Knowland Wins 2023 Skift IDEA Award
Knowland | August 10, 2023
2023 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference – Two Days of Expertise and Insight Into Financing, Investment and Technology
Geneva Rinehart | June 13, 2023
Industry Happenings
The Villas at Gervasi Vineyard Becomes First Certified Guest Service Property in Ohio
the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) | January 29, 2015
Orlando, Florida, January 2015 - The Villas at Gervasi Vineyard, an independently-owned destination in Canton, Ohio, is the first property in the state to earn the Certified Guest Service Property designation from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). Gervasi Vineyard opened in March 2010 as a winery and restaurant. The lodging part of the property-six unique villas-opened in November 2011 as part of Gervasi's expansion as a wedding and event destination. To earn the designation, the property's guest service employees completed AHLEI's Guest Service Gold® training online and earned the Certified Guest Service ...
Completing $7 M Renovation, the 321-room DoubleTree by Hilton Fresno Convention Center Opens in CA
DoubleTree By Hilton | January 29, 2015
Owned by Uniwell Corporation, LLC and Managed by Granite Hospitality January 29, 2015 - FRESNO, Calif. and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide and DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Fresno Convention Center, following a comprehensive $7 million renovation that includes modern design updates to the lobby, guest rooms, fitness center, pool areas and more. Ideally located for both business and leisure guests, the 321-room hotel is situated directly across from the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center and near the Tower District, home to restaurants, nightclubs, performing arts venues, galleries and...
Top Performing Hotels and Team Members Honored by Home2 Suites by Hilton
Home2 Suites by Hilton | January 29, 2015
Home2 Suites by Hilton Biloxi North/D'Iberville Takes Top Brand Honor and General Manager of the Year Award MCLEAN, Va. - During the leadership conference held in Orlando, Fla., Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide's award-winning mid-tier, all-suite hotel brand designed for modern business travelers and extended stay guests, recognized top performing hotels and staff. Home2 Suites by Hilton Biloxi North/D'Iberville, MS, was presented the prestigious Connie Award. Additionally, the hotel's general manager, Victoria Littles, was named General Manager of the Year. The Connie Award, named after Hilton Worldwide's founder Conrad Hilton,...
Owners Northsight Hospitality Open the Holiday Inn® Hotel & Suites Scottsdale North-Airpark
Holiday Inn | January 29, 2015
Managed by Henderson Hospitality Management, Inc. ATLANTA – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announced the opening of the Holiday Inn® Hotel & Suites Scottsdale North-Airpark hotel. Located just 15 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, this 75,000 square-foot hotel, formerly a Wingate by Wyndham, is the newest addition to IHG's hotels in Arizona. In an effort to create a more contemporary space desirable to today's travelers, the hotel ownership financed a full renovation of all guestrooms and public areas. "We are thrilled to welcome this property to the Holiday Inn Portfolio of...
The St. Regis Atlanta Names Julia McKelvey Director of Catering & Event Management
St. Regis Atlanta | January 29, 2015
Industry Veteran to Oversee Creation and Execution of Bespoke Experiences ATLANTA (January 28, 2015) – The St. Regis Atlanta, an unparalleled in-town resort located in the elegant enclave of Buckhead, is pleased to announce the appointment of Julia McKelvey to the position of Director of Catering and Event Management. McKelvey will lead The St. Regis Atlanta's catering and events team, manage vendor operations and lead client relations, including event planning, food and beverage programing, and venue logistics. The St. Regis Atlanta has become a favorite destination amongst both locals and visitors for weddings, galas, executive mee...
Puzzle Partner Welcomes New Clients LeisureLink and FindMyCarrots
Puzzle Partner | January 29, 2015
Two Top Innovators in Travel Technology Partner with Puzzle Partner to Maximize Growth and Industry Awareness Toronto, CA, - January 29, 2015 - Puzzle Partner Ltd., a strategic consulting firm specializing in tactical marketing and public relations services for startups and high-growth technology companies in travel and hospitality, announced today that they signed two new clients: LeisureLink and FindMyCarrots. Salt Lake City-based LeisureLink is the leading integrated online distribution solution for vacation rental and resort property managers. LeisureLink offers vacation property suppliers and management companies a solution to ma...
Anguilla’s CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa Appoints Jonas Treffers to Director of Food & Beverage
CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa | January 29, 2015
Acclaimed Anguilla Resort Continues to Take Culinary Programming to New Heights NEW YORK, NY - January 28, 2015 - Award-winning Anguillan property, CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa announces the appointment of Jonas Treffers to Director of Food & Beverage. In his role, Treffers will oversee and manage CuisinArt Golf Resorts & Spa's acclaimed culinary program, which features five celebrated restaurants and the premiere state-of-the-art, resort-based Hydroponic Farm, offering guests a true epicurean journey from farm to table. "Jonas brings over a decade of experience working in the food and beverage industry and has held coveted p...
Managed by New Horizons Hospitality, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Houston, TX Set to Open
Springhill Suites | January 29, 2015
Stylish, all-suite hotel offers space for travelers to spread out and recharge Houston, Texas - January 29, 2015 - The 104-suite SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Houston, Texas is scheduled to open this Friday, January 30, 2015. Located at 15555 North Freeway, the SpringHill Suites Houston I-45 North will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Pennbright Hotel Partnership and managed by New Horizons Hospitality. Located less than 10 minutes from George Bush Intercontinental Airport and 18 minutes from downtown, the hotel offers guests convenient access to The Woodlands Mall, Market Street and Waterway, Exxon, Willowbrook Mall and has...
Guest Photos Go Viral for The Shores Resort with Flip.to Photo Advocacy
Flip.to | January 29, 2015
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 2015 - The Shores Resort and Spa has recently switched on an entirely new marketing channel as guests compete to fill the resort's amazing library of authentic photos. After The Shores Resort launched Photo Advocacy, guests have shared photos of their favorite vacation moments with hundreds of thousands of friends and family. Flip.to Photo Advocacy encourages hotel guests to enter into photo contests that The Shores uses to turn memorable moments into amazing brand connections around the world. Guests share their photos of The Shores Resort to their social networks as they compete for votes in the contest. Cont...
Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Names Frank Comito CEO, Director General
CHTA | January 29, 2015
THE CARIBBEAN (Jan. 28, 2015) - The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), representing 32 National Hotel Associations across the region, has appointed hospitality and tourism industry veteran Frank J. Comito as the new CEO and Director General. He assumes the post March 9, 2015. As CEO, Comito will work to raise CHTA's profile as the leader for the Caribbean hospitality industry and along with the CHTA Executive Committee and Board of Directors he will develop a strategic plan for the association that serves the needs of its entire membership comprised of over 600 hotels and 300 allied members. Comito replaces Jeff Vasser wh...
Resorts World Bimini Expands Use of Agilysys Solution Suite
Agilysys | January 29, 2015
Resort Hotel Selects Stratton Warren System Inventory and Procurement Solution ALPHARETTA, GA. - Jan. 29, 2015 - Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading provider of innovative hospitality software solutions and services, today announced that Resorts World Bimini has selected the Stratton Warren System, a comprehensive inventory and procurement solution, to automate processes and reduce costs at the 480-unit resort. A new 305-room luxury hotel, scheduled to open in Summer 2015, will also use the system. Resorts World Bimini implemented Agilysys solutions for property management and condo accounting last year. "When shopping for a new in...
Hotel Palomar San Diego Appoints Jim Hollister as General Manager
Hotel Palomar San Diego | January 29, 2015
Hospitality Veteran and Former San Diego Hotelier to Lead Kimpton's Downtown Boutique SAN DIEGO—Jan. 28, 2015—Kimpton's Hotel Palomar San Diego announced today the appointment of Jim Hollister as hotel general manager and director of operations for Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants' Southern California and Arizona markets. In his new role, Hollister will oversee the hotel's day-to-day operations, focusing on guest and employee engagement, develop growth and branding strategies, and support six other markets, increasing regional presence for Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants. A passionate industry leader, Hollister is known for his strong ...
Former Travelodge London South Reopens as 126-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in London, Ontario
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | January 29, 2015
Owned and Managed by Palm Holdings, Inc. London, Ontario - January 29, 2015 - The 126-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in London, Ontario is now open for business. Located at 800 Exeter Road, the former Travelodge London South will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Palm Holdings, Inc. Located just off Highway 401 and minutes from the London International Airport, the TownePlace Suites London offers guests convenient access to the London Convention Centre, White Oaks Mall, Carolinian Winery and downtown London. Rates vary depending on length of stay. "We are pleased to introduce the TownePlace Suites brand to the L...
The 93-key Staybridge Suites® London Vauxhall in Spring Mews Opens in the UK
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | January 29, 2015
The hotel is owned by Spring Mews (Hotel) Ltd and managed by Cycas Hospitality and under franchise with Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG®) 29 January, 2015 - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world's leading hotel companies today announces the opening of Staybridge Suites® London Vauxhall in Spring Mews, just off the Albert Embankment and minutes from Vauxhall tube, bus and rail links. IHG's 5th Staybridge Suites in the UK is a 93 suite new build hotel, offering a warm, sociable, home-like experience for guests looking for a place for an extended stay on business or leisure. The hotel is superbly located with stunnin...
Owned & Managed by Tharaldson Hospitality, 96-key Residence Inn Decatur Forsyth Set to Open in IL
Residence Inn | January 29, 2015
Forsyth, Illinois - January 29, 2015 - The 96-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Forsyth, Illinois is scheduled to open this Monday, February 2, 2015 and will feature the brand's innovative, new design. Located at 230 Lucile Avenue, the all-suite Residence Inn Decatur Forsyth will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Tharaldson Hospitality Management Company of Decatur, Illinois. Located at the intersection of Highway 51 and Interstate 72, just a short drive from historic downtown Decatur and within walking distance to numerous restaurants, the Residence Inn Decatur Forsyth offers its guests convenient access to Hickory...
Online Travel Agents Dominate More Than Two-Thirds of Search Results for Hotel Terms on Google
Crafted | January 29, 2015
Online travel agents (OTAs) dominate more than two thirds of search results for hotel-related keywords on the first page of Google UK, new research from digital agency Crafted has revealed. The findings mean that it can be difficult for independent hotels to compete for direct bookings, with OTAs taking-up approximately 73 per cent of the organic (free) listings on Google's first page for generic hotel search terms, such as 'hotels in [location]'. Large national chains occupy a further 24 per cent, often leaving independent hotels and groups contending for just one remaining spot. A similar picture occurs in the paid listings, with the ...
Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center Set to Open in the Washington D.C. Area in Spring 2015
Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center | January 28, 2015
Tysons Corner, Va. (January 28, 2015) - Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center, the newest Hyatt Regency-branded hotel in the Washington D.C.-Northern Virginia area in more than 20 years, is expected to open in early 2015. The 18-story property will offer business and leisure travelers an upscale, dynamic hotel experience and feature rich design, modern guestrooms, and state-of-the-art meeting space - all in the heart of the trendy downtown Tysons Corner, Va. Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center - steps away from the Silver Line Metrorail Station - will connect to Tysons Corner Center shopping mall and offer easy access to the nation's capita...
Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Michigan Appoints Jeffrey Barnum as Executive Chef
The Amway Grand Plaza | January 28, 2015
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - January 28, 2015 - The Amway Grand Plaza has appointed Jeffrey Barnum to executive chef of the hotel's popular dining experience, Ruth's Chris Steak House. In his new role, Barnum will continue the New Orleans-inspired menu of appetizers, the finest U.S.D.A. Prime steaks, fresh seafood and classic desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list. Later this year, he plans to create a series of multi-course wine dinners. Barnum's professional career includes experiences at many of Michigan's notable restaurants. Following two successful years as sous chef at Ruth's Chris and a position on the culinary team at C...
Dominic Simpson Returns to Augusta, Georgia’s Newly Renovated Partridge Inn as Executive Chef
The Partridge Inn | January 28, 2015
AUGUSTA, Ga. (January 28, 2015) - The Partridge Inn, an Augusta landmark for more than 100 years, announced today the return of the hotel's popular chef, Dominic Simpson. With more than 20 years in the food and beverage industry and experience working in an array of popular hotels and under award-winning chefs, Simpson brings a wealth of knowledge and a wide range of culinary influences to his job as executive chef at The Partridge Inn. "The Partridge Inn has served many Augustans and visitors throughout the years and was the place to go in town," General Manager Bill Mish said. "Dominic Simpson played a big part in that success and wit...
White Lodging Announces New Regional Vice Presidents and General Managers Named in Q4 2014
White Lodging | January 28, 2015
MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Jan. 27, 2015 -- White Lodging is pleased to announce the following individuals have been named regional vice presidents and general managers last quarter across the company. Chris O'Donnell was promoted to regional vice president, overseeing hotels in Texas; Nashville, Tenn.; and Bloomington, Ind. O'Donnell has been with White Lodging since 2007 when he joined the company as the general manager of the Courtyard Hartford-Farmington. He also served as the dual general manager of the Courtyard and Fairfield Inn & Suites Phoenix-Chandler. He was a regional director of sales and marketing before his promotion to regi...
Best Western International has Record Breaking Year
Best Western International | January 28, 2015
This follows the company's previous two year record of a RevPAR index of 110 or above and represents a 26.8 percent growth rate in RevPAR since 2011 Phoenix, January 28, 2015 - Best Western International set a brand record achieving a North American revenue per available room (RevPAR) index of 111.2 in 2014* (100 represents fair market share). This follows the company's previous two year record of a RevPAR index of 110 or above and represents a 26.8 percent growth rate in RevPAR since 2011, outpacing the competition by six points. 2014 also saw the brand reach two other milestones; generating total revenue of $3.9 billion in North Ameri...
The 100-key TownePlace Suites Belleville Opens in Ontario; Owned & Managed by Williams Hotels Ltd
TownePlace Suites | January 28, 2015
Belleville, Ontario - January 28, 2015 - The 100-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Belleville, Ontario is scheduled to opened Monday, January 26, 2015. Located at 400 Bell Boulevard, the TownePlace Suites Belleville will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Williams Hotels Limited of Belleville, Ontario. Located near Highway 401 and Highway 62, just 10 minutes from downtown Belleville, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Quinte Mall, the Belleville Industrial Park, Waterfront Trail and Bay of Quinte. Rates vary depending on length of stay. "We are pleased to introduce the TownePlace Suites brand to the Bel...
Hyatt Selects Scott Richer to Lead Full & Select Service Hotel Development in Canada as Regional VP
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | January 28, 2015
CHICAGO (January 28, 2015) – Hyatt Hotels & Resorts today announced Scott Richer will serve as Hyatt's regional vice president of development in Canada. In his new role, Richer will be responsible for the growth of Hyatt's full service and select service brands in Canada. Richer will be based in Toronto, Ontario, and will report to Julienne Smith, Hyatt's senior vice president of franchise and managed development for Hyatt Place and Hyatt House in North America, and David Tarr, Hyatt's senior vice president of development for the Americas. Richer joins Hyatt with more than 14 years of hospitality experience, beginning his career i...
HSMAI Collecting Data for Hotel Digital Benchmark Study
HSMAI | January 28, 2015
McLEAN, VA (Jan. 28, 015) - The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has begun collecting information for its second annual Hotel Digital Marketing Benchmark Study. The study will allow a hotel to better understand the performance of its digital marketing program, gaps it needs to fill in marketing and its place within the industry. "We consistently hear from hoteliers that it's not only difficult to measure the success of digital marketing programs but it's also difficult, and near impossible, to figure out how a program has performed relative to the industry," said Bob Gilbert, president and CEO of HSMAI...
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