International Visitors Spent Nearly $20.1 Billion Traveling Within the United States in March
National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) | May 23rd, 2024
CBRE Expects RevPAR Growth to Improve in H2 2024, Driven by Holiday and International Travel
CBRE Group, Inc. | May 16th, 2024
Phoenix American Hospitality Appoints Jan Kuehnemann as VP of Acquisitions and Asset Management
Phoenix American Hospitality | April 23, 2019
DALLAS, TEXAS (April 23, 2019) -- Phoenix American Hospitality, a Dallas-based opportunistic hotel fund manager, announces the appointment of Jan Kuehnemann as Vice President of Acquisitions and Asset Management. Kuehnemann joins Phoenix American with more than 15 years of experience in hotel investment, strategic planning, asset management and operations. Most recently, Kuehnemann served as Vice President of Capital Transactions Group at FelCor Lodging Trust, where he was responsible for all acquisitions and dispositions efforts of the company. During his tenure with FelCor, he closed on over $2 billion in hotel transactions and negoti...
Rising Capex, Development and Wellness Construction
Mia A. Mackman | April 22, 2019
By Mia A. Mackman This article reviews contributing factors to rising capital expenditures and investment demands in relationship to progressively important guest experiences and wellness attributes. As increasing wellness and lifestyle features continue to emerge across the hospitality sector focused on well-being, new value propositions continue to evolve. This article reviews Capex spending increases amid rising construction costs, and consumer demand with an emphasis on the value of incorporating enhanced spa and wellness-oriented property features. Transition and Demand Over the last decade, the spa and wellness sector has faced tr...
Islamorada’s Amara Cay Resort Appoints Chris Cash as Executive Chef
April 22, 2019
Islamorada, Fla. (April 22, 2019) – Resting along the Atlantic Ocean and immersed in the vibrant culture of the Florida Key's Islamorada, the casually redefined Amara Cay Resort proudly announces Chris Cash as executive chef. Bringing a passion for fresh Florida Keys style cooking, Cash will oversee the property's signature restaurant, Reelburger, along with food and beverage efforts for meetings and special event catering. "We are thrilled to have Chef Chris join our team at Amara Cay Resort," said Miguel Waldo, general manager of Amara Cay Resort. "He is a natural leader and his innovative approach will no doubt elevate the food...
Accor Appoints Heather McCrory as Chief Executive Officer, North & Central America
Accor | April 22, 2019
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group offering unique experiences in nearly 4,800 hotels, resorts and private residences, an unparalleled portfolio of brands, and cutting edge digital services, has announced the appointment of Heather McCrory as Chief Executive Officer, North & Central America. McCrory will also serve as a member of the Group's Executive Committee. Noting the appointment, Chris Cahill, Deputy CEO responsible for Hotel Operations & CEO Luxury Brands, Accor commented, "I am pleased to welcome Heather to our Group's Executive Committee and into her new role as Chief Executive Officer overseeing the successful op...
Provenance Hotels Appoints Sean Castady as General Manager at Woodlark in Portland, Oregon
Provenance Hotels | April 22, 2019
PORTLAND, ORE. (April 22, 2019) – Provenance Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Castady as General Manager of Woodlark, the newest property within the boutique portfolio. In his new role, Castady will oversee daily operations, revenue generation and quality management to solidify Woodlark's position as a trendsetter in upscale accommodations within the Portland market. Bringing more than 13 years of hospitality management experience to the table, Castady boasts an impressive career succession from Guest Services at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, Florida to Front Office Manager at The London West ...
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel Appoints Kristin Duncan as General Manager
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel | April 22, 2019
Chicago, IL (April 22, 2019) – Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kristin Duncan as General Manager of the 530-room property located steps from the Theater District. Duncan has 30 years of experience with Marriott in a variety of roles, most recently as the General Manager of the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook. "I am excited to bring my own touch of hospitality to this city property and cannot wait to collaborate with such a creative and innovative team. I will work hard to ensure that the Marriott ideals are upheld and that our guests enjoy the very best in service and comfort," says Duncan....
Margaritaville Appoints Shamim Lodin as Director of Hotel Development
Margaritaville | April 18, 2019
Orlando, Fla. – April 18, 2019 – Margaritaville Holdings today announced the appointment of Shamim Lodin as director of hotel development. Bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience to the position, Shamim will lead the portfolio expansion for both the Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts and COMPASS select-service brands across the Americas region, including the Latin American and Caribbean markets. "As we continue to expand our business to new coordinates, we couldn't be happier to have Shamim join the Margaritaville team," said Rick Cunningham, senior vice president of hotel development. "With extensive experien...
Sage Hospitality Appoints Dean Griffin as General Manager of the JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek
April 18, 2019
Denver, Colo. (April 18, 2019) - Sage Hospitality, a leading hotel management and investment company, is pleased to announce that Dean Griffin is now serving as the General Manager at the JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek. With nearly 20 years of luxury hospitality experience, Griffin was most recently a hotel manager at California's Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Other previous experience includes management positions at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa and The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix. A graduate of the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management at Northern Ari...
Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center Appoints David Child as General Manager
Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center | April 18, 2019
North Bethesda, MD [April 18, 2019] – The sweeping transformation of the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center is delighted to announce the appointment of the new General Manager, David Child to lead the executive team at the 455-guest room hotel overlooking the Rockville corridor. Recognized as a seasoned-industry leader, Child brings a 30-year tenure in hospitality and has built his reputation in Marriott brands throughout the D.C. metropolitan region. Child who took helm on March 30, 2019 and succeeded former general manager Bob Daley, was most previously the general manager of the Bethesda Marriott. He joined the...
Revenue Is Rising, But Collecting Is More Challenging
Robert Mandelbaum | April 18, 2019
By Robert Mandelbaum According to STR, U.S. hotels achieved all-time high levels of occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR in 2018. While a record number of guests are staying at hotels, and revenues are flowing in, the ability to collect these funds is starting to become more of a challenge. Per the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry, an account entitled "Provision for Doubtful Accounts" has been established in the Administrative and General Department of a hotel operating statement. Each month, hotel managers estimate the portion of their property's receivables that they do not believe will be collectible. The Provision for Doubt...
Brands Performance Update
Rodney G. Clough | April 18, 2019
By Rodney G. Clough The following article illustrates the 2018 RevPAR levels across four categories, from the top RevPAR earners to the low end; we note that the statistics for this article, inclusive of occupancy and average daily rate (ADR), were pulled from the various 10-K filings of the brands on their corporate websites. 2018 RevPAR, Top Ten Source: 10K filings Ritz-Carlton led the pack in RevPAR, with W Hotels, Waldorf Astoria, and Park Hyatt not too far behind. It should be noted that Four Seasons does not disclose brand averages. Occupancy levels from the above group ranged from a low of 71.4% (Waldorf Astoria) to a high of 82....
CBRE Arranges Sale of the Hyatt Place Emeryville/San Francisco Bay Area
CBRE | April 17, 2019
CBRE has announced the sale of the Hyatt Place Emeryville/San Francisco Bay Area, a 175-unit hotel located in Emeryville. Henry Bose and Mark McDermott of CBRE Hotels in San Francisco represented the seller in the transaction. Opened in 2016, the six-story hotel contains 175 units and enjoys a premier location in the vibrant Bay Street lifestyle center, surrounded by major corporate employers, such as Pixar, Novartis, Peet's Coffee corporate office and the Joint Bio Energy Institute. Hyatt Place offers visitors access to a fitness center, a patio with fire pits, a business center and a total of 150 parking spaces, along with sweeping vi...
Caesars Entertainment Appoints Tony Rodio as Chief Executive Officer
Caesars Entertainment | April 17, 2019
LAS VEGAS – April 17, 2019 – Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR) ("Caesars Entertainment", "Caesars" or the "Company") today announced that its Board of Directors has named Anthony ("Tony") Rodio as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Rodio, who is currently CEO of Affinity Gaming, will be transitioning to Caesars during the next thirty days. He will join the Company's Board of Directors and be based in Las Vegas. The Board also announced the creation of a Transaction Committee to oversee the Company's evaluation of ongoing efforts in creating additional shareholder value....
Lord Baltimore Hotel Names Beth Dinice as New Executive Chef
Lord Baltimore | April 17, 2019
Baltimore, MD – The Lord Baltimore Hotel welcomes Elizabeth (Beth) Dinice as the new executive chef for the historic and award-winning hotel located in Downtown Baltimore. Chef Dinice will oversee the culinary operations for the LB Bakery, LB Tavern and Skybar in addition to all banquets and private functions while upholding the hotel the hotel's commitment to sourcing the most sustainable and seasonal products from the Chesapeake region by working with local farmers, growers and distributors. Chef Dinice brings a wealth of cooking and culinary management experience to the Lord Baltimore Hotel having worked for such noted hosp...
Concord Hospitality Taps Bernardo Neto as General Manager of The Ben Set for Late 2019 Opening in West Palm Beach
The Ben | April 17, 2019
West Palm Beach, Fla., April 2019 – Industry sophisticate Bernardo Neto will bring Vegas flair tempered with Four Seasons charm to his new role as General Manager of West Palm Beach's soon-to-be social epicenter, The Ben. This Marriott Autograph Collection hotel has found its home at the corner of North Narcissus Avenue and Banyan Boulevard, as the nucleus of Flagler Banyan Square and only a stroll away from the buzz of Clematis Street. Currently under construction and on track for its long-awaited reveal by December 2019, The Ben is already stirring up the hype around town and is highly anticipated as the city's gathering locale ...
Dream Hotel Group Appoints Vaughn Davis as the General Manager of Dream Hollywood
Dream Hotels | April 17, 2019
NEW YORK, NY (April 17, 2019) – Renowned hotel brand and management company, Dream Hotel Group is pleased to announce the hiring of Vaughn Davis as General Manager of Dream Hollywood, overseeing all aspects of the operations for the 178 room hotel, which boasts six food and beverage outlets perfectly nestled in the iconic Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Davis has previous experience with the brand, as he was Director of Guest Services, Dream Downtown in New York City from November 2013 to July 2015, and is a welcomed addition to the bustling Los Angeles property. Vaughn Davis has achieved international recognition for his u...
Hapi Appoints Sebastien Januskiewicz as Data Architect
Hapi | April 16, 2019
Experienced hospitality data specialist tapped to assist with API design and architecture for disruptive data streaming, integration and enrichment platform Orlando, FL – April 16, 2019 – Hapi, the premier data streaming, integration and enrichment platform dedicated to the global hospitality market, announced today the appointment of Sebastien Januskiewicz as Data Architect for the company. Januskiewicz joins the rapidly growing team of seasoned hospitality technology professionals at Hapi, who are joining forces to solve the hotel industry's rapidly expanding data integration challenges. Januskiewicz brings a strong hospit...
BENCHMARK® Names Frank Casarez, Jr., General Manager for The Nautical Beachfront Resort
April 16, 2019
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, April 2019 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Frank Casarez, Jr., general manager for The Nautical Beachfront Resort, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Greg Champion, Benchmark's chief operating officer, made the announcement. "It is with great pleasure that I formally welcome Frank to our company," said Mr. Champion. "he has brought vast and successful leadership experience to our resort, and understands the property's market well, having previously served in resort areas within Arizona." Frank Casarez, Jr., brings extensive seni...
Casa Palopó Welcomes Eduardo Gonzalez as Executive Chef
April 16, 2019
GUATEMALA – April, 2019: The award-winning Casa Palopó welcomes local celebrity chef Eduardo Gonzalez to lead culinary operations at the luxury boutique hotel. In his role, Chef Gonzalez will oversee new menu development and food and beverage programming to enhance the overall gastronomic experience at Guatemala's first and only Relais & Chateaux property. Chef Gonzalez is locally renowned for his role in the television program "Flavors of my Land," in which he and his co-host focused on ingredients native to Guatemala. He is currently the host of "A Menu for All," a daily cooking program that features simple recipes an...
Waterparks: Growth Trends in 2019
David J. Sangree | April 15, 2019
Diving Into Waterpark Growth Trends in 2019: 2019 will bring growth to the U.S. & Canadian markets as waterparks continue to evolve their attraction mix. By David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC For the ever-growing waterpark industry, 2019 will be another year for robust growth as over $1 billion in investment is slated for indoor and outdoor waterparks and their related resorts. We project 21 municipal and private outdoor waterparks will open and three resorts will add or expand outdoor waterparks. The indoor segment will total 629,200 square feet of new waterpark space in 12 properties. Three of this year's most anticipated and exp...
Six Senses New York Appoints Rebecca Soloff as Director Sales and Marketing
April 15, 2019
BANGKOK – April 15, 2019 – Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebecca Soloff as director of sales and marketing at Six Senses New York, the group's first North American property which is currently under development. Rebecca joins Six Senses following a posting as director of sales and marketing at The Mark Hotel, New York. With over 17 years of experience in sales and marketing, Rebecca strengthened her skills and relationships at The New York Palace Hotel and The Lowell Hotel, New York which grew her experience into the role of director of sales and marketing. Rebecca graduated with a B...
Meliá Lima Welcomes Lati Naimi as New General Manager
April 15, 2019
APRIL 15, 2019 (Lima, Peru) – Meliá Hotels International, Spain's leading hotel company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lati Naimi as General Manager of Meliá Lima. The hotel is currently undergoing a one-million-dollar renovation under the supervision of the ASAH study of the Spanish Architect Álvaro Sanz and plans to unveil in 2020 with a more functional and modern design that embraces elegance and the quality of the brand. Having worked at several properties within the Meliá Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Naimi not only brings 15 years of experience within the hospitality industry but als...
Soon-to-Open AC Hotel Los Angles South Bay Appoints Ahmed Elassy as General Manager
Welcome Group, Inc. | April 15, 2019
El Segundo, CA – April 2019 – The AC Hotel Los Angeles South Bay, a design-led European lifestyle Marriott brand hotel slated to open in early summer, announces the appointment of Ahmed Elassy as General Manager. Located in the growing South Bay region of Los Angeles County, the new-build property will be a new social hub for locals as well as a central starting point for visitors exploring this bustling destination. With 20 years of hospitality industry experience, Ahmed Elassy joins the AC Hotel Los Angeles South Bay as General Manager by way of the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport, where he served as the Director of O...
Christoph Schmidinger Appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Madrid Opening Late 2019
Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Madrid | April 15, 2019
April 15, 2019, Toronto, Canada – In advance of the highly anticipated opening of the first Four Seasons hotel in Spain, Christoph Schmidinger has been appointed opening General Manager to oversee the new luxury hotel set to open in late 2019. Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Madrid will be located in the heart of the historical city centre, converting several spectacular heritage buildings into a 200-room hotel and 22 Private Residences. Schmidinger started his Four Seasons career 25 years ago, and after a series of international assignments in Singapore, Chicago, Atlanta, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur, he assumed leadership ...
