Hospitality-Focused PVNG Is Easy to Use and Creates More Efficient Operations

PITTSBURGH – August 8, 2017 – Aptech Computer Systems, a leading provider of hotel accounting software, hospitality enterprise accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and business intelligence systems, announced three hotel companies selected Aptech’s PVNG Enterprise Back Office System. PVNG is a browser-based next generation enterprise hospitality accounting solution with a simple menu structure and easy to navigate platform. Click here for more on Aptech’s products and services. 

Companies installing PVNG Enterprise Accounting include Stagewest Hospitality and The Colony Palm Beach. The companies operate a total of 10 properties.

Stagewest Hospitality is implementing PVNG hotel accounting software at four hotels and its winery in British Columbia, Canada. “PVNG helped us reduce labor costs because it is easy to use and simple to learn. We realized a significant cost savings by creating a more efficient operation with a reduced accounting staff. Our guests are the most important part of our company. If I can move two people to our front desk from accounting it benefits our guests and our company,” said Azaz Ahmed, MBA, controller of Stagewest Hospitality.  “Aptech hosts our PVNG installations. We are hospitality professionals. With Aptech hosting our system we don’t worry about our system operation, data security, and backups.”  Stagewest Hospitality properties include Stage West Calgary, Medicine Hat Lodge, and the Camrose Resort Casino.

The Colony Palm Beach in Florida is live with PVNG this month. “We installed PVNG because it is easy to learn and use and developed specifically for hotel companies. This is a big advantage over generic financial systems. I have experience with Aptech’s systems at other properties and trust its solutions,” said Tammy Shoffstall, finance director of The Colony Palm Beach.

Cam Troutman, Aptech vice president, said, “We leveraged 45 years of hotel accounting experience to build PVNG specifically for hotel companies. It supports one property or a large multi-brand, multi-property portfolio. PVNG uses the most current technology platform incorporating AP, GL, Statistics, Financials, and a Bank Reconciliation, all with easy to use, familiar browser navigation.  We can also make it simple to become 11^th Edition compliant by implementing our packaged chart of accounts and financial statements.” 

Aptech Computer Systems is an IBM Premier Business Partner that offers Execuvue® web-enabled Business Intelligence, Targetvue Budgeting and Forecasting, and PVNG Enterprise Back Office systems that are 100% hospitality specific. Aptech is the only company that provides a complete suite of financial management and analysis solutions for the hotel industry. Aptech systems can be deployed in the cloud, or on-premise at the client location to support an entire hotel company’s portfolio via the Internet for individual and consolidated back office operations and financial reporting.

The NOVUM Hotel Group has been growing rapidly since 2004 – and the innovative brand niu has provided an additional boost since March. Recently the number of niu hotels has reached 33. Together with the English investor Citygrove European Developments Ltd, NOVUM Hotel Group is planning to build another hotel at Moscow Street 29. Start of construction - including 438 rooms - is planned for mid-2018. Gleeds Deutschland GmbH has been entrusted with project management. The architects of the building are Siemer Kramer Architect Engineers based in Hamburg.

The planned niu hotel is easily accessible and is located only a stone's throw from the city center of Düsseldorf. Young, creative people visit the numerous cafes, galleries and extraordinary shops here. It is the perfect location for niu Tab, because it is both cosmopolitan and unique. Each niu has a design concept tailored to the location and zeitgeist.

The niu Tab in Düsseldorf is characterized by modern architecture and a high quality of life, both unmistakably evident in the furnishings, lighting and decorative accessories as trendy, geometric shapes and patterns. Asia fans will be delighted here. Thanks to the many karaoke bars, Japanese shops and sake bars, Düsseldorf is also known as "Little Tokyo on the Rhine”. Characteristic elements such as Asian characters and bamboo ensure a wonderful surprise and inspire people to make selfies for their own social media channels or for the hotel's Instagram wall. Digital natives are connected everywhere, at any time, with ultra-fast Wi-Fi, USB ports and power connections. Delicious local snacks and drinks such as "Bierhappen" (beer snacks) and the characteristic "Altbier" (local traditional beer) enhance the high quality of life in the niu Tab.

What comes to mind when you think of Duesseldorf? For us, it's the Kö, Altbier art and of course, the vibrant Little-Tokyo. As a result, it makes perfect sense that Tab stands for Tokyo - Art - Beer.

FRANKFURT, Germany, August 9, 2017 -- Pentahotels, the innovative lifestyle hotel group, has promoted Ben Thomas to the position of Regional Director pentahotels UK, effective from 1 June 2017. In his new role, Ben will take over from Andrew Munt, who was promoted to Vice President Operations for the group earlier this year. Ben will now be responsible for all hotel operations and management within the region.

Since joining the hotel group in 2014, Ben has contributed significantly to the success of pentahotels in the UK, overseeing the launch of two new hotels in his previous role as Cluster General Manager, pentahotels Birmingham & Derby hotels. With various qualifications and certifications as well as an advanced diploma in hospitality management, Ben will continue to cultivate strong relationships with the talented teams across pentahotels' various properties in the UK and further strengthen the group's global market presence.

On the announcement of his appointment, Andrew Munt said: "With such a proven record of success since joining pentahotels, Ben is absolutely the right individual to lead the UK in to its next chapter. His sound strategic and commercial approach will prove incredibly valuable at this time. I am delighted to hand the region over to Ben and am excited to see how it evolves under his unique leadership style."

Team is Now Hiring for the City’s First Luxury Boutique Hotel Opening in Over a Decade; Seeking Front of House, Back of House and Food & Beverage Candidates

San Francisco, CA (August 9, 2017) – Proper Hospitality, who will open its flagship hotel in San Francisco this Summer, has announced the appointment of Lorenz Maurer, Xavier Bon and Frederique Falour-Yalniz as the property’s General Manager, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Director of Human Resources, respectively.

Each seasoned authorities of the city’s hotel market, Maurer, Bon and Falour-Yalniz are charged with managing the property’s highly-anticipated launch this summer in the Mid-Market neighborhood of San Francisco. The opening represents the city’s first injection of true lifestyle hospitality into the city in over a decade, and will serve to solidify Mid-Market’s resurgence as a social and cultural apex for guests and locals alike.

“Lorenz, Xavier and Frederique together possess a level of expertise of the Bay Area that will prove invaluable to our team – on both a property and brand level,” said Arash Azarbarzin, President and COO of Proper Hospitality. “Each boasts the impressive pedigree required to help shape San Francisco Proper as the boutique lifestyle hospitality experience that this city has been desperately seeking for over a decade.”  

Located in a historic flatiron building on the corner of 7^th and Market, the Kelly Wearstler-designed property will feature 131 guestrooms and suites as well as a variety of gathering spaces, including the city’s first hotel rooftop bar and lounge.

Lorenz Maurer, General Manager of San Francisco Proper Hotel
A hospitality tastemaker with over 15 years in the industry, Lorenz Maurer brings substantial pre-opening luxury and leadership experience to San Francisco Proper Hotel. As General Manager, he is tasked with overseeing the launch of the multifaceted hotel, including its four distinctive culinary venues. His leadership and strategic oversight will establish Proper’s flagship as a best-in-class hospitality destination, as well as the definitive hub for the fast growing community of entrepreneurs and creative visionaries who call San Francisco home.

Maurer most recently served as Area Managing Director for Commune Hospitality, where he oversaw three Commune-managed San Francisco neighborhood hotels, including the iconic Phoenix hotel in the Tenderloin. He simultaneously held the General Manager position at The Epiphany Hotel in Palo Alto, a Joie de Vivre hotel operated by Commune.

Xavier Bon, Director of Sales and Marketing of San Francisco Proper Hotel

A San Francisco resident for nearly two decades, Xavier Bon has forged a vast network of local and global relationships that will be instrumental to his new role with Proper. As Director of Sales and Marketing, Bon will continue to nurture and expand upon those relationships in the marketplace to drive guestroom sales. He will also carry out San Francisco Proper’s mission of reshaping the perception of hotel meeting and event facilities, maximizing the potential of the property’s traditional and non-traditional spaces which include the 14-person private dining room and the 3,400 square-feet of rooftop space.

No stranger to milestone hotel launches, Bon was previously employed by Joie de Vivre Hotels where, after three years in the brand’s Corporate Sales office, he joined the opening team in launching their waterfront flagship, Hotel Vitale. Following that, he served as Director of Sales and Marketing at the timeless Hotel Rex, where he was awarded ‘Salesperson of the Year’ twice. Most recently Bon directed the Sales, Catering and Marketing teams for Hotel Kabuki in San Francisco’s Japantown. 

Frederique Falour-Yalniz, Director of Human Resources of San Francisco Proper Hotel
Falour‑Yalniz spent the last 12 years working in human resources departments at some of San Francisco’s most notable hotels. She has an extensive background in opening luxury lifestyle properties, including the 5-Star St. Regis San Francisco where she served as Assistant Director of Human Resources for six years. Following that, she served as Director of Human Resources for San Francisco’s iconic Palace Hotel.

At San Francisco Proper Hotel, Falour‑Yalniz will spearhead all recruitment efforts, harnessing her vast knowledge of the Bay Area hospitality and job markets to assemble a high-caliber opening team composed with an emphasis on local hires. She will also oversee employee training and development, ensuring all guests of San Francisco Proper Hotel receive first-class service.

Falour‑Yalniz graduated from Ecole Hoteliere Jean Drouant with a degree in Hotel and Business Management. 

To learn more about job opportunities at San Francisco Proper Hotel, visit the Proper Hospitality career website here.

Strategic acquisition expands Cox Business’ network solutions for hotels nationwide

ATLANTA (Aug. 9, 2017) – Cox Communications today announced that it has finalized its acquisition of Blueprint RF, a leading managed network solutions provider serving major hotel brands and hotel properties across the United States.  

The acquisition of Blueprint RF, based in Norcross, Ga., immediately expands Cox Business’ ability to provide an array of managed products and solutions for hotel owners and their guests.  Blueprint RF is an approved provider for leading U.S. hotel brands, which allows it to design, install, monitor and support wired and wireless network solutions for companies that own and operate hotel properties.

Additionally, Cox’s acquisition of Blueprint RF complements its existing presence in the hospitality segment through its Hospitality Network, which currently provides a full suite of hotel-specific telecommunication, in-room entertainment and managed WiFi solutions to large hotels, convention centers and arenas.

“High-quality video, Internet and WiFi access are very important amenities for hotel guests during their stay,” said Steve Rowley, executive vice president, Cox Business. “By adding a leading company like Blueprint into the Cox family, with its expertise and industry relationships, we now have a more complete suite of technologies and services for hospitality properties of all sizes and industry segments – ensuring hotel guests stay connected to what they care about.” 

Blueprint RF’s hospitality expertise, coupled with the financial and operational capabilities of Cox, will allow for broader and stronger hospitality-focused technologies, deep analytics, and an accelerated delivery that will benefit hotel owners.

“Cox and Blueprint RF share a commitment to delivering world-class customer service and industry-leading technologies,” said Ron Peterson, co-founder and chief executive officer, Blueprint RF.  “By joining Cox, we’ll be better positioned to expand our existing products and service offerings to meet the industry’s managed network solutions needs today and far into the future.”

Peterson and the Blueprint RF team will join Cox and will operate as part of Cox Business’ New Business Ventures.

The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Spanning three buildings, the lakefront hotel with marina, restaurants, shops, rooftop event venue, pool and more is attracting guests with its Key West Island look and feel

[Windermere, Fla. – August 9, 2017] — With standard guestrooms the size of studio apartments and two-bedroom suites spanning 2,500 square feet, the Key West Resort on Lake Dora in Tavares, Fla., is attracting guests near and far – especially residents from nearby Orlando who are looking for a weekend getaway with a Key West Island appeal. Originally designed as a single 16-unit lakefront studio apartment building, the newly-expanded Key West Resort now features three buildings comprised of 64 units, a marina, family splash park, and multiple bars, restaurants and shops lining W. Main and Ruby Streets, adjacent to Wooten Park and the city’s shopping, business and entertainment district. With weekend occupancy at peak capacity and weekday business on a steady climb, owner Alex Cooke said he is attributing his property’s success to the ongoing marketing and infrastructure support of Vimana Franchise Systems LLC and the continued reinvestment by the City to beautify and revitalize the area.

“The Key West Resort on Lake Dora is the newest hotel in Tavares and the only hotel downtown,” Cooke said. “This area, which consists of 16 city blocks, is an entertainment mecca. A licensed Entertainment District, visitors can carry open-bottle beverages from bar to bar, restaurant to restaurant. Strolling between Hemingway’s Wine & Cigar Bar, the Kālua Hale Beach Bar, and O’Keefe’s Irish Pub, to the Tiki West Raw Bar & Grill, Brü Taphouse, Puddle Jumper’s Restaurant and Bar, and Lago Dora Ristorante, Pizzeria & Bar, leaves guests feeling like they are on the island of Key West. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Jones Brothers Air and Seaplane Adventures, gifts and sundries shops, Get Wet Watersports, Freedom Boat Club and many other retailers are adding to the island feel and keeping the local economy alive.

“This is truly a unique destination,” Cooke said. “When the original building opening in 2014 as a studio apartment complex, the real estate market was still in a downturn. The original owner wanted to convert it to a B&B. Instead, I leased it from him in 2015, opened the second building, joined the Vimana franchise and added the Key West flag. It was the smartest move I could make. Recently, we added a third building, and today, the entire complex is operating as a Key West Resort. I attribute a lot of our recent growth and success to Vimana’s new Constellation CRS that gives us a major meta-channel presence. The efforts put forth by the Vimana and the City are making a big difference in helping us spread the word about this property which was once Tavares’ ‘best kept secret.’”

Local Destination, Island Appeal

The Key West Resort on Lake Dora boasts comfort, style and convenience. King and Queen rooms are oversized, spacious, modern and clean and include lakeview balconies. Suites feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, wrap-around balconies, a living room, dining room area, kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Amenities include hi-speed Internet, and a full-size, glow-at-night outdoor pool. Breakfast is complimentary each morning at one of the favorite local restaurants. The Key West Resort on Lake Dora offers the closest lodging to the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake, one of Central Florida's premier wedding and event venues. The rooftops of Buildings 1 and 3 are also offered as informal wedding and social spaces. 

Tavares’ vibrant downtown features live music and entertainment on most nights, as well as easy access to boating and jet skiing, vintage and antique shopping, train excursions, and tours of the lakes and scenery surrounding the hotel from land, sea and sky.  

“We are delighted that the Key West Resort on Lake Dora is achieving such tremendous success in Tavares,” said Steve Belmonte, Vimana Franchise Systems CEO. “Expanding the property to include a third building was a solid investment, as the overall property is proving to be a big draw for travelers – including those in the local markets. Oftentimes people in Orlando and surrounding areas just want to get away from the tourists and commercialization. Tavares is a destination few people have ever experienced; if you didn’t know it, you’d think you were on the island of Key West.

“Key West Inns, Hotels & Resorts is a unique leisure brand that provides exceptional value to travelers,” Belmonte said. “It is ideal for hotel owners who are looking to convert their existing assets into a franchise brand that has a low cost of entry and highly competitive terms. Key West Inns, Hotels & Resorts even offer optional customized Key West theming packages designed to make each property stand out within the local market. Alex Cooke’s success in Tavares is just one example of many success stories within the Key West family. We wish him and the city of Tavares continued growth and success.”

For more information on Vimana Franchise Systems, visit www.vimanafs.com. 

Boca Raton, FL, August 9, 2017 – Cendyn has partnered with roomMaster by InnQuest Software, a robust property management system (PMS), to provide hotels with a marketing automation and guest intelligence solution that integrates seamlessly across both platforms.

As the leading CRM and sales platform in the hospitality industry, Cendyn is continuously working with partners and hospitality leaders like roomMaster by InnQuest to improve its integration and connectivity capabilities.

"We're excited to partner with Cendyn to amplify roomMaster's marketing capabilities so that hoteliers using our PMS can meet the ever-evolving needs and preferences of guests in the digital age," says Kent Howard, Director of Sales at InnQuest. "With Cendyn's technology, hoteliers using our PMS can now leverage rich marketing insights and automation to connect with their guests with increased precision and efficiency."

Cendyn’s CRM suite offers marketing automation and guest intelligence solutions for boutique and independent properties as well as enterprise and multi-property/multi-brand groups. With this integration, hoteliers using roomMaster by InnQuest Software will now have access to a PMS that suits their every need, as well as enhanced guest profiles, highly targeted multi-channel communications and robust analytics that are designed to increase engagement for new and returning guests.

“We’re delighted to add roomMaster by InnQuest Software to our integration portfolio. We continue to work with robust PMS vendors like roomMaster across the globe to enhance our offering for every hotelier, whatever their needs may be,” says Charles Deyo, CEO & President at Cendyn.

The seamless integration between roomMaster and Cendyn enables hoteliers to access a cohesive and consolidated view of their data no matter the size of their property. It offers hoteliers insights into guest reservations, room stays and inquiries, leading to measurable impact and revenue growth.

For more information, visit www.innquest.com and www.cendyn.com.

“Anytime” Online Tutorials Give Hotel Teams an Effective Way to Learn Property Software Fast, Gain Confidence in Operations

August 9, 2017 – Markham, ON – When an independent operator hires staff, they want their new team members to start fast. With a legacy of providing PMS spanning more than 30 years, Maestro’s team understands the needs of hotel operations and systems training. That is why they built online tutorials and eLearning functionality into their family of 20+ Maestro PMS property software solutions.  Maestro’s eLearning system helps property staff and managers gain confidence in property software system use so they can focus on guest needs as quickly as possible.

“When we converted from another sales and catering to Maestro our team had to learn a new system. Maestro’s eLearning Web Tutorials helped us learn how to use the system, and showed the ‘why’ behind Maestro’s functionality so we understood the system and how to best use it to serve guests,” said Susan Corrigan, Director of Sales at Pocono Manor Resort and Spa.  “When I saw how well Maestro’s eLearning courses worked to show my team how to use the system I asked them all to take the tutorials as part of their job.”

Many operators incorporate Maestro’s eLearning training courses into property instruction guides to train new staff quickly and efficiently. Maestro eLearning offers 31 courses that are fully-integrated with the Maestro Front Office System and its other modules.

eLearning is a standard part of Maestro’s free Diamond Plus Service and includes “anywhere – anytime” online webinars. “Maestro’s Diamond Plus service offering includes 24/7 help desk access, free version upgrades and eLearning to help Maestro users develop skill and confidence in their ability to get the maximum benefit from their system,” said Maestro PMS President Warren Dehan.  “We continuously ask our clients for insights on how we can make Maestro stronger. We developed our eLearning functionality to address the staff training challenge many independent operators face.”

eLearning is integrated with Maestro so staff can get quick answers to system questions while they are on the job. They can pause the training session and try out the function in a training version or on the live software. Hotel staff can also take system courses when they are off property from Maestro’s eLearning website. The system tracks which courses staff members take, what lessons they complete and their scores on proficiency exams.

Maestro PMS delivers revenue-generating tools and services that increase profitability, drive direct bookings, centralize operations, and provide personalized guest service to keep guests coming back. Click here for more information on how to reserve, engage and socialize with Maestro PMS.

By Frances Kiradjian

Training is one of those things that just about everyone agrees is a good idea on paper. But in the hectic day-to-day business of running a hotel, the dream of establishing a formalized training program often takes a back seat in favor of “learning on the job”.

This latter solution, apparently saving time, is no substitute for a well-formulated staff training program. Let’s look at some of the reasons why.

BLLA is gearing up to launch the boutique hospitality program in collaboration with UCLA Extension and would love your input on the challenges and needs of the hospitality world. Follow this link to complete a brief survey and you will be entered to win a complimentary registration to the 2018 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference!
Winner will be selected on Friday September 1st, 2017!

Staff trained in the process of doing their job can gather a very good working knowledge of how to perform most of the tasks necessary to impress a hotel guest. But there is a difference between good service and great service, and in the hyper-competitive world of hospitality, such seemingly minor differences can easily tip the balance between success and failure.

It’s also important to keep all staff on the same page about the hotel’s philosophy and values. This is particularly relevant in the field of boutique and luxury lifestyle hotels, which are often organized around an overarching concept and attitude. This is one of the fundamental benefits of operating in this niche; but you will need proper staff training to ensure a full understanding of the brand’s approach across the entire workforce.

Training can also boost productivity. Why leave it to chance that all the staff are on the same page about every aspect of running the hotel, when you can identify any gaps in knowledge and differences in approach, and teach any skills that may be lacking, via a good training program?

A good training program also teaches efficient teamwork, which will make your hotel run more smoothly as well as encouraging a healthy esprit de corps. And training can also serve to motivate and inspire your workforce, leading to a happier and more productive hotel staff.

Hospitality is a fast-moving field, and regular scheduled training will ensure all staff are up to speed with the latest developments, giving you the edge over competitors. This should also include learning to use the latest technology in the hotel industry. A good, long-term hotel worker who is not treated to regular training updates may unconsciously fall into outmoded approaches if he or she is not helped to adapt.

Training is also beneficial from a human-resources standpoint. Effective training also creates perfect conditions for internal promotion, as staff can be taught the necessary skills to progress through the ranks. And for external applicants to roles within your business, the presence of an in-house training program is an attractive asset as it will help them to further their career in the industry.

So, although the idea of halting the running of your hotel to train staff may be daunting, the advantages are many. Happier workers, increased productivity and greater customer satisfaction are results that are hard to argue with.

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, August 2017 … Chefs become farmers, eggs are more edible than ever, the drinks of the ‘20s roar again, onions appear in jams and desserts, while the demand for sustainable fish is rising like the tide. It’s largely driven by Millennials with adventurous tastes, disposable income and a good bit of nostalgia for the foods they may have missed growing up. 

“Chefs from Benchmark Resorts & Hotels and the Gemstone Collection are not just tracking culinary trends; they are setting them with a commitment to sustainability, quality and creativity,” according to Todd Parmelee, vice president food & beverage at BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, which includes both hotel brands in its management portfolio. “Our chefs are forging new paths and listening to our guests and suppliers in creating a holistic and sustainable approach to the dining experience we offer,” Parmelee says. Among the trends spotted across the US are: 

Trend #1  Millennials Are Making It Happen

Food trends are driven by informed and open-minded millennials. This demographic is dining out more than previous generations and they want healthy, sustainable, and original dishes based on natural ingredients, responsibly sourced. Growing up in a more diverse society, they have been exposed to a variety of ethnic foods and are far more likely to try new dishes. Technically savvy and issues-oriented, millennials do their research and are informed consumers. They are interested in food, environmental issues and natural, healthy ingredients as well as animal welfare, and America’s chefs are responding.

Trend #2  The Farmer in the Kitchen

Custom farming is the new path to sustainability. Contemporary chefs are taking the farm-to-table movement to new levels as chefs become more involved in the growing of the food they serve, right down to planning what seeds will be cultivated for new menu development. Chefs have partnered with local farms, purchasing plots of land where hotels’ and restaurants’ produce will be grown. But the process does not stop there. Plans are underway for these 21^st Century farmers to provide staff training to culinary teams and farms also host exceptional events and dinners on site, moving dining to the farm.

Trend #3  What’s Old Is New Again

Iconic food is trending with updated versions of American classics. Consumers long for the food they grew up with, but with less fat, fresher ingredients and greater depth of flavor. Many of America’s most popular foods evolved from regional specialties such as nachos, Buffalo wings, barbecued ribs, chili and pizza that are now national favorites. Classic sandwiches like BLTs, Reubens and Grilled Cheese have evolved into innovations of homemade bread, artisanal cheese, smoked meats and food produced in-house, including fermentation, pickling, and curing.

Trend #4  Incredible Edible Eggs

Eggs are not just for breakfast any more.  From burgers, salads, and even entrees, eggs are appearing well after breakfast and brunch. Baked, boiled, fried, scrambled or deviled, eggs are finding their way into frittatas, in soups and atop meat, rice and grains. Incorporating an egg to a favorite meal gives the food another dimension in flavor and texture. Quail eggs, a delicacy in many part of the world, are appearing on American tables as exquisite little canapés, in salads and with smoked fish. Duck eggs are becoming increasingly available at farmers markets and offer a heartier, more flavorful option. Guests increasingly demand eggs that are organic and free range and not produced in "factory farms."

Trend #5  Innovate with Onions

The humble onion packs a powerful punch of flavor and nutrition. Onions have been a culinary staple since the first cave dwellers threw some wild onions into a pot. Cooks today are realizing that in their infinite variety, onions are emerging in an array of new and exciting ways – even in jams and desserts.  Today’s menu items feature onions:  Sage & Nutmeg Onion Gratin, Corned Beef & Onion Sweet Jam, Onion & Cockle Chowder, the classic Beer Battered Onion Rings and a singular Balsamic and Onion Ice Cream. Onions have long been used to treat various ailments and new research show how these can provide essential nutrients, antioxidants and can contribute to cardiovascular health.

Trends #6  Doughnuts

They’re Not Just for Dunking Anymore.  While we cherish the ritual of dunking a doughnut into a hot cup of coffee, doughnuts are bringing a new dimension to America’s favorite sandwiches. Get ready for Doughnut Burgers, Glazed Doughnut Cheddar Burger, and Jalapeno, Pork BBQ Po’ Boy, and a Raspberry Bismarck Reuben. 

Trend #7  Eat Your Veggies!

Vegetables continue to get new respect as plant-based diets grow in popularity. Not too long ago, vegetables such as chard, kale and daikon were trending – now they are staples on menus and grocery shelves while new varieties of squash, tomatoes, cabbage and potatoes are becoming available.  Chefs are taking vegetables to new levels by replacing animal proteins on menus with plant-based ingredients that include sea vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes and whole grains.

More imaginative use of these ingredients is making them popular among diners – who are sampling delicacies such as a Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Sweet Pea-Hazelnut Pesto & Fricassee of Foraged Mushrooms.

Trend #8  Good Libations

Jazz Age Cocktails, Bourbon and Beer Cocktails are trending nationwide. Consumers of all demographics are driving trends in cocktails with a resurgence in Prohibition-era drinks, such as French 75s, Whiskey Sours, Manhattans and Southsiders. During Prohibition, these retro cocktails, made with fruits and syrups, were developed by creative bartenders to hide the harsh taste of bootleg alcohol. Today, fresh and often more exotic fruits, a variety of tonics and garnishes and top-of-the-line liquor, combine to make new and dynamic cocktails. Bourbon consumption continues its meteoric rise with carefully crafted and exclusive Bourbons.

Microbreweries are having their creations transformed into beer cocktails, made by mixing with a distilled beverage or another style of beer. In this cocktail, the primary ingredient is, quite simply, beer. Mix with a beverage that contains a soft drink and you have a Shandy. From the Michelada, to a Raspberry Snakebite (featuring a raspberry lambic), to a Dublin Iced-Coffee (Stout, Irish whiskey, iced-brewed coffee and heavy cream), beer cocktails are rapidly becoming cult favorites. 

Trend #9  Fish to Fork

Sustainable fishing gains new importance. As fish becomes more expensive and scarce, chefs, fishermen and fisheries are looking to encourage consumers to look to farm-raised fish and less pricey and more plentiful seafood. Today’s diners are aware of endangered species and growing concerns about the impact of global warming on ocean waters, lakes and streams. 

Trend #10  Food Theater!

Expo Kitchens are kicking “food theater” up a notch, or two or three.  Exhibition kitchens have been around in some form since the invention of Brunch.  But today we're talking full-blown food theater.  Driven by Food TV in all its incarnations and the prevalence of social media outlets that are ideal for everything food and beverage, restaurant kitchens today offer a front row seat at a dining performance and guests are crowding around to take in the aromas, flavors, cooking tips and high energy of the stars of the show--the chefs!  It's a visual and sensual spectacle that entertains, nourishes, and satisfies everyone in the entire dining room.

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 09, 2017) – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas today unveiled a refresh to its guest rooms across both the Boulevard and The Chelsea Towers. The project, which kicks off this summer, will be fully complete in 2018 with 2,895 of the resort’s 3,027 rooms remodeled with influence from innovative and inspired designers, including New York-based Virserius Studio.

“Where The Cosmopolitan is at today is a reinvention of the property that opened its doors more than six years ago,” stated Bill McBeath, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. “The past two years have been a transformative process that has reinvigorated gaming, food and beverage and will now include the complete redesign of our hotel rooms – they are bold, innovative and a direct reflection of our alluring brand.”

The Process:
The newly designed rooms emphasize modern design and luxurious comfort and come as the result of a meticulous selection process that lasted over 18 months. An initial list of 20 designers was engaged to bid on the project, from which eight were selected to present in Las Vegas. From there, four design firms, in addition to The Cosmopolitan’s internal design team, were chosen to construct model rooms on property. The Cosmopolitan solicited feedback from more than 400 employees who toured the accommodations as well as frequent-staying guests, ranging from business to leisure travelers. The collected response played an integral role in determining which designs were selected, leading to interiors inspired by both The Cosmopolitan’s in-house design team alongside Virserius Studios.

The Design:
Standout features of the newly designed guest rooms include modern artwork paired with clean textiles, statement wall coverings, textured carpeting, improved lighting and user-friendly technology.

The Terrace rooms (Terrace Studio, Terrace One Bedroom, Terrace Suite) and Reception Suites, with influence from Virserius Studio, feature a design that draws inspiration from both The Cosmopolitan and its premier Las Vegas location. Interiors exude an edgy yet sophisticated aesthetic, incorporating rich jewel tones, gold touches and handcrafted patterns. Standout elements include a custom damask wall covering that doubles as a canopy over the beds and a collection of bold, internationally-sourced artwork. The design of the rooms is intended to lead guests on a journey of discovery, allowing them to explore different aspects that would not immediately be revealed at first glance. Some of the more playful features are located in discrete locations such as whimsical wallpaper within the closet or shadowed figures that separate the shower from the bedroom.

"The vision for this premium room collection at The Cosmopolitan was one of bold design and bright accents to complement the overall contemporary aesthetic," said Therese Virserius, Founder of Virserius Studio. "Virserius Studio collaborated with The Cosmopolitan to ensure the utmost premium deliverables for guests, with a strong emphasis on luxurious comfort. Coupled with curated art pieces and statement-making detailing, this project honored the modern spirit of The Cosmopolitan alongside the history and vibrant essence of the Las Vegas Strip."

The Wraparound Terrace Suites and City Rooms & Suites, created by The Cosmopolitan, emulate the residential feel of an urban penthouse, featuring neutral colors with splashes of bright accents. The design also integrates unexpected elements from the resort’s public areas, such as custom graffiti art and striking wallpaper in the closets. Eye-catching details include reflective finishes enhanced by dramatic lighting and plush fabrics enriched with playful patterns. The result is a youthful, vibrant and enticing energy that will cater to guests who are seeking an experience that indulges the senses.

Technology:
The updated rooms boast advanced technology providing access to a “virtual concierge.” In-room iPads allow guests to book restaurant and spa reservations, purchase show tickets, order room service, schedule wake up calls, and include automated lighting and temperature adjustments. Visiting groups to The Cosmopolitan, via weddings or convention business, can utilize the iPads to communicate as well, sending organized messages to alert their guests of upcoming plans and events. In addition, all newly updated guest rooms will also feature state-of-the-art Samsung TVs with a 65-inch display, offering leading entertainment programs including Hulu, YouTube, Pandora and Crackle, personal Bluetooth connectivity and en-suite Netflix.

The Property | A Two Year Snapshot:
At the forefront of innovation and service, the past two years have signified the devout commitment on behalf of the property to its loyal guests. With a significant investment contributed to the standout restaurant collection, gaming facilities and room offerings, The Cosmopolitan continues to see substantial developments through 2018:

Restaurant Collection
World-class culinary options range from modern Japanese restaurant zuma (Jan. 2017), the first West Coast outposts of Momofuku (Jan. 2017) and Milk Bar (Dec. 2016), and iconic New York dining destination Blue Ribbon (Jun. 2017), each of which have opened locations at The Cosmopolitan within a seven month span. Southern California hotspot, Eggslut (Jun. 2016), Beauty & Essex (May 2016) and the artfully designed Starbucks (Mar. 2016) were the first to commence the new food and beverage developments last year.

Gaming
Enhancements to the gambling amenities include the addition of The Reserve (Jan. 2017), a 2,300-square-foot private gaming salon that requires advance clearance for its pre-approved guests, making it one of the most exclusive experiences in Las Vegas. The high stakes gaming area, The Talon Club, also saw an extension to the space with added gaming tables (Feb. 2016) and an expanded Race & Sports Book (Feb. 2016) offers a significantly upgraded experience with features including state-of-the-art video walls and multiple high-definition televisions, the latest in mobile wagering technology and 23 video poker machines.

Boulevard Penthouses
High rollers now have a new place to call home at The Cosmopolitan with the debut of 21 designer Boulevard Penthouses (Feb. 2017) located on the top four floors of Boulevard Tower. The opulent suites span a total of approximately 63,000 square feet, with individual penthouses ranging in size from 2,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet with extravagant touches from world-renowned designers Daun Curry, Richmond International and Tihany Design who all worked as consultants to Marnell Companies.

The Chandelier Bar, Vitals
Before the commencement of 2018, The Chandelier Bar will see a substantial renovation to multiple levels including updated seating options, flooring, lighting and more. The Cosmopolitan’s lobby retail store, Vitals, will almost double the footprint of the previously existing store, which will offer a significantly expanded product line upon completion by the end of summer 2017.

The room remodel comes as the latest development following the debut of 21 Boulevard Penthouses earlier this year and the renovation of additional guest rooms including Lanai Suites, Bungalow Suites and the build-out of 46 additional guest rooms introduced in 2016. Upon completion of the remodel in 2018, 90 percent of all room product at The Cosmopolitan will be upgraded.

The newly designed Boulevard Tower and The Chelsea Tower rooms will be made first available to Identity members, the resort’s all-inclusive rewards program, as they return to inventory prior to the project’s full completion in 2018. Guests interested in becoming a part of The Cosmopolitan’s exclusive Identity program can visit www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com for more information and membership access.

SAVANNAH, Ga. (August 9, 2017) – Hyatt Regency Savannah announces Amir Blattner as its general manager. In this role, Blattner is responsible for managing all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the 351-room hotel. 

“I am honored to lead and learn from our caring colleagues here at Hyatt Regency Savannah and passionate about sharing Hyatt’s purpose of care with our guests and within the community of Savannah.” said Blattner. 

Blattner began his hospitality career with Hyatt in 1995 as a PBX Operator at Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, where he discovered his passion for customer service. He was quickly recruited as a Corporate Management Trainee at Hyatt Regency Miami in 1997. Throughout his career, Blattner has held several Rooms Division roles in nine Hyatt hotels including Director of Rooms position at Hyatt Regency Dearborn, Grand Hyatt Washington, Hyatt Regency Chicago and Hyatt Regency Baltimore, where he earned the Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Director of Rooms Award in 2011. Most recently, Blattner served as General Manager at Hyatt Regency Louisville. 

Blattner received a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management from Florida International University and a Masters in International Business from Nova Southeastern University.    

Available on iOS and Android mobile devices, Fiesta Rewards powered by Intelity will give guests direct access to hotel services and information at more than 141 properties in Mexico, including: Live Aqua, Grand Fiesta/Fiesta Americana, Fiesta Inn, One Hotels and Gamma Hoteles

[Orlando, Fla. – August 10, 2017] — Today Intelity announces that the enterprise app it developed for Grupo Posadas S.A.B. de C.V., the largest hotel operator in Mexico, is now LIVE at four brands: Live Aqua, Grand Fiesta / Fiesta Americana, Fiesta Inn, One Hotels, and Gamma Hoteles. Launch of the Fiesta Rewards app powered by Intelity will enable 141 properties to communicate with guests more effectively throughout their journey and provide them with direct-access to hotel services and information. In addition to providing easy access for booking stays, facilitating mobile check in and placing roomservice orders or service requests, the Fiesta Rewards app with enable members of its frequent traveler loyalty program (bearing the same name) to view their point balances and membership level.

“The Fiesta Rewards app powered by Intelity is like having a personal concierge at your fingertips,” said Javier Barrera, Posadas´s Vice President of Franchise. “It offers travelers the same level of service and hospitality our loyal customers have come to expect, but it’s accessible via a mobile platform. This enables guests to make the most of their travel experiences by having one-touch access to anything they may need, like requesting in-room amenities, setting the alarm clock, ordering roomservice, or scheduling activities. All this, plus information about the hotel’s location and services, as well as directions to the hotel and even the local weather, is available with just a tap on the Fiesta Rewards app. We are pleased that as of today, Posadas is delivering the attentive service our guests demand in a mobile platform they appreciate.”

Fiesta Rewards leverages the Intelity ICE (Interactive Customer Experience™) platform, expanding the elegant guest-facing interface into a full enterprise-level digital eco-system. The guest-facing interface is managed through the ICE Control System to empower hotel management and staff with the ability to monitor the entire platform. Operational features include content control, direct marketing and messaging, business intelligence, and ticket management through the included Intelity Request Manager. The Request Manager enables tracking of guest requests through to fulfillment and provides insight into service performance.

“Gearing up for this launch has been a year in the making, but it’s been well worth the wait for Posadas properties and their guests,” said Intelity CEO and President David Adelson. “Fiesta Rewards is a vehicle for delivering instant gratification to today’s modern travelers – especially Millennials. Today, Posada’s high-profile brands across Mexico can now give travelers access to virtually anything they need from anywhere; whether they are across the globe booking a trip of a lifetime or poolside placing an order for lunch. Fiesta Rewards also facilitates digital guest feedback through our integration partnership with TripAdvisor, as well as ensuring guest-data protection through the Gigya customer-identity management platform. Whether you are drawn to a Posadas destination by lifestyle, luxury or adventure, the new Fiesta Rewards app powered by Intelity will deliver a frictionless, memorable experience.”

For more information about Intelity’s solutions for the hospitality industry, click here.

Using the Wealthy Walker Channel Manager, independent hotels can push rates and inventory updates to all OTA’s from a single platform

Karnataka India and Phoenix – August 10, 2017 – IBC (InnDependent Boutique Collection), a leading provider of hospitality technologies for independent hotels and alternative lodging, is working with Wealthy Walker Technologies to provide channel management services to IBC member hotels in India. Through this integration partnership, independent hotels and soft brands using the IBC hotel management platform can also use the Wealthy Walker channel manager to push daily rate and inventory updates to the various OTAs.

“Rather than managing rates with each individual OTA, Wealthy Walker provides a single platform to hotels whereby they can update rates and availability as needed,” said Deep Shikha, Wealthy Walker E-Commerce and Revenue Manager. “In turn, we will push the updated information to all major online travel agencies, such as Agoda, Booking, Clear trip, Goibibo, GTA, Hostel World, Hotelbeds, Jovago, Jumia Travel, Make my trip, Travel Guru etc. Not only is this a huge time saver for hoteliers, but it also ensures that properties are optimizing rates to capture reservations. As a single point of contact for hotels, Wealthy Walker is streamlining operations and maximizing revenues.”

The Wealthy Walker cloud manager offers some of the best pricing in the market, plus an innovative user interface, reliable advanced technology and efficient tech support. The technology is highly secured and hosted on the private virtual Google cloud platform. IBC Marketplace is an online portal for centrally managing ALL property technologies, including CRS, property-management system, marketing, loyalty program, rate shopping, revenue management and more. This platform equips independent hotel operators with the tools they need to manage their hotel assets, including rates and loyalty in one place, determine which channels are generating the most business, and see which marketing programs are succeeding or failing and then retargeting offers for a better return on investment.

“Our goal at IBC Hospitality Technologies is to find technology partners that help hoteliers work more efficiently, drive bookings and improve on the overall guest experience. We welcome Wealthy Walker to our growing family of technology partners.”

Historic Meetings Under The Big Sky

Big Sky, Montana, August 2017… Summer is soon coming to a close and Fall is en route to Montana’s Big Sky Country, and the 320 Guest Ranch is ready with a meeting package that gets down to business and highlights the unique aspects of Montana.  Perfect for a small and mid-sized meeting, or as an executive retreat, the 320 Guest Ranch offers exceptional conference facilities, an inspiring natural setting and unique Montana recreational opportunities. Planners will find a modern, versatile conference center, topnotch technology, charming, luxurious guest accommodations, fine dining and an array of activities from horseback riding, fishing, golfing and more in the summer and fall to cross-country skiing and starlit sleigh rides in winter. All-season excursions to Yellowstone National Park are just minutes away. 

Set in Montana’s magnificent Gallatin Mountain Range, the 320 Guest Ranch offers an authentic taste of the American West. Accommodations are in spacious and charming rustic cabins with modern comforts, some including fully-equipped kitchens. Dining options range from casual cookouts to sophisticated Western fare. The meeting packages offer guests a choice of price, accommodations and activities. Meeting package prices are based on double occupancy with supplemental charges for additional guests.

The 320 Guest Ranch Three-night Fall-Winter Meeting Package includes:

Three Nights Lodging in a deluxe log cabin (based on double occupancy)

Arrival Night - Dinner with Hosted Call Bar; Appetizers of Seared Herb Elk, Seasonal Vegetables of Asparagus, Roasted Tomatoes and Sautéed Mushrooms; Savory Cheese Cake with Herb Bread Crumb Crust and Sundried Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Roasted Red Peppers and Caramelized Onions.  Dinner Buffet with Spinach Salad with Asiago Cheese, Dried Cranberries and Candied Pecans with Huckleberry Vinaigrette; Prime Rib of Beef with Au Jus and a Cream Horseradish Sauce; Herbed Trout with a Caper Brown Butter Sauce; Orzo Florentine; Toasted Garlic Carrots & Sugar Snap Peas, and Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and a Wilcoxsons Ice Cream Sundae Bar.

Day 2 – All day meeting in the Conference Center.  Breakfast; Morning Break and coffee station.  Lunch of either Mac & Cheese Bar or Mexican Bar.  Afternoon Snack and Hydration Station.  Plated Dinner of Green Garden Salad with Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Carrots, and Red Onions with a Balsamic Vinaigrette; Choice of Whiskey Brined Pork Loin Roulade with Mushroom Duxelle and Montina Cheese with Roasted Red Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetable or Seared Pheasant with an Orange Cream and Montana Chokecherry Reduction served over Herb Orzo, and Seasonal Vegetables or Roasted Vegetables Strata with Quinoa and Wheatberry Cake with a Rustic Tomato Cream Sauce; Rum Flathead Cherry Crème Brulee.

Day 3 – Meet in the morning and a enjoy a Guided hike all afternoon -- or an All Day Guided hike including Sack Lunch and bottled water. Farewell Chuckwagon BBQ Dinner with Wagon Ride.  

From $725.00 per meeting guest

The 320 Guest Ranch offers superb dining in the 320 Ranch Steakhouse.  The authentic 320 Saloon is perfect for after-hours activities.  WiFi Internet access is available at the ranch.

To learn more about the 320 Guest Ranch Three-night Fall-Winter Meeting Package or other meeting packages available, call 406-995-4283 or 800-243-0320, visit www.320Ranch.com or email sales@320ranch.com 

By Maria Harrison

Optimizing your Hotel Internet Marketing to Land Your Ideal Customers

As you pursue your optimal hotel internet marketing strategy for your luxury hotel, you want to make sure you’re attracting the savvy business mogul or free-spending socialite rather than, say, a spring-breaking “bro” with a bad fake tan and cheap tequila pouring out of his ears.

Here are five strategies to make sure that you’re attracting the right customers; the ones who are seeking the luxury hospitality experience you offer:

1. Get to Know Your Customer Through and Through

Google Analytics is your friend: it will help you discover the profile of your ideal potential clients by looking at your actual customers. A strong luxury hotel marketing strategy will include a customer profile that incorporates as much of your data as possible: what kind of job do they have? What types of cars do they drive? Do they eat eggs and bacon or drink kale shakes before starting their day – even if kale shakes can taste slightly gross.

You can even utilize a data append to get more information on your guests. You should create everything from a lookalike model to a complete characterization of the theoretical customer: the way Marlon Brando created a character like Stanley Kowalski in his head, you need to create your “character” too. But, put yours to paper. Developing a demographic profile and a persona for your ideal luxury customer will help you find them and speak to them with the right message.

2. Who Is this Mysterious Luxury Travel Consumer?

So now that you thoroughly know who your current customers are, your luxury brand marketing strategy needs to identify who the luxury travel consumer is independently of that. The type of information you want to compile will help tell you everything about the current ideal customer:

Do they spend their disposable income on a summer beach home or on prized works of modern art that look like my 6-year old could have painted them? Are they searching for travel ideas through Kayak and TripAdvisor or leaning on their social network for vacation pointers? The theme here is that with your hospitality marketing strategy you need to draw a roadmap between your actual customer and the ideal luxury brand consumer you are trying to attract in order to grow.

3. In-House versus Agency Luxury Hotel Marketing

There are reasons to use an in-house marketing team to reach your ideal customers. But even the best in-house team can greatly benefit from partnering with an external hotel internet marketing agency. While an in-house team may take a limited view that focuses on  its specific product and business, it is the responsibility of the external agency to stay on the cutting edge of marketing across your industry as well as others.

As Forbes Magazine explains, “Digital marketing agencies must follow the latest developments across digital marketing trends… While your eye is understandably on your company and the product, digital marketing agencies are committed to keeping you abreast of all the latest developments in marketing.”

4. Using the Right Tactics to Target the Luxury Consumer

Hotel marketing is extremely price-sensitive. As the price tag climbs, you need to realign your luxury hotel marketing strategy so that you attract potential customers that want what you’ve got – and can afford to pay for it! Nobody in your business needs the “wishful thinking” consumer with a 3-star motel budget.

Further, it’s one thing to deploy tactics like paid search, retargeting, and utilizing Online Travel Agencies to capture demand, but part of your goal is to generate demand. Zeroing-in on that elusive consumer who doesn’t yet know about your incredible luxury experience – and who can afford it – is a major part of the challenge that requires further specialized tactics like audience targeting through programmatic media. Whether it’s reaching the C-level exec by layering in Dun & Bradstreet data or reaching the woman who travels on private jets by selecting it from Acxiom, layering data on media will lead to greater efficiency.

5. The Big Picture: Align Your Marketing Agenda Across the Board

You’ve mastered the art of creating the glorious luxury vacation experience. Now it’s time to align your offline marketing strategies with digital strategies like paid search, social media and display advertising to take your luxury vacation brand to the next level. Traditional and digital marketing go hand-in-hand and should mutually complement one another. So, stay focused on the big picture to achieve your goals.

Let Your Digital Marketing Execution Feel Like a Dream Vacation

Hotel internet marketing is rapidly changing and therefore complicated. It is crucial to stay on top of the most important trends to market luxury services online so that you can attract the customers who will maximize your earnings.

ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 10, 2017 -- On July 13, 2017, Choice Hotels International, Inc., (NYSE: CHH) Board of Directors announced our CEO Succession Plan and the appointment of Patrick Pacious as incoming President and Chief Executive Officer.

We are pleased to share that Pat will assume his role as President and Chief Executive Officer and is joining the Board of Directors on September 12, 2017.

After serving on the DineEquity, Inc., board for more than five years, Steve Joyce was named the company's Chief Executive Officer, effective September 12, 2017. This is exciting news for Steve and no surprise as he is a leader who drives growth and innovation.

The CEO succession of Steve to Pat is the culmination of a deliberate, long-term planning process focused on maintaining leadership continuity and continued positive business growth. We are grateful to Steve for his many valuable contributions and wish him the best in his future leadership role. The Board of Directors is delighted to have Pat at the helm of Choice Hotels, as he is an accomplished leader in the organization. We know that Pat is the right person to drive continued success for Choice today and in the future.

To enable Steve to focus on his new role, he will be stepping down from the Choice Hotels Board of Directors."

MIAMI and MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 10, 2017 -- Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and Epelboim Development Group announced today a new development deal to build an all-new Tru by Hilton in Orlando, Florida, bringing the innovative, midscale hotel brand to a new market. The eight-story, 259-room hotel will be the largest Tru by Hilton property to date and will be located just south of the Orange County Convention Center.

Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area, which is expected to open in October 2019, is one of the brand's 425 hotels in various stages of development. With approximately 10 new properties slated to open this year, Tru by Hilton has achieved the fastest-growing pipeline in the history of the hospitality industry.

"I am both honored and excited to partner with Tru by Hilton to provide Orlando with a one-of-a kind hotel experience," said Noel Epelboim, CEO, Epelboim Development Group. "This expansion into Orlando is helping Epelboim reach its objective of developing top-quality hotels that are operated by locally based management companies and generating jobs for the region's economy."

The new Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area is part of a brand that thinks differently and is a game changer in the midscale segment:

• All new-build brand, which drives the consistency of experience for our guests
   
• Reimagined, enlarged lobby with 2,880 square feet of public space with areas to work, play games, eat or lounge
   
• Breakfast is reinvented with the build-your-own complimentary "Top It" breakfast bar that has 30 sweet and savory toppings so guests can create their own healthy or indulgent morning masterpieces
   
• Rooms are modern and designed to make every square foot count, with natural light from oversized windows, 55" TV with 150 DIRECTV channels and bright all-shower bathrooms with premium bath amenities
   
• National and local brand gourmet snacks and drinks – including single-serve beer and wine – are available 24/7 in the "Eat. & Sip." market located in the heart of the lobby
   
• Tech savvy hotel with mobile check-in, Digital Key, free superfast Wi-Fi, remote printing, social media wall, lobby and market iPads, super-charging stations and accessibility to outlets everywhere
   
• A fitness center that leverages the latest fitness trends through barre, TRX bands, free weights, cardio and flexibility gear, plus guests can get workout ideas from the fitness center tablet
   
• All the benefits of a Hilton Honors® membership are available to Tru by Hilton guests
   

"Tru is a game-changing brand, as evidenced by its statement-making entrance to the midscale category and now the Orlando market," said Alexandra Jaritz, global head, Tru by Hilton. "We know the brand will have broad appeal to travelers who span generations but have a similar 'zest for life' mindset. At its core, Tru by Hilton is value-engineered to provide guests with a contemporary, consistent and fresh experience in an affordable way, while at the same time being operationally efficient for our owners."

Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area will participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning loyalty program serving more than 62 million members. Hilton Honors offers members exclusive benefits and more ways to redeem points than any other guest loyalty program.

More information about Tru by Hilton can be found at www.trubyhilton.com. Media may access high-resolution renderings and more by visiting www.news.trubyhilton.com.

ARLINGTON, Va. /TACOMA, Wa. –  August 10, 2017 – Interstate Hotels & Resorts – the leading U.S.-based global hotel management company – announces that it has been selected by Yareton Investment & Management to operate the 22-story Marriott Seattle Tacoma, anticipated to open in spring of 2020. The start of construction was marked with a groundbreaking ceremony on August 8^th.  In attendance was Chairman Yang of Yareton, City of Tacoma officials, other partners, and from Interstate Hotels & Resorts: Head of Asia Investment, Don Li and Senior Vice President of Operations, Dan Evans.

“We are honored to work with such high-quality partners to bring this vision to life, creating an exciting addition to the City of Tacoma, its economy and vibrant community.  We look forward to welcoming guests to Tacoma and the new Marriott as a destination of choice for leisure and business travelers from all over the world,” said Chairman Yang.

The Marriott is the 43rd hotel signed under Interstate’s Asia Investment Group practice. “Interstate is privileged to be a part of this prestigious project – a milestone for the City of Tacoma as a destination of choice for conference and convention business,” said Li. “This is our second hotel with this ownership group, and it is deeply rewarding to grow our relationship with such a prestigious developer as we continue to expand our recently announced Asia practice.”

The 303-room Marriott Seattle Tacoma is a market changing development for the city. Adjacent to the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, the 22-story building will be a new landmark of luxury as the second tallest building in Tacoma, offering a four-star standard for regional, national and international conventions. The hotel will offer several elegant meeting spaces that will complement the convention center including a 10,000 square foot ballroom, divisible into three separate spaces, in addition to 9,000 square feet among seven breakout rooms. A Garden Terrace on the sixth-floor will be a popular gathering area for both hotel guests and convention center attendees.

High-end luxury amenities throughout the hotel will include a ground-floor Marriott Great Room with a sweeping, open-concept layout in a modern design reflecting the vibrancy of the surrounding city, joined by a contemporary restaurant and lounge area. Two, high-luxury, 1000-square-foot Presidential Suites will be located on the twenty-second and twenty-third floors, in addition to six other luxury suites of similar elegance.  On the fifth floor, the hotel will boast a breathtaking pool area located alongside a state-of-the-art fitness center.  The hotel will be ideally located a few blocks away from The Museum of Glass, University of Washington-Tacoma, Washington State History Museum, and Tacoma Arts Museum.

A global leader in third-party hotel management, Interstate Hotels & Resorts’ depth of experience across all lodging segments and asset classes drives results in each of its managed hotels worldwide. For more information on Interstate Hotels & Resorts, visit www.InterstateHotels.com.  For further information regarding Interstate’s Asia practice group, contact Don Li, Head of Asia Investment, at (949) 783-2508 or don.li@interstatehotels.com.

MIAMI--August 10, 2017--IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts, known for its luxurious four and five-star properties located in the most spectacular destinations around the world, has opened the doors of its second U.S. hotel in Miami Beach, Fla. The historic building, now renamed IBEROSTAR Berkeley, was fully renovated under a $43 million investment and is situated at 1610 Collins Avenue, right at the heart of South Beach. The four-star hotel provides a high-quality alternative for the business and leisure traveler. 

“We are thrilled to launch the IBEROSTAR Berkeley in South Beach, one of the hottest spots in the world. Its pristine beaches, vibrant culture and perfect weather, combined with our excellent customer service and amenities, make it the ideal dwelling option in the area,” said Enric Noguer, IBEROSTAR Managing Director for the Americas. “This second IBEROSTAR hotel in the United States is proof of our commitment to this market, where we strive to serve international, as well as national tourists, and to connect with the local community and its cultural heritage,” Noguer said.

The glamorous IBEROSTAR Berkeley features 96 brand-new, luxuriously designed guestrooms, including 20 premier rooms with balconies, a lush Sun Deck with spectacular views of Collins Avenue, and signature restaurant BLT Steak for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This pet-friendly hotel also offers a fully-equipped fitness room; a beautiful heated pool and deck with lounge area on the fourth floor; 24-hour room service; full housekeeping with turndown service; and beach club with towels, chairs and umbrellas; among other amenities and services. The standard and deluxe rooms feature one king and two queen size beds, respectively, as well as a minibar with snacks and soft drinks, onyx designer rain showers, comfortable workspaces with outlets and USB ports, and much more.

IBEROSTAR Berkeley is one of the new properties the brand has been developing within the urban segment, with a plan to reach a total of 15 in the next three years in key cities like Budapest, Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, New York, Havana, Santo Domingo and Lima, among others. Boasting the superior level of customer service and quality the brand is globally known for, these urban hotels are located at the heart of the city they are in, close to key points of interest. In this case, IBEROSTAR Berkeley is just steps away from the beach; Lincoln Road Mall (for dining, shopping, and art gallery visits); the New World Center, home to the New World Symphony; the Miami Beach Convention Center; the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater; and the cosmopolitan Ocean Drive; among other iconic locations.