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AMS Hospitality Group & Black Salmon Acquire Circa 39 Hotel in Miami Beach
AMS Hospitality | June 21, 2021
MIAMI – June, 21, 2021 – AMS Hospitality, the affiliate hospitality group of The Allen Morris Company, and Miami-based national commercial real estate investment firm Black Salmon announced today the acquisition of Circa 39 Hotel in Miami Beach. The 97-key boutique hotel marks the most recent acquisition for the group as part of its plans to acquire $300 million in hospitality assets across the U.S. The two firms have additional assets under contract throughout the southeast United States. Located at 3900 Collins Avenue, the Art Deco-style Circa 39 Hotel is across from the iconic Miami Beach boardwalk and housed within two buildings, ...
Meliá Chiang Mai Is Set for Q4 2021 Opening in Thailand
AWC | June 21, 2021
CHIANG MAI, Thailand – June 21, 2021 – Meliá Chiang Mai, a 260-key urban hotel that towers over the River Ping and bustling Night Bazaar in the heart of Chiang Mai city in Thailand’s mountainous north, is slated to open its doors for business in the fourth quarter of 2021. Owned by Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group Asset World Corporation (AWC) and launched by Meliá Hotels International, the five-star hotel is part of the Meliá brand’s roll-out plan in key destinations across Thailand. Meliá Koh Samui debuted in January 2020 with a nautical theme underscored by boat suites made from refurbished merch...
Radisson Signs With Salaam Properties for Hotel Djibouti in Africa
Radisson Hotel Group | June 21, 2021
DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti - June 21, 2021 - Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the signing of Radisson Hotel Djibouti. The hotel marks the Group’s entry into the country and brings its East African portfolio to 18 hotels and over 2700 rooms in operation and under development, strengthening its strategic position in the region. This new signing further underscores the Group’ presence as the hotel company active in the most countries on the African continent with close to 100 hotels in operation and under development. This new-build 144-room hotel, scheduled to open in 2024, will comprise not only of modern standard rooms and suite...
Pyramid Hotel Group Promotes John Hamilton to Executive Vice President of Business Development
Pyramid Hotel Group | June 21, 2021
BOSTON — June 21, 2021 — Pyramid Hotel Group, a leading, worldwide hotel management company, today announced the promotion of John Hamilton to executive vice president of business development. In his new position, he will play an increased role overseeing the company’s new management assignments, acquisitions and business developments as it seeks to double its portfolio within the next three to five years. “For nearly the past two decades, John has played an integral role shaping and growing Pyramid Hotel Group into the hotel management institution it has become,” said Warren Fields, president & CEO, Pyramid Hotel Group. ...
Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality Launches New Brand, Mhub by MGM
June 21, 2021
BEIJING - June 21, 2021 - Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality officially released a new concept entertainment and lifestyle hotel brand – Mhub by MGM, further enriching its brand matrix; at the same time, it laid down the foundation for a choice on the road for the new generation of consumers. With the rise of the "Generation Z" consumers, they are gradually becoming the main travelers. In this context, the experience of the entertainment lifestyle advocated by MHub by MGM meeting the local cultures is well suited to satisfy young guests' pursuit of individuality and differentiated travel experience; based on its key concept of "1+N", this is the fir...
Hotel Labor Costs Are Up Across the Globe. Here’s How to Cope.
HotStats | June 21, 2021
The U.S. isn’t the only country having issues filling hotel positions. In the wake of pandemic-induced layoffs and furloughs, properties around the globe are having trouble staffing up. That’s a troubling trend not only in terms of hoteliers’ service goals, but also in terms of managing labor expenses, which have been rising. In Europe, total labor costs on a per-available-room basis in April 2021 were $18.94, according to HotStats data, versus $15.75 at the same time last year. In Asia, labor costs rose to $37.63 in April from $25.67 in April 2020. Like in the U.S., where some former hotel workers have left the sector and migrate...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Why the Future Must Include a GOPPAR Index
David Lund | June 21, 2021
By David Lund For a long time now in the hotel business we have been using REVPAR index to measure how effective our sales, marketing and revenue management strategies are. In this piece, I am going to talk about what I think should come next. I do not know about you, but I can remember when we did not use and compare the index. Things changed then and I think now is the time to shift gears once again. Recent global events have rocked our industry. We have been on a pleasure cruise for years and now it’s time to get real. Are you ready? The advent of REVPAR index and its wide use and acceptance happened in the ’90s. I can honestly s...
Grace Bay Resorts Appoints Crawford F. Sherman as Managing Director of Rock House in Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay Resorts | June 21, 2021
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – June 21, 2021 –Grace Bay Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Crawford F. Sherman as the managing director of Rock House, the newest development for the Turks and Caicos based luxury resort brand. As the first residential resort tucked into the rugged limestone cliffs of Providenciales’ north shore, Rock House is due to open at the end of 2021. With over 30 years of hospitality experience, Sherman will lead the opening of Rock House, which will feature 46 oceanfront villa-style residences and breathtaking amenities, including a 100-foot infinity pool perched on a 25-ft limesto...
Lighthouse Investments and ESI Ventures Acquire the Hotel 1000 in Seattle
Evolution Hospitality | June 21, 2021
SAN CLEMENTE, CA – June 21, 2021 – Lighthouse Investments and ESI Ventures with equity financing from Kildare Partners has acquired the Hotel 1000 in Seattle and has selected Evolution Hospitality, the lifestyle operating division of Aimbridge Hospitality, to manage the hotel. The partnership plans to improve areas of the hotel including the spa, addition of a lobby lounge bar, updates to bathrooms and updating the golf simulator in partnership with a leading golf simulator company for an activated entertainment space. Plans also include joining Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts distinctive properties. Located in the heart of Downtow...
Iconic Michigan Avenue Landmark Rebranded Into Le Meridien Essex Chicago
Le Méridien Essex Chicago | June 21, 2021
CHICAGO, IL — June 21, 2021 — Oxford Hotels & Resorts, LLC, the Chicago-based hotel management affiliate of Oxford Capital Group, LLC, announces Le Méridien Essex Chicago has joined the Marriott Bonvoy family as of today. The landmark hotel, owned by an Oxford joint venture with Quadrum Global and managed by Oxford Hotels & Resorts, underwent a multi-million-dollar transformation from Essex Inn into Hotel Essex, re-opening in 2019 and giving new life to the iconic Michigan Avenue building. Its original midcentury modern aesthetic was re-imagined for the 21st century, drawing on the building’s International Style arc...
Rosewood Signs With Chongqing Sunac Huacheng Real Estate Development to Open Rosewood Chongqing in 2030
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | June 21, 2021
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® has been appointed by Chongqing Sunac Huacheng Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. to manage Rosewood Chongqing, set to open in the city’s Central Business District in 2030. Situated in the Jiangbeizui International Financial Center, one of China’s preeminent establishments for financial services, the ultra-luxury hotel will underscore Chongqing’s rapid economic development and growing tourism market as the city continues to build influence and recognition as one of the country’s most premium destinations. In addition to the prosperous potential of the locale, which is one of just four Chinese municipal...
David Morneau Named General Manager of Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach
Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach | June 21, 2021
PISMO BEACH, Calif. – June 21, 2021 – Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach - a boutique oceanfront resort in Pismo Beach, Calif. - has announced a new management team with David Morneau taking the helm as the new general manager and Tara Johns assuming the position of assistant general manager. According to Ian Pullan, vice president of asset performance, west for KSL Resorts, which operates Vespera Resort, Morneau will oversee all day-to-day operations at the 124-room beach resort, which opened in late 2019. “Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach is now fully open, and we are thrilled to have both David and Tara join our talented team as...
Siegel Sez: The Apple Changes Its Stripes
June 18, 2021
Siegel Sez June 18, 2021 Have you ever found yourself in excruciating anticipation because you’re so eager to share something? That is what the last 24 hours have been for me. Last week was our Executive Vendor Summit with a crowd of 88 from the vendor community, a half dozen or so CIOs from the hotel world, the leaders of HTNG, HFTP and HSMAI and some amazing speakers and staff for a crowd of 103 attendees. It was amazing. During our planning for EVS, I had this creative idea for our first-night ice breaker and even though my team thought I was nuts, I said we could pull this off. I know the vendors for the hotel industry are a somewhat ...
How Hotels Can Increase Share of Wallet With Incremental Offers
Jos Schaap | June 17, 2021
By Jos Schaap In simple terms, share of wallet (SOW) is the percentage of a customer’s total spending that is captured by a business. For hoteliers, once a guest has made a booking, the ultimate goal is to maximize the revenues that the guest generates for each stay. The key to achieving this goal is understanding the guest’s continuously shifting mindset around cost. The potential of conversion of every purchase opportunity after initial reservation acquisition is dependent upon finding the right context to present the offer. It would seem logical that travelers are willing to spend for a better experience. In fact, a national surv...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint in Southern France
IHG Hotels & Resorts | June 17, 2021
IHG Hotels & Resorts is growing its Premium & Essentials Collections in France with the recent openings of Crowne Plaza Nice - Grand Arenas and Holiday Inn Express Nice – Grand Arenas in partnership with HPVA HOTELS. Located on the stunning French Riviera, both hotels are less than a five-minute tram ride from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and just ten minutes from Nice city centre. Nice, on the south-east coast of France, is famed for its sunny seaside location and has been a popular tourist destination for centuries. Over the last few years, the city has been building its reputation as Côte d’Azur’s business hub and is hom...
b4checkin Announces Peter J. Rogers, Jr. as Chief Executive Officer, Founder Saar Fabrikant Appointed as President
b4checkin | June 17, 2021
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA (June 17, 2021): b4checkin, Ltd. has appointed its current Chairman of the Board, Peter J. Rogers, Jr., as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Saar Fabrikant, the Company’s co-founder, who previously acted in both the CEO and President roles, has been appointed as President. Mr. Fabrikant will direct product development & strategic sales, as b4checkin drives to meet the expanding technology needs of a post-pandemic hospitality industry. Mr. Fabrikant co-founded b4checkin in 2006 with Chief Financial Officer and co-founder Martin MacKinnon. Using his education in software programming, he managed development for...
McLaren Signs Strategic Agreement With AnMeng in China
McLaren Technologies Asia Pacific | June 17, 2021
Sydney, 17 June 2021 – McLaren Technologies has signed a partner agreement with Guangzhou AnMeng Intelligent Technology Co. as a reseller of the McLaren solution suite in China, as it looks to fortify and grow its operation in the region. “We are very proud to partner with Guangzhou AnMeng Intelligent Technology and excited for the potential our partnership represents,” said McLaren Technologies Managing Director, Matthew White. “The agreement marks an exciting new chapter for McLaren and has us feeling positive about our future in China.” Headquartered out of Singapore and Sydney in Australia, McLaren Technologies is one of...
Ohana Real Estate Investors Acquires Hyatt Regency Lost Pines in Texas
Ohana Real Estate Investors | June 17, 2021
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - June 17, 2021 - Ohana Real Estate Investors (“Ohana”), a vertically integrated investment firm focused exclusively on full-service hotels, announced today that it has acquired the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, a 491-key resort located near Austin, TX, from an affiliate of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. This strategic transaction marks Ohana’s second Texas acquisition this month, as it recently purchased the La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio. Set on 650 acres along the banks of Texas’ Colorado River between Austin and Bastrop, Texas, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines is a destination unto itself. The a...
Loyalty Fraud Puts Customer Accounts – and Relationships – at Risk
Robert McKay | June 17, 2021
By Robert McKay As COVID-19 travel restrictions are loosened in much of the world, many people are eager to visit friends and family or take a long-postponed vacation. Some of these individuals will be in for an unpleasant surprise when they check their loyalty program balances for the first time in months: they’ll find their accounts drained of points, miles and bonuses. Travel and hospitality reward programs are a growing target for fraudsters, as loyalty program accounts generally have much weaker security than traditional financial accounts, and consumers tend to check them much less frequently (or never — many accounts are dorm...
Companies Make Summer Plans to Resume Domestic Business Travel
The Global Business Travel Association | June 17, 2021
Alexandria, VA – June 17, 2021 – The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s largest business travel association and worldwide leader in education, research, networking and advocacy for the industry – today released the findings from its 20th COVID-19 poll assessing how GBTA members are managing the return to business travel, post pandemic. The first poll of this summer revealed a continuation of the positive momentum reported last month, as companies implement or finalize plans to resume domestic business travel. Two-fifths (40%) of respondents say their company’s plan to resume non-essential domestic business...
Blue Water Development Sells Two Bethany Beach, Delaware Hotels
Blue Water Development | June 17, 2021
Ocean City, Md. — June 17, 2021 — Blue Water Development, a premier real estate investment and outdoor hospitality management company, recently announced the sale of the only two hotels in the popular East Coast beach community of Bethany Beach, Del. The 112-room Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, Residence Inn by Marriott, and the 100-room Holiday Inn Express Bethany Beach were purchased by a privately-held real estate investment firm. Blue Water built the Bethany Beach Ocean Suites in 2015 as the first, and only, hotel on the resort’s boardwalk, and the oceanfront luxury hotel has been the upscale lodging of choice in Delaware’s Qu...
U.S. Hotel Occupancy Reached Highest Weekly Level Since Early November 2019
STR | June 17, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — June 17, 2021 — U.S. hotel occupancy reached its highest weekly level since early November 2019, according to STR‘s latest data through 12 June. 6-12 June 2021 (percentage change from comparable week in 2019*): Occupancy: 66.0% (-10.3%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$125.16 (-7.0%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$82.65 (-16.6%) While weekday occupancy was still down double digits from the corresponding days in 2019, weekend occupancy was 0.2% (Friday) and 3.2% (Saturday) higher than the 2019 comparables. On a total-room-inventory basis, which includes those hotels te...
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica Appoints Sam Jagger as New General Manager
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows | June 17, 2021
SANTA MONICA; CA – June 17, 2021 – The iconic oceanfront Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica ushers in its historic 100th year in operation with a stellar new team of senior-level appointments led by Sam Jagger as the property’s new General Manager, along with Amy Funke as Director of Marketing, and Carla Ortiz as Director of Talent & Culture. These new additions will work alongside existing leadership team members including Executive Chef Jason Prendergast, who leads the property’s locally-sourced, farm-to-table FIG Restaurant. [caption id="attachment_269817" align="aligncenter" width="...
Hilton Signs With Amingiri Holdings to Launch Hilton Maldives Amingiri
Hilton | June 17, 2021
Maldives and Singapore – June 17, 2021 – Hilton, one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Amingiri Holdings Pvt Ltd, a hospitality focused subsidiary of Maldivian construction and real estate development company Amin Construction Pvt Ltd to launch the 109 all-villa Hilton Maldives Amingiri. Scheduled to open at the end of this year, Hilton Maldives Amingiri will mark the entry of Hilton’s flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand into the Maldives. It will be the fourth resort under the company’s portfolio of brands in the Maldives, joining Waldorf Astoria M...
