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
Canadian Lodging Outlook Quarterly 2024-Q2
HVS | August 26, 2024
HVS and STR are pleased to provide you with the quarterly report of the Canadian Lodging Outlook. Each report includes occupancy (occ), average daily rate (ADR), and revenue per available room (RevPAR) for six major markets. If you would like detailed hotel performance data for all of Canada, STR offers the Canadian Hotel Review, which is available by annual subscription. For further information, please contact: info@str.com or +1 (615) 824-8664. HVS Canada performs major portfolio appraisals and single-asset consulting assignments and valuations from coast to coast. Our professional team is expert in appraisal work, feasibili...
Hilton Signs New Agreement for Iconic Hilton Munich Park Hotel
Hilton | August 26, 2024
MUNICH, GERMANY – Hilton today announced the signing of a new long-term agreement for Hilton Munich Park with a joint venture company of Commerz Real AG and Hines. Hilton will continue to manage the property following a visionary redevelopment by the owners as part of the mixed-use Tucherpark project in Munich. Hilton Munich Park will be integral to the new Tucherpark, a circular city project being developed by the Commerz Real and Hines joint venture. This innovative project will blend residential, retail, office, and hospitality spaces, creating a dynamic new destination and community. The reimagined Hilton Hotels & Resorts pro...
Soldiering On: 15 Fun Facts About IHG Army Hotels as It Celebrates 15 Years of Serving the Military Community
IHG Hotels & Resorts | August 26, 2024
Nearly two decades ago, the U.S. Army established the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program to improve the conditions of – and ensure long-term viability for – temporary on-post lodging facilities. In 2009, IHG joined the effort as the Army’s exclusive partner with a mission to deliver exceptional hotel stay experiences tailored to the unique needs of military service members, families and guests. Fifteen years later, IHG Army Hotels continues to serve as the exclusive operator of hotels across 40 military installations throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Leveraging the trusted quality of its renowned and well-loved Holiday In...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Seals Two-Hotel Deal in Quang Binh, Vietnam
IHG Hotels | August 26, 2024
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – 26 August 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today announces a two-hotel deal with Hai Thanh Hung Investment Joint Stock Company and Vietnam Royal Investment and Construction Co., Ltd (VRIC) in Quang Binh province. The multiple property agreement includes 68-villa property voco Quang Binh Resort and 232-room Crowne Plaza Quang Binh City Centre. voco hotels, IHG’s fastest growing premium brand, will welcome guests next year as voco Quang Binh Resort joins voco Ma Belle Danang in Vietnam which is quickly becoming a popular choice for leisure and busine...
NH Hotels & Resorts Makes Indian Ocean Debut With Opening of NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort
NH Hotels | August 26, 2024
Bangkok, August 26, 2024 – Minor Hotels, a leading hospitality group with more than 550 hotels in 56 countries, has announced the arrival of the first NH Hotels & Resorts branded property in the Indian Ocean, with NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort set to open its doors on September 1st, 2024. Located in South Ari Atoll, approximately 25 minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé, NH Maldives Kuda Rah will offer marine enthusiasts unparalleled access to some of the world's most spectacular diving and snorkeling sites. Right in their backyard holidaymakers will find the legendary Kuda Ra...
AAHOA Announces Keynote Speakers, Full Agenda for HerOwnership Conference
AAHOA | August 26, 2024
ATLANTA, GA, August 26—Taking place next month, AAHOA's- Asian American Hotel Owners Association Third Annual HerOwnership Conference will feature a full agenda of speakers and sessions focused on helping women in hospitality gain the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed in hotel ownership. The conference will be held September 12-13 in Redondo Beach, CA. Complete information and registration are available here. "As the son of a woman hotelier, I am well aware of the remarkable women who have shaped our industry and continue to drive it forward," said AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel. "Their dedication, innovation, an...
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection Appoints Key Food & Beverage Members
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection | August 26, 2024
LOS CABOS, Mexico (August 26, 2024) – Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, a contemporary beachfront sanctuary in Los Cabos known for its culinary excellence is thrilled to announce strategic appointments within the food & beverage leadership team. Chef Orli del Angel has been promoted to Executive Chef, Chef Yvan Mucharraz returns to the brand as Culinary Experiences Director, and Santiago Canseco has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage. These appointments underscore the brand’s commitment to offering one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. Together Chef del Angel and Mucharraz will continue to e...
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort Welcomes New General Manager Richard Elliott
ANDAZ MAUI AT WAILEA RESORT | August 26, 2024
WAILEA, MAUI (August 26, 2024) – Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, the luxurious 15-acre beachfront property situated on Maui’s premier southwestern coastline along Mōkapu Beach, is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Elliott as the resort’s General Manager. With an impressive career spanning over two decades with Hyatt, Richard brings a wealth of experience and a passion for hospitality to his new role. “We are thrilled to welcome Richard back home to Andaz Maui,” said Mark Jennings, Senior Vice President of Field Operations, Lifestyle at Hyatt Hotels. “Richard’s extensive experience with the Hyatt brand and proven lea...
HSMAI Charters Two New Chapters: Greater Denver and Tennessee Valley
HSMAI | August 26, 2024
McLean, VA (Aug. 26, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International is thrilled to announce the chartering of two new chapters – Tennessee Valley and Greater Denver. These new chapters highlight HSMAI’s strategic priority to broaden the association's reach, focus on developing new markets, and enhance member value proposition through localized engagement. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, HSMAI’s Tennessee Valley Chapter was chartered on July 9, 2024, with a focus on building a strong community of hospitality professionals. The chapter’s inaugural event featured hospitality expert and speaker Bob Anderson wh...
ImageFIRST Announces 1st Annual ServiceSTARS Contest
ImageFIRST | August 26, 2024
10 hospitality professionals will be recognized nationally for representing the best in guest experience KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., August 26, 2024 – ImageFIRST® is excited to announce the launch of its 1st Annual ServiceSTARS Contest, in which ImageFIRST Associates recognize exceptional hospitality professionals who go above and beyond to enhance the guest experience. SerivceSTARS celebrates individuals who align closely with ImageFIRST’s Values – Be Safe, Be Honest, Be Respectful and most of all, Be Remarkable. ImageFIRST’s Hospitality Division offers specialized programs and services in select markets, including Arkansas, ...
AHLA Statement on Court Ruling Against FTC Noncompete Rule
AHLA | August 26, 2024
WASHINGTON (Aug. 26, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement after a federal judge in Texas blocked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from enforcing a rule that bans noncompete agreements. “The FTC overstepped its authority by approving a rule that allows federal interference in multitudes of business agreements across the country. In doing so, the FTC set a dangerous precedent for intruding into an area that has been regulated by the states throughout our nation’s history,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “We applaud ...
Placemakr Partners With Jamestown To Launch Scout Living, a Purpose-Built Flex-Living Tower
Placemakr | August 22, 2024
WASHINGTON, August 22, 2024 -- Placemakr, a flexible-use hospitality and multifamily operator, today announced in partnership with Jamestown, new hospitality living concept Scout Living. Located at the vibrant Ponce City Market campus in Atlanta, the newly constructed tower has 405 fully furnished units and is now available for booking for flexible lengths of stay— from a single night to a week, month or longer. “Scout Living represents a new hospitality product in the U.S., and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with Jamestown on it. Since Placemakr’s founding 7 years ago, we have been working toward a world where truly flexib...
ChatGPT and AI in the Hotel Industry: Transforming Hospitality
Agilysys | August 22, 2024
The hotel industry is undergoing a transformative shift, largely driven by advancements in artificial intelligence technologies like ChatGPT. These innovations are not just reshaping customer service but are also revolutionizing how hotels operate, manage resources, and interact with guests. In an increasingly competitive landscape, AI offers tools that enhance guest experiences, optimize operations, and provide strategic insights, making it an indispensable part of modern hospitality. Enhancing Guest Experiences One of the most significant impacts of AI in the hotel industry is on guest interactions. ChatGPT, a conversational AI develo...
Hoteliers: For Those About to Rage…
Haydn Kramer | August 22, 2024
From Dylan Thomas, I quote: “Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” You my hotel friends are “the light”. My beloved hotel industry is always on the cutting edge, sooner or later. And lately there has been an onslaught of print, post, pod about just how we should be doing things. From industry insiders, seasoned hotel executives on CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and a million other industry publications, and of course LinkedIn, the world’s leading professional network, a la Microsoft. In the face of this, I’m going to help you vent. I’m not going to g...
Federal Per Diem Set for 2024/25: A Win for the Lodging Industry
Chelsey Leffet | August 22, 2024
The federal government per-diem rate is made up of a lodging allowance, a meals allowance, and an incidental expense allowance. The per-diem lodging rates, which set the maximum amount a federal traveler can reimburse, are based on the average rates for mid-priced hotels and are set annually by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Since the 2005 fiscal year, federal lodging per-diem rates have been based on local average daily rate (ADR) data, less 5.0%. The rates are updated annually, with the next fiscal-year rates published in mid-August. For the 2025 fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024, the standard daily lodging allow...
Cendyn Names Jeffrey A. Cross New Chief Financial Officer
Cendyn | August 22, 2024
Senior Finance and Operations Executive with a proven ability to drive revenue growth set to enhance Cendyn’s fiscal position. Boca Raton, Florida – August 22, 2024: Cendyn, a global integrated hotel technology and services company, is excited to announce the appointment of Jeffrey A. Cross as Chief Financial Officer. As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jeff will play a pivotal role in steering the financial strategy and operations of the company. As a key member of the executive team, Jeff will oversee financial planning, risk management, and reporting to ensure the company’s financial health by managing budgets, forecasting fu...
General Manager Deniz Akyuz Tapped to Lead AC Hotel Columbus Dublin
AC HOTEL COLUMBUS DUBLIN | August 22, 2024
DUBLIN, OHIO — August 2024 — AC Hotel Columbus Dublin is proud to welcome Deniz Akyuz as the new General Manager of the property. In his new role, Akyuz is responsible for spearheading day-to-day hotel operations and further enhancing guest experiences at the hotel. Previously the Regional Director of Food & Beverage for Life House Hotel Group in Miami, Fla., Akyuz has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. Throughout this professional career, he has also held Director of Operations and General Manager positions at various premier hotels, resorts, restaurants, and major service operations across the globe. The AC ...
Susan Williams Joins Andaz Mayakoba as Director of Sales and Marketing
Andaz Mayakoba | August 22, 2024
RIVIERA MAYA, MX (August 22, 2024) – Andaz Mayakoba announced the appointment of Susan Williams as director of sales and marketing for the 214-room, luxury oceanfront resort in the heart of Riviera Maya. Williams brings a wealth of experience to the award-winning property with over 20 years of experience spanning sales, revenue marketing both at Hyatt and numerous other resorts throughout Mexico. “We are delighted to welcome Susan to the team. With her extensive experience and proven track record, we are confident Susan will bring invaluable expertise and fresh perspectives to the luxury resort,” said Cesar Moreno, Andaz Mayakoba g...
Matt Greene Returns to Hard Rock Hotel San Diego as New Managing Director
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego | August 22, 2024
Legacy Hard Rock Leader and Evolution Hospitality Veteran Brings Wealth of Industry Knowledge and a Visionary Approach Back to the Iconic Property in Gaslamp Quarter SAN DIEGO, CA. (AUGUST 22, 2024) – Hard Rock Hotel San Diego has announced the appointment of Matt Greene as the new Managing Director. Greene, a seasoned hospitality executive with an impressive track record, returns to the Hard Rock team where he previously served successfully as General Manager from 2008 to 2011. “We are delighted to welcome Matt Greene back to the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego family,” said Ace Patel, Owner Representative. “Matt’s extensive backgr...
Red Roof Inn La Marque Opens in Texas Following Renovation and Rebranding
Red Roof | August 22, 2024
LA MARQUE, TEXAS, Aug. 22, 2024 - Red Roof®, the leader in economy lodging, has announced the opening of the Red Roof Inn® La Marque, Texas, at 5201 Gulf Freeway. Owner Kenny Group LLC invested $700,000 into renovations at the property, which included updating bathrooms in the guest rooms; adding new bedding; and refreshing the lobby and pool area. Conveniently situated off I-45 and minutes from downtown La Marque, the 150-room Red Roof Inn La Marque offers guests free Wi-Fi, a free expanded cable package, free coffee in the lobby, meeting facilities and an outdoor pool open year-round as well as an on-property bar and lounge. All rooms i...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 17 August
CoStar Group | August 22, 2024
WASHINGTON – 22 August 2024 – The U.S. hotel industry reported mixed comparisons year over year, according to CoStar’s latest data through 17 August. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 11-17 August 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 66.9% (-0.2%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$156.35 (+1.0%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$104.54 (+0.9%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Houston saw the highest year-over-year increases in each of the three key performance metrics: occupancy (+34.3% to 75.3%), ADR (+14...
Canada Hotels Record First Occupancy Decline in Three Months
CoStar Group | August 22, 2024
WASHINGTON – 22 August 2024 – After three consecutive months of year-over-year increases, Canada’s hotel industry recorded a decline in occupancy, according to CoStar’s July 2024 data. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. July 2024 (percentage change from 2023): Occupancy: 75.2% (-0.4%) Average daily rate (ADR): CAD236.12 (+1.1%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD177.62 (+0.7%) “Occupancy dipped marginally in July after a three-month growth run,” said Laura Baxter, CoStar Group’s director of hospitality analytics for Can...
Being Different or Being Better … It’s Your Choice
Shep Hyken | August 22, 2024
Do you want to be better or different? That’s the question that Sally Hogshead, an amazing professional speaker who specializes in being fascinating, shared in a recent speech I had the pleasure of experiencing. While most of her work is about how to be fascinating, this speech came from a different place. She talked about the power of being different versus better than others. Sally shared research that found 73% would rather be better versus 27% who would choose to be different. It’s one thing to be better than your competition. What makes you better? Is it your product? Is it the customer service or experience you pro...
Marriott’s 600th Property in APEC Celebrates Flagship Brand With the Opening of Adelaide Marriott Hotel
Marriott International, Inc. | August 22, 2024
Marriott International, Inc. today announced the opening of its 600th property in the Asia Pacific excluding China region with the Adelaide Marriott Hotel. Paying homage to the company’s flagship brand, the opening marks the first Marriott International property in South Australia, underscoring the company’s focus on growing its presence in emerging destinations. With the 150-year-old landmark Adelaide General Post Office building as its façade, the Adelaide Marriott Hotel boasts a 14-storey tower with 285 guestrooms, including 12 suites with sweeping views of the city skyline. This opening aligns with the rising trend of domestic and...