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Operations
Managed by HRI Lodging, the 188-room Aloft New Orleans Downtown Opens
Aloft Hotels | March 11, 2015
STAMFORD, Conn.-- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) today announced that its game-changing Aloft brand has arrived in New Orleans, following the completion of an adaptive re-use project that transformed a historic building in the city's Central Business District. The hotel is controlled by 225 Baronne Complex Subtenant, LLC, an affiliate of HRI Properties, LLC, and managed by HRI Lodging, LLC, Aloft New Orleans Downtown features 188 spacious, loft-like rooms, an active social scene and innovative brand-led programming. "We are thrilled to introduce the Aloft brand, with its distinct design aesthetic, buzzing soc...
Maestro PMS Launches Swift SMS Gateway Text Messaging Integration for Instant Guest Communication
Maestro Property Management Solution | March 11, 2015
Fully Integrated SMS Text Message Module Gives Guests Room Availability, Group Member Alerts, Property Promotions and Events to Personalize Service March 11, 2015 - Maestro PMS™ launched its new SMS text communication module to enhance flexible, personal guest communications and service. The new SMS service is fully integrated with Maestro PMS to provide timely messages for early check-in room availability, group member alerts, spa appointments, property promotions and concierge services. Click here to learn more about Maestro's solutions for profitability and productivity. Maestro PMS provides its guest text message module in partner...
The Hotel Narrative is Written by Guests
Larry Mogelonsky | March 11, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Hotels are all about delivering an experience; bestowing guests with an uplifting story to enrich their lives. At least that's the aspiration. Sadly, we fall short sometimes. Whenever we breach this topic, we often discuss a hotel in terms of the 'narrative' it offers to those who visit. But this narrative must change from the hotel's point-of-view to that of each individual guest. Although it's a step in the right direction to even contemplate what a property's narrative is, any efforts along these lines may prove to be a tad blindsided or self-centered if you are only considering what the...
FCS e-Connect System Demonstrates Superior Guest Service and Management Efficiency at Rotana Hotels
FCS | March 10, 2015
Report provides account of how a leading hotel management company leverages FCS e-Connect across multiple properties as an integrative service management tool to maximize operational performance and guest request response times Dubai, March 10 2015 - FCS Computer Systems (FCS), a leading global provider of comprehensive hospitality solutions and services, has teamed up with Rotana Hotels for an industry-leading case study on their technology partnership. Rotana has partnered with FCS to bring the e-Connect solution to its hotels across the MENA region to help drive guest satisfaction through the optimization of guest services management...
IHG Appoints Sandi Macfie to Newly Created Role of Director, Hotel Performance Support for Africa
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | March 10, 2015
10 March, 2015 - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, announces the appointment of Sandi Macfie to the newly created role of Director, Hotel Performance Support for Africa. Based in Johannesburg, Sandi will lead the operations and performance of IHG's 17 franchised hotels across six countries in Africa. A native South African by birth, Sandi joins IHG with 30 years of extensive experience across the hospitality, finance and technology industries. She was most recently Group Director of Revenue in Tsogo Sun Hotels, during which time her background in information technology also put her in good ...
Hotel Equities to Manage New, Under Development, Fairfield Inn & Suites Waxahachie/South Dallas
Hotel Equities | March 9, 2015
Atlanta, GA–March 9, 2015 – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (www.hotelequities.com) recently announced its selection as the management firm for the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott under development in Waxahachie, Texas. Set to break ground in April 2015, the hotel will be located at 2020 Civic Center Ln., the intersection of Interstate 35 E and Highway 287, just 30 minutes south of Dallas, Texas. Expected to open in March 2016, the hotel will sit beside the Waxahachie Civic Center, site of numerous events and meetings, and across from the newly completed Baylor Scott & White Hospital. "Expanding our management portfolio deep...
HRI Lodging Welcomes Kristen Jordan-Wood as VP Sales & Marketing
HRI Lodging | March 5, 2015
NEW ORLEANS (March 5, 2015) – HRI Lodging (HRIL) announces the appointment of Kristen Jordan-Wood as vice president of sales & marketing, effective Monday, March 2, 2015. She will have direct oversight of the entire HRIL/MWTH portfolio. Jordan-Wood previously served as vice president of sales & marketing for the MetWest Terra Hospitality (MWTH) portfolio, a position she had since July 2013. Under her leadership, the hotel group experienced significant success, including the relaunch of the high-end Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa. "Through Kristen's guidance, the MWTH sales teams continue to stand out among competitors and succee...
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Americas Names Annual Award Winners
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | March 4, 2015
MINNEAPOLIS (March 4, 2015) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Groups, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, announced the companies top performers of 2014 at its annual Americas Business Conference last week. "We take this opportunity to celebrate and honor the outstanding people and hotels that make Carlson Rezidor so special by connecting with our customers," said Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Americas." Rosenberg was joined by David Berg, Carlson's chief operating officer, as they cited the impressive accomplishments and customer accolades for the 2014 award winners. Four people ear...
Transforming the F&B Department in F&F
Larry Mogelonsky | March 4, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) In the good old days of hospitality, food and beverage was part of the core. Management treated the department with the lofty respect it deserved, not only in differentiating the property, but also because of the profits it delivered. The iconic hotel dining room was an important meeting place in the community it served, often considered the best table in town. Times have changed. Food is clearly important, as witnessed by a myriad of great chefs and restaurant brands associated with and located within hotels. But the drink side of the equation has taken a heavy blow. Alcoholic beverages ar...
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Promotes Frances Gonzalez to Vice President, Operations, Latin America
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | March 3, 2015
MINNEAPOLIS (March 3, 2015) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today promoted Frances Gonzalez to vice president, Operations, Latin America. Gonzalez previously served as senior regional director of Operations in Latin America and will report directly to Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer and executive vice president, Americas and will be based in Miami "Frances will play a key role for us as we look to accelerate the growth of our brands throughout Latin America," said Rosenberg. "She will oversee all aspects of operations along with owner relations, hotels performance, and c...
Hilton Worldwide Expands Hilton Garden Inn in the Middle East with Three New Signings in Dubai & KSA
Hilton Garden Inn | March 3, 2015
March 03, 2015 - DUBAI, UAE and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of three new Hilton Garden Inn hotels for Dubai and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) adding to the mid-market brand's growing portfolio of more than ten hotels either trading or under development in the Middle East. "Hilton Garden Inn is an exciting proposition for investors in the Middle East as Hilton Worldwide continues to grow its presence in the value segment across the region," said Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Middle East and Africa for Hilton Worldwide. "With significant focus on the development of mid-market accommodation in Dubai and c...
InnLink Demonstrates Leadership in TripAdvisor’s TripConnect Premium Partner Program
InnLink Central Reservation Services (an IHS company) | March 3, 2015
Early adopters see average of 230% growth in reservations through TripConnect booking engine channel since launch Hendersonville, TN - March 3, 2015 - InnLink Central Reservation Services has been making great strides in leveraging their TripConnect Premium Partner certification to increase hotel participation and driving incremental reservations for their independent hotels. Implementation of the new TripConnect® instant booking capability is well received by hotels and penetration is growing rapidly in the InnLink customer base. Initial adopters have seen an average of 230% growth in TripConnect booking engine reservations since inst...
White Lodging Assumes Management of the 121-room Hampton Inn Miami-Doral Dolphin Mall in Florida
White Lodging Services Corporation | March 3, 2015
MERRILLVILLE, Ind., March 3, 2015 - White Lodging is pleased to announce it has officially taken over the management of the Hampton Inn Miami-Doral Dolphin Mall in Miami, Fla. This addition expands White Lodging's managed portfolio to 159 hotels, including 14 in Florida, and the company's 5th Hampton Inn. "Expanding our portfolio in Florida is exciting," said Regional Director of Operations for White Lodging Rocky Wruck. "The hotel is a beautiful asset in a prime location. We know our guests will enjoy everything the hotel has to offer." The hotel will be brought into the White Lodging portfolio under the leadership of Regional Director...
Accor Names Balendra Nagesvaran as Vice President of Operations Luxury and Upscale Brands
Accor | March 2, 2015
(March 2, 2015) - Accor North America, Central America and the Caribbean (NCAC) region has announced the promotion of Balendra Nagesvaran to vice president of operations for Accor luxury and upscale brands in the region. The segment encompasses all Sofitel (luxury), Pullman (upscale), and MGallery (upscale) hotels throughout the region, excluding Cuba and the Dominican Republic. His role will also include the development of the luxury and upscale segment in the region, including Sofitel Mexico Reforma, set to open in 2017. Nagesvaran brings more than 27 years of experience in international hotel operations and management to his new posi...
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Appoints Greg O’Stean as Chief Development Officer
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | March 2, 2015
MINNEAPOLIS (March 2, 2015) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today appointed Greg O'Stean as chief development officer. He will report directly to Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer and executive vice president, Americas. "Our development activities have been on a strong, upward swing, and we are delighted to add a development professional with a solid hotel finance and development pedigree to our team," said Rosenberg. "The momentum across our brands and the launch of Radisson Red has received an enthusiastic response from the investment and development community, and Greg ...
Hilton Worldwide Honors Twelve Team Members with the 2014 CEO Light & Warmth Award
Hilton Worldwide | February 27, 2015
February 27, 2015 - MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today announced that 12 Team Members at owned, managed and franchise properties have received the 2014 CEO Light & Warmth Award. This award is the highest accolade any individual can achieve, and was established to recognize exceptional Team Members and franchisee employees who embody Hilton Worldwide's Values of Hospitality, Integrity, Leadership, Teamwork, Ownership and Now. In 2014, more than 2,000 Team Members and franchisee employees from around the world were nominated by their colleagues, and finalists were selected by a committee with representatives from across the company....
Hotel Equities Names Sean McKeen General Manager for New Residence Inn Miami Beach-Surfside
Hotel Equities | February 26, 2015
Atlanta, GA – February 26, 2015 – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (www.hotelequities.com) announced the hiring of Sean McKeen as the General Manager of the new Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Beach-Surfside. The $52 million resort-style hotel recently topped out at 92nd Street and Collins Avenue in the Surfside area of Miami Beach. Hotel Equities who has an ownership position in the project is also managing the 175-room upscale property for their JV partner Hotel Development Partners (HDP) of Atlanta. "Hotel Equities is delighted to introduce Residence Inn by Marriott to the Miami Beach market," said Brad Rahinsky, President and COO of...
Hard Rock International Appoints Jon Lucas as Executive Vice President of Hotel & Casino Operations
Hard Rock International | February 25, 2015
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 25, 2015 - Hard Rock International – owner of one of the world's most-recognizable and iconic brands – announces the appointment of 30-year hospitality veteran, Jon Lucas, as EVP of Hotel & Casino Operations. In this new position, Lucas will be instrumental in further igniting the brand's transition into a world-class, full-service hotel and casino management company. Lucas originally joined Hard Rock in 2013 as the president of the Hard Rock Rocksino in Northfield Park, where he managed everything from site design and construction to the hiring and onboarding of key executives. During his tenure at the Rocks...
HeBS Digital and Google Co-Host a Luncheon Workshop on Engaging and Converting the Traveler
HeBS Digital | February 25, 2015
NEW YORK, NY February 25, 2015 - HeBS Digital, the leading hotel digital technology, full-service digital marketing and website revenue optimization consulting firm co-hosted a Google Partners Luncheon at the Google Headquarters in New York City this week on Monday, February 23rd. The event brought together over 100 hospitality guests and a panel of industry experts to discuss the technologies to invest in, the strategies to employ to drive revenue to their hotel, and how to stay on top of their customers' minds throughout the traveler consumer's path to purchase. Representatives from Major Hotel Companies, Google Experts, and Industry ...
Your Leaders Will Also Need Mentoring
Larry Mogelonsky | February 25, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) According to a benchmark study in 2012, US companies alone spend almost $14 billion annually on leadership development with the cost of customized offerings from top business schools reaching upwards of $150,000 per person. No one can doubt that it's important. But molding the next generation of hospitality leaders (keeping this price tag in mind) is far easier said than done. There are lots of tricks to develop and coach leaders without spending excruciating amounts of money. You start by choosing only those individuals who possess the most essential capabilities for business success such ...
RLJ Lodging Trust Continues Capital Recycling Program with the Sale of 24 Hotels for $240 Million
RLJ Lodging Trust | February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015 - RLJ Lodging Trust (the "Company") (NYSE:RLJ) today announced that the Company has sold a total of 24 hotels for approximately $240 million. The sale price represents approximately a 7.9% capitalization rate on the hotels' 2014 net operating income, including planned capital expenditures. "We are very pleased with the execution of our capital recycling program. In total, we have now sold 39 hotels for approximately $370 million over the last 16 months and improved our overall portfolio metrics," commented Thomas J. Baltimore, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer. "We remain committed to creating long-term shareh...
General Manager Vishal Bharti Opens the 189-room Courtyard by Marriott Agra in India
Courtyard by Marriott | February 24, 2015
February 23, 2015, Agra, India - Marriott International continues its dynamic growth in India with the latest opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Agra. Located in the beautiful city of Agra, home to the world renowned "Taj Mahal", one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Courtyard by Marriott Agra is the 12th property for the brand in India. The hotel endeavour's to be a preferred getaway destination offering Indian hospitality with an international flair. Well-appointed rooms, varied F&B options and expansive indoor and outdoor event spaces ensure that every stay is truly memorable, be it dedicated to work or family. The 189-room pr...
Cyril Kovarsky Joins Accor as Senior Vice President of Global Sales
Accor | February 24, 2015
Cyril Kovarsky is joining Accor as SVP Global Sales, effective as of April 1st, 2015. Cyril will be responsible for defining and coordinate Accor's B-to-B sales strategy for all segments (large corporate accounts, event agencies, airlines, travel agents, tour operators). Cyril Kovarsky is graduated from ESG Paris. In 2000, he joined Orange as Sales Director for the B-to-B segment in Paris. In 2004, he became head of Orange retail stores in Paris and the Ile de France region. He then became director of Orange retail distribution in France and CEO of Orange Promotion. In 2010, Cyril was appointed Senior Vice-President Corporate Sales for ...
HeBS Digital and eCornell To Host a Webinar on Dynamic Content Personalization
HeBS Digital | February 24, 2015
Hoteliers' Powerful New Tool to Maximize Website Revenue and Conversions NEW YORK, NY February 24, 2015 - HeBS Digital, the leading hotel digital technology, full-service digital marketing and website revenue optimization consulting firm today announces it will host a webinar with eCornell on Dynamic Content Personalization. Attendees will learn how successful hotels and resorts use dynamic content personalization to maximize website conversions and revenues by as much as 40% by personalizing promotions, visuals and marketing copy to user's geo location, demographics and purchase intent. Dynamic Content Personalization allows hotel mark...