The Las Vegas Advisor's survey of hotel room rates found dozens of properties offering rooms for less than $50. -More-
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Smartbrief: American Hotel & Lodging Association
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Sizzling summer deals can be found at Las Vegas hotels
1 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pm -
".travel," the source of all things travel
1 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pmAs an AH&LA member, you can become a ".travel" holder with special discounts on names purchased. -More- -
D.C.'s Watergate Hotel faces foreclosure after loan default
1 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pmWashington's landmark Watergate Hotel defaulted on a $70 million loan that was due this week and the hotel faces foreclosure -More- -
Wisconsin hotels on hold due to credit crunch
1 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pmConstruction of a Hampton Inn & Suites and a Comfort Suites in Hudson, Wis., stalled after lenders for the projects got cold -More- -
Hilton Pittsburgh hopes to finish exterior of addition before summit
1 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pmWith a debt to a lead contractor settled earlier this week, the owner of the troubled Hilton Pittsburgh says he hopes to at l -More-
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Hotel News
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Radisson takes over Grand Bahama resort
2 Jul 2009 | 2:48 pmRadisson Hotels & Resorts expanded its Caribbean portfolio with the addition of the Radisson Our Lucaya Resort, Grand Bahama Island. -
Hotel Loan Defaults in U.S. Jump to $17 Billion as Recession Curbs Travel
2 Jul 2009 | 6:31 amAs many as one in five U.S. hotel may default on their loans by the end of 2010 as the recession forces companies to spend less on travel and perks, according to Kenneth Rosen , an economist at the University of California. -
Sheraton Hotel Planned Near Wal-Mart HQ in Bentonville
1 Jul 2009 | 10:25 pmStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. plans to build its second Arkansas property in a premium spot - across the street from the headquarters of the world's largest retailer. -
Hotel stocks trade mixed after sector downgrade
1 Jul 2009 | 2:18 pmHotel companies' shares were mixed on Wednesday afternoon after a Barclays Capital analyst, calling herself "extremely bearish," downgraded the lodging sector and said an industry recovery is likely to lag far behind an economic recovery. -
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Opens in Bradenton, Fla.
1 Jul 2009 | 10:15 amThe new 79-room Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Bradenton I-75 today announced it is open for business at 5610 Manor Hill Lane.
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HotelChatter -
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We'll Be Kicking Back With Some Summer Cocktails on Independence Day
2 Jul 2009 | 3:54 pmWe're taking off early for the Fourth of July! See you guys again on Monday! SUITE: New Summer Cocktails at Hotels The W South Beach Has FINALLY Opened! Omni's Got A Sweet Summer Amenity: Flip Video Cameras ALSO: W Washington DC to Highlight Emerging Artists HOSTEL: Starwood Announces St. Regis Bermuda, Opening...In Four Years The Remnants of the W Las Vegas Dream Still Remain -
A Festive Cocktail For the Fourth From Andaz WeHo
2 Jul 2009 | 3:11 pmWe've kicked off our Summer Cocktails series where we profile fun new summer drinks that hotels are making. Got one we should know about? Send us the recipe with a photo of the drink. Otherwise, enjoy and @reply us when you're wasted! Happy Fourth! Well, almost. Doesn't the whole world have tomorrow off? Anyway, if you're still at work and still reading this, staring longingly at the empty cubicles and getting increasingly frustrated as you realize that nobody is returning your call cause they're already on vacay, you're probably thinking a cocktail sounds real, real good right about now,… -
Maui: We Go Cuckoo for Pupus at The Fairmont Kea Lani’s New Luana Lounge
2 Jul 2009 | 3:03 pmOur most memorable childhood meals were bite sized delights served on a beverage napkin with frilly toothpicks, so it’s no wonder we swoon for the pupu. These island-style hors d’oeuvres are a staple of Hawaiian luaus and happy hours, every bit as much as the Mai Tai, Piña Colada, Blue Hawaii, and Lava Flow. The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui celebrates the pupu at its new Luana Lounge. (“Luana” is the Hawaiian word meaning to be at leisure, enjoy pleasant surroundings, to live in comfort and ease.) The new lobby bar features a new theme, new menu, new bar, new décor and new… -
Herradura: Hotel Villa Caletas Needs To Quit It With Those Ads For Its Spa and Residences
2 Jul 2009 | 2:02 pmWe got all Diane Lane “Under the Tuscan Sun” as we pulled up the windy hill to Hotel Villa Caletas in Herraduras, Costa Rica. We’re a sucker for sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific (especially from cliff side vantage points) and all the pomp and circumstance en route led us to believe we were in for something really special. As in five star special – the elite status this misguided member of Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica fancies itself to have. Reality check: three stars is more like it.We must’ve suffered a bad case of beer goggles, because as soon as we… -
Westin's New Heavenly Bath Amenities Now Available
2 Jul 2009 | 1:18 pmOhhh, new toiletries! You know we're sorta obsessed with hotel toiletries — the good ones, that is (think separate shampoos and conditioners rather than some kind of hair-assaulting/insulting shamp-condi hybrid) — and we get kinda excited when we hear of a new line of 'em coming out. Not surprisingly, news of Westin's new Heavenly Bath Line brings joy to our hearts — but not to our hair and skin just yet, since we haven't had the chance to try 'em out ourselves: Specially designed to soothe the senses with a blend of botanicals and natural ingredients, the collection is…
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Marriott on the Move
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Now Is a Great Time to Visit Our Marriott Hotels in Mexico
1 Jul 2009 | 12:08 pmWe all remember the media attention about the H1N1 flu strain earlier in the spring. Of course, much of the early attention was on Mexico, which had the first reported cases. The safety and health of our guests and associates is our number one priority at all times and we take great care to follow the appropriate hygiene and cleaning procedures. We were pleased that similar precautions allowed authorities to bring the situation rapidly under control in Mexico and elsewhere around the world.However, the number of people traveling to Mexico dropped off significantly. In fact, we have lost over… -
Embracing Marriott's Extended Family
25 Jun 2009 | 12:26 pmI was recently in Orlando, Florida, for a conference with owners and franchisees of our select service and extended stay brands. Those brands are Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites. It's a great event where we build and strengthen relationships, align ourselves on company initiatives and share good business practices.We also take the opportunity to recognize our top owner and franchise performers. We handed out over 60 awards and presented 11 owners and franchisees with the Partnership Circle Award, our highest honor given for hospitality… -
A Proud Dad This Father's Day
19 Jun 2009 | 11:19 amThis Father's Day, Donna and I want to express our joy in the many accomplishments of our children. We have four kids - a girl and three boys. Our daughter Debbie is the oldest. At age five, she underwent open heart surgery and has survived to raise five beautiful children. She is a very nurturing mother, and is also senior vice president of government affairs at Marriott and doing a wonderful job in her new calling. Her only daughter Kim will be married in November, so Debbie is very busy planning the wedding.Our second oldest child is Stephen. He is one of the most courageous people I know… -
The Face of Travel
17 Jun 2009 | 12:14 pmBack in March, the U.S. Travel Association launched a contest to find the face of the travel industry. They were looking for someone who embodied the character and hard working spirit of our industry. I'm proud to announce that this extremely prestigious honor went to one of our Ritz-Carlton associates, Paco Saldana.Paco grew up in Mexico and came to the United States 13 years ago and has become an American citizen. After arriving in the U.S.A., he got a job at our Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island in Florida, where he worked his way up to become a Guest Services Manager.His wife also worked at… -
Welcoming Ritz-Carlton President Simon Cooper to the World of Twitter
15 Jun 2009 | 12:50 pmWhen I started blogging more than two years ago, I got a lot of "high-fives" from other bloggers for embracing this era of technology and trying out a new form of communication. Since then, there have been many advancements and I've learned about Facebook, YouTube and Flickr. There are probably more but it's tough to keep up with them all!While I may not exactly be up to speed on the latest trends, I do understand and appreciate the value of social media and so does our company. And now I'd like to welcome Simon Cooper, who heads our Ritz-Carlton brand, to social media. He has started his own…
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Outrigger Hotels: Saturday Briefing
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Free Moonlight Movie Night
27 Jun 2009 | 12:00 amBy Kathy Hansberry — Fun flicks will be playing poolside this summer at Embassy Suites® - Waikiki Beach Walk®, starting with a showing of “Top Gun” on Friday, July 3, at 8 p.m. Playing on the resort’s Grand Lanai, the movie will be shown on a screen of grand proportion — 10 feet by 14 [...] To read the entire article please click the article title above. -
Fiji Hosts the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup
27 Jun 2009 | 12:00 amBy Una Murray — The International Rugby Board (IRB) last year announced a £48 million Strategic Investment Programme to fund rugby performance initiatives in 22 countries. The ANZ Pacific Nations Cup is an important component of this initiative and is designed to improve the performance of teams from the Pacific Islands, Japan, and other targeted [...] To read the entire article please click the article title above. -
Outrigger Alaka‘i Participate in Ola Hawai‘i Cultural Immersion Program
27 Jun 2009 | 12:00 amBy Ka‘ipo Ho — Over the past couple of months, a group of our Outrigger Alaka‘i, or Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a leaders, from the island of O‘ahu had the honor of participating in a cultural immersion program called Ola Hawai‘i offered by the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA). In 2007, NaHHA received a three- year federal [...] To read the entire article please click the article title above. -
Beyond the Call of Duty
27 Jun 2009 | 12:00 amBy Angelica Loughlin — Please join the Outrigger Guam familia (family) in congratulating Nelida Dimatatac and Paulina Perkin for receiving the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association’s (GHRA) “Beyond the Call of Duty Integrity Award.” On a quarterly basis, the “Beyond the Call of Duty” award presentation is a highlight of the Guam Hotel & Restaurant [...] To read the entire article please click the article title above. -
Independence Day 2009
27 Jun 2009 | 12:00 amBy Dr. Richard Kelley — Independence Day in the USA means different things to different people. For countless Americans, the Fourth of July means a day off, an afternoon at the beach, and hot dogs on the grill. I’ll admit to enjoying an occasional hot dog and a booming fireworks display. However, for me, this [...] To read the entire article please click the article title above.
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Living with Legends: Hotel Chelsea Blog
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Bloggers Declare Victory and Call It Quits
16 Jun 2009 | 4:00 amSince we finally got what we wanted from the hotel management, we are going on sabbatical to pursue other projects. As a few of the more perceptive among you surmised, the Bring Back the Bards campaign was nothing more than... -
Hotel Chelsea Newsletter: Rene Shapshak Edition
15 Jun 2009 | 4:00 amRelated Shapshak Coverage: Who Will Remember the Shapshaks? -
A Recent Chelsea Hotel Guest Shares Her Experience
14 Jun 2009 | 10:08 amHello from Pennsylvania!! I have been an avid follower of the blog for quite sometime and am always disheartened by the stories of mis-management at the Chelsea. It has been my dream to stay there, but I have avoided it... -
Tips For Artists in The Capitol Fishing Tackle "Empty by Choice" Show
12 Jun 2009 | 4:00 amEarlier this week a commenter asked how the works in the Capitol Fishing Tackle Show address the economy. Here's the only answer we've found so far. One of the proposed exhibits at the "Empty by Choice" show is titled “Tips... -
Multi-Million Dollar Personal Injury Lawsuit Results From Management Response to Art Show Protests
11 Jun 2009 | 4:00 amTenant Activist Arthur Nash, the victim of unrelenting harassment by management due to his support of the Bard family, is fighting back with a multi-million dollar personal injury lawsuit. Everyone remembers last summer’s highly divisive art show in the Chelsea...
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TravelCLICK Press Room
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TravelCLICK Helps Hotels Harness the Power of Social Networks
18 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pmNew Social Marketing Optimization service builds community and creates customer connections -
TravelCLICK Hosts Webinar on First Quarter 2009 Global Hotel Performance: Creating Opportunity in Uncertain Economic Times
18 May 2009 | 10:00 pm -
Online Shoppers Influenced by Website User Experience: TravelCLICK Again Honored by Web Marketing Association for Best Web Interactive Application, Hotel and Lodging Industry
12 May 2009 | 10:00 pmiStay web booking engine application helps Zeavola Resorts convert maximum revenue online -
Hotels Are Using Business Intelligence To Do More Than Survive the Recession
29 Apr 2009 | 10:00 pm -
Hotels Build Connections Through ?Friends? and ?Fans? on Social Networks
10 Mar 2009 | 11:00 pm
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Hotel Preston Nashville Blog
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Here’s a Nashville tour for the non-tour people out there
29 Jun 2009 | 5:39 pmNot really a tour sort of person? You think tour and immediately see a bus crammed with retirees in visors and Sansabelt slacks? I’m with you. But Citystage Productions here in Nashville is reinventing the idea. Imagine a tour combined with interactive theater combined with a spy thriller. This first one is called “The Safehouse” and has tour groups visit six historic locations downtown while solving puzzles, interacting with actors, and following clues as the plot unfolds. Their site even says you will “practice actual techniques used by spies throughout history.” It’s a great… -
Head to Conde Nast’s Hotel Chatter site to give ideas for Hotel Preston’s Next Unique Amenity
24 Jun 2009 | 10:23 amSo, if you have been keeping up with our blog you know by now that we aren’t your average hotel. You probably realized this when you heard about our Spiritual Menu or Divorce Package. Hotel Preston has a “you want it, you got it” philosophy and we want to know what YOU want! That is why we have developed a contest to create our next big amenity. We already offer lava lamps, a pet fish, even a package for those looking to get divorced….but we know travelers out there will have great ideas for other amenities! If you have a great idea for a new package or amenity that you’d like to… -
Get a heaping dose of bluegrass at the Ryman this summer
19 Jun 2009 | 3:54 pmAny guy that owns a banjo (me) is a bona fide member of the bluegrass nation. But even if you don’t, and maybe you just own the “O Brother Where Art Thou?” soundtrack, the Ryman has a great summer series for you. It’s called “Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman” and runs every Thursday at 7:30 through July. That makes for a total of six great shows, including some really big-name artists like Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys, and the Dan Tyminski Band. First up is Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper on… -
Everything you need to feel and look good while at Hotel Preston
12 Jun 2009 | 10:51 amI take it for granted sometimes the sort of unique things we offer at Hotel Preston. Stuff you’re not going to get everywhere you stay. So if you happen to come on by, here’s my recommendation for your own “look good, feel good” package: Step 1: Hit Café Isabella for one of their delicious breakfasts. Step 2: Head to the fitness center work up a sweat and get your heart going. Step 3: Return to your room and try out some of the Aveda bath products. Step 4: Take yourself outside and find a comfortable spot poolside. Step 4a: If you need a book to keep you company, just ask at the… -
Dust off your best pair of boots, the CMA Music Festival is here
5 Jun 2009 | 5:09 pmSummer means sun, yes. It means getting outside, tossing the frisbee for the dog, getting out on the water. In fact, I think I can say that summer in Nashville may just about beat out any other city around. Definitely one of the biggest reasons is all the incredible music events and festivals we get during the summer. And maybe the granddaddy of them all is right around the corner ― the CMA Music Festival from June 11-14. This one is a true monster of an event. It’s got the stellar lineup of artists. Are you a fan of Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Wynonna, Brooks…
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Hospitality Marketing Blog.com
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Thinking Beyond Hospitality
17 Jun 2009 | 11:31 amSeismic upheavals are leading to a paradigm shift in hospitality. Companies have clamped down on travel and the AIG effect has battered the meeting and convention business. Leisure travel is exhibiting anemic and last minute booking patterns. The Internet keeps bubbling along serving up what seems to be the social media flavor of the month. It’s no surprise hospitality marketing professionals are thinking beyond hospitality. It’s times like these - when old ways of solving problems no longer apply - that spawn completely new and creative ways of thinking. You have a… -
Why I Hate TripAdvisor - sometimes
4 Jun 2009 | 5:59 amIf you are a regular reader of HospitalityMarketingBlog.com you know I’m a raving fan of TripAdvisor. With over 20 million reviews there’s hardly any guest who enters the door of a luxury hotel who hasn’t first read about the property on TripAdvisor. The TripAdvisor Home Page proudly boasts, “more than 15,000,000 travelers from 190 countries planned trips here this week.” An astonishing statement. Adding weight to this is word-of-mouth impact. Research shows consumers believe reviews read online almost as much as they do personal recommendations from… -
It’s The Value, Stupid
19 May 2009 | 7:27 amWhat is the most appropriate tone to deliver in your advertising and marketing messages during this great recession? Adweek Magazine was determined to find out. It surveyed nearly 1,500 advertising and marketing members of LinkedIn - the professional social network. The overwhelming answer - Value. In fact, when offered a list of five choices the majority of marketers said “It’s the Value, Stupid.” Well, maybe not in those exact words, but 52% did say communications should “focus on value.” Hospitality marketers should note only 8% of executives thought… -
Avoid Becoming a Social Failure
6 May 2009 | 11:23 amWith all the press coverage surrounding social media it’s hard to imagine any hospitality marketing professional who isn’t thinking of adding some sort of social media initiative to their marketing efforts. But jumping in and adding a blog, Facebook page or start Tweeting without doing your due diligence can be a huge mistake. You need to know how each social media can be integrated into and compliment your brand message. Denise Zimmerman has written an excellent article - “4 signs you’re a social failure“- every hospitality marketing professional should… -
Increase Web Traffic - Stop Advertising!
22 Apr 2009 | 7:54 amThe Internet serves as the foundation for most luxury hotel marketing programs today. It’s used to launch relationship building emails and send tactical offers. Press releases must pass search engine optimization tests and advertising, promotional and linking opportunities abound. At the center of all this Internet activity is the hotel’s own web site. So it’s not surprising in today’s economic environment hospitality marketing professionals are keenly focused on finding cost effective ways to increase quality traffic to their site. A good way to do this is…
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Hotel Blogs by Guillaume Thevenot
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Outside (5)
1 Jul 2009 | 11:01 pmIt's time for Outside. Why Outside? Because I will post here some very interesting articles, videos or any other findings that are totally Outside the travel and hospitality industry. I have always tried to stay focused on what I know... -
Hotel chains new worldwide ranking
30 Jun 2009 | 11:00 pmThe American publication Hotels Magazine has revealed the new 2008 ranking of hotel companies and what they call Sales & Marketing Consortia. The listing is ordered by number of rooms available per hotel group. The analysis confirms the number 1... -
Viral Campaign for dummies (Hotelicopter)
30 Jun 2009 | 2:45 pmAs you probably know, VibeAgent became Hotelicopter in the beginning of April. Their CEO Adam Healey did a superb job to fool most of us and created a very efficient viral marketing campaign in order to get traffic to his... -
Tribute to MJ (R.I.P.)
26 Jun 2009 | 3:37 pm -
Outside (4)
24 Jun 2009 | 11:14 pmIt's time for Outside. Why Outside? Because I will post here some very interesting articles, videos or any other findings that are totally Outside the travel and hospitality industry. I have always tried to stay focused on what I know...
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HotelTravelCheck.com Blog
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Tribune Co. and Dallas Morning News
1 Jul 2009 | 5:15 pmThe Tribune Co. and the Dallas Morning News have recently closed an advertising deal in which the parent company of the Los Angeles Times will be in charge of selling print and online ads for the Texas paper. The print media has been trying to find a way to increase revenues but due to the economical crisis subscribers have stopped buying print newspapers or subscribing online. Don Meek, President of Tribune365 National Solution Group commented about this partnership:”We are going to take advantage of what we have built as a company to give advertisers access to the top markets in the… -
YouTube Is Site Number 1 For Advertising
29 Jun 2009 | 5:01 pmThe Nielsen report has released the information that Youtube’s online advertising revenues have grown 57% in the last two years, being this first quarter of 2009 the highest increase of the period. The Consumer Goods companies have spent more money than before in this two years gap. This means that sales revenue went from $99.8million in the first quarter of 2007 to $156.2million in 2009 first quarter. Mr. David Wiesenfeld, Vice President commented on the subject:“While direct response advertising has been very successful on the Internet, with categories like finance and travel… -
Cables Will Have a New Online Ad Format
26 Jun 2009 | 6:41 amThere’s has recently been released the news that PointRoll and Tribune Media Services are going to launch an innovating online ad system. This new system will be known as Channel Finder and it will allow users browsing the Internet the possibility to tune-in for information. Apparently, representatives from the Discovery Channel, as well as the MLB Network, are two of the first companies to be registered to use this service. The new system will display video clips, interviews, interactive polls and games to capture viewer’s interest in other programs as well. -
Yahoo and Google Fight To Be Number 1
24 Jun 2009 | 6:39 amIn a time of recession, the two giant search engines, Google and Yahoo, are fighting face to face to gain in the market for online advertising. This past Monday, June 22nd, Yahoo unveiled what they called a “self-serve display advertising service”. This service will let business to create their own online ads. Yahoo is targeting small and local companies in need to promote their services. On the other hand, Google is starting to test a new type of online ad that will feature product pricing and image. The main idea is to show a richer product in the ads for those users that shop… -
Facebook’s Online Ads Increase
22 Jun 2009 | 6:39 amAccording to a new report that the social network Facebook Inc. has released, they have commented that the number of customers using their automated online-advertising system has tripled since last year. The ads offer by Facebook Inc. are used by small and medium businesses in need to promote their services using text and photos. Tim Kendall, Facebook’s director, commented about this new style of advertising that:”You basically just have a greater diversity of people using our ad system — lots of businesses, lots of local businesses finding success. “It’s really been a…
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Hotel Marketing
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Rate integrity in a down market
2 Jul 2009 | 12:05 amParticipants of a recent Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management Thought Leaders in Revenue Management Roundtable discussed ways to avoid price dropping and issues of managing rate integrity in current market conditions in Asia. -
The incredible shrinking airline
2 Jul 2009 | 12:04 amU.S. carriers long accustomed to elbowing their way to market share by adding planes and routes and destinations are now scrambling to see who can shrink the fastest, changing the entire business model, writes Travel Weekly. -
Amadeus unveils new mobile solutions
2 Jul 2009 | 12:03 amAmadeus launched a new series of mobile solutions aimed at corporate travel managers and business travelers. The new tools are meant to offer location and itinerary-based information to those who are on the go, while also enabling travel managers to track their personnel abroad so as to improve security. -
Formulas for choosing the right online marketing channel
2 Jul 2009 | 12:02 amSeomoz.org has a great article on the potential and probable best online marketing mix tactics to be used based on a number of factors. Great read for marketers looking for new online marketing food for thought. -
5 steps to SEO success abroad
2 Jul 2009 | 12:01 amOne of the most challenging tasks in search engine optimization is optimizing for an international audience. iMedia Connection includes five SEO best practices for overcoming the obstacles inherent to managing multiple international microsites.
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Hotel F&B Observer
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In Memory of Bob Zappatelli
21 Jun 2009 | 9:03 amWe at Hotel F&B are sad about the loss of Benchmark’s F&B leader, Bob Zappatelli. Last year, Bob accepted our invitation to join the HFB Corporate Editorial Advisory Board and we were thrilled to have him. He generously gave his time for several interviews, detailing Benchmark’s F&B initiatives and sharing his highly distinctive observations and [...] -
GPOs: Adding Value to Your Operation
8 Jun 2009 | 11:01 pmThe idea with a group purchasing organization (GPO) is quite simple. You pull together many organizations to give them purchasing power they would not be able to gain on their own. In any business, purchasing volume is where the negotiating power is. Stuart Sherman is president of S. Sherman Associates, based in Phoenix, Arizona. [...] -
Requisitions and Transfers from Central Inventory
31 May 2009 | 8:26 pmMany hotels use a control system for requisitioning food, beverages, and supplies from a central inventory. The steward may be responsible for both purchasing and stock control. Some operations split these responsibilities, depending on volume, and use more than one person. There is a tendency to overkill this valuable control tool. The manufacturing approach to inventory control offers [...] -
Written in Stone
12 May 2009 | 9:46 amI’m contemplating my headstone. I’m not dying and not planning on it anytime soon. I’m not “dark,” nor am I a fatalist. I’m not even truly sitting here wistfully contemplating my mortality with existential thoughts of the great beyond. Those who know me can tell you I’m not all that wistful…ever. [...] -
The Total Package Chef
29 Apr 2009 | 9:23 amThe need for well-rounded chefs and hospitality professionals has never been more critical. Reductions in corporate and consumer spending, shrinking margins, distracted labor pools, and government mandates are just a few of the challenges we face as an industry. Add to that the necessity of producing superior, consistent, and profitable foods in a clean efficient [...]
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HOTELS Magazine - News
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UNWTO: Testing Times ForTourism
2 Jul 2009 | 8:10 amThe UNWTO reports international tourism declined by 8% between January and April compared to the same period last year. -
Accor Targets 230 Voluntary Layoffs
30 Jun 2009 | 11:52 amTo strengthen its action plan, which calls for a 15% reduction in support costs, Accor is considering a voluntary separation plan in France intended to adjust its headquarters staff. -
Schrager Close To Buying Chicago's Ambassador East
29 Jun 2009 | 9:58 amIan Schrager is in talks to acquire Chicago's Ambassador East Hotel and its famed Pump Room restaurant. The deal is not yet finalized, but Schrager says he plans to rename and overhaul the 285-key property. -
Global Pipeline Off 16% Since Peak
26 Jun 2009 | 12:49 pmThe world’s two largest pipelines show the steepest decline with the U.S. falling 16% by projects and 21% by rooms and Asia Pacific down 18% by projects and 16% by rooms. -
Hard Rock Plans Hotel-Casino InHungary
26 Jun 2009 | 8:20 amHard Rock Hotel and Casino Hungary is planned for the northwestern part of the couuntry, adjacent to the Austria and Slovakia borders. It is expected to open in early 2012.
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eHotelier Global Hospitality News
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A common sense review process for capital investments
In this time of global uncertainty, there is a hesitancy to spend capital dollars without having a clear sense of the timing of the ROI (return on investment). That concern is reasonable, but it may also cause some hoteliers to delay needed updates or improvements at a time when lower occupancy allows for both availability of space and potentially lower costs from those providing the products or physical improvements. This delay could also allow new competitors to more quickly... -
Through the eyes of a hotel butler: small details: big degree of difference
A lot is being discussed of the experience as key differential element in the hotel market. The present trend is no longer competing with the product but what the guest experienced during his stay. That is to say, although all hotels offer rooms, restaurants, spas, business centers, bars, etc. the difference is established by the way the guest perceives and feels the services rendered.A lot is being discussed of the experience as key differential element in the hotel market. The present... -
Targeting global travelers: A guide for international website optimization
Technology and customer utilization of the Internet has made it easy for customers worldwide to quickly learn about your hotel or destination. In fact, global broadband penetration has advanced so rapidly in foreign markets that Asia and Europe top the charts with the most broadband users, far outpacing the US and Canada. As hotels and destinations compete for these international travelers and foreign customers, it is more important than ever that your hotel is accessible... -
General Manager cock of the muck heap or lion of the team?
Evil Erik is at it again, once more he convinced an owner that all his previous employers were " idiots " and that he can be the knight in shining armor in difficult times. By Bert van Walbeek -
Travelzoo surpasses 16 million subscribers
Travelzoo (NASDAQ: TZOO), a global Internet media company, announced it has surpassed 16 million subscribers to its global publications, growing by more than one million subscribers during the past three months.
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YoungHotelier.com
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Dead Sea, Jordan - Hotelier RoadTrip Middle East 2009
20 Jun 2009 | 10:29 amYoungHotelier.com is happy to present “The Middle East Hotelier Road Trip”, in conjunction with Movenpick Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East. Our next stop in the Hotelier Road Trip Middle East - Dead Sea, Jordan: About the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea: Set on the northern shores of the Dead Sea at the lowest point on Earth, [...] -
European romance - Great, Grand and Famous Hotels
30 May 2009 | 6:16 amThe Romans were the first European travellers, building beautiful villas and palaces throughout their vast empire. These villas inspired Renaissance princes to build neo-classical villas, many of which later became private hotels. In the modern era, travel in Europe became popular with the advent of the Grand Tour. Flourishing during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, [...] -
Aqaba, Jordan - Hotelier RoadTrip Middle East 2009
30 May 2009 | 5:27 amYoungHotelier.com is happy to present “The Middle East Hotelier Road Trip”, in conjunction with Movenpick Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East. Our next stop in the Hotelier Road Trip Middle East - Aqaba, Jordan: About the Mövenpick Resort & Residence: Located in the centre of Aqaba, overlooking the Red Sea, the Mövenpick Resort & Residence is a [...] -
So you want to be a hotel CEO? Play the first Hotel Business Game and test your skills!
29 May 2009 | 11:34 amIf you’ve always dreamed of sitting at the helm of your global hotel empire…and terms like RevPAR, GOPPAR, bottom line profits and market share come easy, then perhaps it’s time you put your skills to the test! YoungHotelier.com is proud to introduce the first-ever real-time real-world business simulation for the Hotel Industry, in affiliation with [...] -
Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia - Hotelier RoadTrip Middle East 2009
24 May 2009 | 5:11 amYoungHotelier.com is happy to present “The Middle East Hotelier Road Trip”, in conjunction with Movenpick Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East. Our next stop in the Hotelier Road Trip Middle East - Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia: About the Mövenpick Hotel Al Khobar: Mövenpick Hotel Al Khobar is located in the heart of the business area of Al [...]
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Hot Hoteliers - Because People Connect
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Hotelier RoadTrip Middle East comes to the Dead Sea
20 Jun 2009 | 10:37 amYoungHotelier.com is happy to present “The Middle East Hotelier Road Trip”, in conjunction with Movenpick Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East. Our next stop in the Hotelier Road Trip Middle East - Dead Sea, Jordan: About the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea: Set on the northern shores of the Dead Sea at the lowest point on [...] -
SpaConnect - Wellness and Spas announces partnership with leading regional hotelier networking group
7 Jun 2009 | 2:36 amHot Hoteliers and Wellness and Spas Middle East are delighted to announce a new partnership! ‘SpaConnect’ is a new initiative that has been designed to offer Hotel Spa Managers a platform to connect with leading spa brands and to ensure that they are delivering a premium service and experiences to their hotel guests. Wellness and Spas [...] -
WORLD CLASS Finale at WESTIN Senyar Bar
7 Jun 2009 | 2:04 amSaturday, 20th June, 2009, 4pm till 7pm www.weareworldclass.com Their moves are mesmerizing, and their speed and accuracy mind boggling. They’re the top bartenders in the UAE, and they are going to be at WESTIN’s Senyar bar on the 20th of June to mix their way to fame and notoriety, with only one being crowned Dubai’s WORLD CLASS Bartender [...] -
Recipe of the Month - Pan Roasted Chicken with Sesame Watermelon and Spinach
7 Jun 2009 | 1:44 amq: so… what do I need? a: you’ll need a chicken breast, about 200 grams of cut watermelon, half of a small thai red chili, a handful of chopped spinach, a green onion, a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds, a couple teaspoons of sesame oil, a teaspoon of rice vinegar, a little nub of fresh ginger [...] -
Liquid Health - Blueberry Smoothie
7 Jun 2009 | 1:33 amSmooth Elixirs! Treat yourself to some quick and easy “liquid health.” Blueberries are widely regarded as one of the most nutritious tasty treats on earth filled with powerful antioxidants and naturally loaded with vitamins. With this in mind, we offer you a smoothie recipe we’re calling “simply blueberry.” All you need is [...]
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Happy Hotelier
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3 Reasons why you should visit Henley Royal Regatta once in your Lifetime
1 Jul 2009 | 10:45 amPost from: Happy Hotelier 3 Reasons why you should visit Henley Royal Regatta once in your Lifetime Today is the start of the Henley Royal Regatta. If you have a chance you should visit it. Here are three reasons: The first Reason: Even if you are not a rowing type you should, once in your lifetime, visit the Henley Royal Regatta. It’s a real happening! Last year I had the honor of attending this event on invitation. The invitation included access to all enclosures. Years earlier we had disappointed our friends enormously by arriving one day late for an earlier invitation, caused by too… -
Hotelier Ian Schrager into Chicago Ambassador East Hotel?
29 Jun 2009 | 4:39 amPost from: Happy Hotelier Hotelier Ian Schrager into Chicago Ambassador East Hotel? According to Chicago Business Ian Schrager is negotiating with the present owners to buy the 285-room Ambassador East with its “Pump Room” restaurant at 1301 N. State Pkwy in Chicago. Not really a “boutique” size property I would say. But comments are that he could be the man to re energize this 1926 built landmark hotel. East Ambassador Chicago Pump Room Bar Reportedly Peter Dumon and David Bossy, the present owners, have settled on a $25-million offer from Ian. Together with a former… -
Lost under the Hood
28 Jun 2009 | 5:29 pmPost from: Happy Hotelier Lost under the Hood Lost under the Hood - Tim Street / French Maid TV Why I got lost under the hood of computers, software and camera’s the last couple of weeks which prevented me from churning out many new blog posts that I have in my sleeve: I upgraded to Wordpress 2.8, but had to upgrade to Thesis 1.5.1. first. I just had installed Thesis 1.5 last month on the recommendation of fellow travel bloggers Todd Lucier and Darren Cronian. In upgrading to Thesis 1.5,1 I lost a lot of my Thesis 1.5 settings. It seemed to be a bug somewhere, but I couldn’t… -
Top 25 Travel Blogs of 102 ranked according to Alexa by Frothy
19 Jun 2009 | 5:34 pmPost from: Happy Hotelier Top 25 Travel Blogs of 102 ranked according to Alexa by Frothy Top 25 Travel Blogs of 102 ranked by a another List lover Frothy blogs according to Alexa with some need to of editing by me: Blog/Company Alexa Rank 1 on my way to where 8 2 ANTARCTICA RESEARCH ADVENTURE 8 3 Unforgettable Sydney … -
2009 The Hague Sculpture – Read My Lips
14 Jun 2009 | 2:52 pmPost from: Happy Hotelier 2009 The Hague Sculpture – Read My Lips On Tuesday June 9, 2009 I was present at the official opening of the 2009 The Hague Sculpture exposition by the Prime Minister of The Netherlands, Jan Peter Balkenende. First there was a opening session in one of the oldest churches of The Hague, The “Kloosterkerk” (or church of the convent). The CEO of The Hague Sculpture , The Mexican Ambassador in The Hague, a trustee of The Hague Sculpture and some other persons held speeches. The Prime Minister got the first brochure of the exposition. Thereafter the…
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USATODAY.com Travel (Hotels) - Top Stories
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Sizzling summer deals at Las Vegas hotels
2 Jul 2009 | 2:23 pmIf you want to stay where high-rollers do, now's the time. -
More hotels invest in videoconference rooms to cut costs
1 Jul 2009 | 3:45 pmMarriott International and Starwood Hotels will introduce expensive, high-end videoconference systems at several properties by ... -
New MGM Mirage resort to be built near Cairo
1 Jul 2009 | 2:00 amThe MGM Grand New Giza will house 550 rooms and an electric train will provide access to the Egyptian antiquities museum. -
West Virginia's Greenbrier resort seeks elusive fifth star
30 Jun 2009 | 2:00 amThe new owner is going straight to the source to find ways to restore a coveted five-star rating from the Mobil Travel Guide. -
Hawaii hotels offer unusual deals
26 Jun 2009 | 2:59 pmHawaii hotels are offering unprecedented incentives in hopes of drawing tourists to the islands and surviving the economic slump.
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Hotel Blogs by Guillaume Thevenot
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Outside (5)
1 Jul 2009 | 11:01 pmIt's time for Outside. Why Outside? Because I will post here some very interesting articles, videos or any other findings that are totally Outside the travel and hospitality industry. I have always tried to stay focused on what I know... -
Hotel chains new worldwide ranking
30 Jun 2009 | 11:00 pmThe American publication Hotels Magazine has revealed the new 2008 ranking of hotel companies and what they call Sales & Marketing Consortia. The listing is ordered by number of rooms available per hotel group. The analysis confirms the number 1... -
Viral Campaign for dummies (Hotelicopter)
30 Jun 2009 | 2:45 pmAs you probably know, VibeAgent became Hotelicopter in the beginning of April. Their CEO Adam Healey did a superb job to fool most of us and created a very efficient viral marketing campaign in order to get traffic to his... -
Tribute to MJ (R.I.P.)
26 Jun 2009 | 3:37 pm -
Outside (4)
24 Jun 2009 | 11:14 pmIt's time for Outside. Why Outside? Because I will post here some very interesting articles, videos or any other findings that are totally Outside the travel and hospitality industry. I have always tried to stay focused on what I know...
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Travel Blog - Mr & Mrs Smith Boutique & Luxury Hotels
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Listen up: TuneSmith’s musical recommendations for July
2 Jul 2009 | 8:50 amLooking for the perfect music to take on your trips? Here, our very own TuneSmith, DJ Rob Wood, compiler of the Mr & Mrs Smith: Something for the Weekend CDs, makes his essential monthly recommendations… ALBUM OF THE MONTH Nouvelle Vague 3 by Nouvelle Vague When On the road to your weekend away Why It’s in-car karaoke with a twist When the first Nouvelle Vague project was initiated in 2004 it seemed, on paper, to be ambitious if not sheer folly. Taking on classic punk and new wave songs and covering them in a bossa nova style shouldn’t have worked, but it did to become an… -
We ask the questions: a Q&A with New York’s hottest Social Diva
1 Jul 2009 | 9:45 amAuthor and editor Peg Samuel set up Social Diva, a diary-planning site full of insider info on the elite and exclusive events going on in some of Mr and Mrs Smith’s favourite cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Miami and, coming soon, London. We talk parties, preening and how exactly one becomes a diva… First of all, Peg, can you tell us what Social Diva is and what inspired you to start it? Social Diva is the go-to resource for all of a woman’s social needs. I wanted to build a resource that talks about the hottest, newest and most noteworthy things that… -
Style-savvy travel expert needed
30 Jun 2009 | 8:50 amOur award-winning GoldSmith travel consultants (yeah, I know I promised we wouldn’t go on about it, but it’s relevant, okay?) are on the lookout for a scimitar-sharp super-concierge to join our London-based Travel Team. If you think you might fit the exceedingly tight-fitting mould, we’d absolutely love to hear from you. Details are below but, basically, if you’re brilliant in every way, get in touch. GoldSmith Travel Consultant Experienced and style-savvy travel consultant wanted. You’ll have a true passion for boutique hotels, and will have the skills to source and… -
Mr & Mrs Smith adopts two marble Ls
26 Jun 2009 | 10:15 amBolly corks are flying around Smith HQ like Wimbledon tennis balls today, and the level of group-hugging going on is almost sinister. Why such festivity? No, it’s not just Prince William’s right royal name-thievery earlier this week, we’re as pleased as Punch, as happy as Larry and as, er, delighted as Delia because the Smith Travel Blog can now add the prefix ‘award-winning’ to its name. Because we won an award. The annual Luxuria Awards are intended to celebrate excellence in the European luxury sector, and are awarded by a highbrow panel of judges, which this year included… -
In the diary: Spanish highs
25 Jun 2009 | 9:55 amKITEBOARD PRO Date 1-5 July Place Tarifa, Spain Style Elemental acrobatics Setting Andalucian surf On the southern tip of Spain, Tarifa has rising kudos as a sun-kissed weekend party town and is now a hot spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers - the Strait of Gibraltar channels perfect, warm winds right onto the sandy beaches here. Since 2005, it has hosted a leg of the Professional Kiteboard Riders Association World Tour on its Valdevaqueros beach. The world’s best kiteboarders plus accompanying rad dudes, surfer girls and adrenalin junkies descend for a week in September, alongside the…
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Hotel Industry Blog by Bookassist
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Interview: Bookassist bucks the trend with continued growth in revenue and staff
1 Jul 2009 | 2:00 amBookassist CEO Dr Des O’Mahony in conversation with the Hotel & Restaurant Times, June 2009.Bookassist is in an unusual situation compared to most firms in the current downturn. Bucking the trend, the Dublin-headquartered online marketing strategy and reservations technology company continues to grow its revenues. It has even embarked on another recruitment drive for its offices in Ireland and abroad, targeting skilled senior managers and employees in business development, search engine marketing and sales.“We’re not entirely insulated from the economic situation, we do see… -
Mechandising Your Rooms Online
11 Jun 2009 | 7:39 amThe old adage borrowed from another industry of “Retail is in the Detail” should be applied to how you promote your hotel rooms online. Customers who want to purchase online have the same needs and wants as those that come through your front door.You wouldn’t ignore a customer who was hanging around the reception desk waiting for some information on a room rate before booking, and neither should your website.Among the key factors that concern customer’s booking rooms online are,- What does the room look like?- What’s included in the rate?- Is the rate good value for money?- Can I… -
Google Local launches in Ireland - Kinda
20 May 2009 | 8:04 amIt's not rolled out across all searches on Google in Ireland, but it is certainly alive and kicking for hotels.Google recently enhanced their search results pages with the addition of local business results (Google Maps) to searches targeting locations within Ireland. While these results have been available for some time in other locations such as the US and UK, this is the first time that searches for Irish locations have triggered maps as well as web links.The implications for website owners are that the nature of the results page on Google has changed dramatically. It is no longer… -
What hotels should and should not be doing in the current downturn
17 Apr 2009 | 2:00 amIn this economic climate, it is even more important to know exactly where your marketing money is being spent, what return on investment you are getting, and how you can maximise it. What is clear is that the medium that is most easily analysed and maximised in terms of return on spend is the internet, specifically direct selling on the internet. Moving budgets now from offline to online is not only smart in terms of watching budgets, but it affords an opportunity to tap previously untried markets, lower costs per acquired booking, and even generate income growth through promotion of a mix of… -
Should you discount your rates in a downturn?
26 Jan 2009 | 4:07 amBy making obvious cutbacks you will only damage your reputation with the people who matter most Customers' expectation of price may change in a downturn, but their expectations of service levels don't drop. Lowering rates may be one response to weakening occupancy but the lower income generated may result in lower service levels which in the longer term can damage your brand - according to a recent article on Caterer Search on the pros and cons of lowering rates: "by making obvious cutbacks you will only damage your reputation with the people who matter most". While many strongly advocate…
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Hotel Law Blog
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Hospitality Lawyer: Hotel foreclosures on track to set new records in California and elsewhere.
26 Jun 2009 | 4:32 pmBy Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 26 June 2009 Hospitality Lawyer with new data indicating hotel foreclosures will set new records On June 26, 2009, Atlas Hospitality released the results of its study on foreclosures in California We think these results have much broader implications for the hotel industry on a national basis. Here is the latest. -
Hospitality Lawyer and Special servicers: Busy now? Realpoint says work will double by year end! Implications for all CRE loans.
25 Jun 2009 | 8:32 pmBy Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 25 June 2009 Hospitality Lawyer with the latest Realpoint Research report on special servicing of CMBS loans. There are important implications of this data for all Commercial Real Estate or CRE loans I have now had time to settle in and digest the latest June 2009, Realpoint Research report on CMBS loan delinquencies. The numbers paint a very serious and dramatic picture. A copy of the full report is attached, with my personal highlights to point out some facts I thought were particularly… -
Hotel delinquencies predicted to exceed 8% by year end. Red Roof defaults on $361 million in loans. Are there lessons for hotel lenders and investors in the latest California market report?
24 Jun 2009 | 4:26 pmBy Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 24 June 2009 Hospitality Lawyer with some grim predictions and observations for hotel lenders and owners. On June 24, 2009 the Federal Reserve left interest rates and its policies unchanged. Government forecasters predicted that unemployment will continue to rise from its already high level of 9.4% and will not begin a reverse trend until "some time next year." And today in CNBC and Bloomberg interviews, Warren Buffett said he sees unemployment continuing to rise. He does not seem to see… -
Hospitality Lawyer: PKF says 2009 worst year in lodging history. Robust recovery likely but years away
16 Jun 2009 | 6:25 pmBy Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 16 June 2009 Hospitality Lawyer with the latest update from PKF on what lies ahead for the hotel industry. Mark Woodworth and his colleagues at PKF Hospitality Research have released PKF's latest report on the U.S. lodging industry, it's turning points and prospects. I thought you might find it useful as you consider options for dealing with troubled hotel assets, and hope you will keep us in mind as you face coming challenges. -
Hospitality Lawyer: What lies ahead for the hotel industry? When do values bottom? When do they recover? Which markets are worst and which will be the best? How to unlock hotel value with JMBM's SAVE™ program . . .
14 Jun 2009 | 1:04 pmBy Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 14 June 2009 Hospitality Lawyer in New York at the NYU hotel investment conference with some interesting projections from Steve Rushmore of HVS. One of my favorite presentations at the NYU hotel investment conference earlier this month was by Steve Rushmore, president and founder of HVS. His entire slides show is worth studying and you can view it in its entirety by clicking on the link at the end of this article. But a few of the slides particularly caught my attention -- the ones on hotel…
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Front Desk
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Sssh! Jackson Death Is Good For Business
1 Jul 2009 | 8:56 amIt’s one of the hotel industry’s dirty little secrets (the other, of course, is the profits made from on-demand porn) that tragedies are good for business. Every hurricane season, for example, inland hotels throughout the Southeast fill up with Florida and Gulf Coast residents fleeing from storms. Properties in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas were filled for months following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.Now, unfortunately, the death of Michael Jackson is coming to the rescue of the ailing lodging industry, at least in Santa Barbara County, CA. According to tabloid website TMZ, hotels… -
HITEC Products Live: CRM Meets Hospitality…In The Cloud
30 Jun 2009 | 8:08 amLibra OnDemand leverages the power of a popular on-demand platform (salesforce.com) to provide a comprehensive suite of hospitality specific applications. Through Customer Relationship Management (CRM), LibraOnDemand gives hoteliers a complete 360-degree view of each customer. Sales Force Automation (SFA) provides the ability to manage the entire sales process, analyze performance and forecast revenues.The Loyalty & Rewards Management application is flexibly configured to create innovative frequent guest and membership programs. Reporting & Data Analytics provide graphical… -
Effects of Rate Cutting
25 Jun 2009 | 11:35 amSome more reading material:A story from Bloomberg says hotel operators will need four years to get back to 2008 rate levels after slashing prices this year. The story also says this year may be the lowest annual occupancy level in 20 years. It seems as if everyone’s warnings were correct: Occupancy keeps falling even as rates come down, so cutting rates is the worst thing you can do. I guess the lessons from 2001 weren’t learned as well as we had hoped. -
Whatever Happened to Denizen?
25 Jun 2009 | 9:30 amI was just thinking there’s been little news or developments with Starwood’s suit against Hilton and it’s new brand, Denizen, but then I found this interesting story on the saga. Certainly not much new there, but it’s an interesting and in-depth look by the Washington Post at the drama.Not sure what’s next in this, but I can’t imagine the brand has legs anymore. -
Four Points Continues Growth
25 Jun 2009 | 9:23 amFour Points by Sheraton continues its impressive growth with a third location in New York City. The business-traveler friendly brand is getting quite a push from Starwood and the billboard location in Times Square will only help. Starwood and partners have put more than a billion dollars into the brand to reinvent it in the past five years. There’s been a 70 percent turnover in the portfolio during that time. The brand recently opened its first vacation resort hotel in Punta Gorda, FL and launched its first prototype hotel in San Antonio, TX. The next will open in Columbus, OH. Check…
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Web Travel Rob
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Property spotlight: Summit Condo, Panama City Beach
12 Jun 2009 | 10:23 amToday's Property Spotlight shines on the Summit Condo Resort in Panama City Beach, Fl.Located right on the beach, it's near the heart of all the fun & excitement in PCB.1, 2, & 3 bed room units are available, so families & groups of all sizes are welcome. They've got 2 huge pools and 2 kid pools).Of course, most folks visit for the beach, and the Summit boasts over 600 feet of sandy beach front goodness!They've got on-site dining, too -- so definitely check them out! You can check rates/availability & book online. -
Facebook profiles are for people, not businesses...
5 Jun 2009 | 12:36 pmI'm seeing an increasing number of Facebook "profile" accounts being set up for businesses. This as alarming trend, and I just don't know what exactly to say.According to the Facebook Terms of Service, profiles are for people, not businesses. At least -- I thought that was the case. Just took a look through the terms and didn't see any reference to that fact.So, am I crazy? Did they change it??Regardless, I think "pages" should be the proper outlet for a business.What do you think? -
Property spotlight: Courtyard by Marriott Lake Buena Vista at Vista Centre
29 May 2009 | 6:04 amJust returned from a recent stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Lake Buena Vista at Vista Centre -- although the name is ridiculously long, we had a great stay, and here's the review (recently posted at TripAdvisor).Found a great rate for a stay at this Courtyard for Memorial Day weekend, when most other places were charging way more.My wife and I try and stay at Courtyards whenever possible, so we were eager to stay here.We arrived around 3am, and the front desk employee was nice and friendly, especially given the late hour.We realized right away that this is not a typical Courtyard -- it's… -
Property spotlight: Gaylord Palms, Orlando Florida
20 May 2009 | 7:28 amGood morning!!I've been busy the last few weeks, so I haven't had much time to post or to update the "Hotels using Twitter" list -- but I'm back (for now, at least).So, I thought I'd share some info about one of my favorite resorts, the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, FL.Located just outside of Walt Disney World property, this gigantic resort is a beautiful place.Encased under a huge glass atrium, Gaylord Palms is divided into several different sections, each representing a different part of Florida.The center section is themed on St. Augustine, and even includes a fort you can explore. The… -
Property spotlight: Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort, Panama City Beach Florida
22 Apr 2009 | 6:30 amIntroducing a new segment today, the Property Spotlight. I'd like to highlight some lesser-known hotels from around the world here, in helps to bring attention to them they might not otherwise get.So, without further delay, the first Property Spotlight shines on Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort, located in Panama City Beach, Florida.Long known for attracting hordes of college spring breakers, the hotel has been catering towards families for the last several years, and the transformation really shows.Suites with full kitchens are available -- this means that families can save money by preparing…
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Hotel Marketing Strategies Blog
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Gradigio’s $25,000 Hotel Marketing Makeover Contest
1 Jul 2009 | 3:10 amThe past year has been quite the ride for me as managing director of Gradigio. My team and I have had the chance to work with some amazing people around the world; many of whom found us through this blog. As a way of giving back to you, my loyal readers, I’m proud to announce our… Hotel Marketing Makeover Contest We’re going to be giving one lucky winner a complete internet marketing makeover…for free. The total market value of these services will exceed $25,000US. What’s included Everything. At least, everything I know your hotel needs to be successful online. -
The concierge approach to hotel marketing online
30 Jun 2009 | 11:33 amWhile planning for a recent trip, I found myself conducting dozens of web searches to find information on my destination. These included: Flight information (Kayak.com) Airport transportation options (WikiTravel) The city’s best design hotels Guest reviews & photos of those hotels Best ways to get around the city (taxi, public transport, etc) Can’t-miss boutiques & galleries Places to eat (Yelp) Special events going on Typical climate for that time of year (clothes to bring, etc) Best places with WiFi I can work from (bonus points if I can drink something caffeinated)… -
Does your hotel website suck?
29 Jun 2009 | 3:44 amThis post is by guest expert Neil Salerno. There’s only one way to know whether or not your website is doing its job and, that is, to check the number of reservations it’s generating. If you have an independent hotel, this is an easy task; your booking engine’s analytics should tell you. If it’s franchised, it’s a little harder because most brands don’t want you to know how much your proprietary site is contributing to bookings. Many don’t want you to have a proprietary site at all. Unfortunately, many franchises still discourage the use of… -
5 Examples of Guestsourcing in Action
26 Jun 2009 | 3:00 amGuestsourcing is the practice of using customer-created media in the hospitality & travel industry. Here are five companies trying this in different forms: Sunriver Resort The Sunriver Resort features guest-submitted photos in a nice album: yatt’it by Hyatt This network connects guests and encourages them to provide information to each other. yatt'it home page Time will tell how well these big brand-sponsored social networks succeed, but smaller groups and independent don’t need to despair. I think equally good (if not better) results could be obtained by leveraging… -
Hotel Website Makeover: Yorkland Hotel Toronto
25 Jun 2009 | 7:40 pmWhat does a good hotel website look like? Keith, a reader from Toronto, Canada, sends us his hotel’s website for our next review – and from a marketing perspective, there is a lot of great stuff I see. Because this is going to be a largely positive review, it’s important I review the guidelines of this series: this hotel is not a client of Gradigio, and this review is not part of any type of sales pitch. The purpose of these reviews is to let us explore hotel internet marketing in a real-world environment. Website Analysis (Click image for full size review) When one of their…
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Today @ Hilton Anaheim
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SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!
24 Jun 2009 | 10:31 amSUMMER IS HERE… …and the Kids are out of school! If you have been planning a trip to Disneyland, there is no better time than now. Hilton Anaheim is offering 89 Rooms @$89 Every day! Disneyland is offering the Summer Fun Pass 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket for $99 “Be minutes from the Mouse and one of the [...] -
This Just In!
29 May 2009 | 10:00 amHave you heard the news? Hilton Anaheim Food Court is coming Summer 2009! Featured Vendors: Sbarro - Sbarro’s has over 1,000 chains in the US and offers a mix of popular pizzas, pastas, and salads. Sbarro specializes in New York Style selling mostly “by the slice” and is a perfect “grab and go option” for guests! Frozen Assets - Unique to [...] -
First Pitch – Ball One!
28 May 2009 | 1:31 pmBrad Logsdon, Director of Sales & Marketing for Hilton Anaheim throws out the opening 1st pitch before the Angels 3-1 win over the Chicago White Sox on Wed May 27. All in attendance decided that the pitch was “high and inside” BALL 1! Tagged: Anaheim Angels First Pitch, Anaheim Angels May 27, Brad Logsdon, Brad Logsdon [...] -
Stay & Play! Book Now and Save $10 off your Disneyland Annual Passport
22 May 2009 | 9:41 amIf you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to purchase your Disneyland Annual Passport, there is no better time than now. Book the “Southern California Annual Passport” promotion with Hilton Anaheim and you will receive one $10 gift card per stay towards the purchase of your very own Disneyland Annual Passport. Gift card can be redeemed at [...] -
Anaheim travel deal: $89 per night
21 May 2009 | 9:35 am
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Get A Room!
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Happy 4th of July!
2 Jul 2009 | 7:39 pm -
Get A Room! Moves Up the T-List
30 Jun 2009 | 6:00 pmRemember my surprise back in January 2008 when I discovered that "Get A Room!" had actually ranked on the prestigious "T-List?"Click here to see how the T-List looked back then, when "Get A Room!" was listed at #247.I am happy to report that a little over a year later, Get A Room! has moved up to #168 on the T-List, according to the April 2009 update from the Happy Hotelier.My thanks to the -
Hotel Promotions that ROCK!
24 Jun 2009 | 5:30 pmCheck out the Candlewood Suites Classic Rock Summer Tour '09 promotion. You get additional Priority Club rewards points, free music downloads, and a chance to win a $1,000 Ticketmaster gift card.I love it when rock and roll and hotels come together. And I love the slogan for this promotion: "Check in. Rock out!"You can get registered by logging onto www.candlewoodsuites.com/classicrock. Also -
On the Road Again...
16 Jun 2009 | 7:45 amI'm off to represent the Landmark Hotel Group at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Bus Association in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.It's my first year visiting this event, and I'm looking forward to meeting some fresh faces and running into familiar ones!I will have information with me on the latest from our family of hotels, including the opening of The Comfort Inn North -
Virginia Beach Hotel Offers Family "Bail Out!"
26 May 2009 | 1:13 pmIn a previous post, I shared hotel packages that were popping up in order to add value to a hotel's product with the hopes of increasing demand for hotel stays in one market or another.With government bail outs making the news so frequently these days, the clever crew at the Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach-Norfolk has created their own "Family Bail Out" Package:Our Family Bail Out package includes
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TradePub: Food & Beverage
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Baking & Snack
1 Jul 2009 | 3:50 pmBaking & Snack serves the field of baked foods and snack manufacturing including: volume-producers of bread and cake, cookies and crackers, salted snacks, pizza, cereal, tortillas, pasta, candy/confection, mix manufacturers and flour millers.Request Free! -
Food Business News
1 Jul 2009 | 12:20 amFood Business News serves primarily the North American packaged refrigerated and frozen food industries as well as confectionery, processed meats, frozen fish, processed poultry, dairy, baking, beverage, snack and grain based food industries.Request Free! -
Baking Buyer
1 Jul 2009 | 12:20 amBaking Buyer is free to qualified readers with managerial responsibilities in the retail, bakery cafe and intermediate wholesaler baking business in the United States.Request Free! -
Nutritional Outlook
1 Jul 2009 | 12:20 amPublished nine times per year, each issue analyzes developments in regulations, ingredients, quality control, manufacturing technology, packaging, marketing and new products.Request Free! -
Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery
1 Jul 2009 | 12:20 amSnack Food and Wholesale Bakery is edited for manufacturer/processor management, marketing, plant/production, research and development, warehousing, distribution and fleet decision makers in the Snack Bakery Food Industry. Also included are bakery wholesalers.Request Free!
