The Tricycle of Guest Service Excellence: A Perfect Model For Remarkable Experiences
Doug Kennedy | October 4th, 2024
Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
Travel Outlook, The Premier Hotel Call Center™ | October 2nd, 2024
Bartech’s Customized Line of In-Room POS Solutions Help Hoteliers Maximize Revenue
Bartech | February 24, 2021
Extensive lineup of guestroom point-of-sale solutions enhance in-room revenues while meeting specific operational challenges for any property need Las Vegas — February 24, 2021 — Bartech, the leader in automatic minibar solutions for the global hospitality industry, has refined its extensive line of minibar and in-room point-of-sale (POS) solutions to meet the unique operational challenges and technology needs of a variety of property types and room configurations. With today’s travelers seeking to minimize contact with hotel staff and other guests by avoiding public hotel areas such as on-site F&B venues and retail shops, Bartech ...
IDeaS Introduces Optix for G3 RMS, Providing Big-Picture Revenue Intelligence for Hotel Groups
IDeaS | February 24, 2021
IDeaS Optix delivers high-level understanding and deep analysis into revenue performance across estates, clusters or single properties MINNEAPOLIS—Feb. 24, 2021—IDeaS, a SAS company, the world’s leading provider of revenue management software and services, announced today IDeaS Optix, a cloud-based advanced reporting and analysis module for IDeaS G3 Revenue Management System (RMS). Optix is designed to empower hotel leaders and revenue managers to quickly understand their revenue performance and where they can improve across an entire estate, cluster or within a single property. In today’s dynamic environment it is a daily strug...
Cloud5 and SABA Hospitality Bring Humanized Virtual Guest Service to the Americas
Cloud5 | February 18, 2021
Chicago, IL. — February 18, 2021, Cloud5 Communications and SABA Hospitality today announced that they are bringing personalized guest services to hospitality operations in the Americas. The solution combines completely digitized compendium, self-service food and beverage ordering, and A.I. driven chatbot functionality, with the option of click-to-chat/click-to-call service featuring Cloud5's world-class contact center services. “We’re excited to partner with SABA to bring hoteliers a solution that helps them personally engage their guests while improving their bottom line, particularly critical during this challenging time,” said ...
A Consultant’s Perspective on the Pandemic in 2021
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | February 17, 2021
By Larry and Adam Mogelonsky The pandemic continues to plague our operations and practically all aspects of our daily lives. In 2020, we may have found ourselves feeling disconnected from the world around us and losing touch with old friends as we all shuffled about to adapt to the new normal. That’s why it was great to reconnect early in January with Cornelia Kausch, a veteran hotelier who hails from Germany and who I worked with in what seems like several lifetimes ago. Currently living in Berlin, Cornelia is the founder of CK Hospitality Advisors, and she can offer a unique perspective on where hospitality is headed as we anxiously...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 244: Hotel History: Wormley Hotel
Stanley Turkel | February 16, 2021
by Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Wormley Hotel (150 rooms) James Wormley, a pioneering Black nineteenth-century businessman opened the first integrated hotel in Washington, D.C.. He was also known for his business acumen and lobbying efforts to secure adequate funding for the first Washington, D.C. public schools for black Americans. Wormley was born to Pere Leigh and Mary Wormley. Both parents had lived as free people and servants with a wealthy Virginia family prior to moving to Washington, D.C. in 1814. On January 16, 1819, while living in a small, two-room, brick building located on E Street, near Fourteenth Street, nort...
NewcrestImage Sells Hyatt House in Frisco, Texas
February 16, 2021
NewcrestImage has sold its 132-suite, six-floor Hyatt House in the Dallas suburb of Frisco, Texas to a hotel group based in the northeastern United States. The hotel, built by NewcrestImage, opened in March of 2016. “This sale demonstrates that despite the upheavals of COVID, a well-positioned asset in a strongly-performing market has attractive investment appeal,” said Mehul Patel, Chairman and CEO of NewcrestImage. Added Patel, “Our company constantly evaluates how we can best add value and boost profitably for our investors. Proceeds of the Frisco transaction enable us to move ahead promptly and efficiently with additions t...
Charlestowne Hotels Implements ProfitSword and Event Temple Integration to Gain Real-Time Insight Into Business and Group Sales Performance
ProfitSword, LLC | February 16, 2021
Hospitality management company able to access in-depth analytics on organizational performance across the portfolio for enhanced decision-making and revenue-earning potential. CHARLESTON, S.C. – February 16, 2021 – ProfitSword, a premier developer of hospitality-related business intelligence and data integration software, has announced the implementation of its performance forecasting technology alongside Event Temple’s advanced group and event sales management software at Charlestowne Hotels. A leading hospitality management company offering expertise in hotel operations and revenue optimization, Charlestowne Hotels can now provi...
Maestro Asks: Is Your Current PMS Helping or Hindering Your Reopening Plans?
Maestro PMS | February 16, 2021
Leading property-management system provider is offering a PMS Evaluation Checklist to independent hoteliers needing a system makeover; Technology experts say today’s PMSs must support a comprehensive property experience including the contactless demands of tomorrow’s returning travelers Markham, Ontario, February 16, 2021 — 2021 is a year of disruption. Not only has the hotel business come to a screeching halt in many markets, but travelers are modifying their list of must-haves if operators want them to return, and touchless experiences — such as contactless payments, mobile check-in/out, mobile reservations, mobile keys,...
HEADTRASH: The Leading Killer of Human Potential
Renie | February 15, 2021
February 15, 2021 - Aspire & RCI Institute Founder Renie Cavallari is releasing her new book HEADTRASH: The Leading Killer of Human Potential on February 25th. This personal development book aimed at business leaders is a guide to dump your HeadTrash for less anxiety, bigger potential, and a better quality of life. Currently available for preorders, HEADTRASH is filled with practical strategies and heartwarming true stories that provide an inspirational self-improvement guide to master the taunting negative voices in your mind that turn up your fears, undermine your leadership effectiveness, and weaken your personal power. “A master ...
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Debuts Transformation
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island | February 11, 2021
AMELIA ISLAND, FLA. (February 2021) – Since opening in 1991, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has remained at the forefront of Northeast Florida luxury with warm hospitality, nature-driven experiences and award-winning amenities. In honor of its 30th anniversary this year, the iconic barrier island resort will debut transformation that reflects the destination of unspoiled coastal beauty and Southern charm, an epitome of the classic beach vacation. The renovation includes upgraded rooms and suites, refreshed meeting and event spaces, three new restaurants, and renewed resort experiences. The resort is also celebrating its 30th anniversary...
Luxury’s Next Competitor Is Not a Hotel
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | February 10, 2021
By Larry and Adam Mogelonsky Every hotel property aspires to be luxury in one way or another, even as the word ‘luxury’ has become a bit overused in the past decade. As such, there are always new entrants testing out concepts and evolving various features, amenities or service offerings, all in an attempt to get one step ahead of the curve. The pandemic has, of course, shifted priorities but the pursuit of luxury still remains as a means of capturing guests’ hearts. Concurrent to this arms race amongst traditional hotels – and now also alternative accommodations – it is important that hospitality brands consider those accommod...
Virdee Partners With Shift4 Payments to Facilitate Contactless Transactions
Virdee | February 10, 2021
Technical integration provides customers with industry-first virtual guest engagement and enables adoption of contactless, customer-centric interactions AUSTIN, Texas – Feb. 10, 2021 – Virdee, a SaaS company serving the lodging, multifamily and commercial real estate industries, announced today a partnership with Shift4 Payments (NYSE: FOUR), a leading provider of integrated payments and eCommerce solutions. Using an API-first approach and key partner integrations, Virdee’s virtual reception technology provides contactless check-in and additional customer engagement such as the ability to purchase upgrades and order room service. T...
Katara Hospitality Partners With Accor to Launch Maison Delano Brand
Katara Hospitality | February 9, 2021
NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2021 -- Katara Hospitality, a leading global hotel owner, developer and operator based in Qatar, today announced a new partnership with Accor, a world-leading hospitality group for an exciting new evolution of the iconic Delano brand, Maison Delano planned to open in 2022. Andrew Humphries, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality said: "We are delighted to have come to this strategic partnership with Accor by adding Maison Delano to our collection of hotels. We believe this collaboration will add operational strength and build on the foundations of our successful portfolio; Katara Hospitality's vision...
Bacau Bay Resort Coron Teams Up With INTELITY to Deliver a Mobile-First Guest Experience
INTELITY | February 9, 2021
Los Angeles, CA - February 9, 2021 - INTELITY®, the provider of hospitality’s most comprehensive guest experience platform, announced today it has signed a deal with Bacau Bay Resort Coron in the stunning Philippine island region of Palawan to provide contactless service and seamless hotel experience to guests through the INTELITY platform, which includes a branded mobile app, mobile check-in, mobile key, and GEMS®. This marks the first deal for INTELITY in the Philippines, and reflects the company’s growing footprint in the Asia Pacific region. With the implementation of the INTELITY platform, Bacau Bay Resort Coron will allow gues...
Zoox Smart Data Continues Global Market Expansion With New Strategic Partnerships in Europe and Asia
Zoox Smart Data | February 9, 2021
Big data innovator adds KloudWiFi and KelTech IoT to list of third-party compatible network and smart solution providers to increase customer access to hyper-targeted advertising technology. Alpharetta, GA — February 9, 2021 — Zoox Smart Data (“Zoox”), an international provider of technological solutions that harnesses big data to build customer profiles from existing Wi-Fi networks, has announced a series of strategic partnerships that will provide more seamless access to its targeted advertising capabilities in Europe and Asia. Within the European hospitality and travel markets, this includes signing an agreement with KelTec...
5 Steps to Prepare Your Hotel Housekeeping Team for 2021 and Beyond
Amadeus | February 8, 2021
The challenges the hospitality industry has faced in the wake of COVID-19 reminds us how critical the housekeeping department’s role is to a hotel’s overall success. The urgency to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has accelerated change in our industry, including the need for new hygiene and cleaning processes. Even before the virus, 78% of hotel guests believed cleanliness to be the most crucial factor affecting their choice of where to stay, with hotel cleaning protocols moving up to the #1 top-ranked category for travel with COVID-19. As guests expect the highest standards of sanitation to feel at ease in a hotel and once again re...
Enchantment Group Selects GCommerce as New Digital Media Partner
GCommerce | February 4, 2021
Park City, Utah – February 4, 2021 – Enchantment Resort, The Tides Inn and Mii amo have partnered with GCommerce for digital marketing services. The three properties add to the growing list of luxury resorts with which GCommerce has been engaged to enhance digital marketing strategies and generate direct bookings. “We believe GCommerce will be a valuable partner in helping us to achieve our communications goals, stated Danielle Granillo, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications Enchantment Group. We look forward to working with them to convey to a broader audience the stories, experiences and special qualities that make...
Iconic St. James Hotel Reopens in Selma, Alabama Following Renovation and Expansion
Woodforest CEI-Boulos Opportunity Fund | January 26, 2021
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Jan. 26, 2021 -- The Woodforest CEI-Boulos Opportunity Fund, a high-impact commercial real estate Opportunity Zone fund established by Woodforest National Bank® and CEI-Boulos Capital Management, announced its $2 million equity investment in the redevelopment of the historic, long-shuttered St. James Hotel in Selma, Alabama. The St. James Hotel, the only hotel in downtown Selma, will support the city's growing civil rights tourism industry and help revitalize the local economy, creating 45 permanent jobs with training, health insurance and other benefits (42 of these jobs will be accessible to people with low incom...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 243: Hotel History: Hotel Roanoke, Virginia
Stanley Turkel | January 26, 2021
by Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke, Va (332 rooms) Roanoke was a little town named Big Lick when enterprising railroad magnate Frederick J. Kimball chose it as the site of a major railroad juncture. After Kimball combined two of his railroads into the Norfolk and Western Railroad, he built a comprehensive community with the Hotel Roanoke as its grand centerpiece. Built in a wheat field on a little hill, the Hotel Roanoke began as a rambling wooden structure of less than three dozen rooms. As the city grew, the railroad consistently provided resources for hotel additions, remodeling and furnishings to maint...
Marriott International Signs Agreement With Mario Julen to Bring The Ritz-Carlton Brand to the Swiss Alps
Marriott International, Inc. | January 21, 2021
ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND - January 21, 2021 — Marriott International today announced it has signed an agreement with Mario Julen to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Zermatt, debuting the first Ritz-Carlton ski resort in Europe. Expected to open in 2026, the 69-guest room property will bring the brand’s legendary service and elegant design to the world-famous Swiss resort destination. Once open, the property will serve as the second Ritz-Carlton hotel in Switzerland, joining The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva. “We are thrilled to announce this milestone signing with Mario Julen who has a fantastic vision for the project,” said Sat...
Repositioning the Hotel Spa in 2021 via the PMS
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | January 20, 2021
By Larry and Adam Mogelonsky The night is darkest just before the dawn. Winter lockdowns are in effect around the world and new variants of COVID-19 are driving us all further away from the much-vaunted recovery in the travel sector. But once these third or fourth waves have passed and the vaccine is widely disseminated, hotel guests will come roaring out of the gates. Still, there’s no going back to the way things were. Hoteliers cannot take a siloed approach to managing their properties; instead, they must think beyond ‘heads in beds’ and evaluate each guest holistically about how to maximize revenues on a per-guest (and not a p...
Dart Interests Redeveloping and Rebranding Villas at Grand Cypress to Evermore Orlando Resort
Dart Interests | January 20, 2021
ORLANDO, Fla. - Dart Interests, a leading developer and owner of groundbreaking, large-scale real estate projects, today announced the launch of their latest project, Evermore Orlando Resort, a comprehensive redevelopment of the former #1 Tripadvisor rated Villas at Grand Cypress. The 1,100-acre resort complex bordering Walt Disney World® brings a new approach to the traditional vacation home rental experience and debuts the latest addition to the Conrad Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) contemporary luxury hotel brand. “With the launch of the Evermore project, Dart is introducing an entirely new hospitality cat...
Lessons Learned in 2020 Spark New Digitalization Trends for Frontline Workers in 2021
Andrada Paraschiv | January 20, 2021
By Andrada Paraschiv It may be a new year, but it is far from business as usual for those working in the hospitality industry. According to new data released from the U.S. Department of labor, “498,000 employees were laid off from their jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector in December 2020.” The Washington Post reports that “of those, about 75% were employees at restaurants and bars,” and “nearly 4 million leisure and hospitality jobs have been lost since February 2020, according to economists.” One of the biggest lessons learned last year was that communicating with hotel housekeepers, laundry workers, roomservice a...
Maestro PMS Kicking Off New Year With ‘Training Promo Packages’ and Free Contactless Tools and Services
Maestro PMS | January 20, 2021
Markham, Ontario, January 20, 2021 — To help its clients better navigate the new normal, Maestro has embarked on a training initiative that is helping hoteliers adapt to change and meet the demands of today’s vigilant travelers. The provider of cloud and on premises property-management systems to independent and luxury resorts, conference centers, vacation rentals, and multi-property groups is offering a Training Services Package that gives Maestro users the opportunity to experience the full power of its Browser and Windows Version 5.5 PMS that rolled out across its portfolio in 2020. Maestro Version 5.5 features the latest mobile a...
