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Dynamic City Capital Acquires Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside
DCC | February 5, 2021
PROVO, Utah - Feb. 5, 2021 - Dynamic City Capital (DCC), a Utah-based firm focused on premium-branded hotel investments, today announced the acquisition of the Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside hotels. Built in 2016, the two hotel properties combine to create a 364-key dual-branded campus. "The acquisition of these two properties is well aligned with our strategy of pursuing strong, high-quality, branded hotels in core markets. We are thrilled with this outcome," commented Ryan Phelps, DCC's Chief Investment Officer. The Hilton Garden Inn, San Diego Downtown/Bayside, has 204 premium guest rooms...
Davidson Hotels & Resorts Refines Company Architecture, Rebrands as Davidson Hospitality Group
Davidson Hospitality Group | February 5, 2021
ATLANTA – February 5, 2021 – Premier hospitality management company Davidson Hotels & Resorts has refined its company architecture and rebranded as Davidson Hospitality Group. The following clearly defined operating verticals will now all reside under the new masterbrand, Davidson Hospitality Group: Davidson Hotels: Davidson Hotels is the operating vertical of Davidson Hospitality Group focused on industry-leading heritage brands, including Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt. Over the decades, Davidson Hotels has built a trusted brand that values financial cunning and employs an owner’s mentality, while remaining true to heart for ...
Key Events Lifting U.K. Hotel Occupancy Later in 2021
STR | February 5, 2021
February 5 2021 - For many parts of the world, hotel performance is forecasted for more meaningful improvement during the second half of 2021. That optimism is underpinned by the assumption of widespread vaccination distribution, lower COVID-19 case numbers and improved context for travel and events. In Europe, STR’s forward-looking data supports that optimism with visible market-level spikes around key events scheduled for the second quarter and beyond. This data, powered by Forward STAR, is a significant advancement for an industry needing to make the most of recovery when it kicks into gear. Below are a few glaring examples right n...
Call to Action for the European Hospitality Industry to Capitalize on Its Business Recovery and Increase Revenue During and Post Pandemic
HSMAI | February 5, 2021
Ten valuable insights and next steps for hotels’ business recovery following HSMAI Europe Day 2021 LONDON - Thursday 4 February 2021 - More than 300 international brand leaders in the European hospitality industry were given valuable insights on how to proactively prepare for and roll-out their business recovery in 2021 and beyond when they attended the HSMAI Europe Day 2021. This included the HSMAI Revenue Optimisation Conference (ROC) Europe and Chief Officers Roundtable (COR) Day 2021 last week. Speakers and facilitators at the virtual event included industry chief officers, senior management, academics and economists, resea...
HVS Market Pulse: Napa Valley
Bomie Kim | February 4, 2021
By Bomie Kim, Noella Moon Replete with world-renowned vineyards, wineries, and culinary experiences, Napa Valley has a stellar reputation as a top destination market both domestically and abroad. However, numerous wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the market. While the long-term effects of the wildfires have yet to be determined, the local economy remained relatively strong, and the impact on regional visitation from the San Francisco Bay Area and on hotel performance as a whole was relatively minimal, at least until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Recent Napa Valley Wildfires Source: HVS, San Francisco Chr...
A Novel Loyalty Solution Empowering Hotels to Grow Revenue Profitably
Laasie | February 4, 2021
Laasie introduces a proprietary AI powered loyalty platform designed to increase brand affinity and net revenue. New York, NY. February 4, 2021 - Laasie, the leading loyalty platform trusted by thousands of brands, launched a loyalty solution for the hospitality industry: Laasie Retain. The new solution looks at the entire customer journey, provides personalized and contextually relevant rewards, and foregoes tiers. Loyalty programs have the promise of being an extremely effective retention & marketing tool, but many fall short of their intended goals. Laasie uses data intelligently to power consumer engagement, reinventing...
COVID-19’s Impact on the Portland Lodging Market
HVS | February 4, 2021
February 2, 2021 - Amid a worldwide pandemic, the lodging industry is facing a downturn that is greater than the past two lodging-market declines combined. Our estimate is that local occupancy declined from the 2019 benchmark of roughly 74% to 35% in 2020, reflecting a 53-point correction, while ADR declined 25% ($137 to $103). Portland 2021–2023 Forecast Source: STR (Historical Years) and HVS (Forecast) 2020 Major Factors Virtually all significant corporate travel dissipated in 2020 because of the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While most businesses began reopening in late May 2020, major employers such as Nike an...
STR: Canada Hotel Results for Week Ending 30 January
STR | February 4, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — 4 February 2021 — STR data for 24-30 January 2021 showed Canada’s hotel industry with slightly higher occupancy compared with previous weeks. 24-30 January 2021 (percentage change from comparable week in 2020): Occupancy: 23.8% (-58.0%) Average daily rate (ADR): CAD105.34 (-29.2%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD25.06 (-70.2%) Occupancy for previous weeks came in at 23.0% (23 January), 22.6% (16 January), and 21.0% (9 January). For the week ending with 30 January, British Columbia recorded the highest occupancy level (30.0%) among the provinces. Among the major markets, Vanc...
STR: U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 30 January
STR | February 4, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — 4 February 2021 — U.S. weekly hotel occupancy remained relatively flat from the previous week, according to STR‘s latest data through 30 January. 24-30 January 2021 (percentage change from comparable week in 2020): Occupancy: 40.4% (-29.6%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$89.62 (-29.8%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$36.23 (-50.6%) Aggregate data for the Top 25 Markets showed lower occupancy (38.4%) but higher ADR (US$95.50) than all other markets. Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida (58.2%), reported the highest occupancy level among the Top 25 Markets. Top 25 Markets with the l...
Americans Plan to Take an Additional Week of Vacation This Year, Expedia Reports
Expedia.com | February 4, 2021
SEATTLE, WA -- Feb. 4, 2021 -- Following a year where for many, every aspect of life – from work, school, daycare, and even vacation – was spent under one roof, in 2021 people worldwide are more determined than ever to use up all the vacation days they've earned. According to the annual Vacation Deprivation study from Expedia®, in 2021 Americans plan to take an extra week (five days) of vacation. With this new "no days left behind" mindset, Vacation Deprivation is well on its way to becoming a thing of the past. Expedia first launched the annual study more than two decades ago to illustrate the benefits of vacation and encourage work...
Midas Hospitality Appoints Greta McCue as Director of Sales for Aloft Milwaukee Downtown
Midas Hospitality | February 4, 2021
St. Louis, Mo. - Feb. 3, 2021 - Leading hotel development, management and investment firm Midas Hospitality recently hired Greta McCue as Director of Sales at the Aloft Milwaukee Downtown. In this position, she will focus on maximizing profits while ensuring customer satisfaction for new and existing clientele. Her responsibilities include pursuing corporate and individual consumer bookings, as well as maintaining ongoing communication with both the property’s team and guests. McCue has nearly 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining Midas Hospitality, she worked in numerous sales and managerial capacities...
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club Announces New Executive Team Members
Ohana Real Estate Investors | February 4, 2021
DANA POINT, Ca.– February 4, 2021 – Following the debut of Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club earlier this month as part of Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) iconic luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, the hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of a new executive team led by George Munz as general manager. New additions to the executive leadership team also include Jean-Pierre Dubray as executive chef and Pat Rizco as director of engineering. “We are delighted to welcome these three incredibly talented team members to Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club’s leadership team,” said Dino Michael, se...
Charlestowne Hotels Appoints Paul Stracey as Director of Operations
Charlestowne Hotels | February 4, 2021
CHARLESTON, S.C. – February 4, 2021 – Leading hospitality management company Charlestowne Hotels proudly welcomes Paul Stracey to the corporate team as director of operations. In his role, Stracey will oversee key properties within Charlestowne’s growing portfolio of more than 50 hotels. A well-respected leader in Charleston and the hospitality industry at large, Stracey brings more than 35 years of luxury hospitality experience to his new role. Due to the growth of the company’s current portfolio and new business pipeline, Charlestowne Hotels recruited Stracey to support the existing operations team, where he will work di...
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Taps David Werly as Executive Chef
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas | February 4, 2021
LAS VEGAS – February 4, 2021 – Bringing over 20 years of culinary acclaim to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Chef David Werly has been tapped as the executive chef for the reimagined and re-conceptualized casino resort which is slated to open in early 2021. In his role as executive chef of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Chef Werly will oversee the Virgin Hotels concepts, including The Kitchen at Commons Club, Funny Library Coffee Shop, The Juice Bar, and the food and beverage offerings at the guest pool and dayclub. In addition, he will also run in-room dining and banquet dining. Classically trained in French cuisine, Chef Werly will bring a sel...
Sheraton Denver Downtown Unveils $80 Million Transformation
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel | February 4, 2021
DENVER, CO – February 4, 2021 – The Sheraton Denver Downtown revealed today a full-scale renovation of its guest rooms, lobby, public and meeting spaces as part of Sheraton’s worldwide transformation of its guest experience vision. As the most global brand within Marriott International’s portfolio sitting at the heart of communities around the world, Sheraton Denver Downtown boasts Sheraton’s new signature key elements that aim to create an environment where guests can feel comfortable and at ease, whether working, meeting or relaxing.Drawing on its roots as a community hub for locals and guests at flagship locations globally, th...
Olympia Hotel Management Named as New Operator of the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center
Olympia Hotel Management | February 4, 2021
Portland, Maine - February 4, 2021 - Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) is proud to announce the addition of the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center in Kent, Ohio, to its third-party portfolio. The hotel is centrally located in the heart of the city, offering accommodations, dining, and meeting facilities adjacent to the Kent State University campus. Kent State has more than 36,000 students, and the property is uniquely placed to serve both the college and the community. Owned by the Kent State University Foundation, the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center was designed to welcome faculty, alumni, students, and th...
Waldorf Astoria and Canopy by Hilton to Debut in the Seychelles
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts | February 4, 2021
Seychelles and McLean, VA – February 4, 2021 – Hilton today announced the signing of management agreements to bring its iconic luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, as well as lifestyle brand, Canopy by Hilton, to the Seychelles. The properties are scheduled to open in 2023 and will build upon an already impressive Hilton portfolio on the archipelago, in addition to the soon-to-be-opened Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton said: “The Seychelles remains unquestionably one of the world’s most desirable destinations for...
SH Hotels & Resorts Names Arash Azarbarzin Chief Executive Officer
SH HOTELS & RESORTS | February 4, 2021
New York, NY – February 4, 2021 – Starwood Capital Group (“Starwood Capital”), a global private investment firm focused on real estate and energy, has promoted Arash Azarbarzin to Chief Executive Officer of its subsidiary company, SH Hotels & Resorts, effective immediately. Mr. Azarbarzin succeeds Starwood Capital Chairman and CEO Barry Sternlicht as CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts. Mr. Sternlicht will remain Chairman and continue to be involved with the organization. Mr. Azarbarzin has more than 30 years of industry experience, including leadership roles at St. Regis Hotels, W Hotels, Four Seasons Hotels, and as Founding Member...
Kinley Chattanooga Southside Names Michael Dimaria as General Manager
Kinley, Chattanooga Southside | February 4, 2021
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – February 4, 2021 – Vision Hospitality Group has named Michael DiMaria as General Manager of the new lifestyle hotel, Kinley Chattanooga Southside, opening this spring. With a decade of hospitality experience, DiMaria has successfully opened new hotels by focusing on brand standards and capitalizing on strengths of the properties to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for guests, locals and employees. He is particularly skilled in creating unique experiences, attractive to both travelers and local explorers. “We are thrilled to have Michael DiMaria launch and lead Kinley Chattanooga Southside,” said Mit...
Enchantment Group Selects GCommerce as New Digital Media Partner
GCommerce | February 4, 2021
Park City, Utah – February 4, 2021 – Enchantment Resort, The Tides Inn and Mii amo have partnered with GCommerce for digital marketing services. The three properties add to the growing list of luxury resorts with which GCommerce has been engaged to enhance digital marketing strategies and generate direct bookings. “We believe GCommerce will be a valuable partner in helping us to achieve our communications goals, stated Danielle Granillo, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications Enchantment Group. We look forward to working with them to convey to a broader audience the stories, experiences and special qualities that make...
Company Cultures and Residual Shockwaves From 2020
February 3, 2021
By Thomas Mielke, James Houran Social and economic disruptions often shift people’s behaviours — sometimes in small ways, other times more seismic. On this point, AETHOS conducted a ‘COVID Gap’ analysis for the C-suite within hospitality organisations at the end of last year. The results were sobering. Particularly, we found several significant changes across these team’s Execution, People, and Cognitive skills: “Overall, management teams were more tactical and short-term focused, but also much nimbler in their thinking. Strategy alongside established protocols and processes were thrown out the window. Aspects relating to tea...
Hotels Must List Accessible Features on the Web or Risk Lawsuits
Jim Butler | February 3, 2021
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com As we’ve discussed in previous blogs, there has been an uptick in lawsuits filed against hotels alleging a failure to list accessible features on their website as required by the ADA. While many of these cases have been successfully defended in federal courts, new filings continue to surge and many plaintiffs are turning to state courts which have different requirements for dismissal. Martin Orlick, Chair of JMBM’s ADA Compliance & Defense Group, explains why we should expect these cases to continue in 2021 and what hotels should be...
The Must-Have List for a Hotel Messaging Platform in 2021
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | February 3, 2021
By Larry and Adam Mogelonsky While we all await the dissemination of a COVID-19 vaccine throughout the first half of 2021, budgets will remain tight while reservations will be slim. With fewer staffers available to manage inquiries, you still need to ensure that service delivery is never compromised for the guests you have, while at the same time ensuring a smooth ramp-up as we transition out of this pandemic. Plus, in our current climate of lower occupancies, you cannot afford a bad review tarnishing your online reputation. Compounding this is the need for contactless communications. Traveler behavior has all but permanently changed an...
Hilton Aventura Miami Appoints Executive Culinary Team
Hilton Aventura Miami | February 3, 2021
AVENTURA, FL – February 3, 2021 – Thaddeus Keefe has been named general manager of food and beverage and Philip Thompson has been named executive chef of Hilton Aventura Miami, slated to open early spring 2021. The duo will take the helm of the soon-to-open hotel’s culinary program and operations for Gala, the hotel’s signature restaurant, as well as MuseBar, The Pool Bar, The Reserve and catering for groups, weddings and special events. Keefe, an award-winning restaurateur, brings more than sixteen years of experience to his new position as general manager of food and beverage. He will be responsible for creating and overseeing th...
