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Four Seasons Hotel Prague Appoints Martin Dell as New General Manager
Four Seasons Hotel Prague | February 24, 2020
PRAGUE, February 24, 2020 - Four Seasons Hotel Prague announces the appointment of Martin Dell as the new General Manager. This new role follows his most recent position as Resort Manager at Four Seasons Resort Maui, Hawaii. Born and raised in the Czech Republic, Martin brings a wealth of global hospitality experience to his new role as General Manager in Prague. He began his career at the iconic Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, before gaining a wide range of skills and hotel experiences with postings in Sydney, Hong Kong, and Doha. Martin’s relationship with Four Seasons started in 2010 at Regent Singapore (formerly a Four Seasons hotel...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: What Do You Do When the Reservation Phone Stops Ringing in Your Hotel?
David Lund | February 24, 2020
By David Lund An old GM of mine was fond of this statement. He usually came at it from the other end dmsaof this by saying, “Any monkey could fill this place when the phones are ringing.” And I think he is right. As the famous saying by JFK goes, “A rising tide floats all boats.” That has largely been our industry in North America in the past 10 years. It has been high tide for a long time. But now, things are starting to look a bit different. What do you do to preserve profit when the revenue tap slows down? That’s a tall order. Given our industry’s competitive nature, we all do the same thing when the volume goes dow...
Luxe Life Hotel New York Opens in Former Headquarters of LIFE Magazine
Luxe Hotels | February 24, 2020
Luxe Life Hotel New York -- Luxe Hotels’ first branded property in New York City -- opened on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood. It is a 98-room boutique hotel housed in the former headquarters of LIFE Magazine. From its prohibition era bar to art collection from local artists, the hotel pays homage to the talented artists, writers, and creative staff who lived and worked in the building. The hotel’s impeccably appointed, pet-friendly guest rooms and suites provide a seamless blend of modern conveniences and historic charm. The property also features a signature destination restaurant, The Marilyn. “We are elated to ...
Europe’s Hotel Construction Pipeline Continues an Upward Trend Despite Some Economic Challenges
Lodging Econometrics | February 24, 2020
February 21, 2020 – PORTSMOUTH, NH - According to the recent Europe hotel construction pipeline trend report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), Europe’s total construction pipeline rose to 1,871 projects/297,490 rooms in the fourth quarter of 2019, a 19% increase by projects and 22% by rooms, year-over-year (YOY). There are 879 projects/140,620 rooms currently under construction, 531 projects/81,235 rooms scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months, and 461 projects/75,635 rooms in early planning. All stages of the pipeline are at record highs and have counts more than double their cyclical lows set earlier in the decade. Ho...
Hotel Online’s Siegel Sez for February 21, 2020 Featuring Douglas Rice
February 21, 2020
When did LinkedIn add birthdays? Monday was my birthday and since I have a zillion LinkedIn connections, I was overwhelmed with birthday wishes. I decided because it was the President’s Day holiday here in the U.S. that I would respond to those sending notes. Wow -- did that get out of hand quickly. But then I realized how many great people I have met through the hotel and technology industry and was absolutely enjoying reconnecting with those who were part of my past. I must admit, it was quite fun. Of course, now I feel obligated that every time I get a birthday notice for a LinkedIn connection that I need to say happy birthday. It is int...
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Opens in Pasco, Washington With General Manager Amy Smith at the Helm
Courtyard by Marriott | February 20, 2020
Pasco, WA – February 20, 2020 – Courtyard by Marriott Pasco Tri-Cities Airport opened its doors in Pasco, Washington on Tuesday, February 18. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard’s latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 2101 West Argent Road, the 99-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by A-1 Hospitality Group and managed by Columbia Hotel Management, a subsidiary of A-1 Hospitality Group of Kennewick, Washington. Situated less than a mile from Pasco Tri-Cities Airport and across...
Park Hotels & Resorts Closes Sale of Embassy Suites Washington DC Georgetown and Hilton São Paulo Morumbi for Gross Proceeds of $208 Million
Park Hotels & Resorts | February 20, 2020
TYSONS, Va.--February 20, 2020-- Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. (“Park”) (NYSE:PK) today announced that it has closed on the two separate sales of the 197-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Georgetown (the “Embassy Suites DC”) and the 503-room Hilton São Paulo Morumbi (the “Hilton São Paulo”) for combined gross proceeds of approximately $208 million before customary closing costs and adjustments. The Embassy Suites DC, located in Washington, D.C., was sold for gross proceeds of $90.4 million, or $459,000 per key before customary closing costs and adjustments. When adjusted for Park’s anticipated capital expenditure...
Longtime Hotel Industry Executive Ed Dykes Passes Away
Paramount Hotel Group | February 20, 2020
FAIRFIELD, NJ, February 20, 2020 -- Ed Dykes, Vice President of Hotel Acquisitions for Paramount Hotel Group, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2020 following a battle with cancer. Ed had more than 30 years of experience in the industry, having previously served as Senior Vice President of Operations for Prime Hospitality Corporation and playing a key role in growing the AmeriSuites brand (now Hyatt Place.) He joined Paramount Hotel Group in 2006, and was responsible for continuing the company’s growth and expansion through hotel acquisitions and opportunities for new development. “I was privileged to know and work with Ed and be a...
Travel + Leisure Releases 15th Annual It List, an Editor-Curated Collection of the Best New Hotels in the World
Travel + Leisure | February 20, 2020
72 Hotels Across the Globe Selected, Including 19 Hotels in the United States NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2020 -- Meredith Corporation's (NYSE: MDP; Meredith.com) Travel + Leisure released its 15th annual It List, a selection of the top new and renovated hotels in the world. The list is available on TravelandLeisure.com and in the March issue, available on newsstands February 21. Each year, Travel + Leisure editors scout hundreds of new hotels around the globe in pursuit of those that offer a special, holistic experience based on location, ambiance, service, and amenities. The editors collaborate with Travel + Leisure's global network of expert...
Why Businesses Should Invest in Soft Skills Training
Hospitality Insights | February 20, 2020
There is a richness in possessing attributes that technology can't compete with; and it is why soft skills training are crucial to a company's longevity. “Adulting”: Going to work. Remembering to submit your tax return. Putting out the garbage. Hoovering before the dust bunnies form their own tiny army. Almost mechanic dealings with the things that keep our daily lives ticking over. This is contrasted with the more recent rise of “humaning” on social media: Pursuing activities that define us as homo sapiens. Human beings capable of showing kindness and empathy. Human beings with quirks and flaws. Complex creatures shaped by all we...
Resorts World Las Vegas and Hilton Partner to Introduce New Multi-Brand Las Vegas Resort
Resorts World Las Vegas | February 20, 2020
LAS VEGAS – February 20, 2020 – Resorts World Las Vegas and Hilton (NYSE: HLT) have partnered to bring three of Hilton’s premium brands together for the first time when the US$4.3 billion integrated resort, which is currently being developed, opens in summer 2021. The partnership marks Hilton’s largest multi-brand deal in company history and will include three Hilton premium brands, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, LXR and Conrad, into Resorts World Las Vegas. The 3,500-room resort will also be part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton's 18 distinct brands, offering members direct access to instant bene...
Virginia’s Boar’s Head Resort Expands Leadership Team
Boar’s Head Resort | February 20, 2020
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, February 20, 2020 – Boar’s Head Resort welcomes two new members of the leadership team with the promotion of Executive Chef Paul D’Amelio and the new hiring of Director of Sales Mark White. Executive Chef D’Amelio was promoted from Chef de Cuisine of The Mill Room while White joins the team from another resort. D’Amelio joined the culinary team at Boar’s Head in August 2018 and was promoted to Executed Chef in December 2019. In his new role, he will manage all operations related to the culinary department, including menu development and staff and manager training. First introduced to cooking by his moth...
Richard Appelbaum Appointed as New General Manager of San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice
San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice | February 20, 2020
Venice, 20 February 2020 - Kempinski Hotels has appointed Richard Appelbaum as General Manager San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice. Richard joins the urban resort palace on its private island in the lagoon of Venice from Istanbul, where he held the position as Chief Executive Officer Divan Group. Richard’s international career spans over 30 years of experience, holding leading management positions with international luxury hotel operators and owners in the Middle East, South East Asia in Singapore, Jakarta, Mauritius, and the USA as well as in Europe within Germany and the United Kingdom. Starting his career in the hospitality indus...
HEI Hotels + Resorts Promotes Ginger Martin and Pam Kirby to Vice President Positions
February 20, 2020
NORWALK, CT – February 20, 2020 – Officials of HEI Hotels + Resorts, a leading hospitality investment firm and management company that operates over 80 properties worldwide, today announced that Ginger Martin and Pam Kirby have been promoted to vice president. “With these two internal promotions, we add to our industry leading track record of developing and promoting top talent from within. Both Ginger and Pam are proven leaders and will complement a best- in-class team during what continues to be a very strong period of growth for HEI. Pam and Ginger are a pleasure to work with, and I am excited about their continued leadership and ...
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown Nears Completion, Sets Sights on Spring Opening
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown | February 20, 2020
TEMPE, Ariz. (Feb. 20, 2020) – Driftwood Capital announced today that Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown, Arizona’s first Canopy by Hilton hotel and the first location for the brand in the Southwest, will open its doors early this spring in the heart of downtown Tempe. The contemporary, full-service hotel will offer a local experience with a boutique feel, bringing 198 spacious guest rooms and suites, along with approximately 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space, to the corner of University and Myrtle Avenue. The hotel will feature the East Valley's only full-service rooftop pool and bar on the 14th floor, providing a scenic venue...
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, Sees Six-Figure Revenue From Partnership With ResortPass
The Waterfront Beach Resort | February 20, 2020
What started as a way to fill a few pool loungers and cabanas quickly becomes a profitable new opportunity for an award-winning property that now offers a variety of daycation experiences to guests Santa Monica, California (February 20, 2020) – Since partnering with ResortPass in early 2019, The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, has seen an impressive six-figure boost to their bottom line. With full control of who visits the property and which amenities are made available based on inventory and seasonality, the AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort has created unique offerings that cater to their desired audience. From family-fri...
Tourism and Hospitality Instructor Joins RoomKeyPMS’ Implementation Team
RoomKeyPMS | February 20, 2020
February 20, 2020 – Vancouver, BC – Rubika Narula has recently joined RoomKeyPMS as a new Trainer and Implementation Specialist. Originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Rubika spent most of her early years living in different countries and experiencing different cultures. After having lived in Uganda, Sweden, Ethiopia, and India, she made the move to Vancouver in 2007, and ventured into the Tourism and Hospitality industry. With experience ranging from smaller properties like the Howard Johnson to top-notch luxury at the Shangri-La Hotel, she held various progressive roles, worked in almost every department, and quickly became a seasoned pro...
The Carver Companies Announce Two New National Account Managers
Carver Companies | February 20, 2020
ATLANTA, GA – February 20, 2020 – The Carver Companies, the hospitality infrastructure powerhouse recently added two new National Account Managers – Jennifer Johnson and Wanda Graves - to their Carver Hotel Group (CHG) division. Wanda Graves has 14 years of hospitality sales managerial experience and most recently served as a corporate task force director of sales where she worked on assignments, and also trained task force sales people for various short and long term assignments. Prior to that, she held sales managerial roles including senior corporate sales manager, group sales manager, and national sales manager. She has an ...
The Cult of Amazement
Shep Hyken | February 19, 2020
By Shep Hyken In the updated and revised edition of The Cult of the Customer, I cover the concept of amazement. This may be old news to my followers, but it is worth repeating. Amazement does not come from a WOW or over-the-top experience. Those happen on occasion, especially when problems are handled well. But on a day to day basis, amazement happens when you deliver experiences that are consistently and predictably above average. They could even be just a tiny little bit above average. What makes that amazing is that it is always predictable. The customer owns it because they know it’s going to happen. What happens when there’s...
Radisson Hotel Group Signs Radisson Riyadh Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Radisson | February 19, 2020
Due to open in Q4 2020, the Radisson Riyadh Airport will consist of various room types including serviced apartments and villas Brussels/Riyadh - February 19, 2020 Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the signing of Radisson Riyadh Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As one of the fastest growing companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the newest addition brings the group’s portfolio to over 45 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments in operation and under development, accelerating Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion across the country. Riyadh is the largest city and capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Khalid Interna...
Pebblebrook and SH Hotels Plan 2021 Opening of 1 Hotel San Francisco
1 Hotels | February 19, 2020
Currently operating as Hotel Vitale, the property will undergo a full $25 million renovation and conversion BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) (the “Company”) and SH Hotels and Resorts today announced the planned transformation of Hotel Vitale to the sustainability-focused, mission-driven and luxury experiential 1 Hotel San Francisco, which is expected to open in 2021 following a full renovation and conversion into a flourishing urban retreat. Located on the Embarcadero waterfront overlooking the Bay Bridge, and steps from the historic Ferry Building, the property has a great location and is current...
Epelboim Opens EVEN Hotel Alpharettta – Avalon Area Marking Brand’s First Georgia Location
IHG | February 19, 2020
IHG® debuts its 13th EVEN Hotels location in metro Atlanta IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is excited to announce today the official opening of EVEN® Hotel Alpharetta - Avalon Area. The hotel, located on Old Milton Parkway across from Avalon, is equipped with a wellness-savvy staff, best-in-class fitness experience, balanced food choices and relaxing spaces. Owned by Epelboim based in Miami, and managed by IHG, the property is the brand’s first location in Georgia. The hotel is the result of a strong relationship between Epelboim and IHG. Raul Ortiz, VP, Global EVEN Hotels, Staybrid...
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino Reaches Milestone Topping Out of Expansive, Third Tower
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino | February 19, 2020
LAS VEGAS (February 19, 2020) – Thirteen months after breaking ground, the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino has topped out on its expansive, third hotel tower. The announcement comes in conjunction with newly-released room renderings highlighting the stylish design of the studio king and one-bedroom suite offerings. Boasting over 250,000 square feet of additional hospitality space the new tower is on track to begin booking this spring for stays starting in September 2020. Anchored by seven guest-room floors and adding 495 new rooms to the property’s existing inventory of 629, the Downtown Grand’s third tower, located on the east sid...
HSMAI Honors Chapters and Leaders at Annual Mike Leven Leadership Conference
HSMAI | February 19, 2020
(McLean, VA, February 19, 2020) The HSMAI Arizona Chapter was named the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Americas 2019 Chapter of the Year as part of HSMAI’s Frank W. Berkman Chapter Award Program — presented at the annual Mike Leven Leadership Conference at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin in Austin, Texas. The program also recognized "Chapter Best of the Best" award recipients. "Year after year our chapters continue to find new and dynamic ways to connect with their members and the hospitality community," said Jenny Teeson, HSMAI's director of chapter management. "It is an honor to recognize our chapter...
