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Ben Shapiro Named Executive Chef at The Eddy Taproom & Hotel Set to Open This June in Golden, Colorado
The Eddy Taproom & Hotel | April 22, 2021
GOLDEN, Colorado – April 22, 2021 – Denver dining veteran, Chef Ben Shapiro has signed on to lead the food and beverage program at The Eddy Taproom & Hotel, set to open this June in Golden. The 49-room boutique hotel is situated on the site of the old Golden Fire Brick Company and will celebrate both the mining history of the region and the abundance of outdoor adventures found in Golden. With two dining concepts, two rooftop decks and walking distance to outdoor pursuits, The Eddy is a gateway to Golden and the Colorado Rockies. Chef Shapiro will oversee day-to-day operations at The Eddy Taproom & Hotel’s two distinct cu...
View Hotels Revolutionizes Operations With Infor for Enhanced Business Agility and Workplace Flexibility
View Hotels | April 22, 2021
SYDNEY, Australia – 22 April 2021 – Infor, the industry cloud company, announced today that View Hotels has deployed Infor Hospitality Management Solution (HMS) and Interfaces across its three Australian Hotels to better leverage the cloud for data insights, marketing and remote working. Learn more about Infor Hospitality Management Solution (HMS): https://www.infor.com/products... In the few months of using Infor’s robust cloud platform, View Hotels has already seen tremendous success in generating valuable customer insights leading to increased revenue. Ensuring it securely stores and uses data in compliance with current an...
Q1 2021 Major U.S. Hotel Sales Survey
Daniel Lesser | April 22, 2021
By Daniel H. Lesser Upon reading his obituary in the press, the American writer Samuel Clemens, known by his pen name Mark Twain, famously remarked, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” Although there is no question that the global pandemic has adversely impacted many, the world has not ended. While the risks of reinstated limitations on social activity and shelter-in-place orders remain, concerns surrounding the effectiveness of vaccines on existing and unknown variants, coupled with an anti-vaxxer movement, pose the biggest risks to ending the current pandemic. With that said, the spring season of 2021 has sparked opt...
Four Seasons Hotel Amman Appoints Fadi Samaan as Director of Sales
April 22, 2021
April 22, 2021 - Amman, Jordan - Four Seasons Hotel Amman announces the appointment of Fadi Samaan as the new Director of Sales for the luxury property in Amman, Jordan. Samaan is a sales veteran in Jordan with more than 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He stands out for developing and strengthening key accounts that generate revenue while delivering exceptional customer service. Carlo Stragiotto, General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Amman says, “We are thrilled to be welcoming Fadi to Four Seasons Hotel Amman to oversee the sales strategy of our property. Fadi has in-depth experience across Jordan and we have no...
COVID Got Your IT Budget?
David Mulhall | April 22, 2021
Why a Migration to the Cloud Makes Sense in Times Like These. By David Mulhall There is extraordinarily little question that COVID has created a once in a lifetime business challenge for the hospitality industry. Nothing quite compares to the financial challenges that the virus has created. We have seen other significant events impact the industry but nothing quite like this. The attack on September 11, 2001, the real estate and banking crash of 2008, had meaningful impacts on the industry but the effects in many of our markets were fairly short lived. The reaction to these events by the industry were remarkably similar to the r...
STR: U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 17 April
STR | April 22, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — April 22, 2021 — U.S. weekly hotel occupancy fell 2.6 percentage points from the previous week, according to STR‘s latest data through 17 April. 11-17 April 2021: Occupancy: 57.3% Average daily rate (ADR): US$107.16 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$61.37 Following the end of spring break, weekly demand fell back below the 22 million mark, and occupancy dipped to its lowest level since mid-March. The ADR level was also US$5 less after two straight weeks above US$112. After elevated performance throughout the spring-break period, Florida saw its largest week-to-week decline in occupan...
Will the Lodging Industry’s Supply Growth Outpace Demand Growth?
Linchi Kwok | April 22, 2021
By Linchi Kwok The COVID-19 vaccination rate is climbing steadily in the U.S. At its current rate, three in four people, or 75% of eligible residents, will be vaccinated by June. Businesses are reopening. The U.S. economy is now operating at 88% of its pre-pandemic level, with hope for continuous improvement. People want to travel again. In mid-March, Disneyland announced it would reopen on April 30. Now, all reopening day reservations for both single-park and park-hopper tickets are sold out already. On April 2, the Friday before Easter, TSA screened over 1.58 million people at airport checkpoints, the highest number sinc...
Half of Americans are Likely to Take a Summer Vacation and Many Plan to Spend Big
The Points Guy | April 22, 2021
NEW YORK - April 22. 2021 - Half of U.S. adults (50%) are likely to take at least one vacation this summer (June – September 2021), according to a new study by The Points Guy and Healthline Media. The interest in taking a summer vacation rises with those who are likely to get a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine or are already vaccinated (54%) versus not likely to get a vaccine (40%). Of those who aren’t taking a summer vacation, more than 2-in-5 say they can’t afford it (41%), the most popular reason overall. Click here for more information: https://thepointsguy.com/guide/summer-vacation-cost-health-trends/ While 27% are very likely and...
Castell Project And She Has A Deal Announce Joint Venture to Build Fortuna’s Table
THE CASTELL PROJECT | April 22, 2021
ATLANTA — April 22, 2021 — Officials of Castell Project, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the careers of women professionals in the hospitality industry, and She Has A Deal (SHaD), a real estate investment platform that creates pathways to hotel ownership and development for women, today announced the formation of a joint venture to build Fortuna’s Table. The new endeavor will connect diverse prospective hotel owners to knowledge, guides and community so they can make their hotel dreams a reality. “Both organizations are focused on women reaching the upper echelons of the hospitality industry. For...
Nishantha Para Vithanaga Appointed As Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands | April 22, 2021
New York – April 22, 2021 – The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is proud to present Nishantha Parana Vithanaga as the Executive Chef of the 100-villa resort, poised to open on June 1, 2021. With over 30 years of experience in luxury brands such as the One & Only, Jumeirah and Hilton Group in the Middle East and Asia, the Sri-Lankan-born Chef brings an exclusive culinary experience at the seven restaurants of the resort. Nishantha’s culinary passion began at a very young age when he started helping his mother with her banqueting business as an after-school hobby. He started his hospitality career as a trainee at the age of 19,...
Major Renovation Completed at Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan Beach Resort
Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts | April 22, 2021
Mazatlan, Mexico - April 22, 2021 - Opened in 1987 as the very first Pueblo Bonito property, the celebrated Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort recently completed an extensive $27 million renovation project intended to boost the landmark hotel’s status as an international travel and hospitality industry leader. Located along the famous Zona Dorada, or Golden Zone of Mazatlan, the original Pueblo Bonito (“Beautiful Village”) hotel set the bar for luxury travel in Mazatlan more than 30 years ago, effectively launching one of the most successful resort brands in Mexico. The transformation pays homage to the hotel’s Old World charm whi...
ESJ Capital Partners to Redevelop Jungle Island, an Eco-Adventure Park in Miami
ESJ Capital Partners | April 22, 2021
MIAMI – April 22, 2021 – ESJ Capital Partners (hereinafter: ‘ESJ”), an Aventura, Florida-based commercial real estate firm and a registered Investment Advisor, has secured the final approvals necessary to move forward with developing a one-of-a-kind eco-adventure destination and hotel on 18.5 acres of prime waterfront in Miami. The $300 million project is an ambitious re-imagining of the historic “Jungle Island,” a zoological theme park and botanical gardens built in 1936 that once boasted the largest and rarest collection of exotic animals and birds. It is located on Watson Island, roughly five minutes from both downtown Miam...
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore Appoints Cindy Kong as Hotel Manager
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore | April 21, 2021
Singapore – 21 April 2021 – Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Cindy Kong as Hotel Manager. A veteran in the hospitality industry, Cindy brings with her extensive knowledge of hotel operations, including over 20 years of experience with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group with her most recent role as Hotel Manager of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. In her new capacity, Cindy will play a pivotal role in spearheading initiatives to drive operational excellence and ensure high levels of guest satisfaction. Cindy is no stranger to Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, having worked here in 2000 as a Gues...
The Return to Genuine Hospitality
Travel Outlook | April 21, 2021
Why the First Touch Point Sets the Tone for Your Brand In a digital age, when a potential guest picks up the phone to make a reservation, they expect a personal touch on the other end. Chances are, they’ve exhausted all digital booking avenues and are seeking true customer service by a trained professional. The consequences of not having a professional call center backing your reservation department could be detrimental to your business. Additionally, the benefits of having a trained call center serve your business could take it to new heights. Having a professional call center with highly trained agents who know the ins and outs of...
Regal Hospitality Opens Four Points by Sheraton in Appleton, Wisconsin
Regal Hospitality, Inc. | April 21, 2021
Columbus, OH. – April 21, 2021 – Regal Hospitality, Inc. today announced the opening of the Four Points by Sheraton in Appleton. The 80-room property will be Regal’s fourth hotel in region. “We’re thrilled to be expanding again in the Appleton area” said Jay Batra, Chief Executive Officer of Regal Hospitality. “The Four Points by Sheraton has been many years in the making and the final product is one we are extremely proud of.” As the newest Marriot Branded Hotel in the region, the Four Points by Sheraton hotel stands apart as it takes modern design to a new level with both furnishings and subtle finishes. Guests will en...
The Most Important Hotel Amenity to Attract Remote Workers
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | April 21, 2021
By Larry and Adam Mogelonsky The pandemic has been a boon for tech vendors; on top of the huge potential for cost savings, now you have the critical need for physical distancing and contact tracing. But for all these systems to work, you have to have a flawless internet hookup. Moreover, the benefits of speedy connectivity go far beyond the back of house. So, in this article let’s think about WiFi from the guest perspective, especially in light of many of the travel behavior changes since COVID-19. This past year has witnessed a profound shift in how, when and where people work. Digital nomadism was a trend well before 2020, but the p...
How to Keep Hotel Labor Costs Down When Business Ramps Up
Rayna Katz | April 21, 2021
By Rayna Katz Some changes made to cope with the pandemic likely will be industry norms, while the crisis also spotlighted the need for new practices to be put in place. When the coronavirus pandemic surged worldwide in 2020, sending hotel occupancy into free-fall, owners and management companies worked to reduce labor costs wherever possible. On top of layoffs and furloughs, corners were cut—when they could be without damaging the guest experience—and many employees were tasked with multiple jobs. Now, as the industry gears up to get back to business, what will hoteliers do to control labor costs? How many measures that have bee...
There Is No Excuse to Not Respond to a Customer
Shep Hyken | April 21, 2021
By Shep Hyken Let me put it to you in the simplest terms possible. When your customer calls, emails or texts you, you must respond. That is unless you don’t care if they ever do business with you again. One of our subscribers to The Shepard Letter, Andy Saks, owner of Spark Presentations and professional corporate presenter, sent in a story worth sharing. (By the way, if you’ve got an amazing – or horrific – customer service story, send it over. I collect them and may include them in one of my articles or videos.) Here’s a short version of what happened. Andy was interested in buying more life insurance, so he emailed the...
Sandals Resorts International Announces Plans for Three New Hotels in Jamaica
Sandals Resorts International | April 21, 2021
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica - April 21, 2021 - Signaling the brand's ongoing confidence in the destination, Sandals Resorts International (SRI), the Caribbean's leading luxury all-inclusive resort company, will add three new hotels to its Jamaica roster. According to SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, Sandals Resorts will transform two all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica acquired last year - the former Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios and Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort & Waterpark plus a prime parcel of beachfront land adjacent to the Ocho Rios resort, into three distinct experiences under the Sandals Reso...
White Lodging Opening Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
April 21, 2021
SAN ANTONIO, Tx. and MCLEAN, Va. – April 21, 2021 – Hilton and White Lodging announce the opening of Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk this week located in the vibrant city of San Antonio on the iconic Riverwalk. The 195-room hotel officially opens Thursday, April 22 and is the first Canopy by Hilton in San Antonio. Together with its new restaurant and bar, this welcome addition to the neighborhood mixes colorful old-world vibes with the city’s rejuvenated art, entertainment and culinary scene. “We are thrilled to provide our guests with an authentic experience that brings San Antonio to life through locally-inspired desig...
The Eliza Jane in New Orleans Appoints Ellen Lemaire as General Manager
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt | April 21, 2021
NEW ORLEANS, LA. - April 21, 2021 - The Eliza Jane, a luxury boutique hotel in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, has announced the appointment of Ellen LeMaire as General Manager. Built within nine historic warehouses and design inspired by buildings’ rich history, The Eliza Jane’s accommodations and amenities comprise 196 guestrooms with 50 suites, including 12 signature suites, a fitness center, lush garden courtyard and spacious lobby bar, which is now open. The hotel also features more than 1,700 square feet of multi-purpose event space, suitable for hosting meetings and standalone restaurant. As General Manager of The Eliza Jane, Le...
Elegant Hotels to Transform The House and Treasure Beach Into All-Inclusive by Marriott Resorts
Elegant Hotels | April 21, 2021
BARBADOS – April 21, 2021 – The House by Elegant Hotels will re-open on May 18, 2021 and Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels on June 10, 2021 respectively, under a new adults-only, all-inclusive resort concept as part of the All-Inclusive by Marriott portfolio. Located on the beautiful Platinum West Coast of Barbados, both boutique properties will now offer an array of culinary, romantic, wellness and cultural experiences on a complimentary basis. Popular with couples, honeymooners, and celebrities alike, The House is a chic hideaway destined to be one of the island’s finest adults-only, all-inclusive resorts. The 34 well-equi...
Jarrod Finley Appointed Director of Sales & Marketing for Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City Opening in 2022
Hyatt Regency | April 21, 2021
Salt Lake City, UT – April 21, 2021 – Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City today announced the appointment of Jarrod Finley as the hotel’s opening Director of Sales & Marketing. In his role, Finley will develop and implement strategic sales and marketing initiatives to help achieve a variety of objectives for the 700-room convention hotel. Attached to the Salt Palace Convention Center, the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City is designed for large scale meetings and conventions and will welcome guests to experience a vibrant and thriving urban hub, with breathtaking views of the snowcapped mountains. “Salt Lake City has emerged as a sought aft...
ProfitSword Implements Full Suite of Business Intelligence Solutions at Regal Hospitality
ProfitSword, LLC | April 21, 2021
Rapidly growing hotel management company leverages ProfitSword’s seamless integration abilities to achieve real-time budgeting and forecasting efficiency while ensuring that sales goals, inventory levels and labor resources are always effectively monitored. COLUMBUS, Ohio – April 21, 2021 – ProfitSword, a premier developer of business intelligence and data integration software, has announced the successful implementation of its advanced suite of business intelligence solutions by Regal Hospitality. Featuring a portfolio of hospitality’s largest hotel brands with properties scattered across the US, Regal Hospitality teams can now util...
