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Why Aren’t Hotels Referring Friends
Larry Mogelonsky | September 11, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Common to modern apps as an incentivization tool for gathering new users, hotels should start to think of ways that they can drum up new business by prompting happy customers to refer their properties to other guests, either through digital or other ‘low tech’ methods. First, though, it’s important to note why these peer-to-peer systems work so well, particularly when deployed in a way that’s convenient for guests – that is, via email or mobile. Via a system of credit reward, you subtly encourage a user to be a brand advocate within his or her social group while also motiv...
RMS Introduces New Solution to Make Property Management Easier for Hoteliers
RMS - The Hospitality Cloud | September 11, 2019
[San Diego, CA - September 11, 2019] - RMS - The Hospitality Cloud, a leading provider of all-in-one, cloud-based hospitality solutions, today revealed RMS Prime, a streamlined version of its property management software for hotels. RMS Prime will enable more independent, boutique hotels to be able to take advantage of RMS’ innovative technology by shortening the initial onboarding process for single properties, and simplifying their daily operations. “The development of RMS Prime supports our goal of providing industry-leading property management software that will work for any hotel, regardless of size and complexity,” said Todd...
The Difference Between Loyalty Programs and Loyalty to a Brand
Alan Young | September 5, 2019
By Alan E. Young Loyalty is earned, and certainly not given, and there is a definite difference between loyalty programs and a guest’s loyalty to a brand. Hotel loyalty programs might seem ubiquitous today, but nearly 60% of guests still don’t belong to one. During the 2019 Skift Tech Forum, industry experts agreed that today’s travelers seek more than just opportunities to earn points – they want experiences. Mind you, that doesn't mean it's beyond reach. Hoteliers must work a little harder to understand precisely what factors drive guest loyalty in the modern age. Which brings us to the ultimate question — what makes guests l...
Olde Mill Inn Ties the Knot With Maestro PMS to Help Support 1,200 Corporate and Social Events a Year Including 240 Amazing Weddings
Maestro PMS | September 4, 2019
The Olde Mill Inn was voted “Best of Weddings” by The Knot from 2007 to 2019 and Maestro PMS is Part of the Wedding Party September 4, 2019 – The Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge, New Jersey embraces couples with two fairy-tale wedding venues on a landscaped 10-acre estate. In addition to more than 240 weddings per year, the property also works with numerous corporations and hosts approximately 1,200 social and corporate events annually. The Olde Mill Inn runs a high-volume property seven days a week. “Maestro PMS handles everything from fast, smooth check-ins to group rooming lists for our brides, and also delivers post-event Analyt...
Can Third-Party Managers Be the Answer to the Middle East’s Performance Sag?
David Eisen | September 3, 2019
By David Eisen The third-party hotel management agreement or HMA is decades old, yet still not fully embraced by the global hotel industry. But as industry fundamentals in regions like the Middle East sputter, impeding revenue and profitability, change could be afoot. Hotel owners with an eagle eye on the bottom line are now more inclined to seek out specialized experts to be the caretakers of their assets in order to keep profitability afloat. In the United States, the third-party management model thrives. According to the Management Companies 2019 Survey, released by Hotel Business, there are more than 140 such companies operating one...
Hotel Equities Onboards New Class of Management Trainees
Hotel Equities | September 3, 2019
Manager in Training program elevates next generation of hospitality leaders Atlanta, GA – September 3, 2019 – Hotel Equities (HE) welcomed a new class of trainees to its Manager in Training (MIT) program. The new group is HE’s fourth class of trainees to embark on its MIT program, first rolled-out in 2015. The program was designed for recent college graduates who have an interest in the hospitality industry. Following a series of interviews, seven individuals were selected to participate in the program. Kareem Downer, a graduate of Georgia State University; Lauren Cohen, a graduate of Florida State University; Cammie Nguyen, a gra...
Accor Celebrates Groundbreaking of Dual-Branded Melbourne Airport Hotel
Accor | September 3, 2019
Key points Dual-branded 464-room hotel operating under Accor’s Novotel and ibis Styles’ brands. 120 job opportunities created when open. 450 jobs created during construction. Total project cost $163 million. The first sod was turned today on the construction of a brand new hotel at Melbourne Airport to support growing traveller numbers and address constraints in hotel occupancy. The 464-room hotel, created to serve Melbourne’s burgeoning conference and tourism markets, will be conveniently located steps from Terminal 4 within a brand new precinct known as ‘The Hive’. The 10-storey hotel will be dual-branded o...
The WiFi-Free Hotel Restaurant
Larry Mogelonsky | August 29, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) This is not about ‘free WiFi’ but by placing the first word last it turns the concept on its head. The proposed idea here may seem a bit counterintuitive because a primary responsibility of modern hotels is to provide for our guests, with internet access being a clear necessity like heating and running water. However, those damn devices occupy so much of our time these days that they can affect covers and turns at a restaurant, particularly one that’s quite busy and looking for opportunities to maximize revenues without initiating a large-scale expansion. Having free and av...
JO&JOE Moves in With IKEA at Vienna West Station
JO&JOE | August 28, 2019
August 28, 2019 -- Preparations for the development of the new City IKEA at Westbahnhof station are progressing rapidly. Construction work on the seven-story building will commence in January 2020, and is scheduled for completion in 2021. The new hospitality offering is a perfect match for the innovative IKEA concept: the two upper floors of the building will contain an Open House by JO&JOE. Offering 345 beds, the JO&JOE location in Vienna will feature a fully integrated restaurant and bar on the rooftop as well as distinct JO&JOE event programming. After openings in Paris and Hossegor and with seven signed projects, this is...
Phil Banfield Joins INTELITY as Vice President of Product Partnerships
INTELITY | August 27, 2019
The company adds to executive leadership team as part of ongoing growth strategy and development of new initiatives Los Angeles, CA (August 27, 2019) - INTELITY®, the provider of the travel industry's broadest enterprise guest engagement and staff management platform, announced today that Phil Banfield has joined the company full-time as Vice President of Product Partnerships. The addition of Banfield is pivotal to INTELITY’s plans to scale and expand the INTELITY platform both horizontally and vertically in new market segments. “Phil brings his experience in business development, growth strategy, and monetization strategy to INTE...
Choice Hotels Breach a Good Reminder of Data Security Best Practices
Hospitality Upgrade | August 22, 2019
HU talks with Bob Diachenko, the cybersecurity expert who discovered the breach, about steps hotels can take to prevent data incidents By Fran Worrall, Hospitality Upgrade Another data breach has hit the hospitality industry, this time affecting approximately 700,000 records belonging to lodging industry giant Choice Hotels International. The Maryland-based company franchises and handles bookings for more than 7,000 properties around the globe, including such brands as Ascend Hotel Collection, Cambria Hotels, Clarion, Comfort, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites, Roadway Inn, Sleep Inn and Woodspring Suites. According to a statement relea...
Pro-Active Prospecting Is the Only Way Hotel Sales Staff Can Do Their Most Important Job: Fill in “Gap” Dates
Doug Kennedy | August 22, 2019
By Doug Kennedy In the current market, most hotels, resorts and other venues are experiencing a significant softening in group demand. However, this does not necessarily mean that hotel salespeople are fielding fewer inbound leads, but rather multiple leads are coming in for dates that are in peak demand for transient and for other group business. Here in the era of electronic RFP’s, where one piece of business generates a proposal request for 8, 10 or more properties, hotel salespeople are perhaps busier than ever simply keeping up with what often feels like “lead spam.” Unfortunately though, the time spent responding to electron...
Case Study: AKA, the Global Leader in Luxury Hotel Residences, Provides a Personalized Resident Experience Using Maestro Multi-Property Cloud PMS
Maestro PMS | August 20, 2019
AKA is a portfolio of 12 unique properties, located in prime locations including New York City, Los Angeles, London, Washington DC and Philadelphia. What makes the AKA Collection distinctive is its long-stay business model that offers sophisticated furnished residences with exceptional business, wellness, and lifestyle amenities. AKA balances the space and comfort of a fully appointed luxury residence with the style and hospitality of an intimate hotel. Its resident mix is comprised of business executives on extended assignments, entertainment companies on location for film shoots, and sophisticated travelers seeking more space and flexibilit...
486-Room Full-Service Sheraton Park Anaheim Goes to Auction on RealINSIGHT Marketplace
RealINSIGHT Marketplace | August 13, 2019
ANAHEIM, CA—August 13, 2019—RealINSIGHT Marketplace and Berkadia are pleased to offer for sale the leasehold interest in the 486-room, Sheraton Park Hotel at The Anaheim Resort for your acquisition consideration. Located steps from the Anaheim Convention Center, Disneyland® Resort, Disneyland California Adventure® Park, Downtown Disney, and the Anaheim Garden Walk. This represents an exceptional opportunity for investors to acquire an institutional quality, full-service, Marriott branded hotel in a premium location with significant operational upside through renovation/brand conversion, leasing vacant space, reconfiguring the hotel layo...
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company Arranges $46,000,000 of First Mortgage Financing for Maison Dupuy, New Orleans, Louisiana
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company | August 13, 2019
Beverly Hills, CA (August 13, 2019) -- Sonnenblick-Eichner Company announced today that it has arranged $46,000,000 of interim first mortgage financing for the Maison Dupuy, a five-story, 200-room, full-service, boutique hotel located in the world-famous French Quarter of downtown New Orleans, LA. Proceeds from the five-year non-recourse LIBOR-based loan will be utilized to pay off the existing indebtedness and provide funds for the renovation of the property. The Hotel is excellently located just two blocks off of Bourbon Street at the corner of Toulouse Street and Burgundy Street. The French Quarter is the center of New Orleans’ hospit...
Maestro PMS Upcoming Users’ Conference Draws Record Attendance for Education Workshops, One-on-One Labs, Innovation Roadmap and Networking
Maestro PMS | August 8, 2019
Conference Theme “Building Tomorrow Together” Focuses on Centralized Data Mining, Mobile Operations, Digital Guest Journey; Maestro Gives Back Full Conference Fees for Training Services August 8, 2019 – Maestro announced its 2019 Users Conference will have record attendance and a stellar event lineup. This year’s conference, themed “Building Tomorrow Together,” features four days of education sessions, 1-on-1 training labs, the latest hotel software product and service innovation announcements, loads of networking opportunities at the all-inclusive events. It takes place August 19 – 22 at the Ritz Carlton Toronto, a world cl...
Applying the Art of Storytelling to How You Sell Rooms
Larry Mogelonsky | August 7, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Emotions underpin all travel purchases, so it's a given that to enhance sales you should seek out ways to elicit greater positive sentiments for your property. For this, consider deploying the storytelling technique of revealing specific details about your product, particularly for your guestrooms which, as your primary revenue source, need a personalization boost through how you depict their attributes. Specificity Is the Story Vague language doesn’t excite our imaginations. It doesn’t give us a morsel to latch on to and connect with past memories. In other words, it la...
RevPAR Jump Can’t Prevent GOPPAR Slip Across Europe
HotStats | August 7, 2019
In a clear example that revenue and profit aren’t always aligned, RevPAR at mainland European hotels attained a high for the year in June, but GOPPAR fell. Falling ancillary revenues and rising costs stymied gains made in rooms from flowing through to the bottom line, according to the latest data tracking full-service hotels from HotStats. At €158.82, RevPAR was a high for 2019 and also exceeded the previous peak of €157.09 from June 2018. The spike was led by a 1.4-percentage-point year-on-year increase in room occupancy to 82.5%, and was in spite of a 0.5% decline in achieved average room rate, which fell to €192.61. How...
Cendyn Announces Acquisition of The Rainmaker Group
Cendyn | August 1, 2019
Boca Raton, Florida, USA, Thursday, August 1, 2019 - Cendyn, the leading innovator in hotel CRM and hotel sales platforms for the hospitality industry, today announces the acquisition of The Rainmaker Group, a leading revenue and profit optimization platform for hotels, resorts and casinos. The acquisition of The Rainmaker Group’s integrated solutions will enable Cendyn to drive performance across all aspects of the hotel business. Aligning operations, marketing, sales, and now, revenue will provide hoteliers with the means to optimize their strategies and drive performance and loyalty across their businesses. As part of the acquisition,...
Why Select Service Hotels Are Coming to the City Center
JLL | July 29, 2019
July 29, 2019 -- It used to be that guests at every downtown hotel expected bell staff, a concierge, extensive meeting spaces and spacious rooms. But these days, guests are getting comfortable with a lot less. Select service hotels with fewer amenities and smaller rooms — once confined to suburbs, small towns and the areas surrounding airports — are growing in city centers. This industry sector has seen double-digit percentage change growth in terms of the number of rooms that exist in major U.S. markets from 2015 to 2019, according to JLL research. Hotel brands like Hilton Garden Inn, Tru by Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott and Hyatt ...
NexGen Hotels & Genuine Hospitality Break Ground on New TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Waukegan, Illinois
Genuine Hospitality LLC. | July 29, 2019
SAINT LOUIS, IL, July 29, 2019 – Chicago, IL based hotel developer, NexGen Hotels & St. Louis-based hotel operator, Genuine Hospitality, LLC announces the groundbreaking of a new 96-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Waukegan, IL. Located at 402 Lakehurst Rd. Waukegan, IL, the hotel is ideally located at the Southeast corner of I-94 and Route 120, 4-miles southwest of downtown Waukegan, IL. The TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Waukegan will open Q3, 2020 and will be operated by Genuine Hospitality, LLC. The TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Waukegan, IL will make the third Marriott asset within the 7-hotel Genuine Hospitality...
In Search of Performance Perfection
Larry Mogelonsky | July 24, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Can a hotel ever truly achieve flawless performance? And, if so, how would one measure this accomplishment? These questions were on my mind when I was invited as a guest for a quality assurance meeting held at the Boston Harbor Hotel (BHH) in mid-March. The purpose of this meeting is simple – to examine every aspect of the property’s product and service offering in pursuit of perfection. Being a Forbes Travel Guide five-star property borders on impossible. Think for a moment about your own hotel with hundreds of check-ins and check-outs daily, housekeeping, dining, pool, spa,...
Penn State School of Hospitality Management Receives $4 Million From Marriott Foundation
Penn State School of Hospitality Management | July 23, 2019
University Park, PA—In recognition of a $4 million gift by The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, University leaders have approved renaming the Oak Building in the Foundation’s honor. The Marriott Foundation’s commitment, part of a broader, ongoing fundraising effort to renovate the building and support future programing, is creating a dedicated space to encourage innovation and inclusion within Penn State’s School of Hospitality Management. The Penn State Board of Trustees approved naming The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Building at its meeting on Friday, July 19. Renovations to The J. Willard and Alice S....
The Tipping Point for Innovations in Vacation Rental and Timeshare Technology
Karen O'Neill | July 22, 2019
By Karen O'Neill As Malcolm Gladwell points out, “Look at the world around you. It may seem like an immovable, implacable place. It is not. With the slightest push—in just the right place—it can be tipped.” This rings especially true for the vacation rental and timeshare market which simply isn’t what it used to be. With the emergence of the sharing economy came the subsequent digitization of rental processes and later, the creation of the original vacation rental listing site, VRBO, in the late 90s. Fast forward to today, and the digital rental marketplace is not only alive and well — but utterly transformed. Airbnb and Hom...
