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Best Western Plus Regency Park Now Open in Walker, Louisiana
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts | June 9, 2021
Walker, Louisiana (June 9, 2021) - Best Western® Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of the Best Western Plus Regency Park, located at 13600 Hartman Ln. in Walker. Owned by Dilipbhai and Rima Patel, this hotel offers 63 guest rooms and 21 suites. The 100% smoke-free, pet friendly hotel provides southern charm and small-town hospitality, combined with comfort and convenience. Interior corridors with elevator access offer easy entry to the clean and spacious guest rooms which feature large flat-screen TVs with cable satellite, microwaves, coffee makers and mini fridges. Comfortable sofa beds are available in select suites, and guests ...
BLLA’s Boutique Hotel Investment Conference Concludes With Highest Reviews Showing the Upward Trending Results for Future
the Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) | June 9, 2021
The Boutique Lifestyle is clearly an opportunity to participate in some of the most ingenious projects post-Covid, globally June 9, 2021, Los Angeles - The Boutique Hotel Investment Conference 2021, powered by BLLA, was deemed an astounding success by not only attendees, judging by the dozens of testimonials coming in, but also the association’s leadership as well as their program planning committee. The nearly 100 speakers lead participants through the twists and turns of buying, investing, and operating today’s most popular and promising boutique hospitality sector. The opportunities presented through presentations, discussions, deba...
Sonesta Adds Five Hotels to Portfolio
Sonesta | June 9, 2021
New Sonesta Select Hotels in Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Fort Wayne, IN; Kansas City, MO; and Tucson, AZ Newton, MA (June 7, 2021) – Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced the addition of five hotels to the Sonesta Select hotel brand and its global hotel portfolio. All the hotels are owned by Service Properties Trust (Nasdaq: SVC) and were transferred to Sonesta as of June 2, 2021. These five hotels continue Sonesta’s recent expansion, with Sonesta increasing by approximately 350% the number of its U.S.-managed hotels since August 2020 and making Sonesta one of the fastest-growing hospitality companies in t...
Don’t Discount the Theater of Cleanliness Just Yet
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | June 9, 2021
By Larry and Adam Mogelonsky Cleanliness is not just about COVID-19 safety but also giving guests peace of mind through the presentation of visual cues that you are in fact abiding by the proper sanitization guidelines. Little things like a protective wrapper around the guestroom toilet seat or spraying down the lobby at peak hours instead of after midnight go a long way towards rebuilding traveler confidence. These are but two examples of what we coined as ‘cleanliness theater’ while others have deployed similar phrasing like ‘hygiene theater’ or ‘high-visibility cleaning’. Importantly, even as we transition out of the pand...
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Announces Update on Recent Operating Trends and Contract to Sell The Roger New York
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | June 9, 2021
BETHESDA, Md.--June 9, 2021-- Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) (the “Company”) today announced an update on recent operating trends, including: Operating Trends: Overall operating trends continue to improve each week, and the Company expects to achieve positive Adjusted EBITDAre in the second quarter of 2021; Strong leisure demand; Business transient demand improving: Leisure demand continues to show robust growth. Business transient travel is in the early stages of its recovery, and the Company is encouraged with improved group activity and booking trends; Balance Sheet: The Company currently estimates its liquid...
Positioning Hotels for Growth: ProfitSword Reaffirms Vision and Strategy Through Reimagined Senior Leadership Team
ProfitSword | June 9, 2021
Leading business intelligence software provider reimagines leadership roles and responsibilities to maintain the highest standards of customer service and responsiveness to the latest needs in business performance analytics for the hospitality industry. ORLANDO, Fla. – (June 9, 2021) – ProfitSword, a premier developer of business intelligence and data integration software, has announced a bolstering of its commitment to staying ahead of the latest business intelligence trends through a reimagined corporate leadership team. The company’s vision will see existing leadership streamline their roles and responsibilities along with an ongo...
Six Ways to Handle Angry Customers
Shep Hyken | June 9, 2021
By Shep Hyken Everybody has angry customers. Some customers are angry because they have a complaint. Some are just having a bad day. Whatever the reason, you must know how to handle angry customers. In our customer service training workshops, we provide a number of tactics to manage these difficult customer situations. Before I get into the specifics, remember that when angry customers have their problems managed appropriately, they can become your best customers. You’re not trying to win an argument. You’re trying to win the customer. Furthermore, you’re trying to restore their confidence so they continue doing business with yo...
Tilak Mandadi to Join MGM Resorts International As Chief Strategy, Innovation & Technology Officer
MGM Resorts International | June 9, 2021
LAS VEGAS - June 9, 2021 - MGM Resorts International ("MGM Resorts") today announced that Tilak Mandadi will join the company July 6th in the newly created position of Chief Strategy, Innovation & Technology Officer. In this role, Mandadi will oversee MGM Resorts' digital strategy, driving growth and innovation through technology-led customer-centric experiences, products and services. He will also lead corporate strategy and innovation, and will manage the company's relationship with BetMGM, joining its Board of Directors. He will be based in Las Vegas and report to MGM Resorts CEO & President Bill Hornbuckle. "We are incr...
AAHOA Names Ken Greene Interim President & CEO
AAHOA | June 9, 2021
ATLANTA, Ga., June 9 – In the wake of its recent announcement of a leadership transition, AAHOA is pleased to announce that it has appointed hotel industry veteran Ken Greene to serve as Interim President & CEO. Ken is a well-known and highly respected industry veteran who is well-suited to lead AAHOA during the organization’s leadership transition. The Board’s selection of Ken as AAHOA Interim President & CEO reflects the group’s trust and utmost confidence that he can carry the organization forward as the industry continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ken is eager to continue to execute upon the Association’s...
Robert-Jan Woltering Appointed as Regional Vice President of Mexico and Central America for Accor Luxury Brands
Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya | June 9, 2021
RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico - June 9, 2021 - Robert-Jan Woltering has been promoted to Regional Vice President of Mexico and Central America for Accor Luxury Brands. In his new role, he will uphold consistent operational standards and maintain the highest levels of service excellence at all Accor luxury hotels in the region. Robert is also responsible for overseeing operations and hotel openings, such as introducing the SO/ brand to the region with the upcoming opening of SO/ Los Cabos Hotel & Residences, and the opening of Fairmont Costa Canuva in the Riviera Nayarit within the next few years. In addition, he will continue in his current r...
U.S. Meetings and Events Volume Shows Double Digit Growth for Fourth Consecutive Month According to Knowland
Knowland | June 9, 2021
May group data shows a 28.4 percent monthly increase in meetings and number of attendees have reached 2019 levels ARLINGTON, Va. — June 9, 2021— Knowland, the leader in AI-powered meetings and events data for hotels, convention and visitor bureaus, conference centers and other venues, today released its monthly meetings and events data for May. The numbers reveal that May U.S. group meetings volume increased 28.4 percentover last month. We continue to see metric improvement as average attendees aligns with 2019 levels and meeting space used comes within 10% of 2019 values. Throughout the summer, we forecast higher attendees and lowe...
City of Coralville Selects Marcus® Hotels & Resorts as New Managers of Coralville Hotel & Conference Center
Marcus Hotels & Resorts | June 9, 2021
MILWAUKEE - June 9, 2021 - Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized owner and management company and division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced that it will assume management of The Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Coralville, Iowa, effective August 18, 2021. Owned by the City of Coralville, this 286-room hotel will be rebranded under the Hyatt Regency brand as the Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center as of the same date. Following the brand transition, the property will benefit from a phased renovation focusing on the Edgewater Grille restaurant and all hotel guest roo...
Renovation and Conversion Strategies to Beat the ‘Revenge’ Travel Rush
Javier Coll | June 9, 2021
By Javier Coll With increased vaccine rollout, travel passports and easing restrictions, there is great opportunity for hospitality companies to seize the coming wave of travelers. The Caribbean sector is already experiencing a steady increase in occupancy rates comparable to 2019 numbers (Caribbean Invest). American travelers will look to the proximity of Mexico and the Caribbean as travel resumes, encouraging owners to focus on creating environments with newer, flexible and customizable experiences to fit their needs. Meaningful renovations and conversions that are both time and budget-conscious can push a hotel or resort brand the ...
True North Hotel Group Opens AC Hotels by Marriott in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
True North Hotel Group | June 9, 2021
OVERLAND PARK, KAN. – June 9, 2021 – True North Hotel Group has opened its first AC Hotels by Marriott, Marriott International’s design-driven lifestyle brand, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s revitalized downtown. The five-story hotel integrates elements of the AC Hotel brand’s contemporary, sophisticated design with inspired local inflections that balance the rhythm of downtown Tuscaloosa’s energetic vibe. Its 120 guestrooms have been purposefully designed and its collaborative, flexible public spaces provide an inviting ambiance well-matched with those who particularly appreciate the hotel’s proximity to Tuscaloosa’s most popul...
The Hotel Group Adds Tru by Hilton Spokane Valley to Management Portfolio
Tru by Hilton | June 9, 2021
Seattle, WA — June 9, 2021 — The Hotel Group (THG), a leading national hotel management and investment company, announced today the addition of the 92-room Tru by Hilton Spokane Valley in Spokane Valley, Washington, to their portfolio. Tru by Hilton Spokane Valley is the first Hilton branded Tru in Washington State and features unique decor with a vibrant and lively palette, designed with guest’s comfort in mind. “We are extremely pleased to be adding the Tru by Hilton Spokane Valley to our portfolio and continuing our expansion into the Eastern Washington and Spokane markets,” said Douglas Dreher, President and CEO of The Hotel G...
She Has a Deal Announces Pitch Competition Winning Teams
She Has a Deal | June 9, 2021
McLEAN, Va — June 9, 2021 — Officials of She Has A Deal (SHaD), a real estate investment platform that creates pathways to hotel ownership and development for women, today announced the winners of its event held Saturday. Over the last year, participants completed more than 12 hours of intensive hotel investment education to learn how to source, evaluate and raise capital for a real hotel deal. Five teams were selected at a virtual preliminary round to move forward to the finals, where they pitched live to a judging panel of top-level hotel business executives, entrepreneurs and investors. Held at Hilton’s Innovation Gallery at the ...
6 Ways to Keep Your Culture Alive
Aspire | June 9, 2021
By Renie Cavallari Q: What matters most in building a strong culture? A: Engagement. Q: What is engagement? A: At Aspire, we define it as the ability to build a fanatical commitment to your brand’s promise and company values. Your brand promise is the experience every customer gets from your product or service. Your values are how you get things done. When you have high engagement, people want to come to work. They understand how their contributions support the company’s success. They enjoy their jobs. Engagement is the emotional energy your people desire to give. The more they positively engage, the stronger your...
Accor Transforms Its Accounting System for Hotels in Middle East with Infor SaaS Solution
Infor | June 8, 2021
Leading hotel group digitally transforms its financial management with Infor SunSystems on AWS, positioning the group for regional hospitality rebound DUBAI, UAE – June 8, 2021 – Infor, the industry cloud company, today announced that Accor IMEA, an augmented hospitality leader with more than 400 hotels in India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, is transforming its accounting systems with Infor SunSystems, a powerful financial management solution, on AWS. The transformation will position the group to benefit from an anticipated rebound in the region’s hospitality sector as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic abates and the region ...
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Tokyo Tatemono and HPL Announce Plans for Brand New Hotel in Osaka, Japan
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | June 8, 2021
TORONTO - June 8, 2021 - International luxury hospitality leader Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd, a developer of condominiums and office buildings, and Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), a Singapore-based real estate company, have announced plans for the One Dojima Project in Osaka, Japan, which will include a brand-new Four Seasons hotel. The One Dojima Project, which began construction on August 1, 2020, is a large-scale redevelopment project in the Kinki region of Osaka. The building will be approximately 195 metres high (49 stories) with a total floor area of approximately 85,000 square metres, making it one...
Baird/STR Hotel Stock Index Dipped 2.8% in May
STR | June 8, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee, and MILWAUKEE—The Baird/STR Hotel Stock Index dipped 2.8% in May to a level of 5,148. Year to date through the first five months of 2021, the stock index was up 12.6%. “Hotel stocks declined in May and underperformed their respective benchmarks for the third consecutive month,” said Michael Bellisario, senior hotel research analyst and director at Baird. “The broader reopening trade continues to lose momentum despite hotel fundamentals that continue to improve on a sequential basis, which is being driven by strong leisure demand. The return of the business traveler later this year is our key area of fo...
Summit Hotel Properties to Acquire Residence Inn by Marriott Steamboat Springs for $33 Million
Summit Hotel Properties | June 8, 2021
AUSTIN, Texas - June 8, 2021 - Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. (NYSE: INN) (the "Company") today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the 110-guestroom Residence Inn by Marriott Steamboat Springs for $33.0 million through its joint venture with GIC. Opened in December 2020, the newly built Residence Inn by Marriott Steamboat Springs is ideally located in close proximity to the base of Mount Werner and Gondola Square, biking and hiking trails, downtown Steamboat Springs, restaurants, shopping, and numerous other attractions. The hotel is well-positioned to capture strong winter ski demand and summer leisure d...
Tim McGregor Appointed Vice President & General Manager of Inns of Monterey
The Inns of Monterey | June 8, 2021
MONTEREY, Calif. - June 8, 2021 - Inns of Monterey proudly announce the appointment of Tim McGregor as Vice President and General Manager, responsible for all aspects of management, including staff development, guest satisfaction, and financial performance for our collection of hotels, including Monterey Bay Inn, Spindrift Inn, Victorian Inn, Wave Street Inn, and Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa. Each of the five distinguished boutique hotels provides an authentic and intimate Monterey experience for guests. These award-winning properties are located on historic Cannery Row and in Monterey's downtown historic district and are among ...
EHL European Hotel Transaction Price Index Shows Impact of the Covid-19 Crisis
Dr René-Ojas Woltering | June 8, 2021
By Dr René-Ojas Woltering EHL’s Institute of Real Estate, Finance & Economics is pleased to present the first update of the European Hotel Transaction Price Index that was initially launched last year. In 2020, European hotel transaction prices decreased on average by 11.1% vs. the prior year. The total transaction volume recorded by Real Capital Analytics (RCA) decreased to EUR 10.5 bn, which is 59% lower than the record transaction volume of 2019. A smaller drop than expected To date, the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the European hotel real estate sector is significantly smaller than the -30% drop associated with the 2009 gl...
John Chan Appointed Hotel Manager at Newly Reopened Hotel Lulu in Anaheim, CA
Hotel Lulu | June 8, 2021
ANAHEIM, CA - June 8, 2021 - Hotel Lulu, Anaheim’s newest hotel just steps from Disneyland, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Chan to the position of hotel manager. John brings more than twenty years of hotel operations experience and a true passion for hospitality to this quintessential California hotel. John first entered the hospitality industry as a PBX operator during his college years at a Japanese hotel brand in Downtown Los Angeles. He then worked his way up to various revenue and operations management roles at Los Angeles-area hotels including, Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Down...
