The Indiana Landmarks, the largest statewide preservation group in the United States, recently named the Hotel Elkhart, a Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel, the top revitalization project in Indiana. The development group 500 Main, LLC, was awarded the 2024 Cook Cup for outstanding restoration.
Oʻahu's First Adults-Only Respite for the Best of Urban Wonderment is Now Open.
The South’s award-winning collection of hotels and clubs has found new ownership in James and Jessica Whitley of Athens, Georgia. On Friday, June 14, 2024, the sale of Old Edwards Hospitality Group’s assets was completed between long-time owners Art and Angela Williams and the Whitleys.
The Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration held its annual Icon & Innovators Award Reception on June 4th at The Gotham in New York City. Cornell alumnus Keith Barr ’92, IHG’s former chief executive officer, was the recipient of the 2024 Cornell Hospitality Icon of the Industry Award. Chef José Andrés and Rob Wilder, co-founders of World Central Kitchen and José Andrés Group, were the recipients of the 2024 Hospitality Innovators of the Industry Award.
Chris Coles has been named complex managing director for Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Aventura Hotel, two established hotels at Universal Orlando Resort. A seasoned hotelier, Chris brings a depth of hospitality experience from his general manager roles with Marriott International and most recently, Walt Disney World, where he opened two new resort concepts.
Jonathan Barisano has been named complex managing director for Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, two new 750-room hotels that will open adjacent to Universal Epic Universe. He will lead the teams that bring to life these new hotels inspired by galaxies and diverse planetary elements. Barisano has an impressive career with Loews Hotels in Orlando and most recently, served as general manager at Universal Aventura Hotel.
Robert Rivers has been named managing director for Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, the destination's first-ever hotel inside a theme park. A veteran hotelier, Rivers will lead the team that brings the vision and mission to life at this 500-room hotel featuring one-of-a-kind views and a dedicated entrance into the theme park. Most recently, Rivers has served as managing director at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando and has an extensive career as general manager at hotels in Boston, Minneapolis and St. Louis.
A few months ago CBRE Hotels conducted a survey of executives whose primary responsibility is investing in U.S. hotels. Survey participants were asked to describe their U.S. hotel investment preferences for 2024 by geography, chain-scale, and type of hotel. In addition, they were asked about the factors that influenced their priorities.
Members and constituents of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) converged last week in Washington D.C. for the GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit 2024 where over 100 participants met one-on-one with U.S. Senators, Representatives and their staff to share data-informed insights and advocate for policies that support a sustainable future for business travel.
The eagerly awaited Chicken Ranch Casino Resort is now accepting online reservations. Guests can begin enjoying the resort's offerings with an opening on Monday, July 15. This brand-new destination features 175 luxurious guest rooms, 22 well-appointed suites, a variety of restaurants and bars, and an impressive gaming floor.
Before the application of AI and ML in hospitality facilities, operations could only be controlled manually, utilizing control mechanisms and pre-set schedules, which only promoted wastage. Waste management has become less efficient due to challenges in segregating waste and monitoring the waste stream, hence more landfills and less recycling. In addition, concepts related to sustainability and providing attentive and personalized guest care were less efficient. The hospitality industry is adopting a technological innovation that will transform sustainability for hotels and resorts.
Inside Out fans ready to tap into their emotions can join Joy and a few new faces (did someone say Anxiety?) for a fun-filled stay at the crew’s Headquarters, hosted by none other than Joy herself.
Organizational structures and job titles grow and evolve the same as every other facet of running a business and adapting to the times. Two decades ago, we may have written about the dawn of online room sales and how hotels would be wise to carve out a ‘social media manager’ role which was quite novel at the time. Today it’s all but anathema to not have a team member solely devoted to this area or specific responsibilities assigned to the marketing director, depending on the size of the company.
Driftwood Capital, a vertically integrated commercial real estate firm providing accredited investors opportunities to invest in hospitality assets, announces the grand opening of the Element by Westin Melbourne Oceanfront ("Hotel"), a 130-key hotel in Melbourne, Florida. Part of a $1 billion pipeline of properties Driftwood Capital is developing throughout 2024, the Hotel is the firm's fourth investment in Florida's Space Coast, capitalizing on one of the state's fastest-growing areas.
Recently named one of the country's best new hotels by USA Today 10Best, Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, California's only all-suite beachfront resort, is pleased to announce the appointment of General Manager Glenda Rivera. Bringing over 25 years of robust hospitality experience to her new leadership role, Rivera will serve as invaluable asset to the award-winning resort's continued success since its opening in fall 2022.
On June 11, 2024, the United States House of Representatives passed HR 6543, the so-called “No Hidden FEES Act of 2023” which introduces federal regulations aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness in the advertising of hotel room and short-term lodging prices. A critical component of this Act is its preemption clause, found in Section 4(a), which establishes a national standard prohibiting states from enforcing any laws that conflict with the federal mandate. This provision has significant implications for state regulations, such as California’s SB 478, which also aims to protect consumers from hidden fees in various transactions. The scope and application of this preemption clause are essential for assessing how state laws will be affected and ensuring compliance with the new federal standards.
U.S. RevPAR rose 2% year over year (YoY) after declining in March (-2%). That loss then gain pattern can be partly attributed to the Easter calendar shift, which is why it is helpful to look at the two months together. Combining both March and April, RevPAR was flat (-0.1%), which represents a downward shift from January and February with RevPAR up more than 1%.
The InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco is pleased to announce that Robert (Bob) Bracy is their new Director of Food and Beverage.
Positioned in the artistic heartbeat of the city near iconic landmarks like the Armory Center for the Arts and Pasadena City Hall, The Courtyard by Marriott® Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town has concluded an extensive property renovation. Under the management of HHM Hotels, the property's refreshed guest rooms and communal spaces pay tribute to a skillful blend of old and new that reclaims the heritage of Pasadena's early downtown charm, creating a canvas that serves as a stylish hub for guests and locals alike.
FIAF Florence Gould Hall Theater was bustling in early June with another successful Boutique Hotel Investment Conference. Kudos to the BLLA team for executing a great event! This article presents some key takeaways from HVS attendees Patricia Shih (HVS Consulting & Valuation) and Marcus Lee (HVS Asset Management & Advisory).