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
IHG Hotels & Resorts Debuts Staybridge Suites in France With the Opening of Staybridge Suites Cannes Centre
IHG | December 21, 2023
PARIS, FRANCE – December 21, 2023: The picturesque city of Cannes is now home to the very first Staybridge Suites property in France. Staybridge Suites Cannes Centre, represents the introduction of the all-suites hotel to the growing IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio in France, welcoming guests looking for a more spacious or extended stay experience. It brings a touch of modernity and contemporary style to one of the Riviera's most dynamic cities. Staybridge Suites Cannes Centre brings a new offering to the city with its elevated residential style accommodation. Located close to the famous Croisette, in a quiet street, Staybridge Suit...
Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit Opens in South Africa
Radisson Hotel Group | December 21, 2023
HOEDSPRUIT, South Africa, December 21, 2023 -- Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, its first Safari hotel in Africa and 11th hotel in South Africa. Tucked between two renowned nature reserves, Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon, the hotel is located 2km outside of Hoedspruit in the heart of the grasslands in the Limpopo province and just 20 minutes from Eastgate Airport. Boasting majestic views of the Drakensberg mountains, the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit is surrounded by endless destination-immersing activities. Guests can ta...
Accor and Mardi Holding Launch Development for a New Mercure in Batumi, Georgia
ACCOR | December 21, 2023
Accor, a world leading hospitality group, announces the signing of a cooperation agreement with the Georgian development company Mardi Holding to open a new Mercure on the Black Sea coast in Batumi, Georgia. The hotel will deliver the ultimate in customer service, wellness, gastronomy and leisure, as well as additional benefits thanks to the global loyalty program ALL - Accor Live Limitless. “We are delighted to announce our new signing in Georgia and the future premiere of Mercure brand in Batumi recognized as Europe's leading all-season destination 2023 at the tourism “Oscar”, World Travel Awards, for the third time. We are confide...
ONYX Hospitality Group Unveils Expansion for ‘Shama’ Brand Across Thailand, Malaysia, China, and Hong Kong
ONYX Hospitality Group | December 21, 2023
London, December 2023 – ONYX Hospitality Group, the prominent management company in Southeast Asia, is expanding its renowned serviced apartment brand, Shama, with five new properties across Asia. The company recognises the increasing demand for serviced apartments, particularly in the post-pandemic era, and is confident that these new additions will meet the needs of business, leisure, and the growing segment of ‘Bleisure’ travellers. The Shama brand is renowned for its commitment to providing contemporary, stylish, and spacious serviced apartments. Acknowledging and responding to the popularity of serviced apartments for both long ...
Oetker Collection Launches Restoration with Plans to Open The Vineta Hotel, Palm Beach in Autumn 2024
Oetker Collection | December 21, 2023
Palm Beach, California - December 21, 2023 -Uniting once again with owner-partners, Reuben Brothers – following the success of the opening of Hotel La Palma in Capri this summer – Oetker Collection is taking its famed European hospitality to the U.S. for the first time, to open The Vineta Hotel in Palm Beach next autumn. Steeped in the elegance of bygone times, The Vineta Hotel stands as testament to history and opulence, where the walls whisper of glamorous tête-à-têtes past. This glittering new hotel takes root in the heart of Palm Beach just two blocks off Worth Avenue – a landmark destination renowned for its designer bouti...
Travel Industry Applauds Biden Admin Action To Protect, Grow International Travel to U.S.
U.S. Travel Association | December 21, 2023
Visa waiver authority extension to save 2.2 million visitors, $5.9 billion in 2024 WASHINGTON (December 21, 2023)—U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security extending the visa interview waiver authority for low-risk applicants, which was set to expire on December 31. The visa interview waiver authority gives consular officers the discretion to waive in-person interviews for certain low-risk nonimmigrant visa applications. Eligible applicants have previously visited the U.S. and are still subject to the same strenuous background checks and ...
Canada Hotel Performance Followed Seasonal Trends in November
CoStar Group | December 21, 2023
WASHINGTON – 21 December 2023 – As expected, Canada’s hotel performance fell month over month, but continued a stretch of year-over-year growth, according to CoStar’s November 2023 data. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. November 2023 (percentage change from November 2022): Occupancy: 62.1% (+0.5%) Average daily rate (ADR): CAD179.18 (+5.8%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD111.19 (+6.4%) “Canada hotel performance returned to single-digit growth in November,” said Laura Baxter, CoStar Group’s director of hospitality ana...
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort Selects Agilysys Hospitality Technology To Expertly Deliver Luxury Experiences, Elevate Guest Returns and Manage Residenc
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort | December 21, 2023
State-of-the-art software solutions cater to guests craving tranquil getaways in a setting committed to sustainability ALPHARETTA, GA. — DEC. 21, 2023 — The ocean is a remedy for many travelers to relieve tension, stress and anxiety. The tranquility of the Pacific Ocean and its idyllic setting is one of the main reasons thousands of people stay at and return to British Columbia’s Black Rock Oceanfront Resort each year. In a world where the term “luxury” is overused, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort sought to elevate its brand by providing staff with the information and freedom to identify hospitality moments and act on them using ad...
Technostress and the Guest Experience, Part 2
Fran Worrall | December 21, 2023
By Fran Worrall Last week, in part 1 of this two-part series, Hotel Online talked with Samuel Lee, Ph.D., professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), about technostress and the guest experience. Lee, a faculty member at UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, led a research team that co-authored a groundbreaking study entitled Technostress and Hotel Guests: A Mere Hurdle or a Major Friction Point?, which examines the anxiety hospitality consumers experience as a consequence of technology use. The study is among the first to explore the concept of technostress in consumer behavior, namely hotel guests, as opposed to ...
Leading Hospitality and Travel Technology Innovator APS® Celebrates Record Year of Growth in 2023
Above Property Services | December 21, 2023
APS doubles client base as demand continues to grow for its transformative future-ready solutions that drive efficiency, productivity, revenue, and cost savings NAPLES, FL – 2023 marked a record-setting year for Above Property Services (APS®), and predicts 2024 will be a game changer for the company and its customers. APS has experienced unprecedented success, solidifying its position as a dominant hotel and travel technology solutions provider. The company has experienced a landmark year of milestones, including new clients, technology integrations, increased transaction volumes, product enhancements, and expanded partnerships. With a...
Modus by PM Hotel Group to Manage Waymore’s Guest House & Casual Club in East Nashville
PM Hotel Group | December 20, 2023
Chevy Chase, Maryland (December 20, 2023) — Leading hotel management company PM Hotel Group has been selected to assume management of Waymore’s Guest House & Casual Club in Nashville, a 93-room neighborhood-centric lifestyle hotel with flexible room offerings, generous community spaces and a creative spirit inspired by the outlaw movement in country music. Nestled in the heart of vibrant East Nashville near some of the city’s best entertainment, dining and retail, Waymore’s Guest House is an exciting new addition to PM Hotel Group’s luxury and lifestyle division, Modus Hotels by PM Hotel Group. "We are thrilled to manage Waym...
The Final Check-Out: Bidding Farewell to Undisclosed Mandatory Resort Fees
Mark Adams | December 20, 2023
By Mark Adams, Experienced trial lawyer and a member of JMBM’s Global Hospitality Group® and Chinese Investment Group™ Presently pending in the U.S. Senate is a bipartisan-supported bill that would do the same. These bills join state governments, federal authorities, state attorneys general, and consumer advocacy groups in intensified scrutiny of undisclosed mandatory resort fees included in hotel rates. Additionally, several state attorney generals and consumer groups are targeting hotels that charge undisclosed resort fees. In response to this developing trend, it is imperative for hotel owners to quickly implement full transp...
U.S. Hotel Performance for November 2023
CoStar Group | December 20, 2023
WASHINGTON – 20 December 2023 – As expected, the U.S. hotel industry reported lower performance results from the previous month but improved year-over-year comparisons, according to November 2023 from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. November 2023 (percentage change from November 2022): Occupancy: 58.4% (-1.2%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$151.23 (+3.6%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$88.36 (+2.4%) Among the Top 25 Markets, New York City experienced the highest occupancy level (84.0%), which was up 6.3% year over year...
HSMAI Americas Announces Upcoming Calendar of Events for 2024
HSMAI | December 20, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (December 20, 2023) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas has announced today the 2024 Calendar of Events, including the Adrian Awards, Foundation Intercollegiate Global Conference, Commercial Strategy Conference, Curate, and Sales Leader Forum. HSMAI looks forward to another year of offering invaluable professional tools, networking opportunities and the platforms to share ideas and information at local market events, national conferences, roundtables, and awards programs. Peer-to-peer events are the core of HSMAI, bringing industry professionals together in sal...
Africa On The Rise
Hala Matar Choufany | December 20, 2023
By Hala Matar Choufany This year revealed diverse hotel performance trends across Africa’s 54 countries, reflecting the vast expanse and distinctiveness of the continent and emphasizing the regional disparities. Indeed, certain areas saw substantial growth and an uptick in international arrivals, while others grappled with persistent challenges. Hospitality sector performance Northern and southern Africa, home to well-established hospitality markets like Egypt and South Africa, reported slower economic growth rates. In contrast, most countries spanning the Eastern and Western regions experienced accelerated economic growth due to inc...
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ Latest Release Shows How Divergent Their Board’s Interests Are From Their Shareholders’; Their Argume
Choice Hotels | December 20, 2023
Wyndham Shareholders Should Tender Their Shares in Choice's Exchange Offer to Send Clear Message to Wyndham's Board Choice Has Recently Engaged with Wyndham Shareholders Representing over 40% of Shares Outstanding; Many Shareholders Are Eager for Both Parties to Work Together to Reach an Expedient Resolution NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 20, 2023 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) (the "Company" or "Choice"), today issued the following statement in response to the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: WH) ("Wyndham") Board of Directors' recommendation that its shareholders reject Choice's exchange offer. Wyndham Has Sought t...
JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an Southwest Opens Its Doors in China’s Hub of Culture and History
JW Marriott | December 20, 2023
Newest hotel offers a warm and enriching luxury experience with stunning design, thoughtful service and a holistic approach to well-being JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an Southwest. Located near a host of UNESCO World Heritage sites, historical attractions and iconic landmarks, the hotel seamlessly blends the charm of Xi'an's ancient city with its modern elegance, providing an immersive experience which aligns with the luxury hotel brand’s signature style of mindful luxury and hospitality. “We are thrilled to announce the...
Bradford Allen Hospitality Acquires Two Hotel Properties on Long Island
Bradford Allen | December 20, 2023
NEW YORK (Dec. 20, 2023) — Bradford Allen Hospitality today announced it has acquired two adjacent hotel properties in Riverhead, N.Y., on Long Island — a 131-suite Residence Inn by Marriott located at 2012 Old Country Road and a 114-key Hilton Garden Inn at 2038 Old Country Road. The hotels are the closest eastbound Hilton- and Marriott-branded properties to the Hamptons, located approximately 20 miles away. Built in 2017, Residence Inn Long Island East End is highly amenitized with a 24-hour fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, and expansive wedding and banquet facilities, far exceeding typical Residence Inn brand s...
Adnan Malik Appointed as CEO of Magnuson Hotels
Magnuson Hotels | December 20, 2023
20 December 2023 – Magnuson Hotels announces the immediate appointment of Adnan Malik as its new Chief Executive Officer. Malik, previously serving as Chief Revenue Officer, brings a wealth of experience and innovative vision to lead the renowned hotel brand into its next phase of growth. Adnan Malik’s extensive background positions him as a dynamic leader ready to build upon Magnuson Hotels’ established legacy. His strategic prowess and commitment to excellence align seamlessly with the brand’s core values, ensuring a continued trajectory of success. Thomas Magnuson, after dedicating 21 years to steering Magnuson Hotels as CEO...
Grand Hyatt Seattle Appoints New Leadership Team
Grand Hyatt Seattle | December 20, 2023
SEATTLE. (December 20, 2023) – Grand Hyatt Seattle announced today a new leadership team taking the helm of the luxury downtown property. With the addition of Chris Jacoby as the director of sales, Manfred Steuerwald as general manager and Mohammed Khan as director of operations, the hotel enters a new era of elevated offerings and attention to detail. These executives collectively bring decades of experience leading high-end properties across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Grand Hyatt Seattle,” said Steuerwald. “Together, we are heading into an exciting ...
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Announces the Kimpton Claret Hotel in Denver’s Belleview Station
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants | December 20, 2023
DENVER, CO (December 20, 2023) – Today, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio, announced the name of its newest Denver hotel, Kimpton Claret Hotel, and the appointment of its leader, General Manager Keith Siebenaler. Set to open in spring 2024, Kimpton Claret will be the brand’s second property in Denver, creating a convergence for visitors and locals alike in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Belleview Station. The highly anticipated Kimpton Claret Hotel gets its name from the vibrant shade of red found throughout the state, from the velvety springtime blossoms to the alpen...
Cardo Roma to Open Early 2024 as Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection in Rome’s Esposizione Universale Roma District
Cardo Hotels | December 20, 2023
The Italian capital welcomes Cardo Roma, Autograph Collection: the inaugural property from a new lifestyle brand that merges business with pleasure. Elevated design, vibrant dining venues and innovative meeting and wellness spaces pay homage to Rome’s rich culture and the hotel’s motto, "A symbol of future nostalgia". Set to open in early 2024, Cardo Roma, Autograph Collection is the debut property from Cardo Hotels. Joining Autograph Collection Hotels – the diverse and dynamic portfolio of distinctive hotels from Marriott Bonvoy – the resort is situated in Rome's bustling Esposizione Universale Roma (EUR) district. Originally d...
Toronto Case Study Showing Why In-Room Tablets Are Integral to Modern Luxury
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | December 20, 2023
By Adam Mogelonsky, Larry Mogelonsky Hotel luxury is a moving target. Of course, the visibility of design trends makes decade-over-decade changes in décor and furnishing relatively easy to call attention to as the engine of this continuous evolution. But let us not forget the underlying ‘invisibility’ that powerful technologies play in reinforcing the five-star hotel experience. Frictionless, properly integrated, highly personalized and fully supportive of the well-oiled on-site teams, there’s now a complex web of hardware and software that’s integral to 21st century luxury, all in order to meet guests’ diverse needs via whic...
2023: A Year of New Challenges and Opportunities for Hoteliers
Joseph Pierce | December 20, 2023
By Joseph Pierce, MAI The hotel industry has moved on from many challenges that have plagued it since the COVID-19 pandemic, but new challenges and opportunities have presented themselves in 2023. Carrying on from 2022, markets continue to deal with the highest cost of debt in decades, but the fear of a recession has receded, and the possibility of a “soft landing” from 40-year high inflation growth may be a reality. The industry remains flexible to the needs and desires of guests and continues to pivot to meet the challenges of the future. H&LA’s consultants have worked on many assignments in 2023, bringing with them the oppo...
