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Hospitality Financial Leadership: How to Create an Accounting Policy Manual
David Lund | May 24, 2021
By David Lund After recently completing a policy manual for a client, I want to share what worked for this hotel company and what could work for you. I also want to clear the air on policy vs. procedure. I know it is a big challenge to get a policy manual together for a hotel or hotel company. The big brands have resources to get the job done but the smaller brands and management companies do not have the same bandwidth. It is a project that always gets kicked down the calendar to another month or quarter. Check out an article here that I have written on why creating a hotel accounting policy manual is so challenging. Confusing detai...
Hotels Are Slowly Recouping Business, But When Will the Corporate Guest Return?
HotStats | May 24, 2021
Predicting the return of corporate travel would be a cinch if foretelling the future was foolproof. No one, however, has that extraordinary prescience and even if they did, the future is, at best, murky. The continuing popularity of work-from-home arrangements, the COVID-19 induced reluctance of both individuals and companies to get back out on the road, and issues throughout the travel supply chain are all converging to create a less-than-hospitable environment for individual business travelers. “Before you get corporate travel back, you have to get people back to the office,” said Daniel Lesser, President and CEO of LW Hospitality...
Hotel Am Triller Welcomes the Infor Cloud
Infor | May 24, 2021
German family-run hotel invests in digital transformation MUNICH – May 21, 2021 – Infor, the industry cloud company, today announced that the Hotel Am Triller in Saarbrücken, Germany, will deploy Infor Hospitality Management Solution (HMS) in the AWS cloud. By moving its IT infrastructure to the cloud, the owner-managed hotel is reacting to the current digitalisation trend in the hospitality industry and helping secure its competitiveness long term. Learn more about Infor HMS: https://www.infor.com/de-de/products/hms For more than 60 years, the family-run Hotel Am Triller has served the city center of Saarbrücken, featuring aroun...
The Intersections of Tomorrow’s Hotel Industry
Jean-Philippe Nuel | May 20, 2021
By Jean-Philippe Nuel It has already been a year since Covid-19 developed into a pandemic, along with its panoply of urgent measures to contain, combat and defeat the devastating effect of the virus. Confinement, curfews, travel restrictions—including the recent border closures in Europe—and frequent mandatory quarantines for international travel. In the United States, New York City has gone dormant. The dynamism of the American megalopolis—the world's meeting point for business, art, diplomacy and tourism—has collapsed. The luckiest New Yorkers have been living in the countryside or in Florida for a year, and tourists are logic...
The Customer Service Ritual That Takes Place at Every Meeting
Shep Hyken | May 20, 2021
By Shep Hyken Every Monday morning – or at least the first day of the week I’m in town – we have a team meeting. We begin each meeting with a ritual. We each share a Moment of Magic with the team. This is simply a positive experience we created for either a customer or team member at Shepard Presentations. It can be as simple as returning a call quickly or stepping in to help in a crisis. The point is we all share a story. It helps us keep customer service “front-of-mind” and is a positive way to start a meeting. By the way, this is the same exercise we teach in our customer service training programs. We have clients that hav...
STR: U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 15 May
STR | May 20, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—U.S. weekly hotel occupancy reached its second-highest level since the start of the pandemic, according to STR‘s latest data through 15 May. 9-15 May 2021 (percentage change from comparable week in 2019*): Occupancy: 59.1% (-16.4%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$113.54 (-15.4%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$67.05 (-29.2%) Friday/Saturday occupancy came in higher than any weekend since Valentine’s Day weekend in 2020. Additionally, ADR reached its highest point of the pandemic but was still US$20 less than the corresponding week in 2019. Many Top 25 Markets reflected improved bus...
BENCHMARK® Adds Bermuda’s Historic Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa to Expanding Portfolio of Leisure & Incentive Travel Properties
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company. | May 20, 2021
The 90-year-old resort becomes Benchmark’s first entry to the Atlantic island destination The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 20, 2021 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, today announces the addition of Bermuda’s Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa to its international collection of resorts, hotels, and conference centers. The 90-year-old resort becomes the first property the management group will operate in the British territory widely known for its pink sand beaches and turquoise waters. “The addition of Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa to the Benchmark family marks an exciting milestone for our team: we prepare to...
Are Millennials Ready to Be the Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders?
Joshua Bergen | May 20, 2021
By Joshua Bergen Across industries, millennials have steadily transformed the workplace. Born between 1981 and 1996, millennials come to the table with a unique set of priorities, motivations, and commitment to political awareness. They are innovative, value-driven, curious, and, despite any stereotypical assumptions perpetuated through the ranks, they are a hard-working group. As Morley Safer once said, “Millennials have the upper hand because they are tech-savvy, with every gadget imaginable almost becoming an extension of their bodies. They multitask, talk, walk, listen and type, and text. And their priorities are simple: they come fi...
GBTA Poll: Positive Signs for a Return to Business Travel
Global Business Travel Association | May 20, 2021
Optimism and Momentum Grow as Vaccine Roll-out Accelerates Alexandria, VA – The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s largest business travel association, has released the findings from its latest poll measuring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how GBTA buyer and procurement members are navigating the return to travel. The results from the 19th poll in the series are the most positive yet, with increasing optimism, growing momentum for a return to business travel and an increase in bookings – largely due to the success of the vaccine roll-out and introduction of vaccine passports. “It’s reassurin...
Colebrook Financial Announces Receivable Loan to Latitude Vacation Club
Colebrook Financial Company | May 20, 2021
Caribbean Resort Offers Latitude Vacation Club+ Featuring Ancora Cap Cana Marina Resort and Villas in the Dominican Republic Middletown, CT (May 20, 2021) –Latitude Vacation Club has entered into an agreement with Colebrook Financial Company, a leading lender to the timeshare and travel club industries to provide a receivable loan. Latitude Vacation Club’s home resort, Ancora Cap Cana Marina Resort & Villas is inside Cap Cana, a gated community of 33,000 acres—twice the size of Manhattan-- located 10 minutes from Punta Cana’s International Airport. This is a first-time development for Cecil Latta, well known for his sales an...
Graduate Roosevelt Island Appoints William Cutillo as General Manager and Cristina Dalal as Director of Sales
Graduate Hotels | May 20, 2021
The announcement comes ahead of Graduate Hotels’ first New York City opening this June NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 20, 2021) - Graduate Hotels® is pleased to announce the appointment of the executive team at Graduate Roosevelt Island, the brand’s debut property in New York City and island’s first ever hotel. Positioned at the entrance of the Cornell Tech campus, the 224-key, 18-story hotel is managed by Highgate and offers a scholastic retreat in the middle of the East River with bright, modern spaces and breathtaking views of Manhattan, Queens and beyond. William Cutillo joins Graduate Roosevelt Island as General Manager bringing over 15 y...
The Shay Appoints Ryan Parker as General Manager Ahead of Fall Opening
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | May 20, 2021
(May 19, 2021; Los Angeles, CA) – Ryan Parker has been appointed as general manager of The Shay, a Destination by Hyatt hotel the brand’s first independent hotel in Los Angeles. Parker, a storied hospitality professional with a flair for creative, will be instrumental to the hotel’s Fall 2021 launch in the heart of Culver City’s flourishing epicenter of entertainment, Ivy Station. Parker’s 15 years of hospitality experience include serving on the Board of Directors of Visit Santa Barbara and Hospitality Santa Barbara; assuming role of general manager at landmark boutique hotels including Highgate’s Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill ...
The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm Debuts on Iconic Palm Jumeirah Island
Marriott International | May 20, 2021
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, today announced the highly anticipated debut of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm. Heralding the storied heritage and celebrated traditions of St. Regis, this hotel joins a dynamic global portfolio and brings the brand’s signature hallmarks of bespoke service, innovative design, and exquisite experiences to the world-famous island and cosmopolitan city of Dubai. “With its spectacular skyline, breathtaking desert landscapes, contemporary architecture, thriving culture and varied entertainment offerings, Dubai is one of the most sought-after des...
Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne Appoints Franck Rodriguez as General Manager
CENTARA MIRAGE RESORT MUI NE | May 20, 2021
Mui Ne, Vietnam – 20th May 2021 – Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne has announced the appointment of Franck Rodriguez as General Manager of this brand-new, fully-integrated leisure destination that will mark the debut of the fun, family-centric Centara Mirage brand in Vietnam in the third quarter of 2021. A French national with more than 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, Mr. Rodriguez has worked for some of hospitality’s biggest names, including Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Starwood Hotels & Resorts (now part of Marriott International). He is also no stranger to the Centara...
Urgo Hotels & Resorts Assumes Management of MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa in Sonoma, California
Urgo Hotels & Resorts | May 20, 2021
BETHESDA, Md./SONOMA, Calif., May 20, 2021—Officials of Urgo Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel company that operates, develops, invests and owns hotels and resorts throughout North America, announced that it has taken over operations of the 64-room MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa in Sonoma, Calif. The property is a Forbes Four-Star hotel on five acres of land in downtown Sonoma with luxury guestrooms and amenities. The hotel also features a variety of upscale, world-class dining options designed to appeal to both guests and locals alike. “We continue to grow our portfolio of boutique, independent and lifestyle hotels througho...
Core Hospitality Signs Agreement With Marriott International to Bring Fairfield by Marriott to Denmark
Core Hospitality | May 20, 2021
Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn is slated to open on Copenhagen’s waterfront in 2023 Denmark, May 2021: Danish management company Core Hospitality has signed an agreement with Marriott International to debut Fairfield by Marriott in Denmark. Expected to open in 2023, Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn will be located in the city’s North Harbour district, just five kilometres from the city centre. Thoughtfully considered for the European market, the 222- guestroom hotel is set to offer the brand’s renowned warm service, along with amenities including 24/7 retail outlet, bar, gym and bike rental. “It’s an honour...
Genuine Hospitality Selected to Operate SpringHill Suites by Marriott-Chicago/Bolingbrook, IL
Genuine Hospitality, LLC | May 20, 2021
SAINT LOUIS, IL, May 20, 2021–St. Louis-based hotel operator, Genuine Hospitality, LLC selected to operate the 82-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott-Chicago/Bolingbrook, IL. Located at 125 Remington Blvd, Bolingbrook, IL, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott is ideally located off I-55 and one exit west of I-355, just 26-miles west from downtown Chicago and 22-miles from Chicago Midway International Airport. The all-suite, 82-room, SpringHill Suites by Marriott-Chicago/Bolingbrook offers a little extra space with suites larger than a typical hotel room. Separate living, working and sleeping spaces provide guests with flexibility and func...
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa Appoints Chris Cummer as Executive Chef
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines | May 20, 2021
Bastrop, Texas (May 20, 2021) – Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, located on 405 acres of Texas landscape right outside of Austin and near the city of Bastrop, announces Chris Cummer as its new executive chef. Cummer joins the resort from Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina in Cambridge, Md. “We are thrilled to welcome Chris Cummer to the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines team,” said Keith Spinden, general manager at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines. “Chef Cummer’s extensive experience paired with his passion for this resort and his commitment to providing elevated and sustainable dining experiences for our guests ...
Sonesta Names Elizabeth Harlow as Chief Marketing and Brand Officer
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation | May 19, 2021
NEWTON, Mass., May 19, 2021 -- Sonesta International Hotels Corporation today announced the appointment of Elizabeth Harlow as the company's Chief Marketing and Brand Officer (CMBO). In this new role, Ms. Harlow will use her more than two decades of hospitality experience to strengthen Sonesta's market position and raise awareness of its portfolio of 15 diversified brands, approximately 1,200 locations and more than 100,000 guest rooms and its ranking as one of the largest hotel companies globally. Ms. Harlow will work closely with Sonesta President and Chief Executive Officer, Carlos Flores, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Vera Manoukia...
Epicurean Ventures for the Travel Recovery
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | May 19, 2021
By Larry and Adam Mogelonsky We’ve always espoused the mantra that the core of any property’s success is their F&B. Some golf, some are into wellness, but everyone eats. As demonstrated by a property we acted on as asset manager a few years ago, a property can even overcome deficiencies in their rooms’ product through a focus on exceptional dining. Now imagine a clean slate; an opportunity to build a hotel from scratch with a focus on food. This is the basis for the Epicurean Hotel opening this summer in Atlanta, Georgia. The Atlanta property follows the 2014 launch of the Epicurean in Tampa, Florida. Built by Mainsail Lodging...
Travel Apps Will Play Key Role in Tourism Recovery
GlobalData | May 19, 2021
The desire for a ‘seamless’ travel experience will have heightened during COVID-19 with travelers searching for an easy-to-use platform, where they can be inspired and informed of where they can travel safely. COVID-19 has increased the race to deploy contactless processes, digital health passes and safely store customer data. Therefore, companies should be looking to re-model travel apps to more effectively service and manage the post-pandemic traveler, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. The desire for contactless technology is strong among consumers globally as apps that typically use contactless payment allows co...
U.S. Hotel Industry Records Highest Monthly Performance Levels Since Beginning of Pandemic
STR | May 19, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—The U.S. hotel industry recorded its highest monthly performance levels since the beginning of the pandemic, according to April 2021 data from STR. April 2021: Occupancy: 57.5% Average daily rate (ADR): US$110.34 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$63.46 Occupancy and RevPAR were the highest for any month since February 2020, while ADR was the highest since March 2020. While year-over-year percentage changes show significant increases because of comparison with a pandemic-affected period in 2020, the country’s performance levels remained well below the pre-pandemic comparable of April 2019: o...
MCR Acquires Hilton Garden Inn Beaufort in South Carolina
MCR | May 19, 2021
NEW YORK--May 19, 2021--The latest member of the squadron! MCR — the country’s 4th-largest hotel owner-operator — has acquired the 115-room Hilton Garden Inn Beaufort in South Carolina’s beautiful Lowcountry region. The hotel is just a 40-minute drive to Hilton Head Island and less than an hour from the Spanish moss splendor of Savannah, Georgia. But the real action is minutes away at the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station, one of the only places in the world where pilots train to operate F-35B Lightning II jets, which can reach speeds of Mach 1.6 (that’s about 1,200 miles per hour in civilian language). Grab your aviators and practic...
Tharaldson Hospitality Management Raises Minimum Wage in California Hotels
Tharaldson Hospitality Management | May 19, 2021
CA – May 19, 2021 – Tharaldson Hospitality Management (THM) is excited to announce that in May of 2021, they have increased minimum wage for all associates in California to $15 an hour. This change comes seven months ahead of the state-wide minimum wage increase, which the state of California has slated to begin on January 1, 2022. “We are increasing the minimum wage in California to $15 an hour now—seven months ahead of the California mandate—as our way of thanking our essential employees,” says Aimee Fyke, Chief Operating Officer of THM. “Our company could not have survived the pandemic without our essential staff member...
