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 Completes Sale of Hyatt Regency Orlando for $1.07 Billion
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | August 19, 2024
CHICAGO (August 19, 2024) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) today announced that an affiliate of Hyatt has completed the sale of the 1,641-room Hyatt Regency Orlando and adjacent 45 acres of land to affiliates of RIDA Development Corporation and an Ares Management Real Estate fund (“Ares”) for approximately $1.07 billion, while retaining a long-term management agreement under the Hyatt Regency brand. In connection with the transaction, Hyatt retained $265 million of non-controlling preferred equity and provided an additional $50 million of seller financing for the adjacent 45-acre parcel. The sale of Hyatt Regency Orlando is...
Italian Hotel Group, The Hospitality Experience, Opens Borgo dei Conti Resort in Umbria
Borgo dei Conti Resort | August 19, 2024
UMBRIA, ITALY - Borgo dei Conti Resort is a 40-room & suite luxury resort located in the heart of Umbria, Italy. The estate is surrounded by 40 acres of picturesque olive groves and lush forestland - immersing guests in the scenic Italian countryside. Designed by Milanese firm Spagnulo and Partners, Borgo dei Conti Resort’s design scheme pays homage to Umbria’s history with the use of rich color palettes inspired by the work of iconic Renaissance painters such as Pietro Perugino and Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino (a.k.a Raphael), complemented by traditional architecture dating back to the 19th century and native materials that are harmoni...
Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown Appoints Kate Eckhardt as Director of Sales and Marketing
Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown | August 19, 2024
Salt Lake City, UT [August 19, 2024] – Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown, proudly announces the appointment of Kate Eckhardt to the role of Director of Sales and Marketing. Nestled in the heart of downtown, just steps from the Salt Palace Convention Center and the Delta Center, this newly-updated hotel features 381 rooms and 15,000 square feet of versatile meeting space. With over 30 years of hospitality expertise, Eckhardt will leverage the hotel's modern amenities and prime location to attract both business and leisure travelers. At Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown, Eckhardt will lead a team of eight sales and convention services professi...
Mike McLeod Named General Manager for Hilton Portland Downtown and The Duniway, a Hilton Hotel
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | August 19, 2024
Portland, Oregon - August 19, 2024 – Hilton Portland Downtown and The Duniway are proud to announce the appointment of Mike McLeod returning to the hotel complex as general manager. Situated in downtown Portland, close to the Portland Art Museum, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Pioneer Courthouse Square, McLeod will be responsible for overseeing the performance of the 782-room Hilton Complex with over 47,700 sq ft of meeting and event space, and three restaurant outlets. With an impressive career spanning over forty years in the hospitality industry, McLeod brings vast experience and a track record of proven accomplishments to his most ...
Hotel Equities Celebrates Opening of SpringHill Suites by Marriott Phoenix West/Avondale
Hotel Equities | August 19, 2024
Hotel Equities Celebrates the Opening of SpringHill Suites by Marriott Phoenix West/Avondale ATLANTA – August 19, 2024 – Hotel Equities, a leading hotel development, owner, and management firm, is excited to announce the grand opening of the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Phoenix West/Avondale. This new addition to the vibrant West Valley landscape offers a unique blend of comfort and innovation, designed to cater to both leisure and business travelers. The newly constructed hotel is owned by Virtua Avondale Hospitality, LLC. “We are thrilled to open the doors of SpringHill Suites Phoenix West/Avondale and bring a top-tier lodging ...
Marriott International Announces Long-Term Licensing Agreement With Sonder
Marriott International, Inc. | August 19, 2024
Today, Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) announced a long-term licensing agreement with Sonder Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SOND, “Sonder”), which is expected to add over 9,000 rooms to Marriott’s portfolio by year-end and approximately 1,500 rooms to its pipeline. Under this agreement, Sonder’s open and pipeline portfolio, which primarily consists of apartment-style accommodations in urban markets, is expected to be added to the Marriott system under a new collection called “Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy.” With over 9,000 rooms expected to be added to its portfolio later this year, Marriott now expects full year 2024 net rooms ...
Behind the Scenes: Crafting Unforgettable Hotel Guest Experiences
Ahmed Mahmoud | August 19, 2024
By Ahmed Mahmoud The heart of any successful hotel lies in its operations team. These unsung heroes work tirelessly to ensure that every guest's stay is seamless, comfortable, and memorable. The hotel operations team is dedicated to creating seamless and enjoyable experiences for every guest. By meticulously managing all aspects of the hotel, starting from check-in to check-out, the team strive to exceed expectations, focus on guest satisfaction, attention to detail, and efficient operations ensures a memorable stay for all guest. While creating a memorable hotel guest experience involves a delicate balance of comfort, service, personali...
Wingate by Wyndham Fort Jackson Reopens Following Renovation and Rebranding
August 16, 2024
Columbia, SC, August 16, 2024 -- Daryon Hotels is proud to announce the grand reopening of the newly renovated Wingate by Wyndham Fort Jackson. This transformation marks the hotel’s transition from a Choice Hotel to a Wyndham property, showcasing a refreshed and modernized experience for guests. Located in the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, the Wingate by Wyndham Fort Jackson offers easy access to Fort Jackson, the University of South Carolina, and downtown Columbia, making it an ideal destination for both business and leisure travelers. The comprehensive renovation includes updated guest rooms, public spaces, and enhanced amenities...
Kinseth Hospitality Companies To Develop New 123-Key AC Hotel by Marriott in Cedar Rapids, IA
Kinseth Hospitality | August 16, 2024
Cedar Rapids, IA, August 16, 2024-- Kinseth Hospitality Companies and Kingston Hotel Associates are excited to announce the development of their newest hotel addition to Cedar Rapids, the AC Hotel by Marriott. Strategically located in the vibrant Kingston Yard district, this modern hotel promises to be a significant new hub for both business and leisure travelers. Kingston Hotel Associates has closed on the land and full architectural plans are underway. The AC Hotel by Marriott Cedar Rapids will boast 123 well-appointed rooms, designed with the brand’s signature sleek and stylish approach to comfort. Each room is equipped with state-of...
Hotel Indigo Debuts in the Scenic Highlands of Bandung in Indonesia
IHG | August 16, 2024
INDONESIA, 16 August 2024 – Hotel Indigo, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle collection, has opened Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar, its second property in Indonesia. Each Hotel Indigo is as unique as its location, drawing vibrant inspiration and energy from the local culture, aiming to immerse guests in authentic experiences and forge genuine connections with its neighbourhoods. With this ethos at its core, Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar brings the essence of the destination to life through its unique sights, sounds, and flavours. "Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar is a tribute to the rich tapestry of Sundane...
Hoteliers Win as GSA Raises FY 2025 Per Diem Rates
AHLA | August 16, 2024
WASHINGTON (Aug. 16, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President and CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement after the General Services Administration (GSA) announced its fiscal year 2025 per diem rates for federal workers. GSA’s per diem guidelines govern reimbursement for federal employees’ lodging and meals expenses for official government travel. Starting October 1, 2024, the standard daily lodging allowance for most of the continental United States will increase by $3 to $110 per day, an increase estimated to be worth approximately $100 million to the hotel industry. The standard meals a...
Improving Workplace Communication: Balancing Assertiveness and Empathy
EHL | August 16, 2024
Why is empathy important in tandem with assertiveness? Is it a critical prerequisite for fostering an environment where innovation, collaboration, and productivity thrive? Excelling in communication is not solely about making your voice heard but understanding the diverse voices around you, thus achieving a balance that propels teams toward shared goals while respecting individual perspectives. Through EHL's Women in Leadership initiative, I recently attended an assertiveness workshop with Valentina Coco. As we delve into this exploration, my focus will be on unpacking the fundamentals of assertive communication and why mastering how t...
Jackson-Shaw Appoints Malia Johnson as Director of Sales for Dual-Branded Las Vegas Symphony Park Hotel
JACKSON-SHAW | August 16, 2024
Crescent Hotels & Resorts selected as management company LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (August 16, 2024) – Jackson-Shaw, a national real estate developer headquartered in North Texas, announces the hiring of Malia Johnson as Director of Sales for its dual-branded AC Hotel by Marriott Symphony Park and Element by Westin Symphony Park in Las Vegas. The two hotels, managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, are connected under one roof and are located on the south side of South Grand Central Parkway and Symphony Park Avenue between the World Market Center and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Together, sharing one address, the five-story...
The Historic Jekyll Island Club Names Shane Pappas Managing Director
Jekyll Island Club | August 16, 2024
JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. (August 16, 2024) - - Don Dennis, president of operations for Noble House Hotels & Resorts announced the appointment of veteran hotelier Shane Pappas as managing director of the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort, and its oceanfront boutique sister, the Jekyll Ocean Club. Pappas rejoins Noble House following his tenure as opening general manager of the Southall Farm and Inn near Nashville TN. “Shane has an outstanding resume that includes some of the most renowned luxury resorts in the country,” said Dennis. “He’s perfect to lead this beloved resort at this stage of it’s history; fresh from an extensive ...
Hospitality America Focusing on Mentorship to Attract, Retain Hotel Employees and Cultivate Future Leaders
Hospitality America | August 16, 2024
As mentors, company leaders will provide strategic guidance to help hotel employees navigate career pathways and thrive in potential leadership roles Greenville, S.C., August 16, 2024 — Employee turnover is a reality for the hospitality industry. Annual turnover is estimated to be between 70 to 80 percent, with analysts citing low wages, long hours, and a lack of career growth opportunities as contributing factors. For hotel management company Hospitality America, the solution to this ongoing problem is mentorship and cultivating a culture where hotel employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. “Men...
Otelier, Stayntouch Partner to Enhance Data Access for Hoteliers
Otelier | August 16, 2024
A new integration allows hoteliers to ingest detailed property-level data into Otelier’s business intelligence software for centralized access and actionable insights. ATLANTA and BETHEDSA, August 16, 2024 – Otelier, the hospitality performance optimization platform that puts data and efficiency at the heart of hotel operations, announces a new integration with Stayntouch, a global leader in cloud hotel property management systems (PMS) and guest-centric technology. Through the integration, hoteliers can access detailed reservations, guest, and financial transaction data from Stayntouch into IntelliSight, Otelier’s business intellige...
GSA Releases FY 2025 CONUS per Diem Rates for Federal Travelers
GSA | August 16, 2024
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. General Services Administration released the fiscal year 2025 continental United States- CONUS per diem expense rates, effective October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Federal agencies use these rates to reimburse their employees for lodging and meals and incidental expenses- M&IE incurred while on official travel. A standard rate applies to most of CONUS. For FY 2025, the standard lodging rate will increase from $107 to $110, and there will be 296 non-standard areas with individual rates that are higher than the standard rate. The M&IE reimbursement rate tiers were also revised for FY 2025; the...
Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society Honors 10 Hospitality Management Alumni
The Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society | August 16, 2024
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society (PSHRS) and Penn State School of Hospitality Management will honor 10 alumni during the 2024 Alumni Awards Reception, held in conjunction with the school’s 19th annual "Alumni in the Classroom" event, on Oct. 9. This year’s award ceremony will take place in the Marriott Foundation Building, the school’s Collaboratory for Inclusion and Innovation, on the University Park campus. “The vitality of the hospitality industry is matched by the engagement and success of the Penn State School of Hospitality Management alumni – who span the diverse segments and geog...
U.S. Travel Honors Destination Marketers with Destiny, Mercury Awards at ESTO 2024
U.S. Travel Association | August 16, 2024
WASHINGTON - U.S. Travel Association announced recipients of the 2024 Destiny and Mercury Awards at the 40th annual ESTO conference (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations), held August 11-13 in Columbus, Ohio. Winners were announced at a closing night awards dinner and presentation at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. “The Destiny and Mercury Awards not only recognize creative achievement in destination marketing but also the outstanding effort to inspire visitation and promote travel in savvy and imaginative ways,” said Ellen Davis, U.S. Travel Executive Vice President, Business Strategy and Industry Engagement. “O...
Stop It: Ten Bad Customer Service and CX Habits You Need to Stop
Shep Hyken | August 15, 2024
By Shep Hyken Recently, Bob Newhart, a famous comedian and actor, passed away. He started his career as a stand-up comedian and eventually hit it big on television, starring in a TV series aptly named The Bob Newhart Show. His awards include three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. In 1960, his comedy record The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart reached No. 1 on Billboard’s pop album chart. But enough about Newhart’s history and accolades, why is he showing up in an article about customer service and experience? The answer can be found in one of his TV specials in a funny ...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 10 August
CoStar Group | August 15, 2024
WASHINGTON – 15 August 2024 – The U.S. hotel industry reported positive comparisons year over year, according to CoStar’s latest data through 10 August. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 4-10 August 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 68.7% (+0.5%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$159.49 (+1.4%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$109.51 (+1.9%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Houston saw the highest year-over-year increases in occupancy (+31.1% to 76.3%) and RevPAR (+47.2% to US$93.89). Chicago pos...
Auberge Resorts Collection Names Christian Clerc as New CEO
Auberge Resorts Collection | August 15, 2024
Lauded Luxury Hotelier to Lead Auberge's Internationally Acclaimed Portfolio MILL VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 15, 2024 -- Christian Clerc, an accomplished hospitality industry leader with more than three decades of operations and management experience at some of the most esteemed global luxury hotel brands, has been named President and CEO of Auberge Resorts Collection. Clerc succeeds former President and CEO Craig Reid, who is retiring after 10 years at the helm of the company. Clerc's appointment is effective September 1, 2024, and he will be based out of Auberge's Bethesda, MD, office. Clerc previously served as Global President at Fo...
Chef-Driven Hotel Brand Appellation To Open Urban Resort in Morgan Hill, Silicon Valley’s Next Culinary Capital
Appellation | August 15, 2024
Hotel MOHI by Appellation Opens 2025, Boasting 76 Guestrooms, Lush Pool Oasis and Spa, Field-to-Fork Cuisine & Unparalleled Weddings & Event Space MORGAN HILL, Calif., Aug. 15, 2024 -- Appellation, the groundbreaking culinary-first hotel brand by celebrated American chef Charlie Palmer and luxury hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger, joins forces with visionary vintner Frank Léal of Léal Hospitality to announce Hotel MOHI by Appellation. Set to debut in fall 2025 in Silicon Valley's charming Downtown Morgan Hill, the opening will mark the first full-service luxury boutique hotel in the destination. Léal Hospital...
KSL Capital Partners to Invest $21 Million for Renovation of 77-Bungalow W Maldives
KSL Capital Partners | August 15, 2024
Underscores Commitment to Investing in Exceptional Businesses, Expanding Tourism and Supporting Economic Growth in the Maldives LONDON, August 15, 2024 – KSL Capital Partners, LLC, a leading investor in travel and leisure businesses, today announced its affiliates will invest $21 million in the W Maldives to fully renovate the resort and plan to recommence capital spending at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa (“Sheraton Maldives”) to continue investing in one of the most expansive luxury properties in the Maldives. The $21 million investment will support a comprehensive renovation of the W Maldives that is designe...
