The Greater New York Chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has awarded The Central Park Conservancy with the 24thAnnual Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Award and named the 2017 honorees for the Annual HSMAIGNY Chapter Awards of Excellence.
Trilogy Spa Holdings announces the appointment of Jennifer Kirby as spa director of The Guerlain Spa at The Plaza Hotel. Bringing 15 years of industry experience to this role, Kirby will deliver Guerlain’s world-class experience to guests while overseeing all day-to-day operations of the 6,500 square-foot spa.
After art directing for the Westin brand at Starwood hotels and resorts, Jill Malek launched her company of bespoke wallcoverings, custom artwork for contract hospitality, and luxury packaging. Malek has completed commissions for the Rockwell group, Vosges Haute-Chocolate, Mulo Shoes, MTV Networks, Foley and Corinna, J.Josephson, celebrity event planner, David Monn, and LG Hausys.
It is a strange juxtaposition. Up a dusty, unpaved road in the untouristy part of Bethlehem, stands a shiny new hotel that would look more at home in London’s Shoreditch or New York’s East Village. "The Walled Off Hotel" – a pun on the luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel chain – is the creation of Banksy, the artist best known for his street art and political statements. The supposed aim of this establishment, complete with jazzy, West End style lights? To educate visitors about the complex history and politics of Israel’s five-metre tall concrete wall, the West Bank barrier, which stands a few paces away.
Once again, the Mayflower Hotel is at the center of a political scandal. On Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions told the Senate intelligence committee that he did not have any private meetings or recall any private conversations with Russian officials at an April 2016 event at the storied Washington hotel. "Let me state this clearly: I have never met with or had any conversations with any Russians or any foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election," he said.
Manhattan's Marriott Marquis once again welcomed the most prominent leaders in the hospitality industry for the 2017 NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, held June 5 and 6. Over the two-day event, industry experts gathered to share their opinions on a wide variety of ownership, management, branding, lending, and economic topics. Despite uncertainties in today's global political and economic climates, the overall tone remains one of cautious optimism.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park announced the appointment of Joseph Lallave as executive chef. Promoted from executive sous chef, Lallave is poised to lead the culinary efforts of this iconic hotel. Situated in a landmark building, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park features three distinct dining outlets including the hotel’s signature restaurant Auden Bistro, The Star Lounge, and the Club Lounge.
Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) today released its briefing on the 2017 NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, which was held on June 5th and 6th in New York City. In the report, KBRA highlights key takeaways from the conference, which include the following:
sbe, the leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hospitality venues globally, announced today that John Chan has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Development. In his new role, John is responsible for growing sbe’s hotel development pipeline and real estate investments globally. He will work with owners and developers to execute new hotel management and license deals to further grow sbe. John is based in New York. John has 13 years of corporate deal making and development experience. Prior to his current position, he worked at Starwood Hotels & Resorts for 12 years. Most recently, he focused on global development, working on all three facets of Starwood’s portfolio – owned, managed and franchise properties. He also previously led strategic development, operations, finance and contracting for its supply chain group. Additionally, John worked in corporate development, evaluating a broad range of brand and portfolio growth, and related business acquisition opportunities.
DoubleTree by Hilton, one of Hilton"s (NYSE: HLT) 14 market-leading brands, is celebrating the launch of their 500th hotel on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, with the Grand Opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West, located in the heart of bustling Manhattan.
Mr Purcell brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry focused in the areas of acquisitions and development, finance and operations. He previously led a regional development team for Starwood Hotels & Resorts as Vice President, Development. Mr Purcell and his team secured management and franchise agreements on more than 100 hotel projects valued at over $10 Billion that added more than 30,000 rooms to the Starwood system across all product types.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has appointed Allison Reid to chief development officer for the Americas region. Reid has a history of success in development, real estate investments, finance and hotel operations. In her role at Kimpton she will be responsible for leading real estate development and management contracts across the brand.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is delighted to announce the appointment of Joseph Lallave as executive chef. Promoted from executive sous chef, Lallave is poised to lead the culinary efforts of this iconic hotel. Situated in a landmark building, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park features three distinct dining outlets including the hotel’s signature restaurant Auden Bistro, The Star Lounge, and the Club Lounge. A graduate of The French Culinary Institute New York, Lallave had the privilege of studying under internationally renowned chefs Jacque Pépin, André Soltner, and Alain Sailhac, where he received hands on practical training in classical French techniques. Since then, Lallave has become an accomplished leader over his 18 year hospitality career with experience in fine dining, multi-outlet hotel management, and high volume catering. A member of the Marriott family for the past five years, Lallave previously served as executive sous chef at JW Marriott Essex House New York, before starting at Forbes Travel Guide Five Star and AAA Five-Diamond Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park as executive sous chef in 2016.
Ascott Residence Trust (Ascott Reit) is adding another prime property to its global portfolio by acquiring the 224-unit DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York – Times Square South for US$106 million (S$148.4 million1 ). The freehold property is located in Midtown Manhattan near Times Square, one of the most visited locations in the world, with more than 40 million visitors each year.
Hotel Indigo, a brand of the InterContinental Hotels Group that was slated to break ground last fall, will do so in May 2017 at 8-10 Maiden Lane in New York"s Financial District. The 90,000-square-foot hotel designed by Gene Kaufman Architect (GKA) has 24 stories and 190 rooms as well as a ground-floor restaurant and rooftop bar.
Pod Hotels, a famous and up and coming New York City Hotel brand, has begun to expand, doing so by introducing Pod DC, which is, of course, located in Washington DC.
Respected and well-known in the hotel industry, Foley possesses over 12 years of experience spanning luxury boutique properties to large branded hotel companies. Foley’s passion for the industry, unparalleled skill-set, and professionalism have prepared her for the position of Director of Sales for the Northeast Region. Prior to joining the Palace Resorts team, Foley was most recently affiliated with sbe, where she represented SLS Park Avenue and The Redbury New York, as the Area Director of Group Sales.
Gafni’s experience in the hospitality industry spans over two decades and includes advisory, sales and business development roles in the global hotel market. Prior to joining PHM, Gafni served as Vice President of hospitality for Berko & Associates, a New York City-based multidisciplinary real-estate services firm that specializes in strategic solutions for hotel investors. He also served as Vice President of Sales and Development for Luxe Hotels and L.E. Hotels and was responsible for expanding and managing global sales and business development for more than 200 hotels worldwide. Gafni received an undergraduate degree in Hotel Management and MBA with concentration in Marketing from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. In his new role, Gafni is responsible for identifying and cultivating new strategic alliances and expanding Performance Hospitality’s management business cross-country. Gafni will lead the development team and operate out of the company’s New York office.
Hyatt and Lexin Capital, as developer and owner, are pleased to announce the debut of Hyatt House New York/Chelsea, a 150-room extended-stay hotel situated at the center of Chelsea"s historic Flower District. The 30-story new-build property is the first Hyatt House hotel to open in New York City. The hotel provides the comforts of home with contemporary touches including floor-to-ceiling windows, loft-like guestrooms, custom furniture pieces, apartment-style kitchen suites, abundant outdoor space, and sweeping views of the city"s skyline. The hotel is perfect for travelers on a quick New York City getaway or business trip, as well as those looking for a premium extended-stay experience. Nestled at the corner of 6th Avenue and 28th Street, Hyatt House New York/Chelsea was designed by Nobutaka Ashihara Architect PC. The hotel showcases a strong, vertical expression complemented by clean lines and a glossy, slender facade standing 30 stories high. The exterior design is inspired by the many vertical structures in Manhattan. A soft limestone color contrasted with light blue tinted glass achieve a sense of harmony, creating a striking blue look to the exterior.
Hotel 50 Bowery, a Joie de Vivre property, has opened in Manhattan"s Chinatown neighborhood. The 229-guestroom boutique hotel was developed and is owned by Chu Enterprises. Located at 50 Bowery St., the hotel's second floor has a permanent exhibit installed by the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) in the second floor gallery. The 1,500-sq.-ft. exhibit called the "Heart of Chinatown" delves into the history of the area"s core streets— Bayard, Bowery, Canal, Doyers, Elizabeth, Mott and Pell.