ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF. (August 15, 2017) - Montage International today announced significant movements within the company with the appointment and promotion of five executive-level hires. With this year's openings of two Pendry Hotels and next year's opening of the company's first international resort, Montage Los Cabos, the creation of new roles and internal promotions are a testament to the growth and expansion of the company. Each new appointee brings in-depth experience within their respective fields.

"I am delighted to congratulate these five talented individuals," said Alan J. Fuerstman, founder, chairman and CEO, Montage International. "They each bring a unique background and special skillset that will be valuable to the growth and success of the company."

Shawn Jereb - Corporate Director, Revenue Management, Montage International
In the newly created position of Corporate Director, Revenue Management for Montage International, Shawn Jereb is responsible for maximizing overall revenue generation and profitability at all properties under the Montage International portfolio, as well as developing revenue strategies to position the company for continued growth and sustainability.

Jereb brings more than two decades of hospitality experience, 19 of which focused specifically on revenue management. He joined Montage following nine years at Belmond Ltd. in London as Vice President of Revenue Management & Distribution. Jereb oversaw all aspects of revenue management including infrastructure, culture, strategy and distribution for 30 properties in 20 countries, as well as six touring trains, three river cruises and three safari camps. He also worked closely with the company's development team to assess new markets and assets. Previously, Jereb spent over six years as Director and Regional Director of Revenue Management at various Morgans Hotel Group locations, and held revenue management and sales roles with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott.

A native of Caldwell, Idaho, Jereb studied business and science at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon.

Julie De Witz - Corporate Director, Restaurant Operations, Montage International
In the newly created position of Corporate Director, Restaurant Operations for Montage International, Julie De Witz develops innovative and creative restaurant programming for both the Montage Hotels & Resorts and Pendry Hotels brands. Her responsibilities include consulting with operations leadership and property management teams to deliver the high-quality and high-margin food and beverage offerings that delight guests and deliver brand experiences.

De Witz first joined Montage International from Proper Hospitality, where as a Corporate Director she oversaw food and beverage operations at Avalon locations in Palm Springs and Beverly Hills, as well as Hollywood Proper Residences, while also planning all food and beverage operations for the brand's new hotels set to open through 2020. Previously, De Witz spent six years in leadership roles with ThinkFoodGroup by José Andrés, most recently as Director of New Restaurant Openings and oversaw multiple openings with hotel partners from around the globe. She also spent five years with Hillstone Restaurant Group in positions ranging from Executive Baker of the research and development team to General Manager and Service Manager on location at restaurants in Los Angeles, California. 

De Witz earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish literature and culture from the University of California, Irvine, as well as an Associate of Arts degree in culinary arts from Le Cordon Bleu.

Victorio Gonzalez - Hotel Manager, Montage Los Cabos
Victorio Gonzalez has been promoted to Hotel Manager at Montage Los Cabos, set to open in 2018. In this role, Gonzalez will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day hotel operations with emphasis on food and beverage, rooms, Spa Montage and engineering.

Gonzalez joined Montage Deer Valley as Resort Manager in May of 2015. As an integral part of the management team since Montage Hotels & Resorts inception in 2003, Gonzalez brings thirty years of experience in luxury hospitality. He first joined Montage Hotels & Resorts in Laguna Beach prior to the resort opening as a consultant for the Five Star/Five Diamond restaurant Studio; was promoted to Director of Restaurants in 2004 and further expanded his responsibilities to Director of Food & Beverage at Montage Laguna Beach and Montage Beverly Hills. Prior to joining the company, Gonzalez was Managing Member of Executive Dining Consultants LLC, an independent restaurant owner/operator and held senior management positions at several iconic restaurants, including General Manager at the Ventana Room at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort; Mary Elaine's at The Phoenician; Picasso at Bellagio Hotel & Casino; and Renoir at Mirage Hotel & Casino. 

Gonzalez attended the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México and the University of Arizona where he studied economics and classical history.

Will Jones - Hotel Manager, Montage Palmetto Bluff
As Hotel Manager of Montage Palmetto Bluff, Will Jones is responsible for all operational areas of the resort, including rooms, food and beverage, and Spa Montage.

Jones joined Montage Palmetto Bluff from Keswick Hall and Golf Club in Charlottesville, Virginia, a 48- room, Forbes Five Star Luxury Property with a 575-member private golf club, where he was General Manager. Previously Jones served various roles at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, rising from Assistant Front Office Manager to Director of Rooms during his eight-year tenure. Jones started his hospitality career at Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center in Breckenridge, Colorado, where he served as a Concierge and Assistant Front Office Manager.

A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Jones holds a degree in parks, recreations and tourism management from North Carolina State University.

Craig Thomas - Director of Sales & Marketing, Montage Deer Valley
Bringing more than two decades of luxury hospitality experience to Park City, Utah, as Director of Sales & Marketing for Montage Deer Valley, Craig Thomas is responsible for overall resort-wide revenue and yield strategies, as well as managing the resort's sales and marketing teams.

Thomas joined Montage Deer Valley from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where he was most recently Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, Mexico, and, before that, at The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica. Thomas also previously served as Regional Director of Global Sales for The Peninsula Hotel Company, Area Director of Incentive Sales for The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of the Caribbean & Mexico, and Director of Sales at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun. 

Born in Kenitra, Morocco as part of a diplomatic family, Thomas grew up internationally and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He has extensive experience both living and traveling around the globe.

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

New York, NY (August 15, 2017) – Loews Hotels & Co has announced the promotion of two managing directors. John Maibach will take over the reins at the Loews Regency New York Hotel, the legendary Park Avenue hotel in Midtown Manhattan, and Derek McCann as Managing Director will oversee the West Coast’s iconic, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.

John Maibach’s track record for excellence is evident by his most recent role as general manager for Loews Boston Hotel. He led the property through a brand repositioning, was instrumental in introducing Loews in the Boson market and led the hotel’s extensive renovation. Now four years later, the hotel is a prominent member of the Boston tourism community.

Starting as a Housekeeping Floor Manager at the Hotel Macklowe, now the Millennium Broadway, Maibach then worked as the Executive Director of Rooms at The Plaza, New York. Prior to starting with Loews, Maibach held other General Manager positions including The Copley Square (2007 – 2013) where he oversaw an $18 million renovation and was given the difficult task of transforming a two-star hotel into a luxury property. The complete re-invention and branding of The Copley Square was met with high rates of guest satisfaction and an increase in occupancy and revenue.

As a native New York, John is excited to return to New York with his wife, two children and his beloved yellow lab, Lola-Maibs.

As a hospitality industry veteran with twenty years of management experience at hotels and resorts across the US, Derek McCann comes to Santa Monica from his most recent role as managing director of Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, where he continued the property’s longstanding legacy as one of the destination’s premier resorts.

Prior to joining Loews Hotels & Co in 2014, McCann was Vice President & Hotel Manager of Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, a position he held after ten years with Gaylord Hotels. During his time in Nashville, McCann was actively involved on the boards of University of Tennessee's School of Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management, as well as with Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee. After nearly two decades, McCann will be returning to Los Angeles, where he began his career in hospitality as Assistant Front Office Manager of the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel.

Originally hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, McCann earned a degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University in 1996. In his free time, Derek and his wife Erika love to travel and explore the outdoors with their two children.

“Both John and Derek have a proven track record of results coupled with demonstrating operational excellence, which is at the core of what we exemplify here at Loews Hotels,” said John Cottrill, Chief Operating Officer, Loews Hotels & Co. “To be able to promote from within for such critical roles in some of our most longstanding Loews Hotels, is a testament to the leadership both of these gentlemen exhibit, we look forward to seeing that continued success in New York and Santa Monica.”

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 15, 2017) - Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel Hotel, the premier luxury property scheduled to open fall 2017 on East Valley Boulevard, announces that Sunny Saha has been appointed assistant general manager.

In Saha’s new role, he will help oversee the hotel’s day-to-day operations, financial performance, customer and employee relations, and ensure the overall success of the property.

With more than 30 years of managerial and hospitality experience, Saha has worked at some of the world’s finest hotel destinations.  Prior to Sheraton San Gabriel, he was the Director of Food & Beverage at Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles, where he oversaw 295 employees and a $23.5 million budget. Saha brings a unique international perspective to the Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel Hotel, having worked at hotels in Thailand, Miami, Switzerland, New York, Philadelphia, and Singapore.

Saha holds a certificate in restaurant management from Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, hotel & tourism from Centre International de Glion and a master’s certificate in revenue management and marketing from eCornell. Saha is also fluent in English, French, Italian and German.

IRVINE, CA (August 15, 2017) – Pacifica Hotels, the largest owner and operator of independent hotels along the Pacific Coast, has completed its much-anticipated renovation of La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites’ guest rooms and public spaces. Additionally, the hotel’s upgraded rooftop space is now home to a roster of events for sunning, sipping, and socializing.

With an idyllic location, just steps from the famous La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and unbeatable beach access. Today, its collection of 117 guest rooms, suites, and vacation rentals offer a variety of accommodations perfectly suited to families, couples, or solo travelers in search of sunsets and sand between their toes.

All accommodations have been fully refreshed to feature new bedding, décor, carpet, and more. Designed with a serene palette and bright flourishes, rooms embody a relaxed beach vibe. Modern amenities like flat screen TV’s and free Wi-Fi, along with daily complimentary breakfast and a variety of on property diversions ensure La Jolla Cove guests enjoy endless opportunities for both connectivity and escape.      

Along with the upgrade to accommodations, the hotel’s 12,000 square foot terrace, The Rooftop, has received new lounge furniture, high top tables, and more. With plenty of space to take in the panoramic views, it is the ideal place to enjoy breakfast or a sunset glass of wine.

For still more diversions, the heated saltwater swimming pool and jacuzzi features a refreshed lawn and pool deck with colorful lounge furniture, fire pits, and evening twinkle lights. Pool tables and ping pong tables offer competitive fun for the family. Should the desire to explore by land or by sea arise, the Village of La Jolla is within easy walking distance, and some of the best snorkeling in California can be found in the cove right in front of the hotel. Electric bicycles will also be available for rental this summer, along with complimentary access to the nearby La Jolla Sports Club fitness center.

Meetings and celebrations are also right at home at La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites. The Rooftop terrace has long been one of San Diego’s most popular wedding venues for good reason. With endless ocean views and crashing waves, The Rooftop sets the perfect beachfront ambiance. But even business is pleasurable at La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites where a range of meeting spaces can accommodate up to 225 people with indoor/outdoor space, views and AV, catering and support services as needed.

La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites is situated in the charming seaside community of La Jolla, California, a peaceful, village with spectacular natural beauty. La Jolla’s alluring features include pristine white sandy beaches, nature trails, grassy parks and wildlife reserves. In addition to incredible scenery, visitors enjoy abundant sunshine, premier dining and shopping, and cultural experiences that please all ages and types. La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites is located at 1155 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, California 92037. The hotel can be reached by phone (858) 459-2621 or directly at LaJollaCove.com. 

NAPLES, Fla. (August 15, 2017) – LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, a Noble House Resort located on the Naples beachfront, is pleased to announce a transformative $8 million renovation to be unveiled in Fall 2017.  Inspired by the natural elements surrounding the resort, the transformation will include new guest rooms in the Gulf Tower, a reinvigorated lobby, and a stunning new look for its award-winning signature restaurant, BALEEN.  Located on a pristine, private six-acre white sand beach alongside the Gulf of Mexico, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort offers a quintessential Naples experience with an award-winning beachside restaurant, luxurious spa, exclusive golf club, and exquisite waterfront views from each guestroom and suite.

“Our resort is a welcoming haven for guests seeking a quintessential Floridian coastal elegance and experience,” said Marco Perry, managing director of LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort.  “We’re thrilled to unveil our renovated hotel this fall, which will further enhance the resort’s relaxed luxury and sophisticated simplicity.”

The current renovation is part of a property-wide refresh, as the resort recently completed a $6 million renovation of the Beach House, resort beautification updates, new sustainability initiatives, and the introduction of a gourmet coffee bar in December 2016.  Additional property highlights include a 4,500-square-foot SpaTerre; a private white sand beach with beach butler service; a full service Tiki Bar with craft cocktails; three outdoor pools with cabanas and spa services; access to LaPlaya Golf Club’s 18-hole, par 72 Robert Cupp-designed golf course, Clubhouse, and full practice facilities; a 23-slip marina housing yachts overlooking Vanderbilt Bay; an array of water activities; 12,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor meeting and event space; and flawless hospitality at every touchpoint.  The property also includes one of the most notable private clubs in Florida—The LaPlaya Beach & Golf Club—providing members with personalized service and access to the private beach, golf course, poolside cabanas, and the Member’s Private Club Level restaurant.

The luxury resort, owned by Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, is the recipient of many prestigious accolades including, most recently, an “Award of Excellence” for Wine Spectator’s 2017 Restaurant Wine Awards list, “Best Hotels in Naples” by US News & World Report, a 2016 Readers’ Choice Award by Condé Nast Traveler, and Top 100 “Best Outdoor Dining Venues” in the U.S. by OpenTable.com, among others.

For more information about LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, please call 239-597-3123 or visit www.laplayaresort.com.

CHICAGO/SEATTLE, August 15, 2017—Officials of The Dow Hotel Company (DHC), a leading national hotel owner/investor and operator, today announced the completion of the $10 million renovation of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport – Rosemont.  The renovation focused on all aspects of the hotel, including guest rooms, public spaces and back-of-house areas.

“With the conclusion of this top-to-bottom renovation, the hotel has achieved ‘like-new’ status, making it competitive with any product on the market,” said Murray L. Dow II, founder and president, DHC.  “In the last 19 years, DHC has overseen 20 renovations of similar scope.  The property is positioned to provide experiential travel to upscale business and leisure guests who want something more than the ‘typical’ big-box stay.”

The renovation enhanced virtually all aspects of the hotel.  Guest rooms received fresh soft goods, upholstered furniture and artwork.  All guest baths gained new tiling, while some were converted to stand-up showers.  Public spaces were completely redone, including alterations to the atrium, pool, fitness center, lobby, elevators and employee locker rooms.  The business center was upgraded to Embassy Suites by Hilton’s Connectivity Zone with modern furniture.  The two executive boardrooms received new tables, wood work, refrigerators and televisions.  Exterior hotel improvements range from building enhancements to completely redone landscaping.

“The Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport – Rosemont has 18,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, including a 5,100-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate up to 350 guests,” Dow added.  “This gives it some of the largest combined meeting space of any Embassy Suites product in the Midwest.”

Located across from the Donald E. Stephens Convention and Conference Center, the eight-story hotel is a five-minute drive from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and fifteen minutes from downtown Chicago.  Guests can enjoy nearby MB Financial Park at Rosemont, a new entertainment complex featuring many restaurants, bowling, a movie theater, a seasonal outdoor ice rink and much more. Additional local attractions include the Allstate Arena, which is home of the Chicago Wolves hockey team, the Rosemont Theater and Rivers Casino.

Hotel amenities include twenty-two conference rooms with connecting suites, a seven-story garden atrium, fully-equipped fitness center, indoor pool and complimentary shuttle service to and from O’Hare Airport.  Each of the hotel’s newly renovated, two-room suites features a private bedroom and a separate, well-equipped living room. The living area includes a full-sized sofa bed, work station and ergonomic chair.

In addition to the numerous dining options in the immediate area, guests and locals can enjoy delicious Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a casual atmosphere for lunch and dinner in Basil’s Kitchen.  Guests also can enjoy a libation while watching flat screen televisions in Basil’s Bar.  

Following on from last year’s successes, the Direct Booking Summit returns this Fall to New York on the 27-28th September and Barcelona on the 18-19th October. The Summit is the world’s largest conference dedicated to the Direct Booking Movement, and many of the world’s leading hoteliers will be in attendance.

The creation of the Summit was a natural progression from (its parent company) Triptease’s significant focus on industry research. The company is of the view that it cannot truly help hoteliers unless it takes a wider view of the problems they face, and contributes to the conversations that may help to solve them. With this in mind, the current focus of their research is wholesalers and the infamous ‘Amoma problem’.

The hotel industry faces an uphill struggle against antiquated technologies and non-communicative systems. Wholesalers run on tech that was built for offline bookings, but can no longer make money without selling online. Static rates designed to be rolled into packages and sold by traditional travel agents are now being shipped out to OTAs like Amoma, with no oversight available to the hotels whose rooms they relate to.

So, how will we ever solve a problem like Amoma?

That’s what Triptease is trying to find out - and they need help from hoteliers to do it.

Every hotelier who contributes to Triptease’s quick (and anonymous) survey on the issue will be entered into the draw for a free ticket to the Direct Booking Summit of their choosing. The runners-up will receive a Triptease goody bag, and a pair of famous Power Socks!

Take the survey here, or email info@triptease.com with the subject line ‘Wholesalers’ if you’d like to contribute further.

Full agenda and speaker line-up for the Direct Booking Summit can be found here. Email HQ@directbookingsummit.com for more event information.

Mauna Kea Resort Enters Into Franchise Agreement With Westin Hotels & Resorts; Hotel to Remain Part of Prince Resorts Hawaii

HAPUNA BEACH, Hawaii, Aug. 16, 2017 -- Mauna Kea Resort LLC today announced it has signed a franchise agreement with Westin Hotels & Resorts to debut the renowned wellness hospitality brand on the Big Island of Hawaii, with the $46 million renovation and conversion of Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel to become The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort in February of 2018. The hotel will remain part of Prince Resorts Hawaii.

Beginning as early as September 2017, the hotel will participate in SPG® (Starwood Preferred Guest), one of Marriott International's award-winning loyalty programs, allowing guests to redeems points to stay at the hotel.

"Well-being is a big part of the local culture here, so we couldn't be more excited to bring the Westin brand to the island of Hawaii," said Donn Takahashi, President of Prince Resorts Hawaii. "With longtime Westin-veteran Craig Anderson at the helm, we're confident that his leadership will allow us to leverage the brand's successful lifestyle positioning and elevate the guest experience."

"Westin's history of delivering a best-in-class product is perfectly suited for Hapuna and will reposition the hotel as a top competitor on the Kohala Coast," continued Craig Anderson, Mauna Kea Resort Vice President of Operations.

Situated on the sunny Kohala Coast, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel has defined Big Island luxury since its opening in 1994. As the second phase in Rockefeller's creation of Mauna Kea Resort, the hotel property shares 1,839 acres of oceanfront paradise with the legendary Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Perfectly nestled into the bluffs above the idyllic Hapuna Beach, the hotel presents a flowing, contemporary Hawaiian style where guests experience the true essence of rejuvenation.

Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel shares 1,839 acres of oceanfront property with the legendary Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, which was the first resort on the island built in 1965 by visionary Laurence S. Rockefeller. The historic and storied hotel, now part of Autograph Collection Hotels, boasts two championship golf courses, luxury residences, townhomes and villas.

BETHESDA, Md. & IRVING, Texas--August 16, 2017--RLJ Lodging Trust ( “RLJ”) (NYSE:RLJ) and FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated (“FelCor”) (NYSE:FCH) today announced that at special meetings held earlier today shareholders of RLJ approved the issuance of common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, of RLJ (the “RLJ Common Shares”) in connection with the Merger (as defined below) and stockholders of FelCor approved FelCor’s merger with and into a subsidiary of RLJ in a stock-for-stock transaction (the “Merger”) in connection with the previously announced Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 23, 2017, by and among RLJ, FelCor and the other entities party thereto. 

“Today's vote solidifies our position as the premier lodging REIT within the most profitable segment of the hotel market,” said Robert L. Johnson, Executive Chairman of RLJ. “We are very pleased with the overwhelming level of support that we received from both RLJ and FelCor shareholders. We look forward to closing this transaction at the end of the month and starting to unlock the strategic benefits of the merger.”

At the special meeting of RLJ shareholders, approximately 78% of the votes cast were voted in favor of the proposal related to the issuance of RLJ Common Shares in connection with the Merger.

At the special meeting of FelCor stockholders, approximately 81% of the outstanding shares of FelCor common stock were voted, with approximately 99% of the votes cast in favor of the Merger.

The Merger is expected to close on or about August 31, 2017, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all closing conditions related to the transactions. Assuming completion of the Merger, FelCor stock is expected to be delisted from trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) after the close of trading on August 31, 2017. As a result of the Merger, among other things, each share of FelCor common stock will be converted into 0.362 RLJ Common Shares. RLJ Common Shares will continue to trade under the existing ticker symbol “RLJ” on the NYSE. 

CHULA VISTA, Calif.--August 16, 2017--Sudberry Properties and Ayres Hotels broke ground today on Millenia Commons, a 131,800-square-foot lifestyle destination center and a 135-guestroom boutique hotel, respectively. Both projects are located along Millenia Avenue, south of Birch Road at the gateway to Millenia. They will have excellent visibility from SR-125. 

Millenia Commons is the primary retail component of the 210-acre Millenia master-planned community, which is designed to be the urban epicenter of South San Diego County. The 12.5-acre lifestyle center is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Preleasing efforts by Flocke & Avoyer have resulted in leases with HomeGoods, Cost Plus World Market, Ross Dress for Less, buybuy Baby, Mattress Firm, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Papagayos Grill & Cantina, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Great Clips, Jamba Juice, McDonald’s and Pacific Dental Services.

Sudberry Properties’ development team includes Andrew Hull Stevenson Architects, and GroundLevel Landscape Architecture. Hazard Construction is doing the initial grading and infrastructure work for Millenia Commons. Sudberry Properties is in the process of selecting additional contractors.

Millenia Commons, which will extend on both sides of Millenia Avenue on two separate parcels, will feature contemporary urban design with an emphasis on walkability and outdoor gathering spaces to create a strong sense of place. The center will have a contemporary character, reflecting the modern urban style of the overall Millenia master plan.

“We’re excited to become a part of Millenia – and obviously so are a large contingent of nationally recognized tenants,” said Colton Sudberry, president of Sudberry Properties. “We’ve enjoyed a great response from best-in-class retailers and restaurants that share our enthusiasm for this future urban hub,” he said.

The Ayres Hotel, which is scheduled to open in approximately one year, is Ayres Hotels’ second hotel in San Diego County and 22^nd hotel in Southern and Central California.

Amenities include urban edge design and décor coupled with the genuine comforts and personalized service all guests of the Ayres Hotels collection expect, full bars in the lobby and the outdoor courtyard, state-of-the-art fitness center, three conference rooms and a boardroom. In keeping with the hotel’s location, just 2.5 miles from the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center (formerly the Olympic Training Center), the lobby will feature a projection celebrating unforgettable Olympic moments.

“Ayres Hotels is excited to become a part of the dynamic Millenia master plan,” said Bruce D’Eliscu, principal, Ayres Hotels of Southern California. “Ayres Hotels’ fresh urban perspective is a perfect complement to Millenia’s future as the strategic hub of the Cali Baja Bi-National Mega-Region. We are poised to take full advantage of future business growth and the strong South County economy,” he said.

The Ayres Hotel development team includes architectural design by ACS Architectural Services and landscape architecture by Village Green, both of Newport Beach. The general contractor is Ayres Group.

Guy Asaro, president of Meridian Development, which is managing development of Millenia for the property owner Stratford Land, said, “Sudberry Properties and Ayres Hotels are Southern California pioneers in creating best-in-class retail and hotel environments. We are honored that they concur with our vision of a vibrant South County urban hub.

“They are joining other industry leaders, such as Chesnut Properties, Trammell Crow Residential, Fairfield Residential, Shea Homes San Diego, and Meridian Communities, who are turning the Millenia vision into reality,” he said.

Designated a Smart Growth Urban Center by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), Millenia is planned for 3,000 multifamily residences, 2 million square feet of Class A office space, 1.5 million square feet of retail, hospitality, civic and mixed-use projects and six urban parks, woven together with a system of tree-lined promenades, bikeways, and plazas. For information, visit MilleniaSD.com

New Delhi, India, August 16, 2017: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing two new properties in Dubai: Crowne Plaza® Dubai Business Bay and InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Business Bay. Both properties are in partnership with API Hotels & Resorts, and their location in Dubai’s Business Bay area, the planned business capital of the region, is in line with IHG’s strategy to grow these brands in emerging business epicentres. 

Expected to open in 2019, Crowne Plaza® Dubai Business Bay will be situated on the Business Bay Canal, near the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, as well as other developing commercial and residential communities. With 290 rooms and suites, the hotel will offer guests all day dining options, as well as a gym and an outdoor infinity pool. As a major draw for business bookers and travellers, Crowne Plaza Dubai Business Bay will include a ballroom as well as several meeting rooms to host conferences and events.

According to statistics shared by Dubai Tourism, India is the number one international tourist source market for Dubai, and in 2016, 1.8 million Indians arrived in Dubai for leisure and business purposes. Additionally, the UAE and India are making continuous efforts to further strengthen the economic and trade cooperation. With proximity to the business hub and major tourist attractions in Dubai, Crowne Plaza® Dubai Business Bay and InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Business Bay are located strategically to cater to both business and leisure travellers visiting the city.

The InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Business Bay will be situated on the Business Bay canal extension of the Dubai Creek, across from the Crowne Plaza Dubai Business Bay. The area, currently under development as part of Marasi Business Bay, is an ideal location set to become one of Dubai’s most iconic areas featuring the region’s first purpose-built yachting destination, floating restaurants and cafes across 5 marinas, over 1250 berths, onshore boutiques and entertainment facilities. This waterfront property will serve as an ideal residence for those seeking a home in the heart of Dubai’s luxury lifestyle hub, in close proximity to business areas such as Dubai International Financial Centre and Business Bay’s commercial centres. It will offer 30 studios, 60 one bedroom, 60 two bedroom, and 10 three bedroom suites.

Pascal Gauvin, Chief Operating Officer, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, commented: “In the Middle East, we are currently engaged in the strategic expansion of the Crowne Plaza brand, as well as growing the footprint of our InterContinental Residence Suites. In support of these goals, we are delighted to be working with API Hotels & Resorts, an eminent partner with a proven track record in high quality hotel developments across the UAE.”

He continued, “Crowne Plaza is all about making business travel work and ensuring our guests have the most productive stay while they’re on the road. InterContinental Residence Suites endeavours to provide both short- and long-term residents with a measure of luxury and location second to none. Dubai continues to be one of the strongest business and leisure destinations in the region and given that Business Bay’s is positioned as one of the city’s most centrally located commercial and lifestyle hubs, it is the perfect location for both these properties.”

Mr. Jassim Al Ali, CEO of API Hotels & Resorts, added: “In order to maximize further growth opportunities in the Middle East, we believe that we need to add a global operator with an internationally recognized brand to our portfolio and IHG, as a market leader with over 5,000 hotels worldwide fits this profile perfectly. Furthermore, both InterContinental^® and Crowne Plaza^® have established reputations around the world, and we’re excited to be adding these iconic names to our portfolio here in Dubai.  This is a growing market for hotel development; particularly for business and luxury brands. We’re looking forward to providing career-focused business travellers and luxury seeking residents with the finest service across two world-class properties.”

IHG® currently has 80 hotels operating across five of the company’s brands in the Middle East region, including InterContinental^®, Crowne Plaza^®, Holiday Inn^®, Holiday Inn Express^®, and Staybridge Suites^® with a further 27 in the development pipeline. There are 19 Crowne Plaza^® properties and 26 InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts open in the Middle East.

IHG currently operates 31 hotels across four brands in South West Asia: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express, with a further 35 in the development pipeline due to open in the next three to five years.

[Taipei, Taiwan, Aug. 16, 2017] – Regent Hotels Group is delighted to announce Mark Keith as Managing Director.  Prior to this appointment, Keith served as the group’s advisor on human capital management, with a focus on strategic senior leadership development. In the position of Managing Director, he will oversee the Group’s senior talent acquisition, training, and development. In addition, he will work closely with the General Managers in providing exceptional management service and driving the group's global talent as Regent Hotels Group expands its portfolio under its Regent Hotels & Resorts, Silks Place, and Just Sleep Hotels brands.

Keith joins the Group with vast experience in the hospitality field which include appointments in Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America, and various cities in Asia.  He was most recently Managing Director at HVS – a leading global hospitality services consulting firm, where he oversaw the company’s numerous consulting projects and assignments throughout Asia Pacific. Prior to that, he held various senior positions in the hospitality industry with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Peninsula Hotel Group. His career started with Hilton Hotels & Resorts. 

Keith has a Master of Science degree in behavioral science from the University of Leicester and is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality (FIH).  He is currently an Assistant Honorary Professor at The Faculty of Dentistry at The University of Hong Kong. Keith is also a Qualified Training Officer and Instructor Trainer at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst – commissioned as an infantry officer whilst serving in the Royal Hong Kong Regiment.

Commenting on this most recent appointment, Steven Pan, Chairman of Regent Hotels Group said, “We are really pleased to announce Mark as Regent’s Managing Director. We will rely on his knowledge of strategic human capital management in the hospitality industry, relationship maintenance, hotel openings, and the cross-cultural implications for management and service.”  

On joining the Regent Hotels Group, Keith said, “I have always admired Regent’s modern interpretation of luxury hospitality; it is inspiring and a great honor to take on this role. It is an exciting time for the company with international growth and new hotels opening in Jakarta, Harbin, and Phu Quoc. I look forward to bringing my experience in human capital management and owner relationship maintenance to lay a solid foundation for Regent’s future development.” 

Luca Brunelle has been appointed executive chef of The Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The historic Gideon Putnam is operated by global hospitality company Delaware North on behalf of New York State.

In his role, Brunelle will oversee all culinary operations for the 124-room resort’s modern American eatery, Putnam’s Restaurant, as well as the seasonally-operated Putnam’s Patio. He will be responsible for production and catering management for the resort’s meeting spaces, including the newly renovated grand ballroom, as well as the training and development of kitchen staff.

Brunelle joined Delaware North after more than 20 years of experience in the food service industry. He previously ran the kitchens at Cornell’s in Little Italy in Schenectady, N.Y.; Nicole’s Restaurant in Albany, N.Y.; and Brown’s Brewing in Troy, N.Y. His extensive experience includes event management, quality assurance of recipes, and crafting special and new menu items with a focus on waste minimization.

The chef has also been an active figure in the local food and beverage community. He is a participant in the annual Cor-CIA programming with Master Chef Dale Miller, creating a joint scholarship program benefitting Cornell University and the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Albany Country Club. He has executed cooking demonstrations on local television stations, and has earned two People's Choice Awards from the Albany Culinary Cornucopia and gold medals and awards from more than 20 American Culinary Federation-sponsored competitions.

Brunelle earned an associate’s degree in culinary arts from the CIA. 

(London, England, August 16, 2017)- Corinthia Hotel London’s Northall restaurant, famed for its Best in British menu, has a new Executive Chef at the helm.

Ewan Simpson, fresh from his two-year tenure as Executive Head Chef at Rowhill Grange Hotel, took up his new role on July 10th. He led a team of 19 at the hotel and created menus with a seasonal, modern British twist. Its AA silver stars and two AA Rosettes are eclipsed by his five-year period directly before as Sous Chef at Claridge’s, the award-winning Mayfair Hotel with five AA red stars and three AA Rosettes. Here he supervised a brigade of 56.

He joined Claridge’s from The Stafford Hotel where he worked for five years, leaving as Sous Chef of the 110-room hotel. Prior to that, Ewan spent three years working in three restaurants in Kent after graduating from West Kent College with a BTec National Diploma in Hotel & Catering Management.

At Corinthia Hotel London, Ewan will be continuing the Best in British menu tradition at Northall. “Ewan brings rich experience to Northall, having mastered New Nordic, Classical French, Modern British and European and healthy eating cooking,” says Thomas Kochs, Managing Director of Corinthia Hotel London.

“I know Ewan from Claridge’s and I am thrilled to have him on the team. Corinthia always supports young British talent and he will bring a new approach to modern British cuisine, ushering in an exciting new phase for the restaurant.”

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany, August 16, 2017 -- pentahotels, the neighbourhood lifestyle hotel group, is announcing the appointment of Zsolt Jakri as General Manager of pentahotel Inverness. Zsolt brings with him over 20 years of hospitality experience and an MBA in Hospitality Management. He has managed properties in some of Scotland's most prestigious locations, both for international brands and boutique establishments. Zsolt joins the team this month and will oversee Scotland's first pentahotel, leading the drive to establish pentahotel Inverness as the country's premier lifestyle hotel.

pentahotels Inverness is one of 28 pentahotels worldwide and the brand now spans across seven countries and two continents, with more exciting locations in the pipeline. VP operations Andrew Munt welcomed Zsolt to the team, saying; "Zsolt is a fantastic addition to the pentahotels brand and we look forward to him drawing on his expertise and passion for hospitality, to further bring the vision of pentahotels to life in Scotland." A Hungarian by birth and a Scot by heart, Zsolt can't wait to start work in the Highlands.

Cancun, Mexico (August 16, 2017) – Seadust Cancun Family Resort, a new beachfront all-inclusive property catering to families, will begin welcoming guests August 2017.  Situated on Cancun’s renowned hotel zone, Seadust Cancun Family Resort features 505 spacious guest accommodations, diverse dining establishments, amenities for all ages, access to the Mexican Caribbean’s most pristine beach and so much more.

Formerly the Great Parnassus Family Resort, the new Seadust Family Resort recently underwent a multimillion dollar enhancement project to create inviting guest rooms, expansive meeting and group spaces, the addition of new culinary offerings and the incorporation of family-centric amenities and attractions. Fashioned to elevate the all-inclusive vacation experience by catering to each family member’s specific desires, Seadust Cancun Family Resort is the ideal travel destination for guests of all ages.

“Seadust Cancun Family Resort was created for and inspired by the need for families to reconnect. We want guests to feel the difference between a hotel that family’s visit and a destination created with the family experience in mind,” said Mr. Pedro Pinhal, Director and CEO of Seadust Cancun Family Resort. “We believe Seadust Cancun Family Resort will set the stage for lifelong memories for value-conscious families seeking a high-quality, service-driven offering.”

Seadust Cancun Family Resort comes complete with three infinity swimming pools, two outdoor whirlpool tubs and an adults-only pool for some relaxation away from the action. Adults can also indulge at Zenserenz Spa for an unmatched experience in total relaxation. Rounding out Seadust Cancun Family Resort’s wellness offerings, the property will be home to a fully-equipped gym. Facilities will include all the necessary equipment for active guests seeking to maintain their fitness routine while on vacation.

The seven a la carte restaurants and 11 bars at Seadust Cancun are designed to delight a variety of palates ranging from sophisticated foodies to choosy children. The resort also offers 24-hour room service, two snack bars, a bakery and coffee bar.

Last, but certainly not least, Seadust Cancun Family Resort offers state-of-the-art meeting and convention facilities and an experienced staff of event planners and caterers to ensure a successful and productive gathering for groups of all sizes. With nearly 17,000 square feet of event space, the oceanfront resort is the model setting for memorable meetings and events including weddings, conventions and corporate meetings. From private boardrooms to an 1,100-person, versatile convention center that can be transformed into more intimate spaces, Seadust Cancun Family Resort seamlessly fuses form, function and fun.  

To learn more about Seadust Cancun Family Resort, please visit www.SeadustCancun.com or call 1-800-233-5162

Heijmans will be honored at HFTP’s upcoming 2017 Annual Convention in October

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) will honor Guus Martinus Heijmans, CHAE as the 2017 Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE®) of the Year at its upcoming Annual Convention this October. The CHAE of the Year award honors the individual that scored the highest on the CHAE certification exam within a given year. HFTP's Annual Convention will be held from October 25-27, 2017 at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate in Championsgate, Florida USA.

Heijmans' accounting journey began from an F&B internship that he had under a J1 visa program that brought him to the United States in 2008. This was the year he received firsthand experience working within hotel management at the Marriott Renaissance Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland USA, and realized his passion was in hotel accounting. After returning to The Netherlands, Heijmans decided to continue his education at Stenden University in Leeuwarden where he earned his bachelors in International Hospitality Management and Business Administration in 2012. Alongside his studies, he had the opportunity to do a cluster traineeship in internal auditing for the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel and the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel.

With a bachelor's degree and certificate in hospitality real estate, Heijmans took his first job out of college as a hotel night auditor at the Grand Hotel 'Huis ter Duin' in The Netherlands. In 2013, he became an assistant hotel controller before moving back to the United States in 2014. After moving to Long Beach, California USA, Heijmans received a job offer from The DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles-Commerce. Currently, Heijmans is an accounting/HR manager at Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles LAX/Century Boulevard.

"Receiving my CHAE designation and being nominated as 'HFTP's 2017 CHAE of the Year' has been one of my proudest and most rewarding accomplishments," said Heijmans. "The designation has already helped me so much in my day-to-day tasks and responsibilities as an accounting and HR manager for the Residence Inn LAX/ West Century Boulevard Hotel. I am thankful to those who offered moral support while I prepared to take my CHAE exam, and am thankful to HFTP for the opportunity to take the next step in my career and demonstrate my skills as a finance expert."

The CHAE professional designation is an industry designation showing competency in the area of accounting, and is acknowledged throughout the hospitality industry as it elevates the professionalism of both the recipient and the industry. More than 1,500 hospitality accountants, from several countries, have earned the CHAE designation through HFTP since the certification program began in 1981. A new CHAE exam is now available, and features a more global finance focus. HFTP also administers the examination and awards the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP®).

For more information on HFTP's certification programs (CHTP and CHAE), please contact HFTP Certification Manager Robin Bogdon at Robin.Bogdon@hftp.org. For immediate information, visit the FAQ pages for both CHTP and CHAE certifications.

HFTP will produce its inaugural HITEC Dubai counterpart event, in partnership with Naseba, from November 14-15 – serving as the third, and final, HITEC of the year. In 2018, HFTP will bring back HITEC Amsterdam on April 11-14 in addition to the larger HITEC Houston on June 18-21. For more information about HITEC and HFTP's other global activities, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department education@hftp.org or visit www.hftp.org and www.hftp.org/hitec/.

For the latest news, follow HFTP/HITEC on HITEC Bytes, PineappleSearch, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (@HFTP), Instagram (HFTP_HITEC), Flickr and YouTube. For more information about HITEC Amsterdam, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org, +1 (512) 249-5333.

By Breanna Smith

Boise is closing in on the ranks of the top ten cities in which to live in the U.S., according to the 2017 survey by U.S. News & World Report. The reasons for the elevated ranking—number 12, as of this year—include affordability, job prospects, and overall quality of life. This reflects Boise’s ascendance in other spheres, including population, visitation numbers, and the number of proposed hotels, especially in the city’s downtown corridor.

The ongoing development boom compares to the Grove Plaza-centric boom of the late 1980s and ‘90s,^[1] when architectural staples of Downtown Boise arose, including the Wells Fargo building, the Grove Hotel, and the Boise Centre convention center.

The following HVS Market Pulse article details recent events in the Boise economy and the dynamics of supply, demand, and performance for the city’s hotels. 

The Market

The Boise economy, while having diversified over the past two decades, is still predominated by food processing/distribution, heath care, and higher education. Albertsons, Inc. was one of Boise’s top employers before a substantial portion of the company was sold and relocated in 2006, affecting its headquarters operations in the city. The recession of 2008/09 intensified the strain on Boise’s economy, and by 2013, the Albertsons portfolio had shrunken to 192 stores nationwide.

Albertsons began to rebuild with the purchase of several grocery store brands, including Safeway Inc., in January 2015. Albertsons now operates approximately 2,300 stores nationwide under 18 banners. This has led to 26,000 new jobs across the nation, specifically tied to the Safeway Inc. acquisition, and has contributed to expanding the Boise corporate office from 200 to 600 workers.

St. Luke’s Health Systems, Boise’s top employer, continues to invest in its facilities and locations in the greater metro area. In June 2016, St. Luke's Boise Medical Center received approval for a $400-million expansion and renovation; the 576,000-square-foot expansion is expected to include a new children's medical center, medical office buildings, a parking garage, and a medical tower. Furthermore, St. Luke's Health has entered a purchase agreement for approximately 600,000 square feet of additional office space, including all buildings in Washington Group Plaza, to house all administrative offices and accommodate further expansion as part of the facility's Master Plan. 

Higher education is expanding, as well. Boise State University reported that its fall 2016 total enrollment increased 8% over the same period the previous year. The growth included first-time degree-seeking students from both within Idaho and out of state. 

The proposed Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) will be located at the Meridian Health Science Center at Idaho State University (ISU), just outside Boise. The privately funded ICOM will be independent of the university, however, and separately licensed. In May 2017, the proposed ICOM received pre-accreditation status, and construction of the roughly 96,000-square-foot, $31-million building is expected to begin once the school receives provisional accreditation.

Other developments in the Boise market include the recently opened JUMP (Jack’s Urban Marketplace), a community and interactive creative center; the new, nine-story J.R. Simplot headquarters’ building in Downtown Boise, which opened earlier this year; Saint Alphonsus’ $80-million hospital in Nampa; several multi- and single-family housing projects under development; various new restaurants; and 13 hotels. 

Overall, development across the greater Boise market supported a 24% increase in jobs between September 2015 and September 2016, a higher percentage than any other metro area in the nation.

What’s Behind the Boise Boom? 

Idaho’s favorable business climate, including an inviting tax structure and business incentives, has been very successful in bringing new businesses to Boise. In 2012, the state lowered both personal and corporate income taxes. The following year, the state exempted more than 90% of Idaho’s businesses from paying personal property tax. Other commercial incentives in Idaho include: 

According to the Idaho Department of Labor, the state is projected to register the sixth-fastest job growth in the nation through 2024, growing 20% from 2014 through 2024, with jobs across diverse industries and sectors. 

Tourism

Boise Centre

Boise Centre is Idaho's largest convention, meeting, and tradeshow facility. A 36,000-square-foot expansion was completed in September 2016, giving the facility 86,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. The addition of a concourse connecting the new Boise Centre East space to Boise Centre's original convention space began in July 2016 and was completed in April 2017. The final stages, scheduled for completion by the end of this summer, include the renovation of the original convention space and the addition of a junior ballroom, meeting room, outdoor patio, and new restrooms. Upon completion, this will bring the total square footage of Boise Centre to nearly 100,000 square feet.

The Boise Centre expansion has already resulted in large gains, with an increase of approximately 19% in the number of conventions and 7% in the number of delegates in 2016 versus the previous year. Expectations are set even higher for 2017. Just this June, Boise Centre hosted the annual convention of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. With approximately 1,400 attendees and an economic impact estimated at $2.5 million,^[2]  this was the largest conference in the city’s history. Hotel supply in Boise was a major factor in attracting this conference. At the time of booking, the Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau helped secure guestrooms at several hotels that were still under construction yet set to open by June. Looking forward, Boise Centre has secured the Football Bowl Association in 2018 and the Industrial Asset Management Council in 2020. 

Boise Centre Realizes Strong 2016 Gains in Both Conventions and Delegates

Hotel Supply

From 2006 to 2008, approximately twelve new hotels entered the greater Boise market. The new supply, coupled with the 2008/09 recession and the downsizing of Albertsons, dealt a blow to hotel performance in Boise. While several hotels in the market changed flags over the next several years, no new hotels opened in Boise until June 2016. The lack of new supply from 2009 to 2016 resulted in substantial growth in both occupancy and rate for existing hotels, especially as Boise entered back into a period of economic growth. 

Existing guestroom supply in the greater Boise market, including the cities, towns, and communities of Caldwell, Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, Garden City, and Atlanta, consists of the following chain-scale percentages: 2% Luxury, 6% Upper Upscale, 18% Upscale, 35% Upper Midscale, 22% Midscale, and 17% Economy. 

Upper-Midscale Hotels Dominate the Boise Market, while Luxury Represents Just 1%

Source: STR

In January 2017, The Inn at 500 Capitol was the first luxury hotel to open in Downtown Boise. That opening was followed by the Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown, which opened in May 2017; moreover, the proposed Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown is scheduled to open in September of this year. 

Following the opening of the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Boise Airport in 2016, the proposed Comfort Inn & Suites broke ground in May 2017 at Boise Airport. In the surrounding market, three hotels have also opened in 2017, including the My Place Hotel Meridian, the Best Western Plus Peppertree Inn Nampa Civic Center, and the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Nampa – Idaho Center. 

The following table illustrates new and proposed hotel supply in the Boise market.

Seven New Hotels Are in the Pre-Development or Development Stages in Greater Boise

Source: HVS

 City officials report that businesses and convention authorities welcome the new supply of hotels in Boise, as large conventions were formerly turned away for lack of rooms. This is especially true after the convention center’s expansion, which is expected to attract more and bigger events in the future. On the other hand, hoteliers express some concern that the influx of new supply, unprecedented since 2006 to 2008, could undermine the trend of performance growth in the market. 

Given that most of the new supply is located within the downtown corridor, the surrounding submarkets could experience a reduction in overflow demand related to compression; however, these submarkets are also realizing demand growth that is not directly associated with the downtown market, such as the proposed Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine in Meridian and the Saint Alphonsus’ hospital in Nampa.

The Outlook

Although Boise has not experienced a period of full-steam development since the Grove Plaza-centric boom in the 1980s and ‘90s, the economic growth is well balanced among commercial, residential, and leisure projects. As new supply enters the market over the next two years, occupancy is anticipated to soften in the near term; however, given the growing strength of the Boise economy, a quick recovery is expected. Overall, the outlook for Boise is optimistic.

^[1] http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/community/boise/article62376822.html
^[2] Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau

Irvine, Calif. (Aug. 17, 2017) – R.D. Olson Construction, an award-winning general contracting firm in California, has commenced construction on Hotel Trio, a 122-room hotel in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine region. Located in Healdsburg, the hotel will connect the Dry Creek, Russian River and Alexander wine valleys, giving it its “Trio” moniker. Hotel Trio adds to the company’s robust portfolio of hospitality and restaurant projects in Northern California.

The 82,638-square-foot Hotel Trio will be located at 110 Dry Creek Road, with an expected completion in April 2018. The 122 guest rooms include 13 one-bedrooms and 109 studios. Within walking distance of town and a host of local wineries, the hotel will also offer on-site bicycle rentals to provide convenient access to the hundreds of wineries within a 30-mile radius. Amenities will include a bar, meeting room, outdoor pool, BBQ area, lounge, fully equipped fitness center and multiple outdoor patios with fireplaces.

“We are happy to expand our hospitality repertoire with this ground-up project in California’s wine country,” said R.D. Olson Construction vice president of construction, Matt Grubb. “The hotel will bring a much-needed, cost-effective option to the area for visitors who are looking for a high-end experience in a prime location.”

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 17, 2017 -- Interstate Hotels & Resorts – the leading U.S.-based global hotel management company – announces the promotion of John A. Rubino as Executive Vice President of Crossroads Hospitality, Interstate's select-service division, effective August 14, 2017.  In his new position, Rubino will be responsible for overseeing overall management of the Company's 181-hotel portfolio of select-service and extended stay hotels in North America. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President of Operations in the Crossroads division.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have a deep pool of talented individuals throughout the company, and John's depth of experience and strong leadership ideally qualify him for this role," said Ted Knighton, President and Chief Operating Officer of Interstate Hotels & Resorts. "Through exceptional owner and brand relations, operations acumen and team building, John has greatly enriched our reputation as a high quality operator of this specialty lodging segment."

Rubino began with Interstate as opening General Manager at the award-winning Hampton Inn Montage and has been an integral part of the Interstate team for nearly 24 years. Continuing to drive his talent and expertise, John advanced into positions such as Regional Director, Vice President and most recently, Senior Vice President in Crossroads. He has served as a board member for a number of industry organizations including: the Northeast Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau, Lackawanna County Hotel Association, and Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI).

Previously holding management roles and executive-level positions with Trust Hospitality and Island Hospitality, Rubino's passion for continuous innovation has resulted in improved management and personnel relations through enhanced training processes, operating procedures, advisory councils, communications and owner relations. Hospitality is nothing new for Rubino as his desire to succeed in the industry has been a goal since college, where he attended Pennsylvania State University School of Hospitality Management and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Restaurant and Institutional Management.

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.