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Kempinski Signs With Umm Al Qura to Develop Kempinski Hotel Makkah
Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction and King Abdulaziz Road Project in Makkah | October 9, 2019
DUBAI -- October 9, 2019 -- Kempinski Hotels has announced a new luxury project in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The signing ceremony with the partnering company, Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Company (UAQ), took place end of last week at Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai. The property will entail a luxury hotel and will be the flagship edifice within the new boulevard on King Abdul Aziz Road mega project. Kempinski Hotel Makkah will include 380 rooms and suites, each of them offering at least 42 net square meters – unprecedented in the segment in this region. The hotel is equipped with plenty of top-notch amenities catering for a l...
Nomadix Rolls Out Generous Upgrade Program to Encourage Adoption of Its EG 6000 Gateway’s Higher Security and Performance
Nomadix | October 9, 2019
Advanced gateway platform provides the latest security and even faster internet speeds at 50 percent reduced cost to hoteliers still using older discontinued models. AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – October 9, 2019 – Nomadix, Inc., a provider of guest-facing cloud-managed network edge devices, has announced the launch of its EG 6000 Upgrade Program to provide hoteliers with the advanced capabilities and bullet-proof security offered in this top-rated gateway platform. With today’s hotel networks having to support multiple guest devices that access massive amounts of data, the Nomadix EG 6000 Upgrade Program ensures that hotels and convention c...
Delta Hotels Muskegon Downtown Opens After a Multi-Million Dollar Renovation and Rebranding
Delta Hotels and Resorts | October 9, 2019
Muskegon, MI – October 9, 2019 – Parkland Properties of Michigan today announced the rebranding and opening of the 200-room Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon Downtown, which recently completed an $8 million renovation of all rooms, meeting and public spaces. The rejuvenated property will deliver an upscale choice to business and leisure travelers to Muskegon and will be connected to the new $19 million Muskegon Convention Center with 21,000 SF of flexible meeting space coming in Spring of 2020. Parkland Properties also owns and manages the adjacent 140-room Shoreline Inn & Conference Center in Muskegon. The eight-story Delta Hotel...
Hotel Cerro Appoints Jonathan Bagley-Rowe as Food & Beverage Manager
Hotel Cerro | October 9, 2019
(San Luis Obispo, CA) – San Luis Obispo’s newest full-service beacon of luxury, Hotel Cerro, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Bagley-Rowe as its Food & Beverage Manager. Bringing with him over two decades of upscale restaurant and managerial experience, Bagley-Rowe will be overseeing all of Hotel Cerro’s eateries and dining options, including the hotel’s signature restaurant, Brasserie SLO. “We are delighted that Jonathan has joined our talented team at Hotel Cerro,” says Co-Managing Partner Beverley Matthews. “He brings with him a wealth of restaurant experience, and in addition to his wide-reaching ...
Mainsail Appoints Jill Lemaster as the Company’s First-Ever Chief Financial Officer
Mainsail Lodging & Development LLC | October 9, 2019
TAMPA, Fla. (October 09, 2019) – Mainsail Lodging & Development has announced today the appointment of Jill Lemaster as the company’s first-ever chief financial officer and Tom Stoffo as director of technology. The two have assumed their new positions on the executive team of the Tampa-based hospitality company, which develops and operates lodging products in the southeastern United States and the Caribbean. Mainsail’s portfolio is quickly expanding with lifestyle hotels and corporate furnished housing under the Oakwood and ExecuStay brands in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and the Caribbean. The company’s Mainsail Vacat...
The Redbury New York Appoints Garette Ziem as New Director of Sales and Marketing
The Redbury New York | October 9, 2019
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 08, 2019 – The executive team at The Redbury New York today announces the appointment of Garette Ziem as Director of Sales and Marketing. In this position, Ziem will oversee the property’s sales and marketing efforts and provide strategic direction designed to impact the hotel’s growth and development. Ziem will fuse decades of New York hotel experience with his personal passion for The Redbury New York, as he returns to the property from which his management career accelerated. Ziem joins The Redbury New York with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry having worked with a range of boutique h...
Latest Social Media News and What It Means for Hotels
Lodging Interactive | October 9, 2019
We never know exactly what we’re going to get when it comes to social media updates, and even with our best and most educated guesses, some new developments are always keeping us on our toes. The last two weeks have been no different, giving us some surprising new features that we’re excited about. Let’s take a look at how each one will impact hotels and resorts moving forward. New Selling & Collaborative Facebook Stories Tools Facebook is currently testing several new Stories features that will add functionality to the platform. [caption id="attachment_206544" align="alignleft" width="350"] Image source: Marketing Land[/capt...
Hospitality Meetings and Events Professional Predicts 2020 Meeting Trends
Stefanie Rowe | October 9, 2019
As the current Director of Sales and Marketing at Hotel EMC2, which opened in 2017, I have seen it all when it comes to hotel meeting and events. Throughout my current role, I have learned how important it is to incorporate the property’s identity to provide a unique atmosphere. As an art and science inspired hotel, we have many of one-of-a-kind features including our on-site library of 12,000 books and robot concierges, which I make sure to highlight when meeting potential clients. From small corporate meetings to elaborate receptions, I have been a part of the planning process from beginning to end for a diverse array of events. Throughou...
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Unveils SureStay Studio
Best Western Hotels & Resorts | October 9, 2019
PHOENIX -- October 9, 2019 -- During General Session on Saturday, October 5th at the 2019 Best Western North American Convention and Global Conference, Best Western Hotels & Resorts (BWHR) announced the expansion of the SureStay Hotel Group with the launch of SureStay StudioSM. Competing in the premium-economy extended stay segment, SureStay Studio was created to respond to the needs of both travelers and hotel developers. "SureStay Studio solidifies BWHR as a global leader in the economy and premium-economy segments," said David Kong, President and Chief Executive Officer of BWHR. "In a short span of time, SureStay Hotel Group ha...
The Castell Project Announces Inaugural Castell Award Winner
The Castell Project | October 9, 2019
ATLANTA -- October 3, 2019 -- Officials of Castell Project, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the careers of women professionals in the hospitality industry, today named Heather McCrory, Accor chief executive officer of North & Central America, as the winner of its inaugural Castell Award honoring a woman leader in the hospitality investment arena. The award was presented to McCrory at the 2019 Lodging Conference held in Phoenix, Ariz., where she received a unique, handcrafted award designed by artist Brad McCollum representing the glass ceilings women rise through as they succeed. A seasoned professional...
The Key to Recruiting & Retaining: Personalized Career Development
Ron Mitchell | October 9, 2019
There are so many economic, technological and political factors that are putting job seekers in control today. Massive job boards and social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn offer easy one-click applications and greater transparency for candidates to assess a company without even having to interview. All of this combined with a healthy economy has many employers - especially in the hotel industry - wondering if they’ll ever be able to have a sense of selectivity or lasting confidence in the workforce that they hire. With the job seeker in control, it’s up to employers to make their case as to why they are the best company to ...
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Executes Contract to Sell Topaz Hotel for $33 Million
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | October 8, 2019
BETHESDA, Md.--October 8, 2019--Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) (the “Company”) today announced that it executed a contract to sell the 99-room Topaz Hotel in Washington, D.C. for $33.0 million to a third party. The contracted sale price reflects a 19.5x EBITDA multiple and a 4.4% net operating income capitalization rate based on the hotel’s operating performance for 2018. Based on the trailing 12-month period ended June 2019, the contracted sales price reflects an 18.2x EBITDA multiple and a 4.8% net operating income capitalization rate. The net operating income capitalization rates are after an assumed annual capital reserve of...
Tony Keane Joins Louis T Collection as General Manager of Quay Perth Hotel
October 8, 2019
SINGAPORE (Oct. 8, 2019) - One of Western Australia’s newest boutique hotels, Quay Perth, has a new general manager. Tony Keane joins the hotel’s management company, Louis T Collection, this month. He steps into the role with an eye on developing the brand’s profile and leading the group’s first Australian property. Keane brings with him over 10 years of experience in hotel management with his most recent role being hotel manager at Rendezvous Hotel Central Perth, where he managed the daily operations of the 103-key property since 2016. Prior to that he worked at Fraser Suites Perth for three years as operations manager. The Bri...
Summit Hotel Properties to Acquire West Coast Portfolio for $249 Million
Summit Hotel Properties | October 8, 2019
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 8, 2019 -- Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. (NYSE: INN) (the "Company") today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire four hotels located on the west coast for $249 million through its recently formed joint venture with GIC. The high-quality portfolio is located in three high-growth markets and includes the 258-guestroom Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/RiverPlace, the 169-guestroom Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco Airport North, the 161-guestroom Hilton Garden Inn San Jose/Milpitas, and the 122-guestroom Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Hillsboro. The total purchase price of $249 m...
DiamondRock Hospitality Announces Return of The Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort & Spa and the Debut of Noni Beach Resort in St. Thomas
DiamondRock Hospitality Company | October 8, 2019
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, Oct. 8, 2019 -- DiamondRock Hospitality is pleased to announce the highly anticipated return of the Frenchman's Reef Marriott Resort & Spa and a new, adjacent resort under Marriott's Autograph Collection, Noni Beach, a St. Thomas Resort. The $200+ million project is well underway and the re-envisioned resorts are expected to open in 2020. "DiamondRock is creating two truly unique resorts in the Virgin Islands. The irreplaceable location and superlative quality of DiamondRock's resort property in concert with Marriott's world-class brands will create an unparalleled and authentic island guest experience...
Jim Biggar Joins eXceed Hospitality Asset Advisors As Partner
eXceed Hospitality Asset Advisors | October 8, 2019
Leading independent asset management firm adds depth to leadership team Washington, DC., October 8, 2019– eXceed Hospitality Asset Advisors, a leading hotel and resort advisory firm, announced today that Jim Biggar has joined the firm as Partner. Exceed distinguishes its advisory service by providing highly experienced principals as sole contact with both the client ownership groups and their respective property leadership teams. In making this announcement, Troy Bennett, eXceed Hospitality Asset Advisors Founder said “Today’s lodging environment is increasingly complex and high net worth ownership groups and small investment com...
HSMAI Introduces New Rising Sales Leader Council
HSMAI | October 8, 2019
(McLean, VA, October 08, 2019) HSMAI has launched an all-new Rising Sales Leader Council. The Council is a professional development and advocacy group comprised of up-and-coming professionals working in a mix of hospitality sales roles across a variety of organizations including hotel on-property, regional, corporate, DMO, DMC, Management Company, brand, partner, and more. Eight hospitality and tourism professionals comprise the inaugural Rising Sales Leader Council, each with years of experience in the industry. “This Council is part of the HSMAI Sales Advisory Board’s work to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders by provi...
Hotel Industry Marks Significant Progress Toward 2020 Nationwide Implementation of Safety Devices
AHLA | October 8, 2019
One Year After Announcing 5-Star Promise, 230% Increase in Participating Hotel Companies WASHINGTON (October 8, 2019) – One year after a historic announcement pledging to increase safety and security at America’s hotels, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced a 230 percent increase in members participating in the 5-Star Promise, growing the commitment to 56 hotel companies. Participating hotels have made significant progress over the past year in deploying employee safety devices (ESDs), with devices already provided in several markets, including New York, Washington, Chicago, Seattle and Miami Beach, an...
Donohoe Development and Koucar Management Break Ground on Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront
Cambria Hotels | October 8, 2019
ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 8, 2019 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), Donohoe Development Company and Koucar Management announce the official start of construction on the Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront. The new-construction, nine-story, 154-room upscale hotel, which is expected to open in early 2021, will become the Cambria brand's fifth location in the Washington, D.C., metro area. Eight Cambria locations have already opened their doors this year — together representing over 1,100 upscale rooms. Up to four additional Cambria hotels are expected to open in top-tier markets across the country by year-end....
Travel Trends Index: Strength of Domestic Leisure Travel Carries Weaker Business, International Inbound Travel
U.S. Travel Association | October 8, 2019
WASHINGTON (October 8, 2019) — Travel to and within the United States grew 3% year-over-year in August, according to the U.S. Travel Association's latest Travel Trends Index (TTI), marking the industry's 116th straight month of growth. The bright spot in the TTI was the strength of the domestic leisure travel segment, which expanded 4% while vacation intentions reached their highest level in 2019 thus far. However, forward-looking bookings and search data indicate there may be uncertainty on the horizon for the domestic segment: the Leading Travel Index (LTI), the TTI's predictive element, projects domestic travel growth will soften to j...
Back to Basics: Five Tips for Cyber Monday Success
NextGuest Digital | October 8, 2019
Over the years, Cyber Monday has become a huge opportunity for hotels to drive bookings. What started as a one-day online shopping holiday that followed Black Friday has now extended to weeks before Thanksgiving, with some sales even lasting the entire month of November. As a result, consumers aren’t just searching for deals earlier — they’re making more purchases over a longer period of time. In 2018, Cyber Monday sales hit $7.9 billion, a 19.3% increase from the previous year (Adobe). While businesses are making more, consumers are also planning to spend more: This year, the average consumer plans to spend $431 on Cyber Monday. Whi...
A Unique Opportunity in Coastal Maine
October 8, 2019
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY IN COASTAL MAINE Portions of the former Point Lookout Resort in Northport, Maine are now available for lease THE SITE AVAILABLE FOR LEASE INCLUDES: • (10) 3 bedroom cabins • (28) 2 bedroom cabins • (2) 1 bedroom cabins • Bowling Alley • Hedges Hall • Copper Pine café • The Education Center A WORLD CLASS FACILITY WITH VIEWS OF THE OCEAN. This once in a lifetime opportunity is now available with possibilities as an event center, retreat and resort. For more information pl...
The Devil Is in the Details: Using Data to Transform Your Hotel
Nikhil Nath | October 8, 2019
By Nikhil Nath, Founder & CEO, Knowcross We all know the saying, “The devil is in the details.” Well, for hotels, those details can often be found in one, ever-important place: data. Data acts as a magnifying glass to all areas of operations and can provide hotels with a better understanding of their day-to-day activities, staff productivity, and of course, guest expectations. Insights from data can optimize hotel performance in many ways, including: Increasing profits and sales; Providing exceptional guest service Boosting service level performance; Using complaints to advance products and services; Driving loyalt...
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Partners With Portman Holdings to Bring New Boutique Hotel to Atlanta’s Buckhead Neighborhood in Late 2020
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants | October 8, 2019
SAN FRANCISCO (October 8, 2019) – Today Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announces plans for a second property in Atlanta, a 216-room adaptive reuse hotel in the heart of the city’s Buckhead neighborhood. When it opens in late 2020, the Kimpton Buckhead will join the Kimpton Overland Atlanta Airport to offer rewards club members, travelers and locals two highly curated, locally programmed and thoughtfully designed stay experiences in Georgia’s capital. IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), Kimpton’s parent company, maintains its Americas headquarters in Atlanta, and the new Kimpton Buckhead marks an important expansion for the bran...
