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Condor Hospitality Trust Provides Update on Acquisition by NexPoint Hospitality Trust
Condor Hospitality Trust, Inc. | March 16, 2020
BETHESDA, Md.--March 16, 2020--Condor Hospitality Trust, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE American: CDOR), a hotel-focused real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered and incorporated in the state of Maryland, provided an update today on the previously announced acquisition by merger of the Company (the “Merger”) by NexPoint Hospitality Trust (“NHT”) (TSX-V: NHT-U). NHT has requested and the Company has accommodated an extension of the Merger closing, previously set for March 16, 2020, to March 23, 2020. Forward-Looking Statement This news release (including statements about the expected timing, completion and effects of...
Your Hotel’s Social Media Reputation Is More Important Than Ever
DJ Vallauri | March 16, 2020
DJ Vallauri, Lodging Interactive’s Founder, CEO & President provides his perspective on the importance of social media reputation platforms in today’s environment. CAUTION: If you’re a hotelier who believes all marketing and communication programs should immediately stop, do not read any further...it’s not the best use of your time. Communications technology has pushed through to the forefront of travel. The ability to widely connect with guests globally is only available through social media platforms. There are many reasons why, now more than ever, properties should be focusing on maximizing their social media reputation. ...
Kimpton Debuts in the Florida Keys With Five Hotel Collection, Kimpton Key West
Kimpton Key West | March 16, 2020
KEY WEST, FL (March 16, 2020) – Today, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announces the opening of Winslow’s Bungalows, the first hotel in the new five-hotel Kimpton Key West collection. This marks the sixth outpost for the boutique hospitality company in the Sunshine State and its first in the Florida Keys. Across all five of the hotels, spread across six blocks in Key West’s historic Old Town, no two rooms in the collection’s 219 total keys are the same. A complete reimagining of the Historic Inns of Key West, accommodations span everything from estate-like guesthouses to charming bungalows and original conch houses, each with its ow...
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot Returns to New Orleans Following Brand’s Fifteen-Year Absence
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants | March 16, 2020
NEW ORLEANS, LA (March 16, 2020) -- Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is pleased to announce the opening of Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, a 202-room boutique hotel located in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District on the corner of Poydras and Tchoupitoulas Streets. The opening marks the brand’s return after a fifteen-year absence from the Crescent City. Combining classic and modern design, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot’s interiors are inspired by the city’s iconic southern hospitality and famed jazz musicians, as well as the building’s original architectural details. The lobby features a stunning variety of custom art, including a...
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld Names Natalie Cohee Executive Chef
Crescent Hotels & Resorts | March 16, 2020
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 11, 2020) - DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, spanning 28 acres within the heart of International Drive, proudly promotes Natalie Cohee to executive chef, selecting the culinary leader with more than 12 years of experience in the DoubleTree Orlando kitchens to lead the team. Tenured executive chef Alberto Correa - Chef Cohee’s mentor - is promoted to director of culinary experiences. In their new roles, the duo expands offerings for groups using the 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space and leisure guests enjoying the multiple dining options at DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld. “We are th...
Learning From Past Crises
HSMAI | March 16, 2020
By Kaitlin Dunn The World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, a pandemic on Wednesday, March 11. While the coronavirus has been a huge disrupter not only in the hospitality industry but in every sector around the world, it’s not unique. Hospitality professionals have weathered numerous other crises, from outbreaks to natural disasters — each one offering its own lessons. D.C. Becker, principal and co-owner at Titan Group of New York, has been through two recent crises. While he was with Interstate Hotels & Resorts, he was in Shanghai in 2011 after a deadly tsunami hit neighborin...
STR: London Hotel Performance Drops Amid Growing COVID-19 Concerns
STR | March 16, 2020
16 March 2020 - LONDON— STR’s preliminary data for hotels in London shows slightly negative performance in February 2020 that worsened into double-digit declines during the first week of March. February preliminary data (compared with February 2019): Occupancy: -2.3% to 76.3% Average daily rate (ADR): +0.3% to GBP133.57 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -2.1% to GBP101.91 1-8 March preliminary data (compared with corresponding week in 2019): Occupancy: -21.0% to 65.5% ADR: -8.5% to GPB128.39 RevPAR: -27.7% to GPB84.14 As concerns have grown around the COVID-19 outbreak, STR analysts note that London daily...
U.S. Travel Reacts to Expansion of Travel Restrictions to UK and Ireland
U.S. Travel Association | March 16, 2020
Washington (March 16, 2020)—U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement: "The public's health and safety is priority No. 1, and we hope the aggressive steps taken by the federal government succeed in putting the moment of greatest concern behind us. Hearing of the need to further expand travel restrictions—especially the inclusion of our No. 1 overseas source market, the UK—is obviously not the development the U.S. travel industry was hoping for. Aggressive steps will also be needed to address the health of the U.S. economy, the small businesses that make up 83% of all U.S. travel employers, and...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Separation of Duties – Part 1
David Lund | March 16, 2020
By David Lund In the business world protecting your assets is a critical strategy. Without it, you are open to “things” happening that can cost you a fortune. I was trained with the concept of separation of duties as a foundation so in some respects I take it that everyone else has the same perspective. Recently I worked with a client that showed me just how far things can go awry when you put your trust in someone and you fail to have the proper separation and oversight. Now I know you’re thinking two or three things right now: “David is very distrusting, and he has no idea who I have looking after my affairs and besides tha...
3 Undistributed Expense Trends to Watch
HotStats | March 16, 2020
Hotel operating departments can be divided into two main groups: those that generate revenue and those that don’t. Typically, hoteliers focus on the first group when analyzing financial performance— after all, that’s where the money comes from! Thus, departments such as rooms, F&B and spa are put under the microscope, and departmental key performance indicators (KPIs) are thoroughly studied and benchmarked. The second group consists of the undistributed departments, namely Administrative & General (A&G), Information & Telecommunications systems (I&T), Sales & Marketing (S&M) and Property & Maintenan...
Accor Announces Signing of V Villas Phuket – MGallery
Accor | March 16, 2020
BANGKOK, THAILAND — Accor has announced the signing of V Villas Phuket - MGallery. The 24-pool villa resort, which will join the group’s MGallery Hotel Collection, is being developed on a hilltop in Ao Yon Beach, Phuket, approximately 1 hour by road from Phuket International Airport and 20 minutes from Phuket Town. When completed, the resort will feature five distinctive dining outlets, a swimming pool and a spectacular spa & wellness centre. “We are honoured to collaborate with our valued partners once again to introduce V Villas Phuket, following the success of V Villas Hua Hin and VIE Hotel Bangkok over the years. Synonymous t...
Waramaug Acquires Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection
Waramaug Hospitality | March 16, 2020
March 16, 2020, Boca Raton, FL — Waramaug Hospitality announced today that it acquired the Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection, located in Orlando, Florida. The 214-room lifestyle getaway property, part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott, offers boutique hotel rooms adorned with luxurious bedding and ample workstations, providing a seamless stay for both business and leisure travelers alike. It features 8,400 square feet of meeting space comprising seven rooms, terraces and gardens, an outdoor swimming pool with whirlpool spa tub, upscale dining, business center, fitness center, and two “sky terraces” that overlook Orlando’s n...
Meetings Mean Business Reacts to New Federal Guidance on Large Events And Mass Gatherings
Meetings Mean Business | March 16, 2020
WASHINGTON – The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has issued the following statement: “In these unprecedented times – and to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that ‘for the next 8 weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the U.S.’ As industry leaders who are driven by a responsibility to our clients, customers and employees, this is certainly not a directive we were hoping to see. However, it is one we intend to follow. We applaud the industry professionals who are managing as best they can thro...
COVID-19 Pushes Hospitality Industry to the Edge: Key Considerations for Stakeholders
Todd Soloway | March 13, 2020
By Todd Soloway As reports of confirmed Coronavirus cases increase, travel bans and mass quarantines go into effect, and citizens across the globe avoid all nonessential travel, the hotel industry is being hard hit. Without exaggeration, owners, managers, and brands that were already struggling, and even those that were not, may face existential decisions. To aid in addressing the myriad of issues, we have compiled a series of key points that any stakeholder should consider in navigating and evaluating the difficult decisions that lie ahead. Cost Cutting: Can Vendor Contracts Be Modified, Suspended or Terminated? Hotels are being i...
HSMAI SPECIAL REPORT: Crisis Communications for Hospitality Marketing Professionals
HSMAI | March 13, 2020
In a crisis situation, business leaders don’t just need information. They need inspiration. They need success stories. That’s what this HSMAI Special Report — presented with the support of HSMAI’s Organizational Member companies — provides. While the coronavirus is still very much a developing situation, hospitality marketing professionals should be focusing on how they are positioning their properties, companies, and brands — not just right now, in the midst of the crisis, but in the aftermath. To offer some ideas, we’ve turned to winners in the Crisis Communication/Recovery Communications category for Public Relations in HS...
Marketing in the Age of Coronavirus
HSMAI | March 13, 2020
Marketing never stops. Even when a crisis event like coronavirus seems to be consuming everyone’s attention, you still have to get your message out — but do so in a sensitive, thoughtful way. How? Brian Hall, chief marketing officer of Explore St. Louis and a member of the HSMAI Americas Board of Directors, recently offered some insights. What are the immediate priorities for hospitality marketing professionals in this climate? The most immediate priority for hospitality marketers in times of uncertainly is to communicate facts and do so routinely and liberally. As concerns have heightened over the past week, many organizations are ...
Coronavirus Puts up to 50 Million Travel and Tourism Jobs at Risk Says WTTC
WTTC | March 13, 2020
London, UK, 13 March 2020: The World Travel & Tourism Council says up to 50 million jobs in the Travel & Tourism sector are at risk due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “WTTC figures show the stark impact on the Travel & Tourism sector of the present COVID-19 outbreak with analysis now suggesting that up to 50 million jobs are at risk in the sector globally”. “When the time is right, WTTC and the global private sector will be ready to help and support the government and countries to recover” Latest figures from WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism p...
Fitch Revises North American CMBS Hotel Outlook to Negative; Coronavirus Adds to Expected Decline
Fitch Ratings | March 13, 2020
Fitch Ratings has revised its North American CMBS hotel asset performance outlook to negative from stable/negative. The negative outlook revision for the sector is due to several factors including new supply and weakening economic conditions. Fitch expects RevPAR growth to flatten out in 2020 and then decrease by a low single digit percent in 2021. The impact from the coronavirus will exacerbate hotel cash flow declines and rising expenses from wages and real estate taxes may exceed revenue growth. Hotels will be the first property type to be affected by the coronavirus due to reduced tourism and travel, and a slowdown in economic activ...
IHG® Opens Hotel Indigo® in Spain’s Capital Madrid
IHG | March 13, 2020
13 MARCH 2020 - IHG®, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today announces the opening of Hotel Indigo® Madrid Princesa. Within walking distance of one of Madrid’s main shopping districts, Calle de la Princesa and located next to one of the local’s favourite city parks, Parque del Oeste, the hotel is the perfect choice for those looking to visit the capital. The hotel has 101 guest rooms featuring two distinct room designs based around nature and taking cues from the lush greenery of Parque del Oeste. With a neutral undertone, the room styles and colours are inspired by the seasons with gold and red for Autumn and green ...
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center Completes Phase Two of Nearly $20 Million Renovation
Embassy Suites by Hilton | March 13, 2020
TAMPA, Fla. - The 360-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center has completed its final phase of a multimillion-dollar property renovation. The transformation focuses on bringing forth a vibrant, contemporary design with a touch of coastal inspiration. All the hotel’s public spaces are completely renovated to maximize and create functional space throughout the hotel. The hotel’s expansive atrium fosters an atmosphere of socializing and unwinding for guests. The renovated guest suites feature modern comforts, including two 55” flat screen high-definition TVs, a refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave and a selectio...
Eldorado Resorts to Sell Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa to Maverick Gaming
Eldorado Resorts | March 13, 2020
RENO, Nev. - March 13, 2020 - Eldorado Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ: ERI) (“Eldorado,” “ERI,” or “the Company”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa in Lake Tahoe, Nevada to Maverick Gaming LLC. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the second half of 2020. Tom Reeg, Chief Executive Officer of Eldorado, commented, “The agreement to divest Montbleu is consistent with our continued focus on the expected closing for the Caesars transaction in the first half of 2020.” Macquarie ...
Palladium Hotel Group Appoints Gabriel Rodriguez as Director of Sales, Canada and Hugh Goodwin as Director of Sales – Strategic Accounts
Palladium Hotel Group | March 13, 2020
Madrid, Spain (March 13, 2020) – Palladium Hotel Group announced today the appointment of Gabriel Rodriguez as the new Director of Sales, Canada and Hugh Goodwin as the Spanish hotel chain’s new Director of Sales – Strategic Accounts. In Rodriguez’s new role, he will be strengthening Palladium Hotel Group’s relationships with Canadian travel agents and Goodwin will be responsible for relationships and overall account management for strategic customers. Gabriel Rodriguez is a sales and marketing professional with over nineteen years of background in the travel industry. His accomplishments include launching destinations into new m...
The Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort Welcomes Culinary Team
The Cavalier Resort | March 13, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA [March 13, 2020] - Gold Key | PHR is excited to announce the addition of top industry talent, Chef Hisashi Araki, Chef Paul Newman and Bertrand Daluzeau, to the culinary team at the highly anticipated Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. Chef Hisashi Araki joins the team as Executive Chef of Orion's Roof and Chef Paul Newman will serve as Executive Chef of Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill. Bertrand Daluzeau will take on the role of the Director of Food & Beverage for the hotel. Under the trio’s direction, the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront is set to continue to elevate the dining scene in Coastal Virginia and be...
Saba Rock Appoints Alain Prion as New Resort Manager
Saba Rock | March 13, 2020
VIRGIN GORDA, British Virgin Islands – March 13, 2020 – Saba Rock, the iconic island resort destination in the British Virgin Islands, appointed Alain Prion as the resort’s new resort manager. In this position, Alain will be responsible for overseeing the resort’s extensive reconstruction post Hurricane Irma and day-to-day operations of the resort, once open in the fall of this year. “Alain’s appointment is a key milestone in the relaunch of the ‘new’ Saba Rock in the British Virgin Islands,” said Operations Manager, Zdenek Travnicek. “He has a proven track record of managing some of the world’s most unique resorts an...
