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While ‘Celebrating the Past and Charting the Future’ Don’t Overlook Event Technologies as a CapEx Investment
Jeff Loether | October 10, 2018
By Jeff Loether This week in Miami, the International Society of Hospitality Consultants is celebrating its 30th Anniversary. Three decades ago, this association was founded by 19 members; today it's a society of 229 members in 29 countries. The theme of the 30th Anniversary event is is "Celebrating the Past, Charting the Future." As someone who has worked in the event technology field for nearly 40 years (from concept through design, to construction, commissioning, and operations), I have spent my career consulting with hoteliers and conference center operators to better manage their AV technologies. This year's Annual Conference theme...
Maestro PMS Launches Integrated System Support: Staff Learn Fast, Performance and Productivity Boosted With New Instant Online Chat and On-Demand Trai
Maestro PMS | October 10, 2018
Instant Chat Support Connects Property Staff with Maestro Help Teams; eLearning Tutorials Give Anytime System Instruction, Plus Direct Help from Any Maestro Screen Markham, Ontario – October 10, 2018 – Maestro PMS, the preferred cloud and on-premise PMS solution suite for independent hotels, luxury resorts, conference centers, and multi-property groups, launched a new expansion to their group of system-integrated, online Support and Training tools for users. The new enhancements are included in the latest Maestro PMS software release and give users a wide variety of preference-based options to connect with the Maestro teams...
Owned and Managed by Oceangate Investments, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Opens in Kingsville, Texas
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | October 10, 2018
Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International's TownePlace Suites by Marriott Kingsville is set to open for business today. On average, a TownePlace Suites opens every six days. Built for travelers looking for a simple and friendly place where they can settle-in, keep their routine, and easily connect to the Kingsville area. The new hotel located at 2574 US Highway 77, will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Oceangate Investments. "We are excited to introduce the TownePlace Suites brand to the Kingsville area," said Diane Mayer, vice president and global brand manager, TownePlace Suites. "At To...
HSMAI Remembers the Legacy of Neil W. Ostergren, CHME
HSMAI | October 10, 2018
Neil W. Ostergren, CHME, a longtime 'master of hotel marketing' and past chair of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), died October 6 in New York. He was 84 years old. Neil's inspiring enthusiasm, unique approaches to hospitality marketing, and his gift for building and maintaining extraordinary relationships could be seen throughout his long and distinguished career of more than 50 years. Neil held marketing positions with Roger Smith Hotels, Hilton International, Americana Hotels, and Wyndham Hotels; consulted internationally for Quatro Rodas Hotels in Brazil and the Ministry of Tourism in the Dominic...
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Opens in Nashville, Tennessee With General Manager Maisa Palacios at the Helm
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott | October 10, 2018
The 104-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Nashville, Tennessee is set to open today with a new décor that provides guests with a feeling of warmth and calm while traveling. Located at 511 Royal Parkway, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Nashville Airport will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by NNP Investments. Located two miles from Nashville International Airport, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Nashville Airport offers guests convenient access to Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Opry Mills Mall, Gaylord Springs Golf Links, Bridgestone Arena, and the downtown nightlife on Broadway. "Delivering both functi...
Scandal in wine world: 23 new Master Sommeliers stripped of titles after cheating discovered
October 10, 2018
Oct. 10--The wine world was shaken, not swirled, when scandal broke out Tuesday afternoon. In a letter sent out Tuesday, titled "Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas Board of Directors Takes Unanimous Actions to Preserve Integrity of Examination Process," the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers -- the nonprofit governing body of the sommeliers around the world -- said it had invalidated the results of 2018's tasting portion of the exam. On Sept. 10, the 24 members of the class of 2018 were inducted as master sommeliers, but Tuesday's news now casts into question the testing system. San Francisco Chronicle wine repor...
Design for Hollander Hospitality’s proposed Astoria, Oregon Fairfield Inn and Suites rejected a second time
October 10, 2018
Oct. 10--Plans to build a four-story hotel along the Columbia River have failed for a second time. Astoria's Design Review Committee was split 2-2 at a hearing Tuesday night on whether to approve a new design for Hollander Hospitality's 60-plus room Fairfield Inn and Suites. The size of the hotel was the primary issue. With only four committee members present, the split vote resulted in a tentative denial of the project. Mark Hollander, the owner of Hollander Hospitality, who attended the hearing, would not say if he plans to appeal the decision to the City Council. Hollander appealed to the City Council after the Design Review ...
Sports tourism ‘big business’ in Chicago Southland
October 10, 2018
Oct. 10--Non-traditional sporting events such as paintball competition, dodge ball and drone racing are helping the south and southwest suburbs draw tourists and their spending power, according to the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau. In highlighting tourism-related events in the region, the bureau, and its annual meeting held in Tinley Park, noted that during the fiscal year that ended this past June 30, more than 1.2 million hotel room nights were sold, generating more than $105 million in revenue for area hotels. That was down slightly from fiscal 2017, when 1.27 million hotel room nights were sold, generating $107 ...
Could Disney employees get free degrees at UCF?
October 10, 2018
Oct. 10--When Walt Disney Co. announced full-time and part-time hourly workers could obtain a free education, one school was noticeably absent on the list of eligible schools that were participating. The University of Central Florida's main campus is only about 30 miles from Walt Disney World Resort. Known for being one of the largest schools in the country, UCF also boasts about its robust online programs that many working students take advantage of. When reached for comment, UCF spokesman Mark Schlueb recently said the school was in early talks about joining the currently nine institutions -- including Valencia College and Univers...
Dr. Kiran Patel taking over JW Marriott hotel project on Clearwater Beach
October 10, 2018
Oct. 10--CLEARWATER BEACH -- Dr. Kiran Patel, one of Tampa Bay's best-known entrepreneurs, said he is taking over the JW Marriott hotel project on Clearwater Beach. Developer Uday Lele announced plans for the 166-room hotel with 36 residences early last year but the project has proceed in fits and starts since then. "The value I would bring is the certainty of completion of the project because the financial needs will be met," Patel said in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times today. "I will not need additional partners or things like that or wait for the sale (of units) to be completed." Patel, who owns other h...
InterMountain Management Opens 335-Key Dual-Branded SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites in Orlando, Florida
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | October 9, 2018
Orlando, FL – October 9, 2018 – Marriott International, Inc. today announced that a combined 180-suite SpringHill Suites and 155-suite TownePlace Suites hotel in Orlando, Florida opens today. Located at 8040 Palm Parkway, the property will be managed by InterMountain Management, LLC of Monroe Louisiana. General Manager Clint Militzer and Director of Sales Nicole Belue lead the management team for InterMountain Management. The six-story property will share 3,767 square feet of meeting space, a fitness center, an onsite bar and grill, a beach-entry pool and splash pad, an arcade, a business center and a complimentary hot break...
Developed by Eagle Hills Jordan, 207-Room Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba Opens in Jordan
October 9, 2018
The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts, announced today the opening of its first property in the Kingdom of Jordan, the highly anticipated Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba. Developed by Eagle Hills Jordan, the 207-room hotel is located in the heart of Aqaba's newest beachside destination, Saraya Aqaba, offering guests a contemporary luxury experience in a setting that merges Jordan's rich heritage and history through traditional architecture, sumptuous décor and magnificent surroundings. "The Luxury Collection is thrilled to continue its rapid, global expansion with the opening of Al Manara, the brand's...
Arbor Lodging Partners, MBRE Healthcare, and Metro Park Partnership Acquires 352-Room Dual-Branded Homewood Suites and Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/Ma
Arbor Lodging | October 9, 2018
(CHICAGO; October 9, 2018)– Executives from Arbor Lodging Partners, MBRE Healthcare, and Metro Park are pleased to announce the acquisition of a 352-room dual-branded hotel, 93,000 square foot medical office building, and 225-stall parking garage at 150 and 160 E. Huron Street, located a block from the Magnificent Mile and directly across from the Northwestern University Medical Campus in Chicago. The acquisition required a creative co-investment structure for three different property types. The 40-story, Class A building is vertically subdivided into medical office space (floors 7-13), two sister hotels (floors 14-40), and a vale...
The Future of Private Equity and Private Markets
Stuart Pallister | October 9, 2018
By Stuart Pallister Ecole hôteliere de Lausanne, a leading hospitality school, recently staged the 2nd annual private markets research conference. Private equity was a major focus this year particularly as the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund had recently decided against investing in this area. Private equity, or unlisted equity investment, has had an impact on a wide range of industries, including hospitality. A few years ago, Blackstone's $26 billion Hilton deal was hailed as the best leveraged buyout ever. According to a Bloomberg View columnist, the most profitable equity deal in history was 'badly timed but brilliantly execute...
IHG Signs Multiple Development Agreement With GS Star for 15 avid® Hotels to Open in Germany Over the Next Five Years
IHG | October 9, 2018
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has announced a Multiple Development Agreement (MDA) with existing partner GS Star GmbH (GS Star) to bring 15 avid® hotels to the German market. This marks a significant milestone launching avid hotels, IHG's newest mainstream brand, in Europe for the first time. Germany is a priority market for IHG with 122 hotels already open or in the development pipeline. Strong growth momentum of 50 new signings since 2015 has been driven by IHG's 11 active MDA partners, which has expanded IHG's mainstream presence in Germany particularly with the Holiday Inn&...
Hard Rock International Names Paul Pellizzari Vice President of Global Social Responsibility
Hard Rock International | October 9, 2018
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Oct. 9, 2018 – Hard Rock International announces the appointment of Paul Pellizzari as vice president of global social responsibility. In his new position, Pellizzari will hold overall accountability for the growing entertainment brand's social responsibility programs and initiatives. In his previous role, Pellizzari led social responsibility for Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and developed a global leadership position for the corporation. This work included building and leading OLG's responsible gaming program, which was named "Best Overall Responsible Gaming Program in the World" by the Worl...
G6 Hospitality Announces 2018 Franchise Awards Winners
G6 Hospitality LLC | October 9, 2018
DALLAS, Oct. 9, 2018 -- G6 Hospitality LLC, a leader in the economy lodging segment and known for its brands Motel 6 and Studio 6 in the U.S. and Canada, today announced its 2018 franchise award winners. At the 2018 G6 Hospitality Owner's Conference in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, G6 Hospitality executives honored 15 franchisees and partners whose contributions have helped strengthen and grow the enterprise with properties that continue to deliver clean, comfortable accommodations and great guest experiences. G6 Hospitality also revealed that year-to-date, 94 properties have opened under the Motel 6 or Studio 6 brands. "We're ...
Ashford Trust Enters Agreement to Acquire the La Posada de Santa Fe for $50 Million
October 9, 2018
DALLAS, Oct. 9, 2018 -- Acquisition Highlights: Iconic boutique resort located in the affluent and high barriers-to-entry Santa Fe, New Mexicomarket proximate to the historic Santa Fe Plaza Exceptional amenities including four food & beverage outlets, an award-winning full-service spa and 7,800 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space Revenue per available room (RevPAR) of $155 for the 12 months ended August 31, 2018 The Property is a member of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio Property is in excellent physical condition with limited capex needs In connection with this acquisition, Ashford Inc. has committed to provide Ashf...
BENCHMARK® Names Pete Page Executive Chef for Chaminade Resort & Spa, Santa Cruz
Chaminade Resort & Spa | October 9, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, October 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Pete Page as executive chef for Chaminade Resort & Spa, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels historic property located in Santa Cruz, California. Kevin Herbst, general manager, made the announcement. "I am very pleased to welcome Chef Pete to our resort," said Mr. Herbst. "He comes to us with an incredible resume, having developed remarkable culinary programs for historic and landmark properties, earning industry awards and recognition along the way. He has also traveled throughout the country, gaining extensive regional cooking...
Legend Hotel Lagos Airport Opens at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Marking Curio Collection Debut in Africa
Larry Mogelonsky | October 5, 2018
LAGOS, Nigeria and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE:HLT) today announced the opening of Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Curio Collection by Hilton, which marks Hilton's 500th hotel to open across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The hotel joins the exclusive Curio Collection by Hilton, a collection of more than 60 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts celebrated for their individuality and appeals to travellers seeking local and authentic experiences. Legend Hotel Lagos Airport is located at Murtala Muhammed International Airport which serves more than eight million passengers each year [1]. The stylish hotel is adjacent to the airport's private...
Belinda Daniel Named as Director of Sales for Dallas Marriott Las Colinas
IHG | October 5, 2018
DALLAS—October 5, 2018 – Clifton Thiebaud, General Manager of the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas, has announced the recent addition of Belinda Daniel as Director of Sales for the 364-room hotel located on Lake Carolyn in Irving, Texas. Ms. Daniel has been in various sales roles for 18 years, including roles with Olympus America in Irving, IBM Corporation in Dallas before entering the hospitality industry in 2010 as Business Travel Sales Manager at the Dallas/Fort Worth Marriot Hotel & Golf Club at Champions Circle. During her time there she met and exceeded monthly and quarterly goals averaging 128% and was named Sales Mana...
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun Appoints Raúl Villagrán as Director of Sales and Marketing
Cheeca Lodge & Spa | October 5, 2018
CANCUN, MEXICO - OCTOBER 5, 2018 - Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun is pleased to announce Raúl Villagrán as the resort's new Director of Sales and Marketing. In this dynamic role, Raúl's primary responsibility is to lead the resort's sales and marketing team and encourage its continued growth and success. Additionally, he will spearhead strategic initiatives to further expand business and enhance international awareness of this renowned luxury oceanfront property. "We are thrilled to welcome Raúl to our seasoned staff of hospitality professionals," said Alberto Gurrola, General...
Hilton Singapore Welcomes New Executive Chef Kazi Hassan
Stanley Turkel | October 5, 2018
SINGAPORE - Hilton Singapore welcomes new Executive Chef Kazi Hassan who brings over 15 years of international culinary experiences from various acclaimed establishments, five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurant across Australia, Middle East and Asia. Born in Bangladesh and raised in Australia at a very young age, Hassan proclaims himself a modern Australian Chef yet holds true to his Bangladeshi roots with a penchant for spices and aromatic flavours. "We are thrilled to have Chef Kazi Hassan on board at Hilton Singapore. His extensive international culinary experiences at top five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurant wil...
Hotel Messaging Is at a Crossroads
ALICE | November 9, 2016
Messaging is exploding as an engagement channel at hotels. Within the past year, hotel brands big and small have made headlines for their experiments with various messaging channels, as well as for the development of their own messaging apps. Despite of, or perhaps because of this growth in messaging, several fault lines have emerged in its adoption. In Part 1 of this piece, we look at messaging's place in the industry -- how brands are using it and why they've taken to it with such verve. In Part 2, we discuss the five of the biggest conflicts we're seeing emerge in this hospitality messaging revolution. And in Part 3 we look at how ALICE is...
