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Hybrid Meetings Impact on Group Business
Craig Jacobs | February 2, 2021
By Craig Jacobs Who could have predicted a year ago that Zoom would be a major disruptive influence in the Meetings Industry? Years of speculation about the threat to hotels from videoconferencing was much ado about nothing until the Pandemic. Now, conventional wisdom suggests that Hybrid Groups, which combine teleconferencing with person-to-person meetings, will be prevalent for the foreseeable future and a permanent part of the new normal. NEW PARADIGM, NEW CHALLENGES The same forces (perceived cost savings, enhanced convenience, health concerns,) that have exalted the benefits of working from home also wreak havoc on...
HSMAI To Honor the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds of 2020
HSMAI | February 2, 2021
McLean, VA - February 2, 2021 - The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association (HSMAI) is proud to recognize the brightest minds in the hospitality industry with the 2020 HSMAI Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization. These professionals have been selected by a panel of senior industry executives and will be celebrated virtually on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. HSMAI's Top 25 Extraordinary Minds have shared innovative ideas and overcame obstacles in the preceding 18 months. Each of these individuals has exemplified leadership and brilliance in their respective roles. Collectively, they are contributing to th...
Stock Exchange Hotel Selects ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions to Maximize Security Abilities With VingCard Essence Door Locks and Mobile Access
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions | February 2, 2021
Stockholm – February 2, 2020 – ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions with its industrywide status as the leading innovator of hotel security access technology, has been selected by the Stock Exchange Hotel to implement VingCard Essence door locks equipped with Mobile Access. Located in Manchester, UK, the Stock Exchange Hotel’s recent renovations include a focus on enhancing both guest peace-of-mind and convenience which has now been achieved using VingCard Essence’s advanced data encryption abilities combined with the availability of contactless digital check-in and room access. Each of the 40-guestrooms have also been furnished with Elsafe se...
Hotel Mariposa Adopts BeyondTV GuestCast® to Provide Guests With Latest in In-Room Entertainment Personalization
Hotel Internet Services, Inc. | February 2, 2021
LOS ANGELES — February 2, 2021 — Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of internet services and solutions, has announced the successful implementation of advanced content casting abilities at Hotel Mariposa with the availability of BeyondTV GuestCast®. A newly constructed luxury boutique property situated near some of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles, Hotel Mariposa can now ensure that guests seeking to entertain themselves within the comfort of their guestroom can do so effortlessly with instant access to virtually any streamed content subscription. Designed specifically for the unique needs of the hospi...
Enthusiasm Is Building for Digital Tipping
Sarah Taveprungsenukul | February 2, 2021
Hospitality business owners say they are eager to begin rewarding frontline workers with new cashless, contactless, ‘appless’ gratuity solution By Sarah Taveprungsenukul Do you need a good laugh? Take just two minutes to watch comedian Larry David in this Curb Your Enthusiasm video clip as he deals with tipping missteps while at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Funny, right? We have all been there. No cash — or wrong dominations — to tip the valet … the bellman … the housekeeper. But today’s frontline hotel workers are not laughing. Throughout this pandemic, frontline staff at hotels across the globe have it rough. Man...
‘Hospitality Industry Trends for 2021’ Report Now Available From Beekeeper
Beekeeper | February 2, 2021
Learn how hoteliers and restaurateurs can take charge of their recovery using digital strategies to pave the way; It’s time to look at disruption as an opportunity OAKLAND, CALIF. — February 2, 2021 — 2021 is bringing many changes to the way the hospitality industry operates, but not in ways we expected just a year ago. Like a sudden blackout, COVID-19 disrupted every aspect of modern life, and operators’ day-to-day lives have yet to return to normal. To understand how the hardships imposed by the pandemic will impact hospitality this year, Beekeeper is offering a new report titled “Hospitality Industry Trends for 2021 — ...
Twin Peaks Lodging Growing and Set to Thrive Through the Pandemic With Maestro PMS
Maestro PMS | February 2, 2021
Independent full-service spa hotel in Ouray, Colorado, leverages the full Maestro solution to provide contactless kiosk check in, mobile housekeeping, digital reg card, and mobile spa scheduler keeping guests and staff safe while positioning for expansion Markham, Ontario — February 2, 2021 — Thankfully, the lingering pandemic of 2020 has not devastated every hotel in every market. Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs, located in the tourist town of Ouray, Colorado, is weathering the health and economic crisis quite well due in part to its vast array of outdoor activities and its migration to Maestro PMS. Nearly doubling its accomm...
Hotel Equities and Coakley & Williams Hotel Management Form Strategic Alliance
Coakley & Williams Hotel Management | February 1, 2021
Alpharetta, Ga. – February 1, 2021 – Today, Hotel Equities (“HE”) and Coakley & Williams Hotel Management (“C&W”) announced the formation of a strategic alliance whereby Hotel Equities will provide operational oversight and national support to all hotels within the Coakley & Williams portfolio of properties. The alliance provides Coakley & Williams with additional resources, including Hotel Equities’ best-in-class operational platform, industry leading sales and revenue generation expertise, an award-winning hospitality training platform and proprietary business intelligence tools. The combined resources wi...
Is This the Year the World Will Finally Return to Normal?
Michelle McKinney Frymire | February 1, 2021
By Michelle McKinney Frymire As a Finance and Strategy leader, an important part of my job is trying to “see around corners” for our company – to know what is coming and how to react to it, but I must admit that a year ago I would not have predicted where we are today. And, while I still can’t predict when the pandemic will end, there are some things I see about 2021 that I would like to share. The first is a view some of you may not want to hear -- I can confidently tell you that the world is never going back to the “normal” that existed before the pandemic. It is time to move to our “next normal”, and frankly, I wouldn...
Marriott Celebrates Opening of JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Fengxian
JW Marriott | February 1, 2021
Marriott International, Inc. today announced the highly-anticipated opening of JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Fengxian, marking the historic 50th Marriott International hotel to open in Shanghai. Located on Hangzhou Bay in the city’s Fengxian seaside district, just an hour’s drive south of metropolitan Shanghai, the new hotel promises to be a sophisticated and luxurious sanctuary designed to let guest’s relax and rediscover a sense of balance in mind and body, as well as a convenient gateway to Shanghai and nearby cities such as Hangzhou and Suzhou. "We are delighted to celebrate the opening of the 50th property in Shanghai, a testamen...
Hospitality’s ‘Hot Seat’ Leadership Series: Trends in Key Functions – Part 1
Andrew Hazelton | February 1, 2021
Andrew Hazelton, Thomas Mielke We are frequently asked by leaders in our industry what roles are ‘hot’ and where are we seeing movement? That curiosity is reflective of our highly competitive sector, one where individuals are eager to further their professional development but also of an industry where scarcity of talent remains an issue – and the pandemic, perhaps counter-intuitively, will probably exaggerate this even further. Of course, one cannot deny that, at present, there is a larger than usual talent pool for employees to pick and choose from. However, the pandemic has also caused some considerable ‘talent haemorrhaging’,...
Meyer Jabara Hotels Opens Cambria Fort Lauderdale
Meyer Jabara Hotels | February 1, 2021
Danbury, Conn., — February 1, 2021 — Meyer Jabara Hotels (MJH) announces that the Cambria® Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach is now open. Owned by Jai and Jessica Motwani, president and CEO of real-estate development group Hotel Motel Inc., the 97-room hotel is located at 2231 N. Ocean Blvd. This is the 55th Cambria in the Choice Hotels International portfolio and the fourth Cambria Hotel managed by Meyer Jabara Hotels. “It’s peak season in Florida and we are thrilled that this property is open and welcoming guests to Fort Lauderdale Beach,” said Meyer Jabara Hotels President Justin Jabara. “The South Florida hospitality market i...
Ghislaine Lê Appointed Hotel Manager for Kowloon Shangri-La
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts | February 1, 2021
(Hong Kong, 1 February 2021) – Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Ghislaine Lê as Hotel Manager, effective from 01 December 2020. In her new capacity, Ms Lê will oversee the daily operations of the Kowloon Shangri-La, reporting directly to Mr Juergen Doerr, Vice-President, Operations (Hong Kong & Taiwan) and General Manager of Island Shangri-La. A French native with Vietnamese origin, Ms Lê has been with the Shangri-La Group for over fourteen years, most recently holding the title of Resident Manager at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa in Oman. Other Shangri-La properties inclu...
The New York City Market is Back on Top and Leads the U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline
Lodging Econometrics | February 1, 2021
PORTSMOUTH, NH – February 01, 2021 – In the recent U.S. Construction Pipeline Trend Report released by Lodging Econometrics (LE), at the close the fourth quarter of 2020 and after more than 6 quarters since leading all U.S. markets in the number of pipeline projects, New York City has regained top billing again with 150 projects/25,640 rooms. Other U.S. markets that follow are Los Angeles with 148 projects/24,808 rooms; Dallas with 147 projects/17,756 rooms; Atlanta with 140 projects/19,863 rooms, recording a record-high number of rooms; and Orlando with 112 projects/19,764 rooms, a record-high pipeline project count for the market. Ne...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Container Inventories
David Lund | February 1, 2021
By David Lund If you read my stuff you are probably familiar with the phrase, “Hospitality is a game of inches.” Yes, it’s true. There is the driving engine of room revenue but almost everything else we need to deal with puts a drag on performance. These things can really slow us down, to use another motorsports analogy. One thing you want to make sure you’re on top of is the proper use of the container inventory, and I am willing to bet most of you reading this that you don’t do what I am about to outline. Before I get into the details, allow me to tell you a little story about one hotel I worked in and the night watchman. I ...
Strand Hospitality Opens a Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola West in Florida
Strand Hospitality | February 1, 2021
Pensacola, FL – February 1, 2021 – Strand Hospitality, today announced the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola West, a 124-room hotel, located at 3200 West Nine Mile Road. The new hotel offers guests convenient access to 5 Flags Speedway, the National Naval Aviation Museum, Cypress Lakes Golf Club, Pensacola Beach and serving the Navy Federal Credit Union’s Heritage Oaks Campus. The Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola West features the brand’s latest lobby design, where guests can enjoy an open and modern environment outside of their rooms. As an extension to Courtyard’s inviting public spaces, the newly designed Bistro is...
Pacifica Hotels Transitions Four Properties Along the California Coast to Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Pacifica Hotels | February 1, 2021
ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – February 1, 2021 – Pacifica Hotels, the largest owner and operator of independent, design-inspired hotels on the Pacific Coast is expanding further into the global brand category announcing the transition of four key California properties that joined Tapestry Collection by Hilton in January 2021. The properties that joined Tapestry Collection include The Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach, The Kinney in San Luis Obispo, Jamaica Bay Inn in Marina del Rey and The Redondo Beach Hotel in Redondo Beach. The coastal properties will retain the same look, feel and exceptional service that travelers have come to kn...
El Cortez Hotel & Casino Celebrates 80th Year in Las Vegas With Culmination of $25 Million Remodel
EL CORTEZ HOTEL & CASINO | February 1, 2021
LAS VEGAS, NV – February 1, 2021 – A true hallmark of Las Vegas history, the iconic El Cortez Hotel & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas is thrilled to announce the completion of its recent $25 million renovation project, which culminated just in time for its 80th anniversary this year. Built in 1941, El Cortez is the longest running hotel & casino in Las Vegas. As protectors of its long and vibrant history, the team behind this beloved hotel, including owner Kenny Epstein, has made sure to keep its integrity intact while renovating the space, taking special care to bring an elevated guest experience while preserving the same vin...
6 Hospitality Trends to Watch in 2021
Amadeus | February 1, 2021
With the global roll out of COVID-19 vaccines underway, we are all hoping for brighter days ahead along with the return of travel. But it’s also important to acknowledge that the experiences and customs we once knew may look different – either temporarily or permanently due to the pandemic. As the year progresses, what will travel look like? How can the hospitality industry restore traveler confidence while demonstrating resilience? As COVID-19 wears on, 6 significant trends have emerged that will continue to shape hospitality for the months and years to come. Go big (near or far): making travel dreams come true As roads, skies, and ...
The U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline Stands at 5,216 Projects/650,222 Rooms at Year-End 2020
Lodging Econometrics | January 28, 2021
PORTSMOUTH, NH - January 28, 2021 – According to Lodging Econometrics’ (LE’s) Construction Pipeline Trend Report for the United States, the total U.S. construction pipeline stands at 5,216 projects/650,222 rooms. These are year-end 2020 results, and are down only incrementally, as the United States grappled with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, an election, civil unrest, and the large and rapid partisan shift taking place. However, the announcement of various vaccine developments and distribution was undeniably good news for the general public, businesses, hotel development and the lodging industry as a whole, especially going forward....
Hyatt Expands Luxury Alila Brand in the U.S. With Alila Napa Valley
Alila | January 28, 2021
CHICAGO – January 28, 2021 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today an expansion of the luxury lifestyle Alila brand in the United States with the addition of Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena, Calif. Slated to join Hyatt’s portfolio on March 1, 2021, and at this time, scheduled to resume operations on March 15, 2021, the exclusive 68-room adults-only retreat will feature personalized hospitality that celebrates the authenticity of one of the world’s most famous wine regions. Alila Napa Valley will add to Hyatt’s growing Alila brand portfolio, joining Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, and Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinita...
U.S. Hotel Profits Fell 84.6% in 2020
STR | January 28, 2021
BROOMFIELD, Colorado — 27 January 2021 — Including a 100.6% decline in December, U.S. hotel profitability fell 84.6% in 2020, according to STR‘s latest monthly P&L data release. December gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) came in worse than any month since June in both absolute terms and year-over-year comparisons. “Lower demand in December coupled with fixed expenses for hotels meant profit declines on par with early in the pandemic,” said Raquel Ortiz, assistant director of financial performance for STR. “That only worsened the overall 2020 figures, which showed an average profit level less than $15 p...
STR: U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 23 January
STR | January 28, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — 28 January 2021 — U.S. weekly hotel occupancy remained flat from the previous week, according to STR‘s latest data through 23 January. 17-23 January 2021 (percentage change from comparable week in 2020): Occupancy: 40.0% (-30.6%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$90.13 (-28.1%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$36.07 (-50.1%) Aggregate data for the Top 25 Markets showed lower occupancy (38.8%) but higher ADR (US$97.60) than all other markets. Thanks to a small lift from the presidential inauguration, Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (57.6%), reported the highest occupancy level am...
STR: Canada Hotel Results for Week Ending 23 January
STR | January 28, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — 28 January 2021 — STR data for 17-23 January 2021 showed Canada’s hotel industry with slightly higher occupancy compared with previous weeks. 17-23 January 2021 (percentage change from comparable week in 2020): Occupancy: 23.0% (-58.0%) Average daily rate (ADR): CAD104.86 (-29.1%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD24.13 (-70.2%) Occupancy for previous weeks came in at 22.6% (16 January), 21.0% (9 January), and 19.9% (2 January). For the week ending with 23 January, British Columbia recorded the highest occupancy level (29.6%) among the provinces. Among the major markets, Vanco...
