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
Dusit’s Flagship Hotel, Dusit Thani Bangkok, Reopens After a Landmark Transformation
Dusit Thani Bangkok | October 1, 2024
Bangkok, Thailand, 1 October 2024 – Dusit Thani Bangkok, the flagship hotel of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has made its highly anticipated return after a stunning transformation as part of the upcoming Dusit Central Park project opposite Lumpini Park in the heart of the city. The opening, held on 27 September 2024, was marked by a special ceremony featuring Mr Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Dusit International, who had the honour of being the first guest to check in. This gesture pays tribute to his mother...
Recently Reopened Nittany Lion Inn Names Mirko Loeffler as New Executive Chef
Scholar Hotels | October 1, 2024
State College, PA (October 1, 2024) — The Nittany Lion Inn, announces the appointment of Mirko Loeffler to executive chef overseeing the hotel’s new and renovated dining outlets, Lionne & 1855 Lounge, Dear Joe: Cafe and Bakery, and Triplett’s. Loeffler boasts 50 years of hospitality experience having started his career as an apprentice chef in his native Germany at a young age. Over the course of his career Loeffler has worked at several regarded restaurants and hospitality brands across Europe, the U.S. and China. “We’re delighted to welcome Chef Loeffler to our team at The Nittany Lion Inn,” said Gary Brandeis, CEO and...
Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf Appoints Amanda Santiago as Director of Sales and Marketing
Washington DC – The Wharf | October 1, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 1, 2024) – Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Santiago as Director of Sales and Marketing. In her role, Santiago is responsible for implementing innovative strategies to garner business from meetings, events and leisure clientele, while driving growth and greater awareness to the hotel situated in the vibrant waterfront neighborhood The Wharf, along the Potomac River. “We are thrilled to welcome Amanda from the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore to our team in Washington DC,” said Pascal Forotti, general manager at the Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf. “Her pre-exis...
Pride Hotels Group Signs Pride Elite Hotel Phaltan in Maharashtra
Pride Hotels Group | October 1, 2024
Pride Hotels Group has further expanded its portfolio with the signing of Pride Elite Hotel in Phaltan, Maharashtra. This marks a significant milestone in the group’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the western region. Conveniently located just 4.5 hours from Mumbai and 2 hours from Pune, the hotel is easily accessible, making it a prime destination for both business and leisure travelers. This new addition represents Pride’s third property in Maharashtra, following its successful ventures in Pune and Nagpur, highlighting the group’s continued growth in the region. The promoters of Pride Elite Hotel Phaltan are the owners of Jak...
Mike Garcia Appointed New General Manager at Caribe Hilton
Caribe Hilton | October 1, 2024
SAN JUAN, PR – October 2024 – Today, Hilton proudly announces the appointment of Mike García as the new General Manager of Caribe Hilton. In his new role, Mike is responsible for spearheading day-to-day hotel operations and further enhancing guest experiences at the historic property. Garcia brings over 25 years of relevant experience to his new role with Puerto Rico’s first modern hotel and is the third Puerto Rican General Manager to assume leadership of this resort. He began his career in hospitality as a front desk agent and night auditor and has held numerous management roles at various Hilton properties. His broad range of exper...
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Unveils Property Refresh
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay | October 1, 2024
HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (October 1, 2024) - The Forbes Five-Star Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay announces a stunning property refresh with extensive updates to guest rooms and suites, as well as The Spa, Signature Restaurant Navio, The Conservatory, and more, unveiling today, September 25, 2024. For over two decades The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay has remained at the forefront of coastal luxury with best-in-class accommodations and golfing, an award-winning collection of unique dining experiences, destination-inspired spa, and signature Ritz-Carlton hospitality. The property refresh presents a new look that cements its status as an unrivaled N...
Laurent Ebzant Promoted to Area Vice President & General Manager of Park Hyatt New York
Park Hyatt New York | October 1, 2024
NEW YORK (October 1, 2024) - Park Hyatt New York, the five-star award-winning hotel located on Manhattan’s Billionaires’ Row, proudly announces the promotion of General Manager Laurent Ebzant to Area Vice President/General Manager. In addition to his duties as General Manager of Park Hyatt New York, Ebzant will report to Yvette Edwards, Senior Vice President, Field Operations at Hyatt, to support operations teams within the Park Hyatt portfolio across the Hyatt Americas region. “Laurent’s extensive experience and knowledge of the luxury segment make him an invaluable asset to Hyatt and the ideal executive to take on the new role o...
The Impact of Natural Disasters on Hotel Occupancy in Florida
Allison Fogarty | October 1, 2024
By Allison Fogarty For years, I’ve analyzed sharp fluctuations in hotel occupancy levels across several Florida markets, and one recurring explanation has been “disaster recovery.” In regions prone to hurricanes, fires, and floods, disaster recovery can significantly boost demand for hotels, even as some properties suffer damage or destruction. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, it's a timely reminder for lodging developers and analysts that the hospitality industry often experiences contrasting outcomes: while some hotels are devastated, others see a surge in demand. The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene Hurricane Helene touched grou...
Cloudbeds and Mirai Join Forces To Transform Hotel Distribution and Marketing
Cloudbeds | October 1, 2024
San Diego, CA – Cloudbeds, the premier hospitality management software platform, and Mirai, a leader in hotel distribution technology and direct booking optimization, have today announced a strategic partnership aimed at transforming how hotels manage bookings, distribution, and marketing. The agreement will provide joint customers with advanced tools to optimize their direct bookings, streamline their operations, and expand their digital marketing efforts. By integrating Cloudbeds’ property management system (PMS) with Mirai’s technology, Cloudbeds properties will gain access to Mirai’s robust distribution network and powerful ...
A Brief Guide to Maximizing the Marketing and Buyer Activity of Your Hotel Listing
James Rebullida | September 30, 2024
Hotels are one of the few commercial real estate asset classes that have an operating business component. As such, selling a hotel is a complex process that requires strategic planning and execution to attract the most suitable buyer to successfully complete the transaction. As a hotel owner considering selling your property, you must understand how to maximize the marketing exposure and buyer activity for your listing. Here at HVS Brokerage & Advisory, we strive to follow a few key principles and best practices to enhance your property’s appeal, streamline the sale process, and ultimately secure a highly qualified buyer. These princip...
Hilton Annual Trends Report Predicts 2025 to Be the ‘Year of the Travel Maximizer’
Hilton | September 30, 2024
MCLEAN, Va. – 2024 was the Year of the Great Recharge, where sleep retreats made headlines, mindful drinking rose in popularity and wellness-themed guest rooms took off. Today, as the post-pandemic leisure travel boom normalizes, travelers surveyed in Hilton’s annual Trends Report are looking to pair their desire to relax and recharge with high-impact adventures and experiences to maximize their time and financial investment. “Our 2025 Trends Report uncovers what has been simmering for years – the intersection of work and play; of relaxation and adventure; of being alone but together. Travelers don’t just want to choose their o...
Hyatt Announces Plans for Two Hotels in Magna, NEOM’s Luxury Coastal Destination
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | September 30, 2024
Park Hyatt and Andaz brands are set to debut in Jaumur, a cosmopolitan luxury marina community located in Magna on the stunning coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Redefining coastal luxury for a new generation, Park Hyatt Jaumur and Andaz Jaumur Marina will offer personalized experiences for visitors seeking indulgence and adventure against a backdrop of awe-inspiring natural beauty. Chicago (September 30, 2024) – Hyatt proudly announces plans for the debut of two Hyatt-branded hotels in Jaumur, one of Magna’s destinations, located on the coast of Gulf of Aqaba. Park Hyatt Jaumur and Andaz Jaumur Marina will mark a significant milestone in t...
Tech-Enhanced Slumber: Why Hotels Are Investing in Sleep Innovations That Range From Affordable to Extravagant
Ivana Johnston | September 30, 2024
By Ivana Johnston, Co-founder and CEO of Puzzle Partner Ever noticed how a good night's sleep can make or break a trip? Well, the savviest hotels sure have. They’re not just fluffing pillows anymore; they’re pulling out all the stops, using the latest tech to ensure you get those much-needed Zs. The idea of sleep tourism is growing faster than you might think. According to HTF Market Intelligence, we're looking at an impressive growth of nearly 8%, adding over $400 billion by 2028. That's right—hotels worldwide are pulling out all the stops for our bedtime routines. Picture this: serene settings, cutting-edge sleep technology, a...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Renews Strategic Partnership With APSN
IHG Hotels & Resorts | September 30, 2024
Singapore – 30 September 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts and APSN strengthens their long-term strategic partnership with a three-year MOU renewal agreement to support APSN’s students and trainees across all IHG hotels and its office in Singapore. The multi-year agreement, the second consecutive MOU signed between the two parties, includes philanthropy, advocacy, volunteering, and employment opportunities. IHG hotels in Singapore will provide full-time employment opportunities, on-the-job training and internships, and regular social activities for students in the hotels, where APSN students and trainees take on front office roles...
InterContinental Chantilly Château Mont Royal Opens in the Oise region of Northern France
IHG Hotels & Resorts | September 30, 2024
IHG Hotels & Resorts welcomes InterContinental Chantilly Château Mont Royal to its growing luxury and lifestyle portfolio, now the second largest in the world. Redefining a quintessentially 19th Century Château, this individualist property is just 30 minutes by train from Paris and promises an enchanting escape that feels worlds apart from the fast-paced French capital. InterContinental Chantilly Château Mont Royal blends storied history with the natural beauty of northern France, positioned amidst the renowned forests in Hauts-de-France. A transformative renovation project has thoughtfully restored the building’s original her...
IHG and Aldar Partner to Transform Six Adjoining Hotels Into an Integrated Luxury Resort on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island
IHG Hotels & Resorts | September 30, 2024
Abu Dhabi, UAE, September 30 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is significantly expanding its UAE presence through a strategic partnership with Aldar, the country’s leading real estate developer, investor, and manager. Through this landmark collaboration, IHG and Aldar will undertake a major repositioning project on Yas Island to transform six hotels within the Yas Plaza complex into a single integrated Vignette Collection resort. The franchise agreement involves the refurbishment and conversion of the current hotels into distinct properties within the newly named Straylight Yas, Vignette Coll...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Managing F&B Expenses and How to Record Them on Your P&L
David Lund | September 30, 2024
As I have said in many of my earlier posts, Food and Beverage is special. And I mean that with all sincerity because it's an integral part of our business especially with a full service offering. However, there are challenges that we need to overcome and one big one is how to report the profit and loss activity so that it is as meaningful as possible. I say “possible” because there are no absolute methods to get 100% of the picture that really work. Many try to get and stay on top of their costs and payroll and that’s the right thing to do. The reality is that it’s never going to be perfect. It’s not going to be perfect because w...
Aparium Hotel Group Appoints Rod Lapasin as Managing Director and General Manager of Hotel Westland at RailSpur
Aparium Hotel Group | September 30, 2024
Hospitality Leader and Fifth Generation Seattleite to Oversee the Artful Lifestyle Hotel, Opening in Spring 2025 in the Heart of Seattle’s Vibrant Pioneer Square SEATTLE (September 30, 2025) – Aparium Hotel Group, a leader in the lifestyle hotel industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rod Lapasin as Managing Director and General Manager of Hotel Westland, the luxury boutique hotel, restaurant, and rooftop bar opening at RailSpur in Seattle’s Pioneer Square in spring 2025. As a fifth-generation Seattleite, Lapasin has a deep knowledge and personal connection to the city and brings more than 35 years of industry experienc...
W Aspen Welcomes Willis Xu as New Director of Beverage & Food
W Aspen | September 30, 2024
Aspen, CO (Sept. 30, 2024) – W Aspen, the premier hub for year-round adventure renowned for their delectable culinary offerings, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Willis Xu as the new Director of Beverage & Food for the hotel and the Sky Residences at W Aspen. With over a decade of experience in the global luxury hospitality industry, Willis brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep-rooted passion for exceptional service to his new role. Hailing from Shenyang, China, a major industrial hub, Willis’s natural inclination toward hospitality began at an early age. His career path was heavily influenced by his studies in China, ...
Matt Skaletsky Named General Manager for Alila Ventana Big Sur
Alila Ventana Big Sur | September 30, 2024
BIG SUR, Calif. (September 30, 2024) - Alila Ventana Big Sur, the intimate luxury retreat nestled in the heart of California's breathtaking Big Sur coastline, is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Skaletsky as its new General Manager. A seasoned hospitality professional with over two decades of experience, Skaletsky brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the iconic Big Sur resort. In his new role, Skaletsky will oversee the resort's day-to-day operations, lead and inspire the Alila Ventana team, and develop strategic initiatives to further elevate the guest experience. He is committed to enhancing the guest journey through f...
Counting the Cost of Contactless
PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management | September 30, 2024
Today’s hotels are embracing the contact-free revolution, seeking to meet the expectations of health-conscious travellers by minimising physical contact and enhancing hygiene protocols. Today, with the tap of a smartphone or even a wave of a hand, hotel guests can access their rooms, make payments and request services. But how much are customers willing to pay to go contact-free in hotels? Thanks to Dean Kaye Chon, Dr Faye Hao and Dr Jinah Park of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, working with a co-author, we now know much more about the factors driving hotel customers’ willingness ...
IHG Signs Agreement with Dubai-based The First Group as World’s Tallest All-Hotel Tower Joins Vignette Collection Portfolio
IHG Hotels & Resorts | September 26, 2024
Dubai, UAE, September 26th 2024: IHG Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a new Vignette Collection property which is set to be the tallest all-hotel tower in the world when it opens in Dubai next year. The agreement will see the launch of Ciel, Vignette Collection, offering an unsurpassed lifestyle experience in the Marina. The landmark Ciel, under the ownership of The First Group and the management of The First Group Hospitality, is a multistorey high-rise hotel with 80-plus floors based in Dubai Marina. With construction rapidly advancing and the building already topped out, t...
Aparium Hotel Group Names Rod Lapasin as Managing Director and General Manager of Hotel Westland at RailSpur in Seattle, Washington
APARIUM HOTEL GROUP | September 26, 2024
SEATTLE (September 26, 2025) – Aparium Hotel Group, a leader in the lifestyle hotel industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rod Lapasin as Managing Director and General Manager of Hotel Westland, the luxury boutique hotel, restaurant, and rooftop bar opening at RailSpur in Seattle’s Pioneer Square in spring 2025. As a fifth-generation Seattleite, Lapasin has a deep knowledge and personal connection to the city and brings more than 35 years of industry experience to the property, having held senior leadership roles with renowned luxury brands including, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and...
Anguilla’s Altamer Luxury Villas Appoints Sean Richard as New General Manager
Altamer Luxury Villas – Shoal Bay West, Anguilla | September 26, 2024
Shoal Bay West, Anguilla (September 26, 2024) - Altamer Luxury Villas, the exclusive collection of meticulously designed villas, announces the appointment of Sean Richard as General Manager. Richard’s 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality and business development will be fundamental in the evolution of the Altamer brand. Nestled on the shores of Anguilla, Altamer Luxury Villas blend contemporary design with island-inspired charm, redefining the concept of luxury living. Each Villa features sprawling living spaces, private pools, breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, and personalized amenities. "As General Manage...
