we've worked diligently on delivering industry-leading products and world-class service to our clients, and UniFocus is elated Inc. has recognized our ongoing efforts," says Mark Heymann, Pres...
FARROW Commercial Construction Discovers Treasure in Trash
FARROW Commercial Construction | August 30, 2013
August 30, 2013 (SANTA ROSA, CA) - FARROW Commercial Construction, a nationwide commercial construction company based in Santa Rosa, CA has discovered there is treasure in trash. Several years ago FARROW was invited to build a recycling / trash bin receptacle enclosure for world-renowned hospitality company Wyndham® Resorts & Hotels at its popular Windsor, California location. As a local contractor, FARROW was selected to perform the work due to the unavailability of Wyndham's original contractor. "We were happy to step in to build this much-needed enclosure quickly and cost -effectively, "explained John Farrow, President and CEO o...
Strand Development Company, LLC Names Top Performers at Annual Conference
Strand Development Company, LLC | August 29, 2013
(Myrtle Beach, S.C.) August 29, 2013- Strand Development Company, LLC recently concluded their 2013 Annual General Manager and Director of Sales Conference held in Myrtle Beach, SC. The four-day event brought together over 80 individuals including; General Managers, Directors of Sales and the company's corporate staff. While at the conference, attendees were able to network and discuss strategies for the upcoming year. Informative breakout sessions, a keynote address by author of Management That Cooks, John Kennedy and the annual Awards Banquet were also part of the gathering. During the annual Awards Banquet Strand Development Company...
Crestron DMPS Goes Wireless; New AirMedia™ brings wireless presentation capability to DMPS
Crestron | August 29, 2013
Rockleigh, NJ, August 29, 2013 - How do you make the industry-leading digital presentation system even better? Just add wireless. Crestron has brought together two of its most popular products to create the ultimate presentation solution. Now available, DMPS/AirMedia offers simple, reliable wired and wireless HD presentation all-in-one. DMPS/AirMedia delivers advanced automation capabilities and provide actionable usage data over the network. Four different options are available, based on system or room requirements. Start with DMPS, the world's most advanced all-in-one HD presentation solution The industry-leading DMPS Series delivers ...
Tessa Kienow Named as Spa Director for St Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder, Colorado
St Julien Hotel & Spa | August 29, 2013
BOULDER, Colo. - August 29, 2013 - Today, Spa at St Julien, located inside St Julien Hotel & Spa, a distinguished member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, a AAA Four-Diamond Property and a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Hotel, announces the selection of Tessa Kienow as spa director. Kienow joins Spa at St Julien with nearly a decade of experience overseeing and managing luxury spas across the country, and an impressive record of exceeding revenue goals and raising profit, implementing innovative beauty and wellness programs and leading large staffs of spa professionals to provide superior service. "I am happy to be joining the talente...
Nevada’s Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa Makes Two Key Sales & Marketing Appointments
The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa | August 29, 2013
Henderson, NV - (August 29, 2013) - The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa has put new emphasis on its sales and marketing operations with the appointments of Michael Pramshafer as Resort Vice President of Sales & Marketing and Matt Boland as Director of Marketing. The appointments bring a breath of fresh talent to "The Other Vegas"SM in Henderson, Nevada, with focus on increasing revenues from leisure, business and group travelers alike. "We're thrilled to welcome Michael and Matt to The Westin Lake Las Vegas team," said Greg Gooding, General Manager. "They bring a comprehensive knowledge of the area, passion for the surroundin...
U.S. Lodging Tax Study: Nearly Half of Cities Analyzed Have Reached Prerecession Revenue Levels
HVS | August 29, 2013
The HVS annual lodging tax study tracks lodging tax rates and revenue in all 50 states and in the 150 largest cities in the United States. Tax revenue trends indicate the strength of hotel industry in these markets. HVS Convention, Sports, & Entertainment Facilities Consulting (HVS CSE) is pleased to announce the release of its second annual U.S. Lodging Tax Study which explores the current status and historical trends in the imposition of lodging taxes in the United States. This updated version expands the HVS U.S. Lodging Tax Study to provide information on lodging tax rates and collections in all 50 states and in the 150 largest ...
A Decade in the Making, the 168-key Salamander Resort & Spa Opens in Middleburg, Virginia
Salamander Hotels & Resorts | August 29, 2013
MIDDLEBURG, VA (August 29, 2013) – With a simple snip of her scissors, Sheila C. Johnson cut through the equestrian-inspired ribbon before her and consigned a decade of planning into memory. Salamander Resort & Spa was open, and one of the most anticipated hospitality projects of recent memory had become reality. "I am so extraordinarily thankful for everyone's patience, perseverance, and fortitude," said Johnson, the resort's owner, and Founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. "In addition to its courageous traits, the salamander serves as a symbol of renewal, which is especially meaningful to me today." The only new l...
Inland American Real Estate Trust Acquires Two Westin Hotels in Houston for $220 Million
Inland American Lodging Advisor, Inc. | August 29, 2013
Oak Brook, Illinois - August 29, 2013 - Inland American Lodging Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc., announced today that it has acquired two Westin hotels located in Houston's Galleria District, for approximately $220 million. The 24-story Westin Galleria includes 487 rooms and over 71,000 square feet of meeting space. The Westin Oaks Houston at the Galleria offers 406 rooms on 21 floors as well as 23,500 square feet of meeting space, including a 4,500-square-foot banquet space overlooking the Houston skyline. "The acquisition of these outstanding properties, the only hotels connected to th...
New Study Of Traveler Eating Interests Shows Promoting Culinary Activities Can Pay Off
Mandala Research | August 29, 2013
Almost A Third of Travelers Choose Destinations Based on Eating Opportunities WASHINGTON -- A new study of traveler behavior reveals that the way to tourists' wallets may be through their stomachs. Conducted by the travel market research firm Mandala Research and sponsored by the World Food Travel Association and other tourism organizations, the study shows that almost a third (30%) deliberately choose destinations based on the availability of activities related to local food and drink, whether it's a beer or wine festival, a farmers market, or a farm to table experience. "For 'deliberate' culinary travelers, the availability culinary a...
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Acquires the 174-room Hotel Modera in Portland, Oregon for $47.5 Million
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | August 29, 2013
BETHESDA, Md. - August 29, 2013 - Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) (the "Company") today announced that it has acquired the Hotel Modera for $47.5 million. The 174-room, urban, boutique, upper upscale, full service hotel is located in downtown Portland, Oregon. The property will be managed by OLS Hotels and Resorts ("OLS"). As a part of this transaction, the Company is assuming a $23.7 million secured, non-recourse loan, with the balance of the purchase price being funded by the Company with available cash. "We're thrilled to acquire the Hotel Modera in the west coast gateway city of Portland and expand our presence in the highly des...
Calabar Hospitality House Earns Distinction as First Certified Guest Service Property in Nigeria
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute | August 29, 2013
Orlando, Florida, August 2013 -The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) has awarded the Certified Guest Service Property designation to Calabar Hospitality House in Nigeria. Calabar Hospitality House is a newly-created training company aimed at addressing the absence of adequate and quality customer service in the Nigerian hospitality industry. The company's staff members who have direct contact with guests and customers all passed their Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP®) exam, qualifying the property for the property-level designation. Calabar Hospitality House, under the leadership of Justina Ovat, CHT, w...
The 433-room International Plaza Hotel + Conference Centre Toronto Airport Opens in Toronto, Canada
August 29, 2013
TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2013 - International Plaza Hotel + Conference Centre Toronto Airport, a member of Preferred Hotel Group's Sterling Hotels brand, opened today. The 433-room hotel in Canada's largest city is the newest addition to the collection's global portfolio of independent luxury hotels. As part of its commitment to maintaining International Plaza Hotel in a competitive condition, product improvements which are being planned for, and its Guests and Clients can look forward to, include: -- Refreshed building exterior aesthetics -- Newly appointed Lobby and Reception, featuring a Starbucks café and lounge -- Re-appointed Suites and...
