Southlake, Texas, July 25, 2017 – Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), the leading technology provider to the global travel industry, today named Clinton Anderson as president of Sabre Hospitality Solutions, effective Aug. 7.  He will succeed Alex Alt who has accepted an executive position at another company.

“Clinton has demonstrated his tremendous value and executive skills leading initiatives and taking on strategic projects across the company over the past three years, working effectively with customers and employees alike,” said Sean Menke, Sabre’s president and CEO.  “Having someone of Clinton’s caliber already on the Sabre team allows a seamless transition as he steps into this new role and builds upon the outstanding organization and opportunities that Alex has created during the past five years he’s been at Sabre.  Sabre has identified the hospitality sector as a key engine of growth and Alex has also positioned the company for tremendous opportunities.”

Anderson joined Sabre in 2014, and he currently serves as senior vice president of strategy where he has been instrumental in key product, technology, business and investment strategy initiatives.  Prior to joining Sabre, he co-founded Emerson/Anderson, a private investment fund focused on small cap businesses. He was also a partner at Bain and Company where he served as a leader of consumer products and performance improvement practices and led consulting engagements across many industries to drive profitable growth, operational efficiency and strategic differentiation.

“Growing the Sabre hospitality business and taking advantage of the technology opportunities in the sector has been a key focus in building Sabre’s business strategy,” said Anderson.  “We have leading technology solutions and intend to continue to build a portfolio that will allow us to scale and work with hotel operators of all sizes and across the globe.  Alex should feel very proud of what he has accomplished, and I welcome the chance to take the reins and continue to drive Sabre’s hospitality business to even more success.”

IRVING, Texas, July 25, 2017—Officials of The Buccini/Pollin Group, a privately held, full-service real estate acquisition, development and management company (BPG), today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the 302-room Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel for $46 million.  PM Hotel Group, a leading, national hotel management company based in Washington, DC, will operate the hotel.

“The Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel marks our 7,600^th room either developed or acquired since our inception in 1993,” said Dave Pollin, co-founder, BPG.  “The Dallas/Fort Worth marketplace continues to hold great interest for us as we further expand our portfolio of full-service hotels in markets with high barriers to entry that appeal to both business and leisure travelers.  Alongside our DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas DFW Airport Hotel, this marks our second hotel in the DFW area.  We continue to be impressed by the dynamic growth of the DFW Airport region as it is much more than a typical airport market.”

Located within minutes of DFW Airport at 4440 West John Carpenter Freeway, the recently renovated hotel is near such attractions as the Texas Motor Speedway, Six Flags Over Texas and AT&T Stadium.   The hotel underwent an extensive $7 million upgrade to: the lobby, including a new signature lobby lounge experience; guest rooms; an expanded and redesigned Club Lounge; and all function rooms.  Guests can enjoy complimentary internet access and the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience in a spacious setting.  The hotel is equipped with a state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor pool, 25,000 square feet of meeting space and the Link@Sheraton, a full-service business center.  

2017 has been a particularly active year for BPG.  Other highlights include:

• Acquired the HOTEL DU PONT, an historic, Four Diamond, grande dame in the heart of Wilmington, Del.
   
• Undergoing/completed over $30 million in renovations, upgrades and repositioning, including: a complete reimagining of the 353-room Sheraton Raleigh Hotel in N.C.; opening the first Renaissance Hotel in downtown Philadelphia; and an addition and comprehensive renovation of the Fairfield Inn King of Prussia, Pa.
   
• Completing construction in October, 2017 of the 310 room Embassy Suites Midtown Manhattan, the only Embassy Suites in New York City.
   
• Opening the 177 room Canopy by Hilton Hotel Washington, DC – Bethesda North in December.
   
• Opening the 153 room Canopy by Hilton Portland, Ore. – Pearl District in early 2018.
   

“We are on track to have another record year of portfolio growth,” Pollin added.  “Our pipeline remains full and Wall Street’s view of the hospitality industry remains upbeat, both signs of continued optimism for the remainder of the year.”

ATLANTA, July 25, 2017 -- Davidson Hotels & Resorts announces the transition in ownership of the Iowa City Sheraton, a property formerly owned by RockBridge and managed by Davidson for nearly 10 years.  AJ Capital Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm, has acquired the property while retaining Davidson Hotels & Resorts as the management company.

The Iowa City Sheraton is conveniently located on Iowa City's Pedestrian Mall District which offers an eclectic mix of culture, arts, entertainment and dining options and only steps away from the University of Iowa, home of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The nine-story, 234-room hotel will undergo an expansive renovation in 2018, culminating with a relaunch to the Graduate Iowa City by summer 2018. Renovations will touch all aspects of the property including more than 13,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces, as a well as guestrooms, restaurants, pool and the hotel lobby. Additionally, Graduate Hotels will bring a creative, contemporary, locally driven food and beverage program with the desire to cultivate relationships among hotel guests and locals.  Upon conversion to a Graduate Hotel, the property will operate under Pivot Hotels & Resorts, Davidson's lifestyle and luxury operating division.

Graduate Hotels are synonymous with creating a unique environment for travelers, aiming to create lasting memories through adventure and exploration, and are part of a well-curated, thoughtfully crafted collection of hotels. Each property exudes dynamic energy, supporting its local community, as Graduate Hotels are located in university centric cities across the country.

"AJ Capital has created one of the most exciting new concepts in lodging with Graduate Hotels.  We have operated in over ten university markets ourselves, so the combination of our experiences will be highly strategic as we grow together," said John Belden, president and CEO of Davidson. "We are thrilled to become part of the AJ Capital family and look forward to presenting the Iowa City community with an exciting new chapter for the hotel."

"It is with great pleasure that we announce the acquisition of the Sheraton Iowa City," says Tim Franzen, President of Graduate Hotels. "This acquisition exemplifies our strategy of investing in ideally located assets in multi-dimensional university-anchored markets. We look forward to expanding our footprint within the Big Ten Conference with Graduate Iowa City's opening next year.  We look forward to growing with Pivot Hotels & Resorts as they've quickly established themselves as one of the most creative and innovative lifestyle managers in the industry."

Davidson Hotels & Resorts, and its lifestyle and luxury operating division, Pivot Hotels & Resorts, is one of the industry's preeminent hotel operators, specializing in branded and lifestyle full-service and upscale urban select-service hotels. For more information about Davidson Hotels & Resorts and Pivot Hotels & Resorts, visit www.davidsonhotels.com or www.pivothotels.com.  

Milwaukee, WI (July 25, 2017) – Crescent Hotels & Resorts has been selected to manage the recently renovated 389-room Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel. Crescent, based in Fairfax, Virginia, is a nationally recognized elite operator of hotels and resorts throughout the United States and Canada.

The hotel, which was renovated earlier this year, is located right off Interstate 94 and just a short twenty-minute drive from downtown Milwaukee. It offers convenient access to the Milwaukee Mile Speedway, Milwaukee County Zoo, Wisconsin State Fair Park, Harley Davidson Museum, and the Sharon Lynn Wilson Center for the Arts.

“Crescent’s extensive operating experience with Sheraton properties and being an award winning Marriott Manager will maximize the potential of this beautiful asset” said Michael George, Chief Executive Officer of Crescent Hotels & Resorts.

The Sheraton’s 19,000 square feet of meeting and event space was also renovated earlier this year, including two ballrooms, and can accommodate groups up to 500 people. The hotel also now offers new dining options, including The Craft Room for classic Midwestern cuisine, as well as a brand new private Sheraton Club Lounge, a 24-hour fitness facility, indoor and outdoor pools, 24-hour business center and concierge services.

And the hotel is also not only pet friendly, but has actually forged a partnership with the local Humane Animal Welfare Society. Through this partnership, the Sheraton becomes the temporary home for selected dogs to help create more awareness throughout the community and to grab the attention of out-of-town business and leisure travelers.

For more information, or to book your next stay at the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel, visit www.sheratonmilwaukeebrookfield.com or call (262) 364-1100.

MASHANTUCKET, Conn.- July 25, 2017 - Foxwoods^® Resort Casino, the premier resort destination in the Northeast, today announced that Suzanne Trout has been hired as Chief Marketing Officer. Trout brings over 20 years of results-driven integrated marketing experience to the role, where she will be tasked with growing market share and overseeing all marketing and communications. 

“Suzanne Trout is a long-time resort casino industry pro with an exceptional marketing mind,” said Felix Rappaport, President and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino. “Suzanne is the right senior executive at the right time given her strong gaming and brand expertise as we continue to grow into a fully-integrated resort destination.”

Trout joins Foxwoods from Eldorado Resorts where she served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising. Prior to Eldorado, she was Chief Marketing Officer for Rush Street Gaming and a Senior Vice President of Regional Marketing for Caesars Entertainment.

As Chief Marketing Officer, Trout will oversee all facets of Foxwoods marketing including Player Development, International Marketing, Loyalty Marketing, Entertainment, Brand & Advertising, Public Relations and more.

“I am thrilled to be part of the team at Foxwoods Resort Casino,” said Trout. “Foxwoods and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation have built a world-class resort casino and I look forward to collaborating with senior management as we continue to fortify Foxwoods’ position as a powerful, nationally-revered brand.” 

Waterford, CT (July 25, 2017) - Tomas Tolentino has been appointed as General Manager of the 125-room Fairfield Inn & Suites in Hyannis, MA. As General Manager, Tolentino is responsible for all of the hotel’s operations, sales, and administration, as well as all of the associates employed at the property. The hotel’s asset manager is Konover Hotel Corporation and the operations manager is Waterford Hotel Group.

Tolentino began his hospitality career in Seaport District of Boston working at well-known hotels in the area. He then relocated to Cape Cod and has spent the last 7 years working at popular resorts including the Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club as the Director of Front Office and the Sea Crest Beach Hotel as the Director of Rooms. Most recently, he served as Assistant General Manager at the Blue Water & Riviera Beach Resorts since 2013.

“Tomas has proven himself to be a true leader in hospitality,” commented Rob Winchester, President and COO of Waterford Hotel Group. “His familiarity with the region and extensive experience in the hospitality industry makes him the ideal fit for this property.”

NEW YORK, NY (July 25, 2017) – Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group appoints Rohit Anand as Vice President of Brand Activation and Partnerships. In this role, Mr. Anand will lead the company’s efforts to develop and implement immersive brand partnerships, programming and activations across Dream Hotel Group’s brands including Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels, furthering the company’s ethos of immersive hotel experiences.

Mr. Anand is responsible for aligning the hotel’s vibrant lifestyle image with relevant, local cultural happenings in music, art, fashion, tech and wellness. He will also continue to develop the brand’s cultural footprint off-property via high-profile events and influencer activations at Art Basel, Sundance Film Festival, South by Southwest, Winter Music Conference and Coachella Arts & Music Festival, as well as creative brand campaigns like My City of Dream and Dream Sessions. As consumers become more lifestyle-oriented in their hotel choices, Dream Hotel Group is focused on cutting through the clutter with boutique hotel concepts committed to guest services, captivating content generation and personalized experiences that set their brands apart in the marketplace.

Rohit joined Dream Hotel Group in 2010 as a brand development specialist and quickly rose among the ranks to become Global Director of Brand Activation and Partnerships for Dream Hotels. He has forged invaluable relationships and collaborations with brands and leaders in music, media, art, technology and fashion, including Beats by Dre, The Lincoln Motor Company, Victoria’s Secret, Atlantic Records, Fool’s Gold Records, The Fader, NYLON, Shepard Fairey and Morrison Hotel Gallery, among others.

“Our goal at Dream Hotel Group is to provide our guests with a truly authentic experience at each property,” said Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein. “Mr. Anand’s creative vision will help us continue to conceptualize our guests’ full lifestyle immersion and will capture the local communities’ engagement with our hotels through strategic partnerships and collaborations.”

“Dream is a brand that lives at the crossroads of music, art and culture,” added Rohit Anand, Vice President of Brand Activation & Partnerships, Dream Hotel Group. “I look forward to strengthening our relationships in these categories across all four brands and carving a niche for Dream Hotel Group as a leader in the luxury/lifestyle hotel space, as we continue to build experiences that draw local crowds.”

Dream Hotel Group continues to partner with standout brands to enhance the guest experience, most recently announcing an exclusive collaboration at the newly-opened Dream Hollywood with The Lincoln Motor Company, where guests have access to the all-new Lincoln Continental Black Label, Lincoln MKZ Black Label and Lincoln Navigator, as well as welcome amenities and special co-hosted events.

FRISCO, Texas (July 25, 2017) – Omni Hotels & Resorts is excited to announce the opening of its newest location, the Omni Frisco Hotel, located at The Star. Along with the 300 luxurious guestrooms and distinctive hotel amenities, such as the rooftop pool, the Omni Frisco Hotel boasts exceptional dining and retail experiences that are sure to keep guests and the North Texas community entertained as the official hotel of the Dallas Cowboys.

“This is a project we’re so happy to finally unveil to our customers as well as the people of Frisco,” said Jim Caldwell, CEO of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “So much thought and effort has gone into the design and execution of this hotel and we are thrilled to have such exceptional partners in the Dallas Cowboys. The Omni Frisco Hotel will truly be a destination for all things luxury in North Texas.”

Laura McKoy, creative director + vice president of interior design for Omni Hotels & Resorts, and her team of designers worked to subtly capture the Dallas Cowboys legacy in the room décor and throughout the hotel, while keeping Omni’s signature level of luxury and service at the forefront. Frisco, a city known for its great progress, and its motto, Progress In Motion, is also reflected in the guest room details. Clean lines, layered textures, multifunctional furniture with integrated storage and lighting make the guest rooms the new standard for modern and quality design. Omni Frisco is a cornerstone to North Texas and reflects the culture and energy of the area. The hotel embraces a timeless interpretation of the state of Texas, city of Frisco and the Dallas Cowboys’ heritage and is led by General Manager, Jeff Smith.

In partnership with restaurant entrepreneur, Nick Badovinus, the hotel will debut Neighborhood Services as the featured dining experience. The newest location of the ever-popular dining destination will be led by Executive Chef Richard Blankenship. Neighborhood Services at the Omni Frisco Hotel will feature menu favorites such as the Butcher’s Meatballs, Crispy Asparagus, Butcher’s Burger and more, as well as its nightly plates like the Meatloaf and Mash and Chicken and Dumplings. The restaurant’s premiere brunch menu, debuting Friday, August 25, will put a Neighborhood Services twist on brunch favorites including Avocado Toast, House Granola and Yogurt, a Quinoa Bowl and the sweetest item of all - Churro French Toast. With Blankenship at the helm, hotel guests and the communities of Frisco and North Texas will find exceptional culinary experiences within the hotel.

As executive chef, Blankenship will oversee the hotel’s culinary endeavors for Neighborhood Services, along with the hotel’s rooftop pool bar and grill – the Edge Bar, in-room dining, banquets and catering. The Edge Bar menu will be continuously updated based on seasonal menu items and culinary partnerships with the Omni Frisco Hotel. The menu currently features food and drink options that incorporate the hotel’s seasonal partner, Avocados From Mexico. In addition, the Omni Frisco Hotel’s Lobby Bar will feature select wines curated by master sommelier, Drew Hendricks. These fine wines can be enjoyed while guests savor a curated selection of cheeses by artisanal cheesemongers from Dallas-based specialty store, Molto Formaggio. The cheese cart will stand as a daily staple – presenting a range of cheese options from France, Italy, California, and of course, Texas. Guests may enjoy gourmet cheese boards perfectly paired with charcuterie, as well as single selections. The Omni Frisco Hotel lobby embraces a true social, as well as culinary, experience for all guests.

In addition to the exquisite food and beverage program, Omni Frisco will offer a unique retail experience with the Charlotte Jones Collection. Named after Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President & Chief Brand Officer and notable style maven, Charlotte Jones Anderson, the luxury retail outpost will be an essential fashion destination for visitors of the hotel and The Star, which anchors the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters at Ford Center.

Charlotte Jones Collection will feature an assortment of curated clothing, jewelry and goods for men, women, children and the home – some even branded in the famed shades of Cowboys Blue and Silver. The newest addition to North Texas’ booming shopping scene will also have the same custom Dallas Cowboys luxury embroidered throw blankets that guests enjoy in their hotel rooms. Not only will Charlotte Jones Collection feature Dallas Cowboys merchandise, it will also offer exclusive items from Dallas-area artists. There will be a variety of snacks, drinks and sundry items available for guests. The boutique aims to give fashion forward shoppers a wide-range of thoughtfully selected fashion and home finds, as well as providing guests the perfect souvenir to bring back home after their stay at the Omni Frisco Hotel.

Additional items for sale in Charlotte Jones Collection include premier women’s and men’s gifts – from exquisite Hublot watches and stunning jewelry pieces from Alexis Bittar to stadium friendly clutches from Edie Parker. Charlotte Jones Collection will also feature exclusively-designed items from notable fashion favorites Kendra Scott, Peter Millar and Paige Denim. The store’s impressive lineup also includes offerings from Equipment, Essie, Jack Black, Sugarfina and Swell, to name a select few.

The Omni Frisco Hotel and its retail and culinary outlets are now open. For additional information on the hotel and its amenities, visit www.omnihotels.com/frisco or call (469) 287-0000. 

Clearwater Beach, Fla. (July 25, 2017) – Key International – a prominent real estate investment and development company specializing in hospitality – has announced that the new Marriott^® dual-branded Residence Inn Tampa Clearwater Beach (140 suites) and SpringHill Suites Tampa Clearwater Beach (115 suites) will open August 2017. The firm has appointed LBA Hospitality – a full-scale hotel management, development and consulting firm – to oversee the properties.

Co-located at 309 Coronado Drive, both hotels will feature oversized guestrooms with a coastal vibe, flexible living, working and sleeping space, stunning views of Clearwater Bay and a wide array of shared amenities.

“Thanks in part to the city’s successful Beach by Design redevelopment plan to revitalize Clearwater Beach, the destination is thriving with both leisure and business travelers, and we are thrilled to be part of this record growth,” said Shawn Gracey, Executive Vice President of Hospitality with Key International. “Having two properties at one address allows guests to choose the hotel that best suits their unique travel needs, while enjoying access to another for even more experiences.”

The fusion of these two unique Marriott^® brands presents a variety of added amenities. Guests will enjoy mobile check-in/check-out, a mix of suite types with in-room Smart TVs, complimentary signature daily healthy-choice breakfast, shared outdoor swimming pool with expanded deck, state-of-the-art fitness center, meeting space, 24/7 business center, guest laundry, 24-hour market and valet/covered parking. The properties are also pet-friendly and will offer the Marriott Rewards loyalty program.

In conjunction with the opening timeframe, LBA is pleased to announce Ron Bitz as general manager and Kelly Clark as director of sales.

“Ron and Kelly are exceptionally qualified to lead our executive team for this new development,” said Farrah Adams, Chief Operating Officer of LBA Hospitality “In addition to their decades of expertise and industry notoriety, they are locals who are deeply rooted in the community and actively invested in the market.”

With three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Ron Bitz comes to the Residence Inn Tampa Clearwater Beach and SpringHill Suites Tampa Clearwater Beach with extensive operations experience from upper-level Hilton brand positions. Most recently, Bitz was area general manager for Hilton Worldwide, where he was nominated for General Manager of the Year (2016) and, recently, recognized with a Community Service Award and Employee Engagement Award at the 2017 General Manager’s Conference. Bitz also worked as area director for the Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton and Homewood Brands. He will oversee day-to-day operations of the new Clearwater Beach properties. Bitz is an active member of Tampa Bay Lacrosse Officials Association and serves on the boards of Tarpon Springs High School Music Leadership Conservatory and the University of South Florida’s School of Hospitality.

As director of sales, Kelly Clark will handle training and supervision of the sales team to generate meeting business in the corporate, government, sports, and social market segments. With more than 15 years of accomplished hotel sales experience, Clark is trained and certified in numerous hotel brands. She was most recently director of sales at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Tampa Bay, where she had three years of record-breaking revenues, including three record months in the first quarter of 2017. Prior to this, Clark was director of sales at SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Gainesville, Florida, where she created a sales training program and incentives to target past accounts and groups. As an active member of the community, Clark has been involved in many local causes and organizations throughout her career. She will continue her service in Clearwater through her efforts at the Homeless Empowerment Campus [HEP].

For more information or reservations, go to Marriott.com/tpayr for Residence Inn Tampa Clearwater Beach and Marriott.com/tpays for SpringHill Suites Tampa Clearwater Beach. 

San Francisco, CA (July 26, 2017) – Hotel Drisco, the quintessential Pacific Heights neighborhood hideaway and a San Francisco historic resource, is pleased to announce the completion of a comprehensive renovation.  After a six-month long closure, the 1903 Edwardian boutique hotel’s top-to-bottom refresh includes the renovation of all 48 guestrooms and bathrooms, including 16 suites, as well as updates to all the public areas and landscaping.

 “The Hotel Drisco is an iconic property that combines traditional elegance with contemporary residential-style comfort.  Our loyal guests consider the hotel their ‘home away from home’ because we provide an unparalleled level of gracious and authentic service.  The beautiful building and our charming neighborhood location seal the deal,” said John Spear, the Hotel Drisco’s General Manager. “Our top priority with this renovation was to retain the local character and refined but relaxed ambiance our guests have always loved us for, while weaving in many thoughtful refinements.”

The refreshed guestrooms and suites, many with sweeping views of San Francisco, are tastefully appointed with new custom-designed furniture and vanities, carpeting, window treatments, light fixtures and sound insulation upgrades.  Nearly all guestrooms have increased square footage and feature neutral tones with hues of cream, taupe and slate with striking pops of gold.  Guest bathrooms feature radiant floor heating, marble details, lighted fog-free vanity mirrors and walk-in showers. Additional enhancements include a beautifully appointed new high-speed elevator, renovated Dining Room and Boardroom, new hallway art and lighting, and updated carpeting in public areas.

With a focus on providing a compelling value in a luxury environment, the Hotel Drisco offers many complimentary amenities including a gourmet continental breakfast, an evening wine reception with local artisan cheese and charcuterie, 24-hour coffee and tea service, chauffeur service on weekday mornings, HD-streaming quality WiFi, neighborhood parking and bikes to borrow for cruising town like a local.  Eco-friendly touches include custom glass reusable water bottles, a new state-of-the-art radiant hydronic heating and cooling system, and new double-pane windows providing sound and thermal insulation.  Additionally, 24-hour room service is available for guests who wish to stay in to relax and enjoy the comforts of their guest room.  “There are no hidden fees or extra charges, which is a rarity among luxury hotels,” said Spear.

The Hotel Drisco is a locally owned independent hotel that is dedicated to providing an authentic and memorable experience that celebrates the charm and beauty of the great city of San Francisco.  “Our guests have come to expect the personal attention that our passionate hosts excel at providing.  Our employees are longtime residents of San Francisco who love to share their city.”

The Hotel Drisco is located at 2901 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, California, 94115.  For more information or to book reservations, please call (415) 346-2880 or toll-free at (800) 634-7277 or visit www.hoteldrisco.com.

HEBS Digital’s third installment in 2017 of “HEBStrategy,” a series of whitepapers that cover the latest news and trends in hotel digital marketing and technology, is now available for download! The HEBStrategy Q3 edition assesses the climate of the hospitality industry, explores creative approaches to brand loyalty and guest recognition programs, and highlights key findings hoteliers should be mindful of in auditing their hotel digital marketing strategies.

Download the HEBStrategy Q3 2017 whitepaper to learn about:

• What's Trending in Hospitality: Stay up-to-date on what will affect hoteliers over the next few months, including Airbnb’s move into the business travel segment and what to be aware of considering the rise of widgets available to place on the hotel website.
   
• Business Need Spotlight:  Address key business needs like a revenue-driving guest loyalty program through strategic and cost-effective digital marketing.
   
• Industry Insights You May Have Missed: Catch up on the highlights and takeaways from Q2 by looking through our recent articles, blog posts, and press releases.
   
• Metrics that Matter: Get the scoop on important trends and the best practices that will help you capitalize on them, from inspiring family travel on social media to increasing occupancy by implementing live rates on the property website.
   
• A Look Outside the Industry: Sometimes all you need is a fresh perspective. HEBS Digital gathered unique campaigns and initiatives from industries outside of hospitality and broke down what exactly made them pop. Be inspired and create engaging new content that will put "heads in beds."
   

Access these insights and more when you download HEBS Digital’s Q3 2017 HEBStrategy whitepaper.

ATLANTA – July 26, 2017 – Hilton Atlanta, the 1,249-room landmark downtown hotel, unveils the completion of its multi-million-dollar redesign featuring upgraded guest rooms, meeting spaces and public areas. The refresh is the first of a three-phase renovation program slated to be completed by 2018.

Boasting 129,000 square feet of meeting space and increased internet bandwidth, the hotel’s second floor now houses two ballrooms – the Grand Salon and Grand Ballroom – and an impressive 23 breakout rooms on one level which allow groups to comfortably host multiple meetings. Targeting groups with visual projection demands, the reconfigured Grand Salon features newly expanded 22 feet of additional ceiling height and pillarless infrastructure. Maximizing flexibility and functionality, the redesigned Galleria Exhibit Hall provides additional breakouts and meeting spaces.

A private check-in desk was designed with large groups in mind to offer a centralized hub for group check-ins and registration. Adjacent is a more conveniently located 24-hour Marketplace Café that offers fresh sandwiches, salads and snacks, many of which are sourced by local vendors.

“The renovation speaks to the increase in demand for more dynamic meetings space and sleek, cutting edge design,” said Michael Fletcher, director of sales and marketing, Hilton Atlanta. “The Grand Salon’s soaring ceiling height paired with the Galleria’s breakout space allows multiple groups to conduct business in the hotel.”

Designed by New York City-based architecture and interior design firm Stonehill & Taylor, the hotel’s newly unveiled design honors Atlanta’s aesthetic, culture and history. Subtle nods of 70’s-inspired décor like brass fixtures and bold patterns are peppered throughout public spaces and guestrooms as a tribute to the iconic decade in which the hotel made its debut.

Adjacent to the lobby, a newly unveiled expansive lounge caters to business travelers featuring contemporary décor that incorporate transit-inspired design elements. With Atlanta being known as a “city in a forest” for its dense foliage, guests will notice a modern, cascading chandelier reminiscent of descending leaves upon arrival, followed by a subtle leaf-inspired light fixture perpendicular to vertical mirrors that emulate a forest-like panorama at check-in.

“The fresh look reflects Atlanta’s quintessential charm and showcases the hotel’s commitment to growing business in the downtown community," Brad Koeneman, general manager, Hilton Atlanta. “We’re confident the increased function space and bandwidth to host larger groups will appeal to both new and existing clientele.”

Trader Vic’s, Atlanta’s only Polynesian tiki lounge, and Nikolai’s Roof, an upscale French-Russian-inspired restaurant on the hotel’s top floor, boast new libation-inspired private event programming such as Mai Tai mixology classes and vodka tastings. Mainstays in Atlanta’s restaurant scene, both have maintained their timeless appeal and remained open for 41 years since the hotel’s opening.

To book a reservation at Hilton Atlanta, please visit here or call 404-659-2000.

Travel can play havoc with our mental and physical wellbeing. So many of us spend hours at the gym, watching our diets or taking early morning yoga classes, only to see all the great results fly out the window when we board the plane.

Increasingly travellers are realigning their priorities to put wellbeing first in today’s over-scheduled and ‘always on’ culture. As they increasingly endeavour to stick to good routines on the road, ‘wellness travel’ has flourished, outpacing regular travel by 50% and reflecting the need for travellers to recharge, refresh and rejuvenate themselves to maintain a healthy life balance.

IHG^® (InterContinental Hotels Group) and Pro-invest Group today herald the ‘age of the healthy traveller’ in Australasia with the first signing of an EVEN Hotels property in New Zealand, the first and only global hotel brand with wellness at its core. 

EVEN Hotel Auckland is scheduled to open in 2020 and is the first of the brand to be signed outside of North America. It is also the first in Pro-Invest Group’s portfolio of 10-15 EVEN Hotels across the capital cities and economic hubs in Australia and New Zealand, in partnership with IHG. 

The EVEN Hotels brand was home grown by IHG based on an understanding of the consumer shift toward holistic wellness – especially as it relates to travel. Best-in-class fitness facilities, in-room exercise zones and simple, fresh and organic foods are the cornerstones. Beyond food and exercise the brand offers initiatives that build on the bigger wellness picture, such as bedrooms with plush bedding, aromatherapy amenities, intended to encourage a good night’s sleep and lighting profiles that energise and relax. 

IHG has partnered with leaders in the wellness space to deliver the best experience for guests across all EVEN Hotels in Australasia. Nutritionally-designed menus and quality, ethically-sourced food will be supplied by THR1VE, the food experts who are focused on extraordinary health, deliciously simple. Fitness facilities will include a state-of-the-art, multi-functional zoned gym and flex space for small group fitness classes, and in-room fitness elements.

Jan Smits, Chief Executive Officer Asia Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “Some brands know what they’re made of, we know who we’re made for. Wellness travel is a global phenomenon and a $563 billion industry today  and, with EVEN Hotels, we have a created a brand that will deliver a local wellness experience to travellers for whom health and wellbeing is so important. I firmly believe that the EVEN Hotels brand will be a key driver in market share growth in New Zealand and Australia.“

Ronald Barrott, Principal of Pro-invest said: “With more than 3.5 million visitors in 2016 and a naturally adventurous and health-conscious population, New Zealand is a great fit for EVEN Hotels. We are very excited to be opening EVEN Hotel Auckland, the first outside of North America, in partnership with IHG.”

Located in the very heart of Auckland’s centre, at the corner of Albert and Wyndham Street, the 200-room EVEN Hotel Auckland will not only look different, but will also have a distinctive vibe. It will feature fresh, natural and modern design; bringing the outdoors inside and offering playful and energising workspaces, dining and social areas, natural outdoor spaces. It will also feature design and technology elements to enable guests to maintain the balance they desire on a daily basis. 

IHG currently has 32 hotels operating under four brands across New Zealand and Australia: InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express® with a further 14 in the pipeline including Hotel Indigo®. 

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is now accepting entries for its 2017 Adrian Awards, celebrating excellence in travel marketing. Now in their 61st year, the Adrian Awards recognize hospitality brands and agencies for creativity and innovation in advertising, digital marketing, and public relations. Winners of the 2017 Adrian Awards will be honored at the HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala on February 20, 2018 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

“Building upon a 60-year tradition, the 2017 Adrian Awards will honor exemplary travel marketing,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “To ensure that we recognize and celebrate the true trailblazers in the field, this year we’re introducing a few additional categories that reflect emerging trends in travel and hospitality marketing.”

HSMAI is introducing a new entry category in 2017 to recognize cross-discipline work: Integrated Marketing Campaign. Utilizing at least two of the following: advertising, public relations, digital marketing, these campaigns offer a unified and seamless experience for consumers to interact with the brand/enterprise, designed to ensure that all messaging and communications strategies are consistent across all channels and are centered on the customer.

The Adrian Awards has also added new Geo-Targeted Campaign and Experiential Campaign categories to each division (advertising, digital marketing, and public relations).

“Our theme for this year’s Adrian Awards is ‘Be a Travel Marketing Super Hero,’” said Fran Brasseux, CHSE, CHBA, executive vice president, HSMAI. “Travel marketing professionals are often the unsung heroes of the hospitality industry, and the Adrian Awards are the perfect way for the industry to acknowledge their phenomenal contributions.”

Travel industry professionals and agencies compete in three divisions: advertising, digital marketing, and public relations. Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards will be given in each category. Platinum winners are selected as the most extraordinary entrants, and the highest distinction—“Best of Show” —is granted to the top Platinum winners. Winners are showcased in the HSMAI Adrian Awards Winners Gallery.

Benefactor Awards presented at the gala include the following:

• Leader in Sustainable Tourism Award, presented by HSMAI in conjunction with National Geographic Traveler, for exemplary leadership and innovation in preserving and communicating an authentic sense of place through a wisely managed tourism program.
   
• Pioneer in Visual Storytelling Award, presented by benefactor Libris by Photoshelter.
   

The Adrian Awards’ early entry deadline is August 22, 2017 and the final deadline is September 15, 2017. All entries for the Adrian Awards must be submitted online. In addition, HSMAI is accepting nominations for “The HSMAI Top 25: Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization 2017,” and Lifetime Achievement honors. For submission guidelines and award information, visit http://www.adrianawards.com.

The Adrian Awards entries will be judged by advertising, digital marketing, and public relations experts and leading members of the travel industry. Professionals interested in being a judge can contact HSMAI at adrianawards@hsmai.org.

For more information on the Adrian Awards competition please contact Ellen Wilson at ewilson@hsmai.org, visit www.adrianawards.com, or follow Adrian Awards news on Twitter at www.twitter.com/adrianawards. For information on becoming an Adrian Awards partner, contact Elise Rhinehart at erhinehart@hsmai.org.

By Dr. Gabor Forgacs

The previous methods of ADR (Average Daily Rate) calculations are not good enough any longer. In the fast-paced world of the hotel industry the ecosystem of distribution channels and methods is evolving fairly rapidly and we need to reflect that in our ADR calculations. We need to separately calculate an external ADR from guest-paid room rates and an internal ADR from hotel-collected net room rates in order to come to terms with some fundamental measurement challenges. 

Hotels compete hard and their performance for cost efficient sales and room rate maximization is under the microscope. Today as a result of successfully digitizing all points of interaction with customers, we can accurately measure relatable costs: there is a data trail everywhere that can be analyzed. The new term “guest acquisition cost” that has to be factored in now, was not even a widely used term a decade ago.

As a conversation starter: is ADR the ultimate measure? Well, maybe there is more in room rate metrics than what meets the eye. Imagine if someone proposed that getting the right footwear is the only key to success for marathoners. This proposal, substantiated with a detailed discussion into the particulars of the different makes and models plus how to select the proper shoe may even get accepted by many as all-important. There is no doubt: getting the right running shoe is pretty important for long distance runners. However, it is obvious that success for marathon runners requires a lot more than just picking the right pair of running shoes. There is so much more a runner needs to do in order to becoming a contender.

How does the above relate to Room Rate Metrics for hotels? Well, one can get baffled with the too narrow approach of some revenue professionals just as well, who tend to think about the exclusive significance of ADR in a similar manner like the running shoe advocates. Can it be seriously proposed that hotel profitability would be maximized if only the room rate, the most important variable could be optimized to perfection? However important room rates can be there is so much more for revenue professionals to work with in addition to ADR.

Consider the concept of Total Hotel Revenue Management to start with. Revenue generated through revenue streams other than rooms could also improve a hotel’s revenue performance. And it’s not just gambling revenue that comes to mind. We may even discount room rates on occasion if function space, catering, spa or food and beverage revenues provide sufficient contribution margins to compensate for the compressed margin on rooms. Some bundles are developed like that since the early years of the business. ADR management matters a lot, but there is good money to be made outside the room division as well.

Another strategic approach to consider is called Distribution Channel Management. As the cost of connecting and transacting with customers is growing faster than sell rates, mastering channel mix and the numbers related to channel production versus channel costs can be critical for margins. This brings me to the discussion of Revenue Metrics. Setting and managing room rates are important and properly calculating a Room Revenue Metric like ADR is just as essential when it comes to accurately measuring hotel performance.

The accuracy plus the method how ADR gets calculated are crucial and they are evolving. There was a time decades ago when posted room rates were the only rates to work with for ADR calculation. However, the way hotels post and distribute their value propositions have fundamentally changed over the years and we can’t ignore the growing spread between external and internal measures: guest-facing room rates and net room rates, which are the room rates a hotel would actually be able to collect after all distribution costs are paid out are very different amounts these days. And the spread between these guest –paid sell rates and hotel-collected net room rates is growing lately according to great market studies championed by Kalibri Labs, authored by Cindy Estis Green and Mark V. Lomanno. They point out the decline in hotels’ revenue capture based on comparing 2015 to 2014 US hotel industry aggregate data.

It is a fair question to ask: if we have two separate ADRs which one is the right one to work with? Is it the guest-paid ADR or the hotel-collected ADR one has to use as a hotel performance metric? The answer is fairly simple: one needs both. In order to avoid confusion and tell them apart we need to see what exactly can we learn from them? In order to understand which one is to be factored in for what calculation and for the sake of consistency our Revenue Metrics analysis needs to clarify: what exactly are we going to measure?

Should we measure external data for market performance we have to work with the ADR that the customer sees on the open market and pays when he/she books a stay. This sell rate is the ADR offered by STR (Smith Travel Research) and other market data reports. This guest-facing ADR offers a chance for a hotel to see how a given property compares to competition room rates within a comp set. The guest-facing ADR is the one factored in for external revenue performance calculation let that be a fair-share metric or a comp set REVPAR penetration index – both meaningful in their own right, where the fair-share calculation compares performance to a subject hotel’s capacity share within a comp set, while a REVPAR index compares a subject hotel’s REVPAR to market average.

The external room rate that guests pay is a higher amount than the actual net room rate a hotel receives after the related guest acquisition costs (agency commissions plus a variety of transaction fees and charges) are subtracted. One can only wish if there was a simple formula to calculate net ADR but there is none. There are too many variables to work with and each hotel might have their own arrangements for CPC (Cost Per Click), CPA (Cost Per Acquisition), key-word bids, search marketing, commission fees, central reservation, call center, brand.com charges, opaque mark-downs and the list can go on. Each hotel has to work out its own set of cost items, knowing that inputs may vary on a weekly or even daily basis.

When the objective is the calculation of the profitability of a given hotel one needs to work with internal metrics. Net ADR is the one that the hotel collects. This number helps owners and their agents called Asset Managers, investors and potential buyers in figuring out the income generating potential of a hotel. This net ADR is a foundation of net revenue and margin calculation, cash flow generation and even appraisal.

In short: when one looks at the open market and works with ADR that a guest would see before a booking decision is made, external or guest-facing ADR is the data to work with. However, this dollar amount is not what a service provider actually gets. When one needs to measure the income generation of a given hotel net ADR or hotel-collected ADR is the right choice.

In closing I just can’t resist the temptation to mention there are exceptions to each rule: there are marathoners without shoes and hotels that don’t ever change their room rate. I remember as a kid, we were stunned watching an Ethiopian marathon runner called Bikila Abebe winning gold at the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960 running barefoot and beating everybody while setting a new world record. Talking about room rates: there is a small young Canadian hotel brand named Alt Hotels that is a sub-brand of the Le Germain Hotels.  Each Alt hotel has a flat rate. All year. That means an Alt hotel offers the same room rate on each day of the year and they prefer direct booking. Bikila (1932-1973) the unforgettable champion from Ethiopia never had a chance to stay in one.

By Matt Tutt

In the last few years, digital marketers have debated the importance of keywords in an SEO strategy. To understand this debate, we’ll need to step back and briefly look at the history of SEO. The meta keyword tag was introduced back in 1995, first popularized by search engines such as Infoseek and AltaVista. Placed alongside the meta title and meta description tags in the <head> section of a website, the meta keyword tags were important indicators to early search engines as to what kind of content a webpage contained.

Example of keywords used in meta tag
 

Back then search engines weren’t clever enough to be able to interpret such complex signals as their modern counterparts, which now use factors such as backlinks, anchor texts, and contextual linking to rank page content. Most early search engines could read just the meta tags and not much else. Simply by listing your target keywords in the meta tag, you could expect your website to rank quite well.

Fast forward to today’s hugely complex search engine algorithms, and you’ll soon discover that the meta keywords tag is all but extinct, only reportedly being referenced by a few search engines but not giving any SEO benefit. Google publicly announced that they no longer reference this tag back in 2009 (see video below), and it was even suggested by Bing that using the tag incorrectly on your website could result in your organic ranking being penalized within their search engine. So nowadays most people don’t even bother using this tag, for it brings about no discernible SEO benefit.

The decision to drop the keyword meta tag came as no surprise to anyone in the SEO industry; most had argued that the tag had long been overused by “black hat” (read: unethical) SEO gurus as an easy way to “keyword stuff,” a way of cramming specific target keywords onto a website even if they provide no real benefit to the end user.

An example of a website making use of keyword-stuffing in their footer
 

Search algorithms have evolved significantly in recent years, with complex machine learning algorithms from search engines like Google making it much harder for people to game the system.

The evolution of search (and role of keywords)

Now that search engines have become smarter, what role do keywords have left to play? The traditional SEO strategy of identifying specific non-branded keywords (keywords that don’t have your hotel name in them, such as “family hotels in Barcelona”) and then using that exact phrase within the meta tags and text of the webpage is relatively outdated, especially when you consider how search engines have evolved.

Not only have most search engines changed their algorithms to give more emphasis on user relevance (i.e. “Does this page answer the user query and user intentions?”), advancements such as personalized search results (displaying results which have been tailored to your personal profile, as obtained thanks to Google’s “all-seeing-eye” which monitors your every move online), localized search (emphasizing the importance of mobile search optimization), and the rise of voice search have forced digital marketers to rethink their approach to SEO strategy.

On top of that, an increased emphasis from search engines on paid ads vs. organic search results means that big travel brands with big advertising budgets can own a huge amount of real estate on a search results page. Hotels hoping to rank for competitive non-branded keywords (“top hotels in Ireland,” “best beach hotel Miami”) have very little chance in making it to the first page of results, much less the top.

Overemphasizing keywords can backfire on you

Search specialists who have been too focused on ensuring the website ranks for just a few select non-branded keywords may have discovered that their obsession has incurred a real-time search penalty from Google. Other ways in which hotel websites could get penalized for their over-ambitious use of keywords:

• Obtaining backlinks unnaturally that use only your keyword (for example, where the anchor text is always “best hotel in New York” and awkwardly placed);
• Stuffing a specific keyword into your on-page content too often;
• Being too keyword heavy in your page permalink structure (i.e. www.hotelname.com/london/5-star-hotel-in-central-london);
• Stuffing keywords into your meta title or description tag;
• Stuffing keywords in image alt or title tags;
• Using an internal linking structure that relies only on your keywords as anchor texts.
   

There are many more ways that non-branded keyword usage can come back to haunt you; these are just a few of the common practices that you should avoid. Search engines have become cleverer at detecting ways in which websites try to manipulate search results to their benefit, so the best method of avoiding Google’s wrath (or that of any other search engine) is simply to employ common sense.

If it looks unnatural, sounds unnatural, or simply doesn’t feel right on the page, then it shouldn’t be implemented as a viable SEO strategy. The next Google Panda or Penguin update is always just around the corner, waiting to penalize anyone trying to cheat their way up the search rankings.

The best alternative to targeting specific keywords

We’re not saying that keywords are dead, just that it’s not healthy to become obsessed about ranking for specific ones. Instead, particularly when it comes to targeting non-branded keywords, the best strategy is to look at the broader picture of context and topics.

Let’s look at a typical 4-star hotel based in New York city as an example.

After their brand name keywords (which should be the most important organic keywords for all hotels), previously they might have also focused on keywords such as:
– 4 star New York hotel
– 4 star NYC hotel
– Hotel in New York City
– Luxury New York City hotel

This hotel is going to struggle ranking organically for the above terms without carrying out a monumental and costly marketing effort. Instead, why not diversify and target some more long-tail keywords, perhaps with slightly lower search volumes but that are more realistic, attainable targets. For them it may make more sense to look at topics (not keywords!) that are going to be based around the actual services, or service-differentiators, that they provide.

For example, on the topic “Luxury New York hotels near Broadway,” we’ll derive the following keywords to use within content on the page:
– Luxury NYC Broadway hotels
– Hotels on Broadway in NY
– Hotel with Broadway packages
– NYC Broadway hotels
– Best hotels in NYC for Broadway

The SEO strategy for this targeted topic might include creating blog posts to talk about the latest Broadway shows in town, or discussing general news around Broadway. The hotel would also want to have some specific deals and packages based around Broadway shows, such as offering accommodation and tickets in a bundle.

On the topic of “New York City hotels with a rooftop bar,” we would derive some of the following keywords:
– Hotels in NYC with rooftop bar
– Hotel near me with rooftop bar (for mobile searchers)
– NYC hotels with views
– Best rooftop hotels in New York

The SEO strategy for this topic would include having an attractive gallery page on the website containing stunning rooftop bar views, as well as posting cocktail recipes from the bar and encouraging readers to visit. When asking for backlinks, the hotel might ask the referring site to mention the memorable rooftop bar.

Keep in mind that reality must match what’s being said virtually. In both cases above, the hotel will only rank well organically if they do indeed have a great rooftop bar and are positioned close to Broadway. Such information not only needs to be mentioned within the hotel website, but also on other websites as well via backlinks.

Backlinks and mentions on other websites are how search engines can verify that your hotel is what it says it is. Good verification leads to higher search rankings. Online citations are important in this regard, so make sure your amenities are accurately and consistently listed across a range of sources (TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google My Business, etc.).

As mentioned before, search engines like Google place a high importance on user relevance for search queries, using factors such as click-through rate, bounce rate, and “dwell time” to determine how well a webpage answer the search query. If too many users land on your page after a search query and then immediately leave (an indication that the webpage did not answer the users’ question), Google will lower the page’s rank for this search term.

So, should keywords matter to hotels?

The SEO environment has clearly shifted its preference from specific keywords to topics and categories, and I think this shift makes good sense. It was unhealthy and unnatural to focus on a few specific high-search volume keywords, most of which are dominated by OTA sites, TripAdvisor, and other major travel brands. The drive to rank for a competitive keyword can also prevent hotels from seeing other great opportunities for organic traffic.

That being said, I also think it would be careless to stop tracking all of your hotel’s organic keyword rankings, particularly for those keywords that you know are still driving relatively large amounts of well-converting organic traffic to your website.

In short, keywords still do matter, but perhaps not quite as much as they once did a few years ago. But don’t forget—there are still many more organic opportunities to take advantage of, one key one being the rise of mobile search!

Washington, NC – July 26, 2017 – The 86-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Washington, North Carolina is scheduled to open this Friday, July 28, 2017 with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 2090 West 15^th Street, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by New Age Properties Group, LLC of Washington, North Carolina.

Located 18 miles from Pitt Greenville Airport and five minutes from historic downtown, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington offers convenient access to East Carolina University, Goose Creek State Park, the Washington Waterfront and the North Carolina Estuarium.

“Delivering both function and comfort, our new design and décor elevate the Fairfield brand, setting a new standard in the moderate tier category,” said Callette Nielsen, 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 Washington is a truly stunning example of the brand’s contemporary look and feel, and we are pleased to introduce Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in the Washington 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. 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 heated swimming pool, 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center, an outdoor patio with fireplace and waterfall feature, valet laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as fax and copy services. The hotel also offers 920 square feet of space to accommodate functions of up to 105 people.

Hilton Reports Strong Second Quarter 2017 Results, Raises Full Year Outlook

Highlights include:

• Diluted EPS from continuing operations for the second quarter was $0.51 and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, was $0.52, an increase of 30 percent from the second quarter of 2016 on a pro forma basis 
   
• Net income for the second quarter was $167 million 
   
• Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $519 million, an increase of 10 percent from pro forma Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2016 
   
• Adjusted EBITDA margin was 57.0 percent, an increase of 340 basis points from pro forma Adjusted EBITDA margin for the second quarter of 2016 
   
• System-wide comparable RevPAR increased 1.8 percent on a currency neutral basis for the second quarter compared to the prior year 
   
• Added 13,400 net rooms in the second quarter, representing approximately 30 percent growth from the same period in 2016 
   
• Approved 27,400 new rooms for development during the second quarter, growing Hilton's development pipeline to a record 332,000 rooms, representing 15 percent growth from June 30, 2016 
   
• Repurchased 4.5 million shares of Hilton common stock for an aggregate cost of $282 million during the second quarter, and 6.8 million shares at an aggregate cost of $425 million since share repurchases began in March 2017 
   
• Raised Adjusted EBITDA guidance for full year 2017 to between $1,880 million and $1,920 million, an increase of $20 million at the midpoint 
   
• Raised cash available for capital return guidance for full year 2017 to between $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion, an increase of $100 million at the midpoint 

To view full quarterly results please visit:
http://newsroom.hilton.com/index.cfm/news/hilton-reports-second-quarter-results-raises-full-year-outlook

Wynn Resorts, Limited Reports Second Quarter 2017 Results

Highlights include:

Net revenues were $1.53 billion for the second quarter of 2017, an increase of 44.5%, or $470.9 million, from $1.06 billion for the same period of 2016. The increase was the result of $414.7 million from Wynn Palace, which opened in the third quarter of 2016, and increases of $43.4 million and $12.9 million from Wynn Macau and our Las Vegas Operations, respectively.

On a U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") basis, net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited was $74.9 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2017, an increase of 6.4%, or $4.5 million, from $70.4 million, or $0.69 per diluted share, for the same period of 2016. The increase in net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited was primarily the result of income from Wynn Palace, partially offset by an increase in interest expense as the Company is no longer capitalizing interest on Wynn Palace, losses on extinguishment of debt and an increase in the Redemption Note fair value. Adjusted net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited (1) was $120.9 million, or $1.18 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2017, compared to $108.7 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, for the same period of 2016.

Adjusted Property EBITDA (2) was $430.0 million for the second quarter of 2017, an increase of 37.5%, or $117.3 million, from $312.7 million for the same period of 2016, primarily as a result of $87.4 million from Wynn Palace and increases of $20.0 million and $9.9 million from Wynn Macau and our Las Vegas Operations, respectively.

Wynn Resorts, Limited also announced today that the Company has approved a cash dividend of $0.50 per share, payable on August 22, 2017 to stockholders of record as of August 10, 2017. 

To view full quarterly results please visit:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=132059&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2288669​

Hersha Hospitality Trust Announces Second Quarter 2017 Results

Highlights include:

• Q2 2017 Net Income of $74.0 Million, or $1.75 per Share 
   
• Q2 2017 Comparable Portfolio RevPAR Growth of 1.0% 
   
• Completes 24 Month Capital Recycling Campaign 
   
• Adjusts 2017 EBITDA & ADJUSTED FFO Guidance 
   

To view full quarterly results please visit:
http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/file.aspx?IID=4019891&FID=389595607​

Hendersonville, TN – July 26, 2017 – The 90-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Hendersonville, Tennessee is scheduled to open this Thursday, July 27, 2017 with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 303 Indian Lake Boulevard, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Nashville Hendersonville will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Lamont Companies and managed by Hendersonville Lodging Group, LLC of Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Located 24 miles from Nashville International Airport and 15 minutes from downtown Nashville, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Nashville Hendersonville offers guests convenient access to historic Rock Castle, Old Hickory Lake, Gallatin Marina, Drakes Creek Activity Center, and is just minutes from shopping centers including the Streets of Indian Lake and Rivergate Mall.

“Delivering both function and comfort, our new design and décor elevate the Fairfield brand, setting a new standard in the moderate tier category,” said Callette Nielsen, 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 Nashville Hendersonville is a truly stunning example of the brand’s contemporary look and feel, and we are pleased to introduce Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in the Hendersonville 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. 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 and hot tub, an outdoor patio, an exercise room, valet laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as fax and copy services.