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It’s Becoming Survival of the Fittest
Robert Rauch | August 14, 2020
By Robert Rauch Prepare your operations to meet what guests are looking for, and prepare your teams for the realities of today’s environment. Mike Ditka, former NFL star player and coach once said, “Success is not permanent, and failure is not fatal.” Today it is paramount to test, experiment and kill the projects that don’t work. Business models and budgets became obsolete immediately. Culture and teamwork became even more critical as our world got turned upside down. As an owner or operator of a hotel, we are now a full-time coach if we were not before. This requires clarity and focus as some departments have...
Allied Hospitality Associations: HFTP and HTNG Offer New Joint Discount for Corporate Members
Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) | August 14, 2020
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) are now offering a joint 20 percent discount for companies joining the two associations at once. The specially-designed vendor programs, HFTP's Corporate Allied Sponsorship and HTNG's Industry Partner program, offer companies access to the numerous services offered by the associations, including unique benefits that help boost company recognition. "HFTP's Corporate Allied Sponsorship not only expands professional development for participants' employees and company recognition; but also increases the depth of HFTP's networ...
STR, TE Slightly Downgrade U.S. Hotel Forecast
STR | August 14, 2020
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—Full recovery in U.S. hotel demand and room revenue remains unlikely until 2023 and 2024, respectively, according to the slightly downgraded STR and Tourism Economics forecast just released at the 2020 Hotel Data Conference. “Performance recovery is going to remain slow and well off of the pre-pandemic pace until the context for travel improves and group business begins to return,” said Amanda Hite, STR president. “To show how far levels have fallen year over year, the 40% demand decrease we project for Q3 2020 will be a substantial improvement from the 57% decline realized during Q2. Even with a slight im...
Apple Hospitality REIT Acquires Hyatt House and Hyatt Place in Tempe, Arizona for $64.6M ($249K Per Key)
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. | August 14, 2020
RICHMOND, Va. - Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (NYSE: APLE) (the “Company” or “Apple Hospitality”) today announced the opening and acquisition of the new 105-room Hyatt House and 154-room Hyatt Place in Tempe, Arizona (the “Hotels”), for a gross purchase price of approximately $64.6 million, or approximately $249,000 per key. “We are pleased to enhance the diversification of our portfolio with the acquisition of these newly developed Hotels in the dynamic Tempe market,” said Nelson Knight, President, Real Estate and Investments of Apple Hospitality. “Ideally located on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University near prem...
New Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel Opens in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel | August 14, 2020
WAUWATOSA, Wis. (August 2020) – Providing a new, luxurious destination in Milwaukee’s metropolitan area, Renaissance Milwaukee West, 2300 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, announces it has officially opened to the public, inspiring community confidence that the hospitality industry is making a return. Nestled in the heart of Milwaukee’s western neighbor, just minutes from downtown, Renaissance Milwaukee West serves as a unique hub for both travelers and locals, alike, within convenient proximity to businesses including Milwaukee County Research Park, Medical College of Wisconsin and several other large and small corporations. Guests staying at...
LNW Hospitality Celebrates Topping Out of Dual-Branded Courtyard by Marriott & Residence Inn by Marriott on Jekyll Island, GA
LNW Hospitality | August 14, 2020
August 14, 2020 - LNW Hospitality and New Castle Hotels, the developers of the new dual-branded Courtyard/Residence Inn coming to Jekyll Island, announced the formal topping out of the building. This important construction milestone, the completion of the support structure of the roof, was marked by a ceremony on site. The 209-key property, scheduled to open in the spring of 2021, features 120 Courtyard by Marriott rooms and 89 Residence Inn by Marriott rooms. Sitting on 5.8 acres of oceanfront land, this hotel will provide an exceptional guest experience. Amenities include the largest pool on Jekyll Island, a large hot tub, a splash pad ...
Daryn Hudson Appointed General Manager of New Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
Four Points by Sheraton | August 14, 2020
Award-winning Australian hotelier to head-up 600-key new property to open in Phuket’s main tourism district in October 2020 Bangkok, Thailand, 14 August 2020 – Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort has announced the appointment of Daryn Hudson as its General Manager, ahead of the hotel’s opening in October 2020. A highly-skilled hospitality professional, Daryn brings a wealth of experience to the role, having joined Marriott International for the first time in 2005 as Director of Food & Beverage at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa. He has gone on to become one the company's most highly-...
Cabot Appoints Kristine Thompson as Chief Executive Officer of Cabot Saint Lucia
Cabot | August 14, 2020
TORONTO, CANADA (August 13, 2020) – Cabot, the developer and operator of master-planned golf resort communities, announced today that Kristine Thompson will join Cabot Saint Lucia as Chief Executive Officer in September. In her new role, Thompson will oversee all aspects of the new Cabot Saint Lucia resort currently in development. “With extensive leadership experience at prominent international companies, Kristine brings a wealth of experience to our Cabot team,” said Ben Cowan-Dewar, CEO and Co-founder of Cabot. “We are thrilled to have her on board as we forge the next chapter for our brand at Cabot Saint Lucia.” Cabot Sain...
Sonesta Names Steven “Marty” Grant as Area Director Sales, Marketing & Revenue
August 14, 2020
Newton, MA (August 14, 2020) – Sonesta International Hotels Corporation today announced the appointment of Steve “Marty” Grant as Area Director, Sales, Marketing & Revenue. In this role, he will directly manage the sales team and oversee marketing and revenue efforts on behalf of The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco and Sonesta Silicon Valley. He will report directly to Blair McSheffrey, Vice President of Global & Hotel Sales. Grant is an accomplished hotel sales leader and familiar with both hotel markets. Prior to his role at Sonesta, he was the Complex Director of Sales at Hilton San Francisco Union Square and Park 55 plu...
Nobu Hotel London Portman Square to Open November 2020
Nobu Hotel London Portman Square | August 14, 2020
Nobu Hotel London Portman Square is set to open its doors in November 2020. Thoughtfully designed, the new hotel will feature a Nobu Restaurant, bar and outdoor terrace, plus a 600-person ballroom, gym, wellness facilities and meeting spaces. Nobu Hotel London Portman Square will apply a contemporary approach to both aesthetics and hospitality, taking inspiration from Japanese architectural disciplines and minimalist design, whilst utilizing a refined color palette influenced by heritage Japanese color combinations. Award-winning David Collins Studio is responsible for the hotel’s common spaces, including; the lobby, lobby lounge, No...
SmartHands DISPENSERS & SANITIZERS: A WINNING COMBINATION
Minibar Systems | August 14, 2020
Rockville, MD - Minibar Systems is pleased to announce our new SmartHands dispensers are now available for hotels and can soon be purchased online at SmartHands.MinibarSystems.com. The SmartHands™ hand sanitizer contains 80% Ethanol Alcohol which exceeds the CDC standard and kills 99.99% of harmful germs and bacteria. Aloe vera leaf extract is added to help aid and moisturize skin after application. Please visit the website for additional product information and ordering information. FDA Approved 80% Alcohol Hand Sanitizer Kills 99.99% Of Germs & Bacteria 80% Ethanol Alcohol – Exceeds CDC Guidelines 1 Liter Bag Provides ...
Hotel Quality Lab: Exploring Service Excellence
August 13, 2020
Against the backdrop of relentlessly evolving consumer demands and technological disruption, what does service quality mean today? What is required to maintain the prerequisite momentum? And how can hoteliers reconcile brand standards with the varying needs and expectations of guests from around the world? Helping us find the answers to these questions and more, Richard Leuenberger, Managing Director of Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz, joins us on a journey of discovery through service excellence. Service excellence credentials The success of Leuenberger’s approach to service quality speaks for itself. Under his stewardship, Badrutt’...
Prism Hotels & Resorts Completes Renovations of NYLO Las Colinas and NYLO Dallas/Plano Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Prism Hotels & Resorts | August 13, 2020
DALLAS, Aug. 13, 2020 – Dallas-based Prism Hotels & Resorts, an award-winning, full service hotel management, investment and advisory services company, announced today that its NYLO Las Colinas and NYLO Dallas/Plano Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotels, have completed extensive renovations that initially begun in early 2020. The completion of these notable renovations is another example of how the company has continued to drive results for owners across the portfolio, even amid a challenging global pandemic. Prism Hotels and Resorts’ President and CEO Steve Van made the announcement. Prism continues to work closely with the expert...
The Westin Anaheim Resort Appoints Executive Team Ahead of October Opening
The Westin Anaheim Resort | August 13, 2020
ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 13, 2020) – Opening this October 2020, The Westin Anaheim Resort is pleased to announce its core executive team to lead the brand new 618-room hotel. Featuring a modern design that was inspired by Anaheim’s historic orange grove roots before Disneyland opened in 1955, The Westin Anaheim Resort will be a relaxing haven of wellness and renewal while being located directly across Disneyland Resort and steps away from some of Southern California’s most popular attractions including Angel Stadium of Anaheim, the Honda Center and the Anaheim Convention Center. The seasoned leadership team will bring th...
The Carver Companies Announce Expanded Perks Program for Consultants
The Carver Companies | August 13, 2020
ATLANTA, GA – August 13, 2020 – In response to the current environment’s impact on hospitality professionals, hospitality infrastructure powerhouse, The Carver Companies launched CarverPerks, a program designed to help their consultants with some of their most significant needs. “We wanted to find ways to help our consultants with their health and financial needs, and while we recognize they are independent contractors, our goal is to broaden the advantages that we can offer them above other Task Force companies,” said The Carver Companies CEO Joel Carver. “And to also give them the very best package of perks in the industry....
Domestic Business Travel Continues to Trend Toward Recovery
The Global Business Travel Association | August 13, 2020
Alexandria, VA (August 13, 2020) – GBTA member companies worldwide, report an emerging willingness to permit employees to engage in domestic business travel, according to the latest poll conducted between August 5-9, 2020, by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). Respondents to the poll; the 10th bi-weekly survey conducted among GBTA’s members since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in February, continue to report virtually no willingness for employees to travel internationally, with 93% indicating the pandemic has curtailed all or most international business trips. By comparison, 74% of respondents report that the pandemi...
STR: U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 8 August
STR | August 13, 2020
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—U.S. hotel performance data for the week ending 8 August showed slightly higher occupancy and room rates from the previous week, according to STR. 2-8 August 2020 (percentage change from comparable week in 2019): Occupancy: 49.9% (-32.6%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$100.88 (-24.9%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$50.37 (-49.4%) U.S. occupancy has risen week over week for 16 of the last 17 weeks, although growth in demand (room nights sold) has slowed. Aggregate data for the Top 25 Markets showed lower occupancy (41.7%) and ADR (US$98.90) than all other markets. Norfolk/Virginia ...
STR: Canada Hotel Results for Week Ending 8 August
STR | August 13, 2020
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—STR data for 2-8 August 2020 shows a continued steady rise in Canada’s hotel performance but the same significant level of year-over-year declines. In comparison with the week of 4-10 August 2019, the industry reported the following: Occupancy: -48.6% to 39.9% Average daily rate (ADR): -28.6% to CAD132.53 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -63.3% to CAD52.85 British Columbia was the only province to reach a 50% occupancy level (50.2%). Two additional provinces reached a 40% occupancy level: Manitoba (42.4%) and Ontario (40.4%). Ottawa (38.9%), Edmonton (34.9%) and Vancouver (35....
sbe Bringing Delano Brand to Europe With 2023 Opening of Delano Porto Cervo in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia Italy
sbe | August 13, 2020
MIAMI, Aug. 13, 2020 - sbe, the leading international hospitality group that develops, manages and operates award-winning brands, today announced the expansion of the iconic Delano brand to Europe. Delano Porto Cervo in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia Italy, expected to open by June 2023, represents the next stage of international growth for sbe and the Delano brand in one of the world's most idyllic and sought-after travel destinations. Celebrating its 25th year of delivering trendsetting boutique hospitality to its customers, Delano will continue its legacy of unparalleled luxury, relaxation and beauty at its new Sardinian location, wh...
Counting the Social Costs of Tourism in the COVID-19 Era
PolyU’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management | August 13, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism scholars and practitioners have directed their attention to local communities in tourist destinations, examining their safety and well-being and the costs that they bear due to tourism activities. Yet according to the SHTM’s Professor Haiyan Song and Dr Jinah Park and their co-researchers, it is now time to discuss the social costs of tourism during crises. How much are local communities willing to sacrifice to reduce these costs? Analysing local residents’ willingness to pay to alleviate public health risk, the researchers explored the situation through an economic lens. Their findings have importan...
Pandemic Pricing Principles for Hotels
Vikram Singh | August 13, 2020
By Vikram Singh This is my second pandemic-themed article, following the last magnum opus on Hotel Marketing and Revenue Management in the Time of Pandemic. I was definitely hoping for things to be better by now. I still have a lot of optimism. However, for now, the hospitality and travel industry must continue to undergo a massive overhaul in how we think about and operate almost every single department. Owners, employees, brands and investors will continue to take a direct hit from an event that we thought was only possible in disaster movies. But there are things we can do to mitigate our losses. Pricing needs your attention today, a...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 235: Hotel History: Cavallo Point, The Lodge at the Golden Gate (1901)
Stanley Turkel | August 12, 2020
By Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito, California (142 rooms) The history of the spectacular site of the Lodge at the Golden Gate commences with the coastal Miwok Indian tribes who occupied Horseshoe Cove long before there was a Golden Gate Bridge. In 1866, the U.S. Army acquired the site for a military base to fortify the north side of the harbor entrance. The twenty-four buildings around the ten-acre parade ground at Fort Baker were developed between 1901 and 1915. Designed in the Colonial Revival architectural style as permanent housing for the Coast Artillary Corps (active from 1907-1950), Fort Bak...
Value Reigns in the Hotel Recovery Phase
Larry Mogelonsky | August 12, 2020
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) The summer of COVID-19 for hotels has meant a dominance of local leisure guests and road trips as we await the return of group travel to boost our occupancies and our margins. With the approaching next normal of autumn, winter, more properties reopening and less overall desirability for a vacation to a domestic location during the colder months, it would be all too easy to succumb to a price war. Fortunately, we know the ramifications of a price reduction, notably that it erodes your customer base by making it harder to return to your standard rates. And yet, market forces will dict...
How Hotel F&B Pivoted in Response to COVID-19, and What the Future Holds
Court Williams | August 12, 2020
By Court Williams Global tourism has been expanding rapidly over the past few decades, and this was a primary factor driving the hospitality industry before the coronavirus outbreak. Growth projected by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), set the expected number of tourist arrivals across the globe at more than 1.5 billion by 2020. Covid-19 had other ideas, however, and 2020 has turned out to be the year everything changed. Hotel food and beverage (F&B) operations are among some of the most-affected industries. Key Hotel F&B Trends Before Covid-19 Change is inevitable, and the whirlwind arrival of Covid-19 proved once agai...
