Luxuries Hotels

Check out CambayWinter Packages and enjoy winters like never before

2011-11-24T13:44:00.001+05:30

Cambay Winter Packages: Take a Deep Breathes and Relax in Warm Sunshine Sipping Different Fruit Juices

2010-10-04T18:33:00.000+05:30

As in the winter season has set in with all its colours, it’s time to bask in the warm sun and take deep breathe. People love to travel about in this season due to the pleasant winter atmosphere and so they like to explore new locations for getting away from this bustic life. Winter has its own beauty as this only season we find the best flowers blooming flying around with their colourful wings and so it adds on the to the scenic beauty of this season.

To make your trip easy and a memorable one, Cambay, a renowned name in the chain of hotels & resorts is offering ‘Winter Packages’ for all winter tour lovers. The wonderful places all over India at which this exciting package can be availed are at Jamdoli, Kukas at Jaipur, Udaipur, Goa, Thaltej & Vejalpur at Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru and Kollam at Kerala. These places are well-equipped with all the amenities that one requires to spend ‘a relaxing holiday’. The hotels and resorts consist of airy rooms and cottages that have a providing world class services reflecting eminent hospitality of the Indian Culture. The Orient Spa, in-built of all the Camaby five star hotel & resort offers an array of Ayurvedic and Therapeutic treatments welcomes you to an entirely new world of fresh and healthy living, where one can feel what pure ecstasy can be all about as you get coddled with the best of revitalizing therapies. So, get ready to travel around the best places of India!!!

Source : Cambay Winter Packages: Take a Deep Breathes and Relax in Warm Sunshine Sipping Different Fruit Juices

Cambay Palm Lagoon in Kollam Kerala

2010-08-16T18:25:00.003+05:30

Kerala, the name in itself brings the feeling of naturalistic views and being in the lap of Mother Nature. Basking in the sun with a sip of orange juice, gives ultimate pleasure for relaxation. It’s truly said as ‘God’s Own Country’ due to its scenic background, tropical green lands and holistic ayurveda. The backwaters of Kerala wide-stretch over a large area which tranquils the atmosphere and adds on to the beauty of the place.

Cambay Palm Lagoon – Resort in Kerala, a fantastic port for tourists to enjoy the experience uniquely for holiday destination. Situated in the immaculate peach of Ashtamudi Lake, this Resort in Kollam offers a choice of plush cottages and house-boats to feel the air of comfort with world-class amenities like in-room dining, tea-coffee maker, LCD television, work-desk and direct dial phone.

The leisure options provided are Orient Spa, Health Club, Swimming Pool, Restaurant & Banquets and an array of other options. Taste the finger-liping dishes made by our expert chefs with a view of blush of beaches and light of shinning sun.

Orient Spa gives a room to relax in with the varied range of Ayurvedic treatments, International Therapies and massages to dip you fully by mind and body. Bird-watching, rock climbing, sight-seeing can be done at Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kumakarom etc. It portrays the living of luxury that leaves a long lasting impact on the minds of the visitors.

Taste the colors of Kerala by booking your stay at Cambay Palm Lagoon!

Cambay Palm Lagoon Review on Tripadvisor

Leisure yourself to the stunning beauty of backwaters and rising panes of nature!

Cambay Hotels and Resorts announces the launch of Cambay Sapphire-CRN Bengaluru

2010-08-12T18:06:00.000+05:30

Cambay Sapphire - CRN, Bengaluru is a newly opened venture of Neesa Leisure Ltd., a combined hospitality as well as business destination.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, July 14, 2010 /India PRwire/ -- Cambay Hotels and Resorts (ISO 9001: 2008 Certified), a hospitality business vertical of Neesa Leisure Ltd., an integrated hospitality management company has launched Cambay Sapphire-CRN at Bengaluru on Friday. The launch ceremony was graced by Karnataka Ratna Dr. Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt, Tumkur.

With close proximity to business districts and places of major tourist attractions, Cambay Sapphire-CRN is a perfect destination for business and leisure travelers. The hotel has 3 suites and 45 premium rooms that are aesthetically designed to make your stay comfortable, with each guest room and suite being equipped with independent work desk, LCD television, both high speed and wireless internet connectivity, mini bar, direct dial facility, tea/coffee maker, electronic safe, etc.

Over and above the 24-hr In-room dining facility, Cambay Sapphire-CRN offers a delectable mix of multi-cuisines at Amulya. It also offers special dietary menus to cater to the health conscious customers.

Facilities and services in the hotel include airport/railway transfers, travel-desk services for car rentals, valet parking, laundry facility, currency exchange and more

The hotel is now open with an attractive introductory offer of Rs. 2500/- on single occupancy and Rs. 2800/- on double occupancy per night basis with complimentary breakfast, usage of wi-fi and transfers from the railway station as complimentaries till further notice.

For reservations guests may call at the toll-free no. 1-800-233-6655 or visit our website ww.thecambay.com.

About Cambay Hotels

Cambay Hotels and Resorts, a business vertical of Neesa Leisure Ltd, began its ambitious endeavour into the world of hospitality with the launch of Cambay Spa & Golf Resort at Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat in 2005. It focuses on MICE (Meeting, Incentive Tour, Conference and Exhibition) apart from leisure and travel businesses, promising a blend of world-class infrastructure and renowned Asian hospitality to achieve unmatched customer satisfaction and value for money experience. With eight operating properties across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Jaipur, Kerala and Goa and two upcoming properties at Neemrana and Dahej SEZ, and our properties under management contract at Bengaluru, Jodhpur and Abu, Cambay Hotels and Resorts offers undiluted opulence through their superior ambience, hospitality and service.

Visit: http://www.neesaleisure.com

For further details of Cambay Hotels Resorts log on to www.thecambay.com.

For More Details on Hotels in Banglore: Banglore Hotels

Monsoon Holiday Packages from Cambay Five Star Hotels Resorts

2010-06-16T16:23:00.002+05:30

India - one of the most charming places in the world. Bequeath with many natural gems including three main seasons, namely summer, winter and monsoon. The Month of June welcomes the monsoon season which remains till the end of September every year.

The monsoon season brings little to heavy rainfall across India and boosts the beauty of the land.

As the first showers of the rains lush many places wipe summer’s dust & grime and don a greenery look.

Monsoon holidays in India are very popular among all types of travelers and draw people to enjoy across the globe.

Usually Monsoon Holiday Packages cover popular tourist destinations of India, especially the areas dotted with natural attractions.

Most Monsoon Holiday Packages include accommodation, sightseeing and leisure options.

A wide range of monsoon holiday packages are available on our site (CAMBAY HOTELS & RESORTS). Pick up the best-suited from discounted tour packages and enjoy Monsoon Holidays in India with family members and friends.

Here are few monsoon getaways perfect to cuddle with cups of coffee and to take your family for a monsoon holiday.

The monsoon holidays include lovely beaches, hill stations with beautiful landscapes, heritage destinations and few off-beat places that promise a naturalistic experience to cherish life time.

You can plan a trip to any part of India during monsoon and experience the nature at its best.

Believe us, no one can gift you a more enjoyable holiday package than the rains of this wonderful country of this world, INDIA.

Hurry, THECAMBAY presents the monsoon promotional offer valid for limited time of 1^st August to 31^st September.

This monsoon holiday tour package is available through our Cambay Tours & Travels division.

Visit MONSOON HOLIDAY PACKAGES

Contact our Holiday Package Specialist at 1-800-233-6655

Udaipur Summer Holiday Packages

2010-05-07T15:20:00.000+05:30

When you decided to summer trip in Udaipur, Rajasthan, then it is right one tour plan for you. Udaipur has wonderful historical places like palaces, lakes, charming parks, museums.

Udaipur feels travelers about the ancient culture of India with their beautiful places. Udaipur tour becomes memorable for lifetime travel experience.

Cambay five star spa and resort offers holiday packages for this summer in Udaipur.

Cambay Holidays

2010-04-21T15:18:00.001+05:30

NLL announces Cambay Family Holidays which offers exciting packages for holidays. It offers cost-effective holiday fun packages across the world.

You can have all fun and joyable experiences with the places worldwide. Cambay has got affiliation from RCI, giving the customers a wide range of holiday places in their own selected hotels and resorts. More than 4000 RCI affiliated resorts in more than 100 countries and 76 resorts in India itself. Cambay also offers cambay properties and RCI affiliated resorts at their own choice place. CFH membership is the passport to inflation-free annual holiday worldwide for 25 long years.

Cambay has a chain of Resorts, Hotels & Golf courses in various parts of the country. It owns hotels, resorts and golf courses such as Cambay Spa & Resort, Gandhinagar, Cambay Golf, Gandhinagar, Cambay Sapphire, Ahmedabad, Cambay Spa & Resort Kukas, Jaipur & Cambay Boutique Appartments, Gurgaon. Cambay,a renowned brand name under the flagship Neesa Leisure Limited (An ISO 9001: 2000 certified Company), an integrated hospitality and leisure company, which is developing and operating Hotels, Resorts, Spa, Golf and other leisure facilities in different parts of the country. Its upcoming projects are SPA Resort in Udaipur, Five star deluxe hotel at Ahmedabad and Hotel & Convention Centre at Neemrana.

Cambay Group is also in the process of spreading its network to various other places like Jodhpur, Shimla, Kerala and Goa.

Enjoy your holidays with full fun with amazing leisurely activities!!

Summer Holiday Packages: Enjoy Summer Vacation

2010-04-20T11:14:00.000+05:30

One can plan out their holidays with cambay hotels and resorts, spread over different regions like Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Udaipur, Jaipur, Gurgaon, Kerala, Goa in India. Cambay, has its own brand developed and renowned name for hotels, clubs and resorts. The packages are organised with flexibility giving most trusted services to travellers.

Cambay hotel, resort offers multi lingual customer services at cost effective rates for planning holidays and vacations. They also offer facilities like golf resort, spa. Golf resort gives you one of important experience of sport golf, spa treatment for relax, refresh and rejuvenate yourself with luxury Spa.

A summer holidays vacation is a time to relax and unwind, to get away from your normal routine and indulge yourself. Summer vacations are usually considered as a prime time to move out and enjoy.

As summer begins in India, people search for a hideout away from the steaming and unbearable heat. Besides plain, the varied landscape of India consists of supercilious hills that have been developed.

Summer Holidays in India are very popular among discerning tourists, adventure seekers and other types of travelers.

Cambay presents a really cool and refreshing way to beat the heat with summer holiday packages 2010.

Cambay hotels & resorts have announced summer holiday packages to enjoy and have memorable holidays with wonderful resort places located at various beautiful sites of Indian. A journey to pure taste of Indian culture and archaic heritage. This journey leads you for relishing your holidays with family and friends and making it joyous. It has been amongst the trustworthy tour and travel organizers in Gujarat.

Choose from summer holiday packages offered at discounted rates and book a vacation in summer holiday destinations of India. Enjoy the summer vacation holidays in India and get a wonderful chance to indulge in thrilling sightseeing and leisure options.

Source: Summer Holiday Packages For Vacation

Cambay Holidays Review

2010-04-19T12:08:00.001+05:30

Some time it is very important to spend some valuable time with family and friends to over come from daily tight work schedule. Relaxation and refreshment is necessary for human to give 100% out put in their work.

There are various places in all over world where people can go to spend few moments with their family, friends or loved once. Those who are married and have family, they can grab the opportunity of family holiday packages launched by various tours and travels all over the world. During the time of vacations or festival's, they usually declare holiday or vacation packages with discount rates for customers.

The most beautiful and peaceful places to spend holiday with family are: India, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Maldives, Singapore, Italy, America etc. all these are very beautiful placed to move around with family or friends.

Now, you must be thinking how to arrange your trip. Don't panic. Lot many options are available for customers; one can plan their trip from their home only without any tension. Internet has made it more easy and convenient to plan trip or hotel booking or resort booking just by log in to the respective website. Just register your self on the website and search out for the place to go, select the package, select the room type, select the days, and select the payment gateway, now you done.

Moreover one can surf for the reviews on the internet. That will help you out in selecting place as well as hotel booking. For more convenience, travel or tours agency provides pick up and drop facility, also provide car rental and cruise booking services. Every thing will be done from your home only. Here online hotel resort booking, resort, online car rental booking, cruise booking everything is available for customers.

Now a day planning international tour has become very easy and takes no time or not even panic for customers. Even those who don't have internet access or don't know how to use internet, travel or tourism agents are always there to help them out.

Select any hill station, or beach resort to enjoy family holidays. Five star hotels and luxury resorts provides all the luxurious facilities to their customers. They have maximum entertainment resources like swimming pool, disco, Children Park, garden, mini theater, library, gym, yoga center, casino, bar etc. so customer can enjoy their holidays of 4-5 days in resort only without going out anywhere.

So for what are you waiting? Join any online tourism portal and book hotel or resort for you and your family. Else contact any tours and travel agency for joining their best family holiday package. Enjoy your trip and have fun with your family friends or loved once.

Source: Family Holidays Review for Cambay Five Star Hotel Resort

Cambay Family Holidays Club

2010-04-13T14:22:00.000+05:30

Neesa Leisure Ltd (NLL) is an integrated hospitality management company, which builds, owns, operates and markets its own business and leisure verticals under the brand name 'CAMBAY'. It focuses on MICE (Meeting, Incentive Tour, Conference and Exhibition) apart from leisure and travel businesses, promising a blend of world-class infrastructure and renowned Asian hospitality to achieve unmatched customer satisfaction and value for money experience.

Presently Cambay Hotels and Resorts own 10 luxurious retreats in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Jaipur (Kukas & Jamdoli), Kollam (Kerala) and Gurgaon. Upcoming Projects in Neemrana, Dhahej & Jodhpur will take the total inventory to 1000+ rooms.

NLL, since 2005, has broadened its horizon through various ventures such as Cambay Hotels & Spa/Golf Resorts, Orient Spa, Cambay Club, Cambay Tours, Cambay Family Holidays Club and Cambay Institute of Hospitality Management.

Cambay Family Holidays (CFH) Club, a time-share business vertical of NLL, offers cost effective holidays with endless benefits at excellent locations across the globe.

Cambay Family Holidays Club, which has an RCI affiliation, gives the customers’ a wide choice of holidaying options in selected own resorts and more than 5700 RCI affiliated resorts in more than 100 countries and 76 resorts in India. Moreover, Holiday opportunities will increase for CFH members with the growth and expansion of Cambay Hotels and Resorts in India. The Club also plans to launch other international RCI programmes very soon which will be very beneficial to all its members.

CFH Club membership is a passport to inflation-free 7-day annual holiday, worldwide, for 25 years. Its membership entitles the member to virtually free one week accommodation every year at any Cambay owned properties or RCI affiliated resorts across the globe. There is freedom of choice of season and accommodation size; depending on type of membership. When member purchase a vacation week of an RCI affiliated resort, it allows to exchange in the RCI affiliated resorts or even allow the member to borrow 2 years week in advance or if the member has not used his RCI week he can deposit their week holiday with RCI to club it with their next year holiday at the destination of their own choice.

A member gets to customize his holiday through specially designed family holidays and theme resorts at economical prices.

Cambay Family Holidays Club differentiates itself and proposes as a “Value for Money” proposition for its customers. CFH Club affiliates itself to world-class SPA and offers a choice of Golfing at two different locations like Jaipur and Gandhinagar, a unique feature available in all Cambay Hotels and Resorts. All resorts are designed / planned keeping an entire family in mind; hence Indoor/Outdoor recreation and entertainment facilities, health clubs, multi-cuisine restaurants, libraries etc. form a part of almost all the projects. The benefit is all Cambay hotels and resorts are located near prominent tourist destinations.

To give that extra special feel, Cambay Family Holidays Club ensures in creating a great holiday by appointing a Fun Rovers team in each resort who support the members to make each moment of the holiday fun-filled and memorable.

Source: Around the World in 25 Years...Global Holidays

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Chicago West O’hare Opens

2009-05-01T11:18:00.000+05:30

Plote Construction, developers of the new Hillside, IL. Town Center, together with S&L Hospitality, a hospitality development and management company in Madison, Wis., welcomed nearly 200 business owners, chamber members and community leaders to a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting and Gala Reception yesterday evening, commencing the opening of the new, 135-room Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Chicago – West O’Hare, located at 200 South Mannheim Rd., Hillside, IL, 60162.

“Lodging is a critical part of the new master planned retail center, and attracting a ‘best in class’ hotel was a key priority,” explained John Flood, director of economic development for Hillside Town Center. “The new Holiday Inn Express & Suites is an outstanding, quality hotel and an ideal lodging fit for Hillside Town Center’s quality retail options.”

“Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers a convenient location, state-of-the-business facilities and first-class hotel features,” said general manager Tim Cepek. “We are happy to be open and welcome business and leisure travelers alike.”

The hotel is part of the new 32-acre mixed-use development project located off of Interstate 290, and joins retail outlets including Super Target, Petco, Staples, Michaels, Panda Express and more.

The property showcases the brand’s new hallmark signage, which is the seal of approval that this hotel exemplifies the standards of the $1 billion Holiday Inn brand relaunch program. First announced in 2007, the relaunch program was established to create a more contemporary brand image as part of the drive to increase quality and drive consistency across the global portfolio. The program focuses on arrival and welcome, guestroom and guest bath comfort. The global estate of more than 3,200 Holiday Inn Express and Suites properties is expected to be relaunched by the end of 2010.

The hotel is a modern hotel for value-orientated travelers. Fresh, clean and uncomplicated, the new property offers competitive rates for both business and leisure travelers. Amenities include: Fresh Express Start® Breakfast Buffet featuring a full range of hot breakfast items; indoor heated swimming pool and whirlpool; 24-fitness center; 24-hour business center; 24-hour Express Market®; free wired & wireless high speed internet and free local calls (US Only) and free guest parking. Guest rooms feature queen or king-sized beds; 32? flat panel HDTV’s; microwave; refrigerator; hairdryer; iron/ironing board; and safe. The hotel is 100% non-smoking.

Guests at the Holiday Inn Express Chicago-West O’Hare will experience a comfortable and smart environment with innovative preferred guest upgrades to ensure a productive stay while traveling for business or leisure. The hotels’ newly enhanced complimentary Express Start® breakfast bar will feature a full range of breakfast items including a rotation of egg and meat selections, biscuits, yogurt, fruit and the brand’s proprietary cinnamon roll and Smart Roast® coffee. The SimplySmart™ shower incorporates a proprietary Stay Smart™ Kohler showerhead, signature shower curtain with curved rod, upgraded 100 percent cotton terry towels and custom line of cinnamon-scented bath products. And, guests will enjoy the SimplySmart™ bedding collection where they will find new crisp fresh bedding which features an attractive decorative throw, a medium-weight duvet blanket and soft 200 thread-count sheets.

Conveniently, the property is only 6 miles from Chicago O’Hare Airport and only 15 miles from downtown Chicago. The hotel offers free shuttle service to and from Chicago O’Hare.

For reservations, visit web site at www.holidayinnexpress.com or call 1.708.544.2700.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites participates in IHG’s guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards. The industry’s first and largest guest loyalty program has 40 million members. Priority Club Rewards membership is free and guests can enroll by logging on at priortiyclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any of IHG’s more than 4,100 hotels worldwide.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago – West O’Hare is owned and was developed through a unique partnership between Par Development and S&L Hospitality. S&L Hospitality is the management company for the property under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

Source: hotelinteractive

Hampton by Hilton Opens its First Hotel in Corby, UK

2009-03-04T18:29:00.000+05:30

Hampton® Hotels, the international brand of hotels and part of the Hilton Family of Hotels, is proud to announce the official opening of its first ever European hotel property. The 88-room Hampton by Hilton Corby/Kettering, located at Rockingham Leisure Park in Corby, Northamptonshire is the first Hampton by Hilton to open its doors to guests in the United Kingdom.

The new Hampton by Hilton™ hotel is franchised, owned and operated by the management company Hotel Solutions London Limited (H.S.L).

“With our opening of the first Hampton By Hilton in Europe, H.S.L. is joining the Hilton family and in conjunction with Mr.Ramesh Dewan has made a commitment of owning & operating 20 new Hampton by Hilton’s over the next few years," said Pearl Pailihawadana, Operational Director.

Providing fresh and clean, stylish, comfortable rooms and outstanding guest service is a top priority for Hampton by Hilton and are some of the reasons why the brand should be highly competitive in the UK market.

“Hampton by Hilton Hotels combines quality, exceptional guest service, comfort and plenty of extras, making Hampton by Hilton the hot new brand of choice in the marketplace today,” said Richard Lee, Hampton by Hilton Corby general manager. “Hampton by Hilton dramatically enhances the guest experience, with products and services ranging from free On the House® hot breakfast, the exclusive Purity Basics® bath products and free high-speed Internet access all backed by Hampton’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. “

Just 90 minutes by train from London and few minutes from the newly developed Corby train station, the Hampton by Hilton Corby is located in the heart of a rapidly developing and regenerating community. The hotel in Corby is located within an up and coming vibrant area, with a busy business park and several dining options within easy walking distance of the hotel.

The hotel offers standard guest rooms with a queen size bed and double sofa bed. There are also accessible rooms for guests with special needs. Additional guest amenities include a free daily hot breakfast featuring a range of inter-changing breakfast items found in the breakfast area. With the additional flexible mixed seating area, guests will be able to get comfortable, relax and enjoy the bar and food from the snack area, especially for the busy on the go business traveller. Also on site is a stylish fitness centre and meeting space.

The hotel is a short distance away from quaint historic towns and stately castles such as Rockingham Castle. Guests seeking the need for speed will find it just two miles from the Hampton by Hilton Corby at Rockingham Motor Speedway, one of Europe's fastest racing circuits. Combined with its close proximity to Corby High Street in the heart of the old town, the Hampton by Hilton Corby/Kettering is bringing a whole new meaning to the guest experience in the hotel industry.

Hampton by Hilton™ combines the strength of the Hilton name with the power of the Hampton brand. This is a new kind of economy hotel that is designed to appeal to business and leisure travellers alike, offering best in class service and comfort.

To make reservations at the Hampton by Hilton Corby/Kettering hotel, travellers can visit the Hampton by Hilton web site at hamptonbyhilton.com. Hampton by Hilton participates in Hilton HHonorsÒ, the only hotel rewards program that offers Points & MilesÒ and No Blackout Dates.

About Hampton Hotels
The Hampton brand, including; Hampton InnÒ, Hampton Inn & SuitesÒ, Hampton Inn by HiltonÒ, Hampton Inn & Suites by HiltonÒ and Hampton by Hilton is an award-winning leader in the mid-priced hotel segment. All Hampton hotels offer warm surroundings and a friendly service culture that share a common “personality” supported by the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. High-quality accommodations, in-room conveniences and the latest technology, combined with numerous locations and consistent offerings, have made Hampton a leader in its segment and one of the fastest growing hotel brands. For more information about Hampton by Hilton, please visit www.hamptonbyhilton.com.

Hampton Hotels is a part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, the leading global hospitality company, with more than 3,200 hotels and 545,000 rooms in 77 countries and territories, with more than 135,000 team members worldwide. The company owns, manages or franchises some of the best known and highly regarded hotel brands including HiltonÒ, ConradÒ Hotels & Resorts, DoubletreeÒ, Embassy Suites HotelsÒ, Hampton InnÒ, Hampton Inn & SuitesÒ, Hilton Garden InnÒ, Hilton Grand Vacations™, Homewood Suites by HiltonÒ, Home2 Suites by Hilton™ and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection™. For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonfamily.com.

About Hotel Solutions London Limited
Other than operating Hampton By Hilton Corby Kettering, Hotel Solutions London Ltd (HSL) are contract managers of departments within a large number of UK hotels dealing with over 4000 bedrooms throughout Britain. H.S.L. manages departments for brands such as Sheraton Hotels, Radisson Hotels, Park Inn Hotels, and Days Hotels & currently has over 500 employees. H.S.L. is part owned by the Dewan Foundation where by a quarter of all its profits are used for good causes throughout the world.

Source: hotelinteractive

Associated Ventures Prepares First "Hotel Highland" in U.S. Market

2009-03-04T18:27:00.000+05:30

Associated Ventures LLC, an international real estate development and investment firm based in Los Angeles, announces a new hotel collection in the United States lodging market named "Hotel Highland."

The limited-service urban boutique brand is designed primarily for the upscale business as well as leisure travelers seeking affordable yet stylish accommodations in an engaging, active city environment.

Associated Ventures is currently in negotiations to purchase the next additions to the Hotel Highland collection, with serious prospects in Chicago, IL and Tucson, AZ.

The completion of the multimillion-dollar Hotel Highland at Biltmore renovation is the final phase of rebranding efforts for the 120-room property formerly under the Phoenix Inn Suites banner. The grand launch of Hotel Highland is located in the Fortune 500 Biltmore corridor area of Phoenix.

Construction of an 80-unit condominium tower adjacent to the hotel is planned to commence when market conditions stabilize.

"We look forward to bringing a new urban, boutique-style hotel collection to the U.S. lodging industry," said Melanie Pennell-Mayer, Managing Member of Associated Ventures LLC. "With demand growing in urban markets for non-branded product with unique amenities that offer an affordable 'cool'
factor, Hotel Highland intends to give travelers a new choice for stylish, personalized, high-tech accommodations in locations that bring together a mix of culture, business, and community. It will be higher living, higher style, and higher-tech than presently available in a given market."

Michael D. Mayer, Managing Member of Associated Ventures LLC, stated, "although each Hotel Highland may differ in look and design, there is a common thread - each property will highlight chic, upscale amenities complemented by exciting food and beverage concepts.

Melanie Pennell-Mayer added, "Some of our associates have asked why we would commit over $5,000,000 to refurbish and rebrand in this challenging financial market. First, we felt that we could not be competitive in any market with rooms that have not been renovated in 13 years. Therefore, any renovation would increase occupancy; so the question then was how many dollars to commit. Second, we felt to be competitive in a down market you need a stellar product, so we decided to go all out."

"Our analogy was pure and simple. If we could increase our RevPar to pay for the cost of funds plus a return of investment and still give our customer a fresh new product for less than the competition, we will have accomplished our goal," said Michael D. Mayer.

Higher Living, Higher Style at the Hotel Highland at Biltmore
Upon completion, adoption of specialized amenities and local designers will set the Hotel Highland apart from surrounding competitors. The design scheme is described as "urban flair," integrating natural stone, wood, leather, and decorative metals throughout the property. Additionally, Hotel Highland will showcase artwork, original sculptures and prints from local artists. These items, displayed throughout the interior, will be available for purchase by guests and local residents.

The distinctive concept continues into guestrooms with exclusive in-room refreshment centers, inspired by local flavors. Featured products include wines from local wineries, beers from area microbreweries, prickly pear candies, sage-infused teas and other indigenous desert treats.

The Hotel Highland at Biltmore will include a barista and other grab-and-go deli items available twenty-four/seven. Pennell-Mayer notes, "Modern interpretations of Southwestern foods and condiments will be featured."

The Café Lounge area will serve as a communal lounge complete with a full service bar featuring a unique selection of cocktails. From a technology standpoint, the Café Lounge will offer wireless Internet access, oversized plasma televisions and more. The social setting is also enhanced by the adjacent poolside area and fire pit where guests can soak in the beautiful Arizona weather.

The fourth floor of Hotel Highland will be designated as an executive floor, accessible only by private key. In addition to larger flat screen televisions, luxury linens and pillows, the executive level will feature a twenty-four/seven executive Library Lounge offering gourmet snacks and coffees at no charge as well as local, international and financial newspapers. The area will also have its own business center and will provide wired and wireless Internet access at no charge.

A self-service Business Center will also be accessible on the lobby level, while all conference rooms will be equipped with the latest in audio/visual technologies, including video conferencing and plasma screens.

Source: hotelinteractive

Sheraton Tucson Completes Renovation

2009-03-04T18:17:00.000+05:30

It's all new. Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites has unveiled an exciting new identity, blending the intimate vibe usually found at boutique hotels with fun and function for an urban resort experience at a mid-priced value. After a multi-million dollar renovation, the hotel offers a contemporary look with the personalized services that are usually found at luxury boutique hotels. Luxury meets sensibility at Sheraton Tucson.

The blend of style and sophistication with affordability and function create a distinctive experience. Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites is now a premier destination for Tucson travelers. Guests are greeted by personal hosts, rather than front desk agents, to accommodate their every need during their stay. Guests' welcome includes a liquid s'more, the hotel's signature chile-seasoned cocoa shooter. Just another touch to show guests of the hotel are getting "s'more" on every level while they are visiting.

In addition, Sheraton Tucson touts 18,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space, ballrooms, lobby, Sheraton Business Link, a café proudly brewing Starbucks, fitness center and Fire+Spice restaurant. New guests rooms were unveiled in September 2007. The new hotel experience was developed by Sage Hospitality, Sheraton Tucson's management company.

The most delicious addition is the property's new restaurant and dining concept, Fire+Spice. Guests can experience a modern twist on Arizona cuisine with the influences of Spain, the Southwest and Native American artisan recipes.

Warm colors, bold décor, ambient lighting, a seductive indoor/outdoor bar and blazing fire pits make the perfect accompaniment to Fire+Spice's modern Arizona cuisine. The sensual fire pits set the stage for an enchanting evening both before and after dinner for every occasion. The fire pits will also be the site of the hotel's Intention Rituals, a new activity created by Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites to help you fulfill all your desires by releasing what you don't want and wishing for what you do. Watch for
Fire+Spice's activity calendar, coming in March, to join.

The hotel's interior evokes the feel of a boutique hotel, blending contemporary elegance and Southwestern accents. Sheraton Tucson's design team created a modern look by implementing a pod concept and beautiful rock wall in the reception area. A new café proudly brewing Starbucks fills the lobby with the aromas of specialty coffees.

"We are transforming ordinary processes into memorable experiences", says General Manager, Nanci Sherman. "Our commitment is to provide the best hotel experience in Tucson for each and every individual we serve."

The guest rooms are the perfect oasis after a long days work or play. The hotel features 131 suites and 85 deluxe guest rooms. The rooms are appointed with Sheraton Sweet SleeperSM Beds, refrigerators, new bed linens, new upholstered furniture and plasma TV's, with a feel of desert elegance. Wet bars with granite countertops also add to the in-room experience of all suites. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

The events center and meeting venues tout 18,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space. The newly redesigned meeting rooms and new Sabino Ballroom use a complementing desert-themed color palette and feature the most-up-to date technology and equipment.

The new Sheraton Tucson also includes Sheraton Business Link, a workcenter for business travelers in the hotel's lobby. It features complementary Wi-Fi and PC workstations, TV-on-PC workstations and printing.

The fitness center features new Precor equipment, while a new furniture collection will soon be unveiled at the pool area. Sheraton has also added private Starwood Preferred Guest lounge for use by members.

To experience Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites, please visit www.sheraton.com/Tucson.

About Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites
A vibrant new look at Sheraton Tucson brings an exciting new identity, which blends the intimate experience usually found at boutique hotels with fun and function. This creates an urban resort experience at a mid-priced value.

Sheraton Tucson boasts 131 suites and 85 deluxe guest rooms, along with Fire+Spice restaurant, the Sheraton Business Link, a fitness center, Fire+gift shop, heated pool, hot tub, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property. In addition, 11 meeting rooms tout 18,000 sq. ft. of newly redesigned flexible event space. Upon entering, guests feel a distinct connection to the property through its use of personal hosts and welcome amenities. Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites is operated by Sage Hospitality ( www.sagehospitality.com). The hotel is located 10 miles from downtown Tucson and 15 miles from Tucson Airport. For reservations, please call 800-695-8284 or visit www.sheraton.com/tucson.

Source: hotelinteractive

Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts and Pure Secrets Resorts & Spas To Open At Dominican Republic’s Cap Cana

2009-03-04T18:09:00.000+05:30

AMResorts, award-winning provider of resort sales, marketing and brand management services, today announced plans to develop two new elite resorts at Cap Cana, one of the world's most exclusive tourist destinations with lavish amenities and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Zoëtry Pearl Sands Cap Cana and Pure Secrets at Cap Cana will be situated in a premium location on Cap Cana’s most pristine beach and are slated to open in late 2010.

The announcement was made by Alex Zozaya, AMResorts’ CEO and president, and follows his recent meeting with Dr. Ricardo Hazoury, President of Cap Cana’s Board of Directors, to confirm in writing the details of their development agreement.

According to Zozaya, “AMResorts is extremely pleased to join the outstanding tourism and residential offerings currently at Cap Cana, and we look forward to developing two truly exceptional resorts that integrate perfectly with Cap Cana’s natural beauty and ecological focus.”

“We are delighted to welcome AMResorts and the Zoëtry and Pure Secrets brands to Cap Cana, said Dr. Hazoury. “The planned attributes of these properties are extraordinary and enticing — complemented by an extensive array of personalized services for every guest; they will surely appeal to the refined travelers and residents attracted to Cap Cana.

Zoëtry Pearl Sands Cap Cana becomes the second in a newly-launched brand of high-end lifestyle resorts, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts. At Zoëtry, every guest is treated to consummate luxury and an unparalleled vacation experience through access to exquisite accommodations, gourmet dining and entertainment options and a wealth of unique features designed to enhance their emotional and physical well-being.

Pure Secrets at Cap Cana will be an exclusive sub-branded resort of Secrets Resorts & Spas, the luxury resort chain serving adults and couples in romantic and tropical settings. Pure Secrets will feature elegant rooms and suites with dedicated concierge services. Resort guests and Cap Cana visitors alike can indulge at any of Pure Secrets’ multiple gourmet restaurants, enjoy the resort’s upscale entertainment options, and be pampered at the Spa.

“With some of the Caribbean’s finest beaches, a special area devoted to ecological preservation, multitude of golf courses, spectacular marina and other recreational opportunities, we expect the new Zoëtry and Pure Secrets resorts to attract affluent and sophisticated U.S. travelers seeking a rewarding and holistic vacation experience,” said Zozaya.

Both resorts will be located on what is considered one of the Dominican Republic’s most scenic beaches, just moments from the Punta Cana International Airport. In addition to offering the utmost comfort in luxurious and spacious accommodations, guests have a plethora of activities and scenic wonders just outside their door. Cap Cana is home to the soon-to-be largest in-land mega yacht marina in the Caribbean, three* Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses and spectacular beaches. The renowned destination features a variety of elegant boutiques and restaurants, tennis and swimming facilities, deep-sea fishing, polo grounds, a casino and more.

About AMResorts
AMResorts (www.amresorts.com) provides brand management, sales and marketing services to its three brands of exclusive resort properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic: The highest level of luxury and lifestyle resorts, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts (www.zoetryresorts.com; 888-4Zoëtry); the adults-only Secrets Resorts & Spas (www.secretsresorts.com; 866-GO SECRETS), the luxurious Dreams Resorts & Spas (www.dreamsresorts.com; 866-2 DREAMS). Zoëtry is a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World, and Secrets and Dreams Resorts & Spas are members of Preferred Hotels® & Resorts. Vacation packages are available online, via the toll-free brand phone numbers and through leading travel professionals in North America, Mexico and Europe.

About Cap Cana, www.capcana.com
Located at the eastern region of the Dominican Republic, Cap Cana is a tourist and real estate community that integrates luxury and exclusivity, and that expands approximately 120 million square meters.

Cap Cana has the Punta Espada golf course, design and signature by Jack Nicklaus, a course which was the venue for the PGA Champions Tour of 2008 and will be in 2009, ranked as the number one golf course in the Caribbean and Mexico by Golfweek Magazine; the second golf Course*, Las Iguanas, will launch in 2009, and has over 65% of its area constructed already. The Cap Cana Marina is in full operation and has space for yachts up to 150 feet. Cap Cana also has elegant boutiques, 14 gourmet restaurants, spa, exclusive memberships for yacht clubs, sports, beaches and a bilingual school, the Cap Cana Heritage School.

The infrastructure of basic services at Cap Cana included a 20MW of electric energy facilities, 46kms of streets, 21kms in the process of being built and a modern system for the distribution of water and telecommunications.

Source: hotelinteractive

Davidson Hotel Company Increases Executive Bench Strength

2009-03-04T18:08:00.001+05:30

Officials of Davidson Hotel Company (DHC), one of the nation’s largest hotel management companies, today announced that they have promoted four associates to the executive level: Mary Jean Campochiaro, vice president of hotel accounting; Lew Lemon, regional vice president of operations; Stephen Kilroy, vice president of food and beverage; and Ron Hardin, vice president of technology. Together, they have a total of more than 80 years of hospitality experience, 35 of them with Davidson.

“Each of these individuals brings a unique and creative skillset to our management team,” said Patrick Lupsha, Davidson’s chief operating officer. “Their years in the hospitality industry through all phases of the economic cycle make them a vital source of knowledge and leadership to draw upon. We are looking to them to create experience-based strategies that will drive our properties during these difficult times and help grow profit and market share.”

As vice president of hotel accounting, Mary Jean Campochiaro will oversee all aspects of hotel accounting, culminating in the preparation of periodic financial statements, and is responsible for accounting for Davidson’s various hotel acquisitions and dispositions. Campochiaro was an assistant controller with Wilson Hotel Management Company prior to joining Davidson. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting from Memphis State University.

In his new role as regional vice president of operations, Lew Lemon will be responsible for Davidson’s hotel properties in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Previously, he was general manager of the Westin Annapolis in Maryland. Lemon graduated from West Virginia University with a BS in Business Administration.

Stephen Kilroy, vice president of food and beverage, will direct Davidson’s food and beverage programs, profitability, and customer dining experience. Prior to joining Davidson, Kilroy held several positions at Wyndham Hotels, including corporate director of food and beverage. He earned a Culinary Arts and Food Service Management degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I.

As vice president of technology, Ron Hardin’s responsibilities will include company-wide management of acquiring, implementing, and supporting technology systems and solutions. Hardin’s career includes stints with ITT-Sheraton, Micros Systems, Inc. and Planet Hollywood International, Inc.. He holds a BS degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University, and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professionals (CHTP) certification from Hospitality Financial and Technology Professional.

About Davidson Hotel Company
Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Davidson Hotel Company is an award-winning, full-service hotel owner and third-party management company that provides management, development/renovation, acquisition, consulting and accounting expertise for the hospitality industry. The company currently owns and/or manages 36 upscale, independent and branded hotels with nearly 10,200 rooms across the United States, including such affiliations as Westin, Sheraton, Hyatt, Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites, Doubletree, Marriott, Renaissance, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. Additional information on Davidson may be found at the company’s Web site, www.davidsonhotels.com.

Source: hotelinteractive

Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center Appoints Adam Portnoff Director of Catering

2009-03-04T18:05:00.000+05:30

Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center has announced the appointment of Adam Portnoff as director of catering for the historic and award-winning property. Scott Becque, director of sales and marketing, made the announcement.

“I am so pleased that Adam has joined our team of sales professionals here at Glen Cove Mansion,” said Mr. Becque. “He brings over 20 years of experience to his new role and we look forward to his leadership in our catering department.”

During the two decades that Adam Portnoff invested within the hospitality industry, he gained extensive operational and sales experience working in positions of increasing responsibility both front of house and back of house. Mr. Portnoff was employed for several years at properties in New York City, and was most recently with the New York Hilton Hotel. Earlier in his career, he worked within the gaming industry at properties in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and Atlantic City.

Adam Portnoff is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, New York, and Berkeley College. He and his family reside in Manhattan.

About Glen Cove Mansion
The award-winning Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center is situated on 55 secluded and landscaped acres on Long Island's historic Gold Coast, 30 minutes from New York City, JFK International and LaGuardia Airports. The spacious Georgian-style mansion features stunning vistas of Long Island Sound and was once part of a prestigious collection of gracious country estates, later becoming one of the nation's first dedicated conference center hotels. Today the elegant property features 187 richly appointed guestrooms, including four suites, the Garden Room Restaurant with magnificent views of the terraces, the large and comfortable Pub 1910, private dining rooms ideal for social and corporate occasions, as well as vast outdoor reception areas overlooking the mansion's Gilded Age gardens. The property offers 25,000 square feet of event and meeting space, with 27 dedicated conference rooms accommodating from 10 to 280 guests, advanced meeting technology, an executive business center and conference concierge services. Wireless Internet access is available throughout. Also provided are complete fitness and recreational facilities, including a sauna, steam and massage rooms, indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, garden swimming pool, racquetball courts, lighted tennis courts, jogging trail and a sports field. Golf is available nearby. Ideal for executive retreats, corporate meetings and social gathering, the Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center is masterfully designed to integrate gracious accommodations, superb cuisine and attentive service with contemporary comforts and the latest technology. For more information on the Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center, visit www.glencovemansion.com.

Source: hotelinteractive

Concorde Appoints Jean-Luc Cousty as GM Hotel Lutetia

2009-03-04T18:02:00.001+05:30

Concorde Hotels & Resorts has recently appointed Jean-Luc Cousty as General Manager of Hotel Lutetia, one of the jewels of the Concorde Hotels & Resorts collection. Returning to Concorde Hotels this time as general manager, Cousty will lead the way in developing and positioning Hotel Lutetia as the top venue on the Left Bank.

“I am extremely pleased that Jean-Luc Cousty is returning to a position with Concorde Hotels & Resorts. Due to his vast familiarity of our hotels, and his attachment and in-depth knowledge of Hotel Lutetia, he will undoubtedly be the perfect person to manage the property,” says Bernard Granier, Managing Director for Concorde Hotels & Resorts Group.

Cousty began his career at Concorde Hotels & Resorts as a receptionist at Hotel du Louvre. In 1990 he shifted to the Hotel Lutetia and was appointed Administrative Manager. He then joined Hotel Concorde La Fayette, where he held the same position. Moving back to Hotel Lutetia in 1996, Cousty undertook the duties of Operational Manager, Catering, for the next three years. Cousty left the Concorde group for a brief time period when in 1999 he joined Hotel Méridien Etoile as Deputy General Manager where he oversaw the full refurbishment of the hotel. Cousty brings with him 25 years of hospitality experience.

Source: hotelinteractive

The New Yorker Hotel Promotes Mitic, Vargas

2009-03-04T18:00:00.001+05:30

To complement its recent $70 million renovation, The New Yorker Hotel (http://www.NewYorkerHotel.com) has made two important staff movements to assist with specific hotel operations. Persida Mitic has been promoted to the position of Government Sales Manager and Betania Vargas has been named Assistant to the Director of Sales & Marketing.

In her new position as government sales manager, Mitic will coordinate and maintain relationships with Federal Government, New York State and New York City meeting and transient government traveler clients which The New Yorker Hotel can now actively pursue since it has received its FEMA certification following the installation of a state-of-the-art, life-safety system. Mitic first joined The New Yorker Hotel team in 2005. Prior to accepting this position, she was the assistant to the hotel's director of sales & marketing, a role Vargas has moved into.

In her new position, Vargas will provide group sales rate requests, create group room contracts and reservations, send proposals to clients, update weekly sales reports, as well as other responsibilities. Prior to this position, Vargas held the title of Group Coordinator and, before that, Guest Service Agent. She has been with The New Yorker Hotel since July 2002.

The New Yorker Hotel
Conveniently located at 34th Street and Eighth Avenue in Manhattan, across from Madison Square Garden, The New Yorker Hotel is one of the largest art deco buildings in New York City.

Well-suited for groups, business and leisure travelers as well as anyone seeking a great value and an unrivaled location in Manhattan, The New Yorker Hotel features 912 guest rooms (several with terraces and all offering spectacular views), 25,000 square feet of meeting space (two stately ballrooms and 12 meeting and conference rooms), an award-winning catering department, the 24-hour Tick Tock Diner and Cooper's Tavern, a complimentary Fitness Center, and a fully-equipped Business Center.

For story ideas and other press-related material, check out The New Yorker Hotel's Press Room by clicking on http://www.NewYorkerHotel.com/pressroom.html. For a full selection of photos, visit http://www.ktcpr.com/hosted/TheNewYorkerHotelPhotos.zip

Source: hotelinteractive

Desires Hotels Appoints Director of Revenue and Channel Distribution Management

2009-03-04T17:59:00.000+05:30

Desires Hotels, the unique collection of independently created modern boutique hotels, today announced the appointment of Francine Dryja, CRDE, as the Corporate Director of Revenue and Channel Distribution Management. In her new role, Dryja will handle all aspects of revenue management and provide strategic direction for the company’s portfolio. With more than 14 years of proven success in the hotel industry, Dryja has a wealth of experience to draw upon. Ms. Dryja held positions at Hyatt and Lodgian Hotels helping establish brand standards, and developing strategies to build occupancy while maintaining the highest levels of occupancy and rates.

Prior to her appointment, Dryja was most recently the Transitional Services/ Brand Support Manager for Select Hotels Group where she was part of a team responsible for the complete conversion and rebranding of AmeriSuites into Hyatt Place hotels as well as overseeing budgeting from the pre-construction to completion of new properties. At Lodgian Hotels where she served as Regional Director of Quality and Training, Dryja led a region of 21 hotels and trained hotel associates in various areas including management leadership, brand-sponsored programs, alcohol awareness and guest service.

“Many of our hotels are located in highly competitive markets, including New York City, Miami, and San Juan. Francine will assist in developing and implementing profitable revenue strategies for each hotel within the group,” says Doug Carrillo, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Desires Hotels. “Combined with her expertise in channel distribution management, she will develop specific tactics that will bridge the gap between our sales and marketing strategies to better serve end users while delivering increased revenue.”

About Desires Hotels
From neon lights on Ocean Drive in South Beach to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, to the cobbled adoquine streets of Old San Juan, or right in the heart of Times Square, Desires Hotels is a unique collection of independently created modern boutique hotels. High in style, distinct and creative, each of these lifestyle hotels have a one-of-a-kind architecture and interior design, allowing guests to expect just as much from their hotel as they do from their destination. Savvy travelers seeking a lifestyle-oriented experience will appreciate “Your Desires” program that tailors a unique experience to every guest. Desires Hotels deliver unexpected amenities in stylish settings.

Source: hotelinteractive

Hunter Hotel Investment Conference To Seek to Understand Rapidly Changing Economy

2009-03-04T17:51:00.000+05:30

Officials of the 2009 Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, scheduled for March 15-17 at the Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, today announced that pre-conference attendee interest is strong, probably due to all of the negative news. Now more than ever owners feel the need to gather to learn how to handle today’s challenges.

“In the 21 years we have put on this conference, I have never had as many inquiries into the state of the hotel industry and ‘what’s the value of my hotel?’,” said Bob Hunter, CEO of Hunter Realty and Conference Chair. “For this reason, we have put together an agenda that covers all facets of the industry and have reached out to the top, senior-level executives, lenders, consultants and forecasters. We have asked them to tell us what lessons were learned in previous down markets that apply today; how to not only survive, but how to thrive in the current hotel real estate market. Without question, this is a most critical time to gain a clear understanding of what owners need to be doing. We have gone to great lengths to ensure that our attendees get the information they need to make the best informed decisions.”

Hot Topics and Keynote Speakers

• Advanced Financing Strategies – Expected to be one of the conference’s most well attended sessions, this panel will focus on giving hoteliers the ways to locate financing as well as what the financing will look like when found.

• CMBS Loans – Of great interest to everyone with this type of loan. Assuming, modifying, extending…Can it be done? How?

• Keynote Speakers – Glade Knight, chairman & CEO, Apple REIT Companies, on March 16th, and Rich Karlgaard, publisher and columnist, Forbes Magazine, on March 17th, will offer a unique “30,000-foot” overview of the hotel industry and economy and explain how business leaders are responding to the government’s current economic stimulus plans.

• Hotel Values – What’s my hotel worth today?

• Asset Management, “Now More Than Ever” - A panel of highly-respected hotel asset managers share their guidance and strategies for surviving and thriving in this uncertain lodging environment.

Celebrating 21 years in 2009, the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference is one of four major annual events nationwide that attract the hotel industry’s top leaders. It will feature a program of more than 100 speakers, 15 roundtables, 16 breakout sessions, seven “main” tent sessions and two keynote speakers. Proceeds from the conference benefit the scholarship fund at Georgia State University’s Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality.

Details of the program are available at www.hunterconference.com. Attendees may register on line and make their room reservations at the conference website. For more information, contact Bob Hunter, Conference Chair; or Nancy Petenbrink, Conference Coordinator, at 770-916-0300; by fax 770-916-0301 and by email to npetenbrink@hunterconference.com. The conference headquarters are located at 300 Galleria Parkway, Suite 620, Atlanta, GA 30339.

Source: hotelinteractive

Grand Canyon Railway Completes Renovations To Lounge, Rooms And Lobby Of Hotel

2009-03-03T16:04:00.000+05:30

The Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Ariz. has completed renovations to the 297-room Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.

The most extensive and noticeable work was performed just off the lobby in Spenser’s Pub. “The goal of this project was to enhance the guest experience by offering more menu items in a comfortable and convenient setting,” said Gordon Taylor, general manager of the Grand Canyon Railway. “At the same time, we are always looking at ways to upgrade guest rooms and our common areas.”

Renovations include:
Spenser’s Pub kitchen and dining area. The limited kitchen in Spenser’s Pub was expanded to allow a larger menu that now contains specialty pizzas, sandwiches, salads and pastas. A 50-inch flat screen television was added to the pub. The Santa Fe meeting room across the hall from Spenser’s has been converted to a dining area to accommodate the hotel’s peak times, especially when the popular Polar Express is conducted.

Hotel Carpeting.
A contemporary pattern carpet has been installed.
Triple Sheeting.

Guest rooms have been upgraded with a triple sheeting bedding system. Bedding components are comprised of box spring skirting, bed scarf, synthetic down blanket and additional pillows. This development has resulted in a clean look away from traditional bedspreads.

Lobby Furniture.
Furniture in the hotel lobby now features custom leather furniture and accessories with deep wood accents. The lobby’s classic Victorian accent chairs were also refinished.

Workout Room.
An elliptical machine and two treadmills have been added.
The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is located in Williams, Ariz. 65 miles south of Grand Canyon Village. The hotel is part of a larger complex featuring the train depot, Grand Depot Café (formerly Max & Thelma’s Restaurant), gift shops and coffee shop. The Grand Canyon Railway operates daily train service to the Grand Canyon on an individual basis as well as part of its getaway packages featuring accommodations and meals.

The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel includes 297 rooms as well as a restaurant, lounge and gift shop. The Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is comprised of 124 RV spaces, and the Pet Resort features space for 28 dogs and 16 cats.
Grand Canyon Railway is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.thetraincom or call 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724). The Grand Canyon Railway is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts® (consisting of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc. and Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C.) operates lodges, restaurants and other concessions at national parks and state parks and resorts. Xanterra Parks & Resorts is the country’s largest park concessioner. Xanterra operates concessions in the following locations: Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Crater Lake, Death Valley, Rocky Mountain and Petrified Forest National Parks, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial; and at the Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif.; and eight Ohio State Parks. Its affiliate Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C. operates concessions at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Xanterra also operates the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Ariz.

Long committed to the preservation and protection of the environment, Ecologix, Xanterra Parks & Resorts’ environmental program, includes a variety of proactive environmental stewardship programs in each location. Xanterra has been repeatedly recognized for its environmental leadership in the hospitality industry and is the recipient of many honors, including major awards from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, Travel Industry Association, Colorado Department of Public Health, State of Arizona, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

For more information about Xanterra, links to individual properties and reservations numbers, visit www.xanterra.com

Source: hotelinteractive

New TV Ad Campaign for Choice Hotels Int’l Encourages Guests to Enjoy the Savings

2009-03-03T16:02:00.000+05:30

The Washington DC office of Arnold Worldwide, a top-20 U.S. advertising agency, today announces its launch of a new Choice Hotels International television advertising campaign, which emphasizes the great value that Choice Hotels brands offer every day.

Three new 30-second television spots remind guests that Choice Hotels offer lots of free amenities for which more expensive hotels charge. The campaign emphasizes that when savvy guests save money by avoiding unnecessary hotel charges, they can afford to enjoy other things during their trip.

“Today’s economy has certainly impacted business and leisure travel habits, but our brands offer a great value alternative to upscale hotels that charge for things like breakfast and internet access,” said Chris Malone, chief marketing officer, Choice Hotels International. “When guests stay at a Choice Hotels property, they’ll get everything they need at an affordable price, so won’t have to cut back on all the other things that make travel enjoyable.”

The new TV spots open with scenes of Choice Hotels with hotel guests not to be found in their rooms, and then switch to footage of them out enjoying themselves – e.g., dining at a restaurant, taking a carriage ride, or running around an amusement park.

“We created these new spots to emphasize that guests don’t need to pay for high-speed Internet access when Comfort Suites offers it for free. Or spend money on coffee and a morning paper when Quality Inn provides it for free. And why pay to take your family out to breakfast when Comfort Inn has hot, fresh waffles…for free?” said Woody Kay, managing partner and chief creative officer for Arnold DC.

With more than 5,800 properties worldwide, Choice Hotels has 10 brands in its portfolio, which all focus on delivering great value. The three spots – which launched nationally on Feb. 5 – feature Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites and Quality Inn respectively. The ads were directed by David Cornell of Form, a Los Angeles-based production company, www.form.tv.

For screen grabs, samples ads or spokesperson interviews with Arnold DC and/or Choice Hotels International, contact Cynthia Powell, cpowell@arn.com.

About Arnold DC
Arnold DC is the Washington office of Arnold Worldwide, a top-20 U.S. advertising and marketing agency known for its creativity and results-oriented approach. Arnold DC’s award-winning client list includes Amtrak, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Choice Hotels International, Colonial Williamsburg, McDonald’s and USA Today. Arnold Worldwide is owned by Havas (Nasdaq: HAVS) (Euronext Paris: HAV.PA) and has full-service offices in Boston, London, and New York, in addition to Washington, DC. For information on Arnold DC career opportunities, visit www.arnoldworldwide.com.

About Choice Hotels International
Choice Hotels International franchises more than 5,800 hotels, representing more than 470,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 countries and territories. As of December 31, 2008, 987 hotels are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing 78,915 rooms, and an additional 121 hotels, representing 10,190 rooms, are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels. Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels Web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.

Source: hotelinteractive

Resort offers unrivaled service and value in gaming, entertainment and dining

2009-03-03T15:59:00.000+05:30

M Resort Spa Casino, the newest $1 billion resort casino located on South Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway, opened its doors to thousands of anxious patrons at 10 p.m. Sunday, March 1. Driven by a personal, hands-on service approach, the M Resort offers the best service and value in gaming, entertainment and dining. The resort opened in its entirety with an electrifying fireworks show at 9:50 p.m.

The M Resort is the product of a collaboration between Anthony A. Marnell III, Chairman and CEO of the M Resort and his father, architect Tony Marnell, Chairman of Marnell Corrao Associates, the premier construction and development company responsible for notable projects throughout Las Vegas including Wynn, Treasure Island, the Mirage, Caesars Palace and the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Since 1976, the Marnell family name has been synonymous with architectural vision, quality and integrity. The Marnells set the standard for casino-resorts worldwide with the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, which became the benchmark for many innovations in Las Vegas and throughout the world that are still widely used today. The M Resort includes both architectural innovation as well as the Marnell brand of hospitality.

"Working with my father on the M is one of the best experiences of my life," said Anthony A. Marnell III. "He has worked with a number of major casino-resort properties, and I think that over the last 40 years there are things he's wanted to do and there are things that I've seen that I believe should be different in casino-resorts. He and I have had the opportunity to collaborate and the result of that is the M."

Cutting-edge technologies have been added to the resort to ensure guests receive the highest level of service. The M Resort includes always-on, seamless wireless coverage throughout, allowing guests in different parts of the resort to access wireless voice and data services, mobile phones, BlackBerry(TM) devices, PDAs and laptops. In addition, an on-site gas station and M Pharmacy provide unique amenities for locals and tourists.

"I believe the M Resort has a lot to offer tourists and Las Vegas locals and exceptional service is at the top of the list," said Marnell. "The M has been laid out very differently than other Strip resorts and local casinos. Every detail has been thought about over and over again. We are confident the M will raise the bar for resort-casinos and express the future of the industry."

Residing on more than 90 acres and situated 400 feet higher in elevation than the resort-casinos on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, the M Resort provides optimal views of the famous skyline from the rooms, restaurants and lobby within the resort. The M Resort embodies a unique contemporary architectural design and is infused with rich colors, subtle horizontal lines and finely crafted materials.

ROOM AMENITIES
The M Resort offers 390 exceptionally appointed, oversized guest rooms and suites ranging from 550 to 2,400 square feet. The guest rooms and suites are richly designed with beds featuring a pillow-top mattress and fine linens. Each room offers a living space that includes high-technology amenities such as a Bose(R) Wave(R) sound system, iPod(R) docking station and 42" HD LCD flat screen television. The spa-like bathrooms offer guests a marble vanity with double sinks, inlaid mirror television and separate bathtub and shower. All resort rooms and suites feature automatic lighting controls for energy efficiency and floor to ceiling windows with unrivaled views of the Las Vegas Strip or mountains. Uniquely designed, more than 70 percent of the rooms at the M Resort provide views of the world-famous Las Vegas skyline.

DINING
Dining is the heart and soul of the M Resort, with nine restaurants and five destination bars, all owned and operated by the Marnells. With a passion for food and a desire to introduce new culinary experiences to the public, the M Resort offers a wide variety of dining choices that are designed to become another form of entertainment. The resort has dedicated a block of more than 30,000 square feet of kitchens and culinary facilities to support the nine dining outlets that also feature their own exhibition-style kitchens.

"Food and beverage is not an afterthought at the M Resort. It is our centerpiece and we believe it will be one of the many reasons our guests visit us again and again," said John Lipkowitz, Executive Vice President and General Manager, M Resort. Lipkowitz has been influential in the conceptualization of many Vegas firsts by using his extensive culinary background and operational expertise to bring the first James Beard Out of House events to a Las Vegas resort in 1995.

Each restaurant was developed to allow for innovative social environments and the majority feature outdoor dining terraces with paramount views of the Las Vegas Strip. The dining line-up includes: Studio B Show Kitchen Buffet, which incorporates a live action cooking studio; Marinelli's, featuring authentic Italian dishes with recipes from the Marnell family recipe book; Terzetto, a steak and seafood restaurant with Terzetto Oyster Bar providing a casual dining option; Veloce Cibo, the top-floor restaurant and lounge; Red Cup Cafe, an art-deco inspired 24-hour eatery serving American, Asian and south-of-the-border dishes; Hostile Grape, a wine cellar, bar and tasting room; Baby Cakes, a European-inspired patisserie; Vig Deli, an eatery next to the race and sports books and Piazza Grille, a Mediterranean casual dining outdoor restaurant near the expansive pool. The restaurant mix provides a fresh approach to casino dining and was specifically designed to meet the needs of the surrounding Las Vegas community and discerning tourists alike.

M Resort takes great care in preparing dishes to ensure they are made from fresh, quality ingredients, some of which are homegrown and all are hand-picked and made-from-scratch. Terzetto will include a reserve list of prime cuts of beef from the Marnell family ranch and Marinelli's will feature selections from the Marnell family recipe book as well as a selection of wines from the Marnell private label.

GAMING
With guest comfort and convenience top-of-mind, the casino floor at the M Resort is designed to provide them with the best gaming experience Las Vegas has to offer. From the industry's most comfortable and easy-to-move chairs, to the latest gaming technology and the most convenient floor design, gaming at the M Resort puts the guest first. The resort offers nearly 1,900 of the newest and most popular slots, a 12-table poker room, 64 table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Mini Baccarat and Pai Gow. Dealers are assigned to tables for an entire month making it easy for players to find a familiar face.

Video poker players will enjoy payouts of up to 100 percent return and the best progressives. Located adjacent to the M Race & Sports Book, the poker room offers 12 tables and features Texas Hold Em' limit and no-limit variations and daily tournaments. For added convenience, a text or television message will inform players that their seat is ready. The technology continues with one of the industry's first offerings of handheld gaming as well as a server-based ready and full Ethernet floor.

At the heart of the M Resort casino floor lies a one-of-a-kind high-energy gaming area known as the Jewelry Box, which is exclusive to the resort. While many can only dream about having gorgeous emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds in their jewelry box, the M Resort's actually does, with each jewel representing a different payout. "There are 124 machines that randomly reward up to $5,000 to players," said Rich Strafella, Vice President of Casino Operations, M Resort. Every Jewelry Box reward is celebrated with a dazzling visual presentation for everyone to enjoy. iMagine Rewards card members can use their points for cash back, comps and free play including M Resort's on-site gas station and car wash, M Pharmacy, dining, rooms and suites.

RACE & SPORTS BOOK
M Resort's Race & Sports Book is a state-of-the-art betting arena with optimal viewing. Adjacent to the Vig Deli, the race and sports book mixes the comforts of home with cutting-edge technology and high-energy gaming excitement. Designed with guest comfort in mind, the race and sports book offers traditional and VIP lounge seating to create a relaxed atmosphere where service is just as important as the game. With an adjacent access point and easy access to parking, the race and sports book is convenient for bettors wanting to make a quick stop or an extended stay to enjoy M Resort's amenities. The M Resort Race & Sports Book offers individual player betting terminals, lines on all major race and sports events including NASCAR(TM), golf, tennis and boxing as well unique betting propositions and electronic betting options. Beer lovers can unite inside 32º Draft Bar near the race and sports book, where brews are served at the ideal temperature, the coldest temperature in town right from the tap.

ENTERTAINMENT
Entertaining at every turn, headline concerts, themed pool parties, festivals and other special events will be offered at the 100,000 square foot Villaggio Del Sole Pool and Entertainment Piazza, which will showcase headline entertainment and an unprecedented backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip. Ravello Lounge features nightly live performances by top bands and a late night DJ.

High atop the M Tower, Bar Veloce's social and contemporary atmosphere is coupled with spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip. An open front bar allows mixologists to interact with guests and prepare cocktails to order. Live DJ entertainment in the evening hours and special "Velocity" nights will take place.

M Resort's Lobby Bar provides an entertaining ambiance of live piano and other instrumental performances while guests can order specialty cocktails, wine and beer as well as dishes from either the Oyster Bar or Marinelli's. Residing at the center of all the action is the stylishly-chic M Bar which features M mixologists and the striking "M Girls."

MEETING SPACE
For the meeting planner, the M Resort offers more than 60,000 square feet of open and dynamic conference space, including a 17,400 square foot ballroom, multiple reception areas and a convenient business center. Designed for optimal customization, the M Resort provides the latest technology and connectivity along with unmatched flexibility.

"Because the M Resort is a boutique property, we're able to really work with planners, especially those with small to mid-sized meetings, to provide them with personalized service and the options and flexibility to achieve their meeting objectives," said Drew Varga, Executive Director of Sales, M Resort.

SPA
For the ultimate in relaxation, guests can indulge and experience revitalization like never before inside the 23,000 square foot Spa Mio. This world-class spa provides the latest treatments and pampered services. Spa Mio offers 16 treatment rooms, sauna, steam and Jacuzzi wet areas, full-service salon and barbershop and a state-of-the-art fitness center - all with spectacular views of the pool and events piazza, Villaggio Del Sole.

ABOUT M RESORT, SPA AND CASINO
M Resort Spa Casino is located on over 90 acres at 12300 Las Vegas Blvd. S. on the southeast corner of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard. Situated higher in elevation than other resort-casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, the M Resort provides optimal views of the world-famous Las Vegas skyline from its guest rooms, suites, conference center and restaurants. The resort offers 390 guest rooms and suites, over 92,000 square feet of gaming, nine restaurants and five destination bars, more than 60,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center and a 100,000 square foot events piazza. The M Resort will include up to one million square feet of retail, a partnership with Taubman Centers Inc. and a 14-screen digital movie entertainment complex. For more information, visit www.theMresort.com.

Source: hotelinteractive

Warwick International Hotels Welcomes Rembrandt Hotel & Towers Into Collection

2009-03-03T15:58:00.000+05:30

Warwick International Hotels (WIH) has announced its first new affiliate member hotel of 2009, the five-star Rembrandt Hotel & Towers in Bangkok, Thailand. This marks the first time that Warwick International Hotels has been represented in Thailand, and it is the group's fifth hotel in the Asia/Pacific region.

Located in the central Sukhumvit district, in an area that represents the "new Bangkok,” the Rembrandt Hotel & Towers features 407 luxurious guest rooms and suites and five restaurants. The hotel is just 40 miles from the Bangkok International Airport and a five-minute drive from the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre. Famous attractions, shopping and entertainment venues in Thailand's capital city are all located close to the hotel, including Chinatown Bangkok, the National Museum, the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace.

"We are very proud to include such an impressive hotel in our collection. It represents the standards of luxury and guest service that are the hallmarks of Warwick International,” says G. Paul LeBlanc, Vice President, Marketing & Sales for Warwick International Hotels. "Obviously, Asia is an important market as we build our brand worldwide, and we are looking forward to being part of the vibrant economy of Thailand.”

Other Warwick International Hotels in the Asia/Pacific region include: Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas and Suites in Ubud, Bali (Indonesia); Naviti Resort and the Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa in Viti Levu (Fiji Islands); Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu in Port Vila (Vanuatu) and the Celebrity International Grand Hotel in Bejing (China). Gloria Hotel & Resorts, which operates 16 locations in China, is also part of the Warwick International Hospitality Alliance.

The hotel restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines, dishing out hundreds of gastronomic delights daily. The restaurants include "Señor Pico” Mexican Restaurant and Bar, the "Rang Mahal” Indian Restaurant, the "Red Pepper” Thai Restaurant, the "da Vinci” Italian Restaurant and "The Café,” a 24-hour international restaurant. A lobby bar and pool bar are also available.

The Rembrandt Hotel & Towers offers a fully equipped Business Centre, wireless and wired broadband Internet connectivity and a choice of meeting rooms for up to 750 participants that make it the preferred choice among business travelers. It also offers a swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium and a spa.

The Rembrandt Hotel & Towers can be reserved through the Warwick International Hotels voice toll-free lines worldwide, through your Travel Professional under the WK GDS access code or soon on the web site at www.warwickhotels.com.

About Warwick International Hotels
Warwick International Hotels (WIH) was launched in 1980 with the purchase of The Warwick New York, a hotel originally built by William Randolph Hearst for his Hollywood friends. Recently celebrating 25 years of hospitality excellence, the WIH Group now includes more than 40 prestigious hotels and resorts worldwide located in city centers and resort destinations in the United States, Europe, Asia, Bali, the South Pacific, and Africa. Further details can be found at www.warwickhotels.com.

Source: hotelinteractive

Holiday Inn Sulphur La Appoints Harold Miller GM

2009-03-03T15:56:00.001+05:30

Holiday Inn -Sulphur has named Harold Miller, general manager of its 97-room mini convention hotel located at 330 Arena Road in Sulphur.

In his new role, Harold will oversee all departments of this full service hotel and mini convention center.

“As the General Manager I hope to provide the services that business traveler, groups and organizations need, while also offering a comfortable atmosphere where all people can relax and enjoy tour amenities. Such as our restaurant, room services, indoor swimming pool, fitness center and our Lounge. We will also provide meeting facilities with full in house catering and an onsite business center. We will also provide the Kids Eat Free program and the ability to earn Priority Club Reward Points and the Priority Club Meeting Rewards Programs.”

With more than sixteen years in the hospitality industry, Harold Miller most recently served as General Manager of the Coushatta Grand Inn where he was named supervisor of the Quarter three times – 2002, 2004, and 2007. He also served on the casino United Way Committee, the casino evaluation committee, and has been a member of the Calcasieu and Allen Parish Hotel/Motel Association.

Harold Miller began his hospitality career in graduating from Sulphur High and McNeese State University. He then graduated from Dale Carnegie and has obtained numerous hospitality related certification, and is currently studying for his Certification as Hospitality Administrator through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.

About Holiday Inn
With nearly 1,400 hotels worldwide, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts is the most widely recognized lodging brand in the world. In fact, Holiday Inn was one of the first international hotel brands to establish a presence in China in 1984. Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts provides the services that business travelers need, while also offering a comfortable atmosphere where all people can relax and enjoy amenities such as restaurants and room service, swimming pools, fitness centers and comfortable lounges. The casual atmosphere and amenities such as meeting and on-site business facilities, Kid Suites rooms, Kids Eat and Stay Free programs, and the ability to earn Priority Club Rewards points that can be redeemed for great merchandise, airline miles or free room nights, demonstrate the long-standing commitment of Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts to serving travelers and have helped to establish the brand as “America’s Favorite Hotel.” For more information about Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts or to book reservations, call 1-800-HOLIDAY or visit www.holidayinn.com.

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts participates in Priority Club Rewards. With more than 40 million members, Priority Club® Rewards is the first, largest and fastest-growing guest loyalty program in the hotel industry. Winner of the 19th Annual Freddie Awards hotel loyalty “Program of the Year” and named “Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World” by Global Traveler magazine, Priority Club Rewards offers more sought-after benefits and the greatest ease of use of any hotel loyalty program.

Enrollment in Priority Club Rewards is free. Guests can enroll by logging on at priorityclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of any of IHG’s more than 4,100 hotels worldwide.

Source: hotelinteractive

Aimbridge Hospitality Focuses on Sales Performance Metrics for Success

2009-03-03T15:52:00.001+05:30

Brand maximization and property positioning are two of three strategic components behind the rapid success of Carrollton, Texas-based Aimbridge Hospitality. The third, and conceivably its strongest driver, is sales and marketing.

The six-year-old hotel and real estate company was created by former Wyndham Hotel and Resort executives Les Bentley and Dave Johnson with a primary focus on the management of medium-sized hotels. Aimbridge Hospitality started in 2003 with eight hotels, expanding rapidly to own or manage 50 branded and independent properties across the United States. Its flags include Embassy Suites, Doubletree, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Sheraton, Hyatt, Marriott and Wyndham. Several projects are currently under construction and will carry the aloft, Embassy Suites, and Cambria Suites brands.

Between 2005 and 2007, Aimbridge Hospitality posted an astounding compounded growth of 179%. As a result, the enterprise was named to the prestigious Dallas 100 by the SMU Cox Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship, an award recognizing the top 100 fastest growing, privately-held companies in the Dallas area. The Dallas 100 winners are chosen solely on sales growth.

Establish sales standards and use technology to monitor
Tom Kenney, Aimbridge Hospitality's senior vice president of sales and marketing, credits the company’s success to precisely measurable sales goals, management oversight and enforced compliance. "We established specific sales performance standards for our property teams and regional managers and we monitor performance across our portfolio remotely using the latest enterprise sales technology from hotelSystemsPro."

Employing a Web-based corporate sales and catering software system called hotelSalesPro, Aimbridge Hospitality has automated its entire sales system and centralized its propertys’ client databases for access by corporate sales managers for cross selling and to control selling opportunities. Aimbridge Hospitality also uses hotelSystemsPro's catering software, hotelCateringPro, to maximize function room and banquet revenue, automatically generate BEOs, contracts and manage client accounts at the property level.

"hotelSalesPro enables us focus on the revenue potential for each hotel," Kenney says. “Just as important, the system also enables Ambridge to manage all its hotels’ client account and contact information and activities, regardless of flag, to protect our future revenue.” Aimbridge uses the enterprise sales tool which is scalable across all types of hotels, no matter their size or flag. "We can create customized reports that allow us, among other things, to set corporate group rates, access group bookings, follow regional performance, compare YTD for past years, and monitor sales performance for one hotel or our entire portfolio."

The centralized oversight is essential with a sales force of more than 150 people. Three regional sales vice presidents report to Kenney, each managing properties based on geography, size and complexity. Kenney spends most of his time traveling and relies on the accessibility of hotelSalesPro's Web application to maximize his effectiveness.

"All the information we need to oversee and manage sales for our hotel group is available to us anytime, anywhere," says Kenney, adding praise for hotelSystemsPro's dependable customer service. Utilizing real-time reports, Kenney can set measureable goals and track accountability. "With hotelSalesPro, we can drill down into the ‘why’ behind our performance from the corporate perspective to the property level to maximize our revenue."

The hotelSalesPro system plays an integral role in Aimbridge's client and prospect account development. Historical and current data help Kenney create a sales priority guide that follows the 80/20 rule – 80% of business comes from 20% of the customers.

"We look at reports on every salesperson's efforts and outcomes and objectively fine-tune the deployment of their client focus to target their efforts to achieve the highest revenue potential. hotelSystemsPro worked with us to create a very effective revenue report to accomplish this" explains Kenney.

Aimbridge Hospitality utilizes hotelSalesPro in a majority of its hotels. Kenney notes a significant improvement in sales productivity and performance, and an increase in the company's year-over-year attainment above the industry standard. In many cases, Aimbridge’s remaining properties will adopt hotelSalesPro when pre-existing contracts with other vendor applications expire.

"One of Aimbridge's standards of excellence is the face-to-face sales call," Kenney said. "We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and the long-term relationships we develop with our clients. Email is no replacement.”
Regardless of market conditions, direct sales and marketing remains a top priority and winning strategy for Aimbridge Hospitality. Integrated with cutting-edge technology, says Kenney, Aimbridge Hospitality sets itself apart from its competition.

About hotelSystemsPro
Founded in 1996, hotelSystemsPro is a technology company operated by hospitality professionals who provide a suite of high performance; ASP-based enterprise property solutions that help hotel companies grow market share through better management of assets, increased sales, reduced operating expenses, and a higher quality guest experience.

hotelSystemsPro partners with clients to provide solutions that scale across the broad range of properties in North America and around the world. Whatever the size of the property or its challenges, hotelSystemsPro solutions do the heavy lifting for hotel operators to streamline operations and boost staff productivity and property profitability. Our solutions include hotelSalesPro, hotelCateringPro, hotelServicePro and hotelWebSpace. For more information, visit www.hotelsystemspro.com.

About Aimbridge Hospitality
Aimbridge Hospitality is a hotel real estate and management company created to identify investment opportunities throughout the United States. Aimbridge provides management, asset management, capital renovation, supervision, accounting and consulting services for its strategic partners. Aimbridge currently operates hotel properties in the Embassy Suites, Doubletree, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Sheraton, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott and Wyndham brands. Aimbridge also manages a number of independent hotels, including the Phoenix Inn & Suites brand of hotels and has several projects under development in the Starwood, Marriott and Hilton enterprises. Please visit www.aimbridgehospitality.com.

Source: hotelinteractive

Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown Opens Doors and Welcomes Guests

2009-03-03T15:47:00.002+05:30

Hilton Garden Inn, one of the fastest growing brands that is part of the Hilton Family of Hotels, today announced the opening of the 224-room Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown, in Ontario, Canada, representing another addition to the brand’s growing collection of more than 400 Hilton Garden Inn hotels across North America, Europe and Central America.

The newly constructed Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown is operated by 92 Peter Street, Inc. under a license agreement with a subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation and managed by Easton’s Group of Hotels, Inc.

“Hilton Garden Inn is a brand that was created with the cost-conscious traveler in mind. We provide value and consistency with a great hotel stay,” said Adrian Kurre, senior vice president – brand management, Hilton Garden Inn. “The opening of the Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown property shows that more and more travelers are looking for a lodging option in the mid-priced category.”

The Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown is located in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District and only steps to the city’s financial, business and shopping districts. The evolution guestrooms are spacious and feature the Garden Sleep System® bed that allows guests to adjust the firmness and softness of the bed and ergonomic Mirra® chair by Herman Miller. The 28 deluxe evolution guestrooms boast the same as well as a fireplace and whirlpool.

The new hotel also features complimentary wired and WiFi Internet access in guestrooms and public space; a 24-hour, complimentary business center; the Pavilion Pantry® offering a selection of tasty snacks and microwaveable meals, beverages and sundries; a restaurant offering cooked to order breakfast and dinner; room service during dinner hours; a comfortable lounge with a television and fireplace area – an ideal place to enjoy a cup of coffee or unwind with a cocktail at the end of the day; two meeting rooms offering 1,070 square feet of flexible meeting space; and an on-site guest laundry facility.

Evolution guestroom accommodations and features include: the Garden Sleep System® bed; 37” LCD, high definition flat screen television; clock that allows guests to play their MP3 player; a “hospitality center” with a microwave oven, coffee maker and mini refrigerator; a sitting area with an easy chair and ottoman; a hairdryer; and an iron, ironing board and in room safe.

Business-oriented features of the guest rooms include: a spacious and clutter-free work desk; ergonomic Mirra® chair by Herman Miller; adjustable lighting; electrical outlets at desk height; and two speaker telephones equipped with data ports and voice mail.

Travelers looking to keep up with their fitness routine can enjoy the complimentary workout facility featuring Precor® state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength training equipment; Stay Fit Kits® that are available for complimentary check-out and offer a selection of core, Yoga and Pilates exercises that can be done in the privacy of the guestroom; or take a dip in the indoor swimming pool and whirlpool.

“The Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown’s close proximity to Toronto’s major corporations plus financial and business districts makes our hotel an ideal location for the corporate traveler. The hotel is also ideal for the leisure travelers with us being located right in the heart of the entertainment district and only minutes to Toronto’s main attractions, most popular restaurants and theatres,” said Robert Roy, hotel general manager.

The Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that offers Points & Miles® and No Blackout Dates on rewards stays. Members of the Hilton HHonors guest reward program can Double Dip® to earn both points and miles for every stay at more than 3,000 Hilton Family hotels worldwide. And with No Blackout Dates or capacity controls, as long as a standard room is available for purchase, members can redeem HHonors points for the stay.

The Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown address is 92 Peter Street, Toronto, Ontario CANADA M5V 2G5; phone: 416-593-9200; fax: 416-593-9202. The hotel is situated off the Gardner Expressway at the Spadina exit and is located 24 kilometres from the Pearson International Airport and 7 kilometres to Toronto City Centre Airport.

The Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown is convenient to attractions such as the CN Tower, Air Canada Centre, Rogers Centre, Royal Alexandra Theatre, Princess of Wales Theatre, Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Direct Energy Centre. Nearby corporations include CBC, RBC, MTS Allstream, Citi, CICA, Deloitte, Aon, AIG, Bell, Telus, Ernst and Young, PWC, Marsh, Bank of Montreal, TD and CIBC.

Hilton Garden Inn is the award-winning, mid-priced brand that continually strives to ensure today’s busy travelers have everything they need to be most productive on the road — from complimentary wired and Wi-Fi Internet access in all guestrooms and PrinterOn mobile printing to the hotel’s complimentary 24-hour business center to one of the most comfortable beds you will ever experience with the Garden Sleep System®. So whether on the road for personal or business reasons, Hilton Garden Inn offers the amenities and services for travelers to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart while away from home.

To make reservations or to find out more about the Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown, visit www.torontodowntown.hgi.com or call the hotel directly.

For more information about Hilton Garden Inn locations throughout North America, Europe and Central America or to find your next getaway, please visit www.HGI.com or call 1-877-STAY-HGI.

Source: hotelinteractive

New Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport

2009-02-27T16:08:00.001+05:30

The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport is operated by Schahet Hotels Inc. under a license agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation. The hotel also is managed by Schahet Hotels Inc. based in Indianapolis, IN.

'We are excited to expand our presence in the dynamic Indianapolis airport market. Opening a location on the south side of the 'new' Indianapolis Airport offers both business and leisure travelers to the area with a new mid-priced lodging option,' said Adrian Kurre, senior vice president - brand management for Hilton Garden Inn.

The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport offers 126 guest rooms, including 16 two room suites. All rooms feature the Garden Sleep System(R) bed, ergonomic Mirra(R) chair by Herman Miller(R), high-definition LCD television, and an innovative clock that allows guests to play their MP3 or portable CD player. All guestrooms offer complimentary wired and Wi-Fi high-speed Internet access and mobile printing capability directly from the guest's laptop (in their guest room) or Blackberry to laser printers located in the hotel's complimentary 24-hour business center.

The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport provides a variety of food and beverage offerings including the Pavilion Pantry? with a selection of packaged items and sundries, the Great American Grill(R) restaurant offering cooked-to-order breakfast, lunch, dinner, and room service available during dinner hours.

For groups looking for a place to meet, the new hotel offers 3,580 square-feet of flexible meeting space that includes a 2,280 square-foot ballroom, a 378 square-foot banquet and meeting space and a 322 square-foot breakout room. The ballroom can also be sub-divided into separate rooms and all of the hotel's flexible meeting space features high-tech capabilities including complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity.

Guests seeking to keep up with their fitness regime while on the road will enjoy: a workout facility featuring the latest style equipment with personal viewing screens, complimentary Stay Fit Kits(R) that can be checked out from the front desk and feature a selection of core, Yoga, and Pilates exercises that can be done in the privacy of the guestroom or fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool and whirlpool adjacent to the fitness room. In addition, laundry valet is available as well as an on-site guest laundry facility conveniently located on the second floor off the elevator lobby.

'Schahet Hotels Inc. is proud to be a part of the redevelopment of the Indianapolis International Airport region', said Jeffrey Brown, CEO for Schahet Hotels Inc. 'We are confident the area will continue to attract new businesses and other attractions. The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport as well as the Hampton Inn & Suites Indianapolis Airport, which just opened in November 2008, are great brands uniquely suited to meet our customers needs.'

Being the closet hotel to the 'new' Indianapolis Airport, the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport offers complimentary airport shuttle service and is convenient to numerous corporate offices including FedEx, Pepsi/Gatorade, Purdue Research Technology Center, Allstate, Ryder, and Whirlpool.

Just 11 miles from downtown Indianapolis, the hotel is also convenient to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Metropolis Shopping Mall and Chateau Thomas Winery.

'Whether you're in the Indianapolis area for work or play, our Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport is the ideal location to access many nearby attractions and businesses,' remarked Scott Wheeler, hotel general manager.

The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport is located off the Interstate 70 at Exit 68 (AmeriPlex Parkway South), left on Exploration Drive, and left on Hatfield Drive, located at 8910 Hatfield Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46231.

Source: hotelnewsresource

Crowne Plaza Hotel Opens at New Orleans Airport

2009-02-27T16:05:00.001+05:30

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE:IHG] announced that the Crowne Plaza New Orleans-Airport has undergone a $28 million renovation and conversion from a former Holiday Inn Select.

'We're pleased to bring a Crowne Plaza hotel to the New Orleans airport market," said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Brand Management, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, the Americas. 'This hotel has undergone a tremendous renovation after receiving extensive hurricane damage, and the owners have delivered a fantastic property that we're proud now carries the Crowne Plaza name.'

Situated just one mile from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the Crowne Plaza New Orleans-Airport is ideally located off Interstates 10 and 310 and the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Leisure travelers can enjoy easy access to popular area attractions, including the French Quarter, the Louisiana Superdome and Audubon Zoo. Several businesses are nearby, including Valero Refinery, Marathon, Shell-Norco, Monsanto, Entergy, Siemens and Xerox. Both the Pontchartrain and Morial Convention Centers are just a short drive from the hotel.

After Hurricane Katrina nearly destroyed the property, the owners, 2929 Williams Blvd., LLC, invested in a complete renovation, debuting a new contemporary upscale design and incorporating the Crowne Plaza brand standards.

The hotel features the Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage, available at all Crowne Plaza hotels in the Americas. Sleep Advantage encompasses the entire sleep experience, from training staff on how to create and maintain a restful environment to providing innovative products and services. Program components include signature bedding, guaranteed wake-up calls, designated quiet zones, night lights, drape clips, sleep CDs, sleep tips and amenities such as eye masks, ear plugs and lavender spray.

Also consistent with the Crowne Plaza brand, the hotel offers a comprehensive meetings program to ensure a seamless planning process and exceptional meeting experience consisting of three key components: a Two-Hour Response Guarantee, Crowne Meetings Director and a Daily Meetings Debrief. The hotel has ten meeting rooms with 12,000 square feet of flexible upscale meeting space for business functions or special events.

The five-story 292-room Crowne Plaza New Orleans-Airport offers a variety of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, business center, complimentary airport shuttle service and 42-inch flat-panel televisions in all guestrooms. Three junior suites are available with wet bar, refrigerator, microwave and two flat-panel televisions. The Landing is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving local Southern cuisine.

'We invested $28 million in renovations, and we're pleased with the end result,' said Joseph Jaeger, majority owner, 2929 Williams Blvd., LLC. 'This hotel was completely decimated after Hurricane Katrina, and we're proud to contribute to the growth of our community, both by opening a beautiful new hotel and contributing more than 100 jobs to the local economy.'

The Crowne Plaza is located at 2829 Williams Blvd., Kenner, La., 70062.

The Crowne Plaza New Orleans-Airport is owned by 2929 Williams Blvd., LLC, and managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

Crowne Plaza was recently recognized by Lodging Hospitality magazine as one of the industry's top growing brands. As part of the IHG global portfolio, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts has more than 300 hotels in nearly 60 countries, and are located in major urban centers, gateway cities and resort destinations.

Source: hotelnewsresource

Viceroy Miami to Open February 12, One of Three New Viceroys in 2009

2009-02-27T16:03:00.000+05:30

Viceroy Miami February 12 Opening Celebrates First Of Three New Viceroys For 2009

Ushering in an unprecedented year for Kor Hotel Group's Viceroy brand, Viceroy Hotels, Resorts & Residences is pleased to announce the inauguration of the glamorous Viceroy Miami on February 12. Interiors by Kelly Wearstler will enchant both business and leisure travelers alike, with an eclectic sensibility that has become synonymous with Viceroy's sophisticated look. As the first of three new-build Viceroys set to launch in 2009, the East Coast opening of Viceroy Miami sets into motion a strategic expansion of the brand.

Viceroy brings its singular lifestyle experience to Miami as centerpiece of the groundbreaking ICON Brickell complex in the city's burgeoning downtown. The 50-story residential-hotel asserts its polished spirit with a mélange of residential dwellings, see-and-be-seen dining locales, transcendental spa experiences and a host of unexpected delights that hallmark Viceroy's call to cultured living. Housed in the ultra-modern architecture of Arquitectonica, Viceroy shares ICON's 'city within a city' with two additional residential towers and an astounding, two-acre amenities deck open to the tropical air. The limited-time introductory 'Viceroy Miami Debut' promotion offers guests significant value with a third night complimentary.

'2009 represents a landmark year for Viceroy with three new properties set to open by year-end,' said Brad Korzen, CEO and Founder of Kor Hotel Group. 'As the first step in this expansion, Viceroy Miami's enticing design and urbane sensibility succinctly capture the Viceroy lifestyle. Each one of the properties opening this year promises to transport guests to a refined reality that builds on the spirit of its unique location - cosmopolitan center, beachfront retreat and mountain idyll.'

Come Summer 2009, Viceroy Anguilla Resort & Residences will herald the brand's international presence, and in December, Viceroy Snowmass Resort & Residences will triumph Kor Hotel Group's 'Second Nature' initiative as one of the first LEED-certified Silver hotels in North America.

Tapping her talent for sophisticated cultural interplay, Kelly Wearstler has intertwined modern polish with timeless Asian accents in the design of Viceroy Miami's 162 guestrooms. This style also extends to the hotel lobby, a signature restaurant, event spaces and an exclusive rooftop lounge with pool on the 50th floor reserved for Viceroy guests and ICON homeowners. A rich color palette offsets classic forms and organic finishes, creating an intimate tone across the grand scale of ICON's glass and steel profile.

Viceroy Miami's guestrooms and suites offer luxurious comforts, personalized touches and modern necessities. On the 15th floor, Viceroy's signature restaurant will serve contemporary American cuisine by a soon-to-be-announced acclaimed chef, in a setting overlooking ICON Brickell's impressive pools. A private balcony area offers seating for 16 and views across Miami. Open to the public, the restaurant spills out onto a two-acre outdoor 'living room' that unites the ICON towers and houses an array of amenities and entertainment options.

The focal point of ICON'S theatrical amenities deck is a 300-foot water feature, with a wading pool, 50-person hot tub and the longest infinity-edge pool in Florida. Along the way reside the poolside Café Icon, an outdoor fireplace fronted by a mosaic 'rug,' and a whimsical life-size chess set.

Also located on the open-air deck is ICON's 28,000 square-foot urban spa with fitness center which is managed and operated by Viceroy. Dramatic and airy, The Spa centers around a 5,000 square-foot Water Lounge staged as a floating 'library,' with wading pool, waterborne sofas, three hot-and-cold plunge pools, fireplace, and lofty thirty-foot ceilings. The destination spa also offers 10 treatment rooms, a redwood sauna, a eucalyptus-infused steam room, 'his' and 'hers' relaxation areas, and a screening room for guest speakers.

Atop the 50th floor of Viceroy Miami, Club 50 offers the city's most exclusive indoor-outdoor lounge and private rooftop pool, with spectacular views unequalled in Miami. This airy yet intimate escape invites lounging well after sunset with specialty drinks and light fare.

Viceroy Miami is located at 485 Brickell Avenue in downtown Miami, Florida. Nightly rates for 'Viceroy Miami Debut' package are based on the best available rate for a three-night booking with third night complimentary. Price excludes tax and service charges. Valid February 12 through March 31, 2009. Nightly Rack Rates at Viceroy Miami start at $500 per night.

Source: hotelnewsresource

Hyatt Regency Brand Returns To Hong Kong With The Opening Of The Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin

2009-02-27T15:55:00.001+05:30

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts announced the return of its signature Hyatt Regency brand to Hong Kong with the opening of the 567-room Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin.

The first international hotel brand to open in the New Territories, the property features spectacular Tolo Harbor views, extraordinary restaurants and meeting space, as well as extensive spa and resort facilities surrounded by the scenery of the Hong Kong countryside. Adjacent to The Chinese University of Hong Kong and conveniently located at University MTR Station, the hotel is a few minutes drive from Hong Kong Science Park and Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin will be one of three Hyatt hotels in Hong Kong by the end of 2009, along with the award-winning Grand Hyatt Hong Kong on Hong Kong Island in Wan Chai and Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, opening in the third quarter of the year. The opening of Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin marks the return of the Hyatt Regency brand to Hong Kong. The first Hyatt hotel outside of North America, Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, opened in 1969 and marked the launch of Hyatt as a global hospitality player. The original Hyatt Regency Hong Kong closed on New Year's Eve 2005 and was demolished to make way for a commercial building.

'We are honored to have the opportunity to return the Hyatt Regency brand to Hong Kong and look forward to serving the neighborhood community as well as business and leisure travelers from around the globe. The opening of Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin will further strengthen our brand portfolio in Hong Kong,' said Larry Tchou, managing director, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts - Asia Pacific.

Design

To take maximum advantage of the breathtaking vistas, architectural firm Wong Tung & Partners has included multiple terraces and balconies to create significant amounts of outdoor space, and installed oversized picture windows wherever possible to allow light and scenery to flood in.

Working closely with the architects was interior designer Steve Leung of Steve Leung Interiors Ltd., and his team, whose main objective with the hotel design was to 'bring the outdoors in.' To achieve this, Leung utilized timeless, natural materials such as stone and wood, and devised an elegant, nature-inspired color palette to complement and blend into the surrounding environment.

Establishing this palette right from the outset is an eye-catching, contemporary tree-patterned wall mural that greets guests in the airy, marble- and limestone-lined lobby. Comprising layers of stained wood veneers, the tree design is echoed on an oversized rectangular glass lighting pendant that dominates the 16-foot ceiling and continues on frosted glass balustrades.

Guestrooms

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin houses 567 guestrooms and suites with views of Tolo Harbor, Lion Rock and Sha Tin Racecourse, including 133 Long Stay Suites and one Presidential Suite. Standard guestrooms measure 377 sq. ft. (35 square meters) and include bathrooms with glass walls so that guests can watch television from the soaking tub. The contemporary rooms feature photographic montages of old and new Hong Kong, bamboo accessories, a 42-inch multi-channel LCD flatscreen TV, and wired and wireless broadband Internet access.

With a higher proportion of Long Stay Suites than most Hyatt hotels, long-staying guests may arrive at the hotel via private entrance. A combination of deluxe and one- or two-bedroom Executive and Long Stay Suites are equipped with a dry pantry including basic kitchen facilities such as microwave oven and toaster. Measuring 2,476 sq. ft. (230 square meters), guests of the Presidential Suite will enjoy some of the most magnificent views of Tolo Harbor and Ma On Shan peak. The vast space includes a large vestibule and a separate service entrance, a living space with a 50-inch LCD TV, a pantry, a dining area, a study area, and two bedrooms.

The 24th to 26th floors are dedicated to the Regency Club, which offers a VIP concierge, and a Regency Meeting Suite on the 25th floor. The spacious Regency Club Lounge features a sky terrace, where guests can enjoy complimentary continental buffet breakfast, tea and coffee throughout the day, as well as evening cocktails and canapés.

Banquet and Meeting Space

On the lobby level, more than 10,764 sq. ft. (1,000 square meters) has been dedicated to meeting and event space, including the pillar-less Regency Ballroom and three Salons (meeting rooms). The Regency Ballroom, and each of the Salons, has its own separate entrance and driveway to create a more exclusive and intimate arrival experience for private events. Additionally, the Salons have outdoor terraces, ideal for cocktails or coffee breaks.

The Regency Ballroom measures 4,628 sq. ft. (430 square meters) and caters to up to 384 guests for a seated dinner, or can be divided into two for smaller events. With its soaring 20-foot (6.2-meter) high ceiling, theatrical backlit-marble proscenium-style entrance, capacious pre-function space, and nearby bridal room, the ballroom is perfect for grand weddings and special events. In addition, the hotel's myriad outdoor spaces and gazebo by the pool make for ideal photographic backdrops.

Restaurants and Bars

Cafe, on the lobby level, features four show kitchens serving home-style international favorites and local Hong Kong cuisine fresh out of the pan, wok or grill. Dominated by an oversized velvet central sofa, Cafe includes a 10-seat private room with a 42-inch LCD TV screen, ideal for race day gatherings, and an alluring lounge area separated by a striking suspended screen of undulating walnut wood slats. The restaurant opens onto a spacious terrace overlooking the pool and mountains, loosely inspired by Yucca de Lac, a much-loved (but since closed) New Territories' alfresco restaurant, which was a famous backdrop for countless Cantonese films of the 1960s and 1970s.

One floor above, in the upper lobby, a backlit alabaster wall with an arresting bamboo design marks the entrance to both the Tin Tin Bar and the Chinese restaurant Sha Tin 18. Tin Tin Bar's vivid blood-red color scheme, zebra-print carpeting and round booths make it a highly seductive space for drinks. A floor-to-ceiling wine cellar at the entrance holds more than a thousand bottles.

Sha Tin 18 features interactive show kitchens where chefs prepare authentic Cantonese cuisine and Dongguan specialties, a pastry kitchen and tea bar, a noodle and dumpling station with bar seating, a wok kitchen creating wok-fried, claypot and steamed dishes, and a barbecue kitchen with two Beech ovens, which will roast the restaurant's signature Peking Duck and Sha Tin Roast Pigeon. Off the main dining space are five private rooms as well as a vast outdoor terrace furnished with comfortable sofa seating designed to provide guests the best mountain views.

Spa and Resort Facilities

Making the most of its tranquil, green location - the air in Sha Tin is officially recorded as among the cleanest in Hong Kong - is the top-notch resort facilities at Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin. An open-air relaxation area includes a 25-meter heated outdoor swimming pool, a whirlpool, a sun deck, a tennis court and Camp Hyatt - Hong Kong's first resort-style kids club. Overlooking the pool area is a fully equipped fitness center, which is adjacent to changing rooms that feature a whirlpool, a sauna and a steam room.

On the 5th floor, Melo Spa is named after the pomelo fruit, for which Sha Tin is famous. In Cantonese, pomelo directly translates as Sha Tin grapefruit. Its skin and fruit are incorporated into the spa's signature treatments. There are nine treatment rooms - four of which have private outdoor terraces overlooking the mountains - furnished with large whirlpool bathtubs, oversized rain shower cubicles, changing areas and grooming stations. There is also a foot, head and shoulder massage room featuring 12 custom-designed loungers with built-in foot basins, perfect for pampering parties.

'Our unique location overlooking the scenic Tolo Harbor surrounded by lush vegetation, and only 20 minutes from the bustling urban epicenter of Hong Kong is a huge advantage,' said general manager Robert Hamer. 'As well as a convenient meetings, incentives, conferences and events venue, we expect Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin to be popular with overseas guests looking for an alternative to hotels in the city hub, as well as for local residents seeking a weekend retreat to recuperate and regenerate after a busy week at work. We are a true definition of an urban oasis.'

Source: hotelnewsresource

Wyndham Dallas Love Field Joins the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts System

2009-02-27T15:52:00.002+05:30

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, a member of the Wyndham Hotel Group family of brands, today announced the opening of the 244-room Wyndham Dallas Love Field at 3300 West Mockingbird Lane in Dallas.

The hotel, owned by Mockingbird Partners L.P., recently underwent a $14 million renovation before becoming an upscale, full-service Wyndham hotel. Fourteen of the rooms are deluxe suites with dining and kitchen areas.

Algiere Design & Purchasing Services of Dallas designed the guest rooms, which feature soundproofing, marble entryways and bathrooms with marble floors and countertops and walk-in showers and glass doors.

Each guest room offers wireless high-speed Internet service, a 32-inch, flat-screen, high-definition television, alarm-clock radio with mp3/iPodTM adapter, coffeemakers, signature Bath & Body Works(R) True Blue(R) Spa amenities, Wyndham Be Well bedding and the Wyndham Smart Chair, a unique combination lounge chair and workstation featuring a built-in power source, Internet port, pivoting tables and document storage space.

Dining options include room service, the Sports Page Grill, an American sports bar and grill with breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, and The Lobby Cafe, featuring quick-service gourmet pastries, Starbucks(R) coffee and a selection of other breakfast and lunch items.

The hotel features 14,000 square feet of flexible meeting space including 13 conference rooms, three executive boardrooms and a grand ballroom. Other hotel facilities include an outdoor pool, on-site business and fitness centers, up-to-date flight information screens with boarding pass kiosk and an electronic touch-screen concierge.

'We're delighted to join the Wyndham family and look forward to providing our guests with the brand's signature personalized and innovative services,' said Stephen Rogers, Mockingbird general partner.

The Wyndham Dallas Love Field provides a personalized experience through Wyndham's guest recognition program, Wyndham ByRequest, which offers members hundreds of options to customize their guest room to their specifications with choice of welcome snack and beverage, preferred pillow type, favorite newspaper and preferred bottle of wine. Members also enjoy perks including high-speed Internet access, best available room upon arrival, express check-in, guaranteed late check-out and local and long distance calls at no extra charge in addition to the room rate.

The hotel is located one quarter mile southeast of the Dallas Love Field Airport and five miles northwest of downtown Dallas. For additional information and reservations, go to www.wyndham.com or call (877) 999-3223.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offers upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. All hotels are either franchised or managed by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts or an affiliate.

Source: hotelnewsresource

Radisson Hotels & Resorts Announces Grand Opening Of The Radisson Hotel Yuma, Arizona

2009-02-27T15:37:00.000+05:30

Radisson Hotels & Resorts today announced the February 19 grand opening of the Radisson Hotel Yuma, a $17 million, 154-room property located at 1501 South Redondo Center Drive.

'This new Radisson represents our brand commitment to deliver contemporary, upscale hospitality products and services for today's travelers,' said Fredrik Korallus, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Radisson Hotels & Resorts. 'With full service offerings including a wine bar and bistro, fitness facilities, business center, complimentary high speed Internet and swimming pools, our guests will enjoy the distinctive 'Yes, I Can!' service that distinguishes Radisson Hotels & Resorts,' Korallus stated.

'We are excited to bring the Radisson brand to this market and provide visitors to Yuma the opportunity to experience our unique brand of hospitality,' said Elizabeth Yunker, general manager of the Radisson Hotel Yuma. 'Our new hotel showcases southwestern hospitality through its design and amenities plus our staff's commitment to provide personalized service for every guest.' The owner of the hotel is JJM Resort Developers, LLC.

The Radisson Hotel Yuma is a 100% non-smoking facility featuring 3,054 square feet of versatile meeting space, a 24-hour Business Center, full-service exercise room, and both indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpools. Each of the 154 spacious guestrooms provide a 32-inch High Definition Television, work-desk, mini refrigerator with a freezer, coffee/tea maker and a full length mirror. Guests will also enjoy complimentary wired or wireless in-room 4-MEG high speed Internet access and complimentary wireless Internet throughout the hotel.

The Radisson Hotel Yuma offers a full-service restaurant, the Market Wine Bar Bistro, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The hotel is close to several area attractions including the Yuma Palms Shopping Mall, the Imperial Sand Dunes, and more than 20 golf courses. The Radisson Hotel Yuma also provides complimentary airport shuttle service to the Yuma International Airport, located only three miles from the hotel.

Source: hotelnewsresource

Mandarin Oriental, Sanya Opens Its Doors

2009-02-27T15:24:00.002+05:30

A private five star retreat on the southern tip of Hainan Island, China

Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is now open, bringing the hotel group's signature oriental service excellence and distinct 'East Meets West' design to mainland China's premier resort destination.

'We are delighted to be bringing Mandarin Oriental's renowned levels of hospitality to China,' said General Manager, Gerd Knaust. Offering tranquility and serenity, the 297-room Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is a perfect hideaway surrounded by a peaceful, natural environment with lush greenery, protected coral reefs and a secluded 1.2 km private beach.

To celebrate the arrival of this exclusive resort, Mandarin Oriental, Sanya has introduced a special opening promotion that is available until 30 September 2009.

From 1 February to 30 September 2009, guests can enjoy a complimentary room night when they stay with Mandarin Oriental, Sanya for two consecutive nights or more.

Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is situated at Sanya city, Hainan's most popular beachfront holiday destination. Sharing the same latitude as Hawaii, Sanya offers a tropical climate with year-round sunshine, sandy beaches, clear waters, authentic cultural activities, and excellent golf and water sports facilities. Set among 12 hectares of private beachfront site, Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is situated in the sheltered Coral Bay near the city's shopping and entertainment area, Dadonghai, with sweeping views of the South China Sea.

The resort features a series of private low rise and villa accommodation with ocean views, some featuring individual pools, patios and gazebos. There are 11 innovative restaurants and bars, an extensive spa village with private treatment suites and gardens, a large recreation centre with children's' facilities and over 3,800 sq m of indoor and outdoor conference and banqueting space, providing guests with the perfect destination getaway whether for business or pleasure.

Source: hotelnewsresource

JAL Hotels Re-Opens Ginza Nikko Hotel After 50th Anniversary Renovation

2009-02-27T15:23:00.000+05:30

JAL Hotels Co., Ltd. announced that it is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the opening of Ginza Nikko Hotel this year, and has marked this milestone by reopening the newly refurbished hotel on February 11, after extensive renovation.

Ginza Nikko Hotel's proximity to Tokyo's major transportations makes it an excellent place to stay for time-conscious business travelers and tourists. Built upon the old headquarters of Japan Airlines, the hotel offers guests a convenient location from which to explore the history and culture as well as experience the sound and sights of one of Japan's most fashion-forward areas. Nearby sights include the Imperial Palace, National Diet Building, the famous Wako clock tower, Tsukiji fish market, and major luxury retailers' flagship shops.

Staying true to the area's reputation for traditional yet forward-thinking, Ginza Nikko Hotel has renovated all 112 guest rooms, banquet rooms and the lobby for an added level of sophistication and comfort, including the latest high-tech amenities. The renovated hotel also now features a new warm and polished interior design.

Described by Frommer's Travel Guide as having "a personable staff...in an unbeatable location," Ginza Nikko Hotel is a hidden gem -- a friendly, intimate place for foreign travelers to stay in Tokyo, the largest metropolitan economy in the world.

Nikko Hotels International is an international luxury hotel group operated by JAL Hotels Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. In addition to Nikko Hotels International, JAL Hotels also operates Hotel JAL City, a chain of 13 mid-priced hotels for business travelers in Japan. The company currently has 59 hotels worldwide, in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and throughout Japan and the Asia/Pacific region.

In 2009, JAL Hotels plans to open the 388-room Hotel Nikko Shanghai in China. Openings in 2010 will include two hotels in China, the 500-room Hotel Nikko Wuxi and the 411-room Hotel Nikko Guangzhou, and the 471-room Hotel JAL Tower Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, a Nikko Hotels International property. In 2011, the company plans to open the 300-room JAL Bahrain Resort & Spa, also a Nikko Hotels International property, and the 335-room Hotel Nikko Saigon in Vietnam.

Source: hotelnewsresource

Holiday Inn Express Opens in California Wine Country

2009-02-27T15:15:00.001+05:30

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG] announced today that the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Napa Valley-American Canyon will open within a month.

The new-build property is the 18th Holiday Inn Express hotel in California to showcase the brand's new sign, which is the seal of approval that this hotel exemplifies the standards of the $1 billion Holiday Inn brand relaunch program.

The 101-room Holiday Inn Express is ideally located on state Route 29, in the world famous Napa Valley Wine Country, home to the finest wineries in the U.S. Situated at Napa Junction across from beautiful Main Street Park, the hotel is just a short drive away from downtown Napa, with world-renowned restaurants, boutique shops and charming Victorian homes. More than 350 wineries and numerous championship golf courses are also nearby. Notable local businesses include Foster's Wine Group, Coca Cola, Robert Mondavi, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Infineon Raceway.

Guests at the Holiday Inn Express will experience a comfortable and smart environment with innovative preferred guest upgrades to ensure a productive stay while traveling for business or leisure. The hotel's newly enhanced complimentary Express Start(R) breakfast bar will feature a full selection of breakfast items including a rotation of egg and meat selections, biscuits, yogurts, fruit and the brand's proprietary cinnamon roll and Smart Roast(R) coffee. The SimplySmart(TM) shower incorporates a proprietary Stay Smart(TM) Kohler showerhead, signature shower curtain with curved rod, upgraded 100 percent cotton terry towels and a custom line of cinnamon-scented bath products. Guests will also enjoy the SimplySmart(TM) bedding collection where they will find new crisp fresh bedding which features an attractive decorative throw, a medium-weight duvet blanket and soft 200 thread-count sheets.

First announced in 2007, the Holiday Inn brand relaunch program was established to create a more contemporary brand image as part of the drive to increase quality and consistency across the global portfolio. The program focuses on arrival and welcome services, guestroom, and guest bath comfort. The global estate of more than 3,200 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties is expected to be relaunched by the end of 2010.

Elements of the relaunch for Holiday Inn Express include:

Redesigned Brand Signage

An evolution of the iconic script logo, energizing the signature color green and eliminating the current shield shape for a more refreshed and contemporary look.

Warm Welcome

A new signature arrival - including new lighting, landscaping and design features - that creates an energized and branded sense of welcome that is universally recognizable. Customized music and scent selections also engage guests in a complete sensory experience, and a decluttered front desk to promote a more efficient and interactive check-in process.

New Service Promise

A best-in-class service culture - 'Stay Real' - to further ensure the team develops the behaviors and skills to best serve guests so they feel like individuals and not numbers. Genuine people delivering real service. Leading the charge will be a newly created position at each hotel - the Guest Experience Champion.

'Holiday Inn Express hotels are designed to be the smart choice for value-conscious business and leisure travelers,' said John Merkin, senior vice president, Brand Management, Holiday Inn Brands, The Americas. 'With more than 1,900 properties worldwide and more than 700 properties in the pipeline, the Holiday Inn Express portfolio continues to expand in markets like Napa Valley, providing our guests with an enhanced stay experience at a great value. We welcome this hotel into the Holiday Inn family with the brand new sign and everything it represents.'

Standard Holiday Inn Express hotel guest rooms feature comfortable queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair and an in-room coffee machine featuring complimentary Smart Roast 100% Arabica coffee. Business travelers will find large desks, ergonomic chairs, free high-speed wireless internet access, free local and toll free phone calls and phones with private voicemail. The new Napa Valley property offers a variety of additional amenities including an outdoor patio area with swimming pool and spa, fitness center, business center and 2,000 square feet of meeting space for business functions or special events. The hotel also plans to offer a complimentary wine hour for guests.

'Holiday Inn Express hotels are fresh, clean and convenient for travelers,' said Kay Eardley, general manager, Holiday Inn Express and Suites Napa Valley-American Canyon. 'We invested $13 million to build this property, and we're especially pleased to be among the first wave of hotels to showcase the brand's new sign.'

The Holiday Inn Express hotel and Suites Napa Valley-American Canyon is owned by BKL LLC and managed by BKL Hospitality Group, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group and is located at 5001 Main St., American Canyon, Calif., 94503. Telephone: 888-866-6970.

Source: hotelnewsresource

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Goes Live at Fourth Resort

2009-02-27T14:24:00.000+05:30

Holiday Inn Club Vacations today announced that a ski-in, ski-out resort at the foot of Vermont's Ascutney Mountain is now part of the timeshare brand's portfolio.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Ascutney Mountain Resort joins the flagship location, Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando, Fla., and two other Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts in Lake Geneva, Wis., and Panama City, Fla.

The addition of Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Ascutney Mountain Resort follows the recent announcement that the timeshare brand will be adding two more resorts in Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Myrtle Beach, S.C., to its portfolio in April of this year.

'We're pleased to offer our customers a memorable brand experience at the only ski-in, ski-out snow destination in the Holiday Inn U.S. portfolio,' said Christian Hempell, vice president, Holiday Inn Club Vacations. 'We're excited to include Ascutney Mountain Resort as the fourth Holiday Inn Club Vacations property as part of our alliance with Orange Lake, with our fifth and sixth resorts joining the brand in April.'

Holiday Inn Club Vacations was announced in September 2008 as a strategic alliance between IHG, the world's largest hotel company, and Orange Lake Resorts, a leader within the timeshare industry with more than 25 years of proven success. This alliance is unique in that it allows IHG to enter the timeshare industry, purely through an exclusive licensing and marketing agreement with no capital investment. Orange Lake will continue to own and operate these resorts as a privately held company.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Ascutney Mountain Resort, the only ski resort in the Holiday Inn U.S. portfolio, offers a host of amenities for timeshare owners and guests, including a fitness center and spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, arcade, convenience store and a full service restaurant and café. Recreational activities at the resort include downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing and an on-site outfitter offering guided and self-guided outdoor adventures year-round with equipment and gear rentals.

Don Harrill, President and CEO of Orange Lake Resorts, said, 'This resort at the base of Ascutney Mountain is a year-round destination for every member of the family. It's been a popular drive-to destination for thousands of our club members living in the New England area.'

Through IHG's guest loyalty program, Priority Club(R) Rewards, guests renting villas will earn Priority Club points during their stays at Holiday Inn Club Vacations, which they can redeem for free nights at IHG properties or exchange for merchandise and special experiences. This resort will also welcome members of the newly formed Holiday Inn Club(TM) exchange program, which allows members to exchange their weeks at any Holiday Inn Club Vacations resort for hotel nights at IHG's more than 4,150 hotels worldwide. Holiday Inn Club members will also have access to Resort Condominium International's (RCI) network of more than 4,000 resorts.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations will continue to seek opportunities to expand in top North American destination locations, adding more vacation experiences, features and benefits. Orange Lake also plans to build a flagship Holiday Inn Resort hotel at the Orlando resort and has the potential to develop up to 2,500 more timeshare villas at this location.

Source: hotelnewsresource

GuestHouse International opens new franchise in Florence Kentucky

2009-02-26T18:40:00.001+05:30

GuestHouse International® Hotels, Inns & Suites, announces the opening of its newest franchise in Florence, Kentucky. The GuestHouse International Wildwood Inn & Suites, owned by A1 Wildwood Inn, features a wide range of amenities for business and leisure travelers. The property is conveniently located off I-75 and I-71, close to major art, entertainment, historical and family adventure attractions

The property has 120 guest rooms with 60 suites. There are regular rooms for businessor toned down leisure stays and exotic and fun theme suites in individual HUTS. The heated indoor pool, waterfall spa, game room and jungle gym for the kids are all included under the ‘tropical dome’.

“We chose GuestHouse International because of their flexible and fair franchise agreement, their strong relationship with InnLink to drive reservations to our property and their extremely helpful and energetic corporate services staff" said Gurvir Hira, General Manager of the GuestHouse International Wildwood Inn & Suites.

Source: hotelinteractive

The Wyndham Nassau Resort Names Stephen Quigg As Executive Chef

2009-02-26T18:38:00.000+05:30

The Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino today announced the appointment of Stephen Quigg as executive chef, responsible for managing its culinary operations and developing new dining and catering concepts.

With more than 25 years of culinary experience, Quigg joins the Wyndham Nassau Resort team from Sandals Whitehouse, Jamaica, where he served as executive chef for three years, delighting guests with his fusion of Asian, Italian, French, Caribbean, Southwest and American cuisine.

After graduating from the Culinary Arts Program at George Brown College in Toronto, Quigg’s passion for food took him from Canada to London before finally making his way to the Caribbean in 1998 where he worked as an executive chef at The Reefs Beach Resort and then the Wyndham Bermuda Resort and Spa, both in Southampton, Bermuda.

“As executive chef at Wyndham Nassau Resort, Chef Quigg will be responsible for coordinating, supervising and directing all aspects of the resort’s food production,” said Managing Director Jeffry Humes. “His extensive experience in the Caribbean, combined with his innovative and eclectic mix of culinary influences, will add a new level of quality to the cuisine and service guests receive when dining at each of the resort’s nine restaurants.”

Situated in the heart of Cable Beach, the Wyndham Nassau Resort offers 559 guestrooms each equipped with flat-screen televisions and in-room refrigerators. Resort amenities include nine restaurants and lounges, tropical pool complete with rock formations, spiral waterslide and floating island, whirlpool, private ocean swimming lagoon, snorkeling, parasailing and kayaking, among other water sports.

The resort’s 30,000-square-foot Crystal Palace Casino features more than 400 state-of-the-art coinless slot machines, nearly 40 table games and is also home to the area’s only sports book.

The Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino is 15 minutes from Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport, which is serviced by a number of domestic and international carriers. For more information, visit www.wyndham.com or call (800) WYNDHAM or (242) 327-6200.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offers upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean. All hotels are either franchised or managed by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts or an affiliate.

Source: hotelinteractive

Hilton Waikoloa Village Announces Five New Additions To The Executive Team

2009-02-26T18:37:00.001+05:30

The Resort Adds a Combined 100 Years of Hospitality Experience

A 62-acre Pacific playground located on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island – proudly announces the addition of five new executive team members, including Michael Donahue, executive director of marketing; Abby Murtagh, director of food and beverage; Charles Charbonneau, executive chef; Michele Wilkin, Kohala Spa director and Scott Ward, resident manager.

“We are so pleased to have each one of these seasoned professionals as part of our Hilton Waikoloa Village team. Their hands-on approach, passion for guest satisfaction and knowledgeable backgrounds will elevate our level of excellence at the resort,” praises Debi Bishop, general manager.

Michael Donahue has been named executive director of marketing and will lead brand management at Waikoloa Beach Resort, delivering top line results through direct interaction with all revenue generating departments at the resort. Donahue boasts an extensive hospitality background with 25 years of successful senior executive hospitality and management experience. Most recently, Donahue served as the executive director of sales and marketing for the world-renowned LaQuinta Resort and PGA West. Among his many other leadership roles, Donahue co-founded Clairvoyix, a leading database marketing system, and served as vice president of marketing for KSL Resorts.

Abby Murtagh will oversee concept development and day-to-day operations of all food and beverage outlets at Hilton Waikoloa Village, as the new director of food and beverage. Murtagh boasts almost two decades of experience in the hospitality industry. After graduating from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel administration, Murtagh began her hospitality career as banquet captain at the Hershey Entertainment and Resort Company. Murtagh quickly climbed the ladder there and was named food and beverage director. Most recently, she served as vice president, food and beverage for HEI/Merritt Hospitality. During this role, she helped develop the successful “Beyond Banquets” concept that embraces a more contemporary, restaurant-like approach to hotel banquets.

The culinary team at Hilton Waikoloa Village will now be led by award-winning Executive Chef Charles Charbonneau. Chef Charles attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, where he learned from the European Masters Chefs, the culinary world’s best. Chef Charles brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience to the Waikoloa Beach Resort and will oversee the culinary operations, including staff training, food preparation and service, of the nine dining outlets, as well as banquet and group catering operations.

Michele Wilkin has been named the Kohala Spa director at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Wilkin has been a leader in the spa world for more than a decade and has continued to evolve resort spa services as treatments and trends change over time. Wilkin will lead an accomplished group of spa treatment experts in enhancing the Waikoloa guest experience through pampered immersion into Hawaiian methods of wellness. Prior to joining the Hilton Waikoloa Village team, Wilkin was the spa director at the Spa at Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

The most recent appointment at Hilton Waikoloa Village is Scott Ward, the new resident manager. Ward will implement and manage daily quality processes at the hotel, assisting the general manager in the administration of the hotel by directing staff efforts toward total guest satisfaction, increased employee productivity and overall resort profitability. Ward has more than 15 years of experience in the full-service hotel industry under well-known flags including Marriott, Westin and Crown Plaza. Most recently, Ward was general manager at Crown Plaza Tampa East.

Source: hotelinteractive

Dakota Mountain Lodge & Golden Door Spa Appoints Executive Team

2009-02-26T18:30:00.001+05:30

New Management Team Prepare for Resort's Unveiling

Dakota Mountain Lodge & Golden Door Spa, a member of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, announced its new executive team comprised of General Manager Jim Miller, Director of Sales & Marketing Barbara Schmaelzle and Spa Director Sharon Ogawa. The luxury resort will debut in summer 2009, offering the Waldorf Astoria Collection’s signature authentic luxury experiences for all seasons.

General Manager Jim Miller will oversee all aspects of Dakota Mountain Lodge & Golden Door Spa, a 201-room ski-in, ski-out property located at the base of The Canyons® in Park City, Utah, that will house the sixth Golden Door Spa, as well as the first outpost of the award-winning Spruce Restaurant of San Francisco. Jim moved to Park City from Waldorf Astoria Collection property Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa on Maui where he was the Director of Sales & Marketing for the 780-room resort. At the Grand Wailea Resort, Jim oversaw all group and leisure sales as well as the launch of Ho’olei at Grand Wailea, a private enclave of townhomes. With more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing and operations Jim has held director level positions at luxury resorts for Hilton, Westin and One & Only Palmilla.

Barbara Schmaelzle has joined Dakota Mountain Lodge & Golden Door Spa as the Director of Sales & Marketing and will be responsible for leading the group and leisure sales effort for the luxury resort. Schmaelzle was previously the president of Align Hospitality Services where she provided hospitality consultation to resorts in brand transition or distress. Prior to that, Schmaelzle spent more than 17 years in sales management and marketing positions at Marriott International, where her most recent position was Market Director for their Caribbean and Mexico Resorts.

Spa Director Sharon Ogawa will spearhead the resort’s 16,000-square-foot Golden Door Spa featuring 15 treatment rooms, a full-service hair and nail salon and a custom-designed fitness center. Prior to joining Dakota Mountain Lodge & Golden Door Spa, Ogawa opened the Golden Door Spa at the Naples Grand Resort and Club and Soothe Spa at Rose Hall Resort and Spa, Jamaica. She previously worked for Mandara Spa LLC, where she managed spa operations and opened various Mandara Spas at properties, including the Wailea Beach Marriott and Sofitel Resort Fiji.

About Dakota Mountain Lodge & Golden Door Spa
Dakota Mountain Lodge & Golden Door Spa is the first ski-in, ski-out resort added to the Waldorf Astoria Collection and gives mountain retreat a luxurious new meaning. Located at the base of The Canyons Resort Village in Park City, Utah, the property boasts 201 rooms appointed with custom furnishings, suites with gourmet kitchens and spectacular views of the ski slopes or Wasatch mountains. The elegant yet casual feel of the resort is created by the surrounding natural beauty with world-class amenities that include a 16,000 square foot Golden Door Spa offering wellness programs, unique treatments, custom-designed fitness center and hair and nail spa; the award-winning Spruce Restaurant offers all-day dining and après ski relaxation. Additional offerings include meeting space, a children’s camp, outdoor patios with fire pits and a heated pool with whirlpools that offer guests areas of relaxation year-round.

About the Waldorf Astoria Collection (TM)
The Waldorf Astoria Collection is a distinctive group of unique luxury hotels from the Hilton Family of Hotels, each indigenous to its destination and situated in key cities around the world. Home to world leaders, royalty and society's elite, the Waldorf Astoria Collection's assortment of hotels and resorts aims to provide affluent travelers with authentic, luxury experiences and unlimited opportunities for discovery. The Waldorf Astoria Collection is a member of Hilton's Luxury and Lifestyle Brands along with the Waldorf Astoria and Conrad® Hotels & Resorts. For more information on the Waldorf Astoria Collection, please visit: waldorfastoriacollection.com

Source: hotelinteractive

The Arrabelle at Vail Square Welcomes A New Culinary Team

2009-02-25T15:34:00.000+05:30

The Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort, proudly announces the appointment of a new culinary team. Rob Dorey has been appointed food and beverage director and Darrell Jensen has been appointed executive chef of the brasserie, Centre V.

"We are delighted to welcome Rob and Darrell to our culinary team," said Jeannette Schulze, general manager of The Arrabelle. "Their talent and creativity will ensure that patrons of Centre V and our in-room dining guests continue to enjoy superior European dining."

Dorey joins The Arrabelle team from his position as the food and beverage director of Colorado's award-winning Snowmass Club. Prior to the Snowmass Club, Dorey served as the bar manager at Aspen's five-star, five-diamond hotel, The Little Nell. Originally from England, Dorey completed six years of training in the restaurant industry before heading to Colorado in 2002. As The Arrabelle's food and beverage director, Dorey will oversee all aspects of Centre V and in-room dining.

Jensen, a native Californian, completed an apprenticeship at Los Angeles' Century Plaza Hotel and Tower where he was recognized as one of the top apprentices in the country. Following his apprenticeship, Jensen worked at several prominent Los Angeles restaurants, including the award-winning Citrus. After gaining ten years of culinary experience, Jensen took over as the executive chef at Vail Resortsâ' exclusive, on-mountain Game Creek Restaurant. After just two years at Game Creek, Jensen was dubbed the "Lamb Guru of Vail," and worked alongside celebrity Chef Michael Chiarello. As executive chef, Jensen will create a deliciously traditional European cuisine at The Arrabelle's French-brasserie, Centre V.

The new team is quickly making their mark on Centre V and the community by creating a "Communitini." Five dollars from the sale of each martini will benefit the Vail Valley Charitable Fund, which helps residents of the Vail Valley who have overwhelming financial needs due to a medical crisis. Dorey and Jensen are also implementing RockResorts' sustainable cuisine initiative, "Appetite for Life," by serving organic and sustainable menu options.

Guests who indulge in the Old World charm of Centre V will enjoy traditional European cuisine in an elegant setting. Tempting menu options include melting raclette, duck confit and steak frites. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, guests can also partake in Centre V's savory delicacies in the privacy of their own room, as in-room dining options are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Arrabelle is located in the heart of Colorado's opulent Vail Square. The resort is 15 minutes east of Beaver Creek, 35 minutes east of Vail/Eagle County Airport, and 120 miles from Denver. For more information, please visit www.rockresorts.com or call 866-662-ROCK.

About RockResorts
RockResorts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vail Resorts, owns and operates luxury resort hotels that offer casually elegant accommodations, lavish RockResorts Spas, renowned golf courses, award-winning dining and a variety of exciting outdoor adventures. The RockResorts collection includes The Arrabelle at Vail Square and The Lodge at Vail in Vail, Colo.; Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colo.; The Osprey at Beaver Creek and The Pines Lodge in Beaver Creek, Colo.; Keystone Lodge & Spa in Keystone, Colo.; La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa in Santa Fe, N.M.; Snake River Lodge & Spa in Jackson Hole, Wyo.; and The Landings St. Lucia, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia. Future RockResorts include: Tempo Miami in Miami, Fla. (scheduled to open in 2009); One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge, Colo. (scheduled to open in spring/summer 2009/2010); The Mansfield Inn at Stowe in Stowe, Vt. (scheduled to open in winter 2010/2011); Rum Cay Resort Marina, The Bahamas (scheduled to open in 2011); and the Third Turtle Club & Spa, Turks and Caicos (scheduled to open in 2011).

Source: hotelinteractive

Verhonda Sercey Joins Georgian Terrace Hotel as DOSM

2009-02-25T15:31:00.001+05:30

Officials of The Georgian Terrace Hotel, Atlanta’s iconic hotel, today announced the appointment of Verhonda Sercey as director of sales and marketing. Sercey will be responsible for all of the property’s marketing and sales activities as the hotel begins to ramp up efforts to promote property enhancements following a comprehensive renovation that is scheduled for completion this coming April. Sercey is the latest in a series of key appointments as the hotel moves to add depth to its management team.

“Sercey is an effective leader who has successfully used her considerable interpersonal and organizational skills to motivate and manage her sales department to complete multiple projects,” said Matthew Reidy, senior managing director of Fremont Realty Capital. “She has exceptional negotiating and bargaining skills and networking and relationship-building expertise. Her abilities to generate and develop prospective clients are vital assets that we expect to use to our full advantage in attracting current and prospective guests to our reinvigorated property. One area of focus for our sales team is to re-establish the Georgian Terrace as the wedding capital of Atlanta.”

Sercey was director of sales for the Embassy Suites Atlanta-Airport immediately prior to joining The Georgian Terrace Hotel. Previously, she was regional director of sales for Pineapple Management Services, Inc., and managed all advertising, public relations and promotional activities. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina, in Spartanburg.

Built in 1911, The Georgian Terrace Hotel, located at 659 Peachtree Street NE in midtown Atlanta and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has played host to some of Atlanta’s most preeminent events, including the star-studded party for the 1939 premiere of the classic, Oscar-winning film, “Gone with the Wind.” Some of the hotel’s most celebrated guests include Calvin Coolidge, Warren G. Harding, Charles Lindbergh, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tallulah Bankhead, Clark Gable and Rudolph Valentino. The hotel recently was used as the setting to film a European commercial starring George Clooney.

The all-suite hotel, with room sizes averaging 850square feet of space with some larger suites boasting 2,700 square feet, features quality furnishings, large bathrooms, oversized windows, microwave oven, full-size refrigerator, washer and dryers and an electric range/oven. Additionally, many of the suites have walk-in closets and balconies with sliding glass doors. The hotel offers a state-of-the-art business center and a stunning rooftop pool with 360-degree panoramic views of the city. For more information please contact us at (404) 897-1991, or online at the hotel’s Wed site: www.thegeorgianterrace.com.

About Crescent Hotels & Resorts
Headquartered in Fairfax, Va., outside of Washington, D.C., Crescent Hotels & Resorts owns, manages and co-invests in hotel real estate, and is an independent, third-party operator of hotels and resorts. The company currently owns or operates approximately 50 hotels and resorts aggregating more than 8,000 rooms in 24 states. The company’s portfolio encompasses properties in the resort, upper upscale full-service, boutique, convention and premium select-service segments under the premier hotel brands of Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, Hyatt, InterContinental, Radisson, Preferred, and Wyndham, as well as independent hotels, resorts and Golf Clubs. Additional information about Crescent Hotel & Resorts may be found on the company’s Web site www.chrco.com.

Source: hotelinteractive

Aston Hotels & Resorts Mourns the Loss of Ron Warren

2009-02-25T15:23:00.000+05:30

Aston Hotels & Resorts’ employees mourn the passing of Ron Warren, CFO and executive vice president, finance. Ron was with the company for over 20 years; recruited in 1988 for his strong financial background. He oversaw all corporate and property accounting and finance functions.

“Ron’s financial expertise and keen business acumen served our company incredibly well during his tenure,” said Kelvin Bloom, president, Aston Hotels & Resorts. “He was a dear friend and a mentor to many. He will be sorely missed.”

Prior to joining Aston Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Warren was senior vice president and CFO for American Beauty Products Company, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He began his career as a CPA with the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche for ten years where he had the overall responsibility of planning, supervision and review of audits performed in a wide variety of industries.

Mr. Warren received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in accounting from Oklahoma State University. He was an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and was an avid runner who competed in numerous marathons. He is survived by his wife, Marcia, and daughter, Heidi, and son, Reid.

The service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu at Ko’olau on February 21 at 10 a.m.

The Warren family asks that in lieu of gifts and flowers, people make donations to the ALS Therapy Development Institute, 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142 or donations may be made online at www.als.net.

About Aston Hotels & Resorts
Aston Hotels & Resorts, formerly ResortQuest Hawaii, offers a diverse range of condominium resorts and hotels with accommodations from hotel rooms and condominium suites, to villas and cottages that suit any lifestyle, taste or budget. Based in Honolulu, the company offers more than 4,500 rooms in 26 properties on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii. For more information, visit www.AstonHotels.com or call toll free 866-774-2924.

Aston is an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), a leading global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation industry.

Source: hotelinteractive

Sol Meliá and LRA Worldwide Partner on Hotel Brand Equity Initiative

2009-02-25T15:21:00.000+05:30

Sol Meliá, the 15th-largest hotel chain in the world and the leading Spanish hotel and resort company, has selected LRA Worldwide to assist with elements of its Strategic Plan presented to investors in Madrid last year. LRA, a pioneer in the consulting discipline of Customer Experience Management, is working with Sol Meliá on the “brand equity” pillar of the plan, helping the company further define each brand offering and how that offering is delivered at the property level.

Sol Meliá currently operates a variety of hotel and resort brands including Gran Meliá, Meliá, ME, Innside, Tryp, Sol and Paradisus, as well as its vacation ownership offering, Sol Meliá Vacation Club. As part of Sol Melia’s plan for “enhancing the value of the brands [and] repositioning the brands on a higher level,” LRA has facilitated “brand standards boot camps” for corporate and property-level representatives of each brand. The boot camps are designed to:

• Identify the core elements of the guest experience expected of a hotel of that service sector;
• Identify and define the “differentiators” that enhance the guest experience delivered by each Sol Melia brand;
• Craft the service and operational standards that enable each hotel to “operationalize” the desired brand experience.

“This is an extremely important initiative for our company,” explained André Gerondeau, Executive Vice President, Hotels for Sol Meliá. “Each of our brands has something unique and special to offer the guest; our ability to both articulate and deliver that distinct brand experience is crucial to our strategic plan. The LRA team brings a unique mix of skills to the project that will help us both creatively and operationally.”

“Sol Meliá is aware that current global economic conditions require an increased focus on value and quality,” said John Roberto, SVP of LRA Worldwide. “Brands that can better define the unique quality and value that they provide to the guest – and then deliver on that – will be well-positioned to thrive in these difficult times.”

LRA has worked on a variety of projects of this nature, helping them first define the elements of a branded customer experience and then translate that vision into a working, operational reality. Most engagements have been within the hospitality industry with companies such as Wyndham Worldwide, Choice Hotels International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts, but LRA has also worked with leaders in food service (ARAMARK Corporation), travel (NetJets), homebuilding (WCI Communities), entertainment (Live Nation) and sports (Churchill Downs Incorporated) on similar initiatives.

“The process is always equal parts art and science,” said Nancy Peel, Director of LRA’s Standards Development & Content Management practice. “For Sol Meliá, the riddle is how to cultivate and capture the style, flair and vision of each individual brand while ensuring that standards are in place to deliver on that brand vision at every hotel, for every associate, in every interaction, every day.”

The year-long project kicked off in March of 2008 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the first “boot camp” for Gran Meliá and was subsequently followed by sessions for each of the other brands. In 2009, the program will transition into a measurement and compliance phase, ensuring that the proper brand experience is being delivered consistently across the global portfolio.

About Sol Meliá:
Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Sol Meliá is the largest resort hotel chain in the world and market leader in Spain in both business and leisure travel. The company currently provides more than 300 hotels in 30 countries on four continents, and employs 35,000 people under its Gran Meliá, Meliá, ME, Innside, Tryp, Sol, Paradisus and Sol Meliá Vacation Club brands. For more information, visit www.solmelia.com.

About LRA Worldwide, Inc:
LRA Worldwide is a leading research and consulting company in the emerging discipline of Customer Experience Management (CEM). We work with our clients to help them design and deliver consistently exceptional customer experiences in order to drive customer satisfaction, loyalty and advocacy, and company growth and profitability.

In LRA’s 25-year history, we have grown from a provider of customized quality assurance evaluation programs for the hospitality industry, to a leading CEM consulting company offering a variety of client solutions. The evolution has been driven by our clients asking us one question – "How do we get better?" In response, we have built a range of performance measurement, research, training and consulting solutions to help them do so. Today, we are a growing company operating in more than 120 countries throughout the world, helping clients such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the National Basketball Association, the PGA TOUR, InterContinental Hotels Group, Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Ritz-Carlton Clubs deliver exceptional customer experiences. Every touch. Every time. For more information, visit us at www.LRAworldwide.com.

Source: hotelinteractive

Paramount Lodging Advisors completes Best Western Ludlow Transaction

2009-02-25T15:19:00.001+05:30

Paramount Lodging Advisors is pleased to announce the recent sale of a 50-room Best Western property in Ludlow, Vermont. The hotel was acquired by R.S.B. Ludlow, Inc. and will continue to operate under new ownership with the Best Western affiliation.

Paramount Lodging Advisors Senior Managing Directors Stephen Mills and Philippus Miller III facilitated the transaction. “We are pleased to facilitate the sale of this charming 7-year running ‘Best of the Best’ property within the Best Western member based organization”, Mills commented. “ The property realized solid year over year revenue growth, which helped get the deal done and financed in this challenging market.”

Steve Mills can be reached at 415.439.5310 or via email at smills@paramountlodging.com. Phil Miller can be reached at 607.257.2980 or pmiller@paramountlodging.com. For additional information on Paramount Lodging Advisors, visit their website at www.paramountlodging.com.

Paramount Lodging Advisors specializes in full service hotel brokerage and advisory, debt and equity sourcing, international hospitality executive search and asset management advisory. Paramount™ is headquartered in Chicago, IL and has offices in Phoenix, AZ, San Francisco, CA, Ithaca, NY, Charleston, SC, Portland, OR, Richmond, VA, London, England, Vancouver, Canada, and Puebla, Mexico.

Source: hotelinteractive

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Opens In Port Charlotte, FL

2009-02-25T15:12:00.000+05:30

The new 93-room Country Inn & Suites By Carlson® in Port Charlotte, Fla. today announced it is open for business at 24244 Corporate Court.

“We’re very excited to bring the Country Inns & Suites By Carlson concept to this region,” said Steve Mogck, executive vice president and brand leader for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. “All employees will participate in the Country Inns & Suites ‘Be Our Guest’ service training program, to ensure consistent delivery of quality customer service at our hotels.”

“This new Country Inn & Suites By Carlson is a wonderful addition to our community. We are confident that this recognized brand and lodging concept will help us grow and prosper in the future,” said Prashant Patel, general manager of the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson in Port Charlotte. The owner of the hotel is OM Saraswati L.L.C.

The hotel features a heated outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center with elliptical machine, treadmill, and stationary bike. Other amenities include a complimentary hot continental breakfast, business center with printer, scanner and fax machine, and a meeting room that can accommodate up to 50 people. The hotel offers a variety of guest room styles including standard rooms, studio suites, one bedroom suites and a Jacuzzi room. All rooms feature complimentary high-speed Internet access, hair dryer, 32-inch LCD television, microwave and refrigerator.

Conveniently located in south-western Florida, this Country Inn & Suites property is approximately 45 miles from Southwest Florida International Airport and 50 miles from Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport. The hotel is located within 16 miles of three golf courses and there are a variety of tennis courts nearby. Waterfront dining and shops are located at Fisherman’s Village, which is within 15 minutes from the hotel’s location.

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson® hotels offer locations that feature traditional architecture and a sophisticated residential interior design with the brand’s iconic plank lobby flooring, lobby fireplace, and front porch. Each hotel welcomes guests with transitional furnishings that blend rich woods and an updated color palate throughout the hotel.

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson® locations offer many amenities often found at higher-priced hotels such as complimentary hot breakfast, in-room coffee maker, in-room iron and ironing board, and weekday morning newspaper. Country Inns & Suites By Carlson embraces the love of reading through its Read It & Return Lending Library. A variety of titles for all ages are available for guests to borrow and read at their leisure at more than 465 locations in the U.S. and Canada and Country Inns & Suites By Carlson supports literacy efforts through charitable donations. For reservations and information, visit www.countryinns.com or call toll-free 1-800-456-4000.

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson is part of Minneapolis, Minn.-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide, whose operations also include Regent® Hotels & Resorts; Radisson® Hotels & Resorts; Park Plaza® Hotels and Resorts and Park Inn®.

Source: hotelinteractive

W Hotels Announces W Paris-Opera

2009-02-25T15:04:00.000+05:30

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced plans to open W Paris-Opéra in 2011, marking the debut of W Hotels Worldwide in France. Located in the chic and bustling Opéra area of Paris, amid lively cafés, contemporary designer boutiques, and buzzing restaurants and nightlife destinations, W Paris-Opéra will occupy an elegant 1870s Haussmann era building, close to the Galleries Lafayette and Place Vendome in an area where Paris earned its praise as the “City of Lights.” Owned by Meridia Capital, a Barcelona-based private equity global real estate fund, W Paris-Opéra will feature 90 stylish guest rooms, a world-class contemporary restaurant and destination bar, a state-of-the-art fitness facility with spa treatment rooms, and W Hotels’ signature lounge experience where guests are invited to mix, mingle and relax in a chic social atmosphere.

Founded in 1998 in New York City, W Hotels continues to transform into a global powerhouse. W Paris-Opéra will be the W brand’s eighth property in Europe, following the opening of W Istanbul in 2008, and the upcoming openings of W Hotels in Barcelona, St. Petersburg, Athens, Manchester, Milan and London. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will triple its footprint by 2011 in vibrant primary destinations throughout Europe and the world from Paris to Marrakech, Dubai to Doha, Hollywood to South Beach, and Shanghai to Bali.

“We are thrilled to expand the W brand into Paris, a major milestone in transforming W Hotels into a global powerhouse, debuting in the world’s most exciting and vibrant destinations,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “W Paris-Opéra will offer insider access, extravaganza and cool contemporary design in the heart of Paris, bringing contemporary luxury and a completely new and distinctive product to the Parisian hotel market.”

“Paris has been on the hit list for W Hotels for many years and I am delighted we now have a site which is so central and a building which is so quintessentially Parisian,” said Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe Africa and Middle East. “With Paris joining the roster of European openings for W over the next two years, our global W guests now have access to some of the most sought after destinations. Meridia Capital will be an excellent partner, with their experience in the luxury branded hotel sector and we hope this is the beginning of a long term partnership with them.”

In addition to the many exclusive indulgences at W Paris-Opéra, the hotel will offer a full-service WIRED business center open 24-hours, fully wired, ultra-modern meeting and event space, and the brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® concierge service, providing guests whatever they want - from a gourmet picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg to exclusive shopping excursions at the emporiums of Faubourg St-Honoré - whenever they want it. Guest rooms and suites, including W Hotels’ renowned WOW suites and Extreme WOW suites, will all feature custom-made furnishings, sophisticated accents unique to Paris, the W Hotels signature bed with feather-top mattress, 350 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and goose down comforter, creating the ultimate urban escape. Guest rooms will offer the latest in cutting-edge technology and the most advanced in-room entertainment systems in the industry.

“Attracting a prestigious global brand like W Hotels to Paris will make this one of the most significant hotel projects the city has seen in recent years. We are delighted to be part of bringing the W brand to this destination,” said Javier Faus, Chairman & CEO, Meridia Capital.

More than a hotel brand, W Hotels has established itself as an iconic lifestyle brand, offering guests unprecedented insider access to a world of “Wow” through contemporary cool design, fashion, nightlife, celebrities, entertainment and other. W Hotels has forever changed the hospitality landscape with a series of industry firsts in the past 10 years, including: the transformation of the hotel lobby into the W Living Room experience; the introduction of the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever concierge service as a vehicle to fulfil every guest’s dreams; extension of the lifestyle experience into retail through W Hotels the Store; a sensorial multiplex experience with branded W CD compilations released each year; the reinterpretation of the hotel mini-bar into the W “Munchie Box” to present the brand’s lifestyle point of view; and the reinvention of the presidential suite into W’s “Extreme Wow” and “Wow” suites.

W Paris-Opéra will join six sister properties in France under the Sheraton, Le Méridien, Westin and The Luxury Collection brands.

About W Hotels Worldwide®
W Hotels is an innovative luxury lifestyle brand and the hotel category buster with 26 properties in the most vibrant destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access to a world of “Wow.” Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design and passions around design, architecture, fashion, music, entertainment, pop culture, and everything in between. W Hotels are unique and individual expressions of modern living, reflected in the brand’s sensibility to a holistic lifestyle experience with cutting-edge design, contemporary restaurant concepts, glamorous nightlife experiences, and signature spas. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will triple its footprint by 2011. In North America and Latin America, W Hotels have been announced in Austin, Atlanta, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hoboken, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Downtown New York, Santiago, South Beach, and Washington, D.C. In Europe, W Hotels have been announced in Athens, Barcelona, London, Manchester, Milan and St. Petersburg. In Asia, W has announced properties in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Macao-Studio City, Shanghai and Yokohama. In Africa and the Middle East, W has announced properties in Marrakech, Amman, Doha, and Dubai. W has plans to open W Retreats in Bali, Koh Samui, Vieques Island and Verbier, the latter of which will serve as W Hotels’ first ski retreat. For more information, visit www.whotels.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 930 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

About Meridia Capital
Meridia Capital is a private equity group focused on investing in premium hotel properties internationally. The firm acquires and develops hotel real estate in both urban and resort markets and partners with the world’s leading international hotel brands. Meridia Capital Hospitality I is Meridia Capital Partners’ first fund and was closed in early 2007 with equity of €150 million. Meridia Capital currently owns properties in Santiago (Chile), Paris and Thailand. For further information please visit www.meridiacapital.com

Source: hotelinteractive

Empire Resorts Receives Concord-Empire Resort Construction Approval

2009-02-25T15:02:00.000+05:30

Empire Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ: NYNY) has been informed that its joint venture partner, Concord Associates L.P. , has received approval from The Thompson Planning Board to proceed with construction of the Concord-Empire Hotel and Casino project in phases. Under the amended site plan, a 500-room resort hotel, casino, spa and race track would be built during the first phase, which is expected to occur within the next 18 to 24 months. Future phases would encompass construction of the ballrooms, the 1000-seat theater, the 7,500-seat multi-purpose entertainment center and up to 4,000 spaces in two parking garages.

Construction at the site is proceeding with the foundations poured for both the casino and hotel.

About Empire Resorts, Inc.
Empire Resorts operates the Monticello Gaming & Raceway and is involved in the development of another gaming resort project in the Catskills. Additional information can be found at www.empiresorts.com.

About Cappelli Enterprises
Cappelli Enterprises is a leading real estate developer and general contractor in the Northeast. Headquartered in Valhalla, NY, the company has built more than 10 million square feet of mixed use, retail, waterfront, residential, office building, laboratory and parking facilities. Cappelli has been the driving force behind the dramatic revivals of downtown White Plains and downtown New Rochelle. In White Plains, the company's developments include the highly successful 1 million-square-foot City Center complex including the sold-out Trump Tower, Westchester's first luxury high-rise condominium and Renaissance Square, which features The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester hotel and the The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester condominium towers. In downtown New Rochelle, Cappelli is developing Trump Plaza, a 34-story luxury condominium tower, and is in the final stages of city review for LeCount Square, a 1,150,000-square-foot mixed-use development featuring retail, office, residential and hotel uses. Cappelli is undertaking a $50 million reconfiguration of the New Roc City entertainment center into a major retail hub that will include Target and another national retail department store as anchor tenants. www.cappelli-inc.com

Source: hotelinteractive

Radisson Hotels & Resorts Announces Grand Opening Of The Radisson Hotel Yuma

2009-02-25T15:01:00.000+05:30

Radisson Hotels & Resorts today announced the February 19 grand opening of the Radisson Hotel Yuma, a $17 million, 154-room property located at 1501 South Redondo Center Drive.

“This new Radisson represents our brand commitment to deliver contemporary, upscale hospitality products and services for today’s travelers,” said Fredrik Korallus, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Radisson Hotels & Resorts. “With full service offerings including a wine bar and bistro, fitness facilities, business center, complimentary high speed Internet and swimming pools, our guests will enjoy the distinctive ‘Yes, I Can!’ service that distinguishes Radisson Hotels & Resorts,” Korallus stated.

“We are excited to bring the Radisson brand to this market and provide visitors to Yuma the opportunity to experience our unique brand of hospitality,” said Elizabeth Yunker, general manager of the Radisson Hotel Yuma. “Our new hotel showcases southwestern hospitality through its design and amenities plus our staff’s commitment to provide personalized service for every guest.” The owner of the hotel is JJM Resort Developers, LLC.

The Radisson Hotel Yuma is a 100% non-smoking facility featuring 3,054 square feet of versatile meeting space, a 24-hour Business Center, full-service exercise room, and both indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpools. Each of the 154 spacious guestrooms provide a 32-inch High Definition Television, work-desk, mini refrigerator with a freezer, coffee/tea maker and a full length mirror. Guests will also enjoy complimentary wired or wireless in-room 4-MEG high speed Internet access and complimentary wireless Internet throughout the hotel.

The Radisson Hotel Yuma offers a full-service restaurant, the Market Wine Bar Bistro, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The hotel is close to several area attractions including the Yuma Palms Shopping Mall, the Imperial Sand Dunes, and more than 20 golf courses. The Radisson Hotel Yuma also provides complimentary airport shuttle service to the Yuma International Airport, located only three miles from the hotel.

Reservations can be made online at www.radisson.com, through a travel agent or by phone at 800-333-3333.

Radisson® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading, full-service hotel companies, offers warm and engaging hospitality that is defined by its distinctive “Yes I Can!” service philosophy. Radisson includes more than 400 locations in 66 countries. Radisson is part of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, whose other operations include Regent® Hotels & Resorts; Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn®.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide is one of the major business units of Carlson, a global hotel, marketing, restaurant and travel company. Other names among the Carlson brands and services include: Carlson Marketing, Carlson Wagonlit Travel®, T.G.I. Friday’s® and Pick Up Stix® restaurants. Carlson corporate headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minn.

Source: hotelinteractive

Pride Hospitality opens 2 new Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Three Weeks

2009-02-25T14:59:00.000+05:30

After opening the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Baton Rouge East a couple weeks ago, Pride Hospitality had an encore and opened the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Lafayette South in Louisiana this past Thursday.

The 104 room Baton Rouge Holiday Inn Express & Suites and the 80 room Lafayette Holiday Inn Express Suites will both be managed by Pride Hospitality, LLC.

Both hotels offer many amenities including the Express Start® complimentary hot breakfast featuring the world famous cinnamon rolls, a business center, an outdoor pool and fitness center, free High Speed Wireless Internet, and Priority Club Points. All of the guest rooms and suites will be equipped with large work desks offer cable TV with HBO, iron and ironing board, coffee makers. Both hotels also offer SUITE options!

.We are thrilled to have these two hotels join our portfolio.. With Siegen Hospitality Enterprises LLC and Daigle Lafayette Hospitality, LLC, we have two great hotel ownerships that own quality hotels. After two hotels in three weeks, our team is looking forward to our next hotel opening in May, a Candlewood Suites hotel.. stated Mark Zipperer President & CEO of Pride Hospitality, LLC.

About Pride Hospitality
Pride Hospitality, LLC based in Germantown, TN owns, manages and develops hotels throughout the United States. Pride Hospitality, LLC currently manages thirteen hotels with five new hotels under development, including Intercontinental Hotels Group, Choice, and Wyndham flags. Direct any inquiries to Pride Hospitality via the website at www.pridehospitality.com

Source: hotelinteractive

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Adds Myrtle Beach, Sc, And Gatlinburg, TN

2009-02-24T16:56:00.000+05:30

Holiday Inn Club Vacations announced today that it is adding two new destinations to its resort portfolio, Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Gatlinburg, Tenn., bringing the total number of resorts to six. The new resorts will join the three locations currently available to owners and guests – the flagship location, Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando, Fla., and resorts in Lake Geneva, Wis., and Panama City, Fla., – with another location in Ascutney, Vt., scheduled to go live later this month.

Orange Lake Resorts, under an exclusive licensing agreement with IHG to use the Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand, has acquired the 256-unit South Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and 109-unit Crown Park Resort – to be renamed Smoky Mountain Resort – in Gatlinburg, Tenn., from Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc. Orange Lake will own and operate these resorts as a privately held company.

“The addition of two new resorts to the Holiday Inn Club Vacations portfolio in such a short period of time demonstrates the strength of the alliance and our ability to find strategic opportunities to grow this brand, even during challenging economic times,” said Christian Hempell, vice president, Holiday Inn Club Vacations. “Guests know and trust Holiday Inn, and we’re pleased to offer them even more destinations to experience the brand through timeshare ownership.”

Effective Feb. 13, 2009, Holiday Inn Club Vacations assumed management of operations at both resorts, with a target date for conversion by April 2009. A timeshare sales operation will begin at the South Beach Resort on April 1.

Andrew Tilmont, COO for Burroughs and Chapin Company, Inc. commented on the purchase: “We are happy to have a company like Orange Lake with such a depth of experience and reach in the industry to take ownership of our timeshare resorts, allowing our members and employees to have unparalleled leadership as they look to their future growth.”

Both of the new resort properties offer a host of amenities that Holiday Inn Club members will enjoy:

moky Mountain Resort in Gatlinburg, Tenn., (formerly Crown Park Resort) is a 109-unit resort situated near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering spectacular views and the ability to experience the natural wonders of the mountains. The resort was completed in 2006 and offers indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness room and more. The area is also home to many shops, restaurants and family attractions for an estimated 12 million annual visitors.
South Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach, S.C., is a 256-unit resort offering indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, a video game room, a fitness center and private access to a beautiful stretch of beach located just steps from the resort. This resort, the first units of which were completed in 2003, is ideal for families wanting to take advantage of the many golfing, shopping, dining and entertainment options available in the Myrtle Beach area for an estimated 10 million annual visitors.

“We are thrilled to be adding one of the most prestigious resorts in Myrtle Beach to our resort offering. Myrtle Beach has always been in the top 10 list of most desired locations in our member surveys,” said Don Harrill, President and CEO for Orange Lake Resorts. “Gatlinburg also has a great experience to offer being located so close to the Smoky Mountains National Park.”

Holiday Inn Club members will continue to enjoy access to the flagship Orlando resort, plus Member Resorts in Ascutney, Vt., Lake Geneva, Wis. and Panama City, Fla. They will also have access to Resort Condominium International’s (RCI) network of more than 4,000 resorts.

Holiday Inn Club members will also receive automatic enrollment in the Priority Club® Rewards loyalty program with Gold Elite status and can reserve stays at IHG’s more than 4,150 hotels in nearly 100 countries worldwide. Priority Club Rewards members enjoy features and benefits, such as Reward Nights with no blackout dates and the ability to redeem points for merchandise and special experiences. To learn more about the Priority Club Rewards program, visit www.priorityclub.com.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations will continue to expand its Member Resorts into top North American destination locations, adding more vacation experiences, features and benefits. In addition, Orange Lake also plans to build a flagship Holiday Inn Resort hotel at the Orlando resort and has the potential to develop up to 2,500 more timeshare villas at this location. For more information, visit www.hiclubvacations.com.

About Holiday Inn Club Vacations
Holiday Inn Club Vacations was created in September 2008 as a strategic alliance between IHG, the world’s largest hotel company, and Orange Lake Resorts, a leader within the timeshare industry with more than 25 years of proven success. Holiday Inn Club Vacation’s flagship property in Orlando, located next to Walt Disney World® Resort, was established in 1982 by Holiday Inn founder, Kemmons Wilson. A 1,450-acre golf, water park and sports resort, Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort includes 2,412 villas and plans for expansion to 4,500 villas. Other member resort locations include Brownsville, Vermont; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and Panama City, Florida. Holiday Inn Club members enjoy access to Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts in Wisconsin, Vermont and Florida and IHG’s network of more than 4,150 resorts worldwide. Holiday Inn Club Vacations will continue to expand their Member Resorts to destination locations. For more information on Holiday Inn Club Vacations, visit www.hiclubvacations.com.

About Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc.
A leader in the fields of commercial and residential real estate development, and related operations, Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc. has been serving the grand strand for more than 100 years – the company's service to Myrtle Beach and Horry County, South Carolina dates back to 1895.

Burroughs & Chapin’s residential developments include the award-winning Grande Dunes, a 2,200-acre four-star community stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to west across the Intracoastal Waterway. Burroughs & Chapin has also created numerous commercial developments offering national and regional name brand shopping. These include Broadway at the Beach – an award-winning 350-acre festival shopping, entertainment and dining complex; Coastal Grand Mall, a one million square foot regional shopping mall joint ventured with CBL & Associates Properties of Chattanooga, Tenn.; Seaboard Commons; South Strand Commons; Arcadian Shores Commons; the 501 Power Centers and many smaller “jewel box” centers. In addition, Burroughs & Chapin Golf Management offers many of the finest 18-hole championship golf courses in Myrtle Beach.

Source: hotelinteractive

The Providence Group to Manage The Inn at the Blue, East Marion, NY

2009-02-24T16:54:00.000+05:30

The firm specializes in improving the bottom line for smaller hotels through an enhanced service culture.

The Providence Group, LLC, a Massachusetts-based full-service hospitality management company, announced today that it has been appointed to manage the The Inn at the Blue, East Marion, NY on Long Island. The Providence Group specializes in management services for small- to medium-size hotels.

“The Blue owners recognize the importance of a strong sales effort in conjunction with first-rate customer service, while keeping a critical eye on the bottom line,” said Jed C. Heller, President of The Providence Group. “Even in these uncertain economic times, we believe that The Inn’s longstanding reputation as a first-class vacation spot, combined with a rejuvenated management team, will enable The Inn to continue to flourish.”

Opened in 1952 as The Blue Dolphin Motel, The Inn at the Blue recently changed its name and continued its longstanding reputation as a premier resort on the scenic North Fork area of Long Island. The four-acre property is nestled between picturesque villages, farms, and wineries and just minutes away from beaches, fishing excursions and biking trails. The Inn offers an interesting choice of guest accommodations, from standard rooms and suites to comfortable cottages, studios and historic houses?all surrounding an outdoor pool, Tiki bar, shaded picnic area, barbecue pit and open activity area.

“I find working with small- to mid-size hotels extremely gratifying. I am personally involved in every engagement and it is important to me to develop personal relationships with owners and employees. My management philosophy is unique in that I’m happy to do business on a handshake and have nurtured relationships with owners and investors that have lasted for years. In this niche market, adding value through quality service and personal integrity is of the utmost importance,” Heller added.

Heller founded The Providence Group in 2005 to offer hospitality and general management services to hotels, time-share resorts and condominiums in the U.S. and overseas. Today, the company specializes in managing small- to medium-size hotels. They currently provide management and consulting services for several properties, including the Royal Inn Hotel and Sandhurst Hotel, Fort Pierce, FL and the Microtel Inn and Suites, Seneca Lake, NY. Past engagements include the Sleep Inn and Suites Tennessee Overhill; Drake Hotel, Oakbrook, IL; Residence Inn, Baton Rouge, LA; and the Fairfield Inn and Suites, Tulsa, OK.

About the Providence Group
The Providence Group is a full service hospitality management company focused on serving the needs of small- to mid-size hotels. Company Founder and President, Jed C. Heller, is a 30-year veteran of the hospitality management industry and serves on the editorial board of HotelExecutive.com and the Resort Management Committee of the American Resort Development Association. He is also a frequent guest speaker at industry conferences. www.providencegrp.com

Source: hotelinteractive

Lots of Languages, One Hotel

2009-02-24T16:22:00.000+05:30

For some hotels it’s critical to communicate in myriad languages. Here’s how they do it.

In the heart of the casino city that is Las Vegas, there is one thing Bellagio hotel executives aren’t willing to gamble on: ensuring that non-English-speaking guests can talk to someone in their own language -- whatever language that might be.

It is simply not enough to have an international, multi-lingual staff, which the luxury property has. Since its opening in 1998, Bellagio has maintained agreements with outside providers for special linguistic needs such as these.

Especially with its high ratio of international guests – and a record number of international visitors recently -- such arrangements have become a must, said spokeswoman Yvette Monet.

She said Bellagio’s outside service, based in California and available by phone, provides interpreting and translating services on a 24-hour basis, whether the guest’s needs are for something as simple as fresh towels or a sewing kit for the room or something more complex, such as an emergency situation.

With the dollar’s value on the world market making travel to the U.S. an increasingly better bargain every day, the lexicon of success in the hospitality industry has come to include – now more than ever – potential fluency in the lexicon of everyone who checks into a room.

Oftentimes a hotel can handle a guest’s simpler needs in-house, using staffers and the concierge service, and other times they rely on translation services –such as the company on call around the clock for Bellagio guests.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of New York and Boston have found their language solutions closer to home: They find they can still rely on staffers most of the time.

“Luckily we have not had a situation where an employee does not speak the language of one of our guests,” said Jennifer A. Oberstein, area director of public relations, in a recent e-mail. “If it is someone in the kitchen [being asked to assist], we will have someone fill in for them while they go and translate for the guest.”

And at other hotels, such as the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco, it is the concierge who most often becomes the point person in such instances – by knowing who to turn to who can provide just the right words in just the right language. It can be someone in the housekeeping office or perhaps a business across town.

Sometimes the ideal person to fill that need directly just happens to be the concierge.

That is often the case for Antonio Barrios, chief concierge at the St. Regis.

“We are getting a huge influx of Europeans visiting the U.S., but interestingly enough, most Europeans speak English,” said Barrios. “What I encounter and have assisted with are the Latin Americans – and I am a Spanish speaker. My second language, since I was raised in Japan, is Japanese.”

Kevin Hendzel, a spokesman for the American Translators Association, a 10,000-member group based in Alexandria, Va., said that while in-house multi-lingual staffers can often handle the day-to-day needs of non-English-speaking travelers, call centers with professional interpreters provide a critical hotel service for highly specialized cases.

“Some large hotels will have on staff a person whose job is to be a translator or interpreter and they may do that, along with something else too,” he said. “A fair number of desk personnel hired in the middle- and high-end hotels are multi-lingual enough to check people in and out … and if that is all you are doing, using your staff [for translating] is fine. But if you go much beyond that, you need to have phone service for interpreting, or document-translation services,” he said. Many of these carry added fees that would be passed along to the guest requesting it. But that price buys a necessary expertise, one critical in business dealings - for instance, in medicine, law or technology, Hendzel said.

“In order to translate or interpret a subject, you have to know not just the words but the meaning behind the words. All legal translators have spent years in the courtroom studying law, some are even lawyers….I often say that translation is not about the words. It is about what the words are about.”

In Barrios’ case, the foreign-language assignments often begin even before the guest arrives.

“A lot of the Latin American guests, prior to coming to San Francisco, will e-mail me and correspond in Spanish; they have questions. I typically put itineraries together for my guests, and when they do arrive, I am there to assist them in every way,” he said.

The hotel would use a translation service if the need ever arose, he said, “but we have never had to use it. We have been pretty fortunate at the St. Regis. A lot of our employees speak Russian, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, and we have a fair amount of employees from the United Arab Emirate.”

There is also a network outside the hotel, created out of a professional association of concierges, of which Barrios is a member.

That widens the talent pool even more, allowing Barrios to field calls from colleagues at other hotels across town too.

And yes, also to make some of those calls himself.

“With the association, you are always in the loop with whatever is going on,” he said. “So if it ever comes down to having someone who doesn’t speak a particular language, I can call someone else in the concierge community.”

Source: hotelinteractive

Benchmark Hospitality Appoints Alex White Director Of Training

2009-02-24T16:16:00.000+05:30

Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the appointment of Alex White as director of training for the leading hospitality management company located near Houston. The announcement was made by John Wood, vice president human resources.

“I am so pleased to announce this new position for Alex, stated Mr. Wood. “He has done a tremendous job for Benchmark, initially serving in a recruitment role, and has become a vital resource for our property human resource directors system-wide. He will make an excellent director of training and we congratulate him on his new position.”

Alex White was previously the highly successful director of recruitment for Benchmark Hospitality, joining the company’s Home Office following 15 years of experience in the human resources profession. This included serving Benchmark at the property level as director of human resources for Hotel Contessa, the company’s Personal Luxury Hotel™ located on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Previous to joining Benchmark, Mr. White was opening director of human resources and property operations for Lajitas Resort in West Texas.

Mr. White also has experience in the gaming industry, having served as senior recruiter for Harrah's Rincon Hotel & Casino near San Diego during its preopening and post-opening periods. Earlier in his career, White was employed in human resources for hotels within the Hilton and Marriott organizations.

Alex White received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Bachelor of Science degree in International Business from Mississippi State University. He and his family reside in Magnolia, Texas.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels™. The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers. Benchmark is a worldwide organization operating over 30 properties representing major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. International offices are located in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For locations of properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

Source: hotelinteractive

Andy Peters Named GM of Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, AL

2009-02-24T16:14:00.000+05:30

Officials of Davidson Hotel Company (DHC), one of the nation’s largest hotel management companies, today announced that Andy Peters has been named general manager of the 329-room Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, Ala. In his new role, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the hotel.

“Now more than ever, hotels require leaders with the skills and experience to motivate staff and provide guests with top quality services,” said Patrick Lupsha, Davidson’s chief operating officer. “Andy is a 34-year veteran in the hospitality industry and has been a Davidson regional vice president for the past six years. He has first-hand experience in navigating through difficult economic conditions and is the right person to guide The Wynfrey Hotel during the challenging times we are experiencing.”

Earlier in his career, Peters held a variety of F&B positions, including director of food standards at Marriott Headquarters. Since joining Davidson in 1995, he has served as director of

food and beverage, regional vice president of operations and general manager of the Hilton Eugene & Conference Center in Oregon. Peters has a degree in Food Service Administration from the State University of New York College at Buffalo.

About Davidson Hotel Company
Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Davidson Hotel Company is an award-winning, full-service hotel owner and third-party management company that provides management, development/renovation, acquisition, consulting and accounting expertise for the hospitality industry. The company currently owns and/or manages 36 upscale, independent and branded hotels with nearly 10,200 rooms across the United States, including such affiliations as Westin, Sheraton, Hyatt, Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites, Doubletree, Marriott, Renaissance, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. Additional information on Davidson may be found at the company’s Web site, www.davidsonhotels.com.

Source: hotelinteractive

S&L Hospitality Names Tim Cepek GM Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Chicago West O'hare In Hillside, IL

2009-02-24T16:11:00.000+05:30

Tim Cepek has been named General Manager of the new, five-story, 135-room Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Chicago Airport West – O’Hare in Hillside, IL by S&L Hospitality, management company and co-developer. Cepek will be responsible for the overall successful operation of the new hotel, scheduled to open in March.

Cepek has a wealth of management and operational experience, including more than 15 years in the hospitality industry. A resident of Schaumburg, Illinois Cepek is actively involved in the business community. Most recently, he served on the opening management team as Assistant General Manager of the 127-room AmerSuites conversion to Hyatt Place Hotel in Schaumburg, IL. His extensive management experience includes The Fitzpatrick Hotel in Chicago, the Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, IL., and he also served on the opening management team of The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort in Savannah, Georgia.

“We are very pleased to have Tim on board,” said Richard Tiedt, Director of Operations for S&L Hospitality. “He brings opening experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm to his new position, and he has put together quite an impressive team to lead our property to award winning success.”

Scheduled to open in March, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites is located at 200 South Manheim Road, in Hillside, IL., and is part of a new 32-acre mixed-use development project located off Interstate 290. The property joins other businesses also preparing to open in the weeks and months to come, including Super Target, Petco, Staples, Michaels, Panda Express and more.

The hotel is a modern hotel for value-orientated travelers. Fresh, clean and uncomplicated, the new property offers competitive rates for both business and leisure travelers. Amenities include: Fresh Express Start® Breakfast Buffet, featuring a full range of hot breakfast items; indoor swimming pool and whirlpool; fitness center; 24-hour business center and Express Market®; free wired & wireless high speed internet throughout the hotel and free local calls (US Only) and free guest parking. Guest rooms feature queen or king-sized beds; 32” flat panel HDTV’s; microwave; refrigerator; hairdryer; iron/ironing board; and safe. The hotel is 100% non-smoking.

Conveniently, the property is only 6 miles from Chicago O’Hare Airport and offers free shuttle service, and only 15 miles from downtown Chicago.

For reservations, visit www.holidayinnexpress.com or call 1.708.544.2700.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Chicago West O’Hare is owned and developed through a unique partnership between Par Development and S&L Hospitality. S&L Hospitality will continue to manage the property once open. The S&L Hospitality team has prior experience developing and managing more than $800 million in hotels and resorts, including nearly 100,000 square-feet of conference and meeting space, and six high-end spas. Their award-winning, hands-on philosophy and management style supports their mission to deliver a first-class guest experience, driven by superior strategic operations and marketing. For more information visit www.slhosp.com.

Source: hotelinteractive

Barcelo Hotels & Resorts Grows Central American Portfolio with Second Nicaraguan Property: Barcelo Managua

2009-02-24T16:09:00.000+05:30

Following the recent opening of Barceló Guatemala City and now Barceló Managua, which opens today, leading hotelier Barceló Hotels & Resorts has undertaken an aggressive expansion program to intensify its local operations in Latin America, the Caribbean and, particularly, Central America. The Spain-based chain has witnessed success for some time throughout Europe and is applying its business model to Central America by increasing its number of city hotel offerings.

The company has already developed operations in key urban destinations and popular capital cities such as Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, San Jose in Costa Rica and Guatemala City in Guatemala. Accordingly, Nicaragua's capital city, Managua, was a logical next step for this growing hotel chain.

The four-star Barceló Managua features 147 guest rooms and state-of-the-art meeting and convention facilities, including three spacious meeting rooms and an executive boardroom with the capacity to accommodate up to 410 attendees. Ideal for both business and convention travelers, the hotel is located in the capital city's most exclusive district, Villa Fontana, but can also serve as a base camp for leisure visits to nearby destinations such as the city of Granada or the Masaya Volcano. On-site dining options include La Fontana, offering a daily buffet, and Kioto, serving a la carte Japanese cuisine.

Barceló Hotels & Resorts has already established a firm presence in Nicaragua with its beach hotel Barceló Montelimar, which opened in 1993.

About Barceló Hotels & Resorts
Barceló Hotels & Resorts is among the world’s top 25 largest hospitality and travel companies. Barceló was established in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in 1931, first as a transportation provider and then as a hotel and travel company. The family-owned, privately held company has been world-renowned for more than 75 years for its excellence in service and its innovation within the tourism industry.

The company owns, manages or franchises more than 185 properties in 15 countries. Barceló's hotels and resorts are found in key destinations and cities throughout Europe, North America, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The company offers a large variety of hotels and resort types to accommodate all travelers, from budget-minded to upscale guests. The resorts provide all-inclusive vacation programs, making vacation planning and holiday enjoyment both easy and affordable. For more information or reservations, visit http://www.barcelo.com.

Source: hotelinteractive

Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport Hotel Opens

2009-02-24T15:59:00.000+05:30

Schahet Hotels Inc. and Hilton Garden Inn® is pleased to announce the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn® Indianapolis Airport, in Indianapolis, Ind. The opening represents another addition to the brand’s growing portfolio of more than 400 Hilton Garden Inn locations across North America, Europe and Central America.

The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport is operated by Schahet Hotels Inc. under a license agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation. The hotel also is managed by Schahet Hotels Inc. based in Indianapolis, IN.

“We are excited to expand our presence in the dynamic Indianapolis airport market. Opening a location on the south side of the “new” Indianapolis Airport offers both business and leisure travelers to the area with a new mid-priced lodging option,” said Adrian Kurre, senior vice president – brand management for Hilton Garden Inn.

The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport offers 126 guest rooms, including 16 two room suites. All rooms feature the Garden Sleep System® bed, ergonomic Mirra® chair by Herman Miller®; high-definition LCD television, and an innovative clock that allows guests to play their MP3 or portable CD player. All guestrooms offer complimentary wired and Wi-Fi high-speed Internet access and mobile printing capability directly from the guest’s laptop (in their guest room) or Blackberry to laser printers located in the hotel’s complimentary 24-hour business center.

The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport provides a variety of food and beverage offerings including the Pavilion Pantry® with a selection of packaged items and sundries, the Great American Grill® restaurant offering cooked-to-order breakfast, lunch, dinner, and room service available during dinner hours.

For groups looking for a place to meet, the new hotel offers 3,580 square-feet of flexible meeting space that includes a 2,280 square-foot ballroom, a 378 square-foot banquet and meeting space and a 322 square-foot breakout room. The ballroom can also be sub-divided into separate rooms and all of the hotel’s flexible meeting space features high-tech capabilities including complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity.

Guests seeking to keep up with their fitness regime while on the road will enjoy: a workout facility featuring the latest style equipment with personal viewing screens, complimentary Stay Fit Kits® that can be checked out from the front desk and feature a selection of core, Yoga, and Pilates exercises that can be done in the privacy of the guestroom or fitness center; and an indoor swimming pool and whirlpool adjacent to the fitness room. In addition, laundry valet is available as well as an on-site guest laundry facility conveniently located on the second floor off the elevator lobby.

“Schahet Hotels Inc. is proud to be a part of the redevelopment of the Indianapolis International Airport region”, said Jeffrey Brown, CEO for Schahet Hotels Inc. “We are confident the area will continue to attract new businesses and other attractions. The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport as well as the Hampton Inn & Suites Indianapolis Airport, which just opened in November 2008, are great brands uniquely suited to meet our customers needs.”

Being the closet hotel to the “new” Indianapolis Airport, the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport offers complimentary airport shuttle service and is convenient to numerous corporate offices including FedEx, Pepsi/Gatorade, Purdue Research Technology Center, Allstate, Ryder, and Whirlpool.

Just 11 miles from downtown Indianapolis, the hotel is also convenient to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Metropolis Shopping Mall and Chateau Thomas Winery.

“Whether you’re in the Indianapolis area for work or play, our Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport is the ideal location to access many nearby attractions and businesses,” remarked Scott Wheeler, hotel general manager.

The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that offers Points & Miles® and No Blackout Dates on rewards stays. Members of the Hilton HHonors guest reward program can Double Dip® to earn both points and miles for every stay at more than 3,000 Hilton Family hotels worldwide. Furthermore, with No Blackout Dates or capacity controls, as long as a standard room is available for purchase, members can redeem HHonors points for it.

The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport is located off the Interstate 70 at Exit 68 (AmeriPlex Parkway South), left on Exploration Drive, and left on Hatfield Drive, located at 8910 Hatfield Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46231. For more information on the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport, please call the hotel at 317-856-9100 or visit www.indyairporthgi.com.

About Hilton Garden Inn
Hilton Garden Inn is the award-winning, mid-priced brand that continually strives to ensure today’s busy travelers have everything they need to be most productive on the road — from complimentary wired and Wi-Fi Internet access in all guestrooms and PrinterOn mobile printing to the hotel’s complimentary 24-hour business center to one of the most comfortable beds you will ever experience with the Garden Sleep System®. So whether on the road for personal or business reasons, Hilton Garden Inn offers the amenities and services for travelers to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart while away from home.

For more information about Hilton Garden Inn locations throughout North America, Europe and Central America or to find your next getaway, please visit www.HGI.com or call 1-877-STAY-HGI.

About Schahet Hotels Inc.
Schahet Hotels Inc. is located in Indianapolis, IN. In addition to the Hilton Garden Indianapolis Airport, Schahet recently opened the Hampton Inn & Suites Airport, Hampton Inn NW, and converted another hotel to the Holiday Inn Express NW in the last four months all located in Indianapolis. Schahet also operates the Hampton Inn Downtown Indianapolis, Hampton Inn Carmel, IN, Courtyard NW Indianapolis, and Residence Inn NW Indianapolis, Hampton Inn Schenectady, NY and Holiday Inn Schenectady, NY.

Source: hotelinteractive

Sonesta International Hotels Announces Domestic Hotel 2008 RevPar

2009-02-24T15:54:00.000+05:30

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Nasdaq-GL:SNSTA) announced year-end 2008 system-wide RevPAR (revenue per available room) for its U.S. hotels averaged over $128 and indexed at 104% against their competitive set of hotels according to Smith Travel Research.

In the United States, Sonesta manages hotels in Boston, Miami and New Orleans and their competitive set includes Ritz Carlton, Hyatt, Intercontinental, Marriott, Westin and Omni. In 2008, the Sonesta brand contribution averaged 45.5% of room’s revenue at these hotels.

“We are looking to aggressively expand the Sonesta brand, particularly in the U.S. and Caribbean,” said Philip Silberstein, executive vice president of development for Sonesta. “During this expansion period, we will continue to capitalize on our strong reputation for operating and branding unique, high quality hotels and resorts.”

For over 60 years, Sonesta has owned, managed, designed, built and marketed hotels throughout the world. There are presently 25 Sonesta hotels and resorts, including 5 Nile cruise ships. The properties are located in Boston, Miami, New Orleans, St. Maarten, Brasil, Peru, and Egypt. This year, new properties are planned to open in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica and Cusco, Peru. Sonesta's stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global stock market under the symbol SNSTA.

Source: hotelinteractive

Great Wolf Resorts Provides Update on 4Q '08 Operating Results

2009-02-24T15:12:00.000+05:30

As previously announced, Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ: WOLF), North America’s leading family of indoor waterpark resorts, will release fourth-quarter 2008 financial results on Wednesday, February 25, 2009, before the market opens. The company will hold a conference call at 10 a.m. ET on that day to discuss its results. The company continues to affirm its previously announced Adjusted EBITDA guidance range for the fourth quarter.

In addition, the company advised that it has completed its annual goodwill impairment assessment, and announced that it expects to record a non-cash, pre-tax charge of approximately $17 million for fourth quarter 2008 related to two of its resorts. The impairment charge does not affect the historical cost carrying basis of the impacted resorts’ fixed assets. The company conducted its goodwill analysis and assessment in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which requires goodwill to be assessed for potential impairment at least annually. In light of current and expected market and economic conditions for the company’s resorts located in Kansas City, Kansas and Mason, Ohio, the company determined that an impairment charge for goodwill associated with these resorts was required. The impairment charge will not have any impact on the company’s cash flows or cash position.

The company also advised that it has completed its impairment assessment on its investment in affiliates, and announced that it expects to record a non-cash, pre-tax charge of approximately $19 million for fourth quarter 2008 related to one of its joint ventures. The company conducted its investment in affiliates analysis and assessment in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock,” which requires that a loss in value of an investment which is other than a temporary decline should be recognized. In light of current and expected market and economic conditions for the company’s joint venture that owns resorts located in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and Sandusky, Ohio, the company determined that an impairment charge for the carrying value of its investment in this joint venture was required. The impairment charge will not have any impact on the company’s cash flows or cash position.

The company has not completed its estimate of the after-tax impact of the goodwill and investment in affiliate impairment charges on earnings per share; as a result, the company is unable to provid updated guidance on net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share for the fourth quarter and full year 2008. The effect of the goodwill and investment in affiliate impairment charges is not reflected in the company’s previously issued net income (loss) guidance for the fourth quarter of 2008. In conformance with the company’s practices, these non-cash impairment charges will be excluded from the company’s fourth quarter 2008 Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income (loss) calculations.

Source: hotelinteractive

Top 5 Star Hotel Ahmedabad, India

2009-02-23T15:32:00.000+05:30

Cambay is an existing chain of Resorts, Hotels, Golf courses; already owning and operating three properties and a golf course at places like Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad and Gurgaon. Cambay is the flagship brand of Neesa Leisure Limited (An ISO 9001: 2000 certified), an integrated hospitality and leisure company, which is developing and operating hotels, resorts, SPA, Golf and other leisure facilities in mix and match format, in different parts of the country.

NLL’s first venture is Cambay Spa & Reosort,a Five Star SPA Resort with Golf Course, in Gandhingar, in 20 minutes driving distance from Ahmedabad airport. Complete with an executive golf course and academy, it offers 145 suites/ rooms/ cottages, besides multi cuisine restaurants, conference & banquet facilities, a full service spa, beauty salon, gym, swimming pool, indoor recreation facilities, mini theatre, discotheque etc. This is the largest resort in Gujarat in terms of room capacity. Cambay Spa & Resort has been affiliated to RCI.

Cambay Golf, situated adjacent to Cambay Spa & Resort, is a Nine hole Executive Golf Course, complete with 30 driving stations, putting & chipping area, Academy, Pro-shop, Coffee shop etc. excellence, in the heart of Gandhinagar, just 25 minutes driving distance from Ahmedabad city. ”Cambay Golf” is synonymous with a new way of high class leisure & Golfing entertainment, along with the finest in luxury accommodation, dining and recreational facilities.

Neesa Leisure Limited second project is Cambay Sapphire, Ahmedabad, which is a 54 room business hotel, located in its western part; 30 minutes from Ahmedabad airport. It possesses multi-cuisine restaurants, , coffee shop, banquet and conference rooms, business center, gym, spa, beauty salon etc.

To cater to the travel needs, Cambay has set up its own tours & travel division, in the name and style of Cambay Tours & Travels, which takes care of the all the travel needs of the guests.

For more detail http://www.thecambay.com

Source: Thecambay Blog