Uncommon Hospitality to Open Boutique Hotel in Portland, Maine’s Historic West End District
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Nobody Asked Me, But…No. 118; Hotel History: Chelsea Hotel (1884); Quote of the Month
Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC | December 20, 2013
By Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC 1. Hotel History: Chelsea Hotel (1884)* The Chelsea Hotel is world-renowned as a residence for artists, writers, actors, and other characters who live on the cutting edge of society. The Chelsea has always been a center of artistic, cultural and bohemian activity. Built as one of the city's first cooperative apartment houses in 1884, the Chelsea became a hotel in 1905. The Chelsea's architect was Philip Hubert of Hubert and Pirsson. This was no ordinary architectural firm. Philip Gengembre Hubert, a French-American, used his mother's maiden name upon emigrating to the United States. He was a broad-based, cr...
U.S. and Caribbean Resorts Switch To B4Checkin For Superior PMS-Integrated Solutions
B4checkin | December 20, 2013
Luxury properties in Aruba, Arizona and New Mexico implement the premier fully customizable reservations system and guest satisfaction tool. Halifax, Canada - December 20, 2013 - B4Checkin, producer of the hotel industry's premier fully customizable reservations system and guest satisfaction feedback tool, announces that four luxury resorts located in the western United States and the Caribbean have signed with B4Checkin to implement its flagship booking engine, as well as its online check-in and guest satisfaction tools. BlueWater Resort & Casino in Arizona, Manchebo Resort and Spa in Aruba, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and ...
ZDirect Reporting Exponential Growth in 2013
ZDirect | December 20, 2013
With new offices in Singapore, new clients across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, and new functionality for its eCRM solutions, hospitality's pioneer of Hotel Marketing Automation is revving up for even more global growth in the new year [HALLANDALE BEACH, FL- DECEMBER 20, 2013] - ZDirect is reporting exponential growth in 2013, with demand for its electronic customer-relationship management (eCRM) solutions up 140 percent as of November, compared to the same time period last year. Growth projections for 2014 show no signs of slowing. As a result, ZDirect will continue to fortify its sales team worldwide in preparation for the new...
Pershing Hall (Paris) Selects FastBooking GDS Services
FastBooking | December 19, 2013
Paris—January, 2014—FastBooking, the world's leading provider of digital marketing and technology solutions to increase hotel direct online reservations, announces the signing of a long-term contract to provide Pershing Hall hotel with GDS services to optimize high-end corporate accounts and top-tier leisure business. Consortia and Corporate Care program accounts and top-notch GDS technology. Pershing Hall is looking to build its Pershing Hall is in the heart of the Golden Triangle in Paris, where luxury fashion brands and the most prestigious hotels are located, and is one of the city's trendiest night spots. It is an architectural...
Travel and Tourism Advisory Board Recruitment Extends Application Deadline to January 17, 2014
December 18, 2013
New Deadline: Friday, January 17, 2014 December 18, 2013 - On November 25, 2013, the Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration published a notice in the Federal Register (78 FR 70275) soliciting applications for membership on the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (Board). The November 25th notice provided that all applications must be received by the Office of Advisory Committees of the Department of Commerce by close of business on December 18, 2013. The Federal Register will publish an updated notice that extends the deadline for application for membership on the Board through close of business on Janua...
Westfields Marriott WA Dulles Names Exec. Chef Todd Schofield & Dir. of Catering Sales Sharon Meyers
the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles | December 18, 2013
CHANTILLY, Va., Dec. 18, 2013 -- Two food professionals with more than 40 years of combined experience have joined the team at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles. Executive Chef Todd Schofield and Director of Catering Sales Sharon Meyers arrive at an integral time at the hotel in Chantilly. Westfields Marriott has recently completed extensive renovations to Wellington's, its stylish and welcoming Chantilly restaurant, as well as redesigned its conference dining room. Twenty new guest rooms have been added, and the updated fitness center now boasts modern cardio equipment and free weights. The Chantilly hotel also has introduced m...
Commonwealth Hotels Names Randy Baron as GM for Hampton Inn and Suites Rohnert Park, Sonoma County
Commonwealth Hotels | December 18, 2013
COVINGTON, Ky., Dec. 18, 2013 -- Commonwealth Hotels, Inc. today announced that Randy Baron has been appointed General Manager for the Hampton Inn and Suites Rohnert Park, Sonoma County. The Hampton Inn is 102 rooms and suites. The hotel is operated by Commonwealth Hotels, LLC. As General Manager, Baron will direct all areas of the hotel's operational, sales and marketing efforts. "Based on his outstanding record in hotel performance, we are confident that Randy will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our Hampton Inn and Suites Rohnert Park, Sonoma County," said Gordy Snyder, Vice President. Prior to joining the Hampton Inn, Bar...
Commonwealth Names Kelly Sujka DOS for Hyatt Place & Hyatt House Chicago Naperville Warrenville
Commonwealth Hotels | December 18, 2013
COVINGTON, Ky., Dec. 18, 2013 -- Commonwealth Hotels, Inc. today announced that Kelly Sujka has been appointed Director of Sales for the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Chicago Naperville Warrenville. The Hyatt Place is 123 rooms and the Hyatt House has 123 suites and are operated by Commonwealth Hotels, LLC. As Director of Sales, Sujka will direct all areas of both the hotel's sales and marketing efforts. "Based on her outstanding record in hotel sales and marketing, we are confident that Kelly will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our multiple property complex," said Gordy Snyder, Vice President. Prior to joining the Hyatt House...
Chartwell Hotels Appoints New GMs for Three Southaven, Mississippi Marriott Hotels
the Courtyard Southaven Hotel | December 18, 2013
Naming Lawrence Solomon, Torrance Williams and Martin Reines SOUTHAVEN, Miss., Dec. 18, 2013 -- They say good things come in threes, and that couldn't be truer for three Southaven Marriott hotels. The Courtyard Memphis Southaven, Fairfield Inn & Suites Memphis Southaven and Residence Inn Memphis Southaven have announced the arrival of three new general managers to take the hotels near Memphis to new heights. The properties are owned and managed by Chartwell Hotels, a progressive ownership and management company that strives to produce a healthy and creative business environment that benefits owners, guests and team members. Joining ...
The 80-key Brooks at Williston Opens in North Dakota
December 18, 2013
WILLISTON, N.D. - December 18, 2013 - The Brooks at Williston, the first full-service hotel of its kind in the region, has officially opened its doors in the heart of the Bakken. The hotel comprises 80 spacious and smartly appointed rooms and suites, and offers a full range of world-class amenities, bringing an entirely new standard of comfort to North Dakota's dynamic and fast-changing economic and cultural landscape. The hotel, situated just two miles from Sloulin Field International Airport and minutes from downtown Williston, will offer unsurpassed service, including a fully staffed concierge desk, as well as state-of-the-art guest ...
Mary Hutchcraft Named Director of Sales & Marketing at 394-key B Resort in Disney World in Florida
December 18, 2013
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL (Dec. 18, 2013) - Mary Hutchcraft has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing at the B Resort, located in the Walt Disney World® Resort, scheduled to debut in early 2014. In her new role, Hutchcraft is responsible for driving sales and strategic partnerships for the new lifestyle hotel and latest addition to the growing B Hotels & Resorts® brand. Hutchcraft brings to the B Resort a depth of experience, having served 18 years in hospitality sales. Most recently, she was task force Director of Sales and Marketing for Hospitality Ventures Management Group at the International Palms Resort and Conference Ce...
U.S. Hotels Poised To Resume Strong Growth According to PKF Hospitality Research
PKF Consulting USA, LLC | December 18, 2013
December 18, 2013, Atlanta, Ga. - After a slight deceleration in growth during the last half of 2013, PKF Hospitality Research, LLC (PKF-HR) is forecasting very strong gains in revenues and profits for the U.S. lodging industry in 2014 and 2015. According to the recently released December 2013 edition of Hotel Horizons®, national revenue per available room (RevPAR) is projected to increase by 6.6 percent in 2014, followed by another 7.5 percent boost in 2015. Concurrently, hotel profits should enjoy growth of 12.8 percent and 14.5 percent respectively over the next two years. "As anticipated, RevPAR growth slowed down a bit in 2013 com...
Steven Kaiser Joins Newly Named 427-room Hilton Meadowlands in New Jersey as General Manager
PMHS | December 18, 2013
MEADOWLANDS, N.J./WASHINGTON, D.C., December 18, 2013 - Thirty-year hotel veteran Steven S. Kaiser has joined the 427-room Hilton Meadowlands as general manager. The hotel, which converted to the Hilton brand from the Sheraton Meadowlands on October 31, 2013, is located at Two Meadowlands Plaza in East Rutherford. "Steve has worked for top-rated hotels on both coasts, the last 20 years on the East Coast, including multiple properties in New Jersey," said Joseph Bojanowski, president of PM Hospitality Strategies (PMHS), operators of the property. "He most recently was general manager of our Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport property, which ha...
Competing For Deals – How to Get Your Offer Accepted
William G. Sipple | December 18, 2013
By William G Sipple While the transaction market is heating up, compared to other cycles, there still remains a shortage of hotel properties coming to market. One major factor driving this is that many owners are looking at their improving operating metrics and deciding to delay selling their assets in hopes of realizing greater gains in the future. A second factor is that low interest rates and aggressive competition among lenders has resulted in a market where owners can receive high loan proceeds should they choose to refinance rather than sell. When viewed on an after-tax basis, the refinancing scenario may very well yield higher pr...
Mark Lettenbichler Appointed CEO of Regent Hotels & Resorts
Regent Hotels & Resorts | December 18, 2013
December 18, 2013 - [Taipei, Taiwan] - International luxury hospitality brand Regent Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Lettenbichler as the new Chief Executive Officer of Regent Hotels & Resorts. Lettenbichler joins Regent with over 30 years of hotel management experience, 24 of which were with The Ritz-Carlton. He held tenures at numerous Ritz-Carlton Hotels globally, starting in California then onto Hawaii, Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing and Tokyo. Prior to joining Regent, Mr. Lettenbichler in his regional capacity as Vice President, was responsible for Ritz-Carlton Hotels throughout South East ...
Anhui Shou Cheng Investment Management Opens the 301-room DoubleTree by Hilton Anhui-Suzhou in China
DoubleTree By Hilton | December 18, 2013
December 18, 2013 - SUZHOU, China and MCLEAN, Va. - DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of the 23-story, 301-room DoubleTree by Hilton Anhui-Suzhou. The opening marks the first DoubleTree by Hilton property in Suzhou as well as in north Anhui Province. The hotel is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Anhui Shou Cheng Investment Management Co., Ltd. John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, "The opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Anhui-Suzhou underscores the continued growth and success of our brand in China. We look forward to delivering the unparalleled leisure options for which our b...
Amadeus Accelerates Move into Hotel IT Sector with USD 500m Acquisition of Newmarket International
Amadeus | December 18, 2013
Acquisition of leading IT provider to the hotel sector adds deep industry knowledge, key customer relationships and complementary product set Transaction is in line with Amadeus' strategy of diversification into new business areas. Deal significantly strengthens presence in the Hotel IT market, and emphasizes commitment to the sector. Adds strong management team with deep subject matter expertise and understanding of the hotel industry. Newmarket will bring a strategic customer base with top tier hotel chains and substantial hotel infrastructure and expertise. Newmarket is a growing, profitable and cash-generative business that wi...
Radisson® Debuts in Grenada, Opening the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, Grand Anse Beach, St. George
December 18, 2013
ST. GEORGE, GRENADA (December 18, 2013) - Radisson®, one of the world's best-recognized hotel brands, today announced the opening of the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, Grand Anse Beach, St. George. The premier four-star resort is set on 20 acres of lush, tropical grounds on the white sugar sand beachfront of Grand Anse Beach. "The opening of this fantastic beachfront resort reinforces our commitment to enhance the brand's portfolio and further expand our presence in resort destinations throughout the Americas," said Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Radisson. "Locations such as this play a key role as we continue to develop R...
Global Hotel Investment Sentiment Survey Shows Positive Trading Expectations for EMEA Hotels
Jones Lang LaSalle | December 18, 2013
Focused on Core German Cities, London & Paris December 18, 2013 - Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels & Hospitality Group (JLL H&H) has released the results of their Global Hotel Investment Sentiment Survey and its good news for hotels in the EMEA region with trading expectations remaining positive both for the short term (six months) and medium term (two years) with investors feeling more confident than they did earlier this year. Of the 31 cities tracked, 21 are expected to show growth in performance over the next six months, rising to 28 when looking to the medium term. Investor sentiment is highest for cities in Germany (Munich, F...
Hotel Social Media Strategies in 2014: Painfully Authentic, Help not Hype, and 24/7 Coverage
Daniel Edward Craig | December 18, 2013
By Daniel Edward Craig In our most recent ReviewPro webinar, Top Social Media Strategies for 2014, we asked our expert panelists to discuss the latest trends in social media and what hotels should do about them. Here's a recap of our discussion. Strategy #1: Identify and target social media personas Hotels often try to be all things to all people in social media, but you'll be more effective if you identify and focus on key target markets. "Traditionally, hotels have broken target markets into categories like corporate, group and FIT and by geography or demographics. But those segments often miss critical questions," said panelist Rober...
TMI Hospitality to Open 98-room Courtyard Stafford Quantico in Virginia
Courtyard by Marriott | December 18, 2013
Stafford, Virginia - December 18, 2013 - Courtyard by Marriott is rolling out its innovative lobby and room design in Stafford, Virginia. 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. The 98-room Courtyard Stafford Quantico also offers a refreshing and stylish room design that helps guests stay connected, productive and comfortable. Thoughtfully planned, each room features plush bedding, a func...
Mobile Photo Share by RoamingAround Making ‘Winter on the Wharf’ Event Engaging and Fun
RoamingAround | December 18, 2013
Digitally-branded photos showing visitors enjoying the city's newest ice-skating rink tucked in the Archway on the Boston waterfront provides a signature souvenir and also spread awareness of the hotel's event across the social media channels BOSTON, MASS. - DECEMBER 18, 2013 - When "Winter on the Wharf" debuted this week at the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf, RoamingAround was there. The first-time event is a seasonal compilation of food, drink and merriment, anchored by a new 2,500 square foot ice-skating Rotunda Rink, located under the hotel's iconic Archway. To make the event memorable and take it viral, the Boston Harbor Hotel ...
Oceanfront Lodging II Opens 72-key Four Points by Sheraton in Jacksonville, FL Through Conversion
Four Points | December 18, 2013
December 18, 2013 - STAMFORD, Conn. - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced its rapidly expanding Four Points brand has opened its second hotel in Jacksonville, Florida. Four Points by Sheraton Jacksonville Beachfront features 72 spacious oceanfront suites with the classic style and uncomplicated comfort that has made Four Points a hit with guests worldwide. Owned by Oceanfront Lodging II Inc., the hotel just completed a $2 million renovation prior to raising the Four Points flag. "Four Points by Sheraton Jacksonville Beachfront is a terrific new option for travelers to the vibrant city of Jacksonvill...
The 140-room Holiday Inn Express Chennai Mahindra World City Opens in India
Holiday Inn Express brand Hotels | December 18, 2013
New Delhi, India, 18 December 2013: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) today announced the opening of Holiday Inn Express Chennai Mahindra World City in the corporate hub of Mahindra World City near Chennai. The property was officially opened today by IHG's Pascal Gauvin, COO India, Middle East and Africa and Douglas Martell, Vice President Operations South West Asia alongside Saurabh Sonthalia, Country Head - Duet India Group, Naveen Jain, President, Duet India Hotels and Sangeeta Prasad, CEO - Integrated Cities & Industrial Clusters, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd. This is the second hotel to open under a joint venture partner...