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Benchmark Hospitality Names Ender Oktayuren Executive Chef at World of Whirlpool in Chicago, IL
Whirlpool Brand | September 6, 2013
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, September 6, 2013 - Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Ender Oktayuren executive chef for World of Whirlpool, located in the historic Reid Murdoch Building in the River North area of Chicago. Ken Jesina, conference center manager for World of Whirlpool, Whirlpool Corporation's flagship brand and product experience center for influencers in the appliance industry, made the announcement. "It is a pleasure to welcome Ender to the leadership team here at the World of Whirlpool," said Mr. Jesina. "He has been with us for a year and a half as so...
Radisson Blu Warwick Philadelphia Appoints Shannon Munley-Foster as Director of Sales and Marketing
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | September 6, 2013
PHILADELPHIA (September 6, 2013) -- The new Radisson Blu Warwick Philadelphia today announced the appointment of Shannon Munley-Foster as director of sales and marketing. Munley-Foster will oversee all sales, marketing and public relations functions for the 301-room historic property. "Shannon will play a crucial role as we complete the conversion of the Radisson Plaza - Warwick Hotel Philadelphia to a Radisson Blu property," said Joanne Cunningham, general manager of the hotel. "Her extensive background in developing and executing sales and marketing initiatives for hotels throughout the US is vital to the property during this exciting...
Choice Hotels Appoints Thomas Song as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development
Choice Hotels | September 6, 2013
ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 6, 2013 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, today announced it has named Thomas Song as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development. Mr. Song will report to Patrick Pacious, Executive Vice President, Global Strategy and Operations at Choice Hotels. In his new role, Mr. Song will direct strategic initiatives that drive growth and profitability. He also will lead the company's efforts to identify and evaluate corporate investment opportunities, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic business alliances. "In today's global marketplace, companies with unique...
Kathleen Maola Named General Manager for CA’s SpringHill Suites Oceanside Hotel to Open in Q1 2014
September 5, 2013
OCEANSIDE, Calif., Sept. 5, 2013 - The new SpringHill Suites Oceanside hotel in California and Denver-based Sage Hospitality are excited to announce Kathleen Maola as General Manager. The SpringHill Suites is set to open in early 2014 as a contemporary modern piece in Oceanside with unique amenities including a roof top pool, scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and Hello Betty, a unique fish house concept by Restaurateur, Peter Karpinski. Maola joins top hotel investment and management group Sage Hospitality for the first time but has been a member of Marriott Hotels & Resorts for more than four years at the Courtyard by Marriott San ...
Accor Signs Agreement for Three Moscow, Russia Hotels that Will Add 700 Rooms to Group’s Portfolio
Accor | September 5, 2013
September 5, 2013 - Accor, the world's leading hotel operator, announces that it has entered into a long-term Management Agreement with one of the largest Russian development companies PATERO Development* to manage a hotel complex as part of a multi-functional center to be constructed next to Kievsky Railway Station, in the center of Moscow. This development will add 700 rooms to the capital of Russia and confirms the Group's commitment to Russia, as Accor celebrates its 21st anniversary on the Russian market. The Group currently operates 5 hotels in Moscow and a network of 18 hotels in Russia and the CIS. "Russia is one of the most imp...
Marriott International Appoints Dennis Whitelaw Country Manager and General Manager for Costa Rica
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose | September 5, 2013
New York (Sept. 5, 2013) - Marriott International reinforces its presence in Central America with the appointment of Dennis Whitelaw as both the Country Manager responsible for all managed properties in Costa Rica and General Manager for Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose. Dennis is an award-winning leader with more than 32 years of hospitality experience with Marriott International. "Dennis' past and present successes with our brand and his strength in connecting travelers to new destinations will heighten the brand's presence in Central America, further establishing us among Costa Rica's most celebrated accommodations" said Kevin Schw...
Benchmark Hospitality International Appoints Todd M. Felsen as Vice President of Operations
September 5, 2013
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, September 5, 2013 - Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Todd M. Felsen vice president of operations. Greg Champion, Benchmark's chief operating officer, made the announcement. Mr. Felsen will be based in Benchmark's Home Office in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston. "We congratulate Todd on his new appointment with Benchmark Hospitality," said Mr. Champion. "He comes to his position with significant proven experience and success with on-property leadership positions, and as well as previous corporate leadership expertise. Todd is a welcome ad...
The Minneapolis Marriott West Hotel Receives Prestigious TripAdvisor Green Leaders Award
TripAdvisor | September 5, 2013
Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 2013 ... CSM Lodging, a division of CSM Corporation, has announced that its property, the Minneapolis Marriott West Hotel, located in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, has received the prestigious Bronze GreenLeaders™ Award from TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel website. The GreenLeaders program helps travelers plan greener trips by identifying environmentally-friendly lodging accommodations across the United States. TripAdvisor awards GreenLeaders status to hotels that have met a set of environmental standards developed by a leading environmental consulting firm, with input from expert partners. The...
Aimbridge Hospitality Chosen to Manage the 223-room Embassy Suites Baton Rouge in Louisiana
Aimbridge Hospitality | September 5, 2013
DALLAS, TEXAS (September 5, 2013) - Aimbridge Hospitality, the nation's second largest independent hotel management and investment firm, announced today that it has been chosen to manage the Embassy Suites Baton Rouge Hotel, located in the heart of Baton Rouge just minutes from Louisiana State University. The Embassy Suites Baton Rouge will soon undergo a full renovation to the property's public space, meetings and events space and all guestrooms. The hotel will remain open during renovations, and the updates and improvements are expected to be complete in summer 2014. The all-suite, 223-room hotel boasts more than 7,000 square feet of ...
For Those Seeking that One-of-a-Kind Vacation: Ten Incredibly Unique Hotels around the World
September 5, 2013
SINGAPORE, Sept. 5, 2013 - From an accommodation made entirely of salt to a former prison building turned luxury abode, these incredibly quirky hotels are sure to tickle your fancy and trigger the travel bug in you. Enjoy a quest to the wackiest holiday havens with this list of the most unique hotels around the world, according to TripAdvisor editors. Seaventures Dive Resort - Off Mabul Island, Malaysia Situated about 0.7 kilometres from Mabul Island in Sabah, Seaventures is not your typical dive resort. This former exploration jack-up rig has been refashioned into a PADI 5-Star IDC Dive Resort but still maintains the charm of a working...
Eight Key Strategies for Climbing TripAdvisor Rankings
Daniel Edward Craig | September 4, 2013
By Daniel Edward Craig September 2013 In researching for Climbing TripAdvisor's Popularity Index webinar last month, I asked a range of hoteliers how they achieved-and maintain-top-10 rankings. Their testimonials underscore that despite the disruptive force social media has had on the hotel industry, traditional hospitality has never been more important. During the webinar, Brian Payea, TripAdvisor's Head of Industry Relations, explained that while many factors go into the Popularity Index algorithm, the key areas to focus on are review quality, recency and volume, calling them "hugely important." As for the benefits of a top ranking, A...
Hilton Worldwide Opens the 280-key Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok in Thailand
Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok | September 4, 2013
BANGKOK and MCLEAN, Va. - September 04, 2013 - Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok in Bangkok, Thailand. Located in the heart of prestigious Sukhumvit, one of Bangkok's most central business and entertainment districts, Hilton Sukhumvihit Bangkok is the ninth Hilton Worldwide hotel in the country. Hilton Worldwide is also celebrating its 30th anniversary in Thailand and reiterated its commitment to growing its presence in the country. "Thailand, and Bangkok in particular, has always been a popular business and leisure destination, and the country holds special significance to us as we've been operati...
HeBS Digital’s Meta Search Marketing Platform Wins Interactive Media Award
HeBS Digital | September 4, 2013
New York, NY (September 4, 2013) – HeBS Digital, the hospitality industry's leading full-service digital technology and marketing firm, today announced that it has been awarded Outstanding Achievement in Website Development by the Interactive Media Awards™ for its meta search marketing technology platform, the HeBS Digital MetaSearch Gateway. Judging consisted of an extensive range of criteria, including technology innovation, design, usability, standards compliance and content. In order to win this award level, the technology had to meet strict guidelines in each area. HeBS Digital's proprietary MetaSearch Gateway is a marketing en...
NATHIC 2013 Moves to Chicago, Becoming Midwest’s Sole Investment Event
Questex Hospitality + Travel | September 4, 2013
NEW YORK (Sept. 4, 2013) ─ Questex Hospitality + Travel, the world's largest multinational media, event and e-commerce company serving the global hospitality and travel industry, today announced that its North America Hotel Investment Conference (NATHIC) will be held Nov. 20-22 at the newly renovated Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile, becoming the only event of its kind in the Midwest. Now in its fifth year, the two-day event, previously held in Washington, has been re-energized with a new venue and enhanced agenda including a hospitality real estate showcase with top brokers and a "hotel shark tank" competition based on the popular real...
Romain Roulleau Joins Accor as Senior Vice President e-Commerce
Accor | September 3, 2013
September 3, 2013 - Romain Roulleau has joined Accor beginning of August as Senior Vice President e-Commerce in charge of the Group's direct web sales. He reports to Jean-Luc Chrétien, Executive Vice-President Distribution, Sales and Loyalty. Distribution, and particularly the switch to digital sales, is one of the key challenges in Accor's transformation. Romain Roulleau's task will be to define the strategy for web sales made through the Accorhotels.com multi-brand portal and websites of each of the Group's brands. In this position, he will be in charge of the animation of all e-commerce websites, their contents, animation, new servi...
HITEC Video Report: InvoTech Showcases Latest Labor Saving UHF-RFID Linen and Uniform Systems
InvoTech Systems | September 3, 2013
InvoTech Launches New Touch-Screen Controls for Bulk Laundry Cart Reading Station; Demonstrates Mobile Software and Wi-Fi Handheld Reader that Simplifies Uniform and Linen Inventory Management, Reduces Labor Hours LOS ANGELES, CA - September 3, 2013 - – InvoTech Systems, Inc., the leading provider of solutions that increase profitability for hotels, casinos, laundries and related industries, produced a 2-minute video highlighting its newest UHF-RFID System for Hotel Uniform and Linen management at the recent HITEC tradeshow in Minneapolis, MN. InvoTech celebrated 20 years of industry service and customer focused technology development...
New Property Manager for 411-Room The Westin Chicago North Shore
BuildCentral | September 3, 2013
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Have Updated 215 Hotels in the Last Two Weeks with Changes in Personnel, Property Management or Ownership Chicago, IL. September 3, 2013 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have reported 215 changes in personnel, property management and ownership in the Hotel Profiles database over the last two weeks. Many hotels are getting a fresh start with a new Owner, Property Manager or General Manager. Recommend your product or service to someone who might be looking for a change. Hotels Under New Management: Dallas Marriott Suites Medical/Market Center (Dallas, TX) Residence Inn Palm Desert (Palm Desert, CA) Resid...
Intuition and a Passion for Serving Others Adds to Success of Father-Son Duo’s Family Business
August 29, 2013
Burt Cabañas and Alex Cabañas have both appeared on HispanicBusiness' Top 50 Influentials list. Burt Cabañas made the list in 2007 as chairman and CEO of Benchmark Hospitality and Alex Cabañas made the list in 2011 as president of business development and finance. August 29, 2013 - Alex Cabañas never planned to join the family business but when he realized his outside experience could benefit Benchmark Hospitality International, he gave it a second thought. If the company's financials are any indication, Mr. Cabañas' decision was the right one. The company grossed $19.1 million in 2012, and also landed on the 2013 HispanicBusiness...
Midas Hospitality Appoints Janna Sartini as Director of Sales for Candlewood Suites in Champaign, IL
Midas Hospitality, LLC | August 29, 2013
SAINT LOUIS, MO, August 29, 2013 - St. Louis-based hotel owner, operator and developer, Midas Hospitality announces the hiring of Janna Sartini, Director of Sales - Candlewood Suites - Champaign, IL. With a Bachelor's and Master's degree from the University of Illinois, Janna has spent her professional career with I Operations, LLC where she held positions as Director of Sales, Assistant General Manager and most recently General Manager of the Houlihan's at the I Hotel - Champaign, IL. Midas EVP & Principal - Sales & Marketing, Kurt Furlong, states "We are extremely pleased to add Janna Sartini to the Candlewood Suites - Champai...
Jennifer Byerly Hired as Director of Sales for the 104-room Residence Inn – Columbus/Worthington, OH
Midas Hospitality | August 28, 2013
SAINT LOUIS, MO, August 28, 2013 - St. Louis-based hotel owner, operator and developer, Midas Hospitality announces the hiring of Jennifer Byerly, Director of Sales - Residence Inn by Marriott - Columbus / Worthington, OH. Known for their recent portfolio growth and successful asset repositioning, Midas Hospitality recently announced the addition of the Residence Inn by Marriott - Columbus / Worthington, OH and now appoints Jennifer Byerly Director of Sales. Midas EVP & Principal - Sales & Marketing, Kurt Furlong, states "We are extremely pleased to add Jennifer Byerly to the Residence Inn by Marriott - Columbus / Worthington, O...
Owner, Big Red Hotel II, Opens the 104-room Hilton Garden Inn Lincoln Downtown/Haymarket in Nebraska
Hilton Garden Inn | August 28, 2013
LINCOLN, Neb. - August 28, 2013 - Hilton Garden Inn® the award-winning brand of upscale, yet affordable hotels, announced the opening of the 104 room Hilton Garden Inn Lincoln Downtown/Haymarket, representing an addition to the brand's growing portfolio of more than 570 hotels worldwide. The new Hilton Garden Inn Lincoln Downtown/Haymarket is owned by Big Red Hotel II LLC. and managed by Lincoln Hotel Group LLC. Situated just minutes from the Pinnacle Bank Arena, the University of Nebraska and Memorial Stadium, and the State Capitol/Governor's Mansion, Hilton Garden Inn Lincoln Downtown/Haymarket provides the amenities to ensure guests...
NORTHWIND Launches Maestro PMS RevGen Suite for Independents
Maestro Property Management Solution | August 28, 2013
Maestro PMS RevGen Suite is Powerful Business Toolset to Drive Guest Retention, Shift Bookings to Hotel Websites, Increase Marketing ROI, and Maximize Profits Markham, ON - August 28, 2013 - NORTHWIND, provider of Maestro™ Enterprise Property Management announced its groundbreaking RevGen Suite. Maestro's RevGen gives independent operators a unified set of Business Intelligence (BI), Yield Management, and e-Marketing tools that enable them to be more successful. NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS provides hotel software and reservation software solutions for the industry's leading independent hotel, resort, and multi-property groups. Click here t...
Creativity “on” the Job – 25 Outlandish Excuses Americans Use To Get More Vacation Time
Choice Hotels | August 28, 2013
New Survey From Choice Hotels: Most Americans Are Planning End-of-Summer/Fall Getaways ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 28, 2013 -- Heading into the long Labor Day weekend, most Americans (66 percent) report they plan to take a leisure trip for the end of the summer or fall this year, according to a nationwide survey conducted this month by Choice Hotels International, Inc., (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies. As the peak summer travel season draws to a close, nearly two-thirds of Americans polled (63 percent) said they could use more vacation time. The top things they would do with their extra time off: just relax (58 percent)...
Sébastien Bazin Appointed as Accor’s Chairman and CEO
Accor | August 27, 2013
Paris, August 27, 2013 - The Board of Directors of Accor that convened on August 27, 2013, chaired by Philippe Citerne, decided to appoint Sébastien Bazin as Chairman and CEO of Accor. To take on this new role, Sébastien Bazin has ended all his duties at Colony Capital, which he had been heading since 1997. Philippe Citerne has been appointed as Vice-Chairman of Accor's Board of Directors. Philippe Citerne declared: "following the selection procedure, the Board has considered Sébastien as the best choice for Accor, among all high quality candidates that have been examined. His perfect understanding of the Group, his experience in the...
