SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (February 8, 2017) – Spa Villagio, in Yountville, California has announced the appointment of Terry Prager as Director of Spa and Wellness.  Spa Villagio is one of the Napa Valley’s premiere luxury day spas.  Prager joins the management team with more than 25 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, and is excited to bring her valuable insight into day-to-day operations and to further elevate the overall guest experience.

“We are thrilled that Terry has decided to be a part of our team and community here in Yountville,” said Steve Davino, General Manager of the Villagio Inn. “Terry’s in-depth experience and keen understanding of the treatments that today’s sophisticated travelers are looking for are perfectly aligned with our vision. We are excited to see her new offerings at the spa come to life over the coming months and for our guests to experience the new treatments and personal touch points she incorporates at the spa.”

Prior to her move to the Bay Area, Prager held the positions of Vice President of Development and Vice President of Operations at ESPA International USA.  Here, she secured many 5-star accounts and was responsible for the overall management of operations and ultimately ensuring outstanding luxury guest experiences.  From 2009-2012, she oversaw 16 of ESPA’s international facilities and management teams, and the opening of a number of world-class spas in Europe such as Bulgari Milan, Bulgari London, and Metropole Monte Carlo.  Before her roles at ESPA, Prager served as Spa Director at a number of well-known hotels and resorts, including The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, Delano Hotel in Miami, Williams Island Spa, The Biltmore Hotel and more.  Terry also served as the Chair on the Advisory Council for the Florida Spa Association for two years prior to moving to her current position at Villagio Spa. Terry was working in her consultancy capacity with the new ownership team of Spa Villagio Inn and Spa, when she fell in love with the area and the property. Prager saw the exciting potential for the future for Vintage Estate, and was excited and thrilled to take the opportunity to join the team to manage the transition of the Spa along with ESPA.

FORT WORTH, TX (February, 2017) – LBA Hospitality, a full-scale hotel management, development and consulting firm, is pleased to announce its custom-designed Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth Historic Stockyards is open to business and leisure travelers as of  February 2. The opening of the 124-room hotel marks a milestone for Marriott, as it is its 1000th Courtyard by Marriott in The Americas.

Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth Historic Stockyards, which boasts the most guest rooms and meeting space in the Historic Stockyards District, is a landmark achievement for Dothan, Ala.-based developer, Sunbelt Development, LLC. Working together for nearly 25 years, this project is Sunbelt’s 50th hotel developed.

“It has been such an honor to be aligned with our other partners in Sunbelt,” said LBA’s president, Beau Benton. “We are eager to celebrate this milestone, especially when the end result is a unique, landmark hotel that has already brought more than 50 jobs to the area.”

Ownership group Apple Hospitality REIT tapped LBA to provide development and management services for the custom-designed hotel, which included the installation and training of the hotel’s leadership team and hiring of 22-year industry veteran Terri Elorreaga as general manager.

Architects Bradley, Schmidt & Carn and designers from Studio3877 custom-designed the four-story property to reflect the area’s intersection of urban lifestyle and traditions of the Wild West by intertwining rope, weathered metal, wood and Western motifs throughout. The hotel remains true to the Courtyard brand’s features travelers have come to know and love, including a pool, fitness center, business center, outdoor lounge with fire pit, meeting space and in-house Bistro, which will serve breakfast and dinner daily.

Located at located at 2537 North Main Street, the property is less than 30 miles from Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport and just steps from the Stockyards National Historic District. Guests will be a short walk from attractions such as the Stockyards Championship Rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum, Billy Bob’sTexas and plenty of shopping and dining options.

8^th February 2017 – Award-winning international chef Talib Hudda has taken over Sureño at The Opposite House, Beijing’s acclaimed Mediterranean dining destination, and is reshaping the restaurant’s culinary direction with a more refined, creative approach.

As part of this initiative, Chef Talib has completely revamped the menu at Sureño. Designed with Beijing’s increasingly sophisticated dining landscape in mind, the new menu expands Sureño’s culinary footprint across every corner of the Mediterranean region. Chef Talib uses creative combinations of flavours and textures to inject classic dishes with a subtle dose of innovation and present a fresh perspective, while retaining the wholesome flavours of this rich and well-loved cuisine.

Sureño will also be sourcing more of its key ingredients locally, proudly serving fresh seasonal produce from Beijing, including premium ingredients exclusively found at Sureño.

“Beijing is an exciting city to express my culinary creativity, because it has a deep respect for culinary traditions yet is hungry for new innovations. Beyond the restaurants, Beijing’s passion for good food has also led local suppliers to produce ingredients of outstanding quality, which we’re very excited to showcase in my new creations for Sureño,” says Chef Talib.

The Canadian-born chef has been passionate about cooking since early childhood, and started cooking with his grandmother at the tender age of six, and enrolling into culinary school when he was only 16 years old. He has since worked in acclaimed restaurants around the world, from The Pear Tree in Vancouver to Marchal in Copenhagen, where he helped the restaurant earn its first Michelin star. To broaden his culinary horizons, he also ventured to New York for short stints at the city’s most famous eateries, Café Boulud and Eleven Madison Park.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Chef Talib seized the opportunity to represent Canada at the most prestigious culinary competition in the world, the Bocuse d’Or in 2011. He also made his mark at the BC Team Hot Competition by the British Columbia Chefs Association, taking a team silver and team gold in 2009 and 2013, respectively.

Chef Talib first moved to Beijing when he was invited to become the executive chef at The Georg by Georg Jensen. Despite it being his first posting in Asia, he thrived in Beijing’s booming fine dining scene and helped The Georg earn several prestigious accolades.

“We are very excited to welcome Chef Talib Hudda, who has a track record for innovation as well as a clear passion for excellence. Along with his many accolades and international pedigree, I believe Chef Talib brings with him an inspiring drive and vision that will lead Sureño’s dedicated team to greater heights,” says Mark Passmore, General Manager of The Opposite House.

MILWAUKEE-February 8, 2017-Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized hotel owner and management company and division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced the appointment of Gordon Tareta as area director of spas. 

In his new role, Tareta will oversee the company’s Well Spa + Salon brands at the AAA Four-Diamond Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis., AAA Four-Diamond Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis., and Platinum Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev. He will also oversee Evensong Spa at Heidel House Resort & Spa in Green Lake, Wis.

Tareta joins Marcus Hotels & Resorts with more than 25 years of luxury spa industry experience, having developed and operated over 110 renowned and award-winning spas worldwide. Prior to joining Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Tareta was the president and founder of Tareta Group International, LLC, a business development group focused on strategic concept development and product integration for individual and corporate spas and affiliated industry suppliers. His career includes nearly 10 years with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts managing over 110 spas worldwide in 26 countries. While at Hyatt, he conceived and launched Hyatt Pure, which was awarded best spa brand by Spa Finders, and developed and implemented global fitness brand StayFit. Before joining Hyatt, Tareta served as corporate director of spa operations for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, where he completed the refurbishment of the famous Banff Springs Hotel’s spa facilities in Alberta, Canada. Tareta has also served as chief operating officer for Marilyn Monroe™ Spas in Orlando, Florida.

“Gordon’s spa visionary success will be instrumental in overseeing our four award-winning spa brands. His global spa experience and creativity in concept innovation, transformation and product development will further position our top rated spas among the best in the nation,” said Joseph Khairallah, president and chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts.

For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com. 

The Colony, Texas — February 9, 2017 — National real estate developer Jackson-Shaw and top national hotel operator Crescent Hotels & Resorts announced the completion of seven million dollars in enhancements and new construction at the Cascades 110-acre mixed use development.  The recent opening of The Courtyard, along with renovations at the Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn, and the nearly completed four local restaurants called “The Oasis” will create an exceptional guest experience for business and leisure travelers.   

Cascades was developed by Jackson-Shaw to establish a dynamic and growing commercial environment along the north side of Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH121) and just west of the Dallas North Tollway.  Boasting more than sixteen million square feet of nearby corporate headquarters and regional offices, Cascades is well-positioned to meet both existing and increasing hospitality demand from both travelers and local residents.

The Cascades Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott have recently completed property-wide renovations, featuring a complete redesign of all guestrooms and public spaces that include contemporary furnishings as well as modern interior design. The landscaping and exterior setting is enriched to showcase the property’s outdoor entertainment areas, a newly installed dog park and meeting room space totaling over six thousand square feet.  

From L to R: Fairfield Inn Lobby, Residence Inn Lobby, and Residence Inn Guest Suite

Cascades offers all of the comforts of home, whether you are ambitious and enterprising, stress free and no nonsense, or accustomed to life on the go.  Guests can enjoy an entrée or beverage at the Courtyard Bistro, sit with friends around the fire pit or basketball court at the Residence Inn, attend a meeting in one of the modern meeting rooms at the conference center, or simple enjoy a stress-free relaxing stay laying by one of the three outdoor pools.

“At the Cascades Marriott properties, we are always focused on improving the visitor experience,” said Michele Wheeler, President and Chief Operating Officer of Jackson-Shaw.  “We are actively engaged in finding ways to rethink, renovate and revitalize every touch point for the benefit of our guests.”

From L to R: Courtyard by Marriott Lobby and Courtyard by Marriott Guest Room

“The renovations to these three properties have truly created something for every type of traveler all in one location,” said Michael George, Chief Executive Officer of Crescent Hotels & Resorts. “Our unique approach as a destination resort manager, combined with our award-winning standards for service, and our experience across major destination markets, will allow us to maximize the potential of this great destination for meetings, social events, and leisure travel.”

Cascades welcomes their guests to a modern, comfortable home away from home during their travels. More information is available at www.cascadesatthecolony.com.

ATLANTA, Ga., February 9, 2017— Officials of Peachtree Hotel Group (PHG), one of the nation’s fastest growing hotel investment and management platforms, today announced the completed development and opening of the 90-room Home2 Suites Prattville in Ala. The hotel marks the first Home2 Suites for the company, bringing PHG’s total hotel portfolio to 33.

Situated at 2505 Legends Drive, the extended-stay, pet-friendly hotel is convenient to the RT Capitol Hill Golf Course, historic Prattville and downtown Montgomery.  Guest suites feature separate living and sleeping areas, as well as a fully equipped kitchen.  Hotel amenities include a fitness center, saline pool, outdoor patio area, complimentary, daily breakfast and state-of-the-art business center.

PHG continues to seek additional acquisition and development opportunities.  To discuss additional growth possibilities, contact Brent LeBlanc at 713-666-2544 or bleblanc@peachtreehotelgroup.com. 

9^th February 2017 – Aman, a collection of intimate retreats providing uncompromisingly exclusive hideaways, has announced that Roland Fasel, formerly General Manager of The Dorchester and Regional Director, UK, for Dorchester Collection, has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer.

In this new post, Fasel, who has over 25 years of experience within the luxury hospitality industry, will oversee all facets of Aman’s intricate hotel, resort and private residence operations and will help define the future vision and strategy.  Fasel will work closely with Chairman, Vladislav Doronin, to develop the brand while retaining the unique characteristics for which the distinguished collection is renowned.

Commenting on his appointment, Roland says “Aman, with its pioneering spirit and uncompromisingly bespoke approach, has always been a brand that I have admired. I am looking forward to leading the team and steering the brand as it continues its gentle evolution and enters into its third decade.” On talking about his priorities, he adds, “The continued integration of Aman Wellness, the forthcoming introduction of a new culinary concept and a robust pipeline of development projects are all high on my agenda. However, maintaining an ever-closer connection with our guests and continuing to enrich their experience remains the number one priority and is something that Vladislav Doronin places great emphasis on. “

Fasel, a natural and considered leader who has opened, renovated and repositioned hotels across three continents, is a graduate from Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne in his native Switzerland. He later went on to gain an MBA from Golden Gate University in San Francisco before securing positions at Badrutt’s Palace, St Moritz, Four Seasons Hotels, Regent Hotels, Shangri-La in Asia, and most recently, his eight year tenure with the Dorchester Collection where, in his dual role, he was instrumental in growing their business, overseeing new openings, residences, spa and the repositioning of the Dorchester Collection brand.

Aman is currently comprised of 31 properties, in 20 destinations, including recent additions – Amanera (Dominican Republic), Amandayan (China), Amanemu (Japan), and Amanyangyun which opens in

Autumn 2017 on the outskirts of Shanghai and is the brand’s most ambitious to date. 

Eden Prairie, MN, February 9, 2017 … Teneo Hospitality Group, the premier global sales representation firm for 300 Four Diamond independent and luxury branded hotels, continues to expand its portfolio and international reach with the appointment of Christie Post as Director of Sales Northwest. Based in Portland, OR, Ms. Post will oversee Teneo's sales initiatives in Oregon, Washington and Utah.

Christie Post joins Teneo Hospitality Group with over 20 years of global hotel sales experience, primarily on the west coast.  Most recently, she held a global sales role with Disney, representing their convention and incentive hotels and Disney Institute, and received Disney's Platinum Club Award for two consecutive years.  She has also been a top producing member of Gaylord Hotels National Sales Team where she focused on large group business for Gaylord's four convention properties. 

Ms. Post opened and operated Krisam Group's first Pacific Northwest office from 2004 - 2010, and had previously held national sales and on-property positions with Ritz-Carlton and Krisam Group in New York.  

St. Pete Beach, Fla. – February 9, 2017 – The Kimpton Hotel Zamora is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Paul Romero as the Director of Sales & Marketing of its boutique, urban oasis on St. Pete Beach. In this role, Romero will work to spearhead Zamora’s marketing initiatives and sales plans for the hotel, oversee group, catering and banquet activities and work with the revenue team to increase total revenue and sales.

Romero joins The Kimpton Hotel Zamora with more than seven years of hotel industry experience, most recently serving as a Senior Sales Executive at Hilton St. Petersburg. He also held previous roles as Director of Sales & Catering at Chesapeake Hospitality in Philadelphia, Sales Manager at Tampa Marriott Westshore and General Manager at Country Inn & Suites, Tampa Airport.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul to The Kimpton Hotel Zamora family,” said Eric Jellson, Area Director of Marketing & Strategy, Kimpton Hotels of Florida & Cayman Islands. “With his local hospitality management experience, we are confident Paul will bring a fresh perspective and contribute innovative ideas that will bring Kimpton’s Hotel Zamora to the next level.”

Romero earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova University in Villanova Pennsylvania and served in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years. When he isn’t leading Zamora’s sales and marketing initiatives, Romero enjoys participating in local football, basketball and softball leagues and is an avid New York Jets fan.

The Kimpton Hotel Zamora is reminiscent of a modern day Mediterranean palace, that is both breathtakingly modern and historically inspired by the architecture of its namesake Spanish province, reflected throughout the hotel’s public spaces and expansive suites with balconies overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf of Mexico. Zamora’s unique rooftop event space features 360-degree views of the Bay and Gulf of Mexico, ideal for boutique weddings and intimate corporate events. Castile Restaurant & Lounge is ideal for locals and guests to experience contemporary cuisine influenced by the culinary traditions of Spain, Mexico and the Mediterranean. For more information on The Kimpton Hotel Zamora, visit http://www.thehotelzamora.com/. 

Tampa, Fla.  (February 9, 2017) – The Plasencia Group is pleased to announce that it served in an advisory capacity to The Millennia Companies in its purchase of the 25-story, 403-room Cleveland Marriott Downtown, located in Cleveland, Ohio. The Marriott is a primary component of Key Center, a mixed-use commercial property that is also the tallest building in Ohio. The Plasencia Group will continue to consult on the hotel as an asset manager through its advice & consulting division, TPG Hospitality Advisory Services.

The Plasencia Group’s Senior Managing Director, Rich Conti, led the hotel acquisition advisory effort for The Millennia Companies. Mr. Conti comments, “It has been exciting to be part of this transaction and we anticipate that under our client’s ownership, the hotel will increase its share of group and transient business, in addition to further enhancing the guest experience at the Marriott.”

The Plasencia Group expects that Millennia’s planned capital investments at the property and improved guest amenities, such as access to the full-service fitness center in the former Key Club, part of the Key Center, will appeal to transient guests and group meeting planners alike.

The Plasencia Group has been engaged by The Millennia Companies to provide ongoing asset management services and serve as ownership’s representative at the hotel.  Lou Plasencia, Chief Executive Officer, added, “We are pleased to add this prominent Ohio hotel to our portfolio of managed assets. Our team will work with the hotel’s ownership, management and sales and marketing teams to implement strategies and execute on opportunities that will add to the Marriott’s stature as the premier hotel in downtown Cleveland.”

Key Center is a mixed-use commercial property in downtown Cleveland comprised of a 57-story tower with 1.3 million square feet of class A+ office space, the 403-room Marriott, a 10-story historic bank building and a 982-stall attached parking garage. 

There is a distinct difference between a service animal and a comfort animal or an emotional support animal. An "emotional support animal" is a dog or other animal that has not been trained to perform specific tasks that assist with a person's disability. Rather the person feels a sense of well-being or reassurance from the animal's presence. An emotional support animal is not necessarily a dog but could be.

In California, there is not a specific definition for a "psychiatric service dog," but a dog that is specifically trained to assist a person with a mental disability with certain requirements is considered a service dog. A person that has such a dog is accorded the same rights under the law as someone with a physical disability that uses a service dog.

An example of work or tasks that a service dog could be trained to do for an individual with a mental disability would be waking someone with clinical depression and coaxing them out of bed at a specified time in the morning.

Lodging operators are not required to accommodate comfort animals, but they are required to accommodate service animals who assist an individual with a mental disability with specific tasks.

There may seem to be a gray area in the implementation of the ADA laws. Understanding the intention of the law to create inclusion and understanding who it applies to can aid lodging operators in creating a common sense approach to compliance and hospitality.

Article provided courtesy of the California Lodging Industry Association

Information sources for this article:
John Miller
Intake and Investigation
Department of Fair Employment and Housing
State of California | State and Consumer Services Agency
Direct Telephone: (510) 789-1042 | Fax: (888) 519-5917 | TTY: (800) 700-2320
Email: john.miller@dfeh.ca.gov www.dfeh.ca.gov 

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/Frustrated-by-Fake-Service-Dogs-208233211.html

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/california-laws-psychiatric-service-dogs-emotional-support-animals-public-places.html

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/psychiatric-service-dogs-emotional-support-animals-access-public-places-settings.html

Dothan, AL – February 9, 2017 – Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International’s (NASDAQ: MAR) TownePlace Suites by Marriott Dothan, Alabama is scheduled to open for business this Friday. On average, a TownePlace Suites opens every six days. Built for travelers looking for a simple and friendly place where they can settle-in, keep their routine, and easily connect to the Dothan area. The new TownePlace Suites Dothan located at 201 Retail Drive, continues to exemplify the brand's rapid growth. The new hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Ram Hotel Management, LLC of Columbus, Georgia.

“We are excited to introduce the TownePlace Suites brand to the Dothan area,” said Loren Nalewanski, vice president and global brand manager, TownePlace Suites. “At TownePlace Suites, we get it. We want to go above and beyond to do everything we can to make our guests feel comfortable. We encourage our guests to be real, and help them to do so by providing a seamless residential atmosphere with a friendly staff who genuinely care about our guests. That is what our brand is all about, and this property is a great example of that.”

The new hotel allows guests keep their routine and settle into the Dothan neighborhood. All service team members are thoroughly trained on local knowledge and look forward to connecting guests to the local area. Our floor-to-ceiling TowneMap® also helps guests instantly acclimate themselves to Dothan by featuring great places to eat, play and live (explore). The TownePlace Suites Dothan is conveniently located for both work and leisure travelers coming to the Wiregrass area and is located just six miles from Dothan Regional Airport. The new hotel offers guests convenient access to the Wiregrass Commons Mall, Water World, Highland Oaks Golf Course and the Dothan Opera House.

Ideal for travelers who need accommodations for longer stays, this new property offers studio and one-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, as well as separate living/working and sleeping areas. Guests can work and relax on their own terms in modern suites that feature full kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, adjustable work spaces with built-in shelves and lighting, a large flat screen television, as well as luxurious new bedding. Most rooms also feature the Home Office™ Suite, designed to provide guests with plenty of storage and flexible space to spread out and make it their own.

The hotel allows guests to maintain a healthy lifestyle with an array of food options. While on property guests can create their own complimentary hot breakfast every morning in the lobby area, and can fire up their stay by grilling up dinner on our outdoor Weber grills. The 24-hour In a Pinch® market and On Us® coffee service offer guests the chance to get their snack and caffeine on whenever they feel the need. The full kitchen and refrigerator allow guests to cook their own food, or save their leftovers after eating at a local Dothan hotspot.

TownePlace Suites helps its guests stay organized on the road with the help of our partners the Container Store. While staying at the TownePlace Suites Dothan, travelers can unpack their suitcase in a custom elfa® closet. From drawers to shelves to smart hanging space, you'll find everything you need to make you feel right at home. Other hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, an exercise room open 24 hours per day, an outdoor patio and fire pit, laundry facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and on-site business services, including copying, faxing and printing. As a brand TownePlace Suites recognizes that your family may include more than just humans, that is why the TownePlace Suites Dothan is pet-friendly (fees may apply).

Amarillo, TX – February 9, 2017 – Marriott International announced today that the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Amarillo, Texas is scheduled to open this March. The 102-suite hotel, located at 2301 Cinema Drive will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Platinum Management Services of Nashville, Tennessee.

Located 14 miles from Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport and 10 minutes from downtown, the SpringHill Suites Amarillo West/Medical Center offers guests convenient access to area attractions and major employers.

“As a brand opening a new hotel every 10 days on average, we are delighted that the SpringHill Suites Amarillo West/Medical Center is the latest addition to our growing number of properties across the United States and Canada,” said Loren Nalewanski, vice president and global brand manager, SpringHill Suites. “Our all-suite offering, and convenient amenities offer guests a little extra to help them enjoy their stay. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, we understand that guests want to connect to the local area. We make it our business to help them do that by offering our local expertise, and bringing the community into the hotel through our 24/7 market, bar and at our Art of Local events.”

“We are excited to be bringing the SpringHill Suites brand to such a thriving and vibrant community like Amarillo,” said Bill Upshaw, President at Platinum Management Services. “We are confident that SpringHill Suites Amarillo West/Medical Center will bring a new standard to the area and will provide a perfect mix of style, service and amenities that will exceed guest expectations.”

From the guest rooms to the lobby every aspect of design, from furniture and lighting, to colors and fabrics; has been carefully selected to offer calm and refreshing spaces to allow guests to relax and recharge. 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 with SpringHill Suites’ enhanced evening experience. Enjoy delicious food and beverage offerings, including local craft beer and premium wines available through the hotel’s full-service bar or the 24/7 Market.

Ideal for business and leisure travelers alike, the new hotel offers a little extra space with suites larger than a typical hotel rooms. Separate living, working and sleeping spaces provide guests with flexibility and functionality. The hotel offers comfortable beds, soft linens and plush pillows to allow for an optimum night’s sleep. Each suite also features a pullout sofa bed and lounge chair offering additional space for relaxation. The designated work space offers a well-lit desk space to ensure maximum productivity for those who need to get down to business.

Daily complimentary breakfast is filled with hot, healthy and indulgent choices including fresh strawberries, steel cut oatmeal, cold cuts, cheeses and much more. This is SpringHill Suites’ way of making sure guests have a good start to their day. The hotel features a full-service bar – Helio’s serving a variety of small plate food pairings. The property also has 1,100 square feet of meeting space to accommodate meetings and functions of up to 110 people.

Fitch Ratings-New York-10 February 2017: A healthy U.S. consumer bodes well in the near term for the U.S. lodging and leisure sectors, according to the first edition of Fitch Ratings' "All Inclusive: U.S. Lodging & Leisure Handbook." 

"With consumer confidence, employment and household balance sheets at or near the strongest levels in 15 years, lodging and leisure sector fundamentals are on solid near-term footing," says Stephen Boyd, Senior Director, U.S. Corporates. "Longer term, consumer preferences for experiences rather than physical goods will benefit the sector, specifically hospitality and travel-oriented companies."

Personal income growth will be an important driver of discretionary spending, making it a key metric to watch. 

Fitch expects U.S. lodging RevPAR will grow 1%-2% in 2017, driven mostly by leisure travel and group demand as corporate travel remains weak. 

Solid leisure travel is also benefitting online travel agencies (OTAs), the cruise industry and theme park operators.

Timeshare companies will continue to face pressure from higher new-owner sales, which have lower margins and more financing.

A notable outlier is the U.S. golf industry where demand (i.e. rounds played) is in secular decline due to unfavorable demographics and competition from alternative leisure pursuits that are more affordable and less time consuming. Innovations such as TopGolf may not translate into long-term growth in traditional golf participation due to structurally different approaches to the game.

Fitch Ratings' "All Inclusive: U.S. Lodging & Leisure Handbook" is a comprehensive reference guide for lodging & leisure debt investors. It provides credit analysis for important sub-sectors including lodging, timeshare, travel services, cruise operators, theme parks, fitness, golf and recreational products, as well as full credit profiles for 29 lodging and leisure issuers. 

Contact: 

Stephen Boyd, CFA
Senior Director
Corporate Finance
+1 212 908-9153 
Fitch Ratings
33 Whitehall Street
New York, NY

Colin Mansfield, CFA
Associate Director
+1-212-908-0899

Phoenix – (February 10, 2017) – Mortenson today announced the groundbreaking for the newest hotel in downtown Phoenix. The company is developing and building a Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton at the intersection of N. 1st Street and E. Polk Street, centrally-located near entertainment and business, and immediately south of the downtown campus of Arizona State University (ASU). It will be the first Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Phoenix.

Construction on the 11-story, 210-key hotel begins this month and is scheduled for completion in summer 2018. The hotel is being designed by PK Architects and Design Force. This is the second Hampton Inn & Suites that Mortenson has developed in the past three years. The hospitality market in Phoenix continues to strengthen with the growing demand in the area.

"Our site is strategically located to capture hotel demand from the city’s core central business district as well as from ASU and the Phoenix Biomedical Campus,” said Nate Gundrum, director of real estate development, at Mortenson. “The strength of our location, combined with the strength of the Hampton flag will be a great addition to the downtown Phoenix lodging supply."

Mortenson is a leading national hospitality and real estate developer. The company’s current and recent hospitality development projects include two AC Hotels by Marriott in Minneapolis, Minn. and Portland, Ore.; a JW Marriott and a Radisson Blu at Mall of America, Bloomington, Minn.; the Hyatt Regency at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland; expansion of the Hotel Commonwealth, Boston, Mass.; and the Marriott HARBORCENTER, Buffalo, N.Y.

DALLAS, TX. February 10, 2017 – Prism Hotels and Resorts announced today that it has promoted Mark Van Amerongen, as well as four other team members as the company continues to experience significant growth. Prism Hotels and Resorts’ President and CEO Steve Van made the announcement.

Promoted from senior vice president of operations to chief operating officer, Mark Van Amerongen will continue his current responsibilities focused on identifying opportunities for growth and overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations of its more than 25 hotels nationally. Prior to joining Prism 6 years ago, Mark served 8 years as executive vice president with Western International in Dallas, overseeing the growth of the management company from start-up to more than 45 hotels. Mark earned his degree in hotel and restaurant management from the State University of New York, and received his CHA designation in 1990.

 “Mark has played an absolutely instrumental role in helping to grow the operations of Prism Hotels and Resorts and cultivating our reputation for delivering results,” said Van. “As a result of his strategic vision and leadership, Mark has assembled a team of the best operations folks in the business, and has created a culture of the ‘most satisfied owners.’ He is largely responsible for our successful pivot as a company during the past few years as we now manage some of the best properties in the nation, including the 580 room Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport, and the 428 room Hilton Tucson El Conquistador.  We are proud to name him our COO and we will know he will continue to do incredible things in this role.”

In addition, the company has promoted Chris Charbonnet from regional vice president of operations—a position he has held with the company for three years—to senior vice president of operations. In his elevated role he will oversee the company’s robust property portfolio addressing all operational needs, challenges and opportunities. Formerly regional vice president of operations for GF Management overseeing 60 hotel transitions, Charbonnet has more than three decades of extensive experience in the hospitality industry.

Promoted from corporate director of revenue optimization to vice president of revenue optimization, Doll Ogden will begin assisting and supporting Prism’s portfolio of hotels in all areas of revenue management.  Prior to joining Prism Hotels, Ogden served as the director of market strategy at Austin, Texas’ Marriott International. With more than 20 years of diverse hospitality industry experience, Ogden has experience in a variety of operations positions.

Previously Corporate Director of Financial Services, Paul Mengacci has been promoted to vice president of finance and analytics. In his new role, Mengacci will oversee the accounting department as well as lead the operations team and assist the new business development team in business analytics functions. Before joining Prism, Paul worked as an assistant controller for Waterford Hotel Group in Connecticut. He brings more than 10 years of hospitality industry experience to the Prism team, including valuable perspective gained working in both operations and accounting roles. 

George Davis has been promoted from corporate taskforce engineer/project manager to corporate director of engineering. George has been with Prism Hotels & Resorts over 8 years and has been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years, in all phases of renovations, flag changes and other critical engineering functions.

“Our great people are our differentiator,” said Van. “We continue to grow securing the management of some of the best hotels in the country, and we are continuing to invest in our talent as we expand our operations. These professionals are among the best in the business with a diverse and deep hospitality background. We look forward to seeing them thrive in 2017 in these elevated roles.”

For more information, please visit www.prismhotels.com. 

LANAI, HAWAII (February 10, 2017) – Tom Roelens, general manager, Four Seasons Resort Lanai, has announced the appointment of David Arraya as resort manager. 

Arraya joins Four Seasons Resort Lanai following a number of senior management positions at luxury resorts across the United States and Asia, such as EAST Miami, EAST Hong Kong, Fontainebleau Miami and The Pierre in New York City. 

“We are delighted to welcome David to Lanai,” said Mr. Roelens.  “We provide our guests exceptional hospitality, unforgettable experiences and have a genuine desire to share our culture and land with all who visit Lanai. We are confident that David’s global outlook and previous successes will contribute to our journey as a world-class resort and destination. He has a hands-on approach with high attention to detail, and, a strong passion for luxury service." 

Four Seasons Resort Lanai opened in February 2016 following a lobby-to-roof transformation, and received the coveted AAA Five Diamond designation shortly after. 

Arraya transferred from Universidad Privada Boliviana in La Paz, Bolivia to Winthrop University, Charlotte, North Carolina, to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Hospitality. He speaks Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, Italian and has a working knowledge of Cantonese.

The Resort features 213 guestrooms and suites in a series of low-rise buildings spread along the Pacific coastline and immersed in Hawaiian botanical gardens, providing a private residential experience. Additional facilities include the signature ONE FORTY restaurant, Malibu Farm, NOBU LANAI, a spa and wellness program, variety of complimentary activities, luxury retail boutiques, tennis, an 18-hole ocean-view Jack Nicklaus Signature Manele Golf Course, as well as an array of land, ocean and air activities. 

Four Seasons Resort Lanai is located on a pristine island offering a simpler pace of life; it truly reflects Hawaii as it was intended to be. For more information, or to make a reservation, please contact Four Seasons at 1-800-321-4666, visit your travel professional, fourseasons.com/lanai or join our online communities at Facebook @FourSeasonsResortsLânaʿi, Twitter/Instagram @fslanai. Learn more about the destination at www.fourseasons.com/discoverlanai. 

Florence, SC – February 10, 2017 – The 86-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Florence, South Carolina is now open for business with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 501 Woody Jones Boulevard, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Florence I-20 will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Raines Hospitality, Inc. of Florence, South Carolina. This is the first Fairfield Inn & Suites in the area to feature the brand’s new design and décor, which enhance the guest experience through flexible features, and a warm and welcoming environment.

Located seven miles from Florence Regional Airport and 15 minutes from downtown, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Florence I-20 offers guests convenient access to Francis Marion University and their Performing Arts Center, Darlington Raceway, and the Florence Civic Center.

“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 Florence I-20 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 Florence 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 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.

Additional hotel amenities include an indoor swimming pool, an exercise room, valet laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as fax and copy services. 

BETHESDA, Md. – February 10th, 2017 – Marriott International, Inc.® (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced it has opened an Aloft hotel at Miami International Airport. The brand’s fourth hotel in greater Miami, Aloft Miami Airport is an adaptive re-use project that has transformed the Pan American Bank Building into a sleek, new hotel, catering to today’s hyper connected global traveler. Developed by Grass River Property and managed by HEI Hotels and Resorts, the hotel features 125 spacious, loft-like rooms, forward-thinking technology and an active social scene.

“We are excited to open this adaptive re-use Aloft hotel right next to Miami International Airport as we continue to grow the brand’s portfolio in this dynamic market,” said Toni Stoeckl, Vice President of Aloft Hotels. “Boasting a portfolio of more than 100 hotels worldwide, Aloft continues to resonate with travelers with its tech-forward atmosphere, leading-edge design and live music at the buzzing W XYZ bar.”

Just minutes from the airport and top shopping destinations such as Port of Miami, Miami Free Trade Zone and Dolphin Mall, Aloft Miami Airport hotel is also convenient to numerous corporations, Coconut Grove, the University of Miami and downtown Miami’s best clubs and restaurants. It is one of several successful adaptive re-use projects for the Aloft brand in cities across North America including Aloft Orlando Downtown, Aloft Tulsa, Aloft Dallas Downtown, Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney and Aloft Tampa Downtown.

“Aloft is winning over travelers with its emphasis on design and tech-forward amenities, and we’re proud to bring the brand to the airport market,” said Peter LaPointe, Principal, Grass River Property “The new Aloft will infuse a unique energy into the area and we expect it will soon become a leading choice with travelers to the city.”

Aloft Miami Airport features SPG Keyless—the Company’s industry-first keyless entry system that enables guests to use their smartphone or Apple watch as a room key—and fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Additional amenities include 500 square feet of flexible meeting space, an outdoor Splash pool, a Re:charge^SM fitness center; Re:fuel^SM by Aloft – a one-stop gourmet grab & go food and beverage area; and live, local music at the brand’s signature W XYZ® bar as part of the signature Live At Aloft Hotels music series. The property also includes three third party dining options including a coffee shop and two restaurants.

Visit the property directly at aloftmiamiairporthotel.com.

RALEIGH, N.C., February 10, 2017— Officials of PM Hotel Group, a leading, national hotel management company, today announced that it has completed the multi-million renovation of the 353-room Sheraton Raleigh Hotel in North Carolina.  This marks the first of four planned renovations the company expects to complete in 2017.

The full renovation included a top-to-bottom refurbishment of guestrooms, corridors, fitness center and club lounge.  Guestrooms received new beds, furniture with integrated power, hardwood flooring, bathroom updates and headboards with reading lamps.  Additionally, the hotel received new furniture and décor updates for both the lobby and the Sheraton Club Room, as well as Sheraton Link enhancements.  The Sheraton Raleigh now is one of the first hotels to incorporate Marriott’s new vision for its largest brand, the Sheraton 2020 plan.  The program aims to establish Sheraton as the global brand of choice through such actions as increased marketing and opening 150-plus new properties by the end of the decade.

“While we are most commonly perceived as an operator only, we also provide a number of additional advisory hospitality services, including capital planning and facilities management, which oversees renovation projects such as these, as well as finance & accounting, information systems and human resources,” said Joseph Bojanowski, president of PM Hotel Group. “As a result of this extensive renovation, the hotel already has received a ‘2017 Top New or Renovated Meeting Site Award’ from ConventionSouth Magazine.  With its ‘like-new’ status, we are confident the hotel quickly will regain its rightful position as the destination of choice for business and leisure travelers to the Research Triangle area of North Carolina.”

Situated at 421 South Salisbury Street, the Sheraton Raleigh is less than one block from the Raleigh Convention Center and within walking distance of the state capitol, museums, restaurants, nightlife, the Duke Energy Performing Arts Center and Red Hat Amphitheater.  The hotel features include Jimmy V's Osteria + Bar, which has quickly become one of Raleigh’s most popular gathering spots. The hotel’s boasts more than 18,000 square feet of meeting space, indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, fitness space and business center.