Search

An Interview with BLLA Award Winner, Kurt Bjorkman of The Ranch at Laguna Beach

In the competitive world of luxury hospitality, The Ranch at Laguna Beach stands out as a beacon of innovation, community connection, and unbridled creativity. What was once a run-down resort with a rich but fading legacy has been transformed into an incredible resort. This remarkable journey is a testament to the vision and dedication of Kurt Bjorkman, COO of The Ranch at Laguna Beach, and his team.

Omni Hotels & Resorts Partners with Midland Downtown Renaissance, LP to Develop a 135-Room Convention Hotel in Downtown Midland, Texas

Omni Hotels & Resorts has signed a development agreement with Midland Downtown Renaissance, LP, a collaborative effort by leading Midland-based companies, foundations and investors, to develop and manage a highly anticipated 135-room luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Midland, Texas.

Protect NYC Tourism Coalition rallies against City Council’s catastrophic hotel bill

Yesterday, over one thousand hotel owners, workers, and small business owners, as part of the newly formed Protect NYC Tourism Coalition, rallied on the steps of City Hall to fight against the City Council’s so-called “Safe Hotels” bill. The Coalition has also sent a letter asking the City Council to reject the bill, Int.991, as it threatens the sustainability of New York City’s hotel and tourism businesses and puts the livelihoods of thousands of dedicated workers at risk.

Maria Sifuentes has been named Director of Sales & Marketing at Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton, a landmark 50-year-old property located in the picturesque seaside community of La Jolla Shores, has announced the appointment of Maria Sifuentes as its new Director of Sales & Marketing. Sifuentes joins the property on the heels of an extensive multi-million-dollar reimagination encompassing all 110 guestrooms and suites, 1,600 square feet of meetings and space, and its 11th floor restaurant and private events room.

Hospitality America to Manage Element by Marriott North Charleston

Hospitality America has been selected by Contender Development to manage the Element by Marriott Charleston Airport in North Charleston, S.C. Scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2025, the 123-room upscale extended-stay hotel will feature a restaurant, 24/7 motion fitness center, all-natural saline outdoor pool, and 500 square feet of meeting space.

Quincy Brown has been appointed as Chief Engineer at Origin Hotel Atlanta

With over a decade of experience in hospitality and a strong foundation in HVAC Technology from Altamaha Technical Institute, Quincy Brown entered the hospitality industry in 2006 as Chief Engineer at the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Six Flags in Lithia Springs, Georgia. His career has since spanned to several properties in the metro Atlanta area, including the Hyatt Place Atlanta Airport-North, Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Windy Hill and most recently, the AC Hotel Atlanta Downtown. Committed to ongoing professional growth, Quincy holds a C.P.O Certification and an EPA 608 Universal Certification. His achievements include being named Intersafe Associate of the Year during his time at AC Hotel Atlanta Downtown.

Carlos Callands Jr. has been appointed as Assistant General Manager at Origin Hotel Atlanta

Carlos Callands Jr. is a passionate hospitality professional bringing over seven years of experience to his role as Assistant General Manager. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Callands began his career as a night auditor in 2017 and swiftly climbed the ranks to become the General Manager of an 87-room property by the age of 24. At Origin Atlanta, Callands will work alongside the General Manager to oversee hotel operations, ensure exceptional service and lead various property teams.

Timothy Horne has been appointed as General Manager at Origin Hotel Atlanta

Timothy "Tim" Horne brings nearly two decades of industry expertise to his role as General Manager. His hospitality career began with managing a front desk and progressed through various leadership roles across multiple prominent brands like Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Homewood Suites and most recently, Four Points by Sheraton. A Detroit, Michigan native, Horne earned his degree from Tennessee State University and has a track record of guiding teams through property renovations, driving profit growth, facilitating collaboration across teams and training new staff members. He is also a nine-time Wall of Fame award recipient, recognized as one of the top 10 percent of staff across all Hampton Inn properties globally, and a three-time Circle of Excellence award winner through the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

Dana Cates has been appointed as Director of Sales at Origin Hotel Atlanta

Dana Cates is a results-driven sales leader who specializes in streamlining marketing tactics and developing customized strategies that align with market trends and enhance team performance. Now serving as the Director of Sales for Origin Atlanta, Cates will leverage her leadership and expertise to strengthen customer relations, community engagement and local partnerships.