With an established history of achieving dramatic, record-breaking revenue increases through the execution of targeted and creative sales strategies, Gillick is an expert at revenue growth. Gillick joins the Kona Kai team after working previously for several hotels and resorts in the Southern California region, including most recently at the Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara, CA.
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)—the voice of the global business travel industry—today announced that former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver the Wednesday General Session keynote at the GBTA Convention 2013. The GBTA Convention 2013 will be held August 4-7, 2013, in San Diego, CA.
The Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown hotel, located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, recently completed a $5.8 million renovation of all public spaces, meeting rooms and guest rooms. As part of this comprehensive revitalization, the hotel is unveiling THE LOBBY, a vibrant and refreshing new space for dining, working and relaxing. The hotel is owned by affiliates of Wheelock Street Capital, LLC, and managed by Sage Hospitality.
Most recently, he served as resort manager at Paradise Point Resort & Spa, overseeing the idyllic resort’s operation. During his tenure, the property was ranked number one in its competitive set and he led the resort to the first AAA Four Diamond award rating in its 50-year history. Several of the top awards and accolades earned during his leadership included being named the 2012 “Best Hotel Space” by the Professional Convention Management Association, a “Top San Diego Seaside Hotel” in 2011 by USA Today, and Destination Hotels & Resorts Hotel of the Year, along with an Elite Meetings’ Gold Collection Certification in 2012.
Poised to rejuvenate a longtime San Diego County destination, Pacific Hospitality Group, Inc. (PHG) has acquired the historic Warner Springs Ranch – an iconic San Diego County destination long known for its healing natural hot springs. The nearly 2,400-acre property was purchased at auction by PHG, who will have $15 to $18 million invested in the acquisition, with plans to invest up to $50 million in the renovation and redevelopment of all facilities.
Inland American Lodging Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc., announced today that it has acquired the six-story, 159-room Andaz San Diego, a boutique luxury hotel managed by Hyatt for a purchase price of $53 million, or approximately $333,000 per key.
Tribal and community leaders from throughout San Diego today celebrated the final stages of the much-anticipated Viejas Hotel with a Topping Off Ceremony. "The new Viejas Hotel is an important milestone for the Viejas tribal community. It is a very visible display of economic progress and a reminder that tribal gaming continues to help current and future generations of Viejas families experience economic self-sufficiency and hope"
Chesapeake Lodging Trust (NYSE: CHSP) (the "Trust") announced today that it has acquired the 429-room Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina, located in San Diego, California for a purchase price of $62.0 million, or approximately $144,500 per key. The Trust funded the acquisition with available cash on hand and a borrowing under its revolving credit facility. The Trust assumed the existing management agreement with Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Kevin Escoto, a five-year hospitality veteran, was recently hired as Director of Operations at the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego/Del Mar. He will oversee the front desk and the daily operations of the property and will also provide support to the Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego/Del Mar, adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn and part of the “campus.” Originally from Claremont, California, Escoto most recently headed the front desk at the DoubleTree by Hilton Claremont as the Director of Front Office.
The fast growing Four Points by Sheraton brand, part of the Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) portfolio, has opened its latest U.S. hotel with the launch of Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Downtown. The new Four Points is a conversion from an existing hotel , following a formula that has seen Four Points by Sheraton expand to more than 160 hotels around the world, with 24 additional hotels scheduled to open in 2012 alone. The Four Points brand, offering a “best for business” proposition for travelers seeking great hotels at great rates, has grown to become the second largest pipeline among all Starwood brands.
Hotel Indigo, IHG"s (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] upscale boutique brand, today announces the grand opening of the Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation and rebranding, the 94-room hotel in downtown Del Mar offers guests sophisticated lodging with modern furnishings and a contemporary style, exuding the charm of the Del Mar community.
LaTour Hotels and Resorts, which offers personalized luxury hospitality management services for four- and five-star properties worldwide, has announced Guy Hall as vice president of operations and business development of Asia. A skilled industry professional, Hall brings a wealth of management experience and business development knowledge to the company. Hall’s primary responsibility will be working closely with the principals of IndoChine Resort and Spa in Phuket, Thailand, supporting them as they bring the project to completion. As such, he will oversee the property management and rental program for the resort, which is a joint venture with the IndoChine Group of Singapore. Throughout Asia, Hall will direct all resort and HOA management activities and facilitate client relationships as they develop in the future. A division of ResortCom International, LaTour Hotels & Resorts is headquartered in San Diego and San Francisco and offers customized, luxury hospitality management services for four- and five-star properties. The company’s goal is to make the ownership experience as unique, tailored and memorable as possible through superior service, distinctive amenities, imaginative activities and an obsessive attention-to-detail.
Formerly the Se Hotel, the new Hotel Palomar San Diego boutique boasts 183 guestrooms, including 17 skyline suites and 20 luxury flats, featuring elegant textures, contemporary design and state of the art amenities. The hotel also offers a lavish roof deck lounge and infinity-edged pool, a spa and in-room spa services, a dramatic 19-foot floor-to-ceiling ballroom and more than 20,000 square feet of event space decorated with art from a wide array of San Diego artists.
In his new role as director of sales, Mushtaq will assume leadership of strategic group sales efforts and oversee the daily operations of hotel’s sales and access managers. With particular expertise in the corporate and association markets, Mushtaq will continue to focus on driving group business and maintaining key customer relationships. Mushtaq is a certified hotel sales executive (CHSE) and an active member of Meeting Planners International (MPI). Most recently, Mushtaq served as director of national accounts for Loews Coronado Bay. Prior to that, he served as director of national accounts for Loews Lake Las Vegas in Lakes Las Vegas, Nev., where he achieved “superstar status” and was an integral member of the hotel’s ability to be named Loews Hotels’ 2007 and 2009 sales teams of the year. Other past experience includes stints at Hyatt Hotels and Hilton Hotels.
Annicchiarico brings 15 years of hospitality experience at some of the country’s finest hotels and resorts. In his new role, he will lead the strategic sales efforts, revenue management and market positioning for the AAA Four Diamond hotel and its 65,000 square feet of recently-renovated meeting space. Annicchiarico is an active member of Meeting Planners International (MPI), ASAE and Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and serves on the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau’s sales committee. Prior to his promotion, he served as director of sales for Loews Coronado Bay. Other past experience includes sales and marketing positions for Loews Hotels and Universal Orlando Resorts.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced that it has sold The Westin Gaslamp Quarter to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB), for $110M, with a commitment of approximately $23 million in property enhancements to be completed prior to the end of 2012 for a total investment in the property of $133M.
For the last 15 years, Alex Marxer has built bridges between technology and business, specifically in the area of Customer Experience Management - both as a consultant and an executive.
Diego-based Trigild—which specializes in receivership, management and consulting services—has named John B. Beazley, CHA, as managing director, hospitality.
With nearly two decades of experience in the casino industry, Simpson most recently served as Barona’s senior vice president of innovation and has been an instrumental part in Barona’s success. Prior to his position as senior vice president of innovation at Barona, Simpson was the executive director of loyalty marketing, where he was responsible for database marketing, casino hosts, guest services, shuttle and bus programs, casino customer room reservations, events and promotions and Barona’s award-winning Club Barona loyalty program. Simpson began his gaming career with an eight-year tenure with Harrah’s Entertainment, developing and honing his skills in gaming operations and casino marketing. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in marketing at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee.
Executives and companies responsible for the most influential hospitality industry developments in 2010 will be honored during the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS), January 24-26 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Nominees are considered for the awards based on outstanding business performance in various industry sectors. Nominees for the 2010 awards include: