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
The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas and Amadeus Join Forces to Expand Hospitality Employment and Job Training
AMADEUS | August 1, 2024
The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas and Amadeus, together with the Culinary Union are pleased to announce a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas and Amadeus to support the continued post-pandemic recovery of the hotel industry and to connect hospitality workers with good union jobs and on-the-job training. The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas will add Amadeus’ HotSOS Housekeeping software solution to its training curriculum to provide job training to youth, adults, and displaced workers. This new partnership is the result of work by researchers from five universities who study the implementation of technology ...
Avocet Hospitality Completes Renovation of The Admiral Hotel in Mobile, Alabama
The Admiral Hotel | August 1, 2024
This Azalea City Property Nods to the City’s Rich History Through New Design and Reimagined Guest Experiences Mobile, AL (August 1, 2024) – Stepping into the newly renovated Admiral Hotel is like entering a world where the 17th century and modern-day luxury collide. It is here that every corner tells a story, and every detail whispers the elegance of a bygone era with a cosmopolitan flair. This is the narrative of The Admiral Hotel, now reborn with regal undertones, drawing inspiration from Mobile’s rich past and the visionary spirit of its founder, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville. In the late 17th century, under the commission of King...
Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch Opens in London, UK
Virgin Hotels | August 1, 2024
LONDON, UK, 1 AUGUST 2024 – Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch, the newest hotel from the luxury lifestyle hospitality brand, has officially opened today and is poised to bring an unparalleled blend of heartfelt service, innovation, and personalised experiences to one of London’s most dynamic and eclectic neighbourhoods. Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group, commented: “I’m so thrilled to see Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch has swung its doors wide open. The UK is where the Virgin story all began, so it’s incredibly exciting to have another foothold in the city. Virgin Hotels was created to do things differently, and V...
McNeill Hotel Company Announces the Opening of TownePlace Suites by Marriott Memphis Germantown in Tennessee
TownePlace Suites | August 1, 2024
Germantown, TN – August 1, 2024 – McNeill Hotel Company announced the opening of the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Memphis Germantown, a new addition to the Thornwood mixed-use development. McNeill Hotel Company President Travis Murray made the announcement. The Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled for early Fall. Located at 7800 Neshoba Road, Germantown, the five-story, 111-room TownePlace Suites Memphis Germantown’s amenities include a restaurant and rooftop bar which will open soon, a fitness center, indoor pool, and 6,000 square feet of ground floor retail. The property is situated near the intersection of Poplar and Germa...
Moxy Hotels Opens Moxy Chongquing in China’s “Mountain City”
Moxy Hotels | August 1, 2024
Bringing industrial-chic design and vibrant communal spaces, the hotel welcomes guests in the heart of downtown Chongqing Moxy Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, recently announced the opening of Moxy Chongqing, marking the brand’s debut in vibrant Chongqing. Staying true to the brand’s spirit, Moxy Chongqing introduces a new era of playful, social hospitality to the captivating Chongqing. "We are delighted to celebrate the arrival of Moxy Hotels in Southwest China, following the brand’s entry to Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Xi’an and Qiandao Lake. Moxy Hotel is a distinct life...
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Launches Development of Beaches Exuma in The Bahamas
Beaches Resorts | August 1, 2024
BEACHES EXUMA SET TO DELIGHT FAMILIES WITH GRAND DEBUT MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, August 1, 2024 – Sandals Resorts International (SRI) today announces its acceleration of plans to expand the family-friendly Beaches Resorts brand with the development of Beaches Exuma, its fourth resort, and the first Beaches in The Bahamas. To make this new resort possible and as part of a coordinated growth plan across the Sandals and Beaches Resorts portfolio, Sandals Emerald Bay will close on August 15, 2024, and undergo a transformation that is anticipated to begin in Fall 2024 before reopening as the new Beaches Exuma. “Exuma was made for families and w...
Frontier Development & Hospitality Group LLC Acquires the Cambria Washington D.C. Downtown/Convention Center
Frontier Development & Hospitality Group | August 1, 2024
Washington, D.C. (August 1, 2024) – Frontier Development & Hospitality Group LLC and its joint venture partner Basis Investment Group announced today the acquisition of the Cambria Washington DC, Downtown/Convention Center, a 182-key hotel located at 899 O Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. The hotel has joined Hyatt's portfolio as Hyatt Washington DC / Convention Center and now participates in Hyatt's award-winning loyalty program, World of Hyatt loyalty, which allows members to have the opportunity to earn and redeem points on stays at the hotel and across the World of Hyatt portfolio. The hotel has also commenced a comprehensive pro...
IHG Hotels & Resorts and Action Against Hunger Launch New Partnership to Tackle Food Insecurity
IHG | August 1, 2024
LONDON (August 1 2024) IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is proud to announce a new multi-year partnership with global NGO Action Against Hunger in support of its invaluable work to combat food insecurity and hunger for millions of people around the world. It’s estimated that one in three people globally are uncertain where their next meal is coming from, due to poverty, conflict, inefficient food systems and climate change. Through thousands of hotels in communities across more than 100 countries, IHG has long supported efforts to improve food security, alongside supporting disaster relief efforts...
AHLA Statement on Senate Committee Passage of Hotel Fees Transparency Act
AHLA | August 1, 2024
WASHINGTON (August 1, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation approved the Hotel Fees Transparency Act, which would create a nationwide standard for lodging cost transparency. The bill now awaits a full Senate vote. “Today’s committee vote in the Senate is an important step toward a more transparent booking process for guests and a level playing field across the lodging industry – including short-term rentals, online travel agencies, metasearch sites, and hotels,”...
Mobile First: Brit Smartphone Hotel Bookings Overtake Desktop for the First Time
SHR | August 1, 2024
UK, 1 August 2024 – Brits are now making more hotel bookings on mobile devices than desktops for the first time, new research from SHR reveals1. The hotel technology specialist found that mobile bookings have overtaken desktop for UK staycations, with more than half of bookings (51.3%) made on a smartphone device over the last year – a 6.1% increase from the previous year. This shows how consumers are becoming far more comfortable booking travel on mobile devices, thanks in large part to the volume of information and seamless booking experience now available on all platforms. Desktop bookings have decreased by 3.8%, now ac...
HSMAI Perspective: Signing Off, In Gratitude
HSMAI | August 1, 2024
Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, President and CEO, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) As many of you have heard, I recently announced my retirement as President and CEO of HSMAI Global, Americas, and Foundation. While I had planned to continue leading HSMAI through its 100th anniversary (in September 2027), I decided to accelerate my retirement timeline due to an unexpected and serious health issue. In this, my final perspective column, I will share some reflections on my time with HSMAI. I am filled with gratitude for the incredible journey and the profound relationships I have built with so m...
Otelier Product Suite Now Available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace
Otelier | August 1, 2024
Integrating Otelier’s tools with Oracle Cloud applications allows hoteliers to centralize property-level data across their portfolio to automate back office tasks and turn analysis into action. ATLANTA, GA, August 1, 2024 – Otelier, a leading provider of back office automation and business intelligence tools and a member of Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN), today announced that three Otelier solutions – DigiAudit, TruePlan and IntelliSight – are available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace and can be deployed on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and integrated with OPERA Cloud via the Oracle Hospitality Integration Platform (OHIP). Oracle C...
Florida’s Caribe Royale Orlando Taps Luciano Sperduto as Director of Food & Beverage
Caribe Royale Orlando Resort | July 31, 2024
ORLANDO, FL (July 31, 2024) — Orlando’s only AAA Four Diamond all-suite convention resort, Caribe Royale Orlando Resort, has named Luciano Sperduto as its Director of Food & Beverage to oversee culinary operations, banquets operations, menu development, elevated service standards and all dining experiences across the newly reimagined property. With an impressive culinary track record in the Orlando market, Sperduto will work in partnership with Caribe Royale’s executive chef and other culinary leadership to shape the future of the resort’s stand-out restaurants. Sperduto’s passion for food stems from his Italian roots and ri...
Grace Bay Resorts in Turks & Caicos Names Sara Archibald as Northeast Regional Director of Sales
Grace Bay Resorts | July 31, 2024
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos – Grace Bay Resorts, the boutique owner, developer and operator of the finest luxury resorts and branded residences in Turks and Caicos, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sara Archibald as Northeast Regional Director of Sales. In her new role, Archibald will manage and oversee the sales operations in the Northeast region of the United States including designing plans to meet sales targets and developing and cultivating relationships with clients. With a decade of experience in sales and marketing, including seven years with Virtuoso in the luxury travel sector, Archibald brings a wealth of exper...
Cambria Hotels Continue Expansion Across the U.S. with Four New Openings
The Cambria Hotels | July 31, 2024
Located in cities and sought-after vacation destinations, Cambria Hotels offers guests an upscale stay and award-winning satisfaction perfect for a summer getaway NORTH BETHESDA, Md., July 31, 2024 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) has opened four Cambria Hotels in popular U.S. destinations. The newly opened properties, located in Niagara Falls, NY; Rehoboth, DE; North Conway, NH; and Denver, CO, join a collection of more than 70 open Cambria Hotels located around the country and an upscale portfolio of eight brands, including Radisson Blu, the Ascend Hotel Collection, Radisson, Radisson Individuals, Radisson RED, wit...
IHG’s IHG InterContinental Brand to Return to the Philippines at Hann Reserve
IHG Hotels & Resorts | July 31, 2024
Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines – 31 July 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, announces the return of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts – the world’s first and largest international luxury hotel brand – to the Philippines in a franchise agreement with Hann Philippines Inc., an emerging leader in the local luxury integrated resort (IR) sector with its Hann Resorts brand. InterContinental Clark will sit at the heart of the 450-hectare luxury estate in New Clark City. The development will feature three 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Nicklaus Desig...
Bob LaCasse Joins Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort® in Miramar Beach, Florida as General Manager
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort | July 31, 2024
Miramar Beach, FL – Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort®, a premier destination on Florida’s Emerald Coast, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob LaCasse as its new General Manager. With a distinguished career that spans over three decades in various prestigious hospitality roles across the United States, LaCasse brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the hospitality industry to his new role at Sandestin®. Bob LaCasse's career is marked by significant achievements and leadership roles at renowned properties, including Tradewinds Resorts in St. Pete Beach, Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, and several others acr...
Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection Welcomes James Miller as General Manager
Goldener Hirsch | July 31, 2024
DEER VALLEY, UTAH (JULY 31, 2024) - Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resort Collection, home to the iconic Austrian-inspired mid-mountain hotel and residences in Deer Valley, today announces the appointment of James Miller as General Manager. A seasoned hospitality veteran with over 30 years of luxury hotel experience, Miller will oversee all operations, services, offerings, and guest experiences for the property. Miller brings extensive experience to Goldener Hirsch, having held management roles at luxury hotels around the world. His hospitality career began in Asia, where he started with Six Senses Resorts & Spas, and later managed operations...
Resolute Road Hospitality Marks Grand Opening of The Newberry Hotel, A Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Bend, Oregon
Resolute Road Hospitality | July 31, 2024
Boise, ID, July 31, 2024—Resolute Road Hospitality, a third-party management company founded on the promise to change the way owners think of their management company, announced today the grand opening of The Newberry Hotel, a stunning addition to the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Previously the DoubleTree by Hilton, The Newberry Hotel has undergone extensive renovations and rebranding to convert the DoubleTree to part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, offering an upscale boutique experience for guests visiting downtown Bend. The grand opening event, held on July 17, 2024, was a delightful celebration attended by community members, in...
South Carolina’s Reimagined Ansonborough Charleston Plans September 2024 Grand Opening Following Property-wide Transformation
Wright Investments, Inc. | July 31, 2024
CHARLESTON, S.C., (July 31, 2024) – Following an extensive, multimillion-dollar reinvention, The Ansonborough Charleston—sourced, co-developed, capitalized and managed by Wright Investments, Inc. and developed by Continental Hospitality Group—will celebrate its official grand opening on September 3, 2024. Formerly known as The Ansonborough Inn, this intimate luxury inn, conveniently located in the heart of the city’s historic downtown district, will debut as a homebase for travelers seeking to discover genuine Charleston hospitality and an authentic neighborhood experience. Striking a balance between honoring history and embracin...
Highline Hospitality Partners Expands Into Washington D.C. Metro Area With Acquisition of Hilton Garden Inn Arlington Courthouse Plaza
Highline Hospitality Partners | July 31, 2024
ARLINGTON, VA - JULY 31, 2024 - Highline Hospitality Partners (HHP), the hospitality investment platform launched by Highline Real Estate Partners, has acquired the Hilton Garden Inn Courthouse Plaza Arlington Courthouse Plaza. The 193-room, premium select-service hotel marks HHP’s 12th property and its first venture into the Washington DC metro area. Situated in Arlington’s Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, the hotel is ideally situated in Northern Virginia’s stable and growing demand generators, including the Pentagon, Amazon’s HQ2 and the burgeoning defense and tech corporate sectors. The hotel is also conveniently located within walki...
Marriott International Launches HotelHelp Pilot to Provide Short-Term Emergency Stays for Human Trafficking Survivors
Marriott International | July 31, 2024
At the AHLA Foundation’s third annual No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Summit in connection with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Marriott International, Inc. announced the pilot launch of HotelHelp, a rooms donation program for survivors of human trafficking. HotelHelp currently works with Marriott’s portfolio of hotels that are willing to donate short-term emergency stays and established care providers who book these rooms for the survivors they support. HotelHelp is being piloted in five U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Detroit, Phoenix, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., and is expected to expand to 25 cities across North America...
AHLA Foundation Announces 2024 – 2025 No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund Grantees
AHLA Foundation | July 31, 2024
$1M awarded across eight community-based organizations Washington, D.C. (July 31, 2024) – Today, AHLA Foundation announced the 2024 – 2025 No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Survivor Fund grantees, eight community-based organizations that provide services and resources to help support human trafficking survivors on their path forward. This year’s Survivor Fund grantees were announced at the third annual NRFT Summit, hosted on United Nation’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a global campaign urging accelerated action to end child trafficking. “The No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund is a first for our industry, and alre...
An Interview to Discuss the Hallmarks of Hawaiian Luxury
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | July 31, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky For those who are unfamiliar, the Halekulani is (pardon the alliteration) a hallmark of Hawaiian hospitality, with the property acting as the keystone for the densely populated beach tourism area of Waikiki in Honolulu. At 453 rooms and suites, the luxury hotel has a time-honored history, first established in 1917 and now comprising five buildings and three signature restaurants, all with an unparalleled onsite experience. Further to this article, the property closed completely for an 18-month renovation at the outset of the pandemic in 2020. Being regulars at the Halekulani, and true hotel aficionados, we’re ...
