The Tricycle of Guest Service Excellence: A Perfect Model For Remarkable Experiences
Doug Kennedy | October 4th, 2024
Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
Travel Outlook, The Premier Hotel Call Center™ | October 2nd, 2024
The Hotel Volatility Index 2018 – India
Hotelivate | October 16, 2018
The Hotel Volatility Index 2018 Last year, we launched The Hotel Volatility Index (HVI) that tracks the performance of 80 well-established, stabilised hotels – 60 urban and 20 leisure properties – across positioning that have been operational since 2011 or earlier in the country. Together, these 80 hotels represent nearly 17,000 rooms in 21 different cities in India. The HVI provides a reliable performance benchmark, as it enables a like-to-like comparison of the same base of stabilized hotels year-on-year, irrespective of the new supply coming in. An improvement or a decline in the performance of the HVI can thus, serve as ...
Disasters lead to drop in visitors to Japan for first time since 2013
October 16, 2018
Oct. 16--TOKYO -- The number of monthly overseas tourists to Japan declined for the first time in more than five years as the country suffered a powerful typhoon and a major earthquake, the government said on Tuesday. Japan received 2.16 million visitors from abroad in September, down 5.3 per cent, marking the first year-on-year fall since January 2013, according to the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO). Typhoon Jebi pummelled western Japan on September 4, leaving 11 dead and hundreds injured and inundating Kansai International Airport, which is located on an artificial island. The airport, a major gateway to western cities suc...
Hotel Paso Del Norte renovation in Downtown El Paso delayed as owner seeks new contractor
October 16, 2018
Oct. 16--Renovation of the Hotel Paso Del Norte in Downtown El Paso has stopped while the historic hotel's owner looks for a new general contractor. Officials with the Meyers Group, which owns the hotel, did not say why InterServ, a Los Angeles hotel renovation company, is no longer general contractor for the $70 million renovation project. A statement issued by the Meyers Group said in part: "At this time, we are in the process of changing our primary general contractor. The new contractor we will select will offer the highest standards and efficiency we and the community expect, demand, and deserve." The Meyers Group, th...
Developer Habitat Group has big plans for three towers of hotels and condos near downtown Miami
October 16, 2018
Oct. 16--A developer plans to knock down old duplexes to build condo towers and hotel rooms near Miami's downtown. Santiago Vanegas, CEO of Habitat Group, is behind multiple projects he says will expand his presence throughout Miami's urban core. He said he needs to move quickly because land is running out. "Big developers or big players must buy complete buildings to knock down middle-size buildings to make new projects because there is no land available in the Brickell area," he said. "That's why we made a very aggressive investment strategy." His projects include: Apartments: An $11 million project kno...
Call for entries: James Beard Foundation seeks chefs and restaurants for 2019 awards
October 16, 2018
Oct. 16--The James Beard Foundation has opened its call for entries for its 2019 awards. Anyone can submit a chef or restaurant for consideration, and there is no entry fee. The foundation received more than 22,000 entries for the 2018 restaurant and chef awards. Restaurant and chef awards entries are due Dec. 31. Restaurant design awards entries are due Jan. 25. Twenty semifinalists in each category will be announced Feb. 27. The top five nominees in each category will be announced March 27. Winners will be announced May 6 in Chicago. Established in 1990, the James Beard Foundation's prestigious restaurant and chef awards honor mem...
Top 10 haunted historic hotels in the U.S. as voted by USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards
October 16, 2018
Oct. 16--This being the season for spooky doings, USA Today's 10Best Readers Choice Awards just released a list of the nation's 10 most haunted historic hotels -- and it's topped by a Nevada hotel with California wine country connections. Built in 1907 at the height of Nevada's silver rush, the luxurious Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah has hosted prospectors, politicos, celebrities and, it seems, spirited ghosts who roam the halls, move objects about, and open and close the old elevator doors. Legends swirl around sightings of a Lady in Red, who was murdered by a jealous ex-boyfriend or husband, depending on the tale. The Mizpah...
The Sir Francis Drake hotel once helped change San Francisco’s skyline when it opened in 1928 – Now it’s 90
October 16, 2018
Oct. 16--The 1920s were in full roar when the Sir Francis Drake Hotel opened in the fall of 1928. It was one of the city's first skyscraper hotels -- "26 Stories of Luxury," The Chronicle called it at the time, overestimating its height by five stories. It came with a grand marble lobby, radios in all 600 guest rooms -- and a Prohibition-era hideaway where the select few could enjoy a drink of illegal bootleg Scotch. The room was so secret it was not even included in the hotel's blueprints. The Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel is celebrating its 90th birthday Thursday with a big party. The party, called "Let's ...
Construction to soon begin on Nobu hotel in Atlanta’s Phipps Plaza expansion
October 16, 2018
Oct. 16--The buzz-worthy announcement last year that Atlanta will get a Nobu restaurant and hotel -- joining the ranks of locations like Ibiza, London and Miami -- is starting to take shape. The luxury boutique hotel and Japanese dining brand comes as part of a multi-million dollar redevelopment at Phipps Plaza. The massive project will also include a 90,000-square-foot Life Time gym and a 13-story office building with a Class A status -- a designation for the most prestigious buildings with above-average rents. The overhaul has also ushered in new dining options throughout the mall, such as Public Kitchen & Bar and Genuine Pizza. B...
Hawaii’s hotel strike leaves some guests grumbling
October 16, 2018
Oct. 16--California visitor Ericka Kreeb was counting on a honeymoon in paradise when she splurged on the pricey Sheraton Maui and all the pampering that it entailed. Instead, she found herself in the middle of a strike zone. No housekeeping. No towel service. No nightly turn-down. Limited on-property restaurant choices, especially for a vegetarian. No bar attendants to bring those cute tropical drinks with the little umbrellas to her chaise longue by the pool. What did she get? Undesired wake-up calls when picketing workers began chanting each morning. Guests' trash in the hallways. Ants in the room. "It smarts. I paid about $...
CHMWarnick Names Joe DeFrank (CHAM) Senior Vice-President & Asset Manager
CHMWarnick | October 15, 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C./BOSTON/PHOENIX (October 15, 2018) – CHMWarnick, the preeminent asset manager and business advisor to the hospitality industry, today appointed Joe DeFrank (CHAM) to the position of senior vice-president and asset manager. DeFrank will join Craig A. Mason (CHAM), executive vice president, in the company's recently established Washington, D.C. Metro office and further cement the company's presence in the mid-Atlantic region. "Throughout his nearly 35-year career in the hospitality/real estate industry, Joe has remained laser focused on achieving ownership's objectives, from increasing cash flow to maximizing long-te...
Hilton Signs With Tati Construtora e Incorporadora for 98-Room Canopy by Hilton São Paulo Jardins
Canopy by Hilton | October 15, 2018
SAO PAULO, Brazil and MCLEAN, Va. – October 15, 2018 – Today, Canopy by Hilton, Hilton's (NYSE:HLT) lifestyle brand, announces its first property in Latin America with the signing of Canopy by Hilton São Paulo Jardins, slated to open in late 2019. Owned by Tati Construtora e Incorporadora and managed by Hilton, the 98-room adaptive re-use hotel will introduce locals and travelers alike to the brand's guest-directed service and locally-authentic experience. "Boasting the largest economy in Latin America, Brazil has consistently been a focus market in our development plans while we've explored opportunities to introduce...
Radisson Hospitality AB Signs Two Hotels in Saudi Arabia – Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Qurtuba and Radisson Hotel, Qurayat
Radisson Hotel Group | October 15, 2018
Brussels/Dubai - October 15, 2018 - Radisson Hospitality AB, publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden and part of Radisson Hotel Group, is proud to announce the signing of two hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Qurtuba and the Radisson Hotel, Qurayat. The signings take the group's portfolio in Saudi Arabia to 41 hotels and more than 10,000 rooms in operation and under development. Both hotels are scheduled to open in 2020. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, said: "We're delighted to continue to grow our presence in Saudi Arabia and demonst...
Best Western Signs With Rhom Bho Property to Debut BW Premier Collection in Phuket
October 15, 2018
Bangkok, Thailand (October 15, 2018) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts has signed a landmark agreement to introduce its prestigious BW Premier Collection® by Best Western soft brand to Phuket. "We are excited to debut The Title V Rawai Phuket, BW Premier Collection by Best Western on Phuket's up-and-coming central coast in 2020," said Ron Pohl Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. "This hotel will introduce guests to a new era of upscale hospitality at Rawai Beach and provide travelers with the unique charm and excellent service Best Western-branded hotels are known for." T...
Pandox Acquires The Midland Manchester in the UK for for £115 Million ($151.3 Million)
Pandox | October 15, 2018
Pandox AB (publ) ("Pandox") has entered into an agreement to acquire The Midland Manchester, which is an iconic upper premium hotel with 312 rooms in the heart of Manchester in the UK. The transaction is made with Fattal Hotels Group ("Fattal") as operating partner, whereby Pandox, following a legal reorganisation, will retain the property and the hotel operations will be transferred to Fattal. The total transaction value amounts to approximately MGBP 115, whereof the value of the hotel property amounts to MGBP 102, corresponding to approximately MSEK 1,210. The acquisition is expected to be financed by a new bank loan and existing cred...
Interviews with Leaders – Mr. Haitham Mattar, CEO at RAKTDA by HVS Dubai
HVS | October 15, 2018
1. What makes Ras Al Khaimah a unique destination? Ras Al Khaimah is a unique destination that offers nature based adventure and cultural experiences that are distinct in the UAE and the region. Everything we do is focused on how we compliment the other Emirates and add value to the UAE as a whole, particularly with our 45-minute proximity from Dubai International Airport, beautiful pristine white sand beaches that stretch across a 64km coastline and a unique desert and mountain terrain. Our competitive edge and charm comes from what we promise our travelers which is an authentic and accessible Arabian experience. Ras Al Khaimah prides...
Four Things That Got People Talking at Expo Real
JLL Real Views | October 15, 2018
Whether it's new technologies changing how we work, economic policy decisions changing the investment landscape or fresh ways of looking at old business models, Europe's real estate isn't short of disruptive forces right now. And that's before we even start on the political uncertainty currently gripping Europe's decision makers. At Expo Real, Europe's annual international trade fair for property investment held in Munich, all these different strands of change were up for debate as real estate professionals dissected emerging investment opportunities, discussed the economic and political outlook and considered how to stay ahead of the c...
Columbia Sussex Completes Renovation of the Melville Marriott Long Island
Columbia Sussex | October 15, 2018
CRESTVIEW HILLS, KY (October 15, 2018) – Columbia Sussex, one of the largest Marriott franchisees in the country, is in the midst of an aggressive renovation program to at least nine of its Marriott owned and operated properties. Most recently, it completed a multi- million dollar renovation to one of Long Island's landmark hotels, the Melville Marriott Long Island, which has hosted Fortune 500 executives, athletes competing at the nearby sporting venues, to large conventions and conferences. One of the largest full-service hotels built in the ideal Nassau-Suffolk corridor of Long Island, the property is centrally located to corpo...
Stefano Attardi Appointed Executive Chef of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | October 15, 2018
LOS ANGELES, CA (October 15, 2018) – Stefano Attardi has been named executive chef of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. A native of Naples, Italy, Attardi began his career at the foot of the Alps at Schweizerhof Zermatt, in Switzerland. As he developed his culinary skills, he served in various locations between Switzerland, Palm Springs and Miami, before joining The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, where he spent seven years. He then ventured off to Spain, where he served as executive sous chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Barcelona, before being named culinary director of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. From there, he joined the opening team of Bulgari ...
The National Conference Center Wins Two Prestigious Industry Awards
The National Conference Center | October 15, 2018
Leesburg, Virginia, October 2018 … The National Conference Center, the award-winning property in Leesburg, Virginia, has been voted a "2018 Platinum Choice Award" winner by Smart Meetings magazine, a premier meeting industry publication. Simultaneously, Meetings Today magazine, a leading industry publication, has awarded The National with the "Best Of Award" for top quality service, meeting space, rooms and amenities. "I am indeed honored and proud of our team as we accept these awards and add them to our full trophy cabinet. These awards show how our staff, service, food, technology and space have continued to be at the forefron...
Woodbine Legacy Investments Acquires 375-Room Doubletree by Hilton Los Angeles – Westside for $151.5 Million
Woodbine Legacy Investments | October 15, 2018
DALLAS (Oct. 15, 2018) — Woodbine Legacy Investments (WLI) purchased the 375-room DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles - Westside and an adjacent entitled 2.2-acre development parcel from The Carlyle Group for $151.5 million. The broker for the transaction was Eastdil Secured. The purchase of the DoubleTree LA – Westside marks the third acquisition for WLI, a private real estate fund created and managed by Woodbine Development Corporation. Woodbine's plans for the Culver City hotel include a $35 million renovation, which is set to begin in early 2019. The company's plans also include developing the adjacent 2.2-acre parcel...
Midas Hospitality Promotes Randy Rushakoff to North Carolina Area General Manager Overseeing Five Marriott Properties
Midas Hospitality | October 15, 2018
(St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 15, 2018) Premier hotel management group Midas Hospitality recently promoted Randy Rushakoff as the Area General Manager for Charlotte, N.C. In this position, Rushakoff will oversee five Marriott select service properties and ensure each one is in accordance with the parent company's vision. He will be responsible for providing a hands-on leadership approach with respect to top-line revenue, guest service, profitability, and associate satisfaction. Rushakoff will be involved with each hotel's operations, which includes ensuring brand compliance and setting department goals to achieve first-rate service. Prior to th...
At the Front Desk, Voice Inflection Can Change the Entire Meaning of What We Say
Cathy Cook | October 15, 2018
By Cathy Cook It has often been said that as much as 80% of communication takes place non-verbally. It is certainly true that facial expressions such as what we show with our eyebrows, our smiles (or lack thereof), and body language, which is what we show with our posture and gestures, all are essential for communicating. While communication is an important topic for all guest services departments, it is especially essential at the front desk because more often than not, they are the main point of contact for all guest requests. Although non-verbal communication is certainly essential, it is also important to focus on the subtleties of ...
Restaurateur Randy Paragary Shifts Gears in Brand Selection for his Boutique Fort Sutter Hotel in Sacramento
October 15, 2018
Oct. 15--Nearly thee years after announcing plans for midtown's first upscale hotel, restaurateur Randy Paragary is starting construction this week on a 105-room mid-rise that surprisingly carries the name of Hilton Hotels' newest brand, the Tapestry Collection. The six-story, brick-and-concrete hotel at 28th Street and Capitol Avenue will likely be completed by February 2020, said Paragary, who is building the project along with his wife, Stacy, and various partners. "We feel this product will be as good or better than anything offered" in Sacramento, Paragary said of what will be called the Fort Sutter Hotel, going u...
MGM Springfield reports nearly $27 million in gross gaming revenue in first full month of business
October 15, 2018
Oct. 15--SPRINGFIELD -- MGM Springfield pulled in nearly $27 million in gross gaming revenue in its first full month of operations, according to a report released Monday by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. According to the commission, MGM reported $26,952,096.39 in gross gaming revenues for September, which includes over $18 million from slot machines and more than $8 million from table games. The casino profited from slots gambling at a rate of 9.55 percent for the month, as a total of $190,008,079.79 was wagered on slot machines. The payout to the state from MGM Springfield was $6,738,024.10 in taxes, the commission said. In Augus...
