LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 126

2 min

AHLA Urges Congress to Take Up Legislation That Would Protect Consumers

🏨 The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) calls for legislation on hotel fee transparency before the 118th Congress ends on January 3, 2025. The No Hidden FEES Act (H.R. 6543) and the Hotel Fees Transparency Act (S. 2498) aim for clear, nationwide fee displays. The HOTEL Act (H.R. 9681) promotes anti-human trafficking programs in hotels. The hotel industry is projected to pay $123 billion in wages in the current year and generate $83.4 billion in tax revenue. The Closing the Workforce Gap Act (H.R. 7574) addresses the labor shortage by adjusting visa caps. The Red Tape Reduction Act (S. 1725) seeks to balance the field between hotels and short-term rentals.

2 min

Preferred Hotels & Resorts Plans 10 New Openings for Next Year

🏠 Preferred Hotels & Resorts plans an expansion with 10 new luxury openings from September 2024 through 2025, including London and a Caribbean private island. Recent launches include Dusit Thani Bangkok and Villa Dahlia in September 2024, Pendry Natirar in October, Maison Albar – Le Victoria in November, and The Visions Resort & Spa in December 2024. These properties span across the Legend, L.V.X., Lifestyle, and Preferred Residences collections, catering to various luxury preferences and participating in I Prefer Hotel Rewards.

1 min

HVMG Added Eight Properties to Its Portfolio in 2024

🏨 Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) expanded its portfolio by eight hotels in 2024, now totaling 51 properties. The new hotels, including Marriott and Hilton brands, cover various segments. In 2024, HVMG added 1,200 rooms, achieved portfolio-wide Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) Index growth for the fourth consecutive year, and increased asset value by over $60 million in the past 12 months. The company's revenue is 70% from full-service hotels. HVMG credits its success to talent development programs like TACOE and XLR8.

2 min

This Week’s Comings & Goings

📌 RMS Cloud appointed Sandrine Zechbauer as CMO. Pacifica Hotels announced hires: Brian Min as GM of The Wayfarer San Luis Obispo, Bridgette Quartararo as director of sales at Seacliff Inn, Leslie Mercado as regional director of sales, Ron Herrera as Jamaica Bay Inn's executive chef. Atlantic Hospitality added Justin Grimes as managing partner, Caroline Meyer DeBruyckere as corporate director of marketing, Andrea Weissing as corporate director of revenue management. Elena Black joined Rocco Forte Hotels as SVP of marketing. Hilton Anaheim named Justin Underwood as director of hotel operations. Omni Hotels appointed Gayla Guyse as GM of Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel. The Chatwal, New York assigned Sebastian Gurevich as hotel manager. Trilith Guesthouse named Craig Green as executive chef. Crossroads Hotel appointed Kara Anderson as GM of Lazia. Grace Bay Resorts welcomed Emma Wilks as VP of marketing, digital, and communications. Epicurean Hotel added Whitnee Wilson as spa director. Pendry San Diego announced William Figueroa as director of F&B and Brandon Sloan as executive chef. Frenchman’s Reef's new committee includes Martin Smith as MD, Andrew Haas as VP, and Maria Vilchez as GM of Buoy Haus Beach Resort.

3 min

Hyatt Plans Luxury and Lifestyle Hotel Openings for Next Two Years

🏨 Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced a pipeline of over 50 luxury and lifestyle hotels to open globally by 2026, with a focus on luxury travel which is forecasted to increase by 52.8% in Europe by 2028. 70% of Hyatt's global rooms are luxury and upper upscale; the company expanded by 28 luxury hotels in three years and doubled luxury room count since 2017. Hyatt quintupled its lifestyle rooms since 2017, adding 28 lifestyle hotels in 2024, and acquired Standard International. The Lifestyle group is led by Amar Lalvani and will be based in New York City, Austin, and Bangkok. Upcoming openings include Miraval the Red Sea (2025), Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, and Andaz Miami Beach among others.

1 min

LivAway Suites Opened Three Properties in November 2024

🏨 LivAway Suites opened its newest location in Missoula, Montana, marking the brand's fourth location overall and third opening in November. Missoula's population exceeds 125,000 residents, benefiting from a surge of remote workers. LivAway targets digital nomads, locals employed in tourism, recreation, healthcare, and individuals associated with the University of Montana. The city's robust economy is supported by key institutions like Saint Patrick Hospital and the University of Montana. LivAway Suites aims for 50 locations by late 2026.

2 min

Four Seasons Hotel New York Reimagines Menu Concepts

🏠 The Four Seasons Hotel New York reopened in November after several years of closure, offering new menu concepts at The Garden Restaurant and TY Bar. Executive Chef Maria Tampakis and Executive Pastry Chef Jonathan Pereira crafted a Northern Italian-inspired menu and desserts. The Garden serves breakfast and lunch, with dinner service starting early 2025. TY Bar, developed with Toby Maloney, presents cocktails that pay homage to New York's history. Both venues offer a mix of reimagined classics and local ingredients under Director of Food and Beverage Iwona Luksza.

2 min

JLL Announces Acquisition Closing of Atlanta and Memphis-Area Hotels

🏨 Woodvale Opportunity Fund I acquired Southaven Marriott Portfolio for $25 million, including Courtyard Memphis Southaven (85 keys) and Residence Inn Southaven (78 keys), as well as Fairfield Inn & Suites Buford for $11 million, totaling 94 suites. Located in Mississippi and a suburb of Atlanta, respectively, these hotels built in 2007 and 2006 offer amenities for business and leisure with access to local attractions. JLL Capital Markets facilitated the deal with strong expected returns for investors.

2 min

Rosen Hotels & Resorts Names Frank Santos Chief Executive Officer

🏢 Frank Santos, Rosen Hotels & Resorts' newly appointed CEO, steps into his role following Founder Harris Rosen's death at 85. Santos, who began as CFO in January 1986, has been with the company for almost 39 years. The company staffs over 4,000 associates and boasts seven Orlando hotels, alongside other ventures including RosenSure and Millennium Technology Group. Santos helped create essential community programs like free preschool for underserved areas and affordable healthcare for associates. He's also active on various boards, holds CHAE+ and CHA+ designations, and is a past HFTP president.

3 min

Choice Hotels Gives Grants Through Its ‘Your Community, Your Choice’ Program

💰 Choice Hotels International, Inc. announced the 2024 "Your Community, Your Choice" grant program recipients in North Bethesda, Maryland, marking the program's fifth anniversary. Since 2019, over 70 hotels in the U.S. have aided local nonprofits through $275,000 in donations. Grants support various causes such as food security, veteran aid, abuse victim aid, education, and animal welfare. Nonprofits are nominated by Choice hotels with community ties to the organizations' missions. Additional Choice Hotels community involvement includes partnerships with the American Red Cross, Operation Homefront, and sustainability initiatives like Room to be Green.

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