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BirchStreet Systems Relocates Headquarters to Las Vegas
BirchStreet Systems | February 25, 2021
(Las Vegas, NV) BirchStreet Systems announced that it has relocated its world headquarters from Newport Beach CA to Las Vegas NV, as it positions the company for growth and strengthens innovative partnerships with hospitality companies. This milestone is a major move for BirchStreet on its mission to empower organizations to make better, more accurate and confident buying and operating decisions. BirchStreet Systems powers gaming and hospitality enterprises with a comprehensive procure-to-pay business solution. “We believe this move places us in the center of the gaming industry, with close proximity to many of our customers,” says Sus...
Thompson San Antonio Debuts in the Heart of The Arts District
Thompson San Antonio | February 25, 2021
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — February 25, 2021 — Thompson San Antonio, a new 162-room lifestyle hotel, opens today in San Antonio Texas’ dynamic Arts District, along the city’s celebrated River Walk. Bringing modern sophistication to the Texas Hill Country, the 20-story Thompson Hotels property captures the vibrant contemporary spirit of this historic Texas city. “We are thrilled to offer our guests a timelessly original experience in San Antonio that marries the energy of the Thompson Hotels brand with the allure of this charismatic Texas destination,” said Ted Knighton, general manager, Thompson San Antonio. “A modern-day interpr...
Long Live the New Business Center
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | February 25, 2021
By Larry and Adam Mogelonsky Prior to the pandemic, many had forecasted the business center to be a dead concept for hotels. Relegated to some back corner of the lobby or hidden from the main thoroughfares by a maze of windowless corridors, this amenity has suffered a slow death in the face of laptops, smartphones and all forms of paperless documents. Amongst many other changes, COVID-19 has meant fewer corporate travelers gracing our halls and a further diminishment of utility for this facility. But as travel recovers, the business center may experience a renewed demand. That is, with so many remote workers, work-from-a-hotel (WFH) inc...
Profile Films Implements the InvoTech Uniform System for Contactless Uniform Distribution and Inventory Management
InvoTech Systems | February 25, 2021
InvoTech Uniform System establishes Efficient Operations and Total Control with RFID Technology at Profile Films LOS ANGELES, CA – February 25th, 2021 InvoTech Systems Inc. announces the previously installed Uniform System at Profile Films. InvoTech Systems is the leading provider of advanced Linen Management, Laundry and Uniform Systems that integrate the latest RFID technology to increase profitability for hotels, resorts, casino operators, sports arenas, convention centers, theme parks and production plants. The InvoTech System installed at Profile Films manages the uniform inventory and assignments for 200 employees. Profile Films jo...
voco™ Hotels to Make Scottish Debut in the Renowned Cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh
IHG Hotels & Resorts | February 25, 2021
IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today demonstrated its continued UK growth by announcing the debut of voco Hotels™ into the Scottish hotel market. Marked with the upcoming opening of voco Grand Central in Glasgow and voco Edinburgh – Haymarket, IHG has always been a prime player in the city break market for which Glasgow and Edinburgh are widely recognised. Following recent Government guidelines announcing the expected re-opening of Scottish hospitality in April/May, the upcoming openings signal a welcome return to leisure travel. voco™, inspired by the meaning ‘to invite’ or to ‘cal...
RLH Corporation Opens Americas Best Value Inn & Suites in Kingwood/Humble, Texas
RLH Corporation | February 25, 2021
Houston, TX – February 25, 2021 – RLH Corporation (NYSE: RLH) is excited to announce the opening of its newest Americas Best Value Inn & Suites property in the Houston metropolitan area. Conveniently located in the Kingwood/Humble neighborhood, Americas Best Value Inn and & Suites Kingwood IAH Airport is only a few minutes away from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Kingwood Medical Center and Humble Civic Center. Just off I-69, the hotel is not only pet-friendly but also guarantees signature amenities and extra comfort the brand is known for: complimentary parking free high-speed Wi-Fi High-definition ...
HSMAI Welcomes a New 2021 Americas Board
HSMAI | February 25, 2021
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is proud to announce the members of its 2021 Americas Board of Directors and Executive Committee. The board is composed of senior travel and hospitality executives from a representative selection of HSMAI member organizations. “Now more than ever, the hospitality industry needs strong leadership that will guide the road to recovery. HSMAI’s 2021 Americas Board is prepared to guide our organization through the new normal,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “The Americas Board members have exemplified their resilience during the pandem...
At Year-End 2020, Europe’s Hotel Construction Pipeline Stands at 1,905 Projects/307,093 Rooms
Lodging Econometrics | February 25, 2021
PORTSMOUTH, NH – February 25, 2021 – According to the latest Europe Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), analysts at LE report that at the close of 2020, Europe’s hotel construction pipeline increased 2% by projects and 3% by rooms year-over-year (YOY) to end the fourth quarter with 1,905 projects and 307,093 rooms, a record high project and room count for the region. Europe’s construction pipeline has remained robust as hotel developers have purposely delayed their opening dates to await improved operating conditions. Rooms under construction are at an all-time high of 967 projects/157,833 rooms...
Crescent Real Estate Plans Mixed-Use Development in Fort Worth’s Cultural District
February 24, 2021
FORT WORTH, Texas - Feb. 24, 2021 - Fort Worth-based Crescent Real Estate LLC ("Crescent") today announced plans for a major mixed-use development in Fort Worth's Cultural District. The project will include a premier boutique hotel with a chef-driven restaurant, luxury residential, and a Class A office building, which will be home to Crescent Real Estate, Goff Capital, Inc., Contango Oil & Gas, and Canyon Ranch. "We are excited to bring a first-class mixed-use project to the Cultural District," said John Goff, Chairman of Crescent. "The Crescent brand is known around the country for our luxury hotel, office, and residential pr...
Nobu Partners With SIGNA Real Estate for Nobu Hotel in Elbtower Hamburg, Germany
February 24, 2021
NEW YORK - Feb. 24, 2021 - Nobu Hospitality, the global lifestyle brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, is delighted to announce its continuing global expansion into the "Gate to the World," Hamburg, Germany. "We are very happy to be working with SIGNA in developing the Nobu Hotel in the great city of Hamburg," stated Robert De Niro and Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Founders of Nobu Hospitality. The Nobu Hotel and Restaurant will be located within the Elbtower, a project by SIGNA Real Estate, one of Europe's leading property companies. The Elbtower will be a mixed-use development destination encompassing pre...
Sustainable Hotel Management: Trends Hoteliers Should Know in 2021
Natacha Reymond | February 24, 2021
Along with the pandemic and associated health and economic concerns, climate change is driving the world’s agenda. Business leaders everywhere are wrestling with how to respond to rising public and political pressure and align their systems and operations with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, established to keep global warming below 2°C and ideally 1.5°C. None more so than for hotels, that means reducing their emissions by 90 percent by 2050. Let’s take a look at what sustainable hotel management means in 2021. Why sustainable management matters for hotels Along with hotels, the transportation and food and beverage industrie...
IHG Signs With NR Greenwood Construction to Develop Staybridge Suites Bengaluru Thanisandra in India
IHG Hotels & Resorts | February 24, 2021
24 FEBRUARY 2021 - IHG Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies has announced the debut of its world-renowned extended stay brand, Staybridge Suites® in India with the signing of Staybridge Suites Bengaluru Thanisandra. Signed as a management agreement in partnership with NR Greenwood Construction Pvt. Ltd, the hotel is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2023. Debuting in the ‘Silicon Valley of India’, Bengaluru, which is also recognised as the second fastest-growing major metropolis in the country, the hotel is expected to benefit from the strong demand for extended stay branded hospitality option...
Ryan Rauscher Named General Manager of The Ryder Hotel Opening in Charleston
The Ryder Hotel | February 24, 2021
Charleston, S.C. – February 24, 2021 – Ryan Rauscher has been appointed to the position of general manager of The Ryder Hotel, slated to debut in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District this spring. Operated by Pivot, the boutique hotel will bring a new, upscale hospitality experience to the Lowcountry with thoughtfully designed guestrooms and suites, a distinct poolside bar and dining venue, and creative guest programming. With 20 years of hospitality experience, Rauscher will oversee the opening, daily operations, and management of the highly anticipated 91-room hotel. In his new role, he is responsible for directing managem...
The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Announces $20 Million Endowment at Howard University to Establish the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hos
Marriott International | February 24, 2021
BETHESDA, MD — FEBRUARY 24, 2021 — The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation together with Howard University announced today the establishment of the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership in honor of Marriott International’s (NASDAQ: MAR) beloved president and CEO, Arne Sorenson, who tragically passed away last week from pancreatic cancer. The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation will provide a $20 million endowment to launch the Center at Howard University, one of the nation’s leading historically Black colleges and universities. In addition, Marriott International announced the creation of the Arne M. ...
Auro Hotels Opens AC Hotel by Marriott Greenville Downtown
Auro Hotels | February 24, 2021
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Auro Hotels is pleased to announce the opening of its AC Hotel by Marriott Greenville Downtown located at the corner of Main and Broad streets in the heart of Greenville, SC. The eight-story hotel features 196 guestrooms and suites, seven distinct food and beverage concepts, nearly 29,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and a private collection of art featuring more than 100 works by 35 local artists. Auro Hotels also celebrates the opening of the first of the hotel’s seven food and beverage concepts, Paloma, a Mediterranean-inspired tapas bar located on the ground floor with indoor and outdoor dining. The sp...
Extended Stay America Expands Footprint in Oklahoma With Three Franchise Conversions
Extended Stay America® | February 24, 2021
Charlotte, NC — February 24, 2021 — Extended Stay America, Inc., the largest mid-priced extended-stay hotel brand, announced today the addition of three properties in Oklahoma through franchise conversions. The properties are all owned by Dallas-based Provident Realty Advisors, Inc. and will be operated by Plano, Texas-based Aimbridge Hospitality, the leading, global, third-party hotel management company. The properties include: Extended Stay America Bartlesville – Hwy 75, Bartlesville, Oklahoma Extended Stay America McAlester – Hwy 69, McAlester, Oklahoma Extended Stay America Lawton – Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma ...
Kevin Carter Named Managing Director of Lansdowne Resort
Lansdowne Resort | February 24, 2021
LEESBURG, VA - Kevin Carter, CHA has been appointed Managing Director of Lansdowne Resort and Spa located in Leesburg, Virginia. Carter takes the helm with close to 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently serving as the President of Guests, Inc., a full-service hotel management company headquartered in Strasburg, Virginia. Carter’s vast experience includes positions such as Director, Corporate Director, Resident Manager, General Manager, Independent Consultant and 16-year tenure as the Managing Director of Airlie Resort Hotel. He served on the management teams of some of the country’s most notable properties...
BENCHMARK® Appoints Chris Steffich as General Manager for the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago
the David Rubenstein Forum | February 24, 2021
The Woodlands, Texas - February 24, 2021 - BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, formally announces the appointment of Chris Steffich as general manager for the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago, a new conference center recently opened on the Hyde Park Campus of the University of Chicago. Greg Champion, president and COO, made the announcement. "It is a pleasure to formally announce Chris’ newest position within our company,” said Mr. Champion. “He is a proven leader, understands Benchmark’s Be The Difference service culture exceptionally well, and brings previous experience within the Chicagoland market t...
Vision Hospitality Group Plans Spring Opening of The Grady Hotel
The Grady Hotel | February 24, 2021
LOUISVILLE, KY – February 24, 2021 – Vision Hospitality Group announces its newest hotel destination, The Grady Hotel, is slated to open Spring 2021. Nestled in the heart of Louisville’s downtown Market District at 601 W Main St, in a historic building dating back to the 19th century, The Grady is deeply rooted in Louisville’s rich past. The 51-key luxury hotel is located at the corner of W Main Street and N 6th Street, just steps away from the Muhammed Ali Center, Frazier History Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum, distillery row, and many of the area’s buzziest restaurants and bars. “The warm hospitality of Bourbon City l...
Avison Young Transaction Volume on the Rise
Avison Young | February 24, 2021
ATLANTA – February 24, 2021 – Avison Young Hospitality Group said today that their hotel transaction volume so far in 2021 has been good. The firm went on to say that out of 111 current engagements actively on the market, they have 52 under sale agreement. Keith Thompson said, “clearly, the hospitality real estate market is expecting that vaccines will aid the hotel and travel industry for 2021. Hotel performance this year is still projected to be well below 2019 levels but we are seeing RevPAR beginning to improve. The smart people in the room say 2021 revenue will end the year at 65%-70%+/- of 2019 levels....
Soon-to-Open Thompson Hollywood Appoints Leadership Team
Thompson Hotels | February 24, 2021
LOS ANGELES – February 24, 2021 – Debuting this Spring, Thompson Hollywood is pleased to announce the appointments of new executive team members, Mathew Pargament as Managing Director and Sade Lee as Director of Sales & Marketing. As hospitality veterans, this team will usher in the exciting development within the Vinyl District, a historic project by Relevant Group that is breathing new life into the city. As Managing Director, Mathew Pargament will oversee overall operations and development of the hotel. He holds over two decades of executive leadership within celebrated lifestyle, luxury and independent hotel brands including...
The Do’s and Don’ts of Selecting the Right Hotel Technology Partner in 2021
Joshua Bergen | February 24, 2021
By Joshua Bergen Selecting the right technology partner for your hotel is no small task. But for many hoteliers, a hard choice becomes easier when they consider one pivotal element of service: the people. Hospitality is, after all, a people-centric industry. In the hospitality realm, it's always been about the people who step foot on each hotel property and the entirety of their unique experience that is made up, in large part, by interactions with staff. The relationship between a hotel and its guests is absolutely paramount to its success. So, why should the relationship between a hotel and a technology vendor be any different? ...
Hospitality Technology and Forced Migrations: A Bad Break-Up Story
Ryan Hamilton | February 24, 2021
By Ryan Hamilton, Co-Founder, SalesAndCatering.com and Bluebuzzard Technology Group A hotelier’s decision to invest in technology is not merely a purchase; instead, it marks the beginning of a relationship between vendor and customer. One party provides the service and/or software, and the other party leverages it to enhance their offering. The engagement, if successful, is long-term in nature and represents the vendor’s ongoing commitment to that client as their business evolves and grows. Of course, in the realm of hospitality technology, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. Hoteliers worldwide build their preferred stack of...
Beekeeper Announces ‘Frontline Future’ Event, a Global Summit on the Rise of Frontline Workers
Beekeeper | February 24, 2021
Join Beekeeper and industry leaders May 6th at the first-ever virtual conference to explore the critical role of frontline workers and how companies can empower them with digital collaboration tools OAKLAND, CALIF. — February 24, 2021 — Beekeeper, the mobile-first collaboration platform designed specifically for frontline workers, announced Frontline Future, a groundbreaking virtual summit dedicated to the frontline workforce. On May 6, 2021, industry leaders from Europe and North America will join Beekeeper for keynote talks, interactive workshops, and in-depth panels to discuss the future of the frontline workforce. Registrat...
