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HomeToGo Unveils Top U.S. Cities for St. Patrick’s Day Value Vacations, Based on Search and Price Insights

HomeToGo, the marketplace with the world’s largest selection of vacation rentals, revealed the most in-demand yet value-packed St. Patrick’s Day destinations across the U.S., using exclusive search and price data. For travelers who want to experience superb celebrations without packing their passport, HomeToGo has identified the pot of gold for festive trips, featuring 15 U.S. locations ranked by affordability and popularity.

STR Weekly Insights: 16-22 February 2025

The U.S. hotel industry has been on a rollercoaster ride for the past eight weeks. The week ending 22 February 2025 produced nearly flat (-0.3%) revenue per available room (RevPAR) following a 3.4% increase the previous week, a 2.8% decline the week before that, and a 4.0% gain three weeks ago. Several factors have been driving recent performance, including calendar shifts, the Super Bowl, recovery from the Los Angeles wildfires, and recovery from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

AKA Unveils Major Design Transformation of Hotel AKA Back Bay

Hotel AKA Back Bay has unveiled a sophisticated design transformation by Selldorf Architects, marking the firm's first hotel project in Boston. Upon arrival, guests enter a reimagined lobby featuring a hand-blown Murano glass chandelier, a sleek S-shaped Corian check-in desk, and a warm, light-filled ambiance. The a.lounge+library serves as a central gathering space, with herringbone-patterned white oak flooring and an inviting atmosphere for work, socializing, or relaxation. Guestrooms and suites showcase custom-designed furnishings in warm white oak and refined metals, complemented by curated lighting and bespoke amenities. With its thoughtfully designed public spaces and serene accommodations, Hotel AKA Back Bay sets a new standard for luxury hospitality in Boston.

Hotel AKA Boston Common Public Spaces Designed by Rafael de Cárdenas

Hotel AKA Boston Common, with its public space renovation led by visionary Rafael de Cárdenas, Ltd., showcases a dynamic design interplay of sculptural elements, custom furnishings, and unexpected contrasts. a.bar, the intimate cocktail space, showcases a striking wall of figured sycamore wood paneling, Cassina leather bar stools, and custom-designed pieces—including a green-hued sofa and sculptural teardrop-shaped cocktail tables—create an inviting yet unexpected aesthetic, enhanced by theatrical lighting from Studio Atomic that shifts from warm amber to vibrant hues throughout the evening. Complementing this, guestrooms, redesigned by Studio NA.GI, embrace a Scandinavian-inspired simplicity with natural materials and soft natural tones.

Jamel Taggart has been appointed as Director of Food and Beverage at The Westin & Sheraton Dallas Stonebriar

Taggart joins the properties with decades of experience and notable tenures with leading hospitality brands. Most recently, he served as the Executive Director of Beverage at Choctaw Casino & Resort, where his department oversaw 16 restaurants, 20 bars and lounges and more. In his new role, Taggart will oversee all aspects of dining operations at both properties, ensuring innovative culinary offerings, elevated guest experiences, and streamlined service standards.

Alexandra Wood has been named Senior Marketing Manager at Hilton West Palm Beach

Hilton West Palm Beach has announced that Alexandra Wood has been named Senior Marketing Manager for the AAA Four Diamond hotel, located in bustling downtown West Palm Beach. Wood brings several years of marketing experience working with Marriott and Hilton properties and played a key role in elevating the Cavalier Resort in Virginia Beach into a top vacation and dining destination. She also previously helped Nauticus, a maritime discovery center and museum in Norfolk, Virginia, dramatically enhance its marketing efforts to increase engagement and outreach during its recent capital campaign.

Chris Greaney has been promoted to Vice President of Food & Beverage at Mohegan Sun

Chris Greaney began his career at Mohegan Sun in 2014 as the Service Manager at Bar American and from there, he became Operations Manager at Todd English's Tuscany shortly before being named Director of Fine Dining for Mohegan Sun. As the VP of F&B, Greaney will oversee all areas of Mohegan Sun's owned or managed restaurant, lounge and nightlife offerings. This includes guiding operations and top-notch guest service for a variety of eateries and fine dining attractions across Mohegan Sun, including the likes of: TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge, novelle, Todd English's Tuscany, Sunrise Square Food Court, Thirty-Three Lounge, The Crafty Slice and the all-new Beauty & Essex. Greaney played a key role in recent Mohegan Sun beverage partnerships with regional brands like Waypoint Spirits, Downeast Cider and Two Roads Brewing Company - which produced the popular Jackpot Juice Hazy IPA.

Aparium Hotel Group to Open Hotel Westland at RailSpur in Seattle

Hotel Westland, the luxury boutique hotel, restaurant, and rooftop bar opening at RailSpur in Seattle's Pioneer Square in spring 2025, is pleased to unveil its Pacific Northwest-inspired interior design by Curioso. Developed by Urban Villages, a leading real estate developer and environmental steward, and managed by Aparium Hotel Group, a pioneer in the lifestyle hotel industry, Hotel Westland pays homage to its surroundings including the city's rich history from railway to waterway, along with its nearby waters and forests. The hotel, which features 120 guest rooms, modern amenities, Pioneer Square's first rooftop bar, and a signature restaurant - all fueled by an authentic connection to community, art, and Seattle's deep-rooted history, maintains the integrity and charm of the building's original 1907 roots.

Jenny Onega has joined The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota as Director of Group and Catering Sales

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, a luxury landmark on Florida's Gulf Coast, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jenny Onega as the property's Director of Group and Catering Sales. In this role, Onega will bring her extensive expertise to elevate the property's group and wedding event offerings, further solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for meetings and celebrations.

Andrew Lauer has been appointed as Executive Chef at Alila Ventana Big Sur

Lauer brings a wealth of experience and a passion for culinary excellence to his role as Executive Chef at Alila Ventana Big Sur. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University Providence with both a Bachelors of Culinary Arts & Food Service Management and a Masters of Business Administration, Lauer has honed his skills in some of the world's most prestigious kitchens. His career has been defined by a commitment to luxury hospitality, evident in his previous roles as Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Banquet Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Denver and Sous Chef at the James Beard Award-winning Mercantile Dining & Provision. Chef Lauer's leadership style emphasizes coaching and mentorship, fostering a collaborative and driven culinary team. He is adept at organizing and strategizing complex operations, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional guest experiences. Having worked alongside multiple James Beard Award-winning chefs and Forbes Four-Star rated establishments, Chef Lauer possesses a deep understanding of refined cuisine and unparalleled service.

Giuseppe Marchesini has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Alila Ventana Big Sur

Marchesini brings over 25 years of experience in fine dining and wine to Alila Ventana Big Sur. His culinary journey began in his hometown of Southern Italy, where he attended a prestigious hospitality school before refining his skills at world-renowned establishments like the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz, Palazzo Sasso on the Amalfi Coast, Lume in Bordeaux, Bauer Hotel in Venice, and the Grand Hotel in Rimini. He then deepened his expertise in Rome, becoming a master sommelier, collaborating with Michelin-starred chefs Anthony Genovese and Heinz Beck, and evaluating wines for Gambero Rosso. Seeking new challenges, Giuseppe moved to Toronto where he spearheaded the opening and expansion of Buca Osteria & Enoteca as Head Sommelier and Food and Beverage Director, later opening his own acclaimed restaurant, Il Covo. Prior to Alila Ventana Big Sur, he led operations at the Forbes 5-star Meadowood Napa Valley. With a passion for gastronomy, he's eager to immerse himself in the unique culinary landscape of California's Central Coast.

Mary Wren has been promoted to Vice President of Hotel Operations at Mohegan Sun

Mary Wren started in 2002 with Mohegan Sun's very first hotel team, helping to welcome guests for their first overnight stays at Sky Tower. Her career in hotel operations grew from there as Wren became Front Office Manager, Hotel Manager and Director of Operations before her latest promotion to VP of Hotel Operations. Wren also played an integral role in launching Mohegan Pennsylvania's first hotel in 2013 and was a major player in the opening Mohegan Sun's second hotel tower, Earth Tower, in 2016. As VP of Hotel Operations, Wren will oversee hotel operations and lead strategic planning for the overall hotel team at Mohegan Sun, in addition to leading the Environmental Services (EVS) team.