Operations
Operated by Sentry Hospitality, 144-Key Wyndham Garden Guam Marks Brand Debut in the Pacific Rim
Wyndham Hotel Group | December 1, 2015
Tamuning, Guam (December 1, 2015) – Strengthening its growing presence in the Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotel Group introduced its upper-midscale Wyndham Garden® Hotels brand to the region today with the opening of a 144-key property in Guam. The all-suites hotel, operated by Sentry Hospitality, LLC, is centrally located in Tamuning, Guam's main tourism and business hub. Just five minutes from the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport and two minutes from Ypao Beach, Wyndham Garden Guam puts guests within easy reach of the area's dining, shopping, businesses and natural attractions. It becomes Wyndham Hotel Group's second proper...
AccorHotels Continues Transformation of Owner/Investor Division, HotelInvest, with €284M Purchase
AccorHotels | December 1, 2015
Paris - December 1, 2015 - AccorHotels announces the purchase of three hotel asset portfolios in Europe representing 29 hotels (3,677 rooms), for a total of €284 million. The transactions are composed of: A portfolio acquired from AXA Investment Managers – Real Assets, acting on behalf of its clients, for a total of €56 million. The portfolio comprises 19 hotels in France (1,512 rooms) that have been operated under variable leases by AccorHotels since 2008, under the ibis budget, ibis, Novotel and Mercure brands. A portfolio purchased from Invesco for €152 million which comprises six hotels (1,347 rooms). Located...
No. 1 Resort in U.S. Relies on RoamBOOST for Cellular Reception Spanning 19,500 Acres
RoamBOOST | December 1, 2015
Owned by White Lodging Services, The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch now offers fast, reliable cellular reception from all carriers via a Distributed Antenna System from RoamingAround Boston, Mass. — December 1, 2015 — When you're the No. 1 Resort in the United States and the No. 1 Resort in the West (Conde Nast Traveler 2015 Readers' Choice Award), you rely on the industry's leading mobile expert to solve cellular coverage problems. That's why The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyo., called upon the specialists at RoamingAround to bring its RoamBOOST Distributed Antenna System (DAS) to their rescue. With...
HeBS Digital Wins Record-Breaking 17 HSMAI Adrian Awards
HeBS Digital | November 30, 2015
Summary: HeBS Digital solidifies its status as the industry's leading digital technology, full-service hotel marketing and website design firm by winning 17 HSMAI Adrian Awards in 2015 for initiatives such as multi-channel marketing campaigns, website design, email retargeting, and more. New York (November 30, 2015) – HeBS Digital, the leading hotel digital technology, full-service digital marketing and website revenue optimization consulting firm, is proud to announce the receipt of 17 HSMAI Adrian Awards for 2015. The awards recognized the firm's excellence in digital marketing across a variety of platforms and initiatives durin...
Hotel Equities Names Lee Smith as General Manager for Hyatt Place Savannah Airport in Georgia
Hotel Equities (HE) | November 30, 2015
An engaged innkeeper with nearly 20 years of hospitality experience, Mr. Smith creates memorable experiences for his guests. Atlanta, GA - November 30, 2015 - Atlanta-based Hotel Equities announced the hiring of Lee Smith as the General Manager of the Hyatt Place Savannah Airport hotel located at 4 Stephen S. Green Drive in Savannah, Georgia. Mr. Smith has responsibility for overseeing the management of all operations at the hotel including food & beverage concepts plus sales, marketing and revenue management strategies. The all-suites hotel is conveniently located only two miles from the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport ...
Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) Selected to Manage the Best Western Pahrump Oasis in Nevada
Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) | November 30, 2015
Monday, November 30, 2015 - Dallas, TX – Leo Spriggs, President and CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) announces managerial duties for the Best Western Pahrump Oasis. The hotel boasts 93-guest rooms and is located only an hour's drive from Las Vegas and within 2 miles of Nevada's only winery, Pahrump Valley Vineyards. The company continues its ongoing business expansion which is made up of full service, conference center, select service and limited service hotels. HMC is one of the country's largest U.S. third-party privately held hotel management companies, ranked in the top 40 of all third party and owner operated h...
Hilton Worldwide Suffers Payment Card Security Breach from Malware on Point-of-Sale Systems
Hilton Worldwide | November 25, 2015
MCLEAN, Va.--November 25, 2015--Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) has identified and taken action to eradicate unauthorized malware that targeted payment card information in some point-of-sale systems. Hilton immediately launched an investigation and has further strengthened its systems. Hilton Worldwide worked closely with third-party forensics experts, law enforcement and payment card companies on this investigation, and determined that specific payment card information was targeted by this malware. This information includes cardholder names, payment card numbers, security codes and expiration dates, but no addresses or personal identifica...
The Battle Between Full-Service and Limited-Service Properties
Larry Mogelonsky | November 25, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) While travelling on business earlier this quarter, I took it upon myself to compare two outlets of a major chain (without mentioning any names in specific) – one was part of their full-service collection while the other was a member of one of their limited service brands. In both instances, I was alone and my stay was merely for a night and breakfast, arriving after dinner and departing the next morning. Accordingly, my comments relate mostly to a typical business traveler who sees the hotel as an accommodation necessity, rather than the leisure traveler who may be more inclined to in...
Owned by HRI Properties, Newly Converted and Renovated Hilton Opens in Downtown Richmond, Virginia
HRI Properties | November 24, 2015
RICHMOND and MCLEAN, Va. – Nov. 24, 2015 – Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of the newly renovated Hilton Richmond Downtown. Housed in the former Miller & Rhoads department store in the heart of downtown Richmond, the property has recently undergone an $11.5 million dollar transformation, inspired by the architecture and design of the original building. "Richmond has long been known for its magnificent architecture, monument-lined cobblestone streets and world-class museums, and Hilton Richmond Downtown is a natural complement to the city," said Rob Palleschi, global head, full service brands, Hilton Worldwid...
Holiday Inn Houston NRG/Medical Center Area in Texas Completes $9 Million Renovation
Aimbridge Hospitality | November 24, 2015
Dallas-based Aimbridge Hospitality manages the 238-key property DALLAS, Nov. 24, 2015 -- Aimbridge Hospitality announces the completion of a comprehensive $9 million renovation of Holiday Inn Houston NRG/Medical Center Area located in Houston, TX. The cutting-edge renovation transformed all areas of the hotel, which will appeal to a broad customer base. The renovation encompassed all 238 guest rooms, which were enhanced and refurnished, including completely renewed bathrooms with new tiling and fixtures. In addition, a full lobby renovation was completed including the addition of a new bar and restaurant concept, new exterior lighting ...
2016 Checklist to Maximize Engagement and Revenues from Social Media
the Authors and HeBS Digital | November 24, 2015
By Victoria Hsia Social media and travel go hand-in-hand. Sixty-five percent of adults now use social networking sites (Pew Research Center) and a growing portion of these users are utilizing social media before, during, and after traveling. As traffic and activity on these platforms continue to grow, hoteliers have even more opportunities to reach their customer segments and generate revenue. The possibilities for hoteliers in the social media space are more exciting and accessible than ever before. From emerging social media platforms to robust ad targeting capabilities, the options are constantly expanding and evolving. Are you prepa...
Legendary Turtle Bay Resort Joins Luxury Hotels & Resorts to Feature Cyber Monday Travel Values
Benchmark Hospitality International | November 23, 2015
The Woodlands, TX (November 23, 2015) – Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's fabled North Shore joins Benchmark Hospitality International's Cyber Monday Travel Values by offering an exceptional rate of $229 (plus tax & resort fee) available from Black Friday to Cyber Monday for select dates in 2016. This discount represents a total of 25% off best available rate—an offer likely not to be repeated! The actual set of dates will be teased on a 10 Day Countdown - beginning on November 18th. Surfers at Turtle Bay Resort test their mettle on Oahu's most powerful waves. Snorkelers rave about epic undersea encounters with sea turtles. Ev...
Developed by White Lodging, Dual-Branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Opens in Downtown Denver
White Lodging | November 19, 2015
From left to right: John Cantele, SVP at Hyatt Place & Hyatt House Operations; Annebeth Kearney Black, Director of Sales & Marketing, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Denver/Downtown; Chad Cuddy,GM of Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Denver/Downtown CHICAGO (November 19, 2015) – Today, the dual-branded Hyatt Place Denver/Downtown and Hyatt House Denver/Downtown open, which mark the first combined Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels in the Denver area. The hotels create an experience that offers guests two different hotel experiences under one roof in one great location. Hyatt Place Denver/Downtown is the perfect choice for the tech-...
Destination Hotels Adds Park City, Utah’s Newpark Resort to Its Management Portfolio
Destination Hotels | November 18, 2015
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – November 18, 2015 – Destination Hotels, the largest operator of independent hotels, resorts and residences in North America, has expanded its prestigious mountain portfolio into Utah with the addition of the Newpark Resort. Situated at the edge of the scenic 1,200-acre Swaner Nature Preserve, the Newpark Resort is minutes from the fabled ski resorts of Park City. Blending contemporary luxury with easy access to world-class skiing and the summertime mountain splendors, the property features 124 spacious guest rooms and suites and 20 two-bedroom townhomes including gas fireplaces, heated bathroom floors and ...
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Appoints Jolene Reid Director of Development for Canada
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | November 18, 2015
Minneapolis - November 18, 2015 - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today appointed Jolene Reid director of Development for Canada. Reid will be based in Halifax, Nova Scotia and will represent all Carlson Rezidor hotel brands. Reid will report to Phil Silberstein, executive vice president, Development, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. "Jolene brings an extensive background in franchising to Carlson Rezidor and a proven track record in business development," said Silberstein. "We have aggressive goals for growth in Canada and Jolene will be an asset in allowing us to achieve tho...
IHG Appoints Jonathan Lund Regional Vice President, Canada Franchise Performance Support
IHG | November 18, 2015
TORONTO – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, announces the appointment of Jonathan Lund as Regional Vice President, Canada Franchise Performance Support. In this role, Jonathan oversees the operations of IHG's 165 franchised hotels across Canada to deliver exceptional results for owners. Jolyon Bulley, Chief Operating Officer, The Americas, IHG said: "We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to IHG. With his 30-plus years of experience in the hospitality industry, including 20 years working at IHG-managed hotels, Jonathan is well positioned to help our franchised hotels continue to succeed...
White Lodging Breaks Ground on Dual-Branded AC Hotels by Marriott and Le Meridien Hotel in Denver
White Lodging Services Corporation | November 18, 2015
From left to right, Bruce Etkin, Chairman, Etkin Johnson; Chris Anderson, Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer for White Lodging; David Johnson, President, Etkin Johnson; Chris Stanley, Senior Director of Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts; Deno Yiankes, President and CEO for White Lodging Investments and Development Division; Steve Poe, CEO, Poe Companies; Mike Wells, President, REI Real Estate Services. MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Nov. 18, 2015 -- Construction has begun on a new, dual-branded hotel development in downtown Denver. The development features an AC Hotel by Marriott hotel as well as a Le Méridien Hotel...
Haiti’s Habitation Jouissant to Undergo Renovation & Conversion to Marriott’s Autograph Collection
Autograph Collection Hotels | November 18, 2015
Global Lifestyle Brand to Transform Historic Residence into New Hotel Cap-Hatien, Haiti – November 18, 2015 – Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International's exclusive portfolio of properties recognized for celebrating individuality, will add The Habitation Jouissant – a boutique hotel located in Cap-Hatien, Haiti – to its impressive global portfolio in the fourth quarter of 2017. The property, located in Haiti's second largest city and situated on the country's northern coast, will be Autograph Collection's third hotel in the Caribbean and will proudly serve as Marriott International's second property in H...
Choice Hotels and Pearl Properties Partner to Develop New Cambria hotel & suites in Philadelphia, PA
Cambria hotels & suites | November 18, 2015
ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 18, 2015 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, announced it has signed an agreement with franchise partner Pearl Properties, a Philadelphia-based full service investment real estate company, to develop a new Cambria hotel & suites in Philadelphia, PA. The 206-room Cambria property will be located at 219-225 S. Broad Street (N.E. Corner of Broad & Locust Streets) along the Avenue of The Arts, and is expected to open in 2017. This world-class location is in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, steps from an array of dining and entertainment options,...
The Perils of Using an Open Source Content Management System (CMS) to Power the Hotel Website
the Authors and HeBS Digital | November 18, 2015
By Mariana Safer and Max Starkov Hoteliers are managing multi-million dollar properties. They have fiduciary responsibility to maximize the property's direct online channel presence, boost direct revenues, and lower the costs of online distribution. Utilizing an open source content management system (CMS) like WordPress is in stark breach of a hotelier's fiduciary duties and exposes them to great security and vulnerability risks hotel managers and owners cannot afford. When making any decisions regarding the property's most important digital asset, the website, there are many factors to consider which could make or break your online...
Loyalty Program Gamification
Larry Mogelonsky | November 18, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Gamification is a buzz word that has been embraced by many industries over the past few years. It denotes ways in which websites and mobile apps can harness the power of gaming mechanics to enhance their own brand's digital user experience. The goal is simple: heighten consumer interactions by making the platform more exciting…and even addictive! It's something that video games do especially well; by capitalizing upon our desire for instant gratification, these systems can go from amusing to addictive. When was the last time you heard a loyalty program described as addictive? Certain...
Maestro and Revinate New Integration Enhances Hotel Reputation Management, Guest Communication
Revinate | November 18, 2015
Maestro's API Integration Gives Property Operators Easy Set Up and Access to Rich Guest Profiles November 18, 2015 - San Francisco, CA - Revinate, the software as a service (SaaS) company that helps hotels reinvent the guest experience, announces its new interface with the Maestro PMS integrated hotel property management system. The Maestro API integration enables hotel operators to utilize an easy-to-use guest engagement platform that can be set up in a matter of hours. The API expedites Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system integration and onboarding processes for personalized guest communication that strengthens loyalty and d...
Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels® and Benchmark Resorts & Hotels® Offer Cyber Monday Travel Values
Benchmark Hospitality International | November 17, 2015
The Woodlands, TX (November 17, 2015) – Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has announced exclusive Cyber Monday travel values available for 24-hours only on Monday, November 30, 2015. Its two signature portfolios Benchmark Resorts & Hotels® and Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels® will offer extraordinary deals for a very limited time. Select hotels within Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels ® portfolio will offer the following, which can be found at www.PersonalLuxuryCyberMonday.com and on individual property websites: Costa d'Este Beach Resort in...
2016 Checklist to Maximize Revenues from Your SEM Campaigns
the Authors and HeBS Digital | November 17, 2015
By Carmine Fischetti & Sara O'Brien Search Engine Marketing continues to be one of the highest revenue drivers for HeBS Digital's clients, with more than 25% of direct online revenue coming as a direct result of SEM/paid search via the hotel website and voice channel. Add to that Google Display Network (GDN), Remarketing Lists for Search Ads (RLSA), Gmail Ads targeting users with text and email ads, as well as YouTube TrueView video ads, and this contribution grows to beyond 30%-35% of direct online revenue. Obviously advertisers agree with the above and more than 41% of every online advertising dollar in the U.S. is spent on search...