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
Radical Innovation Competition, Produced by The Hardy Group Announces the 2023 Finalists – Vote Now
Radical Innovation | October 6, 2023
ATLANTA, GA, October 6, 2023 – Radical Innovation, conceptualized in 2006 by The Hardy Group, is an annual award competition that has been shifting the norm in the global hospitality industry, by recognizing excellence in design, architecture, travel, and products. The initiative challenges creative thinkers and design visionaries at the professional and student level to pioneer compelling innovations that fuel the future of hospitality. Radical Innovation is pleased to announce that voting is officially open for the 17th annual competition. Radical Innovation collected over 100 entries split amongst the four categories: Professional Pro...
Cleveland Among Priciest Cities in the U.S. for Hotel Stays
Cheap Hotels | October 6, 2023
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 6, 2023 -- Cleveland is the 4th most expensive city in the United States for hotel accommodation, according to a new survey by Cheaphotels.org. The survey compared hotel rates across 50 US destinations during October 2023 – the month when hotel prices in most American cities tend to be at their highest. Only centrally-located hotels with a 3-star rating or more were considered for the survey. With an average rate of $303 for the most affordable double room, Boston emerged as the most expensive city in the country. Completing the podium are New York City and Austin, with rates of $288 and $257,...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 30 September
CoStar Group | October 6, 2023
WASHINGTON – 6 October 2023 – As expected, U.S. hotel performance was lower than the previous week, but year-over-year comparisons were improved, according to CoStar’s latest data through 30 September. 24-30 September 2023 (percentage change from comparable week in 2022): Occupancy: 66.7% (+0.8%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$157.89 (+4.6%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$105.31 (+5.4%) Occupancy was up year over year on the positive side of the Rosh Hashanah calendar shift. At the same time, the Yom Kippur observance led to lower levels on weekdays. The Top 25 Markets saw solid growth across all days of ...
MGM Resorts Update on Recent Cybersecurity Issue
MGM Resorts International | October 6, 2023
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 6, 2023 -- MGM Resorts International ("MGM Resorts" or the "Company") recently disclosed that the Company identified a cybersecurity issue affecting certain of its systems and that its investigation into the issue was ongoing. On or around September 29, 2023, MGM Resorts determined that an unauthorized third party obtained personal information of some of its customers on September 11, 2023. The affected information included name, contact information (such as phone number, email address, and postal address), gender, date of birth, and driver's license number. For a limited number of customers, Social Security number and...
IHG Opens Hotel Indigo Bordeaux in Partnership With Owner Grape Hospitality
IHG | October 6, 2023
PARIS, FRANCE – October 6, 2023: For its third opening in France, Hotel Indigo, part of the IHG Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, has chosen the bohemian city of Bordeaux as its new "pied-à-terre". This design-led boutique hotel is located in the central Chartrons district, a picturesque neighbourhood just a short stroll from the Garonne River. Hotel Indigo is one of the only hotel brands that delivers a beautiful perspective of the neighbourhood, bringing its sights, sounds, and flavours into our spaces. At Hotel Indigo Bordeaux – Centre Chartrons - with its colourful new address, the nearby Bassin d'Arcachon bay on the Atlantic coas...
Great Wolf Lodge Expands Its Pocono Mountains Resort With Completion of $125 Million Resort-Wide Transformation
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. | October 6, 2023
Scotrun, Pa. – (Oct. 6, 2023) – Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains celebrated the completion of an expansive $125 million, top-to-bottom resort transformation that will give families new reasons to visit the beloved indoor water park resort. Actress and Broadway icon Sutton Foster, and renowned interior designer Nate Berkus were on-hand to help celebrate the official launch of the completely reimagined resort, with Berkus cutting the ribbon for the elegantly-appointed three-bedroom Woodland Villas and Foster capping the festivities by launching a spectacular drone show over the resort. “Our Pocono Mountain resort has long been one of ou...
The Hayes Mansion San Jose, Curio Collection by Hilton Names Erin Beadle General Manager
The Hayes Mansion San Jose, Curio Collection by Hilton | October 6, 2023
San Jose, CALIFORNIA [October 6, 2023] - The Hayes Mansion San Jose, Curio Collection by Hilton is thrilled to welcome Erin Beadle as its new General Manager. Beadle, who brings 17 years of hotel management, operations and sales experience to the role, is tasked with creating and executing strategies that further differentiate the historic property and cementing its world-class guest experience. Beadle joins a roster of exceptional property managers employed by Aimbridge Hospitality, the third-party operator of the Hayes Mansion San Jose. As general manager, Beadle will oversee all aspects of Hayes Mansion San Jose, including day-to-day op...
IARE Partners With HSMAI to Expand Reach and Elevate Opportunities
HSMAI | October 6, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (Oct. 6, 2023) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has announced the integration of the International Association of Reservation Executives (IARE) membership and program of work into HSMAI. HSMAI will partner with IARE to elevate the role of contact centers as they continue to play an integral role in all commercial functions of the hospitality industry, and IARE will leverage HSMAI’s extensive network to expand its reach and grow networking opportunities for its constituents. IARE’s mission is to be the premier global travel industry contact center association an...
California’s Hilton Garden Inn Monterey Completes Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
Crestline Hotels & Resorts | October 6, 2023
FAIRFAX, VA / MONTEREY, CA – October 6, 2023 The Hilton Garden Inn Monterey, California is welcoming guests into a newly reimagined hotel featuring cozy gathering places, stylish guest rooms, and a new lobby bar and eatery named Calla. The multi-million-dollar renovation marries style with a perfect location. The hotel is next to Monterey Peninsula College and walking distance to downtown Monterey and the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Nearby are Monterey Regional Airport, Del Monte Beach, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The hotel is managed by Crestline Hotels & Resorts, LLC (“Crestline”). Each o...
Accor Signs With SK Development to Open First Swissôtel in Kyrgyzstan
Accor | October 6, 2023
Accor, a world leading hospitality group, announces the signing of a cooperation agreement with SK Development to open the first Swissôtel in Kyrgyzstan, which will be located on the shore of Issyk-Kul, one of the largest lakes in Central Asia. Combining Swiss hospitality, excellent service and stylish modern design, the 5-star hotel will offer its guests exceptional recreational and wellness services on the shores of the magnificent Issyk-Kul Lake. “With the signing of the new Swissôtel, we are strengthening Accor's leading position in the region and making a significant contribution to the tourism industry of Kyrgyzstan. Issyk-Kul La...
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco Appoints Johan Monterrat as New Director of Food and Beverage
Four Seasons San Francisco | October 6, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2023) - Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco has announced today the appointment of Johan Monterrat to director of food and beverage of the iconic San Francisco hotel, home to 231 guest rooms and 46 suites, and all-day dining at its award-winning restaurant, MKT Restaurant & Bar. Bringing a successful track record of culinary leadership to the team, Monterrat will hone and direct the sophisticated property’s esteemed food and beverage program inclusive of MKT, in-room dining and banquets. “It’s a pleasure to welcome Johan to this new leadership position, where his creativity and hands-on approach to hos...
Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) Opens 2023 Student Case Competition
HAMA | October 6, 2023
More than 30 Undergraduate and Graduate-Level Programs Invited to Participate BOSTON, Mass., October 5, 2023—Officials of the Hospitality Asset Managers Association (“HAMA”) today announced that it has begun accepting submissions for the 18th Annual HAMA Student Case Competition. Participating students from more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs nationwide are given three scenarios from which to choose to present a case study, including: Management company change Brand change ROI Working with a HAMA member and their respective university professors, student teams will be required to prepare a comprehensiv...
How Can Hotels Be Ready for Newly Emerging Traveler Types?
Manoj K Mohanty | October 5, 2023
By Manoj Mohanty We are almost near the end of another year, and tourism is showing promising levels of growth. International tourism is well on its way to returning to pre-pandemic levels, with twice as many people travelling during the first quarter of 2023 than in the same period of 2022. Over the last few years, more people have engaged in revenge travel and socialising, trying to compensate for the lockdown period. But these tourists of the new post-pandemic economy are showing new traveller behaviours and consumer habits. What is really important for hospitality service providers is identifying the travel personality of each ...
Aqua-Aston Hospitality Appoints Casie Riopta as General Manager for Kauai’s Aston Islander on the Beach
Aqua-Aston Hospitality | October 5, 2023
Kauai, Hawaii (October 5, 2023) – Aqua-Aston Hospitality announces Casie Riopta’s appointment to general manager at Aston Islander on the Beach. One of the closest resorts to the ocean on Kauai, Aston Islander on the Beach is a peaceful retreat set on six acres of tropical floral gardens amongst the Island’s lush Coconut Coast. The property features plantation-style architecture, numerous leisure amenities including an oceanfront pool with whirlpool spas and proximity to Kauai’s most popular attractions in the lively town of Kapaa. In her new role as general manager, Riopta leads overall strategy and daily operations that directl...
The Customer Is NOT Always Right – Again!
Shep Hyken | October 5, 2023
By Shep Hyken Whoever said “the customer is always right” didn’t hear this about this story. Fox News just posted an update to a 2021 story about a man arrested for pointing an AK-47 at an employee at a pizza shop in Knoxville, Tennessee. The short version of the story is this. A customer walked into a Little Caesars restaurant and became angry when he was told he would have to wait a few minutes for a pizza. He left the store and came back with a rifle. According to an employee, “It wasn’t even a 10-minute wait when he came in with his gun. If he would have not come in with the gun and waited another two, maybe three mi...
James Verlinden Appointed Director of Food and Beverage at Rosewood Miramar Beach
October 5, 2023
Long-time Rosewood Leadership Team Member Rises the Ranks at Montecito’s Exclusive Beachfront Resort (Santa Barbara, CA – September 5, 2023) – Rosewood Miramar Beach is pleased to announce the promotion of James Verlinden to the position of Director of Food and Beverage, overseeing the Resort’s outlets including Michelin Star and Michelin Green Star recognized Caruso’s, Michelin New Discovery AMA Sushi, Miramar Beach Bar, The Manor Bar, the Resort’s banquet operations and private members-only club, Miramar Club. James brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong track record of excellence in the hospitality industry. ...
Why New Technology Is Coming to Hotels
JLL | October 5, 2023
A new survey shows technology is the top priority of hotel operators amid the labor crunch Imagine stepping into a hotel lobby and breezing through a check-in powered by facial recognition technology. With a key in hand, your app-ordered room service is delivered promptly by a robot. In some hotels this is already reality. For instance, guests at integrated resort Marina Bay Sands can skip the queue and check in by scanning their faces and unlocking their hotel rooms with the same phone. In the Rolling Hills Hotel on the outskirts of Seoul, hotel guests can place their room service orders through Kakao Talk, a popular messaging app, an...
Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle Resort & Spa Set to Open With 422 Guestrooms
Wyndham Grand | October 5, 2023
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 5, 2023 -- Wyndham Grand®, the hotel brand known for its upscale accommodations and approachable designs, today announced it's now taking reservations for its newest resort, the inviting 422-room all-inclusive Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord's Castle Resort & Spa. The secluded, ocean-front hotel marks Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' entrance into Barbados and will begin welcoming its first guests beginning October 12 with select amenities, followed by a formal Grand Opening in early 2024. "Barbados offers the perfect backdrop for a chic and upscale getaway – lush, tropical gardens, uninterrupted ocean views an...
The Year of the Great Recharge: Hilton Trends Report Reveals ‘Rest and Relaxation’ to Be Top Driver of Travel Decisions Across Generations in 2024
Hilton | October 5, 2023
MCLEAN, Va. – According to a recent global survey conducted by Hilton and Ipsos, travelers say they will reduce other areas of personal spending to prioritize leisure travel in 2024, with a majority across generations indicating their No. 1 reason to travel in 2024 will be to rest and recharge, with more emphasis on sleep than ever before. Those insights and more were unveiled today with the launch of Hilton’s third-annual trends report: “What Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X and Baby Boomers Tell Us About Travel in the Year Ahead.” In addition to defining the preferences and passions of the 2024 traveler, the report takes a deeper look at...
IHG and WING Partner to Bring Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Express to Budapest
IHG | October 5, 2023
(5 October, Munich) IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies and WING, a leading property development and investment group in Central Europe, are proud to announce the signing of Hotel Indigo Budapest Andrassy and Holiday Inn Express Vagohid. Signed at real estate trade fair, EXPO Real 2023, both properties mark brand debuts to Hungary, demonstrating investment and growth in the premium and essentials hotel segments. In the city’s sixth district, Hotel Indigo Budapest Andrassy will open in the second quarter of 2028, with 103 guest rooms, a bar and a restaurant. The property will enjoy a prime locat...
The Iconic & Historic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel to Undergo $180 Million Renovation
Prince Resorts Hawai‘i Inc. | October 5, 2023
KOHALA COAST, Hawaiʻi (October 5, 2023) – Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, an Autograph Collection, Hawaiʻi Islandʻs most iconic and historic resort, announces a $180-million renovation in 2024 that will signal the evolution of its offerings for today’s sophisticated travelers – while preserving its remarkable heritage and timelessness that has captivated guests since Laurance S. Rockefeller opened the resort in 1965. A phased transformation, which will commence in Q2 2024 and be completed in early 2025, will encompass a stunning redesign of the resort’s 252 guest rooms and suites, four dining venues including the resortʻs...
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa Welcomes Ernesto Fernandez as General Manager
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa | October 5, 2023
Clearwater Beach, Florida (October 5, 2023) – Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, an upscale resort located just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico and Pier 60, welcomes Ernesto Fernandez as general manager. In his new role, Fernandez will oversee the daily operations of the 286-room resort including the on-site spa, more than 20,000 square feet of functional meeting space, and multiple on-site restaurants. “In this role, I look forward to welcoming guests to experience all that our resort has to offer, from our luxurious on-site amenities to convenient access to the beach” said Ernesto Fernandez, general manager at Hyat...
The Wigwam Appoints Veteran Chef Christopher McLean as Executive Chef & Beverage Director
The Wigwam | October 5, 2023
Chef to actors, dignitaries, and presidents appointed to lead The Wigwam’s culinary team and oversee its food and beverage programming. October 5, 2023 (Phoenix, Arizona) – The Wigwam, a historic resort nestled in the West Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, has announced the appointment of Christopher McLean as Executive Chef & Beverage Director. McLean brings over two decades of professional experience earned in kitchens, film sets, presidential kitchens, wine cellars, and directing food-and-beverage operations at hotels and resorts across the American West to his role. He now leads all culinary and beverage operations of the landm...
Staypineapple Hotels Inc. Names Dina Belon as President
Staypineapple | October 5, 2023
Dina Belon transitions from her previous position as Chief Operating Officer to President of Staypineapple Hotels Inc. and its subsidiary Staypineapple brand of boutique hotels BELLEVUE, Wash., Oct. 5, 2023 – Staypineapple Hotels Inc., the Pacific Northwest based third-party licensing and property management company – most notably recognized for its management of all 10 Staypineapple hotels across the United States – announces the leadership transition of Dina Belon into the role of President, effective November 1, 2023. With an impressive track record of over 25 years in the hospitality industry and a passion for delivering ex...
