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
Desert Diamond Casino West Valley Expansion Project Implements InvoTech Uniform System
InvoTech Systems | November 18, 2019
InvoTech RFID Uniform System is now used at Desert Diamond Casino West Valley to manage the Uniform Operations for Complete Control and Accountability LOS ANGELES, CA – November 18, 2019 -- InvoTech Systems is the leading provider of advanced Linen Management, Laundry and Uniform Systems that integrate the latest RFID technology to increase profitability for hotels, resorts, casino operators, sports arenas, convention centers and theme parks. The InvoTech System installed at Desert Diamond Casino West Valley manages the Uniform inventory for 1,500 employees. Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment joined MGM Entertainment, Caesars, an...
FAU Student, Kirby Lynn Gilmore, Awarded 7th Annual Dr. Peter Ricci Scholarship Through HSMAI South Florida
FAU Hospitality and Tourism Management Program | November 14, 2019
BOCA RATON, FL: HSMAI South Florida continued the awarding of its Dr. Peter Ricci Scholarship at the 2019 Annual GALA held at the Margaritaville Resort in Hollywood, Florida. Professor Greg Bohan, Instructor in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) presented a check to student Kirby Lynn Gilmore, an upper division student at Florida Atlantic University with an anticipated graduation date of December, 2020. Kirby received a $2000 contribution to her educational pursuits. This scholarship fund, created by HSMAI South Florida former president Carmen Ackerman, was designed to provide educational fu...
Don’t Skip Out on Skip-Gen Travel
Alan Young | November 14, 2019
By Alan E. Young There’s a popular saying that reads, “Identity influences behavior.” This proves to be an especially important understanding of hospitality. As industry leaders work to identify (and cater to) the entirety of the guest journey, from pre-stay to post-stay, we are constantly faced with the question like: What do guests want most, and why? What is their motivation for traveling? What makes an exceptional trip? Modern guest loyalty, after all, is earned, not given. Across each generational group and travel segment, hoteliers are implored to get closer with each guest to gain a deeper understanding of who they are, what t...
CRM: Fact vs. Fiction
NextGuest Digital | November 14, 2019
By Mikael Fries, Vice President Sales Excellence, NextGuest CRM Some hotels have it, others do not. There is a lot of talk about it, but, unfortunately, there are many variations and definitions of what Customer Relationship Management (CRM) really is. Because today’s customers are overwhelmed with options and information, it’s more important than ever to build strong customer relationships and nurture them before, during, and after those guests stay on your property. Many CRM systems can be used to solve operational issues, as well as gather data on customers and then use that data to bring those customers back time and time again. In...
Charleston SC Hotel Implements Clear Sky Software and Benefits From Better Control Over Beer, Liquor and Wine Inventory
Clear Sky Software | November 14, 2019
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – November 14, 2019 – Clear Sky Software, Inc. ® announced today that The Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina has implemented the company’s beverage inventory control system to help manage and control all beverage products. The Renaissance Charleston is taking advantage of the features of this industry-leading beverage inventory system. Called Clear Sky BEVERAGE, this is a comprehensive, perpetual inventory system that tracks and controls all beverage products. Functions include purchasing/ordering, receiving, electronic requisition, outlet transfers/issues/returns and...
The Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport Hotel Unveils Comprehensive Renovation
Westin Hotels & Resorts | November 13, 2019
IRVING, TX - November 13, 2019 - The Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport hotel recently completed interior renovations to its 506 rooms including 28 corner suites, 28 corporate executive suites, and two presidential suites, restaurant and bar, Westin Club, fitness center, and public spaces. C+TC Design Studio is the interior design firm for the renovation project. A new, spacious 2,955 square-foot Westin Club has taken flight and gives Marriott Bonvoy reward members a place to relax and enjoy an elevated experience. It is one of the largest Westin Club lounges in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. “The refreshed spaces in the hotel focuses on...
Hotel Branding: How to Take Your Hotel Brand to the Next Level
Jennifer Luo | November 13, 2019
By Jennifer Luo Seldom businesses can thrive nowadays without carefully-planned marketing strategies: not to say in the hospitality industry where there is at least one new property opening somewhere in the world almost every week. Moreover, the ubiquity of technology and the replicability of products means that branding has become one crucial differentiator for hospitality businesses. A hotel may be a superior service provider with its renowned facilities, but the customers need to seek a way to know about the hotel and its service quality out of all its competitors. As the market is saturated with countless hotels, brands and offerings...
Taking a Closer Look at a Panic Button Installation
Larry Mogelonsky | November 13, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Behind every new technology are a host of potential setup problems that can take hours or days to solve. For that matter, ESDs (emergency safety devices) are no different, for which I’ve had the pleasure of recently having to oversee a property installation and am now reporting on some of the specifics that you must also consider. As background on how these panic button solutions work, we’ve had RFID (radio frequency identification) for many decades and relatively affordable forms of WiFi or GPS for nearly 20 years, but these technologies could never really give us the response ...
InnSpire Maximizes Guest Engagement and Service at LUX* North Malé Atoll Resort & Villas, Maldives Super-Luxury Resort in the Maldives
InnSpire | November 13, 2019
Republic of Maldives – November 13, 2019 – InnSpire, the award-winning provider of guest engagement, digital entertainment and business intelligence solutions for the global hospitality industry, has successfully deployed its IPTV solution and guest engagement platform at the posh LUX* North Malé Atoll Resort & Villas in Maldives. The resort opened on February 1st of this year, featuring 67 unique, double-story luxury residences with private pools and individual “Sky Lounges,” blending super-yacht panache with a distinct South Beach vibe. Each stand-alone residence is situated either directly on the beach or over the water. Th...
IHG Partners With Ho Tram Project for Two Hotels on Vietnam’s Ho Tram Strip
IHG | November 12, 2019
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, signed agreements with Ho Tram Project Company Limited (HTP) to rebrand The Grand Ho Tram at the Ho Tram Strip integrated resort to InterContinental Grand Ho Tram within a year after refurbishments. A new build Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram Beach will also open in 2020. The signing reinforces IHG’s growth in resort locations in Vietnam, and strengthens its presence in the region. Serena Lim, Vice President, Development for IHG South East Asia & Korea, commented: “This signing marks a new milestone in our growth in Vietnam, as we welcome our first Holida...
Hyatt Launches Three Global Initiatives to Significantly Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | November 12, 2019
CHICAGO - November 12, 2019 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) is announcing a series of initiatives to reduce waste at Hyatt hotels globally, including introducing large-format bathroom amenities and reducing single-use water bottles by June 2021. The following initiatives will be introduced as soon as possible in properties around the world, and no later than June 2021: Transitioning to large-format bathroom amenities to replace traditional small bottles of shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and lotion. Increasing the number of water stations in key public spaces at hotels for guests who wish to refill reusable water bottles. S...
Value-Add Quality Inn & Suites in Tennessee Will Be Available in Online Auction Via RealINSIGHT Marketplace This December
RealINSIGHT Marketplace | November 12, 2019
This December, Quality Inn & Suites, a full-service hotel located in Centerville, Tennessee, will be auctioned through the online commercial real estate platform, RealINSIGHT Marketplace. The Quality Inn & Suites is a fee-simple interest opportunity offered unencumbered by management and holds a prime location in the County Seat of Hickman County, the Western Gateway to Metro Nashville. About the Property: 39 Rooms Full Service Two Floors Built in 1977 Unencumbered of Management The Quality Inn & Suites also offers a restaurant with complimentary breakfast, a business center, seasonal outdoor ...
Phoenix Development Partners Acquires Historic Chicago Office Building to Redevelop as 350-Key Dual-Branded Hilton Property
Phoenix Development Partners | November 11, 2019
CHICAGO – November 5, 2019 – Phoenix Development Partners (“Phoenix”), as the lead sponsor, in partnership with Green Door Capital, Crowdstreet, Polaris, among other minority investors, announced the acquisition of 226 West Jackson (Chicago), a 238,000sf historic office building. This property will be restored and transformed to become a 350-room dual flag Hilton property (a Canopy by Hilton – 215 rooms - on the upper floors and a Hilton Garden Inn – 135 rooms - on the lower floors). John Mangel, Founder and CEO of Phoenix Development Partners commented that “the restored property will include a new 4,800sf rooftop restaurant...
Tapestry Collection by Hilton Hotel on the Way for Pappas Properties’ Midtown Charlotte Development
Pappas Properties | November 7, 2019
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 7, 2019 -- Pappas Properties today unveiled details for the next phase of development at its 7-acre property in Midtown Charlotte, including a Tapestry Collection by Hilton Hotel and new office and retail space that will complement the two state-of-the-art medical office buildings already being built for Atrium Health. The 150-room hotel will be the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton location in the Charlotte area. Launched in 2017, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a collection of hotels that embraces the distinctive, local culture of each hotel's environment, ensuring that each property in the collection offers a un...
Why Hotels Need Modern Optimization and Management Platforms
Karen O'Neill | November 7, 2019
By Karen O'Neill, President-Americas at Knowcross The writing is on the wall: across industries today, it simply does not pay to be resistant to change. Not only do customers, or in the case of hospitality, guests, expect more from the brands they give their business to, staff expect more as well. For hotel staff, their job is entirely ruled by the delivery of service; their role exists to assist the property in running smoother, all the while ensuring each guest enjoys their stay. In many cases, this can be a complex job. Guests are increasingly particular, expectations for requests are hasty, and pivotal touch-points are often exacerbate...
70-Room, Limited-Service Hotel in New Mexico to Hit Online Auction Block via RealINSIGHT Marketplace, This December
RealINSIGHT Marketplace | November 7, 2019
Aztec, NM Presidential Inn is being offered significantly below replacement cost with 1.72 Acres included in the sale. This December, Presidential Inn, a 70-room, limited-service hotel located in Aztec, New Mexico, will be auctioned through the online commercial real estate auction platform, RealINSIGHT Marketplace. The offering, presented by Berkadia and RealINSIGHT Marketplace, is unencumbered of management and the current lender will consider financing a new buyer. The new buyer will also have the opportunity to affiliate the Hotel with a new major brand, including Microtel, Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, Red Lion, Red Roof Inn, o...
CoralTree Hospitality and Travel Outlook Join Forces in Exciting New Partnership
Travel Outlook | November 7, 2019
CoralTree Hospitality and Travel Outlook Premium Voice Reservations join forces in an exciting partnership to deliver a new level of personalized service to both independent properties and chain hotels. The combination of CoralTree Hospitality and Travel Outlook is a natural fit. Both companies empower hotels to deliver meaningful guest experiences, while taking a results-orientated approach to driving direct business. Commenting on the collaboration, John Smallwood, CEO of Travel Outlook said, “The CoralTree Hospitality team is comprised of some of the more experienced and well-respected hotel professionals in hospitality, and we are h...
Hawkins Way Capital Acquires Copley Square Hotel in Boston’s Back Bay Neighborhood
Hawkins Way Capital | November 6, 2019
Beverly Hills, CA - November 6, 2019 – Real estate investment firm Hawkins Way Capital today announced the acquisition of Copley Square Hotel, a historic 143-room property that has the distinction of being the first hotel to open in Boston’s Back Bay area in 1891. “The prime Boston real estate market is difficult to break into competitively, so we are very pleased to be able to complete our third property acquisition in another coveted location with substantial value-added opportunity,” said Ross Walker, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Hawkins Way Capital. Hawkins Way Capital plans to update and reconfigure the guest rooms and ...
Giving Your Gym a Social Upgrade
Larry Mogelonsky | November 6, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) With the hospitality industry continuing to explore ways to capitalize on the wellness trend, most are looking in the spa and healthy dining directions, but there’s a third pillar that many haven’t properly investigated. To this end, and with the younger generations increasing wanting to exercise while traveling, the fitness center is primed to become a major selling feature for hotels. There is one central aspect of the gym to keep in mind for any new build or future renovation, and please excuse the history lesson! The gymnasium has its origins all the way back to Ancient G...
dormakaba Comes to HX in NYC With Its New RT Plus Electronic Door Lock and A Suite of Total Hospitality Access Solutions That Transform the Guest Expe
dormakaba | October 31, 2019
HX 2019: Visit dormakaba in Booth #1409 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center NYC, November 10-11, 2019 dormakaba Offers HX Attendees a Full Line of Access Systems from Electronic Door Locks to Property Entrance Door Systems and Hardware to Satisfy Any Building Code or Design Requirement MONTREAL, QC, CANADA – October 31, 2019 – dormakaba, the provider of secure Saflok™ and Ilco™ electronic door locks, will be at NYC’s HX Hotel Experience show to demonstrate its new RT Plus and Saffire LX mobile access capable electronic locks. dormakaba will also present its complete line of automatic door systems that include automatic swingi...
Hoteliers: An API-First PMS Is Integral to Your Property’s Success – Here’s Why
Nicole Dehler, Vice President of Product Management StayNTouch, A Shiji Group Brand | October 31, 2019
By Nicki Dehler, VP of Product Management, StayNTouch, A Shiji Group Brand Choosing the right integrations for your property is not a black-or-white proposition. After all, different hotels have different business goals, markets and guest profiles. But choosing a deeper integration over a shallow one can make the difference between night and day for your property. An open, cloud-based infrastructure is quickly becoming an integral standard for businesses across industries, especially in the case of hospitality. Although hotels may have been historically slow to adopt new technology, forward-thinking brands are leveraging cutting-edge so...
Riegel Linen Restructures to Drive Growth
Lion Equity Partners | October 31, 2019
[DENVER AND AIKEN, S.C.— OCTOBER 31, 2019] — The management team of the Riegel Consumer Products Division of Mount Vernon Mills Inc. (“MVM”) has partnered with Lion Equity Partners to carve out the business from MVM and stand alone as a new entity, Riegel Linen LLC (“Riegel”). Riegel Linen is a leading importer, manufacturer, and supplier of tablecloths, napkins, sheets, towels, bedding and other linens for hotels, restaurants, linen suppliers, retailers, and healthcare customers. Riegel is headquartered in Aiken, SC, and operates a manufacturing facility in McCormick, SC and a network of salespeople and warehouses strategicall...
Hotel Distil Opens on Louisville’s Historic Whiskey Row Marking Kentucky’s First Autograph Collection Hotel
Hotel Distil | October 30, 2019
Louisville, KY (October 30, 2019) – Located on the historic Whiskey Row, Hotel Distil has officially opened its doors today, setting a new standard for Louisville hospitality. Part of Autograph Collection Hotels, a diverse and dynamic portfolio of more than 180 hotels around the world that are independent, one-of-a-kind and champion values of vision, design and craft, Hotel Distil is the brand’s first property in Kentucky. The 205-room boutique hotel celebrates the past, present and future of Louisville's bourbon heritage. Hotel Distil incorporates an original 1860s era façade, which was saved following a fire in 2015, and was the o...
The Top 5 Things You Need to Know Now in Hotel Digital Marketing: October Edition
NextGuest Digital | October 29, 2019
By Margaret Mastrogiacomo, EVP Strategy The world of hospitality digital marketing is always changing, and the key to success is staying ahead of the curve. This month, the latest digital innovations include Google testing search results without URLs, the benefits of being GDPR-compliant, and the colors that will be making a splash in 2020 design. From SEO to design, find out the top five things you need to know now in hotel digital marketing to make sure your hotel is ready to reach your next guest. 1. SEO: Google is testing search results without URLs. Recently, Google has been testing completely removing URLs from search results i...
