Meyer Jabara Hotels’ Journey Culture Reaping a 75% Employee Retention Rate
Meyer Jabara Hotels | August 8th, 2023
The Drayton Hotel Savannah Joining Curio Collection by Hilton
Curio Collection by Hilton | July 31st, 2023
Charlestowne Hotels Inks Deal With The Thrash Group to Manage Ten Hotels
Charlestowne Hotels | June 1, 2020
Charleston, SC – June 1, 2020 – Charlestowne Hotels, providing full-service hospitality management, today announces a formal agreement with The Thrash Group, a national hospitality development company, to oversee their entire portfolio of hotels. Under this new agreement, Charlestowne will add ten properties to its portfolio – the management company’s largest single deal in its 40-year history. Five of the newly added properties are part of Origin Hotel, an independent brand of lifestyle hotels. “To say this has been a tumultuous year for hospitality would be an understatement. As we approach Charlestowne’s 40thanniversary, we...
How COVID-19 Can Stimulate Healthier Hospitality Leadership
Petra Deuter | May 28, 2020
By Petra Deuter Much has already been written about how travel and tourism will be irrevocably changed by the coronavirus pandemic. Optimists and realists alike are focusing on more environmentally friendly ways of reaching our chosen destinations, more sensitive ways of considering local culture and more sustainable, ethical methods of sharing and distributing the financial benefits of tourism. But what about the hospitality and in particular the hotel industry itself? If there was ever a time for us to engage in honest, unflinching self-reflection, this is it. As travelers and vacationers are ready and willing to change their habits, ...
Paramount Hotel Group Adds Hampton Inn in Kennebunk, Maine to Management Portfolio
Paramount Hotel Group | May 28, 2020
Kennebunk, Maine – May 27, 2020 – Paramount Hotel Group, a full-service third party hotel management company, announced today that it has added the Hampton Inn in Kennebunk, Maine to its portfolio of properties managed. This hotel represents the seventh hotel added to the Paramount portfolio within the last 12 months. Paramount Hotel Group President Ethan Kramer made the announcement. The Hampton Inn Kennebunk is only three years old, having opened mid-2017. Each of the hotel’s stylish guestrooms feature vintage seacoast style and decor, a work desk, free WiFi and a clean and fresh Hampton bed®. You’ll find a refrigerator and a mi...
Managing Capacity Constraints in a COVID-19 World
Dan Skodol | May 20, 2020
By Dan Skodol As hotels around the world gradually reopen following closures brought about by the COVID-19 crisis, they face the daunting challenge of balancing the need to bring guests back with the importance of keeping them safe and healthy. Hotels that reopen typically must adhere to strict guidelines around social distancing, cleanliness and sanitation, and reduced capacity across rooms and outlets. At the same time, competition among hotels for the returning business threatens to put downward pressure on rates. All of this translates into increased costs, thinner margins, and a slew of other financial and operational risks. ...
Benchmark®, A Global Hospitality Company, Acquires Arizona-Based Hotel Management Company, Westroc Hotels & Resorts
Hotel Valley Ho | May 19, 2020
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 19, 2020 - Two legendary hotels and resorts previously managed under the Arizona-based Westroc Hotels & Resorts, the iconic Hotel Valley Ho in Old Town Scottsdale and the newest luxury golf resort in Paradise Valley, Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, have transitioned to a larger management company, BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company. BENCHMARK® operates 80 independent hotels, luxury resorts and conference centers throughout North America, the Caribbean and Japan, with landmark properties including Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s storied North Shore; Tivoli Lodge in Vail, Colorado; Willows...
Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) to Manage 506-Suite Embassy Suites Nashville Downtown Convention Center
Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) | May 19, 2020
NASHVILLE, (May 19, 2020)—Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based, private hotel investment, ownership and management company, today announced it has been selected to manage the 506-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown Convention Center. Scheduled to open during the fourth quarter of 2021, the Embassy Suites is part of a two-tower development project on 1.3 acres of land owned by Crescent Real Estate LLC, a high-end real estate acquisition, development and management company; Starwood Capital Group, a private global investment firm focused on real estate; and High Street Real Estate Partners, a privatel...
Hotel Equities to Manage New SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Topeka, Kansas
Hotel Equities | May 13, 2020
TOPEKA, KS -- (May 13, 2020) -- Today, Atlanta-based hotel owner and operator Hotel Equities (HE) announced its selection as the management firm for the new-build Springhill Suites by Marriott hotel in Topeka, Kansas. The hotel is located at 29th & Fairlawn, with plans to open in October 2020. Klaton Hotels Topeka, LLC owns the hotel development and HE will operate the hotel upon opening. “We are proud to partner with the ownership group to bring this new Marriott property to the Topeka community,” said Joe Reardon, chief development officer for HE. “Our proven track record of providing quick ramp in market and superior returns ...
Hilton Expands Presence in Central America With Signing of Hilton Hotels & Resorts Property in El Salvador
Hilton | March 11, 2020
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador and MCLEAN, Va. – March 11, 2020 - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the signing of an agreement to debut a Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotel in El Salvador. The 198-room Hilton San Salvador is scheduled to open in July 2020, representing a new country for Hilton’s growing portfolio of 160 hotels and resorts welcoming guests across the Caribbean and Latin America. Officially forming part of the World Trade Center Complex, Hilton San Salvador is owned and developed by Grupo Agrisal, and will welcome guests to the country’s capital, known for its black-sand beaches, surfing and vibrant nightlife. “Welcomin...
IHG Signs With WIKA Realty to Develop Holiday Inn Balikpapan on Borneo Island
IHG | March 5, 2020
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) today announces the signing of a management agreement with PT Wijaya Karya Realty (WIKA Realty) to open the new build Holiday Inn Balikpapan slated to open in 2021. The 300-room hotel will form part of a mixed-use development called Tamansari Skylounge Balikpapan which comprises of a residential tower and the hotel. The hotel will feature two food and beverage outlets; an all-day dining restaurant and lobby lounge, which aims to create an experience that’s similar to their favourite restaurant at home, combined with the warm, genuine hospitality the brand has long been known for. With 610 square m...
The Impact of Shift Length on the Productivity of Hotel Employees
John Kearney | January 17, 2020
By John Kearney Productive employees are essential for the success of any hotel - a fast-paced environment attending to demanding customers, sometimes 24 hours per day. It requires outstanding customer service, which can only be provided by a dynamic staff. To keep productivity at its best standard, you will have to consider several factors. And one with the highest impact is shift length. How it affects your staff’s performance, and what you can do to prevent it from having a negative influence, is what we will discuss in this article. How productivity is measured in hospitality The hospitality industry is diverse. Your hotel...
Pechanga Resort Casino Drives Automation and Visibility with Infor CloudSuite
Infor | January 16, 2020
Infor Cloud Solutions to Connect Siloed Applications and Reduce Manual Processes NEW YORK– Jan. 13, 2020– Infor, a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry, today announced that Pechanga Resort Casino entered into an agreement with Infinium Software, Inc., an Infor company, expanding their long-term technology partnership. Pechanga, the largest resort/casino on the West Coast, chose Infor CloudSuiteTM solutions to further integrate core business processes into a centralized location connected to the reservation department. The new, integrated system will allow the resort/casino to make more informed business dec...
Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) to Manage Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District
Hospitality Ventures Management Group | January 16, 2020
Owned by Key International, the hotel offers 127 guestrooms close to River Street and City Market SAVANNAH, Ga., January 16, 2020 —Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based, private hotel investment, ownership and management company, today announced it has been awarded the management contract for the 127-room Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District on behalf of ownership, Key International, a Miami-based real estate investment and development company. “With us being based in Atlanta and having twelve additional hotels throughout Georgia and North Florida, we are familiar with the marketplace and the proper positi...
Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group Adds The StateView Hotel in Raleigh, NC to Management Portfolio
Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group, LLC | January 16, 2020
Cincinnati, OH — January 16, 2020 — Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group, LLC, brought in the new year with the addition of the StateView Hotel, Autograph Collection to its management portfolio. Owned by Eagle Realty Group a division of the Western & Southern Financial Group, the 164-room hotel is located on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University “We are very pleased to add the StateView Hotel and North Carolina to the southern presence of our hotel portfolio,” said Mike Conway, Chairman and Chief Portfolio Officer for Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group. “We look forward to working with the hotel team in...
Remington Hotels to Manage Residence Inn Steamboat Springs and Sheraton Tarrytown Hotel
Remington Hotels | January 15, 2020
DALLAS (January 15, 2020) – Remington Hotels, a leading third-party management company, announced today that it has signed agreements to manage the Residence Inn Steamboat Springs in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and the Sheraton Tarrytown Hotel in Tarrytown, New York. McClurg Century Investments and Cypress 16 selected Remington Hotels to open and manage the Residence Inn Steamboat Springs, Remington’s first property in Colorado. The 110-room, new build hotel in Colorado’s preeminent ski town is anticipated to open in July 2020. Designed with sloped roofs to keep with the vernacular architecture theme of the town, the new property wil...
Is Benchmarking Really the Holy Grail of Quality Assurance in Hospitality?
Jochen Ehrhardt | December 18, 2019
By Jochen Ehrhardt Benchmarking, according to Wikipedia, “Is the practice of comparing business processes and performance metrics to industry bests and best practices from other companies. Dimensions typically measured are quality, time, and cost.” This begs the question, "What are companies using benchmarking for?" According to Bain & Company, benchmarking is used to: “Improve performance.Benchmarking identifies methods of improving operational efficiency and product design; Understand relative cost position.Benchmarking reveals a company’s relative cost position and identifies opportunities for improvement; Gai...
Blue Sky Hospitality Solutions Adds Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton and Hampton Inn & Suites Mahwah to Management Portfolio
Blue Sky Hospitality Solutions | December 13, 2019
David Fincannon, chief operating officer, Blue Sky Hospitality (BSHS), one of the leading and fastest growing hotel owner/operators in the United States, today announced the completion of two separate hotel transactions: the 236-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton in Fla., and the 111-room Hampton Inn & Suites Mahwah in N.J. The company plans to invest $10 million to upgrade both hotels. “While both hotels enjoy enviable locations in markets with numerous demand generators, we believe the properties will experience a noticeable improvement to both guest scores and overall revenues following the multi-million dollar renovation pla...
Ecosystems Strategy in the Age of Digitization
Dr Nicole Rosenkranz | December 10, 2019
How hospitality players are aligning their business models to a changed play field. By Dr. Nicole Rosenkranz The transformation of the hospitality industry is relentlessly progressing. In the past 20 years the hospitality landscape has seen the inception of service providers like OTAs, the creation of new market segments, like online private rental platforms, and more recently a proliferation of digital services ranging from revenue management to advanced customer interfaces. The effects of an increased proliferation of digital solutions have challenged many traditional hotels in the industry, driving a new momentum where classic busi...
Paramount Hotel Group Adds Towneplace Suites by Marriott in Clinton, New Jersey to Management Portfolio
Paramount Hotel Group | December 5, 2019
Clinton, NJ – December 5, 2019 – Paramount Hotel Group, a full-service third party hotel management company, announced today that it has been awarded the management contract for the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Clinton, New Jersey. David Hale, Vice President of Business Development at Paramount Hotel Group, made the announcement. The new 100-suite hotel offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, as well as separate living/working and sleeping areas. Guests can work and relax on their own terms in modern suites that feature full kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, ad...
Greenwood Hospitality Inks Management Deal with Inns of Monterey for Five Boutique Hotels in Coastal Monterey, California
Greenwood Hospitality | December 4, 2019
Monterey, CA, December 3, 2019 – Greenwood Hospitality Group, a full-service third party hotel management company, has assumed management of five hotels in Monterey, California: the Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa, the Spindrift Inn, the Wave Street Inn, the Victorian Inn, and the Monterey Bay Inn. All five properties are owned by boutique hotel collection Inns of Monterey. “These five properties represent some of the most vibrant and expressive hotels in the Monterey hotel market, and we are honored to add them to our portfolio,” said Bill Kohl, Principal at Greenwood Hospitality Group. “We are excited for the future of this fa...
30th Year of the Host Users Group Conference
Springer-Miller Systems | December 3, 2019
A Unique Conference Run by The Users, for The Users Stowe, Vermont – December 3rd, 2019 – This year, Springer-Miller Systems celebrated their 30th year anniversary of the Host Users Group Conference in Kohler, Wisconsin at The American Club, a five-star, five diamond hotel that has been part of the hospitality industry for over 50 years. The Host Users Group Conference (HUG) is a unique conference in the sense that it is run by the users, for the users. Each year, a different SMS|Host property hosts the conference, and the planning and execution is led by a group of voluntary board members, all users of Springer-Miller solutions. ...
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, to Operate First Margaritaville Resort in Texas
Songy Highroads, LLC | December 2, 2019
Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe-Houston, Will Open in 2020 The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, December 2, 2019 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, will operate a major new resort property in the Houston area, which will be the first Margaritaville Resort in Texas. Scheduled to open the summer of 2020, the Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe-Houston, an all-suite resort, will feature 335 guest suites. Bars and restaurants will feature signature Margaritaville dining concepts – the LandShark Bar & Grill with boat slips on Lake Conroe, the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Swim Up Pool Bar, the Lone Palm Pool Bar & Restaur...
Cimarron Hospitality Partners With Genuine Hospitality to Operate New Hilton Garden Inn – Boulder / Longmont, CO
Genuine Hospitality, LLC | November 27, 2019
SAINT LOUIS, IL, November 27, 2019 – Arlington, TX based hotel developer and operator, Cimarron Hospitality announces the appointment of St. Louis-based hotel operator, Genuine Hospitality to operate the new 105-room Hilton Garden Inn – Boulder / Longmont, CO. Located at 470 South Martin Street Longmont, CO, the hotel is ideally located at the Northeast corner of Ken Pratt Blvd & South Martin Street, 1.3-miles southeast of downtown Longmont, CO. The location is enhanced by the bordering St. Vrain River, known for its great whitewater Kayaking with spectacular views of the Colorado Rockies. The Hilton Garden Inn – Boulder / Longmo...
When Things Aren’t Going Well, Will You Accept Blame?
Shep Hyken | November 27, 2019
By Shep Hyken In a recent Shepard Letter, I wrote about the concept of giving recognition to the people who deserve it. Someone being recognized for what they bring to the organization is often overlooked. That’s a shame. People need to be recognized for their contribution to the team’s success. One of our faithful readers, Drew Smith, responded to the article and shared that he was reading a biography about the 34th President of the United States, Dwight Eisenhower, who was known for “pushing praise down and blame up—to himself.” This is an interesting concept. The idea of praising people for the good job they do is powerful....
Separating Good From Great GMs in Two Questions
Larry Mogelonsky | November 20, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Working as an asset manager, one of my key responsibilities over the years has been to collaborate with the general manager to secure the underlying asset’s value as well as develop programs that will grow rate, occupancy and the hotel’s status within the community. Obvious enough, but just like something straight out of an old Soviet playbook, another primary duty is to assess the GM’s performance, offering guidance and mentorship where needed as well as giving the thumbs up or thumbs down on their employment contract renewal. While others will utilize a lengthy and formal...
