Two of the Most Important Phrases in Service Excellence / Bryan K. Williams / February 2013
February 1, 2013
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive by: Bryan K. Williams, D.M.February 19, 2013Two of the most important phrases in service excellence are, "I don't know" and "Let me find out". As opposite as they may be, both phrases speak volumes about the service culture on a team. One wreaks of indifference and apathy, while the other expresses ownership and initiative. One of the words, has absolutely no business on a team where service is supposed to be paramount. The other should be the minimum standard that EVERYONE is held accountable to. Banquet Server Early in my hotel career, one of my jobs was as a banquet server. In that ro...
California’s 368-room San Ramon Marriott Completes $2.5 Million Renovation to Create More Comfortab
February 1, 2013
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive San Ramon, C.A. (February 20, 2013) — The San Ramon Marriott has completed a $2.5 million renovation, it was announced today by Tom David, General Manager. According to Mr. David, the renovation involves a transformation of the lobby space and adjacent public areas including the Bishop Grill restaurant into a "Greatroom" which replicates the "California Vineyards" theme of the newly renovated meeting space. Key elements of the subtle, yet sophisticated ambiance include a palette of warm and inviting earth tones, use of wandering vines, rich earthy textures, and dark woods. "The Great...
Alex Alt Appointed President of Sabre Hospitality Solutions; Chief operating officer takes on leade
February 1, 2013
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive SOUTHLAKE, Feb. 18, 2013 -- Sabre Hospitality Solutions today announced the appointment of Alex Alt to president and general manager, effective April. He replaces Felix Laboy, who has decided to leave to pursue personal interests. Alt joined Sabre in April 2012 as chief operating officer for Sabre Hospitality. In the past year he has worked with Laboy to grow the business globally, and expand the Sabre Hospitality team, adding experienced leaders in operations, call center and customer care roles. He also led the group's long-term strategy and launched several initiatives to enhance Sabre ...
Try Try Again – Urban Redevelopment Authority Makes Another Try for Hotel in South Oakland, Pennsyl
February 1, 2013
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-GazetteMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News Feb. 13, 2013--If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. That seems to be the city Urban Redevelopment Authority's approach in trying to secure a builder for a hotel at the Pittsburgh Technology Center in South Oakland. URA board members are expected to vote Thursday on a proposal to enter into 90 days of exclusive negotiations with PTC Lodging LP to build a 135-room hotel on center property at Second Avenue and Bates Street. The URA is turning to PTC after a deal with Harmar-based Kratsa Properties to build a 1...
Stephane Mercier Named as General Manager for the 306-key Conrad Miami in Florida / February 2013
February 1, 2013
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive MIAMI – FEBRUARY 6, 2013 – Hilton Worldwide announces the appointment of Stephane Mercier, as the general manager of the distinctive 36-story glass tower luxury Conrad Miami in downtown Miami's financial district. In his new role, Mercier will oversee the day-to-day operations and management of the 203 rooms and 103 residence suites hotel, effective immediately. Mercier replaces Martin Wormull who has been promoted to senior director brand performance management, Americas for Hilton Worldwide Luxury brands. Mercier will report directly to Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president, op...
Social Media, Customer Relevance and the Explosion of Big Data: A Formula for Driving Customer Engagement and ROI
February 1, 2013
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive by Eric Magnuson February 2013 The emergence of digital media has ushered in a new era of social sharing with active participation from businesses and their stakeholders. This ever-evolving technology has brought about changes in the marketplace, leading to new ways of communication: peer-to-peer, customers to businesses, business to business, and so on. The pervasive digital technology has led to a data explosion. Just imagine some of the data that is generated every single minute: Google receives 2,000,000 search queries Facebook users share 684,478 pieces of content Twitt...
sbe, Stockbridge Capital and Daniels Real Estate Unveil $400 million Development Plans for the SLS
February 1, 2013
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive SEATTLE--(February 14, 2013)--sbe, an industry-leading hospitality, lifestyle and real estate development company, Stockbridge Capital Group, LLC and Daniels Real Estate today announced the development plans for SLS Hotel Seattle. Located at 5th and Columbia in Downtown Seattle, the announcement also marks the Seattle debut of legendary designer Philippe Starck. Construction of the $400 million development is expected to begin Q4 2013 with an anticipated completion date of 2016. In addition to the luxury SLS Hotel Seattle, which will occupy floors 2 through 15, the tower will also offer Cl...
sbe to Break Ground on the 1,600-key SLS Las Vegas, a Fully-Integrated Resort and Casino Slated to
February 1, 2013
Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive LAS VEGAS--sbe, an industry-leading creative hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hotels, restaurants and nightlife, announced that they will officially break ground on SLS Las Vegas. Slated to open in fall 2014, the redevelopment of SLS Las Vegas is expected to infuse $400 million into the local economy, as well as create a projected 8,600 direct and indirect jobs. Stockbridge Capital Group of San Francisco is an equity partner in the project. "It's a proud day for sbe, our partners at Stockbridge and the Vegas community as we embark on a historic chapter ...
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