The Tricycle of Guest Service Excellence: A Perfect Model For Remarkable Experiences
Doug Kennedy | October 4th, 2024
Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
Travel Outlook, The Premier Hotel Call Center™ | October 2nd, 2024
A New Model for Safety and Automation in F&B Management
Linda Pouliot | November 30, 2020
By Linda Pouliot F&B represents a significant portion of a hotel’s non-room revenue. Especially in the pandemic era, F&B management is among the most critical operational challenges confronting the hotel industry. Today’s environment offers two parallel challenges: Achieving operational efficiency and, at the same time, responding to, meeting and anticipating changing guest preferences that are driving a growing demand for safe, secure environmentally sound on-property experiences. As hoteliers rebuild their businesses, here are guidelines they can consider in constructing a new kind of F&B operating model that meet t...
Investors Targeting Distressed Assets Work to Get “Dry Powder” Off the Sidelines
Turnbull Capital Group | November 30, 2020
Firms waiting for an opportunity to invest in distressed assets are looking at different avenues to approach their goals. Turnbull Capital Group is one player in an increasingly crowded field of capital jockeying for opportunity to take advantage of potential distress that may emerge in the commercial real estate market in the wake of the pandemic. Over the past nine months, the commercial real estate investment banking firm has partnered with more than $20+ billion in dry powder that it plans to aim at investment opportunities in distressed assets. Specifically, it has aligned itself with a half dozen domestic family offices and Ameri...
The Newly Renovated and Rebranded Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs Opens in California
Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs | November 25, 2020
PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Nov. 25, 2020 -- Global lifestyle and hospitality brand Margaritaville and Davidson Hotels & Resorts debut Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs, a desert oasis located in the heart of Palm Spring's Uptown Design District. This property is the first Margaritaville resort to open on the West Coast. The newly renovated and rebranded destination features 398 rooms with panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains or resort grounds from private terraces and patios; six Margaritaville-inspired dining options with outdoor seating; a 10,000 square foot St. Somewhere Spa; and more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and ...
Developer R&F UK and Hyatt Plan for Park Hyatt London River Thames at Nine Elms
Park Hyatt | November 25, 2020
CHICAGO --Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into management agreement with R&F UK for a new Hyatt-branded hotel in London. The 203-room Park Hyatt London River Thames is expected to open in 2022 and will be located within R&F UK’s Nine Elms development on the south bank of the river. The addition of the hotel to the U.K. market signifies Hyatt’s continued brand growth into Europe’s leading cities. “The addition of the Park Hyatt brand to London is a key milestone for Hyatt,” said Felicity Black-Roberts, vice president of development Europe, Hyatt. “It has always been a...
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Begins Development of the Wyndham Grand Adelaide in Australia
Wyndham Grand | November 25, 2020
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (November 25, 2020) – Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 properties across 90 countries, is ramping up its plans for expansion in Australia with the announcement of Wyndham Grand® Adelaide, a major new landmark that will become one of the tallest hotels in South Australia and the first Wyndham Grand hotel for the country when it opens in 2024. Wyndham Grand Adelaide will rise 120 meters from King William Street in Adelaide’s Central Business District, becoming a new icon for the city. The estimated AUD150 million skyscraper is being developed by Equin...
Shaner Silver Spring Hotel, LLC Opens the Fairfield Inn & Suites Harrisburg West/Mechanicsburg in Pennsylvania
Shaner Hotels | November 25, 2020
MECHANICSBURG, Pa., November 25, 2020—Officials of Shaner Silver Spring Hotel, LLC, a partnership between Shaner Hotels, an award winning, international hotel owner, operator and developer, and Quarryville, Pa.-based Paul Risk Construction, a fourth generation, family-owned construction company, today announced the grand opening of the 107-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Harrisburg West/Mechanicsburg in Pa. Paul Risk Construction acted as the general contractor during the building process. Shaner Hotels will provide management services for the property. “Construction for all property types has been an uphill battle for most developer...
Marriott International Signs Agreement With Magellan Development Group to Open the St. Regis Chicago and the Residences at the St. Regis Chicago in Il
Marriott International | November 25, 2020
Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with Magellan Development Group to introduce its iconic St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand to Chicago. The project is anticipated to include 191 hotel rooms – including 33 spacious suites – and 393 branded residences within the 101-story building. Previously under construction as the luxury Wanda Vista Hotel and Vista Tower, the property is being rebranded as the St. Regis Chicago and the Residences at the St. Regis Chicago. Expected to welcome its first residents in December 2020 and hotel guests by July 2021, the project will serve as a key property in the neighb...
Pandemic to Prompt Rise in UK Hotel Insolvencies According to Webinar Experts
HVS | November 25, 2020
London, 25 November 2020: Hotel insolvencies caused by the pandemic are likely to increase through 2021 according to experts speaking at a global webinar held yesterday [24th November] organised by HVS, AlixPartners, Bird & Bird and EP Magazine. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic there have been relatively few insolvency situations in the UK’s hotel sector. However, most of the speakers expected this to increase next year, while a poll of the 400+ executive delegates revealed that 77% expected levels of insolvencies to start rising in Q2-Q3 2021. Graeme Smith, managing director of AlixPartners was more upbeat as lower l...
Is the China Dream Possible for Rural Tourism Entrepreneurs?
PolyU’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management | November 25, 2020
25 November 2020 - Tourism is a core, but highly volatile, component of China’s grand national strategy for modernisation, according to Dr Eric Chan of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a co-author in a recently published research paper. The researchers find that less developed areas in particular desperately need to retain people and resources to strengthen their tourism offering. Drawing on a rich dataset of personal narratives, the study sheds light on the emerging phenomenon of urban-rural migration and offers guidance for rural destinations on strategically planning tourism em...
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Will Open in the Cambodian Capital in Early 2021
November 25, 2020
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 25, 2020) – Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is set to launch in the Cambodian capital in early 2021, marking the brand’s first venture into one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. With 247 guestrooms including 43 suites, the new contemporary-meets-colonial property is scheduled to open in January 2021 in the heart of Phnom Penh’s Doun Penh district with the hotel website currently taking bookings from Jan. 15, 2021 onwards. “Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh offers much in terms of modern comfort and convenience that travelers would look for in a five-star city hotel,” said Herman Kemp, general manager of Hyatt Regency P...
Thanksgiving Week Special: A Recipe for Amazing Customer Service
Shep Hyken | November 25, 2020
As we approach Thanksgiving, I can’t stop thinking about turkey and stuffing—and all the different ways to prepare them. Always thinking about how everything in life ties to customer service, I wondered, “What is a good recipe for customer service?” So, I’ve listed some of the essential ingredients. I’m sure you’ll have a few more to add to this list. In the meantime, this is enough to get you started. As with any good recipe, feel free to spice it up a little! The Right Culture: This is where it starts. Leadership defines the customer service and CX vision for everyone to follow. Good People: The people on the in...
PM Hotel Group Names Sage Patel to the Newly Created Role of Corporate Director of Capital Strategies
PM Hotel Group | November 25, 2020
CHEVY CHASE, Md., Nov. 25, 2020 -- PM Hotel Group today announces the promotion of Sage Patel to the newly created role of Corporate Director of Capital Strategies. In this new position he will be responsible for developing, managing, and helping implement programs and projects that support PM Hotel Group's vision, drive improved hotel performance, and add owner value. "As we continue to grow and identify opportunities to increase valuation through asset optimization and enhanced services and guest experiences, I am confident that Sage's combination of analytical thinking and creativity will help position us for successful innovation i...
The Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel, to Open December 2nd
Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis | November 25, 2020
(MINNEAPOLIS; November 25, 2020)—Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel managed by hospitality leader Oxford Hotels & Resorts LLC, announces the hotel opening located at 527 S. Marquette Avenue on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. With its prime address on the corner of Sixth and Marquette in downtown Minneapolis, Rand Tower Hotel offers modern travelers a vibrant, story-rich experience in the meticulously restored Art Deco-era Rand Tower, now enhanced with exciting food and beverage options, elegant meeting spaces, and stylishly detailed guest rooms. A contemporary embodiment of the aviator, war hero, and Twi...
Accor & Ennismore Enter Negotiations to Form Lifestyle Entity
Ennismore | November 25, 2020
Accor & Ennismore today announced they are entering into exclusive negotiations to form the world’s leading lifestyle operator in the hospitality sector, focusing on one of the fastest growing segments of the industry. Through this all-share merger, a new autonomous and fully asset light entity will bring together an unrivalled portfolio of world class brands, including The Hoxton, Gleneagles, Delano, SLS, Mondrian, SO/, Hyde, Mama Shelter, 25hours, 21c Museum Hotels, TRIBE, JO&JOE and Working From_. The new entity will be headquartered in London and will take the name Ennismore. Sharan Pasricha, Founder and CEO of Ennismore ...
Hotel Colee, an Autograph Collection Hotel, Is Set to Open December 1st in Atlanta, Georgia
Autograph Collection Hotels | November 25, 2020
Atlanta, GA - November 25, 2020 – Hotel Colee opens December 1 in Buckhead as a member of Autograph Collection Hotels. Each of the almost 200 hotels in this diverse and dynamic global portfolio is carefully curated with vision, passion and dedication to craft. Selected for their distinct perspectives on design and hospitality, Autograph Collection Hotels offer enriching experiences that leave a lasting imprint and Hotel Colee is no exception. In creating the neighborhood’s first Autograph Collection hotel, owner Woodbine Development Corporation and operator Practice Hospitality, both of Dallas, TX, have crafted nothing less than the ...
Dermot De Loughry Is Named General Manager of Hedonism II in Negril, Jamaica
Hedonism II | November 25, 2020
NEGRIL, JAMAICA – November 25, 2020 – The iconic clothing-optional, lifestyle resort, Hedonism II welcomes veteran hospitality powerhouse Dermot De Loughry as its new General Manager. Well versed in luxury and all-inclusive operations, De Loughry has more than 26 years of hospitality industry experience, joining the resort by way of the British Virgin Islands where he most recently served as General Manager and Project Manager at The Mooring Yacht Charters. His career spans several countries, having held executive management positions across Great Britain, Ireland, Barbados, Turks and Caicos, and the British Virgin Islands. His leader...
The Great American Winter Road Trip and Your Hotel
Larry Mogelonsky | November 25, 2020
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Much has been written over the summer of COVID-19 about the resurgence of the Great American Road Trip, as millions were forced to rediscover the hidden gems of their own state or nation, instead of taking an international flight. Now with the virus continuing to plague our news cycle and our ability to open borders, it’s not unreasonable to assume that many travelers will perpetuate the drive-to hotel trend we’ve seen thus far. Many of you may initially scoff at this as the whole idea of the long cross-country drive is traditionally predicated on warm weather to make for a plea...
Mövenpick to Debut in Australia With Opening of Mövenpick Hotel Hobart
Mövenpick | November 24, 2020
Australia, 24 November 2020 – Accor’s premium Swiss-born hospitality brand, Mövenpick, together with Singaporean-based global hospitality group, Global Premium Hotels, have signed a hotel management agreement to open the first Mövenpick hotel in Australia. Slated to open in mid-January, Mövenpick Hotel Hobart is set to be a warm, contemporary designed hotel with a cosmopolitan vibe that invites exploration and discovery. Located on Elizabeth Street, one of Hobart’s principal heritage streetscapes, and close to the bustling Hobart waterfront, the new build hotel is within close reach of the city’s key commercial, retail and leisu...
Another Atlanta Hotel Chooses Clear Sky Software
Clear Sky Software | November 24, 2020
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – November 24, 2020 – Clear Sky Software, Inc. Clear Sky Software, Inc. ® announced today that the Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel has completed the installation of its beverage inventory control software. The Renaissance selected Clear Sky Software to help control all beer, liquor and wine inventory. Called Clear Sky BEVERAGE, this system is a comprehensive, perpetual inventory system that tracks and controls all beverage products. Functions include purchasing, receiving, outlet transfers/issues/returns and physical inventory. Also installed is Clear Sky’s Interface to Fintech and Micros ...
First Hospitality Opens Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus Airport
First Hospitality | November 24, 2020
(COLUMBUS, OHIO; November 24, 2020)—First Hospitality today announces the opening of Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus Airport. Located at 4294 International Gateway, the 122-room hotel is the first extended stay property at John Glenn Columbus International Airport and expands First Hospitality’s existing hotel presence in the Columbus area. “We’re proud to partner with Columbus Airports and Rockbridge Capital on this project,” says David Duncan, president and CEO of First Hospitality. “Our talented team in Columbus has nearly a decade of experience managing hotels in this market, which includes the Fairfield Inn & Suites...
Aimbridge Hospitality Open Marriott Tacoma Downtown in Washington
Marriott Hotels | November 24, 2020
Tacoma, WA - November 24, 2020 - The 304-room Marriott Tacoma Downtown, managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, the leading, global, third-party hotel management company, opened its doors on November 18th in downtown Tacoma, Washington. The 22-story hotel located at 1538 Commerce Street is the latest addition to Marriott Hotels, the signature brand of Marriott International. Located in the heart of Tacoma's financial and theater districts directly off of I-705, the Marriott Tacoma Downtown connects to the Greater Tacoma Convention Center on the ballroom level with a grand promenade that features large windows and views of the Tacoma Waterf...
Extended Stay America Welcomes Seven New Properties
Extended Stay America, Inc. | November 24, 2020
Charlotte, NC, November 24, 2020— Extended Stay America, Inc., the largest mid-priced extended-stay hotel brand, announced today the addition of seven properties through franchise conversions. The properties are all owned by New York-based Three Wall Capital (TWC) and will be operated by Dallas, Texas-based Aimbridge Hospitality, the nation’s largest management company. The properties include: Extended Stay America Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, Virginia Extended Stay America Newport News – Yorktown, Newport News, Virginia Extended Stay America Richmond – Glen Allen – Short Pump, Glen Allen, Virginia Extended Stay ...
Lafrance Hospitality Opens New TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fall River Westport in Massachusetts
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | November 24, 2020
Westport, MA – November 24, 2020 – Marriott International’s TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fall River Westport is now open for business. The new 90-room all-suite hotel is built for travelers looking for an effortless and friendly place where they can settle-in, keep their routine, and easily connect to the local area. Located at 41 Old Bedford Rd. immediately off Interstate 195, the hotel is driving distance to Boston, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Newport, and Providence. The hotel is also home to the new state-of-the-art corporate office for Lafrance Hospitality, who owns and manages the TownePlace Suites in addition to several other hotels, re...
AC Hotel Orlando Downtown Appoints Executive Team
November 24, 2020
ORLANDO, FL – November 2020 – AC Hotel Orlando Downtown is slated to open its doors on January 12, 2021 as the first lifestyle hotel in downtown Orlando and the first AC Hotel in the area. Bobby Copeland and Lorin Maggio have been named as General Manager and Director of Sales, respectively. The duo will oversee the positioning of the full service, 180-room property as it opens to business and leisure travelers. General Manager Bobby Copeland joins the AC Hotel Orlando opening team with two decades of professional tourism experience. Copeland began his career in guest relations as a front desk agent for Marriott International before tr...
