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Northwood Hospitality Appoints Executive Team for The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte
The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte | November 19, 2019
Charlotte, North Carolina (November 19, 2019) – The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte is pleased to announce Christophe Le Chatton as its new General Manager and Beth Allen as its new Director of Sales and Marketing. Le Chatton will be responsible for all aspects of hotel operations and Allen will oversee all direct sales, public relations and marketing communications. Veterans of the hospitality industry, Le Chatton and Allen have more than sixty years of combined experience in operations, sales, and marketing communications in luxury hospitality. Christophe joins The Ballantyne with a strong background in luxury hotel o...
Senior Leadership Team Appointed for Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach Opening Soon
Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach | November 19, 2019
MIAMI (Nov. 19, 2019) – Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach is pleased to announce the recent appointments of General Manager Fernando Rivera and Director of Sales and Marketing Lizmary Perez for the all new boutique hotel, located in the heart of Miami’s most dynamic neighborhood, Sunset Harbour. “With our opening approaching, we’re excited to bring onboard two incredibly talented additions to the Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach team,” said Ericka Nelson, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Director of Hotel Operations, Florida. “The property is extremely fortunate to have such a strong and experienced pair who will ensure a...
AJ Capital Partners Acquires Macdonald Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland
AJ Capital Partners | November 19, 2019
Chicago, Ill. – Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners announced today that it has acquired the Macdonald Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland. The 70-key hotel will begin pre-construction design and architectural work in November 2019 and will undergo complete renovations starting spring 2020. Once completed in summer 2021, the reimagined hotel will debut with an additional 44 keys and a rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking the 18th hole of the Old Course at St Andrews and the historic Swilcan Bridge. This marks the second acquisition by AJ Capital from the Macdonald Hotels & Resorts portfolio in addition to the Randolph Hotel i...
CustomerCount® Adds Text Analytics Upgrade to Customer Feedback System
CustomerCount | November 19, 2019
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (November 19, 2019) – CustomerCount®, leader in online customer feedback management, partners with Keatext to incorporate the option of text analytics into its popular system. Now CustomerCount offers the upgraded version of the Montreal-based company’s sophisticated analysis component as part of its growing suite of services. [caption id="attachment_210418" align="alignright" width="250"] Bob Kobek[/caption] CustomerCount clients use Keatext directly through its robust report portal for text categorization, text clustering, concept/entity extraction, production of granular taxonomies, sentiment analys...
HSMAI Awards Bjorn Hanson and Lee Pillsbury With Lifetime Achievement Honors
HSMAI | November 19, 2019
The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association (HSMAI) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2019 HSMAI Lifetime Achievement Awards in marketing and public relations. Bjorn Hanson, Ph.D., will be honored with the Winthrop W. Grice Award for Public Relations. Leland “Lee” Pillsbury, managing director of Thayer Ventures, will be recognized as the recipient of the Albert E. Koehl Award for Hospitality Marketing. HSMAI will celebrate Bjorn and Lee at the Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala on January 21, 2020, at the New York Marriott Marquis. The HSMAI Lifetime Achievement Awards recognize individuals who have spent a maj...
Stockholders of Eldorado Resorts and Caesars Entertainment Vote to Approve Eldorado’s Acquisition of Caesars
Eldorado Resorts, Inc. | November 18, 2019
RENO, Nev. & LAS VEGAS--November 18, 2019 -- Eldorado Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ: ERI) (“Eldorado”) and Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR) (“Caesars”) announced that, at separate Special Meetings of Stockholders today, their respective stockholders approved certain actions in connection with Eldorado’s acquisition of Caesars. The transaction is expected to be consummated in the first half of 2020 and remains subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, and other closing conditions. Holders of over 99% of the Eldorado shares that voted on the issuance of shares of Eldorado common stock in connection wit...
Dimension Development Adds Doubletree by Hilton Hotel New Orleans to Its Portfolio of Hotels
Dimension Development Co. | November 18, 2019
NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 15, 2019 -- Dimension Development Company, a top hotel management and investment company, is proud to announce that it has added the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel New Orleans to its fast-growing portfolio of full-service properties. Dimension currently operates the Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans and The InterContinental New Orleans Hotel and has an extensive track record in New Orleans. "We are excited to continue growing our presence in the New Orleans market," said Michael Hildum, Vice President of Operations for Dimension Development. "Doubletree New Orleans is a dynamic hotel with a proven success record and D...
Blackstone Completes Acquisition of Bellagio Real Estate From MGM Resorts International for $4.25 Billion in Sale-Leaseback Transaction
Blackstone Real Estate | November 18, 2019
November 18, 2019 – New York and Las Vegas – Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust (“BREIT”) and MGM Resorts International (“MGM Resorts”) (NYSE: MGM) today announced the closing of the previously announced 95%/5% BREIT-led joint venture with MGM Resorts to acquire the real estate assets of the Bellagio for $4.25 billion in a sale-leaseback transaction. As part of the transaction, MGM Resorts has leased the property from the joint venture and continues to manage, operate and be responsible for all aspects of the property on a day-to-day basis. The transaction was announced on October 15, 2019. Advisors Weil, Gotshal & ...
IHG to Enter New Caledonia With Signing of Three Hotels Opening 2021 to 2024
IHG | November 18, 2019
IHG will make a grand entrance into New Caledonia with the signing of three hotels that will open between 2021 and 2024, bringing the world’s biggest and best hotel brands to the region. The new-build InterContinental® Lifou Wadra Bay Resort will be a 50-room luxury hotel located on the scenic Lifou, the largest island of the Loyalty Islands. Designed by both local architect, Atelier 13, and renowned interior designer, Chada, the resort is already under construction and will open in November 2021, featuring luxurious rooms, lagoon-front suites, all-day dining, a fine dining restaurant and bar, along with a gym, spa and an outdoor pool. ...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Chapter Two – Incompetence
David Lund | November 18, 2019
The chapter below is an excerpt from my new book. It’s fiction but some of the characters and story lines are based on people I have worked with and events that have taken place in the hotels I have worked in. The book is a fable about a hotel manager who has some very bad habits. He must change in order to survive and the book takes him and you through the lessons needed to be a great hospitality financial leader. I’m writing ahead each month so I’m not sure how the book will end. I hope you enjoy it and if you missed any earlier chapters you can find them on my website blog tab. The weekly executive committee meeting in my hote...
Kimpton Identifies Top Food & Beverage Trends to Watch in 2020
Kimpton Restaurants | November 18, 2019
SAN FRANCISCO (November 18, 2019) – Black pepper ice cream, coconut ceviche and Japanese whisky highballs are just a few of the unexpected yet delicious trends that will be popular in 2020, according to Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ sixth annual Culinary & Cocktails Trend Forecast. Kimpton predicts that more adventurous health ingredients and plant-based menus will rise to the top, and lower-alcohol spritzes will take center stage at bars. From ingredients like seaweed, ashwagandha and nutritional yeast to dishes like fresh, elevated ceviche and flavorful Levantine cuisine, chefs are getting creative while catering to consumers...
Safety and Security Tips for Hotel Management
Kacey Bradley | November 18, 2019
By Kacey Bradley Safety and Security Tips for Hotel Management For some travelers, a hotel's a place to rest their head after a day of exploring. For others, it's where they decompress after a long day of meetings. However a guest might see their accommodations, a hotel serves as a home away from home — and it should feel like that in more ways than one. Namely, guests look for comfort — especially from the cozy rooms and extra amenities you provide. They also want to feel just as secure with you as they do in their own homes. Indeed, that's why safety is one of the fundamental basics that every hotel should provide. It's up t...
Marriott Dominates the U.S. Construction Pipeline Followed by Hilton and IHG
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | November 18, 2019
November 18, 2019 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – In the Lodging Econometrics (LE) fall report for 2019, the franchise companies dominating the United States hotel construction pipeline are led by Marriott International with 1,484 projects/196,023 rooms, up 8% by projects and rooms year-over-year (YOY). Next is Hilton Worldwide currently at 1,373 projects/153,408 rooms and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) with 960 projects/98,139 rooms. Pipelines are very strong for these companies. Both Marriott and Hilton’s total pipelines are near all-time highs, as are hotels under construction, with Marriott setting a record high. The leading brands in...
Hard Rock International Signs With EP Real Estate for Hard Rock Hotel Prague
Hard Rock | November 18, 2019
Hard Rock International continues the growth of its ever-expanding European hotel portfolio with the exciting announcement of Hard Rock Hotel Prague, set to open its doors in the energetic capital in 2023. Augmenting its 75-country brand presence, Hard Rock has announced its latest venture into the Czech Republic, bringing the signature Hard Rock energy to this dynamic cultural hub. Located within the wider city center, the expansive hotel, with an impressive 523 rooms and suites, will boast magnificent views overlooking Letna Park and the spectacular Prague Castle from the hotel’s sophisticated rooftop Sky Bar. Alongside the Sky B...
Desert Diamond Casino West Valley Expansion Project Implements InvoTech Uniform System
InvoTech Systems | November 18, 2019
InvoTech RFID Uniform System is now used at Desert Diamond Casino West Valley to manage the Uniform Operations for Complete Control and Accountability LOS ANGELES, CA – November 18, 2019 -- InvoTech Systems is the leading provider of advanced Linen Management, Laundry and Uniform Systems that integrate the latest RFID technology to increase profitability for hotels, resorts, casino operators, sports arenas, convention centers and theme parks. The InvoTech System installed at Desert Diamond Casino West Valley manages the Uniform inventory for 1,500 employees. Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment joined MGM Entertainment, Caesars, an...
Kristine Cox Appointed General Manager of Playa Largo Resort & Spa
Playa Largo Resort & Spa | November 14, 2019
KEY LARGO, FL –NOVEMBER 2019 – Playa Largo Resort & Spa, situated on the Florida Bay in Key Largo, Florida, has recently announced Kristine Cox as the new General Manager of the 14.5-acre property. Cox will oversee all aspects of the 175-room resort including day-to-day operations, staff development, financial planning, sales and revenue, and overall guest satisfaction. Born and raised in the resort town of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Cox has always been drawn to the hospitality field. Most recently, she spent the last five years as General Manager at the Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina in Rhode Island, during which time she ear...
10 Years Ago, Customer Service Was Appreciated—Today, It’s Expected
Shep Hyken | November 14, 2019
By Shep Hyken It wasn’t that long ago that you would go to a store, dine at a restaurant, do business with a vendor or call a customer support center and notice how good the customer service was. A great service experience stood out. It was noticed. It was a differentiator. I started my speaking business in the 1980s. I know, I look much younger than I actually am, but it really was that long ago. Back then, the rock star company that was known for customer service was IBM. They recognized that if they created enough value beyond the actual product, that price would seem less important. That brings me to Lou Sterns, Distinguished Prof...
Four Seasons and Oakmont Break Ground on Resort and Private Residences in Cabo Del Sol
November 14, 2019
Toronto, Canada - November 14, 2019 -Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, and Oakmont Corporation, a Los Angeles-based family office, today announced plans for Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol. Situated on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, nestled in the centre of the famed Los Cabos Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, the new-build 80-key Resort with 40 Private Residences is targeted to open in 2022 and will sit on more than 50 oceanfront acres (20 hectares) within Cabo Del Sol’s new private beachfront community, Th...
Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. Closes Sale of the Conrad Dublin
Park Hotels & Resorts | November 14, 2019
TYSONS, Va.-- November 14, 2019 --Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. (“Park”) (NYSE:PK) today announced that it and its joint venture partners have closed on the sale of their interests in the company that owns the 192-room Conrad Dublin (the “Hotel”) located in Dublin, Ireland, for gross proceeds of €116.4 million, before customary closing adjustments and debt repayment. The gross proceeds equate to approximately $128 million, or $667,000 per key. Park’s pro rata share of gross proceeds was approximately $61 million. The sale price represents a 3.9% capitalization rate on the Hotel’s projected 2019 net operating income, or 22.1x th...
Motto by Hilton Atlanta Old Fourth Ward Celebrates Groundbreaking in Atlanta
Motto by Hilton | November 14, 2019
MCLEAN, Va. - This week, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) celebrated the groundbreaking of one of the first Motto by Hilton hotels, in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta. The 146-room Motto by Hilton Atlanta Old Fourth Ward (O4W), slated to open in 2021, will join Waldo’s, an $80 million modern mixed-use development project that will include food and beverage outlets and commercial and residential spaces. The development is led by Lucror Resources and equity partner Sixty West. The hotel will be operated by Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based, private hotel investment, ownership and management company. To commem...
FAU Student, Kirby Lynn Gilmore, Awarded 7th Annual Dr. Peter Ricci Scholarship Through HSMAI South Florida
FAU Hospitality and Tourism Management Program | November 14, 2019
BOCA RATON, FL: HSMAI South Florida continued the awarding of its Dr. Peter Ricci Scholarship at the 2019 Annual GALA held at the Margaritaville Resort in Hollywood, Florida. Professor Greg Bohan, Instructor in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) presented a check to student Kirby Lynn Gilmore, an upper division student at Florida Atlantic University with an anticipated graduation date of December, 2020. Kirby received a $2000 contribution to her educational pursuits. This scholarship fund, created by HSMAI South Florida former president Carmen Ackerman, was designed to provide educational fu...
Don’t Skip Out on Skip-Gen Travel
Alan Young | November 14, 2019
By Alan E. Young There’s a popular saying that reads, “Identity influences behavior.” This proves to be an especially important understanding of hospitality. As industry leaders work to identify (and cater to) the entirety of the guest journey, from pre-stay to post-stay, we are constantly faced with the question like: What do guests want most, and why? What is their motivation for traveling? What makes an exceptional trip? Modern guest loyalty, after all, is earned, not given. Across each generational group and travel segment, hoteliers are implored to get closer with each guest to gain a deeper understanding of who they are, what t...
CRM: Fact vs. Fiction
NextGuest Digital | November 14, 2019
By Mikael Fries, Vice President Sales Excellence, NextGuest CRM Some hotels have it, others do not. There is a lot of talk about it, but, unfortunately, there are many variations and definitions of what Customer Relationship Management (CRM) really is. Because today’s customers are overwhelmed with options and information, it’s more important than ever to build strong customer relationships and nurture them before, during, and after those guests stay on your property. Many CRM systems can be used to solve operational issues, as well as gather data on customers and then use that data to bring those customers back time and time again. In...
UK Q3 Ends on High Note With RevPAR and GOPPAR Gains
November 14, 2019
The third quarter ended on a high note for U.S. hotels, as September profit per room climbed year-over-year, indication that the current cycle still has teeth. GOPPAR in the month was up 1.9% over the same time last year, part of a third quarter that saw profit grow 0.2%, dragged down by a challenging July when GOPPAR decreased 2.0% YOY, according to data from HotStats. September’s bottom-line rise was fueled by a 1.1% YOY jump in RevPAR, led wholly by a 1.4% increase in average room rate. Occupancy for the month was down 0.3 percentage points YOY. The corporate segment led the growth in RevPAR, with a stout 5.1% YOY increase in ra...
