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The St. Regis Aspen Resort Appoints Michael McDonald as Director of Spa
The St. Regis Aspen Resort | August 28, 2019
Aspen, CO – August 28, 2019 – The St. Regis Aspen Resort is thrilled to announce its most recent hire and new Director of Spa, Michael McDonald, who will oversee daily operations, programming, events and initiatives at the resort’s Remède Spa – Aspen’s only full-service spa. Possessing a strong passion for wellness and hospitality, Michael will play an integral role in expanding the spa’s programmatic offerings and facilitating new ways to benefit guests and the Aspen community’s health and wellness. “Our spa has long been regarded as one of the finest in world, and we attribute this success to the incredible team and cult...
Sage Hospitality Appoints Sean McNamara as Director of Sales & Marketing at the JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek
JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek | August 28, 2019
Denver, Colo. (Aug. 28, 2019) - Sage Hospitality, a leading hotel management and investment company, is pleased to announce thatSean McNamara is now serving as the Director of Sales & Marketing at the JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek. McNamara joins the hotel from the Sheraton Denver Downtown, where he has served as the Director of Group Sales since 2016. He started his career at Hawaii’s Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay, where he rose from the position of Food & Beverage Manager to serve Director of Sales & Marketing. A graduate of the University of Colorado Leeds College of Business, McNamara has earned many ...
Grand Pacific Resorts and Knowcross Partner to Boost Timeshare Resorts Experience
Knowcross | August 28, 2019
Washington D.C., August 28, 2019 - KNOWCROSS, the global leader in providing service quality and optimization solutions, is thrilled to announce the addition of Grand Pacific Resorts to its growing list of timeshare resort partners using their platform. Grand Pacific Resorts with more than 30 years of timeshare resort management experience has elected to implement the Knowcross platform to support their award winning service culture. Grand Pacific Resorts will use all of the modules on the Knowcross platform i.e. KNOW Service, KNOW Housekeeping, KNOW Glitch, KNOW Inspection, KNOW Mobile as well as the KNOW Maintenance module upon release. ...
Pan Pacific Hotels Group Debuts PARKROYAL Brand in China With Opening of PARKROYAL Dalian in 2020
Pan Pacific Hotels Group | August 27, 2019
27th August 2019, Beijing — Pan Pacific Hotels Group will debut its deluxe brand, PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts, in China with the opening of PARKROYAL Dalian in Liaoning Province, China, in Q4 2020. This is an important milestone as the Group brings its deluxe brand into China, providing guests with a new experience of hospitality. This was announced at a signing ceremony held at Pan Pacific Beijing last Friday. [Seated on front row, from left to right] Mr Michael Ong, Vice-President, Business Development, Pan Pacific Hotels Group; Mr Neo Soon Hup, Executive Vice-President, Operations, Pan Pacific Hotels Group; Mdm Yu Ling, Chairman,...
HVS Industry Statistics Update – Q3 2019
Jerod Byrd | August 27, 2019
By Jerod Byrd RevPAR across the U.S. strengthened 1.2% through the first half of 2019, and STR is projecting the calendar year to end at roughly 2.0%. Profit margins should remain generally stable in light of an increase in operating expenses, particularly attributed to rising labor costs in connection with low unemployment levels. RevPAR growth through the near- to mid-term is expected to come in the form of ADR growth, with occupancy remaining generally stable. As illustrated, while RevPAR is down slightly across the top 25 markets, all other markets are averaging 2.3% growth, which is moderately above the current inflationary rate of ro...
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun Set to Open March 2020
Planet Hollywood Hotels and Resorts | August 27, 2019
Tallahassee, Florida – August 27, 2019 – Planet Hollywood Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce that the brand-new Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun will be rolling out the red carpet for its first guests on March 1, 2020. Located in the exclusive resort enclave of Costa Mujeres, guests will be able to Vacation Like a Star™ in one of Mexico’s most beautiful beachfront locations. This new all inclusive resort will feature 898 luxury suites, authentic Hollywood memorabilia and curated entertainment-themed experiences. Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun will boast an all-star line up of activities and adventu...
McKibbon Hospitality Appoints Tony Marco as General Manager for Hyatt House Chicago/West Loop-Fulton Market
The Hyatt House | August 27, 2019
Fifteen-year hospitality veteran Tony Marco has been appointed General Manager of Hyatt House Chicago/West Loop-Fulton Market. In his new role, Marco will be responsible for overseeing all operations and functions of the 14-story, 200-room property and a 50-person staff. Owned by Wheelock Street Capital, headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut and managed by Tampa-based McKibbon Hospitality, Hyatt House Chicago/West Loop-Fulton Market opened its doors in June 2019 in one of the Windy City’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods. Catering primarily to business travelers with a focus on extended stays, the hotel offers a wide array of amenitie...
2020 Organic Social Media Recommendations for Hotels
GCommerce | August 27, 2019
Erin Jelmini | GCommerce Solutions | Senior Marketing Strategist The current hotel digital advertising climate is “pay to play,” meaning that major platforms now prioritize paid advertising over organic posts, making it extremely hard for your hotel’s organic posts to gain any traction in the online marketplace. This being said, an organic social presence is still very important in the hotel space. When consumers are researching hotels they often turn to social media to help make their decision, and not having a social presence could come as a red flag. Six reasons why organic social media content is still important in the hospita...
Waramaug Hospitality Acquires SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tallahassee Center and the Residence Inn by Marriott Port St. Lucie
Waramaug Hospitality | August 27, 2019
August 27, 2019, Boca Raton, FL — Waramaug Hospitality, a private investment group focused on acquiring legacy branded assets throughout the United States, announced today the acquisitions of the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tallahassee Center in Tallahassee, Florida and the Residence Inn by Marriott Port St. Lucie in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The 4-story, 88-suite SpringHill Suites features studio suites with plush Marriott bedding, dry-bar featuring a microwave and minifridge, separate living area with trundle bed and workspace, flat-screen HDTV, 24-hour business center, 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool with grilling area, and 635 ...
Phil Banfield Joins INTELITY as Vice President of Product Partnerships
INTELITY | August 27, 2019
The company adds to executive leadership team as part of ongoing growth strategy and development of new initiatives Los Angeles, CA (August 27, 2019) - INTELITY®, the provider of the travel industry's broadest enterprise guest engagement and staff management platform, announced today that Phil Banfield has joined the company full-time as Vice President of Product Partnerships. The addition of Banfield is pivotal to INTELITY’s plans to scale and expand the INTELITY platform both horizontally and vertically in new market segments. “Phil brings his experience in business development, growth strategy, and monetization strategy to INTE...
JW Marriott Chicago Launches Multi-Million-Dollar Guestroom Renovation Led by General Manager Hassan El Neklawy
JW Marriott Chicago | August 27, 2019
Slated for completion in Spring of 2020, the hotel enhancements incorporate inspirations from luxury Pullman rail cars in all 610 guest rooms, hotel corridors, and executive lounge (CHICAGO, IL; August 27, 2019)— JW Marriott Chicago (151 W. Adams St.), located in the heart of Chicago’s financial district, proudly announces a redesign of all 610 guest rooms including 29 suites, hotel corridors, and the executive lounge. The hotel, which blends modern elegance into the Daniel H. Burnham Continental & Commercial National Bank Building, opened in November 2010 and will undergo a multi-million-dollar guestroom renovation to be completed ...
ProfitSword Named as Central Florida Top Workplace by the Orlando Sentinel
ProfitSword, LLC | August 27, 2019
Hospitality-leading provider of business intelligence and data management solutions recognized for ability to boost employee potential and inspire enhanced performance. ORLANDO, Fla. – (August 27, 2019) – ProfitSword, hospitality’s premier developer of business intelligence software and data integration services, has been named by the Orlando Sentinel as one of Central Florida’s Top Workplaces in 2019. An annual listing that analyzes a company’s ability to motivate employees, encourage new ideas, inspire cooperation and provide confidence in leadership, this year’s awards saw ProfitSword earn a top 35 position out of 826 emplo...
Dominica’s Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort Appoints José Abreu as General Manager
Fort Young Hotel | August 27, 2019
Roseau, Dominica (August 27, 2019) — Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, Dominica’s prized landmark hotel, is pleased to announce the appointment of José Abreu as General Manager. He will oversee the complete operation of the property, including the hotel’s final phase of renovations. “I’m excited to join Fort Young Hotel and lead this landmark resort into its next phase,” said Abreu. “It’s an iconic Caribbean property that has garnered so much respect and appreciation, by both locals and visitors. My passion is to serve, to help people around me to become better human beings and to add value to their lives. I never lose t...
The Harbor Club Appoints Lester Scott as Managing Director
The Harbor Club | August 27, 2019
NEW YORK – Aug. 27, 2019 – The Harbor Club, a Hilton Curio Collection hotel, has brought on Lester Scott as Managing Director of the property located on the beautiful Rodney Bay in St. Lucia. Lester brings over 25 years of experience within the luxury hospitality space across three continents and eight different countries. “Bringing someone with the experience and vision to establish The Harbor Club as a top Caribbean destination for travelers to St. Lucia is of the utmost importance, and Lester is the perfect person to do this,” said Wes Hall, investor and owner of The Harbor Club. “The Harbor Club is a 4-star hotel with 5-star ...
Softscribe Inc. Lists Top Trends From Industry Leaders at Hotel Data Conference 2019
Softscribe Inc. | August 27, 2019
Frictionless Mobile Experience, Instagrammable Moments, Personalized Experience Top of Mind. BENTONVILLE, AR – August 27, 2019 – Softscribe Inc., an award winning hotel tech PR firm, attended the 11th annual Hotel Data Conference (HDC) this month in Nashville, TN with industry leaders and technology providers. STR hosted 734 attendees, with 91 on the waitlist, at the new JW Marriott® Nashville for a 3-day deep dive into data, industry & property performance, and trends for the global hospitality industry. Softscribe Inc. CEO Julie Keyser Squires attended on behalf of the company’s PR clients. Top Ideas and Quotes from Hote...
Montage Los Cabos Enjoys Increasingly-Positive Guest Reviews Through ALICE Partnership
Alice | August 27, 2019
Montage Los Cabos has chosen ALICE as their primary platform to implement a guest concierge system and streamline staff and resort communications. ALICE is the hospitality industry’s leading operations technology, connecting every department of the hotel with one platform for all staff communication and guest requests. With spectacular views and immediate, walk-in access to the finest swimming, diving and snorkeling in the region, Montage Los Cabos features 122 spacious guest rooms, suites and casas, along with 52 Montage Residences. Since May 2018, ALICE has helped Montage Los Cabos see an improved communication flow across this expansi...
OpenKey Expands in UK at The East London Hotel
The East London Hotel | August 27, 2019
Trendy Resort and Spa Elevates Guest Experience with Mobile Key DALLAS, TEXAS (August 27, 2019) – Tourists know there’s nowhere better than the East End to experience London at its most vibrant and diverse. Now travelers can experience the safest and most convenient form of room access at the modern East London Hotel. The property has implemented mobile keyless entry from OpenKey, the industry standard for universal mobile key in hotels. Set on busy Cambridge Heath Road, the hotel is an ideal base for a weekend spent exploring East London. The V&A’s Museum of Childhood is just across the road. Other East End delights are close...
RevPAR High Note Shattered by Profit Din at UK Hotels
HotStats | August 26, 2019
In a scenario that’s becoming exceedingly familiar, and one that illustrates the frequent occurrence of revenue and profit misalignment, RevPAR at hotels in the UK hit a high in July, but GOPPAR turned negative, sapped by rising costs, according to the latest data tracking hotels from HotStats. July is historically a peak month for UK hotels, with high occupancy enabling premium pricing that helps fuel top-line performance. This year was no different, with hotels recording a 1.0% increase in RevPAR to £117.25, led by 86.6% room occupancy coupled with a 1.5% year-over-year increase in average room rate to £135.52. The growth in Re...
Developer Lorenzo Doumani Plans May 2020 Groundbreaking of Majestic Las Vegas
August 26, 2019
LAS VEGAS, Aug. 26, 2019 -- Majestic Las Vegas, the brainchild of Las Vegas native and uber-developer Lorenzo Doumani, is now set to break ground following the project's unanimous approval in May by the Clark County Commissioners, and subsequent approvals earlier this month. The revolutionary $850 million-dollar, 620-foot-tall contemporary architectural masterpiece is scheduled to commence construction in May 2020, and is slated for completion in early 2023. The five-star, non-gaming, 720 room, all-suite ultra-luxury branded resort will sit on the over six-acre site formerly occupied by the Clarion Hotel, which Doumani famously imploded i...
Range Developments Breaks Ground on Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada
Range Developments | August 26, 2019
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, Aug. 26, 2019 -- Range Developments marked the ground breaking ceremony for the Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada, during celebrations held on Friday 23 August 2019. The resort property will be built on a promontory in Saint David's Parish, an unspoiled area of remarkable natural beauty boasting 'one of the top ten beaches in the Caribbean' as described by The Sunday Times. "The initiation of this project by Range Developments provides a clear demonstration of the confidence of investors in the Grenada economy. The location of the project illustrates Government's commitment to ensuring that development is wholistic and i...
New 300-Key Live! By Loews – Arlington, TX Officially Opens Blocks Away From Arlington Convention Center
Live! By Loews | August 26, 2019
ARLINGTON, Texas, Aug. 26, 2019 -- The highly anticipated multi-concept sports resort, Live! By Loews – Arlington, TX, officially welcomes guests today in the heart of Arlington's entertainment district. A social anchor for guests and locals, the 300-room hotel boasts five restaurants & lounges; 35,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space; a tower terrace, event lawn, outdoor infinity pool and private rooftop terrace; and unparalleled access to Texas Live!, Texas Rangers' Globe Life Park and forthcoming Globe Life Field, and AT&T Stadium. The $150 million dollar hotel is a joint venture between Loews Hotels & Co a who...
The Kessler Collection’s Plant Riverside District in Savannah Appoints Kyle Lipetzky as Executive Chef
Plant Riverside District | August 26, 2019
SAVANNAH, GA. – The Kessler Collection’s Plant Riverside District – the largest development in the history of Savannah’s Historic District – is proud to announce Kyle Lipetzky as executive chef of the highly anticipated JW Marriott Savannah affiliate, leading into the Q4 2019 opening. Chef Lipetzky will be responsible for overseeing the largest culinary operation in Savannah. With 23-years of experience and a passion for fresh ingredients, he aims to work closely with the local community and further the growth of Savannah’s booming food scene. Plant Riverside District is set to feature 12 food and beverage outlets, which includ...
Graduate Hotels Appoints David Rochefort as President and Saxton Sharad as Chief Operating Officer
AJ Capital Partners | August 26, 2019
Chicago, Ill.– Graduate Hotels announced today the expansion of their executive team, including the promotion of David Rochefort to Graduate Hotels® President and the addition of Saxton Sharad as Chief Operating Officer of Graduate Hotels. Rochefort and Sharad join Graduate Hotels leadership including Julie Saunders, Chief Marketing Officer at Graduate Hotels; and Martin Hanson, President of Graduate Hotels Management. Created for travelers who seek memory-making journeys, Graduate Hotels, owned by AJ Capital Partners, is a thoughtfully crafted collection of hotels that reside in dynamic university-anchored cities across the country. Ea...
5 Training Tips to Help Hotels Ensure A Harassment-Free Workplace
Andrew Rawson | August 26, 2019
By Andrew Rawson The #MeToo movement and new anti-harassment laws are prompting many organizations to seek new ways to create more respectful, inclusive workplaces that are free of sexual harassment. For the hotel industry, with its people-centric culture and unique working environment, this can be particularly challenging. Regardless of the industry, preventing workplace harassment requires a holistic approach, encompassing the right policies and procedures, training and education, culture and commitment from leadership. An effective harassment prevention training program can be a cornerstone in creating a safe, respectful environment ...
