Hotel Industry News In Brief

Oct 08, 12 | 12:09 am

Some current conversation starters…

Marriott International posted a profit of US$143 million in the third quarter of 2012, up from a loss of US$179 million during the same period in the previous year.

The profit increase was driven by lower costs rather than increased revenue. Marriott International, Bethesda, Maryland, saw its total revenues decline to US$2.7 billion from US$2.8 billion in the third quarter of 2011, but lower expenses from the timeshare spinoff and real estate resulted in US$2.5 billion in costs in the third quarter of 2012 instead of the US$3 billion in expenses it saw during the same period in 2011. In North America, comparable systemwide RevPAR increased 6.3% in the third quarter of 2012, including a 4.9% increase in average daily rate. RevPAR for comparable systemwide North American full-service and luxury hotels increased 6.8% with a 4.6% increase in average daily rate. RevPAR for comparable systemwide North American limited-service hotels increased 5.9% in the third quarter with a 5% increase in ADR. International comparable systemwide REVPAR rose 5%, a 1.5% year-on-year decline using actual dollars, including a 3.8% increase in ADR, a 2.6% year-on-year decline using actual dollars, in the third quarter of 2012.

The top spots for travelers to head this fall are Las Vegas, New York and Chicago according to Orbitz Shoulder Season Insider Index, which ranks the most popular fall destinations based on hotel bookings.

Disney destinations Orlando and Orange Country also made the list, while international locales London and Paris rounded out the top 10. Other highlights from the Orbitz Fall Travel Insider Index and Fall Travel Survey include:

• 68% of respondents plan to take a vacation after Labor Day and before Thanksgiving, bucking the misconception that fall is a down period for leisure travel
• Las Vegas tops the list as the top fall travel destination, driven by budget-friendly hotel rates of $105/night and the busy college football and NFL season in the sports books
• 39% of survey respondents deem fall the most economical time of year to travel, followed by summer (23%), winter (20%) and spring (18%)

Tasmania, Australia, is bursting at the seams this month with conference delegates flooding the states accommodation and meeting venues.

A massive 21 business events are being held around the state with 18 conferences and corporate groups hosting their events in the state’s capital during October. In total, an estimated 5160 delegates will be descending on Tasmanian shores in the next four weeks.

Business Events Tasmania CEO Stuart Nettlefold said “This is a bumper month for business events in Tasmania. The direct economic benefit is estimated at $15.8 million but it’s not just the accommodation and meeting venues that are going to see huge economic benefits. “Restaurants and bars are going to need additional staff; transport operators will be constantly on the move and attractions, activities and tours will be in high demand. Even local retailers should see a jump in sales. “20% of delegates bring a non-delegate with them to a business event, so that’s nearly 6200 visitors utilising services and purchasing goods throughout the state. “Our research shows that the friendliness of the people and the high quality of service are the two most satisfying things about attending a business event in Tasmania. I urge anyone interacting with the delegates over this busy period to continue to provide this memorable level of service while welcoming our states visitors.

Key Appointments in the Industry

Congratulations to these new appointments…

W San Francisco is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Eberwein as the luxury hotel’s new director of operations. A seasoned hospitality leader, Eberwein brings to W San Francisco more than 20 years of industry experience with a special emphasis in food and beverage management at Starwood properties. Prior to W San Francisco, Eberwein held the title of director of food and beverage at The St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City, Utah. It was during this time that Eberwein was recognized as one of Food & Wine magazine’s “Top Sommelier’s of 2011” – he was one of just seven sommeliers in the country to receive the honour. Earlier in his career Eberwein worked at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles, in a dual role as leader of green activities and director of food and beverage, and prior to that he spent three-and-a-half years as director of food and beverage at Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego.

Castle Resorts & Hotels is pleased to announce the following changes in managerial staff. "Each of these managers has earned respect in the hospitality industry and we are pleased to offer each a role in which their talents will be most valuable," said President & COO Alan Mattson. "As our portfolio of properties continues to grow and evolve, we will continue to focus on our greatest asset, our team," he continued.

• Jason Hanzawa will transfer from his post as Operations Manager at Waikiki Grand Hotel on Oahu to become Castle's Corporate Operations Manager. In his role at Waikiki Grand Hotel Mr. Hanzawa has been responsible for management of day-to-day operations as well as some other corporate duties, including distribution of Company newsletters. Mr. Hanzawa will begin his new duties on October 1, 2012.
• Randy Ahlo will transfer from his current position of General Manager at Waikiki Shore to become the new General Manager at Hokele Suites Waikiki. Mr. Ahlo will also oversee the operations at Waikiki Grand Hotel and will begin his new duties on October 1, 2012.
• Larry Mayo will transfer from his current position of General Manager of Hokele Suites Waikiki on Oahu to Kauai where he will assume the role of General Manager of Castle's newest properties, Kauai Kailani and Mokihana, both on the island's famed Coconut Coast.
• Kenny Ching will transfer from his current role as General Manager of Kamaole Sands on Maui to Oahu where he will assume the position of General Manager of Waikiki Shore.
• Paul Gomez will join the Company to replace Mr. Ching at Kamaole Sands in Kihei, Maui. Mr. Gomez has extensive knowledge of Kamaole Sands and has been a resident of Maui for the past 30 years. A seasoned veteran of property management, Mr. Gomez's past properties include Kamaole Sands under Maui Condo and Home, Ma'alea Surf Resort, Maui Kai Resort, and Kapalua Villas.

The Latest in Hotel Openings

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas has finished a US$160 million renovation of suites and guestrooms in its main tower. Since October 2011, 3,570 Grand King and Queen rooms and 642 suites have been renovated. The modern look in the new guestrooms comes from the team at MGM Resorts International Design. The remodel also added environmentally conscious features that include LED lighting, new thermostats, solar shades, upgraded faucets and showers, and biodegradable bath amenities. The remainder of the property’s “Grand Renovation” includes Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub, currently set to open in the spring of next year.

Morgans Hotel Group announces the opening of its newest international property, Delano Marrakech. From the shores of South Beach to the African continent, the much-anticipated Delano Marrakech exudes the mystery and exoticism of its surroundings, while offering the style, sophistication and unmatched standards of service that world travelers have come to expect from the Delano brand. In partnership with Moroccan entrepreneur Ahmed Bennani's Hivernage Collection and Marbella Club (MC) Hotel Group, the 71-room boutique hotel is the ultimate haven of discovery and pleasure. Boasting four culinary destinations, a world-class spa, three pools, luxury boutiques and a dynamic nightlife venue, Delano Marrakech is a self-contained luxury resort in the heart of one of the world's most magical destinations. Located in the center of the Hivernage District, Delano Marrakech is Morgans Hotel Group's second global outpost of its signature luxury brand. Designed by the acclaimed Jacques Garcia in collaboration with Morgans Hotel Group's design team, the hotel's opulent interior blends precious marbles with sumptuous velvet and other rare textiles, creating an intimate atmosphere with a modern edge. A breathtaking central rotunda commands the lobby space, with bold white columns soaring overhead. The unique ceiling made of hand-carved wood, gives way to an airy skylight that drenches the lobby with light.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced it has returned to the Dominican Republic with the landmark debut of its Four Points by Sheraton brand in Punta Cana. Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village opens today in a prime location, just steps from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). It is the first of two hotels Starwood will open this year in the Dominican Republic with its partner Grupo PUNTACANA, and will be followed by The Westin Puntacana Resort in late 2013. The newly constructed hotel features 124 stylish and comfortable guest rooms, an outdoor pool and access to five miles of private beach. Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village also provides 1,614 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting facilities, a 24-hour business center, a fully equipped fitness facility and full-service dining.