HFTP® Acquires Leading Hospitality Industry Brands: Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, The CIO Summit and The Executive Vendor Summit
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25th, 2024
G6 Hospitality Opens Two Newly-Built Dual Branded Hotels in Texas
G6 Hospitality LLC | May 6, 2019
DALLAS, May 6, 2019 -- G6 Hospitality LLC today announced the opening of two new-construction, dual-branded hotels, Motel 6/Studio 6 Austin, TX-Airport and Motel 6/Studio 6 Corpus Christi S. Padre Island Drive. The openings, both in Texas, signify a growing interest for owners to provide multiple lodging experiences for guests. G6 Hospitality expects to open nearly 30 of these dual-branded properties in key markets across the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2019. "The launch of these purpose-built, dual-brand locations underscores our commitment to providing travelers with trusted, affordable lodging in sought-after destinations like...
Why Lifestyle Hotels Are Not Just for Millennials
JLL Real Views | May 6, 2019
Lifestyle hotels may tick all the boxes for millennial travellers but they're not the only generation drawn to their mix of contemporary design, nods to local culture and good wifi connections. In recent years, they've become an increasingly popular choice among travellers across all age groups – by combining the personalised touches and high-quality service of a boutique hotel with the convenience and reliability of big hotel chains – while operating at a premium price point. As lifestyle brands such as Indigo by the InterContinental Hotels Group, Aloft, Moxy and W under Marriott, as well as Andaz by Hyatt pop up across the...
JA Resorts & Hotels to Expand in China Through Partnership With Novel International Group to Form JA Novel Hospitality China
May 6, 2019
DUBAI, UAE, May 6, 2019 -- JA Resorts & Hotels, one of Dubai's longest-serving homegrown hospitality brands, has recently announced huge growth and expansion plans; from a growth trajectory to Tanzania and beyond, a 30+ hotel expansion into China aimed at Millennials, and 10 new Food & Beverage concepts set to open in 2019 - alongside 3 collaborations with international chefs of Michelin star acclaim! JA Resorts & Hotels announced it is expanding into China this year, in a joint venture. In partnership with Novel International Group, a Shanghai investment fund, JA Resorts & Hotels are forming JA Novel Hospitality China, and...
Park Hotels & Resorts to Acquire Chesapeake Lodging Trust for $2.7 Billion
Park Hotels & Resorts | May 6, 2019
TYSONS, Va.-- May 6 2019 --Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. ("Park", the "Company") (NYSE:PK) and Chesapeake Lodging Trust ("Chesapeake") (NYSE:CHSP) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Park will acquire all the outstanding shares of Chesapeake in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $2.7 billion (inclusive of transaction costs). Upon completion of the merger, the combined company will have an estimated enterprise value of $12 billion, firmly solidifying Park's position as the second largest lodging REIT while also advancing the Company's strategic goals of portfolio enhancement ...
From the Experts: Digging for Data and Kicking out Competition
Holden Madison | May 6, 2019
By Holden Madison What does it take to efficiently work with data in hospitality? Four data experts weigh in. EHL recently welcomed three hospitality companies actively engaging in data science during a panel discussion hosted by Associate Professor Alessandro Inversini. Participants shared their experience working with data, its opportunity and its pitfalls. Checking in With Data Suzanne Ward, Director Enterprise Solutions Integration MEA - AccorHotels For a hospitality giant like Paris-based AccorHotels - which has 4,200 hotels, operating in 100 countries and a total room-capacity of 570,000 hotel rooms - data has been tapped into ins...
Andaz Brand Debuts in Austria With the Opening of Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere
Andaz | May 6, 2019
CHICAGO-- May 6 2019 --Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today that Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere opened on 30 April 2019, marking the Andaz brand's entry into Austria. Located in the new Quartier Belvedere, the property is the fourth Andaz branded hotel in Europe, joining Andaz London Liverpool Street, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht and the recently opened Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor. Launched in 2007 and designed to stimulate the senses through distinctively local experiences, the Andaz brand continues to grow with intent across the world. Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere is inspired by Austria's grand historic personality and the man ...
Hyatt Partners With Hap Seng to Develop Hyatt Centric Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Hyatt Centric | May 6, 2019
CHICAGO-- 6 May 2019 --Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad group ("Hap Seng") to develop a Hyatt Centric hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Expected to open in 2021, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu will be the first Hyatt Centric hotel in Malaysia and will connect savvy, in-the-now guests with shareworthy experiences at and around the property. Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel will offer convenient access to the commercial district, shopping malls, restaurants and other local attractions. The J...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: The Financial Forecast Disconnect and How to Correct It
David Lund | May 6, 2019
By David Lund When I work with hotel clients around their financial leadership it's often centered on getting the team to do their monthly financial forecast. A greater interest in doing it produces better and more consistent results. When doing financial leadership workshops and individual coaching, I inevitably discover the same thing time and time again. It's the disconnect between the executive team/director of finance part of the operation and the department line managers. In this piece I am going to explain why this disconnect exists, how to detect it and what you can do to fix it. First, why the disconnect exists. It exists becau...
Braemar Group Selects Hotel Equities to Operate Six Hotels Located in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Alberta
Hotel Equities | May 6, 2019
Atlanta, GA – (May 6, 2019) – Today, Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE), announced they have been selected as the strategic partner for Kelowna BC-based Braemar Group, to operate six hotels located in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The hotel portfolio consists of four premier Choice branded hotels and one Best Western Plus currently open and operating, as well as a TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotel expected to open in Q3 2019. The hotel portfolio has a combined total guestroom count of 596 and growing, with future development projects in the pipeline. To accommodate Braemar Group's plans for further portfolio e...
Instagram Strategy for Hotels: How to Maximize Your Social Media Marketing
Patrick Landman | May 6, 2019
By Patrick Landman Customers now take photos of everything at any moment of the day. This new trend is influencing how restaurants and hotels design their spaces. So, if you want to make your hotel more 'instagrammable,' as is the prevalent buzzword, and integrate a proven Instagram strategy for hotels, read on and follow our handy tips. For more than half of millennials, the most important current demographic group, Instagram is their first point-of-reference when picking holiday destinations. With this in mind, it is clear that having beautiful pictures of your hotel online will help ensure that the number of customers coming through ...
Why You Should Make Video Advertising a Priority in 2019
GCommerce | May 6, 2019
Erin Jelmini | GCommerce Solutions | Marketing Strategist Video advertising is no longer an up and coming trend in the marketing world: it's here and it's already making a massive impact on consumer behavior. What is video advertising? Video advertising at a basic level is comprised of online display ads that use video instead of or alongside static images. However, in recent time video advertising has become more synonymous with video ads that play before, during, or after a video stream, such as on YouTube or Facebook. Why is this important? Video advertising has become the digital marketing trend in recent years, and it's only expec...
Hotel Marketing Tips From Pipeline LIVE: Social Media Spring Cleaning
Pipeline Social Media | May 6, 2019
By: Maiya Wall Pipeline LIVE is a Facebook live series covering topics such as social media trends, digital marketing best practices, content creation & planning, social media advertising, blogging, and SEO. These 15-minute videos are full of resources that will help your hotel learn the ropes of digital marketing. In the latest episode of Pipeline LIVE, Senior Community Manager Maiya Wall discusses how businesses can spring clean their social media channels. She also covers the importance of evaluating marketing strategy and how businesses can easily find content inspiration weekly. Watch the episode and continue reading to learn h...
Aimbridge Hospitality Opens SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | May 6, 2019
Wauwatosa, WI – May 9, 2019 – Marriott International announced that the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin is now open. The 119-suite hotel, located at 10411 West Watertown Plank Road, will operate as a Marriott franchise, managed by Aimbridge Hospitality of Plano, Texas. General Manager Adam DeLude and Director of Sales Sarah Colon-Rivera lead the management team at the property for Aimbridge Hospitality. The SpringHill Suites Milwaukee West/Wauwatosa is located 15 miles from General Mitchell International Airport, and 15 minutes from downtown Milwaukee. The all-suite hotel offers guests convenient access...
Hotel Management Contracts in India: The Game is Changing
May 6, 2019
Change is inevitable, and more so in an industry as dynamic as hospitality. Market performance, lending environment, number of players, owner and operator objectives, costs and margins, and customer profile are all changing almost constantly, and so are hotel management contracts that have evolved remarkably in India in the past decade. Once an operator stronghold, hotel management agreements had little to no room for negotiations, leaving an inexperienced owner (with no expert advice) with a sub optimal contract. However, the game is now changing! Today's more experienced and perceptive owner is demanding higher returns for lower fees ...
Owned and Managed by Prime Hospitality Services, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Opens in Bakersfield, California
Fairfield Inn & Suites | May 3, 2019
Bakersfield, CA– May 3, 2019 – The 122-room Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites in Bakersfield, California is now open with a new décor that provides guests with a feeling of warmth and calm while traveling. Located at 3540 Rosedale Highway, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Bakersfield Central will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Prime Hospitality Services. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Bakersfield Central offers guests convenient access to Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, the Kern County Museum and the Rabobank Arena Theater & Convention Center. "Delivering both function and comfort, our new design and déco...
Choice Hotels Unveils Refreshed Look of Its Four Popular Midscale Brand Logos
Choice Hotels | May 3, 2019
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 3, 2019 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) celebrated its 80th anniversary this year and continued midscale leadership by unveiling refreshed logos for Quality Inn, Clarion, Sleep Inn, and MainStay Suites at its 65th annual convention. Amidst the successful transformation of Choice's flagship Comfort brand and following the recent launch of the Clarion Pointe brand extension, the updated logos exemplify Choice's leadership across all their midscale hotel brands with a fresh and modern look. The new logos were designed to reflect both the brands' tradition and potential. All will include a &q...
Ascend Hotel Collection Comes to Monterey Bay Area With Addition of Hacienda de Léal
Ascend Hotel Collection | May 3, 2019
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 3, 2019 -- The Hacienda de Léal adds a splash of Spanish culture to the Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), a portfolio of unique, boutique, and historic hotels and resorts that reflect their surrounding community. Located in the quaint mission town of San Juan Bautista at 410 The Alameda, the 42-room Hacienda de Léal captures the spirit of the Spanish Hacienda with its rustic, red and beige hues, picturesque patio, and 20,000-square-foot courtyard. The property was purchased by Léal Vineyards in 2014 and completely renovated to channel the opulence of the be...
Marriott International Statement on Health of President and CEO Arne Sorenson
Marriott International | May 3, 2019
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced that President and CEO Arne Sorenson was diagnosed on Wednesday with stage 2 pancreatic cancer. Sorenson, 60, received the diagnosis from a medical team at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore after a series of tests. Sorenson will remain in his role while undergoing treatment. In a message to Marriott International associates, Sorenson noted: "The cancer was discovered early. It does not appear to have spread and the medical team – and I – are confident that we can realistically aim for a complete cure. In the meantime, I intend to continue working at the company I l...
Memories Group Takes Stake in Strand Hotel
Memories Group | May 3, 2019
Three iconic Yangon hotels and cruise ship join an expanding portfolio in Myanmar. YANGON, Myanmar (May 3, 2019) — Myanmar tourism trailblazers Memories Group announced this week that it had bought a minority share in Strand Hotel International Ltd. The US$3.19 million investment gives the Group stakes in a cruise ship and three hotels, most notably the world-famous Strand Hotel, an iconic landmark on the Yangon waterfront, which was built during the British colonial era in 1901. Strand Hotel International Ltd also includes: the 4-star Inya Lake Hotel, which was built in 1958-62 on a 27-acre lakeside property in northern Yangon; t...
UK’s Provincial Hotels See First RevPAR Decline in Seven Years, Reveals Hotel Market Tracker
HVS | May 3, 2019
03 May 2019, London: RevPAR in the UK's regional hotels dropped 2.8% in Q1 2019, according to the latest UK Hotel Market Tracker: Q1 2019, produced by HVS London, AlixPartners and STR. This was in marked contrast to the fortunes of London's hotels, which saw like-for-like RevPAR up 3.6% against the previous year while occupancy reached 77%, up 1.7%, and average room rates rose 1.9% to £134.05. Strong performance in the last two quarters lifted the last 12 months' RevPAR 4.1%, despite a relatively subdued six months trading. In the regions hotel occupancy dropped 0.7% to 68% in Q1, with average room rate down 2.1% to £64.95 a...
What Hotels Can Learn From Delta Airlines About Personalized Guest Engagement
Doug Kennedy | May 3, 2019
By Doug Kennedy My career as a hotel industry trainer and conference speaker keeps me on the road nearly every week, so I try to take advantage of every available travel perk. Living in the Ft. Lauderdale / Miami area, I am fortunate to have two major airports within 35 minutes, and with this being a popular tourism destination there is a wide selection of non-stop flights. Therefore, I cannot always remain loyal to just one airline because it's hard to justify wasting time taking a connecting flight, or perhaps spending an extra night on the road, just to earn miles. As a result, I have premium status with several airlines each year. I...
Hotel Retlaw Launches New Website for Its Elite Property in Fond du Lac
HEBS Digital | May 3, 2019
Opening this year, Hotel Retlaw transports guests to the Roaring Twenties with its sophisticated and luxurious property. Located in Fond du Lac, the hotel has recently been restored to its former historical splendor. With an ideal location, luxury amenities, and unparalleled services, the property invites guests to experience a visit like no other. The company worked with HEBS Digital to redesign its website in order to highlight the brand-new experiences at Hotel Retlaw. Built on HEBS Digital's award-winning smartCMS® platform, the responsive website incorporates four different page layouts to best display the property, amenities, ...
Hyatt Centric Brand Expands Into Italy With Opening of Two New Hotels in Venice and Milan
Hyatt Centric | May 2, 2019
CHICAGO (May 2, 2019) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today the opening of Italy's first two Hyatt Centric branded hotels – Hyatt Centric Murano Venice and Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale. The hotels offer 119 and 141 guestrooms, respectively, and mark a significant milestone for Hyatt's growth in Europe, targeting adventure-seeking travelers. Hyatt Centric Murano Venice Hyatt Centric Murano Venice, Hyatt's first hotel in Venice, is located in the popular tourist destination of Murano, world famous for its handmade glass. The modern hotel is located steps from the renowned Murano Glass Museum and is close to Bas&...
Greater Miami and Beaches Welcomes a Record-Breaking 16.5 Million Overnight Visitors and Reported 6.8 Million “Day Trippers” in 2018
the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau | May 2, 2019
MIAMI, May 2, 2019 -- The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) announced today a record-breaking 16.5 million overnight visitors in 2018, up +3.5% compared to 2017, along with 6.8 million Day Trippers for a total visitor number of 23.3 million. The record-breaking visitor volume led to an economic impact of nearly $18 billion, fueled mostly by international visitors who contributed an estimated +54% of the total economic impact. In 2018, the travel and hospitality sector employed a record 142,100 people while Greater Miami's hotel market ranked in the top 10 among the top 25 hotel markets in the U.S. according to S...
