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Is the Front Desk Still the Bastion of Hospitality?
Steve Davis | March 31, 2021
By Steve Davis For everyone in our industry, the past year has been one of unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The pandemic is at the center of this, of course, causing the obvious disruptions to travel and business. Less obvious, but also worth noting, is how people have become accepting (even wanting) of more technology in their busy lives. As we now build our way out of this 100-year flood, some in our industry are finding ways to embrace these changes and to truly ‘build back better’. And, quite amazingly, these vanguards of our industry, many of whom we are proud to partner with, have shown us that this can be done in a wa...
Jumeirah Group Appoints Ermanno Zanini as Regional Vice President and General Manager of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Jumeirah Group | March 31, 2021
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - March 31, 2021 - Jumeirah Group (www.Jumeirah.com), a global luxury hospitality company, has announced the appointment of Ermanno Zanini to the role of Regional Vice President and General Manager of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, its flagship hotel in the United Arab Emirates. In his new role, Ermanno will oversee all aspects of the global icon’s operations, building on his rich background to further cement the exceptional service that Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is renowned for. He will lead and support the team in its unwavering dedication to create unforgettable guest experiences, while maintaining oversight for Ital...
Why the Hospitality “Skills Gap” Has Become a “Skills Chasm” Due to COVID-19
Daniel Johnson | March 31, 2021
By Daniel Johnson Just as you can’t “pour from an empty cup,” hotels can’t provide great service without the help of great staff – hospitality professionals know this to be unequivocally true. Hospitality is, in many ways, defined by its providers. Great hospitality isn’t simply the provision of a singular service; instead, it’s an experience, one that is continuously curated and delivered in a meaningful way via engaged staff, a pristine property, and the best available technological advances. Despite this, hiring has always been a crux of our industry, from technology to management, front desk, and beyond. The pandemic h...
Noble Acquires Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville | Ponte Vedra
Noble Investment Group | March 31, 2021
Atlanta, Georgia – March 31, 2021 – Noble Investment Group (“Noble”) today announced the acquisition of the Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville | Ponte Vedra. Located within the Sawgrass Village mixed-use development in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, the hotel will undergo a complete guest room and public area renovation. Jacksonville, Florida is a rapidly growing metropolitan city known for its high quality of life and business-friendly environment. The city’s significant economic expansion has led to employment growth four times the national average. The Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville | Ponte Vedra is located in the renowned Ponte Ve...
Sonesta Launches Global Hotel Franchising Organization
Sonesta | March 31, 2021
Positioned to Grow Current Base of Approximately 1,200 Franchised and Managed Hotels and Leading Brands Across Multiple Customer Segments Brian Quinn Appointed as Sonesta Franchising’s Chief Development Officer Newton, MA – March 31, 2021 – Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced the launch of its renewed global hotel franchising organization. Less than ten days after completing its acquisition of RLH Corporation, Sonesta is now one of the largest hotel companies, with approximately 1,200 franchised and managed properties. The company offers a complete platform of franchise services, hotel operations, and f...
Amadeus Expands Hoteliers’ Access to Historical Market Insight to Complement Forward-Looking Data
Amadeus | March 31, 2021
Combining 2019 and 2020 historical market performance with 12 months of forward-looking, on-the-books occupancy and pace data, hoteliers can now view 36 months of the industry’s most comprehensive booking data to create more informed recovery strategies. For more than a year, the global travel industry has been impacted by unprecedented uncertainty due to the spread of COVID-19. Changing travel regulations across all regions of the world forced hoteliers to make challenging decisions for their business. Where they once relied on the prior year’s performance to inform their strategy, hoteliers quickly found that during a global pandemic, ...
Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Are Coming Together With the Unique, New “Hotel Employee Rate” Travel Program
March 30, 2021
Offering Hotel Teams The Benefits Of Employee-Rate Hotel Stays Globally Hilversum (Amsterdam), The Netherlands, March 30, 2021 … An expanding collection of hotel chains, hotel management companies and independent properties around the world is coming together with the newly-announced Hotel Employee Rate travel program, offering hotel employee teams the extraordinary benefit of exceptional-value, employee-rate hotel stays, similarly offered by major hotel brands. The innovative global initiative is opening new worlds of travel for hotel employees while helping hotels build guest room occupancy during traditionally low demand periods, ...
Oracle Opens Hospitality API Specifications to Help Industry Recover
Oracle | March 30, 2021
Oracle Hospitality Integration Platform REST API specifications now freely accessible under the UPL license model to help customers innovate and grow in an evolving marketplace AUSTIN, Texas – March 30, 2021 – The pandemic underscored the need for hospitality providers to have flexible systems that can be adapted quickly to exceed changing guest expectations. Making it easier for partners to adapt and innovate, Oracle has made the REST API specifications in the Oracle Hospitality Integration Platform (OHIP) freely accessible through GitHub under the Universal Permissive License (UPL) model. See the Integration Platform in actio...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 246: Hotel History: Hotel McAlpin, New York, N.Y. (1912)
Stanley Turkel | March 30, 2021
by Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Hotel McAlpin (1,500 rooms) The Hotel McAlpin was constructed in 1912 by General Edwin A. McAlpin, son of David Hunter McAlpin. As well as being the world’s largest hotel, it was also one of the most luxurious. The amenities were as breathtaking as they were opulent including a massive Turkish bath and plunge pool on the 24th floor. The hotel also had its own in-house orchestra, as well as its own fully-equipped hospital. When construction of the Hotel McAlpin neared completion by the end of 1912 as the largest hotel in the world, The New York Times commented that it was so tall at twenty-five...
Americans Spent 176 Hours Scrolling Social Media for Travel Inspiration This Year, Data Reveals
Motel 6 | March 30, 2021
DALLAS - March 30, 2021 - The average American spent 176 hours scrolling social media for travel inspiration throughout the past year, according to new research from Motel 6. On the heels of the one-year anniversary of the health crisis, the economy lodging brand released a survey revealing that three in five (60%) Americans experienced a stronger desire to travel in the past 12 months than in a normal year and hope to turn that into a reality in 2021. The survey, which polled 2,000 U.S. adults, found that one in four (24%) respondents have been scrolling for travel inspiration this past year as an outlet for their pent-up desire to tr...
Around the Globe Hotel Profit Perks Up, Just Not in Europe
David Eisen | March 30, 2021
By David Eisen The U.S. hotel industry was in need of a month like February. For Europe, it was another in a string of profitability pain. In a turnaround from previous months, gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) in the U.S. turned positive in February and at $10.82, it was 675.5% higher than in January. Though the jump into positivity after eight of the last 10 months being negative was cause for celebration, GOPPAR in February is still 89.5% down over the same time a year ago. In step with the boost in profit was a jump in both rooms and total revenue. RevPAR was up $14 over January to $50.81, while TRevPAR increased...
H.I.G. Capital Acquires Landmark Resort Hotel in Norway
H.I.G. Capital | March 30, 2021
LONDON - March 30, 2021 - H.I.G. Capital, LLC ("H.I.G."), a leading global alternative investment firm with over €36 billion of equity capital under management, announced today that an affiliate has recently completed an investment in Hotel Ullensvang, a 170-key upscale waterside resort located in Norway’s Hardangerfjord. An institution in the Norwegian hotel market, the resort is set in stunning landscape surroundings with views of the fjord and Folgefonna glacier. Terms were not disclosed. Riccardo Dallolio, Managing Director and Head of H.I.G. Europe Realty in London, commented: “Hotel Ullensvang is an excellent addition to our ex...
COVID-19’s Impact on the San Francisco Lodging Market
John Berean | March 30, 2021
By John Berean Prior to the onset of COVID, San Francisco was amid a tech-driven renaissance that placed the city and the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area as one of the top-growing metro areas over the last decade. Similar to during the internet-driven dot-com boom of the late 1990s, the city experienced tremendous economic growth, resulting in strong hotel performance. Market occupancy exceeded 80% between 2012 to 2019, while ADR increased at a compound annual growth rate of 7% for the nine years between 2010 and 2019. By many metrics, 2019 was a record year for San Francisco. According to the San Francisco Travel Association (SF Tr...
Vaccinations and Economic Stimulus Spur Stronger Second Half Performance for U.S. Hotels
CBRE Group, Inc. | March 30, 2021
Dallas – March 30, 2021 – The continued rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations and additional stimulus funds have strengthened the foundation for the recovery of the U.S. lodging industry. According to the February 2021 edition of Hotel Horizons®, CBRE Hotels Research is forecasting an average national occupancy level of 43.0% during the first half of 2021, accelerating to 55.1% in the second half of the year. “Our current forecast takes into account a national rollout of the COVID vaccines, plus the December COVID Relief Bill, both of which support the projections of improved performance during the second half of the year,” said Rach...
Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center Completes Full Renovations
Hilton | March 30, 2021
HOUSTON, Texas – March 30, 2021 – Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center, operated by Aimbridge Hospitality, announced today that the hotel has completed full renovations. The upgrades include improvements to the guest rooms, public areas, meeting spaces, fitness facilities, and dining areas. Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center is operated by Aimbridge Hospitality. "We take pride in providing our guests with a memorable travel experience backed by the latest innovations and amenities in hospitality," said Ed Sylcox, General Manager. "These renovations demonstrate our commitment to guest satisfaction and alignment with the standards of th...
Valor Hospitality Partners Plans Summer Opening of 106 Jefferson in Huntsville, Alabama
106 JEFFERSON | March 30, 2021
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – March 30, 2021 –Valor Hospitality Partners announced today plans to open 106 Jefferson, a 115-room boutique upper upscale hotel in the heart of charming downtown Huntsville, Alabama in summer 2021. Part of Curio Collection by Hilton™, 106 Jefferson will offer an exceptional hotel experience rooted in the spirit of the community with a look and feel harkening back to the era of the space race that lifted the community to new heights. Built on the historic site of the former Huntsville Hotel, an iconic hot spot during the Victorian era, the property will be walkable to bustling downtown Huntsvi...
TFE Hotels Appoints Jelena Bojanic as General Manager of A by A by Adina Canberra
TFE HOTELS | March 30, 2021
CANBERRA - March 30, 2021 - Hospitality specialist Jelena Bojanic has stepped into her ‘dream role’ as A by Adina Canberra Hotel General Manager, raising the flag on the new brand’s first premium address in the nation’s capital. “I’m living the dream,” says the 26-year-old, who found her ‘life’s calling’ the very first day on the job with TFE Hotels 8 years ago. “The Adina brand is part of my heart and soul.” A sublime embodiment of contemporary Australian style, space and values that the rest of the world aspires to, the A by Adina brand purposely side-steps any concept of a ‘hotel category’ to elevate indi...
Omega Hotel Group Acquires Hampton Inn & Suites in the Florida Panhandle
JLL | March 30, 2021
MIAMI – March 30, 2021 – JLL Hotels & Hospitality announced today that it has closed the sale of the Hampton Inn & Suites I-10 North hotel located in Pensacola, Florida. JLL represented the seller in completing the transaction to the buyer, Omega Hotel Group. The Hampton Inn & Suites I-10 North was built in 2006 and is located at 7050 Plantation Road and totals 85 keys. The Property is strategically positioned near the junction of Interstates 10 and 110 and proximate to Pensacola International Airport, Port of Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and the Naval Air Station. The Florida Panhandle is continuously demonstrating positive ...
Aimbridge Hospitality to Manage Newly Opened Courtyard Los Angeles Monterey Park
Aimbridge Hospitality | March 30, 2021
PLANO, TX – March 30, 2021 – Aimbridge Hospitality, the leading, global, third-party hotel management company has been selected by owners Ethan Capital to manage the newly opened 288 room property. Don Li, Executive Vice President & Head of Asia Investment said, "Our deep operating acumen and expertise across all verticals will certainly be advantageous for us in this partnership. We are looking forward to the mutually successful relationship to come with Ethan Capital." Conveniently located near Alhambra Golf Course, Rose Bowl Stadium, and Dodger Stadium, the Courtyard Los Angeles Monterey Park is an ideal home base for business o...
Laura Inman Named Director of Sales for Hampton Inn by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton Tucson Downtown
Hampton by Hilton | March 30, 2021
TUSCON, Ariz. – March 30, 2021 – Laura Inman has been named as the new director of sales of the new dual branded Hampton Inn by Hilton and Home 2 Suites by Hilton Tucson Downtown, which is expected to open in July 2021. Inman will lead all strategic sales and marketing endeavors while supporting the hotel’s mission to provide outstanding service to guests. Located at 141 South Stone Avenue, the hotel is owned by FHG DTN Tucson Owner, LLC and managed by Fayth Hospitality Management, LLC of Dallas, Texas. “Laura’s passion for the brands and her extensive sales and marketing knowledge make her the perfect fit to lead our sales and...
Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel Implements Agilysys Golf And rGuest® Book to Enrich Player Experience and Streamline Tee-Time Booking
Agilysys | March 30, 2021
Resort Expands Relationship With Agilysys To Maximize Golf Business Value And Optimize Pro-Shop Operations ALPHARETTA, GA. — March 30, 2021 — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation cloud-native SaaS and on-premise hospitality software solutions and services, today announced that Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in Worley, Idaho has expanded its existing relationship with Agilysys through the addition of its innovative Agilysys Golf and rGuest Book solutions for player booking, course and player management at its championship 18-hole course. A longtime user of Agilysys’ robust Agilysy...
The INN at Meadowbrook Adopts BeyondTV GuestCast to Cater to the Latest Trends in Guestroom Entertainment
Hotel Internet Services, Inc. | March 30, 2021
Luxury boutique property implements purpose-built hotel streaming solution to provide guests with instant and secure access to personalized content on guestroom televisions. PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. — March 30, 2021 — Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of internet services and solutions, has announced the successful implementation of its BeyondTV GuestCast in-room entertainment solution at The INN at Meadowbrook. An independent boutique property, The INN at Meadowbrook is a new hotel near Kansas City, located in the beautiful Meadowbrook Park development. Offering a get-away for locals and visitors – alike – The INN ...
GuestTek Welcomes Julian Daniel as Vice President Operations, Americas
GuestTek | March 30, 2021
Assumed Role as of 24 March 2021 Calgary, Alberta – March 30, 2021 – GuestTek Interactive Entertainment Ltd., the global leader in providing premier hospitality technology and support solutions, is pleased to announce that Julian Daniel has been appointed the role of Vice President Operations, Americas. Based in the UK, Julian has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality sector, including 14 years with Hilton Hotels where he held senior director roles in infrastructure and technology as well as network engineering. Most recently, he parlayed his experience as an independent consultant for a five-star branded hotel chain and a nu...
Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort Now Open on the South Carolina Coast
SWEETGRASS INN AT WILD DUNES RESORT | March 29, 2021
CHICAGO – March 29, 2021 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today is pleased to announce the opening of Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes, a newly built signature hotel located on four acres of the coastal Resort. Inspired by the sweetgrass that is indigenous to the South Carolina coast, Sweetgrass Inn is nestled among the dunes of Charleston’s barrier island, Isle of Palms. Offering distinct, modern and beachy accommodations with elevated amenities for travelers beckoned by the Lowcountry, Sweetgrass Inn offers an inviting, lively retreat ideal for couples, families and groups. Sweetgrass Inn features 153 guest rooms and suites, a p...
