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Turning Data Into Profit: How Hotel GM’s Can Apply Insights From Cutting Edge Data Scientists
the Authors | December 3, 2018
By Dr. Joshua Hayes, Allisha Miller, and Dr. David Hayes For the third year in a row, Forbes[1] reported "Data Scientist" as the best job in America. The job pays well (median base salary of $110,000), and qualified data scientists are in high demand. Currently, Amazon is actively seeking to fill its 436 data scientist vacancies and Google is trying to hire another 135 data scientists.[2] Data science and data scientists are hot… and for good reason! The role of data scientists is to help businesses increase efficiency and profits by harnessing data. According to Amazon, "Data is the lifeblood of Amazon… Big data analytics is the magic...
Spirides Arranges $5 Million Hotel Construction Loan for New Radisson in Florence, SC
Spirides Hospitality Finance Company | December 3, 2018
TAMPA, FL—Spirides Hospitality Finance Company has successfully arranged, and its client has closed a $5 million construction to permanent first priority mortgage loan from a southeast U.S. headquartered bank to finance the development of a new Radisson Park Inn in Florence, South Carolina. This soon to be built Radisson Park Inn will be a limited-service hotel featuring 60 guest rooms and suites in a 3-story interior corridor building situated on 1.5 acres of land. Hotel features will include a breakfast area, business center, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, guest laundry, meeting room, market, and vending area. The hotel will be ...
Do This to Gain Instant Trust With Hotel Website Visitors
Tambourine | November 9, 2018
Build trust with hotel website visitors by showcasing SOCIAL PROOF. Social proof is critical to easing the worries of potential guests. In fact, a study in the Washington Post showed social proof had more influence over customers than a discount. This is why a guest review site like TripAdvisor is so popular and impactful on purchase behavior. As travelers and meeting planners are faced with more and more hotel options, it's vital to win their trust first, to win their heart and their wallets. Here are the four core methods of leveraging social proof online: 1. Awards, Accolades and Media Labels Prominently display any accolades...
The Alpina Gstaad Appoints Tim Weiland General Manager
The Alpina Gstaad | November 9, 2018
GSTAAD, Switzerland, November 9, 2018 – The Alpina Gstaad has appointed Tim Weiland as its new General Manager. An experienced hotelier with more than 20 years of luxury hospitality expertise, Mr. Weiland will join the award-winning luxury hotel on November 1. He succeeds Eric Favre who has retired after serving as managing director of The Alpina Gstaad since October 2013. Mr. Weiland has spent ten years in general manager positions with the renowned Aman Resorts and is well positioned to manage one of the most successful five-star resorts in the Swiss Alps. His luxury hotel experience gained in eight countries including China, France, I...
Ahead of November 2018 Opening, California’s Moxy San Diego Appoints Executive Team
Moxy San Diego | November 9, 2018
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (November 9, 2018) – Opening this November 2018 as the first California hotel under Marriott International's experiential, millennial-minded Moxy Hotels brand, the 126-room Moxy San Diego announces its executive team to lead the bold, yet playful, boutique hotel. Designed for the next generation of travelers, Moxy San Diego will embrace the destination's coastal roots while showcasing the eclectic and vibrancy of downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Leading the team as Captain – the brand's twist on the traditional General Manager position – will be Lindsay Jones who will oversee all facets of the day-to-day hotel ...
Chartwell Hospitality Finalizes Purchase of Tennessee’s 300-Room Franklin Marriott Cool Springs
Chartwell Hospitality | November 9, 2018
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – November 2018 – Chartwell Hospitality LLC, an integrated hotel operations and development company, recently finalized its purchase of the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin, Tenn. In addition to the full-service Marriott, Chartwell will also manage the 30,000-square-foot Cool Springs Conference Center, which is connected to the hotel and is co-owned by the City of Franklin and Williamson County. "This purchase illustrates our long-standing commitment to the Franklin-Williamson County area and we are thrilled to announce this substantial addition to our growing portfolio of hotels," said Chartwell's Founder ...
Marriott International Names Liam Brown President and Managing Director of Europe
Marriott International, Inc. | November 9, 2018
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) announced today that Liam Brown, President, Select Brands and Owner and Franchise Services, North America, will take on the role of President and Managing Director of Europe, a division within Marriott International that encompasses the United Kingdom, Ireland and Continental Europe. Brown will replace Amy McPherson, who announced last week that she will be retiring from the company in early 2019. "Liam is the perfect choice to lead Marriott's next chapter of growth in Europe," said Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. "Liam has an extraordinary ability to ...
Franchise Companies and Brands Dominating the U.S. Construction Pipeline
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | November 9, 2018
November 9, 2018 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – According to the third quarter report by analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE), the franchise companies dominating the U.S. construction pipeline with the largest pipelines are Marriott International with 1,380 projects/181,907 rooms, Hilton Worldwide with 1,350 projects/150,698 rooms, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) with 939 projects/95,312 rooms. The construction pipelines for these three franchise companies comprise an impressive 68% of the total construction pipeline projects with Marriott and Hilton again setting all-time highs for their companies. The leading brands by project count in ...
Omni Houston Hotel Completes $30 Million Renovation
Omni Hotels & Resorts | November 9, 2018
HOUSTON (November 9, 2018) – Omni Houston Hotel has reopened its doors and is welcoming guests after undergoing a $30 million renovation that elevates the guest experience. The transformation positions the hotel as the perfect luxury oasis in the prestigious Uptown Houston area. "Throughout this renovation, we collaborated with the design team to showcase Houston's natural surroundings while also giving a nod to the city's rich history," said Laura McKoy, vice president of interior design and creative director for Omni Hotels & Resorts. "Each space is a testament to Omni's 'local flavor' and you'll see various colors, material...
Oxford Capital Appoints General Manager Clay Andrews and Hotel Manager Konstantine Kabilafkas to Lead Godfrey Hotel Hollywood
The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood | November 9, 2018
(LOS ANGELES; November 2018)—The forthcoming Godfrey Hotel Hollywood—set to open spring 2019—announces the appointment of General Manager Clay Andrews and Hotel Manager Konstantine Kabilafkas; Andrews also serves a dual role as Director of Operations for the West coast region of Oxford Hotels & Resorts. Bringing nearly two decades of experience each, directing food and beverage teams, as well as managing hotels both boutique and corporate, the leaders have a clear vision for the operation of The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood including staffing logistics, on-site amenities, creating an atmosphere to differentiate it in the...
The St. Joe Company Plans New Branded Hotel at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
St. Joe | November 9, 2018
WATERSOUND, Fla.—November 9, 2018--The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE) ("St. Joe") today announces plans to construct, own and operate a new branded hotel, immediately adjacent and convenient to the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). Following St. Joe's business strategy of expanding its portfolio of income producing properties, as well as growing its resorts and leisure segment, the Company plans the development of a 110-125 room hotel with a full service restaurant and bar, as well as meeting space. This new hotel will be located adjacent to the airport which is located within St. Joe's 110,500 acres known as the...
Another Minneapolis Hotel Installs Clear Sky’s Beverage Inventory Management Software
Clear Sky Software | November 9, 2018
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – November 9, 2018 –Clear Sky Software, Inc. ® announced today that the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America has installed its beverage inventory control system. This Minneapolis hotel, connected to the famous Mall of America, selected Clear Sky Software to help control all beer, liquor and wine inventory. Called Clear Sky BEVERAGE, this system is a comprehensive, perpetual inventory system that tracks and controls all beverage products. Functions include purchasing, receiving, outlet transfers/issues/returns and physical inventory. Also installed is Clear Sky's Fintech Interface which automat...
HRI Properties Closes on Purchase of City-Block in Tampa for Development of Dual-Branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Hotels
November 9, 2018
Nov. 09--TAMPA -- HRI Properties has closed on its $7.6 million purchase of a city-owned block next to Tampa's City Hall and says it plans to start construction later this month on a dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotel project. In 2016, Tampa put out a request for development proposals for the 1 acre that it owned at the corner of E Kennedy Boulevard and N Florida Avenue, formerly the site of the Cold Storage Cafe. When the city selected New Orleans-based HRI Properties over two other bidders, the company said it liked Tampa for its strong job creation and its impressive numbers on hotel revenue per available room. Having...
Winwood Hospitality Group buys property in downtown Raleigh for future hotel development
November 9, 2018
Nov. 09--RALEIGH -- Local hotel developer Winwood Hospitality Group has bought another part of downtown Raleigh. The company has spent $6 million to buy the Firestone garage property near Nash Square, where it plans to eventually build a hotel. Though, the timing on when the company plans to build there is undetermined, said Amit Patel, Winwood's president. "The long term use (of the property) is going to be hospitality," Patel said, adding that the company hasn't made any commitments on what type of hotel they would build. "There are six announced hotels in downtown Raleigh right now -- including one of our own -...
Sarasota County Has Numbers Showing Terrible Effect of Red Tide: Crash of Hotel Occupancy and Bed Tax Collections
November 9, 2018
Nov. 09--Sarasota County now has numbers showing just how terrible the red tide toll has been. --Hotel occupancy in September plummeted to 39.9 percent, the lowest since reliable records began to be collected in 2005. That figure was 61.9 percent last September, that was unusually high because hotels filled up after Hurricane Irma and because of the World Rowing Championships. --Tourist development tax collections, the best available measure of the local industry's health, hit a four-year low in September. --Collections of the tourist development tax, a levy on short-term rentals also known as the bed tax, in August dropped to the...
Turning Adam’s Mark into Buffalo Grand Hotel is no easy task
November 9, 2018
Nov. 09--Canadian developer Harry Stinson is learning just how difficult it is to reverse decades of decline at a giant aging hotel. The new owner of the former Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown Buffalo is spending tens of millions of dollars on a major renovation of the 40-year-old concrete edifice at 120 Church St. He's redone the lobby and reopened a coffee shop, and his workers are finishing building new model guest rooms by the end of this week. New carpeting, signage, lighting and landscaping are still coming, and then there's the new attitude and service focus that he wants to instill in his staff. "There's a lot...
Great Wolf Lodge Breaks Ground on California’s Great Wolf Manteca, the 19th in Their Portfolio
November 8, 2018
Nov. 09--MANTECA -- When the Manteca Waterslides closed more than 10 years ago, folks in the area began discussing the possibility of bringing a similar recreation landmark back to the city. On Thursday, the possibility became more tangible. As fireworks blasted overhead, developers and dignitaries broke ground on what will be the largest family resort and indoor water park in San Joaquin County -- Great Wolf Lodge, scheduled to open in 2020. Earth movers have begun work at the site just north of Highway 120 between Interstate 5 and Highway 99 adjacent to Costco in the Stadium Center shopping complex and Big League Dreams Sports Park. T...
Vision Hospitality Group Opens Hampton Inn by Hilton Chattanooga East Ridge
Hampton by Hilton | November 8, 2018
CHATTANOOGA, TENN., NOV. 8, 2018 — Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. opened the 88-room Hampton by Hilton located in East Ridge, Tennessee. The hotel is part of the 50-acre Jordan Crossing development that will include over 300,000 square feet of retail, restaurants and hotels all at the entrance to one of the largest sports recreation parks in the State of Tennessee, Camp Jordan Park. Hampton by Hilton was designed with both today's business and leisure traveler in mind. Located at 623 Camp Jordan Parkway, the hotel is easily accessible from both I-24, and I-75, and includes an outdoor pool with enhanced features and a state-of-the-...
Hoteles City Express Opens the Hotel City Express Plus Interlomas, Reaching 142 Hotels in Operation
Hoteles City Express | November 8, 2018
MEXICO CITY, Nov. 8, 2018 -- Hoteles City Express, S.A.B. de C.V. ("The Company") (BMV: HCITY), announced the opening of City Express Plus Interlomas, reaching 142 hotels in operation, and more than 16,000 available rooms in 69 cities and 30 states in México, as well as Colombia, Costa Rica, and Chile. City Express Plus Interlomas has 141 available rooms and is 100% Company-owned. This new property will serve travelers with activities related to business and commerce that operate on the western area of Mexico City where companies, corporations and health centers are located. In the same way, the hotel will be a meeting ...
3 Steps to Successfully Move Your Small Group Bookings Online
Amadeus | November 8, 2018
By John-Michael Jenkins There is a valuable customer demographic that is often overlooked by many in the hospitality industry – Small meetings. Small meetings are often single day events for 25 people or less that may or may not have guestrooms. If properly cultivated, this customer base offers a low risk, high reward for your property. These groups, which make up 50% of the market, pose a unique opportunity to secure repeat business, fill need periods and generate steady revenue. A key to landing and expanding small group business is to start offering these groups online bookings. The advancement of technology in the hospitality ...
Radisson Hotel Group Appoints James Pawlikowski as Vice President of IT Service Management
Radisson Hotel Group | November 8, 2018
Minneapolis (November 8, 2018) - Radisson Hotel Group today announced the appointment of James (Jamie) Pawlikowski as Vice President of IT Service Management. In this newly created role, Pawlikowski will be responsible for supporting business operations and continuously improving the service performance of Radisson Hotel Group's current and future platforms. He will also lead the Service Management team and oversee global test strategy and planning, service testing, operations, and performance and issue management. Under Pawlikowski's leadership, the Service Management team will focus on enhancing the current system support capabilities...
Montage International Appoints Mandy Holloway as Senior Vice President of Human Resources
Montage International | November 8, 2018
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF. (November 8, 2018) - Montage International is pleased to announce the appointment of Mandy Holloway to the position of senior vice president, human resources. Holloway is an award-winning, global human resources and learning executive with more than 10 years of exceptional talent acquisition and management experience in the hospitality and entertainment industries. In her role, Holloway will be responsible for all aspects of human resources strategy and execution, organizational planning and development, and will oversee key administrative functions for the company. "We are excited to welcome Mandy to the Mont...
David Hoenemeyer Named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Seminole Gaming
Seminole Gaming | November 8, 2018
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (November 8, 2018) – David Hoenemeyer has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Seminole Gaming. His appointment was announced today by Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen. As COO of Seminole Gaming, Hoenemeyer will work with Seminole casino presidents and general managers to oversee day-to-day operations of seven Seminole Gaming casinos in Florida. They are Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, Seminole Casino Brighton, Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood and Seminole Casino Big Cypress. Hoeneme...
More Than 54 Million Americans to Travel This Thanksgiving, the Most Since 2005, Says AAA
AAA | November 8, 2018
ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 8, 2018 -- AAA projects 54.3 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving, a 4.8 percent increase over last year. The 2018 holiday weekend will see the highest Thanksgiving travel volume in more than a dozen years (since 2005), with 2.5 million more people taking to the nation's roads, skies, rails and waterways compared with last year. For the 48.5 million Americans planning a Thanksgiving road trip, INRIX, a global mobility analytics company, predicts travel times in the most congested cities in the U.S. could be as much as four times longer than a normal trip. "Consumer...
