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
Hyatt Expands Portfolio in California With Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | September 18, 2024
The former Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica joins the Hyatt portfolio, growing Hyatt’s brand footprint in California CHICAGO (September 18, 2024) — Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica, marking the Hyatt Centric lifestyle brand’s sixth hotel in California and the 101st Hyatt hotel in the Golden State. Primely located in one of Los Angeles’ most iconic beach destinations—the hotel is just steps away from the renowned Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Venice Beach Boardwalk and retail district. Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica is a launchpad for savv...
Check-In to Success: Agilysys Reveals Path to Hospitality Innovation
Agilysys | September 18, 2024
Insights from Agilysys 2024 APAC Hospitality Impact Study reveal the importance of personalization and seamless experiences By Tony Marshall, Vice President and Managing Director, APAC The Agilysys 2024 APAC Hospitality Impact Study reveals critical insights into how hoteliers can boost both guest satisfaction and revenue. The key to unlocking this dual success lies in a vital yet often underutilized tool - personalization. Cracking the Loyalty Code: Unraveling the Rebooking Paradox One of the study’s most startling findings is the "rebooking paradox." While hoteliers report high guest satisfaction (86%) and perceived value for m...
JLL Welcomes Dan Peek as President of JLL Americas Hotels & Hospitality Group
JLL | September 18, 2024
CHICAGO, Sept. 18, 2024 – JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality group announced today that Daniel C. Peek has joined the firm as President of JLL Americas region. Over the course of his career, he has completed nearly $60 billion in investment sales, debt and structured finance transactions. Based out of JLL’s Tampa office, Peek will report to Americas Capital Markets CEO, Mark Gibson, partnering with Kevin Davis, Americas CEO for JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality group. Together, Davis and Peek will focus on driving client relationship management, investment sales, financing, tax and asset management strategies. “I am incredibly...
BWH Hotels Appoints Harry Dong as New President and CEO of BWH Hotels China
BWH Hotels | September 18, 2024
Phoenix, Arizona (September 18, 2024) – BWH Hotels today announced that Harry Dong has been named the new President and CEO of BWH Hotels China (Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan), Mongolia, and Nepal. Dong has been with BWH for over 16 years, previously managing procurement, quality analysis, and project development for property hotels in this region. His father, William Dong, previously held this role. “I am honored to be taking on the leadership role for BWH Hotels China. This company has been part of my family for decades, and I’m proud to carry on the legacy of my father, William Dong,” said Harry Dong, President and CEO of BWH Hotels ...
It’s ‘No Dough’ for Third-Party Cookies, According to Latest Google Announcement
Cendyn | September 18, 2024
Will hospitality face another Google challenge now that the search engine has changed its approach to eliminating third-party cookies? Having said they would end the use of third-party cookies in the Chrome browser for the past four years, Google has now retracted this plan. Instead they’ve chosen a softer option by putting the onus on the consumer to opt-out. What’s the change? Following in the footsteps of Apple’s AppTrackingTransparency (ATT) on its Safari browser, Chrome now lets consumers choose if they wish to allow third-party cookies to track them. This announcement comes as no surprise since Google has been delaying a...
Adele’s Residency Drove Substantial Gains in Munich Hotel Performance
CoStar Group | September 18, 2024
WASHINGTON – 18 September 2024 – Adele’s 10-day residency drove significant performance growth for Munich’s hotel industry, according to August 2024 data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets. Adele performed a total of 10 nights at the Messe München, pushing double-digit growth across the August metrics: occupancy (+15.9% to 77.0%), ADR (+46.6% to EUR159.04) and RevPAR (+69.9% to EUR122.46). The ADR and RevPAR levels were the highest for any August on record in Munich, while occupancy was the highest for August since 2017...
Creating Neurodiverse-Friendly Spaces in Hospitality
Manoj K Mohanty | September 18, 2024
The hospitality industry prides itself on creating welcoming environments for people of all backgrounds. However, what about guests with neurodiverse needs? As awareness grows about the prevalence of neurodiversity—with studies suggesting 15-20% of the global population falls under this umbrella—the industry has a unique challenge in creating inclusive experiences for this significant yet underserved market. What is neurodiversity? Challenges for neurodiverse guests With approximately one billion people with disabilities, they are considered the world’s biggest minority! For neurodiverse tr...
What Hoteliers Need to Know About Sleep Architecture
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | September 18, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky With sleep science reaching the mainstream over the past few years, numerous hotel brands have unveiled fancy new sleep programs in an arms race to win over travelers looking for accommodations that will help them get a full night’s rest while aboard. But the rise of sleep tourism needn’t be limited to only luxury hotels that have the capital to devote a gargantuan sum per key to noise-dampening materials, new air purification systems or state-of-the-art bedding systems that have built-in temperature and moisture controls. Rather, any brand can build a strategic plan for deploying affordable sleep enhancem...
Wild Air Ventures Acquires The Greystone Inn in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
WILD AIR VENTURES | September 18, 2024
LAKE TOXAWAY, NC — Wild Air Ventures, a boutique real estate investment firm that focuses on authentic experiences in the hospitality industry, has acquired the Greystone Inn, a full-service 30-room hotel in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. The iconic property is nestled in the serene surroundings of Lake Toxaway, the largest private lake in North Carolina, and offers guests a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. We are delighted to add this exquisite hotel to our expanding collection of properties," said Brandon Berger, Owner & CEO of Wild Air Ventures. "Lake Toxaway is a true gem of a destination, and we are excited to off...
B Ocean Resort Welcomes New General Manager Sabrina Graves
B Ocean Resort | September 18, 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – (September 18, 2024) – B Ocean Resort, Fort Lauderdale’s historic, iconic beachfront destination resort, today announced the appointment of Sabrina Graves as the resort’s general manager. With an extensive career in hotel operations and sales, Graves will guide the resort’s team and work to optimize efficiencies and enhance guest experiences, from the legendary Wreck Bar to the resort’s accommodations, pools, private beach and dining venues. “We are thrilled to welcome Sabrina Graves to our team, where her valuable hospitality operations experience will continue to enhance the resort’s reputation as ...
KARA Hospitality Opens New Extended Stay America Premier Suites in Virginia
Extended Stay America | September 18, 2024
Charlotte, NC, September 18, 2024 — Extended Stay America®, the leading mid-priced extended stay hotel brand in the United States, announced today the opening of the Extended Stay America Premier Suites – Harrisonburg, located in Rockingham, Virginia. The property was developed and will be managed by the owner, KARA Hospitality. The four-story, 92-room newly constructed Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Harrisonburg hotel features free Wi-Fi, complimentary healthy breakfast, premium cable, 24-hour fitness room, onsite guest laundry, dedicated pet area, grill and picnic area, and Extended Stay America Premier Suites' signature spaci...
New Castle Reopens Historic LaSalle Hotel Under Marriott Tribute Portfolio Following Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
New Castle Hotels & Resorts | September 18, 2024
RIDGEFIELD, Conn. - - September 18, 2024, Jeremy Buffam and Julian Buffam, partners at New Castle Hotels & Resorts (NCH), a leading hotel investment, development and management company, today announced the reopening of the 55-room, historic LaSalle Hotel in Bryan, Texas following a top-to-bottom, multi-million dollar reimagination. Built in 1928, the hotel is in the heart of downtown Bryan, a recognized Texas Cultural District and sister city to College Station, home of Texas A&M University. The LaSalle joins the Marriott Tribute Portfolio , a family of independent boutique hotels. Taking up Bryan’s affinity for authentic pla...
Cada Fabian Joins Brush Creek Ranch as Executive Chef of Lodge & Spa
Brush Creek Ranch | September 18, 2024
(Saratoga, Wyo.) – September 18, 2024 – Brush Creek Ranch, named the No. 1 Resort in Wyoming in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards, announced today the appointment of Cada Fabian as Executive Chef of the Lodge & Spa, one of three luxury lodging properties at Brush Creek Ranch. As Executive Chef of Lodge & Spa, Fabian will oversee all culinary functions at Trailhead Lodge, Pioneer Kitchen and Creekside Dinner Camp. Chef Fabian steps into this role from the Ranch’s Cheyenne Club Restaurant, where she joined as Executive Sous Chef in 2023. “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Fabian into this full time lead...
McNeill Hotel Company (MHC) Names Karla Jacobs General Manager at Hampton Inn & Suites Destin
McNeill Hotel Company | September 18, 2024
Germantown, Tennessee — September 18, 2024 — Germantown, TN- based McNeill Hotel Company (MHC) recently named Karla Jacobs as General Manager at its Hampton Inn & Suites Destin (FL) property. MHC President Travis Murray made the announcement. Jacobs joins MHC with more than 20 years of hospitality, convention and tourism experience, most recently serving as General Manager for Atrium Hospitality at its Hampton Inn & Suites Mesquite and Mesquite Convention and Expo Center. There, Jacobs earned Atrium’s General Manager of the Year Award, while the property earned multiple awards, including Hotel of the Year and Property Best S...
HerOwnership Conference Ignites Empowerment: AAHOA Unites Women Hoteliers for Leadership and Growth
AAHOA | September 18, 2024
REDONDO BEACH, CA, September 18—Women hoteliers from across the nation converged at the 2024 HerOwnership Conference by AAHOA, a dynamic two-day event crafted by women for women in the hospitality industry. Centered around the empowering themes of executive presence, hotel ownership, and mental health and wellness, the conference inspired attendees to connect, lead, and thrive in an industry where their voices and leadership are more important than ever. Some 300 people attended the event, which marked the third annual HerOwnership Conference for AAHOA. "The hospitality industry stands out because women comprise most of the workforce,...
Cloudbeds Appoints Marta Perez to Spearhead Sales Growth in the Americas
Cloudbeds | September 18, 2024
San Diego, CA – Cloudbeds, the innovative leader in hospitality management technology, has appointed former SiteMinder and Triptease executive Marta Perez as its new Senior Director of Sales to spearhead its growth strategy across key markets. Based in New York, Perez will oversee Cloudbeds’ sales strategies in North and Latin America, as the company expands its presence in the mid-market and enterprise segments. With more than 15 years of expertise in hospitality revenue management and technology, she brings a proven track record from leadership roles at SiteMinder and Triptease. Marta Perez, Senior Director of Sales at Cloudbeds, ...
Valencia Hotel Collection Appoints Brenda Geffert as Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing
Valencia Hotel Collection | September 17, 2024
SAN ANTONIO, TX – September 17, 2024 – Valencia Hotel Collection (VHC) proudly announces the appointment of Brenda Geffert as Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing. With nearly two decades of proven sales and marketing expertise, award accolades, and a track record of admirable leadership in the hospitality industry, Geffert brings an undeniable skill set to bolster Valencia Hotel Collection’s position in the industry. As the Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing, Geffert will be responsible for developing and executing strategic sales initiatives, driving market share growth, and overseeing marketing efforts across all Valen...
Gencom Acquires Thompson Central Park Hotel in New York City
Gencom | September 17, 2024
The purchase of the 587-key hotel represents Gencom’s entry into New York City, one of the top leisure and business destinations worldwide. MIAMI – September 17, 2024 – Gencom, a U.S.-based investment firm that owns, operates and develops prized real estate around the world, announces the hotel acquisition of the 42-story Thompson Central Park in New York City, a 587-key hotel centrally situated on Manhattan’s Billionaires’ Row. Located just south of New York’s Central Park, the luxury-lifestyle hotel underwent a comprehensive renovation, which led to the property’s reopening and rebranding in 2021. The hotel features 4,5...
Artificial Intelligence Is Checking Into Your Hotel – Are You Ready?
Bob Braun | September 17, 2024
by Robert Braun, Co-Chair, JMBM Cybersecurity and Privacy Group; Senior Member, JMBM Global Hospitality Group Even though artificial intelligence has been a part of our lexicon for more than seventy years, artificial intelligence remains the latest bright shiny thing. Businesses large and small feel compelled to incorporate artificial intelligence into their company descriptions even with a limited understanding of what artificial intelligence is, or how it could help their business. Hotels and hotel companies are no different; just take a look at the online newsletters and announcements hitting your mailbox; it’s a rare day that a hot...
Abu Dhabi Hotel Occupancy Reached August High
CoStar Group | September 17, 2024
WASHINGTON – 17 September 2024 – Helped by three events, Abu Dhabi posted its highest August hotel occupancy on record, according to preliminary data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets. August 2024 (year-over-year % change): Occupancy: 75.9% (+10.5%) Average daily rate (ADR): AED434.30 (+8.0%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): AED329.80 (+19.3%) Abu Dhabi saw its highest daily occupancy level (83.7%) and RevPAR (AED368.16) on Wednesday, 14 August–the first night of the 2024 International Chess Festival. The market...
Hotel Equities and UIP Open The Quincy, Ascend Hotel Collection, in the Heart of Washington, DC
Hotel Equities | September 17, 2024
Washington, DC – [September 17, 2024] – Hotel Equities and Urban Investment Partners proudly announce the opening of The Quincy, Ascend Hotel Collection, located in the heart of Washington, DC. The Quincy is an upscale boutique hotel that seamlessly combines comfort, convenience, and style, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers alike. Located at 1823 L St. NW, The Quincy is in the core of DC’s business district, steps from the metro and a short walk to the White House. The hotel, franchised by Choice Hotels International, is owned by 1823 Owner, LLC, a UIP affiliate, and operated by Hotel Equitie...
IHG Signs With MGC Developments To Launch Holiday Inn & Suites Islamabad DHA II
IHG Hotels & Resorts | September 17, 2024
Islamabad, Pakistan – 17 September 2024: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is expanding its footprint in Pakistan by signing a franchise agreement with MGC Developments to launch Holiday Inn & Suites Islamabad DHA II. Scheduled to open in August 2028, the 150-key hotel in Pakistan’s capital will join IHG’s portfolio of more than 1,000 operational Holiday Inn hotels globally. A pioneer brand with a rich heritage, Holiday Inn has continued to evolve through the years, keeping the guest at the heart of all innovation and earning its status as one of the world’s most loved, trusted and rec...
Omni Hotels & Resorts Appoints Annette Bales as New Vice President of Sales
Omni Hotels & Resorts | September 17, 2024
Dallas, TX, September 17, 2024 - Omni Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Annette Bales as the new Vice President of Sales. With a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, Bales brings a dynamic approach to the role in leading and coordinating all global and property-based sales activities for Omni Hotels & Resorts. In her new role, Bales will spearhead the development and execution of strategic sales plans, driving Omni’s mission to create and maintain a highly energized selling culture across its vast portfolio. Her key responsibilities will include increasing revenues through enhanced marke...
Marriott International Announces 2024 Winners of Masters of the Craft Competition, Adds New Pastry Category
Marriott International, Inc. | September 17, 2024
Marriott International announced the winners of Masters of the Craft, a culinary, beverage and pastry competition designed to foster creativity and innovation while highlighting exceptional chefs and bartenders within the company’s food, beverage and pastry community. Adding pastry to the competition brought attention to a space that has extraordinary talent across the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of brands. Over the past three months, over 1,600 exceptional culinary, pastry and beverage professionals from 181 Marriott Bonvoy properties across the U.S. & Canada competed in local and regional Masters of the Craft competitions to prove t...
