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Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
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Here’s a First Look at White Lodging’s New JW Marriott Hotel Headed for Uptown Charlotte, NC
November 1, 2018
Nov. 02--A luxury JW Marriott Hotel will be part of the Ally Charlotte Center project at Stonewall and College streets. The hotel will be 21 stories and have 381 rooms. It is being developed by White Lodging in partnership with Crescent Communities. "The addition of the JW Marriott Charlotte provides a modern luxury lodging option adjacent to the city's major sports, cultural and convention destinations," said Deno Yiankes, of White Lodging, in a news release. The JW Marriott is set to open in 2021, when Ally Charlotte Center, a project anchored by a 26-story office tower, is expected to be complete. The hotel will have a ...
Extended Stay America Completes Disposition of 32 Hotels to Lodging Advisory Group and Provident Realty Advisors
Extended Stay America | November 1, 2018
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – November 1, 2018 — Extended Stay America, Inc. and ESH Hospitality, Inc. (NASDAQ:STAY) (together, the "Company") today announced the completed sales of 2 portfolios totaling 32 branded Extended Stay America hotels. The Company recently completed the sale of 16 Extended Stay America branded hotels to Lodging Advisory Group, LLC ("LAG"), a hotel owner, developer and asset manager with offices in Wichita, Denver and Phoenix. The hotels acquired by LAG include hotels located in Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Nebraska and Arizona. The disposition comes with franchise agreements for each of the 16 hotels. Addition...
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills Appoints Stephanie Ahoni New Director of Catering
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills | November 1, 2018
West Hollywood, CA (November 1, 2018) – The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Ahoni as Director of Catering of the iconic Los Angeles hotel in the heart of West Hollywood. Stephanie Ahoni joins The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills as a seasoned hospitality professional with nearly 20 years in the industry, and across several brands. As Director of Catering, Ahoni brings proven results and strong leadership to her new role. Ahoni began her career in events and catering with roles at Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, and Westin Indianapolis. Pivoting int...
INNSIDE by Meliá New York Appoints Mauricio Patino as General Manager
November 1, 2018
New York, NY (November 1, 2018) – Meliá Hotels International, Spain's leading hotel company, is excited to announce the appointment of Mauricio Patino as the new General Manager of its INNSIDE by Meliá New York hotel. Mauricio, a celebrated hospitality professional with over 28 years of industry experience, most recently served as the Complex General Manager of Highgate Hotels, where he oversaw two properties in the Boston area. Mauricio brings great knowledge of the US market, having started his career in 1990 with Hilton Hotels Corporation in New York City in which he held several Food and Beverage leadership posit...
Markus Wölflik Appointed General Manager of the Steigenberger Hotel Zingst
Deutsche Hospitality | November 1, 2018
Frankfurt am Main, 1 November 2018 47-year old Markus Wölflik took over as General Manager of the Steigenberger Hotel Zingst on 15 October 2018. Mr. Wölflik is able to look back on 26 years of experience in the upscale hotel sector both in Germany and abroad. His most recent role was as Director of the 5-star Grand Hotel Binz, which is located on the island of Rügen and owned by the Private Palace Hotels & Resorts Group. Thomas Willms, CEO of Deutsche Hospitality, expressed his delight at the new appointment. "Markus Wölflik will be a huge asset to our company. His many years of experience as a hotel director mea...
Louis T Collection Appoints Lovelynn Clark as General Manager for Quay Perth Reopening Q1 2019
Louis T Collection | November 1, 2018
SINGAPORE (Nov. 1, 2018) - As Louis T Collection continues to oversee the multi-million dollar redevelopment and repositioning of Perth's now-shuttered New Esplanade Hotel, the hotel management company has announced it will reopen in Q1 2019 as Quay Perth, a new four-star boutique hotel, with seasoned hospitality executive Lovelynn Clark as general manager. An Australian national born in Malaysia, Clark brings close to three decades of experience in hospitality to Louis T Collection, with a career that has taken her through Asia, the Middle East and Australia. Most recently, she was part of the pre-opening leadership team at the five-st...
How to Grow Group Business for the 2018 Holiday Season
Amadeus | November 1, 2018
Believe it or not, the holiday season is nearly upon us. Year after year, we notice that holiday event planning seems to sneak up on planners — suddenly it's November and they haven't booked a venue or secured a date for their holiday party. Planners are booking events later than ever before, often with a lead time of less than 90 days. While it can be stressful to have everyone scrambling to plan their group events for the holidays, it doesn't have to be. Be proactive, and help planners help you by starting the conversation about their group business needs for the season. Here are four tips to help increase your group business fo...
Ashford Trust Completes Acquisition of the La Posada de Santa Fe Hotel for $50 Million
Ashford Hospitality Trust | November 1, 2018
DALLAS, Nov. 1, 2018 -- Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AHT) ("Ashford Trust" or the "Company") announced today that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of La Posada de Santa Fe ("La Posada") located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for total consideration of $50 million. This acquisition is the second transaction to benefit from the Enhanced Return Funding Program (the "Program") with Ashford Inc. (NYSE American: AINC). In connection with the acquisition of La Posada, Ashford Inc. will provide Ashford Trust with $5 million of cash via the future purchase of hotel furniture, fixtu...
UK’s Hotel Sector Stands Firm in Tough Year
HVS | November 1, 2018
The UK's hotel sector has stood firm in what is proving a tough trading year, with overall occupancy in London slightly up and the provinces remaining flat in the year to date. Speaking to an audience of HOSPA members (the Hospitality Professionals Association) in London today [1 November 2018] HVS chairman Russell Kett said that average rates had also shown little change, leading to a minimal impact on RevPAR [rooms revenue per available room, the standard performance measurement], which now sits at £121* for London and £57 in the regions for the year to September. London has fared better than the provinces over the past th...
Adrian Chan Named General Manager of Sanya Marriott Hotel Dadonghai Bay and The Shanhaitian Resort Sanya, Autograph Collection
Autograph Collection Hotels | November 1, 2018
SANYA, China, Nov. 1, 2018 -- Recently, Adrian Chan has been appointed as the new General Manager of Sanya Marriott Hotel Dadonghai Bay and The Shanhaitian Resort Sanya, Autograph Collection. Adrian is now fully responsible for the operation and management of these two landmark hotels catering to business and leisure travelers. Born in Hong Kong, Adrian graduated from the University of Calgary in Canada. He has extensive knowledge built from an impressive career of over 22 years in management experience in various cities, including Calgary, Beijing, Suzhou, Chengdu and Sanya. Adrian started his career at the Calgary Marriott and expande...
Abu Dhabi National Hotels Signs for Two New Radisson Blu Hotels
Radisson Hotel Group | November 1, 2018
Radisson Hospitality AB, publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden and part of the Radisson Hotel Group, is delighted to announce the signing of two hotels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Signed in partnership with Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche and the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain will play a key role in the group's growth in the Middle East. With plans to reach 100 hotels and 20,000 rooms in operation across the region by 2020, the group is keen to accelerate the expansion of its Radisson Blu brand in the UAE. Both the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi...
Hotel Granduca Austin Appoints Miguel Ortiz as Executive Chef
Hotel Granduca | November 1, 2018
AUSTIN, TX (11/1/2018) Hotel Granduca Austin is pleased to announce the appointment of Miguel Ortiz as Executive Chef, where he will oversee all culinary operations of the property. "We are very pleased to have Chef Ortiz join the Granduca family," said General Manager Olivier Glattfelder. "He brings many years of experience and we look forward to showcasing his culinary talent." Chef Ortiz joins Hotel Granduca Austin with nearly 20 years of hospitality and culinary experience. His most recent position was as Executive Sous Chef at the Escondido Golf & Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay, TX. He has held Chef and Executive Chef positions, an...
Finding Meaning in Travel
Dr. Reza Etemad-Sajadi | November 1, 2018
By Dr. Reza Etemad-Sajadi and Marie Schöpfer For more and more travelers nowadays, vacations are less about the "fly and flop" and more about living an outstanding experience and finding meaning and purpose in their busy lives. Some travelers seek authenticity and want to really dive into the culture or destination they are exploring; some want to dedicate a portion of their trip to a charity, besides taking time for themselves and get involved in volunteering projects. People are traveling for new reasons As explained by Jean-François de Clermont-Tonnerre - Executive Producer of "Going Home to the Stars", a documentary that...
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Reveals Top Culinary + Cocktail Trends of 2019
Kimpton | November 1, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO, November 1, 2018 – According to Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants' fifth annual Culinary + Cocktail Trend Forecast, sustainability and wellness are fueling the superfood revolution and the whole vegetable movement; however, that hasn't slowed the emergence of more adventurous preferences, from offal-based dishes to bold African and Israeli influences. When it comes to the bar scene, expect to see reimagined mocktails, mushroom-infused spirits, the rise of flavored alcoholic seltzers and exciting food and drink pairings ranging from wild boar heart and burgundy to crickets and pisco. "It's remarkable to see the y...
Andy Ippensen Named New Director of Sales at North Georgia’s Barnsley Resort
Barnsley Resort | November 1, 2018
Adairsville, GA – October 2018 – The executive team at North Georgia's award-winning Barnsley Resort is pleased to welcome Andy Ippensen as director of sales. In his new role, Ippensen leads and oversees the entire sales program at Barnsley Resort and is responsible for all aspects of revenue generation at the property, including direct sales, catering sales and room sales. Ippensen joins the Barnsley Resort team with more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently serving as the director of sales and marketing for Cabin Bluff, Woodbine, GA, where he managed a team that tripled room revenue over t...
Q3 2018 U.S. Lodging Market Update
Daniel Lesser | November 1, 2018
By Daniel Lesser What started as a bursting of the U.S. housing bubble between 2006 and 2007 and mushroomed into a failing subprime mortgage/credit market, ultimately resulted in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Ten years ago, the Great Recession of 2008/2009 was ushered in by a full-blown international banking crisis sparked by the collapse of blue-chip investment banks Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers. Through the end of Q3 2018, Wall Street is enjoying another heyday as profits for commercial banks are at a record high, the stock market is in its longest bull run in history, the U.S. economy is humm...
The Millennial Paradox: How to Save the Planet Without Giving Up Freedom to Travel – and Why Hoteliers Should Care
Emilia Jaakkola | November 1, 2018
Millennials are more eco-conscious than previous generations. Why? Because some of those really scary scenarios related to climate change are more likely to happen on their watch. Even though Millennials are actively questioning today's global consumption culture, at the same time they're planning their next vacation somewhere far away, which means endless miles in the air and huge amounts of pollution. That's why they've compromised: they keep traveling but they increasingly favor sustainable options. I'm a stereotypical Millennial. On the one hand, we're hopeless dreamers not ready to commit to anything. On the other hand, we're criti...
Lodging Interactive Rolls Out Commingle:Engage Total Customer Engagement Services
Lodging Interactive | November 1, 2018
Lodging Interactive, an award-winning digital marketing and social media engagement agency exclusively serving the hospitality industry, today announced the launch of commingle:engage, a total customer engagement solution for hotels and resorts. commingle:engage is a fully managed service that enables properties, of any size, to effectively build customer loyalty through personal, one-on-one, customer engagement with new and past guests. "Since 2006 we've successfully established CoMMingle as the leading provider of guest reputation management and social media marketing services exclusively for hospitality," stated DJ Vallauri, Lodging ...
NAVIS Announces Launch of the Only Complete Hospitality CRM Platform
NAVIS | November 1, 2018
Staying true to their roots as hospitality innovators, NAVIS helps lodging providers take charge of the guest relationship with pioneering new CRM. BEND, Ore. (November 1, 2018) – The hospitality marketplace is changing quickly, and the NAVIS mission is to help their hospitality clients accelerate revenue growth, enhance guest experiences, and increase the lifetime value of their guests. That's why the company is thrilled to announce the official launch of the industry's only complete Hospitality CRM that unifies hotel reservations and marketing teams around their guest data to drive more direct bookings and revenue. The highly an...
HQ plus, Duetto Announce Technology Partnership
HQ plus | November 1, 2018
Duetto integrates with hotel market intelligence software to streamline competitor shopping across online distribution channels. San Francisco, 1 November, 2018 — Duetto, the hospitality industry's only Revenue Strategy Platform, has today announced its latest technology integration – with HQ plus. The new interface between Duetto's GameChanger and HQ plus enables joint customers to see the current room rate for a list of chosen competitors, as well as showing competitor averages. The interface pulls rates from a wide range of online distribution channels, including online travel agencies, as well as Brand.com sites from com...
JAM Hospitality Opens Four Points by Sheraton Greensboro Airport in North Carolina Following Conversion
Four Points | November 1, 2018
Marriott International, Inc.® today announced the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Greensboro Airport. Catering to the needs of today's everyday traveler, the hotel offers approachable design, stylish comfort and all the brand's popular extras including a 24-hour fitness center, heated pool, fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and the Best Brews & BBQ™ program, detailed below. Asset managed by JAM Hospitality, Four Points by Sheraton Greensboro Airport, previously under the name Comfort Suites Greensboro Airport offers 112 spacious guest rooms, over 825 sq. ft. of meeting space, a 24-hour fitness center, business c...
Developer envisions expanded convention center in Buffalo, NY, connecting to Statler building
November 1, 2018
Nov. 01--Statler City developer Mark Croce is jumping into the debate over a new convention center in Buffalo with his own preliminary proposal to expand the existing facility, more than doubling its size and linking it with a mostly vacant former hotel complex. Croce's proposal would build an elevated addition on top of the existing convention center that also would extend over Franklin Street to link with the 19-story Statler building. The plan also calls for an elevated greenway that would create a public access point for the project, as well as additional green space on the roof. A 10-story parking ramp would be built across Moh...
Hurricane Irma Was in 2017, but These Tourist Destinations in the Keys Are Just Reopening
October 31, 2018
Nov. 01--The Keys are still recovering from the wrath of last year's Hurricane Irma, and some tourist destinations have recently reopened. Many of the properties have taken advantage of the downtime in business to make upgrades to their buildings and grounds. The Parrot Key Hotel and Villas in Key West opens Thursday (Nov. 1) and the Postcard Inn Beach Resort and Marina in Islamorada opens Friday. The refurbished Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum reopened earlier this month. Keep coming back to this post, as we will update it as more Keys locations reopens. Parrot Key Hotel and Villas This resort in Key West, known for its four swi...
$70 Million Conversion of AM&A’s Department Store Into the Wyndham Buffalo Hotel Shifts From Cleanup to Construction
October 31, 2018
Nov. 01--The $70 million conversion of the former AM&A's department store building downtown into the Wyndham Buffalo Hotel is shifting from the cleanup phase into construction. The project had been delayed by a long, complex and costly environmental remediation and some demolition, but has now moved into the construction phase, including the installation of a new roof, said Brian Frost, CEO of general contractor Loung Construction. Landco H&L, an investor group from Queens and China led by Billy Bao, is redeveloping the longtime former retail store at 377 Main St. into a 300-room hotel, along with two first-floor restaurants...
