LAS VEGAS, Nevada—John Caparella, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo, and Sands Expo, announced that Kirsten Dimond has been appointed Vice President of Operations for Sands Expo Convention Center, leading the team that services this award-winning facility. 

In this new role, Dimond will bring to the Sands Expo her signature customer-centric approach and leadership style that she developed as vice president of hotel operations at The Venetian and The Palazzo, a position she has held since 2005. In this capacity, she has provided a strategic and collaborative focus for the Front Office, Housekeeping, Luxury Services, Resort Services, Guest Services, Groups and Concierge teams. She played significant roles in the opening of the Venezia Tower, The Venetian Macau, and The Palazzo. In addition, the resort’s 5 Diamond/4 Star rankings at The Venetian and The Palazzo have fallen under her leadership, as well as the creation of HODA, the Hotel Operations Development Academy, which focuses on building and strengthening internal talent for the future. 

“Kirsten is a leader who really understands our company’s culture and our vision for guest service,” said Caparella. “In her new role, she will continue to focus the team on guest service, with an emphasis on ‘big picture’ improvements to our systems to better serve our customers and guests.” 

This new position will give Dimond the opportunity to leverage her expertise in hotel operations as it translates to the operation of Sands Expo. Most recently, she was a core contributor to a new internal initiative that brought unprecedented collaboration between operational and administrative departments at the various “touch points” that service conventions and exhibitions. 

“While we enjoy an advantage over our competition due to our large amount of convention and exhibition space, our true competitive edge has always been with our team members who form true partnerships with the meetings, conventions and trade shows we host,” said Chandra Allison, vice president of Sales for The Venetian and The Palazzo. “Large trade shows literally have thousands of ‘moving pieces’ and it takes a well-coordinated team to service them flawlessly. This is not unlike our hotel operation, where Kirsten had been leading the charge among the hundreds of points of coordination among multiple departments to meet the high expectations of our guests.”

Dimond began her career in Germany with an apprenticeship at the Hotel Stadt Hamburg in Westerland/Sylt. Following that, she worked at The Savoy in London and The Ritz-Carlton hotels in Boston; Sydney, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 2003, she relocated to Las Vegas, where she began her career at The Venetian, opening the Venezia Tower. She was promoted to vice president of hotel operations in 2005 and assisted in the opening of The Venetian Macau as well as leading the team in The Palazzo Resort opening in January 2008.

With more than 2.25 million square feet of flexible convention space, The Venetian and Palazzo Congress Center (and adjoining Sands Expo Convention Center) is one of the largest and greenest hotel-based convention centers on Planet Earth. The facility features 298 meeting, conference and boardrooms, including the 85,000-square-foot Venetian Ballroom, one of the nation’s largest pillarless ballrooms. 

The adjoining (and newly renovated) Sands Expo offers 1.9 million square feet of meeting and exposition show space, and plays host to such trade shows as Consumer Electronic Show (CES), The Shooting Hunting Outdoor Tradeshow (SHOT Show), Stetson Country Christmas, and G2E (Global Gaming Expo). The Venetian and The Palazzo offer more than 7,000 suites under one roof, and the Sands Expo and Congress Center is within a 10-minute walk of more than 40,000 additional hotel rooms. 

The Sands Expo received an extensive multi-million-dollar refresh in 2013, bringing a fresh modern look for the facility, which opened in 1990. More than just a standard remodel, much of the space was extensively “re-envisioned” to facilitate better traffic flow, allow for a more contiguous (and flexible) lobby set up, take advantage of new sound, lighting and data technology; and to provide access to a modern package of guest amenities. 

Former President of Sabre Hospitality Solutions joins to drive accelerated growth

AUSTIN, TX - February 4, 2015 - WayBlazer, a travel search and insights company, today announced the appointment of Felix Laboy as Chief Executive Officer.

“Having Felix on our team is the next major step in the evolution of WayBlazer,” said Terry Jones, chairman. “Felix’s strong track record in building and scaling travel businesses along with his deep travel experience is just the right mix to lead our company forward.”

WayBlazer is developing intelligent discovery solutions that deliver contextual, personalized advice and insights for consumers across all phases of travel, from inspiration to transaction. Utilizing the cognitive power of IBM Watson, WayBlazer has the unique ability to interact in natural language, process and understand vast and disparate forms of big data to transform the way travelers seek advice with a travel discovery experience that can be individualized for every user, every time.  

“I am very excited to join WayBlazer’s outstanding team to help us become the leader in cognitive computing for the travel and leisure industry,” said Felix. “WayBlazer’s products are the next steps in technology for travel and I look forward to scaling our services and changing how consumers access travel content.” As CEO, Laboy will be responsible for leading operations, product development and the go-to-market strategy for WayBlazer’s newly created comprehensive travel and hospitality solution offerings. 

Previously, Laboy was President of Sabre Hospitality Solutions, a leading Software as a Service technology company created to provide the most comprehensive marketing, distribution and operations tools for the hospitality industry worldwide. He co-founded E-site Marketing, a preeminent hospitality Internet marketing service company that Sabre Holdings acquired in 2007. Felix has also advised other travel technology start-ups and recently served as Executive in Residence at the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University. He is considered a pioneer in the development and integration of many hospitality Internet marketing best practices and solutions that are today replicated and embraced industry-wide. 

Prior to starting E-site Marketing, Laboy held numerous executive positions at leading hotel companies including The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Westin Hotels and Resorts, and The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. In addition, he served as executive vice president of the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau.

Delray Beach, Florida - February 4, 2015 - The 95-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Delray Beach, Florida is scheduled to open this Friday with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 910 West Atlantic Avenue, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Delray Beach will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Prime Hospitality Group and managed by Shaner Corporation of State College, Pennsylvania. This is the first Fairfield Inn & Suites in Florida to feature the brand’s new design and décor, which enhance the guest experience through flexible features, and a warm and welcoming environment.

Located three minutes from downtown and five minutes from the beach, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Delray Beach Tennis Center, Pineapple Grove Arts District and numerous golf courses. Rates are seasonal. 

“Delivering both function and comfort, our new design and décor elevate the Fairfield brand, setting a new standard in the moderate tier category,” said Shruti Buckley, vice president and global brand manager, Fairfield Inn & Suites. “At Fairfield Inn & Suites, we provide an easy, positive and productive travel experience, as well as the promise of consistent and reliable service at an exceptional value. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Delray Beach is a truly stunning example of the brand’s contemporary new look and feel, and we are pleased to introduce Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in the Delray Beach area.”

From the moment they arrive, guests are welcomed by the hotel’s modern, bright new design features, including an updated exterior with a signature tower, a curved porte-cochere and an inviting glass entrance that ushers them into the hotel. Once inside, guests experience the hotel’s open public space featuring natural light and views throughout the lobby to connect the indoors with the outdoors. Consistent with the Fairfield brand’s heritage of great service and a warm welcome, guests are greeted by associates who can easily move from behind the angled front desk to interact and answer questions. 

In the lobby area, guests can choose to be productive, relax or enjoy breakfast or a snack in a modern and flexible environment featuring a vibrant, natural color palette of greens, blues and oranges. The spacious lobby gives guests ample connectivity options, as well as a “connect and print” area that offers both standing and seated Internet stations. Guests can also unwind in the lobby’s inviting living area ? whose focal points include a natural stone hearth, organic-shaped sofa and lounge chair, and unique local features - or they can grab a drink or snack item from the 24/7 Corner Market. 

The breakfast area’s signature farm table provides a central gathering place where guests can watch television, meet up with colleagues or get work done. In the morning, guests can enjoy complimentary hot breakfast, choosing from oatmeal, scrambled eggs, sausage, make-your-own waffles and other healthy items, such as fruit, yogurt, and whole grain cereals and breads. 

The hotel’s signature “smart” room décor warmly welcomes guests into a comfortable, productive and restful environment. Flexible and functional, the guest room includes a well-designed work area, an ergonomic chair, task lighting and electrical outlets where guests need them. A curved, mobile desk enables guests to create their own work space, while also optimizing their television viewing. 

Inspired by nature, the hotel’s thoughtfully designed rooms and suites place the living and working area near the window to allow for more natural light and views. Building on this natural design, the room décor features organic patterns and fresh colors, blending wood tones with bright pops of color. The new design also places the sleeping area toward the middle of the room, helping to give guests a better night’s sleep on plush mattresses, as well as easier access to the bathroom and wardrobe. The bright, spacious living area also offers a comfortable couch, refrigerator, coffeemaker and microwave, and the bath area continues the room’s bright, spacious, contemporary feel with showers available in all standard king rooms and suites.

Additional hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, an exercise room, valet laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as fax and copy services. The hotel also offers 1,467 square feet of meeting space to accommodate functions of up to 100 people.

by Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca)

The hotel industry isn’t exactly known for operating faster than a speeding bullet. Even in independent properties, there are many layers of management to funnel change and multiple operational departments that must be coordinated to make any transition effective. In other words, when it comes to executing a strategic plan, many hoteliers might as well be known as slowteliers. Pardon the cheesy portmanteau.

Don’t let this be you! With the current pace of new initiatives, hotel organizations (independent as well as chain) must learn to mimic the agility of a tech startup or an entrepreneurial company if they hope to adapt to forthcoming economic shifts. To use another portmanteau, what the hotel corporate culture needs are intrapreneurs - that is, entrepreneurs operating within the shell of a larger organization. Here are five proven actions that you can take to realize the evolution from slowtelier to intrapreneur.

1. Take initiative. This one is fairly straightforward. You aren’t going to get anywhere without effort, and no one is going to do the heavy lifting for you. Hours in equals results out. With any bold new endeavor, make sure that you allocate sufficient man-hours to see it through to the end.

2. Ignore the daily minutia. Part of what makes for the quintessential slowtelier is someone who lets himself or herself get bogged down by the endless quotidian metric sheets, analyzing and reassessing fluctuating short-term forecasts such as the weekly STR comp set analysis. This is a fool’s errand. As a senior manager, you should be looking at the big picture - month-over-month and year-over-year statistics. This is the only way to see the future.

3. Committees be damned. Sometimes committees (including the weekly planning committee), by their very nature, can stifle creativity and fast action. One of the biggest problems with committees, or any meeting for that matter, is that they tie down individuals who don’t have to be there.

To avoid this trap, if you need involvement or approval, approach your colleagues on a one-to-one basis so that by the time the plan reaches the committee phase, it has already had eyes-on from most members and can thus circumnavigate the pitfalls of this process. Many people do their best work in isolation, so only meet when it’s absolutely needed.

4. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Whatever idea you are thinking of putting into action, you must first understand that there are some aspects of the hospitality industry which are eternal. You simply cannot replace the human dynamic of many operations. Knowing where your true boundaries are, it will help you focus on what is truly actionable on both a short-term and a long-term timeframe.

5. Real change is slow. But wait, didn’t I just tell you not to be slow? Alas, life is never only black and white. You can preach sweeping changes to a brand’s makeup or revolutionary shifts in the corporate culture, but in order for any of these to be assimilated without any serious hiccups, you must plan them across a wide breadth of time. 

Being a slowtelier doesn’t mean moving sluggishly; it describes a failure to act on opportunities at the pace they require. Take an incremental approach; break large goals into smaller ones, and then divide those small objectives into tasks that can be readily completed within a day or a week, allowing you to act quickly and in stride with the long-term mission. This workflow subdivision should also give you a more accurate sense of how many weeks or months the overall goal will take to complete.

Keep these five mantras on the back of your mind and you should be well on your way to escaping the doldrums of being a slowtelier and transforming into an intrapreneur. The hospitality world needs people of action and by reading this book you’re well on your way!

________

This article may not be reproduced without the expressed permission of the author.

Duetto Brings Game-Changing Loyalty and Casino Pricing Capabilities to the 2,100-Room Las Vegas Hotel and Casino 

February 4, 2015—Duetto, the market leader in hotel and casino profit optimization technology, announced that South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa will implement its GameChanger solution, bringing new loyalty, forecasting and price optimization capabilities to the Las Vegas property. 

“Our partnership with Duetto offers the property a unique opportunity to leverage rich customer data through GameChanger, allowing South Point to have a better knowledge of gaming and non-gaming spend,” said Ryan Growney general manager of South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa. “South Point has distinctive revenue sources and a diverse cliental. The use of GameChanger allows us the ability to use an ‘open pricing’ system that will benefit us and our customers.”

Duetto’s GameChanger application is designed to provide casino hotels with the ability to price all room types, channels and dates independent of one another, to maximize profitability—powerful tools for hotels and resorts with a broad range of rooms and rates.

Co-Founder and Chief Analytics & Product Officer for Duetto, Marco Benvenuti, said, “We are proud to bring GameChanger’s cutting edge Revenue Strategy Solution to the South Point Hotel, which has become the latest integrated resort to embrace open pricing as the future of Revenue Strategy. We look forward to the continued accelerated adoption of GameChanger in the weeks ahead.”

Thanks to rapid marketplace adoption of its Revenue Strategy Solutions, Duetto is expanding rapidly in key markets throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. Duetto’s applications are deployed at hundreds of hotel and casino properties in 16 countries.

Website: www.duettoresearch.com 

Blog: www.duettoresearch.com/blog/

Twitter: @OptimizeDemand

(Denver, Colorado; Orlando, Florida) - HREC Investment Advisors has released its comprehensive study of hotel transactions in the Greater Orlando area for 2014.  The study covers over 500 hotels located in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk and Lake Counties.

The HREC study revealed that a total of 45 changed ownership in 2014, the same number as in 2013.

Regarding the single-asset sales:

·         Aggregate sales volume in 2014 was $464 million vs. $890 million in 2013

·         Average transaction size in 2014 was $11.9 million vs. $6.9 million in 2013 (after subtracting for the Peabody sale)

·         Median transaction size in 2014 was $3.9 million vs. $4.7 million in 2013 (after subtracting for the Peabody sale)

·         The average price per guestroom in 2014 was $64,500 vs. $35,300 in 2013 (after subtracting for the Peabody sale)

The top three transactions by sale price were:  the Hyatt Grand Cypress at $190 million ($253,300/key), the Nickelodeon Family Suites at $78.8 million ($101,800/key) and the Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista at $44.0 million ($86,800/key).

By sub-market, Kissimmee East was the most active in terms of transactions (15); however, Lake Buena Vista was the most active in terms of dollar volume at $312.8 million.

In 2014, only two hotels - totaling $21.6 million - sold as part of a “Corporate/Portfolio” transaction, down from 16 hotels totaling $185 million in volume in 2013.  Further, 12 area hotels were affected by the Initial Public Offerings of La Quinta Holdings, Inc. 

Said Paul Sexton, head of HREC’s Orlando office, “With the passing of 2014, we find ourselves firmly in the middle of the real estate cycle:  it’s a good time to be a buyer, a good time to be a seller and a good time to be a holder of hotel assets.  At both the higher and lower ends of the market, we are seeing terrific transaction activity - as exemplified (respectively) by the sale of the Hyatt Grand Cypress and the 17 sales along the 192 corridor.”

Added Scott Stephens, HREC’s COO and Southeast practice leader, “Over the years, Orlando-area hotels have been a consistent part of nationally significant portfolio sales.  Although the number of hotels involved in these types of transactions was down in 2014, based on our first-hand knowledge of a number of select-service portfolios that are “in play,” we expect greater velocity in 2015 in this segment of the transaction market.”

Continued Sexton, “Additions to supply continued to be muted, despite a couple of high-profile projects that came to market in 2014 - namely Lowe’s 1,800-guestroom Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal and the 444-guestroom Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World.  More specifically, hotel room supply grew by roughly 1.5% in 2013 and by approximately 2.0% in 2014 and it is projected to grown by less than 1.5% in 2015.”

For a copy of HREC’s full report on the Greater Orlando hotel transaction market, please contact:

Paul Sexton, Vice President - 407.963.4840 or psexton@hrec.com

Scott Stephens, COO & Senior Principal - 813.635.0600 or sstephens@hrec.com

Ashley Hunt, Director of Marketing - 303.267.0057 or ahunt@hrec.com

Visit HREC’s website at www.hrec.com

OTTAWA, ON, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 - The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is  pleased to announce the re-election of Philippe Gadbois, Senior Vice President, Operations at Atlific Hotels, as Chairman of the HAC Board of Directors. Mr. Gadbois’ continuing role is effective as of the Association’s Annual General Meeting held in Toronto on Monday February 2, 2015. 

Nine Corporate Board members have also been elected to serve as corporate representatives of the HAC. They include:

• Nora Duke - President & CEO, Fortis Properties
• Robert Pratt - President, Coast Hotels
• Irwin M. Prince - President & COO, Realstar Hospitality
• Satinder Dhillon - Senior Vice President, Operations, Westmont Hospitality Group
• Vito Curalli - Executive Director Canada, Latin America & International Sales, Hilton Worldwide
• Marc Staniloff - President & CEO, Superior Lodging Corp. 
• Tim Oldfield - Managing Director, Franchise Performance, Choice Hotels Canada Inc.
• Neil Hornsby - Director Strategic Partnerships & Marketing, Best Western International 
• Tyler MacDonald - Director, Hotels, Oxford Properties Group

They will be joined at the HAC board table by Past-Chair Hank Stackhouse and ten Provincial Hotel Association representatives including:

• James Chase - CEO, British Columbia Hotel Association
• David Kaiser - President & CEO, Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association
• Jim Baker - President & CEO, Manitoba Hotel Association
• Jim Bence - President & CEO, Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Association
• Tony Elenis - President & CEO, Ontario Restaurant, Hotel & Motel Association
• L’association des Hoteliers du Quebec
• Raymond Roberge - 2nd Vice President, New Brunswick Tourism Association
• Jeff Ransome - President, Hotel Association of Nova Scotia
• Greg Fleming - President, Hotel/Motel Association of Newfoundland & Labrador
• Kevin Murphy - President, Hotel Association of Prince Edward Island

5 February, 2015 - MIAMI – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announced the opening of the Holiday Inn Express® Marília hotel in São Paulo State, Brazil. The new-build, 102-room hotel is among the first internationally-branded properties in the city of Marília. The hotel is centrally situated near Marília’s industrial district, airport, and less than a mile away from the city’s main shopping center.

“IHG properties have thrived in Brazil since the InterContinental® brand arrived in 1946. We helped forge Brazil’s hospitality industry, and thanks to strong relationships with our Brazilian partners, we are pleased to be an integral part of this next stage of travel evolution for the country,” said Alvaro Diago, COO, Latin America and Caribbean, IHG.

Spanning seven stories, the Holiday Inn Express Marília hotel boasts a modern design, with a strong focus on sustainability, including energy-efficient systems, wastewater treatment plans, solar panels and LED lighting. The hotel offers guests a comfortable, yet affordable stay with innovative, preferred guest upgrades to ensure a pleasurable experience with amenities that include a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary high-speed Internet access, a business center, meeting spaces and complimentary parking. Business travelers will find large desks with ergonomic chairs. The complimentary Express Start™ breakfast bar features a full range of breakfast items, including regional and local dishes, a rotation of egg and meat selections, breads, yogurt, juices, fruit, pastries, cereals and coffee.

“The Holiday Inn Express brand was created to be the smart choice for value-conscious business and leisure travelers,” said Gerardo Murray, regional vice president, Distribution and Commercial Marketing, Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean, IHG. “Offering services tailored to meet our guests’ needs, we strive to be the top brand for today’s savvy traveler. We are proud to welcome the Holiday Inn Express Marília hotel to our portfolio of more than 2,300 properties worldwide.”

The hotel is owned by Hotelaria Agisol Ltda., a subsidiary of Grupo Bertim, a prominent construction company in the state of São Paulo, and is franchised by an affiliate of IHG. The Holiday Inn Express brand participates in IHG’s hotel rewards program, IHG ® Rewards Club. The industry’s first and largest hotel rewards program is free, and guests can enroll at  www. IHGRewardsClub.com, by downloading the  IHG® App, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of any of IHG’s more than 4,700 hotels worldwide. Guests can also book a green hotel stay at any of our IHG Green Engage enrolled hotels.

MIAMI BEACH, FL (Feb. 4, 2015) – Marseilles Hotel South Beach is capping off a multi-year, multi-million dollar renovation of its historic property with a tropical oasis poolscape guaranteed to bring a whole new look and feel to the Art Deco gem. Visitors will get an instant sense of escape and total immersion into the South Beach way of life. 

Slated for completion in February 2015, the new aqua playground includes a complete remodeling of the 1,600 square foot heated pool and the addition of a 333 square foot dipping pool. Guests can get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding paradise and wide sandy beach from a high-flying, 18’ tall nest swing, which comfortably seats four. A third rectangular pool showcases floating platform beds for the adjacent four private bungalows. 

Surrounding tropical foliage was created by landscape architect Matthew D. Bukolt of Kimley-Hom, one of the country’s premier design consulting firms. The secluded area includes native Silver Buttonwood trees and Coconut Palms that complement the Brazilian Walnut sun decks.

Poolside cocktail bar and Jacuzzi overlook the Atlantic Ocean and private beach access trails. Cocktail menu will offer a selection of wines and beers, as well as specialty cocktails. Restaurant Gavroche is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night dining on the Collins Avenue porch and poolside.

“Pools have evolved from background scene-setters to the main attraction, especially in South Florida,” explains Lloyd Mandell, owner of Marseilles Hotel.  “A time-honored hub of swimming, socializing, sunbathing and soaking up the local vibe, pools play an important part in hospitality culture. We custom designed our imaginative poolscape to flaunt the “wow” factor while complementing the surrounding landscape and historic architecture of the hotel.”

Originally built in 1947 by Architect Robert Swartburg, Marseilles Hotel is a nine-story, oceanfront Art Deco gem in the heart of South Beach within easy walking distance to Lincoln Road, the Miami Beach Convention Center, Art Deco Historic District and Ocean Drive.  

The hotel is independently owned and operated by Lloyd Mandell whose family’s long and distinguished history in the hospitality industry dates back to 1930. 

Marseilles Hotel offers 112 recently renovated guestrooms, including five oceanfront deluxe rooms and eight junior suites. Each room features double or king beds with 300 thread count sheets, satellite flat screen TVs, modern interior design and wireless internet access. 

Other amenities include M Bar, an inviting lobby bar and lounge, in-room service, 2,072 square foot of ocean facing, meeting space and more than 12,000 sq. ft. of banquet facilities. 

For leisure travelers looking for everything South Beach has to offer, Marseilles Hotel is located at 1741 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL. Guests can make reservations by visiting www.marseilleshotel.com or by calling 305-538-5711. 

February 05, 2015 - WINDHOEK and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a management agreement with Out of Africa Hospitality to open a mid-market Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Windhoek, Namibia.  

Expected to begin welcoming guests in early 2017, the 180-guestroom hotel will open adjacent to the existing Hilton Windhoek and form part of the Freedom Plaza development, adding significant additional meeting space across the two properties. Guests will also benefit from new technology such as pre-arrival room selection - one of a raft of recent innovations from the global hospitality company.

“A young, tech savvy population is driving mobile use across Africa and in-turn transforming travel; whilst investors are increasingly looking towards innovation to achieve faster and more efficient hotel development,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development, Europe and Africa, for Hilton Worldwide. “As Hilton Worldwide expands its portfolio in Africa, with this latest Hilton Garden Inn signing, we see our innovations in guest technology and hotel development resonating strongly.”

Located in the business and government heartland of the Namibian Capital, Hilton Windhoek opened in 2011 welcoming guests from across the globe with renowned upscale Hilton hospitality. The newly agreed Hilton Garden Inn Windhoek will bring hallmark brand characteristics such as complimentary WiFi and the 24 hour Pavilion Pantry. The upscale, yet affordable brand has more than 600 hotels globally, and has rapidly gained development momentum in Africa with locations confirmed in Abuja, Lagos, Accra, Owerri, Lusaka, Uyo, Nairobi and Kampala.

Hilton Windhoek and the site of the new Hilton Garden Inn Windhoek are approximately 42 kilometers from Hosea Kutako International Airport and five kilometers from Eros Domestic Airport, allowing for easy connection to and from the hotel. Notable local landmarks within close proximity include the Namibian Supreme Court, Namibia Independence Museum, Christus Kirche, Government Embassies; as well as Zoo Park.

Haddis Tilahun for United Africa Group, said: “We are delighted to have signed an agreement with Hilton Worldwide to open a Hilton Garden Inn in Windhoek. The new hotel will complement the existing Hilton Windhoek and enhance the hospitality offering in the city, which is fast becoming a hub for corporate and leisure travel in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Hilton Garden Inn Windhoek will feature two food and beverage outlets, including an all-day dining restaurant, as well as a garden lounge and bar. For events, the hotel will feature two individual meeting rooms totaling 175 square metres, including pre-function space. Event organizers will benefit from existing and new, additional meeting space at the neighboring Hilton Windhoek.

Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our presence across Africa, with nine Hilton Garden Inn hotels now under development. Hilton Garden Inn Windhoek will provide travelers with superb hospitality - opening up a new affordable market segment for Hilton Worldwide in Namibia.”

Benefiting from more than 50 years of hospitality experience across the continent, Hilton Worldwide currently has 37 hotels operating across Africa, with a further 29 hotels under development. Last year, the company announced the signing of agreements to open two Hilton Garden Inns in Nigeria and the company’s most recent opening was DoubleTree by Hilton Zanzibar Stone Town, Tanzania.

Read more about Hilton Garden Inn at www.hiltongardeninn.com or news.hgi.com.

2014 Recap and What Lies Ahead in 2015-Winning Inventory Strategies Throughout The New Year

NEW YORK (February 5, 2015) - TravelClick, global provider of innovative cloud-based solutions that enable hotels to grow revenue, will present three free webinars on February 18 and 19 to review fourth quarter 2014 hotel performance results and trends. Findings will be presented by TravelClick experts John Hach, Senior Vice President, Global Product Management, and Alexis Welner, Senior Director of Global Enterprise Business Intelligence.  Alexis and John will provide a comprehensive update on Q4 global and local hotel performance and future industry trends with a special look at best practices for optimizing inventory throughout 2015. The webinars will be moderated by Barbara Taylor Carpender, President and CEO at Taylored Alliances.

Amazon is about to enter the online travel arena. This development creates a new opportunity for hoteliers to review and assess how to best manage inventory allocations throughout 2015 and beyond. TravelClick co-hosts will present ways savvy hoteliers can optimize room management strategies throughout the ever changing landscape of hospitality distribution channels.  

Information presented at the webinar is based on TravelClick’s proprietary Agency360® solution, eMonitor market performance reports and Demand360® forward-looking hotel booking data. 

Key topics:

• Best inventory management practices 
• 2015 outlook and RevPAR pace review
• Recap of key 2014 global and local market trends
• Review and analysis of 2014 fourth quarter hotel performance
• Regional analysis of key markets throughout the world

Three sessions will be offered to accommodate a range of time zones. Click the links to register:

• 18 February 22:00 (10pm EST - New York)

• 19 February 10:00 (10am EST - New York)

• 19 February 14:00 (2pm EST - New York)

Indian Ocean Property Recently Completed a $14 million Renovation

Bangkok, February 4, 2015: AVANI Hotels & Resorts, the vibrant upscale brand launched by Thailand-based Minor Hotel Group in 2011, has opened AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa, the group’s first property in the Indian Ocean destination. Just a 25-minute drive from Seychelles International Airport, the resort is located on tranquil Barbarons Beach along Mahé’s west coast and opens following an extensive USD $14 million refurbishment.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotel Group, commented, “We are very happy to add the Seychelles to the growing list of countries our AVANI brand is present in, which is now ten with a total of thirteen properties. The resort is a great addition to the brand’s portfolio and we are confident AVANI will set the standard for upscale hotels in the Seychelles market.” 

AVANI Seychelles Barbarons blends all the right ingredients for relaxation with a dash of colourful culture and exotic island life. A contemporary vibe uplifts the resort’s European heritage style, with accommodation, leisure activities and dining options all designed with every age and travel style in mind.

124 guest rooms and suites each feature a balcony or terrace with garden, pool or ocean views, and essential comforts inside.  Five room types include options with easy access to the spa and sandy beach, with adjacent and connecting rooms making holidays with family and friends very convenient.  Guests who appreciate space and deluxe amenities can opt for the AVANI Ocean View Suite, with double the room size, a lounge, and stunning coastal vistas from the large balcony.

Developed with AVANI’s Honest Food ethos at heart, AVANI Seychelles Barbarons understands that the perfect recipe for a satisfying holiday is great dining, and the resort’s two restaurants are accompanied by pool and shisha bars, as well as private dining.

Offering all day home-style dining, Elements dishes up an impressive breakfast buffet, then western classics, seafood delights and Creole specialties for lunch, followed by lively evenings of themed BBQs and market Creole nights with cultural entertainment.  Tamarind tantalises the taste buds for lunch and dinner with creative twists on Pan Asian recipes, tamarind and seafood specialties and unique island cocktails that pack a punch with local golden rum, served on a beachfront deck or on the beach. In addition, 24 hour in-room dining lets guests sip, snack, wine and dine in total privacy, whilst for romance and special occasions, a Private Dining concept comes with a personal chef to design the ideal menu, enjoyed when and where guests like. 

Relaxing into the rhythm of island life is what it’s all about By the Pool from late morning until early evening, offering thirst quenching drinks and classic light bites. Changing to suit the mood from day to night, Gravity Shisha Lounge & Lobby Bar is ideal for quiet time out or socialising; a coffee boost or revitalising juice, snacks to keep up energy levels, and in the evening, the chill out lounge on the upper level is the perfect spot to watch the sunset whilst sharing shisha or to enjoy classic or infused cocktails after dinner.

Signature to AVANI is a Design for Life living space, and at AVANI Seychelles Barbarons the resort’s lobby area creates this central hub. The Connect zone in the lobby makes it easy to email, chat online, print boarding passes or charge up a device, whilst the Corner is a quiet space to enjoy some time out. Complimentary wifi is offered throughout the resort.

With multiple options to chill out, get active or try something new, AVANI Seychelles Barbarons makes it easy for guests to plan the perfect day.  Lazy days can be spent on the palm fringed beach, swimming and sunbathing at the outdoor pool or recharging with a yoga class. With one double and three single treatment rooms, a sundeck and plunge pool, AVANISPA offers pampering “me time” and “we time”. Options include beautifying facials, nourishing body treatments and heavenly massages, or exotic pampering such as an Ayurvedic therapy or Turkish hammam ritual. 

Making family holidays more enjoyable, youngsters can have their own fun in the children’s pool and engage in arts, crafts and games at the Children’s Club, AVANI Kids. Those with energy to burn can hit the gym for a workout or play tennis.  Experiencing the Seychelles unique culture is lively and creative with traditional dance, Creole language and local craft classes, as well as the resort’s nightly Creole fair down on the beach, offering market craft stalls, traditional island food and drinks, plus island dance and music shows.  Budding chefs can learn to cook authentic Creole and Thai dishes in cooking classes, whilst cocktail lovers can pick up an expert bartender’s tips in cocktail making classes.

Travellers eager to get out and about will find that AVANI’s seamless excursions cover the island’s top highlights, including nature trails, mangrove waterways, romantic waterfalls, spice and botanical gardens, touring heritage sites, island cruises and seeing tropical marine life at the best snorkelling and diving spots. The island is also easy to explore independently. The capital Victoria is just a 25 minute drive away, whilst Mahé’s diverse attractions can be seen with a drive around the island taking only a few hours. 

As part of Minor Hotel Group’s global expansion of diverse quality brands, AVANI Hotels & Resorts was launched in late 2011 as a sister brand to Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, to consolidate the group’s presence in city and resort locations across Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and Africa. ‘AVANI’ stems from the Sanskrit word for ‘earth’ – a meaning which is expressed through a grounded personality and simple sense of style. AVANI is a refreshing upscale hotel concept offering relaxed comfort and contemporary style to guests who value the details that matter. Designed for guests who appreciate genuine hospitality, AVANI offers a fuss free approach that leaves a great impression.  

February 05, 2015 - MCLEAN, Va. - Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide’s international brand of upscale, all-suite, extended-stay hotels, and Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton’s mid-tier, all-suite hotel brand, continue their strong expansion efforts into urban markets throughout the country, with 11 new urban hotel openings slated for 2015, and seven more metropolitan properties on track to open in 2016. The extended-stay brands currently have 19 properties in metropolitan centers, six of which opened in the last year alone, including New York City, Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Oklahoma City.  

The brands’ surge of urban development is a direct result of metro areas receiving more attention for residential development, as well as an increasing demand from business and leisure travelers for midscale to upscale, value-driven suite accommodations in prime metro markets. According to the Urban Land Institute, a majority of Americans would choose smaller housing in favor of a shorter commute and prefer neighborhoods close to shops, restaurants and offices, indicating a demand for extended-stay hotels to provide more downtown lodging options to capture the growing number of extended-stay business guests that share this desire. Leisure travel to America’s top urban destinations is also on the rise. In New York City for example, total visitors increased by more than 1.6 million from 2012 to 2013 alone.

“The value-added amenities and cost-conscious price points of our extended-stay hotels, combined with the comfort and convenience that our brands are known for make Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites ideal for bustling downtown areas where guests are looking for proximity to attractions, shopping and nightlife,” said Bill Duncan, global head, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton.

Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites have proven to be leaders in implementing flexible building models in downtown markets with limited space. The number of failed apartment and office complexes and existing historic centers that can be found in urban areas make adaptive reuse projects an appealing option for developers looking to bring hotel products into markets with limited options for new construction. Home2 Suites will open a new adaptive reuse hotel in downtown Atlanta in Q3 2015.  Similarly, the dual-build concept, which enables two brands to come together in one complex but occupy a smaller space and create operational efficiencies, has allowed both Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites to grow their footprint in cities with very little land to build new hotels. Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites currently have 13 dual-brand properties open.

Homewood Suites’ recently launched a new prototype that further takes advantage of urban markets where construction space is limited, allowing owners to incorporate up to 85 percent studio suites, and to meet local market demands. This prototype is one way the brand continues to innovate to meet the needs of owners and guests.

“The evolution of urban development has required flexibility in extended-stay hotels as well as a different approach to implementing the product and service our customers love,” added Duncan. “Our ability to own that flexibility and the innovation of the Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites building models is what enables us to break in to high-barrier to entry downtown markets.” 

Upcoming Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites urban center properties to open in 2015 and 2016 include the following:

Homewood Suites by Hilton provides travelers amenities and services that maximize their travel budget, including complimentary internet, daily full-hot breakfast and evening dinner and drinks Monday through Thursday*.  In addition, Homewood Suites’ more than 350 all-suite hotels boast fully equipped kitchens, separate sleeping and living spaces, a complimentary grocery shopping service** and recreational options to stay active - all amenities that enable travelers to be at home and make life on the road more about life and less about the road.

Nearly 50 hotels in its portfolio, Home2 Suites by Hilton offers easy access to technology and inviting community spaces, as well as the trademark Home2 Suites amenities standard in all properties, such as the Oasis lobby area, the Home2 MKT for grab-and-go items, the Spin2 Cycle, a combined laundry and fitness area, and complimentary continental breakfast at the Inspired Table that includes a variety of morning favorites like a hot breakfast sandwich. Home2 Suites’ all-suite hotels feature full kitchens and a business center with complimentary internet and wireless printing. All Home2 Suites properties are pet-friendly. 

Read more about Homewood Suites by Hilton at www.homewoodsuites.com and news.homewoodsuites.com, and Home2 Suites by Hilton at www.home2suites.com and news.home2suites.com.

OTTAWA, ON, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 - The Hotel Association of Canada‘s (HAC) Annual Conference, held February 2-3 at the Hilton Toronto Hotel, garnered enthusiastic reviews from the many delegates in attendance. 

“The solid attendance is the result of a robust program which clearly resonated with the industry”, said Tony Pollard President, the HAC. “Our members and guests came to share opinions and gain ideas on the key issues we all share. Everyone left with more than one takeaway.”

This year’s conference featured speakers from across Canada including two exceptional keynote presenters Doug Stephens, Founder of Retail Prophet and Sean Moffitt, Managing Director of Wikibrands who provided insight and ideas to drive business. Other panelists included specialists in human resources, operations, assets, revenue and sales management.   

Throughout the day industry leaders were awarded for their human resources, humanitarian and environmental initiatives with the HAC Awards of Excellence Program. The HAC also presented Michael Beckley, Senior VP, Lodging Development, Marriott Hotels & Resorts Canada,with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his 50+ years in the lodging industry. 

“We are honoured to have been able to award Michael with the HAC Lifetime Achievement Award”, said Philippe Gadbois, Senior Vice President, Operations for Atlific Hotels and Chairman of the HAC Board of Directors. “Michael is a true industry icon who has helped make the Canadian lodging industry into the success it is today.”

The Hotel Association of Canada’s 2015 Conference brought together several of the biggest names and brightest minds in the industry to share insights, nurture ideas and help formulate strategies to help drive business over the next twelve months and long into the future. 

Nashville, Tennessee - February 5, 2015 - Marriott International, Inc. today announced that a combined 100-suite SpringHill Suites and 145-suite Residence Inn in Nashville, Tennessee will open this Monday, February 9, 2015. Located at 1800 West End Avenue, the hotels are managed by Marriott International, Inc. The properties will share an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, meeting space, as well as a 5,000 square foot restaurant.

Located two minutes from downtown and eight miles from Nashville International Airport, the hotels offer guests convenient access to Vanderbilt University and numerous live music venues including; Honky Tonks on Broadway, Bridgestone Arena and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

About The SpringHill Suites Nashville Vanderbilt/West End

Featuring suites that are larger than typical hotel rooms, the SpringHill Suites Nashville Vanderbilt/West End is ideal for business and leisure travelers looking for style and inspiration in their stay. Every aspect, from furniture and lighting to colors and fabrics, has been carefully selected to offer calm and refreshing spaces. Separate living, working and sleeping spaces also provide guests with flexibility and functionality. The perfect place to sink into a good night’s sleep, the hotel offers luxurious linens and plush pillows, while a comfortable pullout sofa bed and lounge chair offer additional space for relaxation or extra family members. The hotel’s tasteful bathroom includes modern touches, a marble-top vanity, iridescent tile walls and creative lighting features, which help travelers revive and refresh.

Featuring a brand new design that adds depth and sophistication to the décor, the hotel’s lobby is a great venue for conducting casual meetings or simply to socialize. Using warm colors, accent fabrics and walnut-stained wood, the lobby’s earth tones inspire guests to sit, relax and enjoy their stay. Business travelers can take advantage of a large, well-lit desk with ergonomic chair. Complimentary Wi-Fi in the hotel’s lobby and high-speed Internet access in every suite allow guests to remain connected at all times. Daily complimentary hot breakfast is SpringHill Suites’ way of making sure guests have a good start to their day. The hotel will feature a full-service bar offering a light food menu.

About The Residence Inn Nashville Vanderbilt/West End

The Residence Inn Nashville Vanderbilt/West End offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. Designed for stays of five nights or more, each suite also has a fully-equipped kitchen with a coffeemaker, microwave oven and residential-sized appliances. Guests looking for a revitalizing sleep experience will enjoy the hotel’s plush mattresses and crisp linens, while guests focused on being productive will value their suite’s large, well-lit work desk, ergonomic chair and complimentary high-speed Internet access. 

The Residence Inn’s complimentary breakfast has a variety of great options, including specially made featured items. Guests can start their day off right with healthy food choices and, with a convenient to-go offering, can make sure they do not miss the most important meal of the day. 

Extending the feeling of comfortable living on the road, the hotel offers guests inviting and functional public spaces to relax or collaborate. Road warriors and families alike enjoy the hotel’s grocery delivery service, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour onsite food and beverage market, dry cleaning services, and onsite guest laundry room. 

SpringHill Suites and Residence Inn participate in Marriott International’s award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations contact the SpringHill Suites Nashville Vanderbilt/West End directly at 615-988-9930,call the SpringHill Suites toll-free number at 888-287-9400, visit www.springhillsuites.com. Or to contact the Residence Inn Nashville Vanderbilt/West End directly at 615-988-9920, call the Residence Inn toll-free number at 800-331-3131 or visit www.residenceinn.com. 

Owned by 17th Street Properties, LLC and Managed American Liberty Hospitality

February 05, 2015 - GALVESTON, Texas and MCLEAN, Va. - DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Galveston Beach, a contemporary five-story, 97-room hotel located in the heart of the island’s teeming dining and entertainment districts and overlooking the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Formerly the Galveston Beach Hotel, the property has concluded a multi-million dollar renovation that includes a total redesign of the lobby, food and beverage outlets, public spaces, meeting and event areas and guest rooms, as well as new furniture and décor throughout the hotel. Marking DoubleTree by Hilton’s first hotel in Galveston, the hotel is owned by 17th Street Properties, LLC and managed by Houston-based American Liberty Hospitality.

“Galveston Beach is an idyllic destination, and a perfect location for our newest DoubleTree by Hilton property in the Lone Star State,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “Guests at this beautiful beachside hotel can expect the world-class service and ‘little things’ that have helped build our global reputation, beginning with the warm chocolate chip cookie welcome we offer to each guest at check-in.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Galveston Beach provides the quintessential setting for guests seeking a beautiful beach retreat in an upscale, contemporary full-service hotel setting. Newly-updated guest rooms all offer ocean views, with most featuring private balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Among the hotel’s ample complimentary amenities, guests will enjoy a beachfront saltwater swimming pool with swim-up bar, 24-hour fitness center, same day laundry service, on-site parking, 24-hour business center and in-room safes. Free WiFi is also available throughout the hotel’s public areas and guest rooms. Guests may also rent private cabanas and chaise lounges at the hotel’s beautiful pool overlooking the beach. 

Among its renovation highlights, the hotel debuts two revamped food and beverage venues. Foxtail Restaurant, featuring “beach-chic” décor and floor-to-ceiling glass walls, offers a menu of local and regional favorites, including fresh, locally-caught seafood daily. Restaurant patrons will enjoy stunning views of tropical gardens, the outdoor pool and the scenic Gulf of Mexico. For a more relaxed option, the Longboard Pool Bar allows for indoor and outdoor dining for lunch and dinner, plus a swim-up bar where guests can enjoy refreshing craft cocktails.

With more than 2,600 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a boardroom, meeting room and beautiful outdoor lawn space, DoubleTree by Hilton Galveston Beach can accommodate varying event needs from social gatherings to corporate functions, weddings and more. Creative onsite catering, modern A/V technology and a dedicated staff ensure that any function is a success. For smaller group meetings, the hotel offers the Meetings Simplified by DoubleTree by Hilton package from $35.00 per person, which includes the meeting room, basic meeting WiFi, meeting room supplies including a flipchart, markers, extension and power cord, and all day non-alcoholic beverage service.

“We are thrilled to unveil our hotel’s stunning transformation and to be able to deliver an unmatched hotel experience for travelers on Galveston Island,” said Rick Galyean, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Galveston Beach. “We are proud to join the DoubleTree by Hilton portfolio, and delight guests with the brand’s world-renowned service culture.”

Optimally-located on Seawall Boulevard, the hotel is just a short walk from the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and near the area’s most popular attractions and businesses, including: Schlitterbahn Water Park, Moody Gardens, Galveston Country Club, Moody Gardens Golf Course and more. Guests can also access 32 miles of beautiful beaches and explore Galveston’s historic downtown district, home to beautiful Victorian-era buildings, antique stores, specialty shops, galleries, museums and restaurants. For business travelers, companies including UTMB - University of Texas Medical Branch, American National Insurance and many government agencies are nearby. The hotel is located one mile from the Galveston Island Convention Center, 43 miles from William P. Hobby Airport and 72 miles from Houston Intercontinental Airport.

In addition to the warm chocolate chip cookie welcome, guests will enjoy other DoubleTree by Hilton brand amenities, including an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee choices from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, the refreshing new Aroma Actives natural skin and body care line, and an industry-recognized service culture built around the idea of CARE, which stands for Create a Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community.

As a participant in the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, Hilton HHonors members will be able to earn and redeem points with their stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Galveston Beach. To mark the opening, the hotel will offer a Hilton HHonors double points promotion on the best available rate for bookings through June 30, 2015 that include a Sunday through Thursday night stay. Based on availability, Gold and Diamond members will enjoy upgrades to the hotel’s designated Hilton HHonors guestrooms. Additionally, Diamond Hilton HHonors guests will enjoy complimentary continental breakfast and bonus Hilton HHonors points during stays and Gold Hilton HHonors guests will have the option of complimentary breakfast or bonus points.

DoubleTree by Hilton Galveston Beach is located at 1702 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77550. For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers may visit www.galvestonbeach.doubletree.com.

Media can access additional information on DoubleTree by Hilton Galveston Beach at news.doubletree.com/galvestonbeach. For more news on DoubleTree by Hilton hotel openings, visit news.doubletree.com.

February 5, 2015 - AC Hotels by Marriott welcomed the new AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget to its France portfolio on 2 February 2015. The new hotel follows major global expansion of the brand, aimed at the lifestyle oriented business traveller, with the opening of the first AC by Marriott property in the U.S. - the AC Hotel New Orleans Bourbon - and recent openings in Istanbul and Valencia.

AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget opened in the grounds of Paris-Le Bourget airport and is particularly convenient for business travellers in need of easy airport access; Charles de Gaulle Airport is just 15 minutes away. The hotel makes an ideal base for those attending conferences and events at the adjacent Le Bourget Exhibition Park or the nearby Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre. For leisure travellers, AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget is well-situated for those looking to spend a weekend in Paris.

“Groupe Segur is proud to open the AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget Airport in partnership with Marriott International.  We are confident that this impressive building will contribute to the continued development of Paris and its local districts.” commented Ms. Dain, Groupe Ségur, owner and developer of AC Le Bourget.

The 4-star hotel will comprise of 122 rooms and suites with sleek contemporary design, modern interiors and clean lines. Combining urban style and comfort, the AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget will retain the authentic French charm, timeless European elegance and excellent service synonymous with the AC Hotels brand. All guestrooms will feature premium bedding, fully equipped bathrooms with AC amenities, high-speed internet access, a spacious desk, a refrigerator and air-conditioning, in addition to personalised service to ensure a pleasant and restful stay.

Whether looking for a quick snack or a romantic dinner, L’envol restaurant serves contemporary French food and wine with a mix of casual and formal dining areas, whilst those on-the-go can make use of the Market, open 24 hours a day. Room service is also available from 6.30am to 10pm for those keen to retire to the comfort of their room. Atmosph’air, the hotel’s stylish rooftop bar and terrace, offers sweeping panoramic views from the Bourget Airport runways over the Paris skyline and out towards the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Cœur Cathedral.

For those seeking respite from a long business meeting, a spacious fitness centre is open to guests 24 hours a day, while an indoor pool and steam room is available for use from 7am to 10pm. 

“We are excited to welcome guests to AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget in this multicultural and vibrant city. With its convenient location and extensive facilities, the hotel meets the needs of both business and leisure travellers to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.” said Doris Schaefgen, General Manager of AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget Airport.

AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget joins the AC Paris Porte Maillot, which opened as AC Hotel’s first Parisian property in June 2014. Further AC properties in France include the AC Hotel Ambassadeur Antibes-Juan les Pins and AC Hotel Nice. AC Hotels by Marriott participates in the Marriott Rewards members programme, used by over 45 millions members worldwide.

Marriott International’s luxury and lifestyle brands portfolio currently includes The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, EDITION, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, the Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott and Moxy Hotels. Accounting for nearly 25 percent of the company’s system-wide pipeline, Marriott expects to add more than 200 luxury and lifestyle hotel projects over the next several years, reflecting over $15 billion of investment by the company’s owners and franchisees.  Across Marriott’s entire portfolio of brands, the company expects to surpass one million rooms open or in development by the end of 2015.

For further details on AC by Marriott Hotels, please visit http://www.marriott.com/ac-hotels/travel

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 5, 2015—Rockbridge announced plans to develop an exceptional, 173-room, boutique hotel in Savannah, GA.  

The property, located in Savannah’s Historic District on River Street, will set a new standard for hospitality and raise the bar of hotels in one of the most charming cities in the country.  

Rockbridge is known for developing or redeveloping and repositioning its investments into the most desirable hotels in the market through an intense focus on the end user experience.  With a projected opening in late 2016, the hotel will include a ground-floor restaurant and retail, 4,000 square feet of meeting space, first-class pool experience, rooftop bar and on-site parking.  Rockbridge plans its all-king concept for this property, with 82 double king rooms, 66 kings and 25 suites. 

“If people plan a trip to Savannah, they want an experience that is linked to Savannah and the local culture,” said Rockbridge President and CEO Jim Merkel.  “Our development focus is on creating that end user experience by providing distinctive food experiences, social interactivity and desirable design. The traveler experience combined with the charismatic function and décor will make this property unmatched in the market.”

The hotel is located on the site of the oldest bottleworks factory in America and will incorporate historic bricks and bottles from the site in the development.  In addition, Rockbridge has been working with city leaders to design and construct the first public, ADA-accessible pedestrian stairway and elevator to the river adjacent to the property.  Plans include very wide, safe stairs and elevator, complete with new streetscaping and lighting enhancements.  The project will reorient Montgomery Street as the new gateway to the riverfront and become another great landmark to honor the storied history of Savannah.  

“Our goal is to make this Savannah hotel an attraction in itself within the Historic District,” Merkel added. 

AH&LA and “United for Patent Reform” Coalition Show Support                                                                                                   

February 5, 2015 - WASHINGTON - The process of ridding America’s thousands of employers and millions of consumers of destructive patent trolls took a critical step forward today with the introduction of the bipartisan Innovation Act, patent reform legislation authored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA). The American Hotel and Lodging Association is a leading member of the broad-based patent reform coalition, United for Patent Reform, which today praised Rep. Goodlatte for introducing the bill. 

“Each year, the predatory behavior of patent troll lawsuits cost the U.S. economy $80 billion in lost revenue and productivity, when instead those dollars could be directed towards creating jobs and investment in communities. Many consumers and businesses in the lodging industry have been unfairly victimized by predatory ‘patent trolls,’ which hold patents simply for the purposes of extorting money from companies. We are grateful for Rep. Goodlatte’s thoughtful leadership in crafting legislation to stop this harmful behavior, and we look forward to working with him as well as supporters of patent reform in the Senate as the process moves forward,” said Katherine Lugar, President and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

“Patent trolls are a scourge on every sector of the American economy and all types of American businesses,” said Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, and a leader of the United for Patent Reform coalition. “Patent trolls produce no goods or services; all they do is extort money from good, productive businesses that do. They kill jobs, increase consumer prices, cause startups to shut down, and reduce capital investment. Patent trolls contribute literally nothing.”

The United for Patent Reform coalition also expressed gratitude to the bipartisan group of original co-sponsors joining Chairman Goodlatte in introducing the Innovation Act, including Representatives Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), Lamar Smith (R-Texas), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Tom Marino (R-Penn.) and Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), Randy Forbes (R-VA), Blake Farenthold (R-Texas), George Holding (R-NC), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) and Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR).  

“The sponsors of this legislation have shown true leadership by advancing very real solutions to the costly problems that inhibit businesses large and small across many industries that want to grow their businesses, not fight frivolous lawsuits brought by patent trolls,” Shay said. “Trolls have far too long held American businesses hostage and robbed our economy of billions of dollars that would otherwise be invested in jobs, innovation, consumer savings and shareholder value. The Innovation Act is a strong first step in changing that.”

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 4, 2015 — Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR), today announced that