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The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa Appoints Derek Ellis as General Manager
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa | October 11, 2019
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Oct. 11, 2019) – The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa announces the appointment of Derek Ellis as General Manager. In his role Ellis will oversee all operations for the acclaimed Scottsdale property, which is presently underway with a transformation of its 732 guestrooms and corridors, signaling the re-imagination of an elevated guest experience set to debut holiday 2019. “I am thrilled to join the talented team at this esteemed resort rich in innovation, inimitable experiences and unparalleled service,” says Ellis. “It is especially timely and exciting to bring my own personal touches to the resort during this inc...
The Rise and Rise of Branded Residences
Savills Vietnam | October 11, 2019
There are now more than 430 branded schemes globally with a combined total of 65,000 units Asia Pacific, led by Thailand and Vietnam, currently has the most schemes in planning and under construction (23% of pipeline) Average price premium for branded residences over non-branded stands at 35% Dubai set to topple New York as the global capital of branded residences The branded residences sector has seen phenomenal growth and there is no sign of it slowing, says Savills in its Branded Residences Report, launched today. The number of branded schemes has grown by 195% in the last decade and there are more than 430 branded schem...
Generate Group Leads With Rich Destination Content
Tambourine | October 11, 2019
Content isn’t just for attracting leisure travelers. Woo meeting planners and group guests with your depth of local knowledge. Destination content isn’t just vital to attracting leisure guests to your hotel; it is also crucial for generating group sales leads, giving your sales team another effective tool at their disposal. When meeting planners book a hotel for a conference, convention or similar event, they’re not just looking for meeting spaces, a ballroom and quality accommodations for their attendees. They want to feel that the hotel they’ve selected is the epicenter of the destination where it is located, and that choosing you...
Apple Hospitality REIT Acquires The Berkeley Hotel in Richmond, Virginia for $7 Million
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. | October 11, 2019
RICHMOND, Va.--October 11, 2019--Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (NYSE: APLE) (the “Company” or “Apple Hospitality”) today announced the acquisition of a 55-room independent boutique hotel in Richmond, Virginia (the “Hotel”), for a purchase price of approximately $7 million, or $125,000 per key. “We are pleased to add this unique property to our portfolio and expand our presence in the dynamic downtown Richmond market,” said Nelson Knight, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Apple Hospitality. “We plan to renovate and reposition the Hotel, incorporating services and amenities that are consistent with our...
Olshan Properties Breaks Ground on New Aloft Hotel at Easton Town Center, Columbus, Ohio
Olshan Properties | October 11, 2019
NEW YORK, NY – October 11 -- Olshan Properties, one of the country’s leading private owners, developers and operators of commercial real estate, today announced that it has broken ground on a new, 136-key Aloft Hotel at Easton Town Center located in Columbus, OH. The new Aloft will become Olshan’s fourth hotel at Easton and part of the company’s large national hotel portfolio. The Aloft, which is expected to open spring 2020, is owned in partnership with L Brands and The Georgetown Company. Once completed, the Aloft will become a centerpiece of the $500 million expansion that is underway at the Easton Town Center, one of the countr...
Watch Now: How to Capitalize on the Journey to Increase Direct Bookings
NextGuest Digital | October 11, 2019
We all know from experience that a lot goes into planning the perfect vacation, and with so many devices and planning resources, the journey is complex. In our latest webinar with Sojern, we discuss strategies for reaching potential guests throughout the entire travel planning journey and address key digital moments in each phase that shape and influence the booking decision. Speakers include Amy Devlaliwalla, Senior Director of Global Partnerships and Strategic Accounts at Sojern, and Margaret Mastrogiacomo, Executive Vice President of Strategy at NextGuest. Click here to watch the webinar....
Lodging Interactive Launches Social Media Marketing News Apple Podcast
Lodging Interactive | October 11, 2019
Lodging Interactive, an award-winning digital marketing and social media engagement agency exclusively serving the hospitality industry, today announced the rollout of its commingle:engage bi-weekly podcast. The podcast episodes cover the latest changes and updates announced on social media and what they mean for hotels and resorts. “The world of social media continues to evolve and as it does it presents many opportunities and implications for hotels and resorts,” stated DJ Vallauri, Lodging Interactive’s Founder & CEO. “We wanted to create a new way to keep hoteliers informed and educated on the latest social media marketing...
FAQ: How Cendyn Is Preparing for CCPA
Casey Munck | October 11, 2019
By Casey Munck Frequently asked questions As many of you know, the California Consumer Privacy Act will soon go into effect. Like GDPR, it has wide-sweeping effects for the hotel and technology industries at large. To help prepare our customers, we’ve prepared a Q & A below to educate our clients on the new legislature, how hotels need to prepare and what we’re doing to support. Please review thoroughly below and let us know if you have any further questions, which should be directed to Denise Barker, our Privacy and Security Officer at dpo@cendyn.com. What is an overview of the CCPA? This new legislation has a wide impact...
Hoteliers of All Levels Can Benefit From Joining a Local Toastmasters International Club
Cathy Cook | October 11, 2019
By Cathy Cook When I started my management career at the Front Desk, I had no problems working side by side with my associates on the front lines taking care of our guests and putting on a show for my audience every day! But when it came to be standing up in front of my department and presenting an agenda or leading a meeting, I felt panicked and I would perspire and forget what I had to say. I knew I needed help in my presentation skills. Thankfully it was around that time that I found a non-profit organization called Toastmasters International, which I have been a member of for almost 18 years. Just recently, I achieved status as a Di...
Women-Led Businesses: Getting the Female Founders’ Perspective
Dr. Nicole Rosenkranz and Dr. Sowon Kim | October 10, 2019
By Dr. Nicole Rosenkranz and Dr. Sowon Kim How does a woman do business in a male-dominated context? Three female CEOs share their perspectives on gender-bias for entrepreneurs and how to overcome it. June 14, 2019, the second Grève de la femme (women’s strike) in Swiss history took place after the first 28 years ago. Over half a million women took to the streets in protest of gender inequality. Unfortunately, the world today still shows a large gap in the appreciation of both genders in the business world and beyond. Currently, 35.3% of entrepreneurs are women (FSO, 2016) and 31% of SMEs are led by women (USAM, 2017) in Switzerland....
To Buy or Not to Buy… That Is the Question
JLNPR Inc. | October 10, 2019
2 Tips to Boost Your Company’s Brand Awareness & Close More Sales By Jennifer Nagy Small businesses, especially those in the startup phase, spend a lot of time focusing on how to increase sales. (I mean, rightfully so; after sinking thousands of dollars into developing a brand-spanking new technology solution, who wouldn’t want to start making some of that cash back ASAP?!) Because of that mindset, most entrepreneurs launch their business with a complete sales strategy established, a team hired to do the legwork and incentive structures established to incentivize their sales staff – which is great; however, in many cases, h...
sbe Appoints Axel Gasser as Vice President and General Manager for SLS Baha Mar
sbe | October 10, 2019
NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2019 - sbe, a leading international hospitality group that develops, manages and operates award-winning global hospitality brands, and SLS Baha Mar, the first international SLS property located at Baha Mar resort destination in The Bahamas, are pleased to announce Axel Gasser as Vice President and General Manager. Gasser brings over 20 years of hospitality leadership experience to SLS Baha Mar where he will oversee and lead all hotel operations as well as manage the property's various senior leadership teams while continuing to enhance the guest experience of the flagship property. Sam Nazarian, Founder & CEO, s...
Owned and Managed by Sunridge Hotel Group, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Opens in Colorado Springs
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | October 10, 2019
Colorado Springs, CO – October 10, 2019 – Marriott International announced that the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Colorado Springs, Colorado is now open. The 104-suite hotel, located at 1320 Republic Drive, will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Sunridge Hotel Group of Mesa, Arizona. The SpringHill Suites Colorado Springs North/Air Force Academy is located just 15 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs and 10 minutes from the United States Air Force Academy. The hotel offers guests convenient access to the Broadmoor Seven Falls, the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. “As a brand opening a new hotel every 1...
Tampa Marriott Water Street Unveils Multi-Phase Transformation
October 10, 2019
TAMPA, FL (October 10, 2019) – The Tampa Marriott Water Street today announced the completion of its multi-phase transformation following an 18-month restoration, renovation and expansion. The extensive enhancements include the 727 newly renovated guest rooms and over 40,000 square feet of meeting spaces, a refreshed Great Room, and the addition of two new restaurant concepts, among other updates. A pivotal piece of the 56 acre, 9 million square feet mixed-use Water Street Tampa neighborhood, the redesigned hotel anticipates the needs of today’s business travelers and the desires of today’s Tampanians, providing an upgraded experience ...
Radisson Hotel Group to Bring New Hotel to Tunisia in 2023
Radisson | October 10, 2019
Brussels/Tunis - October 10, 2019 Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the signing of the Radisson Hotel Tunis in Tunisia’s capital city. It will be the first Radisson branded hotel in the city of Tunis and the Group’s fourth hotel in the country. This brings Radisson Hotel Group’s African portfolio to almost 100 hotels in operation and under development. As the economic and commercial capital of Tunisia, Tunis not only hosts an array of major international companies and institutions it also boasts a rich cultural heritage – along with beautiful landscapes. Part of an area that is fast growing in popularity, the city is gener...
Marriott International Signs Deal to Introduce The Luxury Collection to Saudi Arabia in 2020
Assila Investments | October 10, 2019
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) has signed an agreement with Assila Investments to bring its Luxury Collection brand for the first time to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Situated in the heart of Jeddah, Assila Hotel is anticipated to join The Luxury Collection’s portfolio of more than 100 world-renowned hotels and resorts in 2020. “We are thrilled to have Marriott International manage the beautiful Assila Hotel, under the Luxury Collection brand,” said Bader Alissa, CEO, Assila Investments. “This only affirms Assila Hotel’s position as a premier luxury hotel in Jeddah.” “We are delighted to announce plan...
Reinventing The Welcome: Finally, Self Check-In Has Been Done Right!
Doug Kennedy | October 10, 2019
By Doug Kennedy For decades now, some hoteliers and many hotel tech providers have been pushing hotel guests to embrace self check-in procedures. I first heard of this concept as a budding young entrepreneur floating my business plan for a hotel industry training company to the top minds in lodging. The year was 1989 and my proposed company name was Check-Inn Training. I remember one industry icon in particular who, upon seeing the name on my binder, said “Bad idea young man.” He proceeded to hand me a copy of an article from what was then called Hotel & Motel Management, in which a headline read “Front Desk Staffs To Be Replaced...
Avison Young Announces Recent 2019 Closings
Avison Young | October 10, 2019
ATLANTA –October 9, 2019 – Avison Young Hospitality Group announced that the firm recently closed several hotel transactions. A full-service hotel in Memphis, a Hyatt Place in Augusta GA and a Marriott hotel in Lancaster PA. The firm has 35 other transactions totaling 622 million dollars under sale agreement with expected closings throughout the 4th quarter 2019....
Pinnacle Advisory Group Announces Appointment of Sarah Villeneuve, ISHC as Executive Vice President and Director of the Firm’s Washington, DC Office
Pinnacle Advisory Group | October 10, 2019
Pinnacle Advisory Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Villeneuve, ISHC as Executive Vice President and Director of our Washington DC Office. With a diverse range of practical hospitality experience, Ms. Villeneuve joins Pinnacle as an Executive Vice President, and will lend her expertise to assignments throughout the Mid Atlantic, supporting both the Washington DC and Pinnacle Offices throughout the US. Sarah has over 36 years’ experience in the lodging and hospitality industry in a variety of areas including, feasibility, development planning, acquisitions investment analysis, brand conversion analysis, litigation supp...
Nordic Choice Hotels Rolls out New Housekeeping Software and Selection of Brand Standard Operations Software Across 130 Hotels
Nordic Choice Hotels | October 10, 2019
The hospitality startup becomes Brand Standard for Nordic Choice Hotels’ four brands, Comfort Hotel®, Quality Hotel ™, Clarion Hotel®, and Clarion Collection. ALICE, the hotel operations platform that empowers operational excellence and meaningful guest experiences, is excited to announce that after a year and a half of successful collaboration, it has expanded its relationship with Nordic Choice Hotels to 130 hotels. Nordic Choice Hotels has also designated ALICE the brand standard operations tool for four Nordic Choice brands- Comfort Hotel®, Quality Hotel ™, Clarion Hotel®, and Clarion Collection. Nordic Choice Hotels is the N...
Live Up to a Higher Standard of Service
Shep Hyken | October 9, 2019
By Shep Hyken A friend of mine recently told me about their bad experience at a restaurant. The server was very nice and extremely apologetic about the problems that happened throughout the evening—but there were still problems. The food took a long time to get to the table. When it got there, it wasn’t prepared properly. On the next attempt, the food came out uncooked. The drinks were mixed up. And there were a few other issues, too. The manager came over and apologized profusely. Finally, it was time to pay the check. When my friend opened the leather portfolio there wasn’t a check. Instead, there was a note that read, “Thank you...
Should Your Panic Button Be Loud or Silent
Larry Mogelonsky | October 9, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) It’s been over a year since many of the major brands and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) united to proclaim the 5-Star Promise pledging to make hotel employee safety a priority, and now we are seeing cities and states start to rapidly adopt legislation mandating that hotels start using electronic safety devices (ESDs). Otherwise known as panic buttons, you should be proactive here rather than wait for some governmental body to dictate terms – they are good for your team’s morale, after all. A prominent question that many hoteliers ask, though, is whether ES...
Joseph Mattioli Appointed General Manager of Montage Deer Valley
Montage Deer Valley | October 9, 2019
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF. -- October 9, 2019 -- Montage Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Joseph Mattioli as general manager of Montage Deer Valley. With over 40 years of luxury hospitality and culinary experience, Mattioli will be responsible for all daily operations of the Park City, Utah resort. "I am delighted to welcome Joseph Mattioli to Montage Deer Valley as general manager and an executive leader of the resort," said Jason Herthel, president and chief operating officer of Montage International. "Joseph brings decades of impressive hospitality experience earned across the U.S. and abroad, and we are honored to h...
Vision Hospitality Group Breaks Ground on Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton in Downtown Huntsville, Alabama
Hampton by Hilton | October 9, 2019
HUNTSVILLE, AL – October 9, 2019 – Chattanooga-based Vision Hospitality Group, Inc., is pleased to announce the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton in downtown Huntsville Alabama has broken ground. The 150-room hotel marks Vision’s entrance into the Huntsville market and is slated to open in early 2021. “We are excited to partner with Hilton to develop the Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Huntsville,” said Mitch Patel, Vision Hospitality Group President & CEO. “Huntsville continues to see significant growth with new developments such as the Toyota/Mazda and Blue Origin manufacturing plants, which create a demand for qua...
