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
Be More Interesting by Showing More Interest
Shep Hyken | September 5, 2024
When I was a teenager, Johnny Carson hosted The Tonight Show. I found him to be more than entertaining. I found him to be interesting. It didn’t take long for me to realize that what made him interesting was that he was truly interested in his guests. He not only asked great questions, he listened to his guests and seemed to always have the perfect comment that led to a better conversation, not just an interview with questions and answers. I took this idea to heart – being interesting by showing more interest – when I was dating. I would ask lots of questions to get to know my date. They did most of the talking, yet they still s...
Is It Time To Digitize Your Inventory Management?
Varadharajan Athmanathan | September 5, 2024
Most hospitality businesses have traditionally focused on efficiency in front-end operations. Yet, it is imperative to consider how this efficiency can be extended to optimising back-end processes. In the context of hospitality, the enhancement of efficiency in back-end operations is even more significant as it directly impacts the delivery of the ultimate guest experience, especially in managing inventory and stock. Frequent monitoring of necessary supplies, maintaining cost control, and reducing wastage have all emerged as critical concerns within the industry, compelling businesses to implement efficient inventory and material managemen...
Sheila Johnson To Receive Peggy Berg Castell Award at The Lodging Conference 2024
AHLA Foundation | September 5, 2024
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2024 -- AHLA Foundation announced today that trailblazing entrepreneur and hotelier Sheila Johnson will receive the Peggy Berg Castell Award at The Lodging Conference 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona in October. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to elevating and advancing women in the hospitality industry. As Founder and CEO of Salamander Collection, Johnson has built a portfolio of properties in the United States and Jamaica, emphasizing the importance of showcasing each hotel's unique environment. The Salamander Collection is the largest Black-owned luxury hotel company in Am...
Dynamic Pricing: Maximizing Revenue in the Hotel Industry
EHL | September 5, 2024
Dynamic pricing can be a contentious topic. Consumers often view it as an exploitative pricing strategy in which brands try to charge the highest possible price for their products or services. For example, in the fast-food industry, the introduction of dynamic pricing has gone down like a lead balloon. However, despite the backlash some brands have received, there are industries where dynamic pricing, while not necessarily welcomed, is generally accepted. The airline industry is one example, with airlines charging more for passenger tickets when demand for travel to a particular destination is high. Travel accommodation is another, with A...
An Overview of San Francisco’s Prolonged Recovery
Jason Lee | September 5, 2024
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, San Francisco has been navigating a difficult and lengthy road to recovery. Concerns over safety and street conditions, record-high office vacancies, a weak convention calendar, and limited visitation from Asia are among the challenges for local hoteliers. However, the long-term outlook remains cautiously optimistic given the growing presence of artificial intelligence companies, the fuller rebound of convention activity, and major sporting events planned for 2026, including Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup. Lodging, Convention, and Travel Trends Following a rebound in 2022, San Francisco’s hotel perform...
Wyndham Debuts Registry Collection Hotels in the U.S. With Newly Renovated The Mining Exchange
The Mining Exchange | September 5, 2024
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Sept. 5, 2024-- Guests looking to escape the hustle of everyday life and recharge amidst the shadows of Pikes Peak can now indulge in the charm of The Mining Exchange, a Registry Collection Hotel. The newly renovated, 128-room hotel, nestled in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, marks the first for Registry Collection Hotels in the United States. Once home to the bustling stock exchange for gold and silver sourced from the Rockies, guests can now take in the hotel's rich history while enjoying modern luxuries including multiple onsite culinary outlets, a full-service spa and on-site art gallery, The Vault. ...
voco Stockholm – Kista Debuts in Sweden’s ‘Silicon Valley’
IHG Hotels & Resorts | September 5, 2024
05 September, 2024 (London, UK): Today voco hotels, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium portfolio, opens voco Stockholm - Kista, a brand-new contemporary hotel in the lively district of Kista. Offering a laid back and inviting oasis for all types of travellers, the hotel marks IHG Hotels & Resorts’ re-entry into the Swedish market. At voco Stockholm - Kista, each element of the hotel has been thoughtfully curated to deliver a charming experience worth cherishing. Located in the heart of Stockholm's Silicon Valley, the brand new, full-service hotel, with uninterrupted views of northern Stockholm, is an exciting addi...
Extended Stay America Welcomes New Property in Buffalo, New York
Extended Stay America | September 5, 2024
Charlotte, NC, September 5, 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 Suites Buffalo, located in Buffalo, New York. The two-story, 100-room property features free Wi-Fi, a free grab-and-go breakfast, and an on-site guest laundry room. All spacious suites include fully equipped kitchens with full-size refrigerators, microwaves, stovetops, cookware, utensils, dishes, and a dedicated workspace. “This new Extended Stay America Suites location in Buffalo is an exciting opportunity to address the needs for extended-stay hotel...
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa Opens Following Property-Wide Renovation and Rebranding
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa | September 5, 2024
Now Open: Bora Bora’s Newest Resort Features Overwater Villas with Stunning Views, Locally-Inspired Wellness Offerings, Marine Life Conservation Efforts, Diverse Dining and More Bora Bora, French Polynesia (September 5, 2024) – The highly-anticipated Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is now open, emerging as the newest and most captivating retreat in the luxurious Bora Bora. Having recently completed an extensive property-wide renovation and rebrand, The Westin Bora Bora is nestled at the base of the majestic Mount Otemanu, boasting the largest collection of overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, alongside expansive beachside villas. ...
McNeill Hotel Company Names Etienne Courchesne General Manager at Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin
McNeill Hotel Company | September 5, 2024
Germantown, Tennessee —September 5, 2024—Germantown, TN- based McNeill Hotel Company (MHC) recently promoted Etienne Courchesne from Assistant General Manager to General Manager at its Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin (FL) property. MHC President Travis Murray made the announcement. Courchesne joined MHC in 2023 as Assistant General Manager at Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin, quickly demonstrating his capabilities in all phases of hotel operations, as well as his communication skills in team building and working with guests, brand partners and the community. Prior to joining MHC, Courchesne served as Director of Housekeeping at Fox River...
Avani Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Bangkok’s New CBD With the Launch of Avani Ratchada Bangkok Hotel
Avani Hotels & Resorts | September 5, 2024
Bangkok, September 5, 2024: Avani Hotels & Resorts, the upscale lifestyle brand of Minor Hotels, announces the opening of Avani Ratchada Bangkok Hotel. Located in the heart of Bangkok’s new Central Business District, the 402-room hotel offers an ideal stay for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can explore a different side of the 'Big Mango' through unique local experiences, from bustling night markets to vibrant cultural hotspots. Avani Ratchada Bangkok joins sister properties, Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel and Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel, as the third Avani hotel in the city. Strategically located...
How To Turn Inbound Reservations Inquiries Into Proactive, Outbound, Reservations Sales Leads
Doug Kennedy | September 5, 2024
Complimentary Registration Now Open For Doug Kennedy’s Next Webcast! Sponsored By Travel Outlook and Track Hospitality Software Register your team and participate live, or view the recording, of Doug Kennedy’s next 40-minute training webcast scheduled for Friday, September 20, from Noon – 12:45 pm EST. REGISTER HERE “Many leaders tend to think the role of reservations agents is simply to field inbound calls, answer questions, and book those who are not techno-savvy enough to book online,” said KTN President Doug Kennedy. “Yet when you monitor the cloud-based phone logs at resorts, vacation rental companies, and luxury hotels ...
Cloudbeds To Usher in the Era of ‘Decision Intelligence’ at Upcoming Passport Conference
Cloudbeds | September 4, 2024
San Diego, CA – Cloudbeds, the premier hospitality management platform, is set to usher in the era of ‘decision intelligence’ for the hospitality industry at its upcoming Passport User Conference on October 23, with the unveiling of Cloudbeds Intelligence. Cloudbeds Intelligence, a new AI and machine learning layer built into the platform, is designed to supercharge all functionalities of the hospitality management system and break down departmental silos, delivering unmatched decision-making intelligence for revenue managers, marketers, GMs, operations staff, and more. The innovative platform layer implements causal AI using r...
Hotel Management Companies Drive Significantly Better Guest Experiences, J.D. Power Finds
J.D. Power | September 4, 2024
TROY, Mich.: 4 Sept. 2024 — The secret to a great branded hotel stay may be in an aspect that guests do not often realize: the third-party management company operating the hotel, which creates consistent, pleasurable and problem-free guest experiences. According to the J.D. Power 2024 North America Third-Party Hotel Management Guest Satisfaction Benchmark,SM released today, overall guest satisfaction with branded hotels run by the nation’s largest third-party management companies improves significantly this year, outperforming both chain-managed and independently operated hotels. “Third-party management companies operating branded ...
How EAST Hotels Defines a New Luxury Hotel Category
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | September 4, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky A great motto to live by is that the only constant is change. Right now, in late 2024, the hotel industry has been through the wringer over the past five years, with profound shifts to how we operate as induced by the pandemic, the experience economy, inflation, labor market changes, demographic shifts, climate action policy, the growth of wellness and a host of other forces. From this invisible yet chaotic hand, new brands are nevertheless emerging to triumphantly address the modern traveler. A problem with all this is that most trends can only be identified in hindsight based on concurrent and lagging indicato...
Investment Strategies in the Hospitality Industry: Essential Insights
EHL Group | September 4, 2024
If you’re an entrepreneur, seasoned investor, or work in hospitality and have some money to spare, you might wonder whether investing in the hospitality industry could be a lucrative strategy. It’s an in-demand industry, with the global market forecast to grow from around 5.5 trillion US dollars in 2024 to over 11.6 trillion US dollars in 2029. Domestic and foreign travel are also returning to pre-pandemic levels, with the number of people looking to book trips to global destinations showing no sign of slowing. These predictions suggest there are good returns to be made by those who invest wisely. With that in mind, let’s explo...
Hilton Signs Agreement for 225-Room Hilton Frankfurt Gravenbruch
Hilton | September 4, 2024
FRANKFURT, Germany – Hilton, today announced the signing of the 225-room Hilton Frankfurt Gravenbruch as part of a management agreement. The property will go through a conversion to Hilton’s flagship brand with an opening set for October 2024. Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development EMEA, Hilton, said, “With more than 60 properties either trading or under development, Germany continues to be a key strategic market for Hilton, and we’re excited to be further expanding our portfolio in Frankfurt working alongside Allsco Gravenbruch Hotelbetriebsgesellschaft mbH. This signing marks our ninth hotel in this major busines...
Mikey Termini Named Executive Chef for Marriott Harbor Beach Resort
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa | September 4, 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE – Sept. 4, 2024 – Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa – an oceanfront resort situated on the destination’s largest stretch of privately owned beach – proudly announces the appointment of Mikey Termini as Executive Chef. In this role, Chef Mikey will utilize his experience, innovation, and enthusiasm to oversee all culinary operations across the property’s seven food and beverage outlets – including 3030 Ocean, Sea Level Restaurant and Ocean Bar, and Riva – along with in-room dining, high-volume event catering, and the associate cafeteria. Chef Mikey joins Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor B...
Hotel Haya Welcomes Laura Maldonado as General Manager
Hotel Haya | September 4, 2024
TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 4, 2024) - Hotel Haya, Aparium Hotel Group’s award-winning property located in the historic heart of Ybor City is delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Maldonado to General Manager. The Puerto Rico native brings a wealth of knowledge, extensive ideas and outstanding hospitality experience to the culturally rich property. Most recently Maldonado served as the General Manager for the iconic four-star Heathman Hotel and restaurant in downtown Portland, Oregon, where she oversaw a complete overhaul of the property including food and beverage, and the sales and operating departments. There, she also developed a com...
Rancho de los Caballeros Appoints Robert Cornett as Executive Chef
Rancho de los Caballeros | September 4, 2024
WICKENBURG, ARIZ. (September 4, 2024) – Rancho de los Caballeros, a historic, family-owned dude ranch, announces today the promotion of Robert Cornett to executive chef. In this new role, he will manage the three on-site restaurants, direct all front- and back-of-house kitchen staff, and lead development of the ranch’s innovative culinary programming like the Desert Cookouts, Ranch Reserve: Wine Evenings at 19 and the annual Guest Chef Series. Cornett joined Rancho de los Caballeros in 2022 as the executive sous chef. Over the last two years, he has significantly contributed to the operations of the Main Dining Room—a ranch-style...
Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown Unveils Property-Wide Renovation
Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown | September 4, 2024
SALT LAKE CITY, UT (September 4, 2024) – Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown is excited to announce the completion of the property’s multi-million dollar renovation, featuring upgrades to the guest rooms, dining outlets, meeting spaces and the lobby. The renovation also includes a new executive club lounge, a ski closet, and a coffee outlet, 215 West, which will open later this year. Located less than a block from the Delta Center and steps from the Salt Palace Convention Center, Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown is an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can easily explore the nearby mountains, entertainment venues,...
HEI Expands Footprint in Georgia With Addition of Kimpton Sylvan Atlanta Buckhead
HEI Hotels & Resorts | September 4, 2024
Norwalk, CT, September 4, 2024 - HEI Hotels & Resorts, one of the nation's leading operators of institutionally owned hotels with a portfolio of more than 100 properties across the United States, has added the Kimpton Sylvan Atlanta Buckhead to its portfolio, bringing the total number of hotels managed in the of state of Georgia to 17. Originally constructed in 1952, the Kimpton Sylvan is a conversion of a residential condominium building newly reimagined as a boutique hotel and located in the heart of Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. The building underwent a comprehensive redevelopment beginning in 2018 and opened in early 2021. Its...
The Boardwalk Hotel Now Open Under Brick Hospitality Management
Brick Hospitality | September 4, 2024
San Diego, CA (September 4, 2024) – Brick Hospitality, a leading San Diego-based hotel management company, announced today its partnership and soft opening of The Boardwalk Hotel, Mission Beach's newest boutique escape. Formerly known as the Santa Clara Motel, this revitalization and new stewardship promises to elevate the guest experience and solidify The Boardwalk Hotel as a premier destination in San Diego's vibrant beach community. Offering a unique blend of coastal chic and modern comfort, The Boardwalk Hotel features just 18 exquisitely designed rooms. Guests can choose from stylish boho bungalows to lavish 2-bedroom suites with br...
Remington Hospitality to Manage Hotel Miramar in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Remington Hospitality | September 4, 2024
Dallas, TX — September 4, 2024 — Remington Hospitality, a premier hotel management company, announces its new role managing Hotel Miramar, a boutique property nestled in the vibrant Miramar district of San Juan, Puerto Rico. This partnership marks Remington’s first venture in the Puerto Rican market, expanding its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America region. Located just minutes from Old San Juan, cruise ship terminals, the Puerto Rico Convention Center, and popular nightlife spots, Hotel Miramar offers guests both convenience and comfort. Overlooking the Condado Lagoon and set within one of San Juan’s upscale neighborhoods, ...
