Uncommon Hospitality to Open Boutique Hotel in Portland, Maine’s Historic West End District
Post Company | December 13th, 2022
5 Telltale Signs It’s Time to Change Your S&C System and Why It’s Quicker and Easier Than You Might Think
Ryan Hamilton | July 6th, 2022
RLJ Lodging Trust Sells Non-Strategic Portfolio of 11 Hotels for $85 Million
RLJ Lodging Trust | February 21, 2014
February 21, 2014 - BETHESDA, Md. - RLJ Lodging Trust (the "Company") (NYSE:RLJ) today announced that the Company has closed on the sale of a portfolio of 11 hotels (the "Portfolio") for approximately $85.0 million. The sale price represents approximately a 7.9% capitalization rate on the Portfolio's estimated 2013 net operating income, adjusted for approximately $23.0 million of pending capital expenditures. "This transaction enabled us to make significant progress on our capital recycling program," commented Thomas J. Baltimore, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer. "The sale of these assets are immediately accretive to our port...
Mark Eberwein Appointed as General Manager for W Los Angeles – Westwood in California
W Los Angeles - Westwood | February 21, 2014
(LOS ANGELES, CA; February 21, 2014) - W Los Angeles - Westwood, Southern California's iconic urban lifestyle hotel, announces the appointment of Mark Eberwein as the new General Manager. Eberwein brings more than 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. "I am honored to work with this group of highly professional visionaries, as we amplify W Los Angeles - Westwood's success," said Eberwein. "It is truly exciting to embark on this journey at such an iconic hotel brand with such an amazing array of talent. I look forward to sharing my experience and energy with W Los Angeles - Westwood." Prior to joining W Los Angeles -...
Hampton Hotels Recognizes 2013 Top Performing Hotels with Connie Award
Hampton Hotels | February 21, 2014
MCLEAN, Va. - February 21, 2014 - Hampton Hotels, Hilton Worldwide's global brand of more than 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and Hampton by Hilton hotels, recently awarded its top performing properties of 2013. The prestigious Connie Award was presented to the following U.S. properties: Hampton Inn Wheeling in West Virginia Hampton Inn Lincolnton in North Carolina Hampton Inn Murrells Inlet/Myrtle Beach in South Carolina Hampton Inn Geneseo in New York Hampton Inn Vernon in Texas Hampton Inn Syracuse Clay in New York The Connie Award is named after Hilton Worldwide's founder Conrad Hilton and winners are...
Cornell Reports Document Top Women’s Hospitality Careers, Outline Framework for Retaining Women
The Center for Hospitality Research | February 21, 2014
Ithaca, NY, February 21, 2014 - Although many women begin their professional careers in the hospitality industry, few remain in the industry long enough to reach the top. Two new reports from the Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) document the careers of twenty women who are industry leaders and propose a mechanism for increasing women's rate of advancement to and participation in hospitality C-suites. The reports, "Female Executives in Hospitality: Reflections on Career Journeys and Reaching the Top," and "Developing High-Level Leaders in Hospitality: Advice for Retaining Female Talent," by Kate Walsh, Susan S. Fleming, and Cathy A....
Cenium Opens Chicago Office; 2013 Growth Fuels Need for Second U.S. Location
Cenium | February 21, 2014
Chicago, IL February 21, 2014: Cenium is expanding again, this time with the opening of a new office in the Chicago area. This new state-of-the-art facility will house primarily development and implementation resources. "This was a strategic move on Cenium's part" according to Trygve Ronningen, CEO. "Not only is Chicago centrally located and easily reached from most international locations, it has the requisite talent pool from which we can draw proven, experienced and innovative team members as we grow the company. Furthermore, Microsoft maintains a very strong presence in the Chicago area and as a Microsoft Partner, we're committed to...
HFTP Launches ProLinks Webinar Broadcasting Upgrade
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) | February 21, 2014
Austin, Texas, USA (February 21, 2014) - With an increased interest and participation in Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals' (HFTP) ProLinks Webinars over the past two years, HFTP has partnered with BlueSky Broadcasting to provide its webinar hosting services. These services allow HFTP to further develop the webinar program and increase opportunities for members outside North America. The improved services include an increase in maximum attendance capacity from 100 to 500 participants, better broadcasting quality and technical support and a new portal for viewing live and archived sessions. Attendees will also be provide...
Sun Travels, Sun Hotels & Resorts Rebrands as Sun Siyam Resorts; Debuts with Flagship Opening
Sun Siyam | February 21, 2014
Flagship Opening – The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, a 221-room Property on the Noonu Atoll Maldives 21st February 2014 – Sun Travels and Sun Hotels & Resorts has rebranded as Sun Siyam Resorts with the phased launch of multiple luxury resorts in the Maldives, Sri Lanka and beyond. The international travel company's new brand identity and ethos will be unveiled at its first and flagship opening – The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, a five-star 221-room property on the Noonu Atoll Maldives, which launches on 21st February 2014. QUO hospitality-specialist brand agency has brought to life the Sun Siyam founder, Hon. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed's tourism vi...
One Ocean Resort & Spa in Atlantic Beach, Florida Joins the Southern Living Hotel Collection
One Ocean Resort & Spa | February 21, 2014
February 21, 2014 - Atlanta, GA -- The Southern Living Hotel Collection, (www.SouthernLivingHotelCollection.com) a small, curated group of independent, four-and five-star level hotels, resorts and inns that span 18 Southern states and offers the best in authentic Southern hospitality is pleased to welcome its newest member: One Ocean Resort & Spa (Atlantic Beach, FL). Since its launch in July, 2013, the Collection has thoughtfully grown from its 15 premier hotels, resorts and inns to 29 carefully selected properties chosen by the editors at Southern Living. Members of the Southern Living Hotel Collection are vetted according to the ...
Westin to Debut in Egypt with Opening of Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa Katameya Dunes Early in 2015
Westin Hotels & Resorts | February 21, 2014
The 128-room Resort is Owned by New Cairo for Real Estate Investment Company SAE February 21, 2014 - CAIRO - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that it will soon introduce the Westin brand to Egypt with the opening of The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa Katameya Dunes early next year. Owned by New Cairo for Real Estate Investment Company SAE, the 128-room resort will be ideally located within the Katameya Dunes development, a 1.8 million square meter luxury residential compound in the New Cairo City District. "We look forward to partnering with New Cairo for Real Estate Investment Company to intr...
Owned by China Oil & Foodstuffs Corporation, the 176-key Waldorf Astoria Beijing Opens in China
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts | February 21, 2014
SINGAPORE - February 21, 2014 - Hilton Worldwide and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts today announced the opening of Waldorf Astoria Beijing, marking the second Waldorf Astoria hotel in China and the brand's continued international expansion. An expression of its unique location, Waldorf Astoria Beijing features 176 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, three unique restaurants, including Peacock Alley, Brasserie1893 and Zijin Mansion, 796 square meters of function meeting space, a spa and fitness center with heated indoor swimming pool. The hotel is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by China Oil & Foodstuffs Corpor...
HandHeld Hospitality Appoints Marriott International COO to its Board and Talks App Collaboration
HandHeld Hospitality, LLC | February 21, 2014
February 24, 2014 -- Chevy Chase, MD -- HandHeld Hospitality™, LLC a leading forerunner in mobile technology for hotels, announced today the board appointment and investment partnership with Bob McCarthy, COO of Marriott International, Inc.,who has announced his retirement from Marriott, effective February 2014. HandHeld Hospitality is also collaborating with AT&T to introduce its SmartGuest™ app to the hospitality industry. "Bob brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into improved guest satisfaction and revenue optimization through mobile technology," said Elmer Coppoolse, CEO of HandHeld Hospitality. "His expertise combined ...
The 124-room Courtyard Wilmington Downtown/Historic District is Set to Open in North Carolina
Courtyard by Marriott | February 21, 2014
Owned by Wilmington Hotel Inc. and Managed by CN Hotels, Inc. Wilmington, North Carolina - February 21, 2014 - Courtyard by Marriott is rolling out its innovative lobby and room design in Wilmington, North Carolina. This is the newest Courtyard in the area featuring the Refreshing Business lobby environment, where guests can enjoy an open and flexible space. Along with media pods, Wi-Fi and a variety of seating zones, the redefined space is ideal for everything from pop-up meetings to social gatherings. Scheduled to open on Monday, February 24, 2014, the 124-room Courtyard Wilmington Downtown/Historic District also offers a refreshing a...
Can Seasonal Employees Still Deliver Great Customer Service?
Steve DiGioia | February 20, 2014
by Steve DiGioia Recently I was asked to teach a customer service training class for the new hires of a ski resort. The seasonal resort just completed their job fair and had their newest set of fresh-faced recruits all ready for work; they just needed to know how to deal with their customers. In preparation, I met with the resort's management to find out some information about the new hires, if there were specific topics they want covered and what their expectations were for the class. Here is what I learned: Job Fair attendees: 200 Employees Hired: 180 Positions Hired: ski lift operator, equipment rental associate, retail store cle...
Host Hotels Reports Operating Results for Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2013
Host Hotels & Resorts | February 19, 2014
BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 19, 2014 -- Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: HST), the nation's largest lodging real estate investment trust ("REIT"), today announced results of operations for the year. N/M=Not Meaningful (a) As of January 1, 2013, the Company adopted calendar quarter reporting periods. For further discussion, see "Adjustments for Calendar Quarter Reporting Periods" on page 2 of this release. (b) NAREIT Funds From Operations ("FFO") per diluted share, Adjusted FFO per diluted share (which excludes debt extinguishment costs and other expenses), Adjusted EBITDA (which is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortiza...
Switzerland’s Sorell Hotels Group Signs Full Portfolio to Pegasus Connect+
Pegasus Solutions | February 19, 2014
DALLAS (February 19, 2014) – Switzerland's Sorell Hotels Group has signed its full portfolio to Pegasus Connect+. Sorell's 17 individually and personally managed hotels in 10 Swiss cities are now available online, and in the global distribution systems (GDSs) under the "UI" chain code. "Each of our hotels is situated in a prime Swiss location, and offers features distinct to that hotel and area," said Matthias Ramer, operations manager of Sorell Hotels Group. "Pegasus Connect+ serves our hotels two ways. First, it provides distribution and reservation services to rival major brands that have more technology resources. Secondly, it gro...
Hersha Hospitality Trust Names Charles Paloux as Vice President of Asset Management
Hersha Hospitality Trust | February 19, 2014
Philadelphia - February 19, 2014 - Hersha Hospitality Trust (NYSE: HT), owner of upscale hotels in urban gateway markets, announced today that Charles Paloux was named Vice President of Asset Management. Paloux oversees HT's Miami and Washington DC portfolios as well as its independent boutique portfolio across the country. He is also very involved in HT's disposition and refinancing strategy and execution. "It's with great pleasure that we announce Charles' promotion to Vice President," said HT President and COO Neil H. Shah. "As our focus on Miami market and our Independent Collection continues to grow, the company is excited to have ...
Tucson, Arizona’s Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa Appoints Matt Brody as Director of Sales & Marketing
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa | February 19, 2014
TUCSON, Ariz. (Feb. 19, 2014) - The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa today announced the appointment of industry veteran Matt Brody as the resort's new director of sales and marketing. With more than 17 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing, Brody is a strategic addition to the sales team. "Matt's long standing success in the hospitality industry, both locally and nationally, will serve as an asset to our team," said General Manager, Glenn Sampert. As a member of the resort's Executive Committee, Brody will be responsible for the formulation of all sales, marketing, and public relations activities for the 487 room Reso...
Chatham Lodging Trust Reports Strong 2013 Q4 & Full Year Results; Comparable RevPAR up 4.9%
Chatham Lodging Trust | February 19, 2014
PALM BEACH, Fla., February 18, 2014-Chatham Lodging Trust (NYSE: CLDT), a hotel real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns wholly or through its joint ventures 77 premium-branded, upscale, extended-stay and select-service hotels, today announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2013. Fourth Quarter 2013 Highlights Comparable Hotel RevPAR - Grew hotel RevPAR 4.9 percent, excluding the Washington, D.C. hotel which was ramping up as a newly converted Residence Inn by Marriott. Portfolio RevPAR - Rose 4.4 percent to $103 for the 25 wholly owned hotels. Adjusted EBITDA - Increased 52 percent to $12.7 million...
The 138-key Parnas, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul to Open in South Korea in 2016
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts | February 19, 2014
February 19, 2014 - NEW YORK - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) and Parnas Hotel Co. Ltd. today announced the signing agreement of The Parnas, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul. Located in the city's upscale southern district of Gangnam, the hotel's debut will mark the first Luxury Collection hotel in South Korea, joining a portfolio of acclaimed hotels and resorts around the world. It also reflects Starwood's aggressive expansion plans to maintain its leadership position in the Asia Pacific luxury hospitality landscape. "We are very pleased to announce the signing of The Parnas, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul a...
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort And Spa Joins the Wedding Quickquote Family
Wedding Quick Quote Solutions | February 19, 2014
Now One of Many Leading Venues Providing Couples With Instant Price Quotes Planning the Perfect Wedding Is Easier Than Ever Innovative Online Service Provides Instant Inquiry Response AUSTIN / BASTOP, Texas (Feb. 19, 2014) -- Madeline Daryadel, president of Wedding QuickQuote, today announced that the Austin area's spectacular Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa has just joined their growing list of premiere properties offering couples who are planning a wedding a fast and easy way to get an immediate price quote. Wedding QuickQuote is the wedding industry's first and only "Instant Response" RFP platform for online inquiries and giv...
New Castle Names Denise Bradbury as DOSM of the 234-room Algonquin Resort in New Brunswick, Canada
Algonquin Resort | February 19, 2014
SHELTON, Conn. - February 19, 2014 - Officials of New Castle Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel owner, operator and developer, today announced the appointment of Denise Bradbury to director of sales and marketing for the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews-by-the Sea, New Brunswick, Canada. Most recently, Bradbury was the director of sales for the New Castle owned and operated, Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax, where she and her team bested the brand average for 2013 Meeting Planner Satisfaction scores and delivered nearly 50 percent of the hotel's annual room nights and 70 percent of the hotel's food and beverage revenues. "Denise has bee...
Mark Sneen Named as Hotel Manager of 553-room Palace Hotel, San Francisco, a Luxury Collection Hotel
the Palace Hotel, San Francisco | February 19, 2014
February 19, 2014 - San Francisco, CA - The Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection hotel, is pleased to announce Mark Sneen as the new Hotel Manager of the iconic San Francisco property. Mark comes to the Palace from the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa where brought his enthusiastic and visionary leadership to the entire team in his role as Resort Manager. In his role as Hotel Manager at the Palace, Sneen is an instrumental part of the executive team lead by General Manager, Christophe Thomas. Mark will oversee all areas of operation for the 553 room luxury hotel. Working with the rooms division, food and beverage, engineering, fit...
CSM Lodging Appoints Patrick C. Vyncke as Director of Acquisitions & Development
CSM Lodging | February 19, 2014
Minneapolis, Minnesota, February 19, 2014 - CSM Lodging, a division of CSM Corporation, has named Patrick C. Vyncke director of acquisitions & development for the hospitality management and ownership company. Michael Coolidge, senior vice president, real estate and development, made the announcement. "It is a pleasure to welcome Patrick to our company," said Mr. Coolidge. "His background in hotel acquisitions and real estate development will serve CSM Lodging well as we continue to grow our portfolio of owned & operated properties. It is good to have Patrick on our team." Patrick Vyncke was most recently an associate for Waterma...
Nobody Asked Me, But…No. 121; Hotel History: Ponce de Leon Hotel (1888), St. Augustine, Florida
Stanley Turkel, CMHS | February 19, 2014
Quote of the Month; My New Book By Stanley Turkel, CMHS 1. Hotel History: Ponce de Leon Hotel, St. Augustine, Florida* The Ponce de Leon Hotel was built by millionaire Henry Morrison Flagler, Standard Oil co-founder (with John D. Rockefeller) and opened in 1888. Flagler had taken his second wife on a honeymoon to Jacksonville and further south to the seaside village of St. Augustine (the oldest permanent European settlement in the United States). Flagler loved the breathtaking expanse of sea and shore, and enjoyed the clear skies and balmy weather when most of the rest of the country's residents (then concentrated in the northeast) were...
