Hotel Association of NYC Applauds Passage of Safe Hotels Act
The Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC) issued the following statement regarding the New York City Council’s passage of Intro 991, known as the “Safe Hotels Act.”
News
Newport Expands Portfolio with Management Acquisition of Two Altoona, Pennsylvania Hotels
Newport is proud to announce the acquisition of management responsibilities for the Wingate by Wyndham Altoona Downtown/Medical Center and Microtel by Wyndham Altoona, effective October 1, 2024. This strategic addition to Newport’s portfolio reflects the company’s commitment to delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences and investing in properties that offer value to both business and leisure travelers.
U.S. Travel to Congress: Pass Hurricane Disaster Relief as Quickly as Possible
U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement calling for Congressional action to fund hurricane disaster relief.
Hotel and hospitality professionals unite to oppose Intro 991 at City Hall press conference
Today, hundreds of hotel and hospitality professionals gathered on the steps of City Hall to voice their opposition to Intro 991, the so-called “Safe Hotels Act.” The press conference brought together representatives from across the hospitality sector who highlighted the severe consequences this bill would have on New York City’s hotels, subcontractors, and small businesses.
AAHOA Members Testify on New York City Council's Proposed Safe Hotels Act
AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) joined forces with industry leaders and organizations on Wednesday, October 9, at New York City Hall to rally against the proposed Safe Hotels Act (Int. No. 991-B). The act, introduced by the New York City Council, has drawn widespread criticism for what many see as an attempt to impose unionization on the hotel industry. This rally follows a similar demonstration last month, which drew over 1,500 attendees in opposition.
Crescent Hotels & Resorts Announces Management of the Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection
Crescent Hotels & Resorts has announced the management of Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection, a historic property situated in downtown Cleveland. The former Renaissance Cleveland Hotel underwent an extensive multi-year $80 million renovation and reopened in April 2024 under its original name. With over 100 years of history, Hotel Cleveland effortlessly merges the city’s rich heritage with modern charm, offering an upscale experience that makes it an ideal addition to the Latitudes: Lifestyles by Crescent collection.
Helix Hospitality Announces the Acquisition of Two Courtyard by Marriott Properties in Alabama
Helix Hospitality, a Chicago-based hotel investment and management company, is pleased to announce the acquisition of two Courtyard by Marriott hotels, Hoover (1824 Montgomery Highway, Hoover, AL) and Huntsville (4804 University Drive, Huntsville, AL). As a member of the Pii Capital family, Helix Hospitality brings extensive resources and industry expertise to these properties and their teams, as well as Pii’s proven track record of more than 30 years of successful development, reposition, and investment management in commercial real estate.
Commitment to Knowledge: HFTP Celebrates Robert Mandelbaum’s Impact in Hospitality Research
Robert Mandelbaum, Research Director at CBRE Hotel Research, has long been a leader and educator in hospitality financial research and a dedicated contributor to HFTP. It is with great honor that HFTP will present Mandelbaum with the 2024 HFTP Paragon Award, recognizing his significant and lasting contributions to both the association and the hospitality industry. Mandelbaum will receive the award during the HFTP 2024 Annual Convention at the Keynote Session on October 23.
By Robert Mandelbaum, Director of Research Information Services, CBRE Hotels
Building and Sustaining High-Performing Teams
In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business environment, the strength of a company lies not just in its products or services but in the team driving those results. How do you build a team that not only works together but thrives together? It goes beyond job descriptions and competitive pay; it’s about creating a shared sense of purpose and fostering an environment where individuals are aligned with the organization’s mission and values. To cultivate a high-performing team, leaders must focus on three essential pillars: Talent, Leadership, and Team Culture.
By Warren Coore, Vice President of Operations, Newport Hospitality Group
AAHOA Members Gather in D.C. to Tackle Critical Hotel Industry Issues During Key Election Year
With 468 seats in the U.S. Congress (33 Senate seats and all 435 House seats) and the U.S. presidency up for grabs this November, the stakes have never been higher for the hotel industry. This year’s AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) Fall National Advocacy Conference (FNAC) underscored hoteliers’ critical role in shaping policies impacting their businesses and the broader hospitality sector.
Bricton Group to Manage Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel
Bricton Group, announces that it has assumed management of the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel. This celebrated property in Northbrook, Illinois, was tapped to join Bricton’s diverse portfolio of managed hotels.
Extended Stay America Launches STAY Counted Program to Encourage Voter Registration
Extended Stay America, the leading mid-priced extended-stay hotel company, is proud to announce the launch of its STAY Counted program, designed to make voter registration more accessible and encourage participation in the upcoming presidential election. First introduced in 2020, STAY Counted has been refreshed for the November 2024 election to continue to empower communities to exercise their right to vote.
AAHOA Joins Rally in Opposition to New York City Council’s Proposed Safe Hotels Act
The Safe Hotels Act, proposed by the New York City Council, would negatively impact the city’s hotel industry, which contributes millions annually to the local economy, according to speakers at an industry rally held Thursday, September 12, at New York City Hall. AAHOA joined other industry associations and organizations to oppose the proposed Safe Hotels Act Int. No. 991.
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.
The Safe Hotels Act – A Step Toward Safety or a Risk for NYC’s Hotel Industry?
New York City’s Safe Hotels Act is designed to address critical safety concerns for hotel workers and guests, but its sweeping regulations are raising concerns about the impact on the city’s hospitality sector. Introduced by Councilmember Julie Menin, the bill seeks to enhance safety protocols in hotels by requiring panic buttons for employees, direct employment for essential staff, and a mandatory hotel licensing system overseen by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). While the intent of the legislation is to close gaps in worker and guest protection, the financial and operational costs it could impose on hotels have drawn sharp criticism.
Sincere Hospitality Enters San Antonio Market, Managing Three Newly Acquired Hotels
Sincere Hospitality, a partnership between Door Capital and Athos Property Group, has assumed management of three hotels effective immediately. The new additions include the Hyatt Place San Antonio NW Medical Center, Holiday Inn San Antonio NW, and Holiday Inn San Antonio Stone Oak Area. This the management company's entrance into the Full-Service segment as well as establishing a presence in the San Antonio market. These additions bring the Sincere Hospitality portfolio to a size of 10 hotels across 3 major Texas markets.
Timbers Company Celebrates 25 Years of Success and Expansion in Luxury Hospitality
Timbers Company, a leading name in luxury resort development and hospitality, marks its 25th anniversary this year, coinciding with five years of operations based out of Winter Park, Florida. Founded near Aspen, Colorado, Timbers has expanded from its origins as a trailblazer in private residence clubs to becoming a global player in high-end hospitality, with a portfolio of elite resorts in some of the most desirable locations worldwide. Over the years, the company has strengthened its operations and attracted top-tier executives, all while maintaining its dedication to delivering exceptional experiences.
Sheila Johnson to Receive Peggy Berg Castell Award at The Lodging Conference 2024
AHLA Foundation announced today that trailblazing entrepreneur and hotelier Sheila Johnson will receive the Peggy Berg Castell Award at The Lodging Conference 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona in October. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to elevating and advancing women in the hospitality industry.
HEI Expands Footprint in Georgia With Addition of Kimpton Sylvan Atlanta Buckhead
HEI Hotels & Resorts, one of the nation’s leading operators of institutionally owned hotels with a portfolio of more than 100 properties across the United States, has added the Kimpton Sylvan Atlanta Buckhead to its portfolio, bringing the total number of hotels managed in the of state of Georgia to 17.
Hotel Management Companies Drive Significantly Better Guest Experiences, J.D. Power Finds
The secret to a great branded hotel stay may be in an aspect that guests do not often realize: the third-party management company operating the hotel, which creates consistent, pleasurable and problem-free guest experiences. According to the J.D. Power 2024 North America Third-Party Hotel Management Guest Satisfaction Benchmark,SM released today, overall guest satisfaction with branded hotels run by the nation’s largest third-party management companies improves significantly this year, outperforming both chain-managed and independently operated hotels.