Kimpton San Antonio Celebrates Its Topping Out on Schedule
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants | July 20, 2023
The Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation Announces New Hotel Expansion to the Jamul Casino
Jamul Indian Village of California (JIV or Tribe) | May 23, 2023
Finance & Development
KARA Hospitality Breaks Ground on Extended Stay America Hotel in Colonial Heights Virginia
Extended Stay America | February 6, 2019
Charlotte, NC, February 6, 2019 – Extended Stay America, Inc. (NASDAQ:STAY) ("ESA") announced today the start of hotel construction on the first franchise new build of an Extended Stay America hotel in Colonial Heights, Virginia. The property is expected to open in early 2020. The four-story 92-room hotel will feature the new StayPlay lobby design, and other modern features in the guest rooms driven by research in the value extended stay segment, including all vinyl plank flooring throughout, modernized kitchens with open cabinetry, solid surface countertops, raised platform beds for better storage options for guests, black-out sh...
Going Beyond Transactions: ‘Conversational Commerce’ and Its Impact on the Travel and Hospitality Industry
Alan Young | February 6, 2019
Coined by Uber's Chris Messina, consumer demand for digital-centric interactions with hotel and travel brands is on the rise By Alan E. Young, Puzzle Partner It's 2019, and I would argue that there have never been more marketing-related "buzzwords" battling it out for conversational real-estate across thought leadership articles, webinars, white papers and more. Whether it's agile marketing, catering to the 'age of the consumer,' hyper-personalization, or the mobile age — there are plenty of commerce-related silos to get lost in as industry leaders seek out the trends and methods which can best benefit their respective brand a...
Hilton Signs With Atlantica Hotels to Develop and Manage DoubleTree by Hilton in Porto Alegre, Brazil Set to Open in 2021
Atlantica Hotels | February 5, 2019
MCLEAN, Va. and SÃO PAULO - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and Atlantica Hotels today announced the signing of a management license agreement whereby Atlantica plans to develop and manage DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in Brazil. As part of this agreement, the companies also announced the first planned DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Porto Alegre, Brazil. This agreement will introduce DoubleTree by Hilton in Brazil, underscoring Hilton's continued commitment in the Caribbean and Latin America to introduce the company's industry-leading brands across the region. "Through our partnership with Atlantica Hotels, we successfully launched the Hilt...
Shiji Acquires Touchpeak Software Inc, an International Payment Solutions Provider
Touchpeak Software, Inc. | February 5, 2019
Adding to Shiji Payment Solutions, Touchpeak Software Inc will further enhance Shiji's global payment solutions. Atlanta, 5 February 2019, Shiji completed the acquisition of Touchpeak Software, Inc. and its subsidiary EFT Middleware LLC. After being an investor in the company for a number of years, Touchpeak will now be incorporated into Shiji Payment Solutions and continue to operate its business and serve its customers as it has before as a wholly owned company of the Shiji Group. Touchpeak Software, Inc. which was founded in 2014 had built and deployed a payments system integration framework that is in use in the USA, Canada, UK, an...
Marriott, Hilton and IHG Development Projects Lead the U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline
Lodging Econometrics | February 4, 2019
February 4, 2019 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – In the Lodging Econometrics (LE) year-end report for 2018, analysts detailed the leading franchise companies and their brands in the construction pipeline. Marriott International tops the list with 1,498 projects/197,227 rooms, Hilton Worldwide with 1,359 projects/152,060 rooms, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) with 972 projects/98,377 rooms. Sixty-nine percent of the projects in the pipeline derive from these three franchise companies. Marriott and Hilton both have pipelines that are up 6% by project count year-over-year (YOY). The two companies set new all-time pipeline records at...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: The 5 Hidden Costs of Being Branded
David Lund | February 4, 2019
By David Lund Marriott. Hilton. IHG. Wyndham. Choice. For years these chains have publicized the advantages of working with them: advanced loyalty programs that promise to bring consistent customers, low fees, tough negotiations with OTAs, and preferred financing options. Not so fast. Are the brands' claims actually true? While many owners have fallen victim to the claims of the brands, you need not do the same. As Mark Twain once said, "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." Let's take a closer look at what the brands are claiming, to make sure you know what to expect before entering i...
Excellence Group Plans Early 2020 Opening of Finest Punta Cana in Dominican Republic
Excellence Group | February 1, 2019
PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, Jan. 31, 2019 -- Following the success of Finest Playa Mujeres, Excellence Group Luxury Hotels and Resorts has announced plans to open the second outpost from their Finest Resorts brand. Set to open its doors the first half of 2020, Finest Punta Cana will be set on the shores and crystal blue waters of Punta Cana and will be the third Excellence Group property in the Dominican Republic. The first of its kind in the area, Finest Punta Cana will house all of the exacting standards and personalized luxury that Excellence Group has become renowned for, with 450 suites, including 60 family suites, that will ra...
Paramount Lodging Advisors Sells Ocean Front Gold Beach Inn, Ireland’s Rustic Lodges & RV Park and Ireland’s Commercial Income Property in OR
Paramount Lodging Advisors | January 31, 2019
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) has successfully executed the transaction of the Ocean Front Gold Beach Inn, Ireland's Rustic Lodges & RV Park and Ireland's Commercial Income property in Gold Beach, OR. Senior Managing Director Scott Griemsmann and Senior Associate Subu Thiagarajan represented the seller in the sale. This transaction presented the buyer a unique opportunity to acquire two independent hotels, an RV Park, and commercial rental units on several acres between the Pacific Ocean and coastal Highway 101. Upon completion of a property improvement plan (PIP), upgrading technology, and implementation of professional manageme...
Eden Hotels to Convert Amsterdam’s American Hotel to Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American Set to Open April 2020
Hard Rock International | January 31, 2019
LONDON, Jan. 31, 2019 -- With a presence spanning more than 76 countries, Hard Rock International announces the continued expansion of its hotel portfolio, with the opening of Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American in April 2020 — bringing the signature Hard Rock vibe to this exciting cultural capital. Located on the lively Leidseplein Square, Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American will be brought to life in one of the city's most famous Art Nouveau style buildings, built in 1900 and formerly known as the American Hotel. Showcasing 173 rooms and suites and newly-renovated interiors, the hotel will keep all vintage decorative features ...
Hotel Lawyer: Brand Franchise Owners Ask “What Happened to My Area of Protection?”
Jim Butler | January 31, 2019
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com Hotel Lawyer on Owners' concerns with hotel brand franchise agreements — Areas of Protection or Non-competition clauses My partner Bob Braun is a senior member of our Global Hospitality Group® and has experience with many hundreds of hotel management and franchise agreements. Bob is also co-author of the Hotel Management Agreement & Franchise Agreement Handbook (3rd edition), and has first-hand experience with branding and management for every major traditional hotel brand, including a number of multi-branded properties. Tod...
2019 Travel and Hospitality Industry Outlook
Deloitte Center for Industry Insights | January 31, 2019
Key trends powering growth in a technology-driven industry A strong economy, rising global consumer purchasing power, and digital innovation have all fueled record growth in the travel and hospitality industry. But there are still several challenges that could throw the industry off course in 2019. What are the biggest trends likely to shape hospitality, airlines, cruises, and ground transportation in the year ahead? Key US travel and hospitality industry trends for 2019 2019 marks a decade since the US travel industry emerged from the depths of economic recession. And what a decade it's been. Over the past 10 years, the surge of recove...
Puzzle Partner’s Newest Client, Plum, Develops Innovative New Product That Brings Wine by the Glass Directly to Your Hotel Room
Puzzle Partner | January 31, 2019
Plum selects Puzzle Partner to capitalize on the benefits offered by the agency's expertise and impressive track record Toronto, Canada (January 31, 2019) - Puzzle Partner, the most trusted B2B travel and hospitality technology marketing agency, announced today that they have signed Plum, the first automatic appliance that perfectly preserves, chills, and serves wine so that it can be enjoyed one glass at a time in the privacy of a guest's hotel room. Puzzle Partner will become Plum's source for strategic and tactical marketing initiatives including content development, branding, public relations and persuasive messaging. With a roster ...
The Year-End U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline Continues Steady Growth Trend
Lodging Econometrics | January 30, 2019
January 30, 2019 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – At the end of 2018, analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) reported that the total U.S. construction pipeline continued to trend upward with 5,530 projects/669,456 rooms, both up a strong 7% year-over-year (YOY). However, pipeline totals continue to trail the all-time high of 5,883 projects/785,547 rooms reached in the second quarter of 2008. Project counts in the early planning stage continue to rise reaching an all-time high of 1,723 projects/199,326 rooms, up 14% by projects and 12% by rooms YOY. Projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months stand at 2,153 projects/255,0...
IHG Signs With Tipping Point Hospitality Private Limited for Holiday Inn Goa Candolim Expected to Open November 2019
January 30, 2019
InterContinental Hotels Group(IHG), one of world's leading hotel companies has signed a management agreement with Tipping Point Hospitality Private Limited for Holiday Inn Goa Candolim. Nestled amidst two of the North Goa's famed and popular destination – Candolim and Calangute, the hotel is expected to welcome guests in November 2019. Offering leisure and corporate travellers a perfect stay experience, the newly built , 110-room Holiday Inn Goa Candolim will be a 30-minute drive from the city center and a 60-minute drive from the Dabolim Airport. The hotel is also in close proximity to North Goa's popular entertainment and ni...
Hilton Partners With JC Hospitality to Open Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in 2020 Following Multi-Million Dollar Transformation to Curio Collection
Hilton | January 30, 2019
LAS VEGAS and MCLEAN, Va. – Hilton announces today that Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will join Curio Collection by Hilton in 2020, following an extensive transformation including renovations to the property. In collaboration with JC Hospitality LLC and Virgin Hotels, the hotel will be a reimagined, contemporary Las Vegas entertainment hub and participate in Hilton's award-winning guest loyalty program, Hilton Honors. Of the hotels within Hilton's Collection Brands, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, will be the only property located in Las Vegas and the largest in the world with more than 1,500 guest rooms and...
The Top 7 Hospitality Trends Every Hotelier Should Watch in 2019
Tammy Farley, President & Co-Founder, The Rainmaker Group | January 30, 2019
By Tammy Farley, President & Co-Founder, The Rainmaker Group Last year proved to be a strong one for the U.S. hotel industry, with occupancy, average daily rate (ADR), and revenue per available room (RevPAR) all trending positively. For 2019, STR and Tourism Economics1 optimistically project another year of growth. Changes in supply, however, will impact local market occupancy levels and hoteliers' pricing power, with many hotels experiencing more intense competition among key guest segments. To maintain profit margins, and stay ahead of the curve, consider your business in light of these top seven hospitality trends. Appealing to N...
5 Ways Hotels Can Drive Revenues in 2019
Hotelogix | January 30, 2019
As a hotelier, you focus on getting more bookings, increasing occupancy, and selling rooms at competitive rates to drive revenue for your property. But at the same time, you also need to understand how travelers are making their reservations, what they expect from you, and ultimately what makes them come back to your hotel. Here are some trends that can help you identify key areas, to fuel revenue growth at your property this year. #1 Keep an eye on millennial travelers As a hotelier, you can see many benefits if you understand millennial travelers' hotel booking pattern, and what they like. 1According to a report by Resonance Consultan...
Woodbine Legacy Investments Completes $20 Million Renovation of W Atlanta-Buckhead Led by General Manager Robert Woolridge
Woodbine Legacy Investments | January 29, 2019
ATLANTA (Jan. 29, 2019) — Woodbine Legacy Investments (WLI) has completed a $20 million renovation on W Atlanta-Buckhead, a 12-story, 291-room full-service luxury hotel in Atlanta's affluent Buckhead neighborhood. Launched in May 2018, the renovation was completed just before the city will host the 2019 Super Bowl LIII. "This renovation was definitely more than a makeover—it reinstates the hip, edgy and inspiring experience guests expect from the W brand, especially with Buckhead as the backdrop," said Dupree Scovell, managing partner and chief investment officer for Woodbine. "The overhaul restored this destination's sh...
PNK Group Investments Begins Construction on Cambria Hotel Los Angeles - Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles
January 29, 2019
Upscale Hotel Brand Expands in Historic Core District with Adaptive Reuse Project ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 28, 2019 - Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is excited to announce that PNK Group Investments has begun construction on the Cambria Hotel Los Angeles – Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles. Slated to open in 2020, the 13-story, 180-room hotel is the adaptive reuse of a Historic Core District building built in 1927 that was once the office for the Los Angeles Police Department Vice Squad. Located at 419 S. Spring Street, the hotel will be situated along Gallery Row, one of the city's top arts attractions, and wit...
Choice Hotels Appoints Douglas Lisi as Vice President of Revenue Management
Choice Hotels International, | January 29, 2019
ROCKVILLE, Md. (Jan. 29, 2019) – Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel franchisors, announced Douglas Lisi has joined the company as vice president of revenue management. In this role, Lisi will lead the company's revenue management organization and functions, including trend analysis, forecasting, and price optimization, to help Choice franchisees maximize gross room revenue (GRR), manage their inventory, and increase profitability. In addition to managing Choice's proprietary revenue management tools, including SmartRates, he will also focus on growing the company's corporate and group b...
Knighthead Funding, LLC Originates $36 Million Loan to Refinance Newly Constructed Luxury Hotel at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta
Knighthead Funding | January 28, 2019
Greenwich, CT (January 28, 2019) – Knighthead Funding, LLC has provided a U.S. subsidiary of Switzerland-based private real estate investment firm ACRON with $36 million in short-term first mortgage debt to refinance a newly constructed luxury destination hotel at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The financing is secured by the Kimpton Overland Hotel, formerly Solis Two Porsche Drive, a full-service, 214-key hotel with 9,500 square feet of meeting space, a high-end restaurant, rooftop and lobby lounges, indoor pool, and fitness center. Proceeds from the three-year, fixed rate loan will be used to take out the ...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Earned and Unearned Revenues – Understanding the Difference
David Lund | January 28, 2019
By David Lund Just like baseball has an unearned run as a scoring feature, in business we have unearned revenues. In this piece I will discuss the difference between earned and unearned revenue and how it applies to the hospitality business. First off though we need to review the American classic game of Baseball and how an unearned run works. This will be especially important for those of us who are not the sport's most avid fans. In baseball you score an unearned run when an official, the umpire, decides the player crossed home plate due to an error (mistake) by the defending team. A good example is: an outfielder drops the ball and t...
Hotel Equities Selected to Manage The 394-Room Westin Prince Toronto
Hotel Equities | January 28, 2019
Atlanta, GA – January 28, 2019 – Today, Atlanta-based hotel owner, operator and developer, Hotel Equities (HE), announced they have been selected as the management firm for the 394-room Westin Prince Toronto. The luxury resort style hotel is located at 900 York Mills Road in North York and offers 28,000 square feet of versatile event space. The ownership group has invested in a major renovation including guest rooms and public space. The renovations are expected to be completed in the summer of 2019. "I'm proud to announce the addition of this beautiful hotel to our portfolio," said Joe Reardon, Chief Development Officer for...
Paramount Lodging Advisors Sells Bakersfield, CA Four Points by Sheraton Hotel
Paramount Lodging Advisors | January 25, 2019
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) has successfully executed the transaction of the 198-room Four Points by Sheraton Bakersfield, California. The property is located at 5101 California Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93309. Senior Managing Director Scott Griemsmann and Senior Associate Subu Thiagarajan represented the seller in the sale. This transaction presented the buyer a unique opportunity to acquire a core-branded Marriott hotel at a fraction of replacement cost in a market with significant growth prospects. The hotel is situated on ~7.7 acres of prime commercial land in Central Bakersfield which also offers the buyer the potential for futur...
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