Hotel News in Brief

Feb 12, 13 | 12:00 am

Some current conversation starters...

Business travel has reached a ‘tipping point' in self-booking tools with two thirds now able to book through an online booking system.

According to a new report by Amadeus, 66% of travellers can now book travel themselves online although only 33% can do so through a mobile or tablet. With its report showing 37% of travellers had to change flight plans while on the road last year, the travel technology firm said TMCs have an opportunity to tap into the mobile market, with only a third of travellers happy with the way their change of plans was handled at the time. Meanwhile as businesses continue to attempt to clamp down on policy and compliance, Amadeus' research of 400 travellers found only 53% fully understand their corporate travel policy and 34% had gone "off plan" last year. This increased to 51% amongst those who made 11 trips or more, although those who take this many trips saw their travel halved in 2012 compared to 2011. Around 25% of business travellers take six to 10 trips a year. 

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa proudly announces that General Manager Brian Kramer has been named the 2013 Tourism Person of the Year by the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

The chamber's most prestigious individual honor was awarded to Kramer at last night's sold-out annual meeting, which was attended by more than 500 of the county's top business leaders and tourism industry professionals. "We are so fortunate to have a leader like Brian, who has helped guide our team to introducing a new level of hospitality and service to the destination, all while encouraging service and engagement with the local community," said Director of Sales and Marketing Nancy Longstreth. "His leadership and dedication to giving back have been an inspiration to so many, and we are proud that his talents, determination and achievements have been recognized by fellow industry leaders."

A new partnership between Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Delta Air Lines will allow their elite customers to link their Starwood Preferred Guest and Delta SkyMiles accounts for access to VIP perks from both programs.

The "Crossover Rewards" program is scheduled to launch March 1, with enrollment set to begin Feb. 27.

Key Appointments in the Industry

Congratulations to these new appointments...

Hostmark Hospitality Group has named Jerome Cataldo as CEO, in addition to his current role as President of the company. Cataldo's new responsibilities will expand to encompass the guidance and growth of Hostmark's property operations and asset management, along with his current duties directing the expansion of strategic business relationships. He is also responsible for identifying acquisition and management contract opportunities for the company and its investment partners. Cataldo has held multiple executive positions with the independent hospitality management company, beginning in 1983.

DiamondRock Hospitality Company (the "Company") (NYSE: DRH) today announced that John L. Williams will be retiring from his position as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company effective May 1, 2013. The Company has engaged Ferguson Partners to conduct a nationwide search for a successor to Mr. Williams. "John has had a remarkable career with over 30 years of dedicated service in the lodging industry. The Board and I want to thank John for his many contributions to the Company, which he helped found in 2004. He has been instrumental in building DiamondRock into one of the leading public lodging real estate companies," said Mark W. Brugger , the Chief Executive Officer of DiamondRock Hospitality Company. "With his strong real estate skills and extensive lodging experience, John helped assemble our current world class hotel portfolio, concentrated in many of the most desirable markets in the United States. Moreover, he has helped mentor and develop talented asset managers and investment specialists to position the Company for future growth. We expect to execute a smooth transition and are confident in the plans we have in place to drive shareholder value."

The Latest in Hotel Openings

Hyatt Hotels Corp. has confirmed that the 297-room Andaz Maui at Wailea will open this summer, the lifestyle brand's first flag in Hawaii. Located on 15 acres along Mokapu Beach on the southwest side of Maui, the resort will feature a 15,000 sq. ft. full-service spa, a fitness center, 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space and two destination restaurants. It will be Hawaii's first LEED certified resort. Hyatt's Andaz brand currently has nine hotels open. Six are in the U.S., including two in New York. Two are in Europe and one is in Asia.

Baltimore will welcome its most sophisticated property, The Ivy Hotel, to the city's growing roster of "must see" luxe hotels and resorts in early 2014. Located in the Mt. Vernon neighbourhood, the four-story brownstone will also feature a restaurant, stylish bar, library and lounge, outdoor garden, and on-site spa for guests, with details to be revealed in late 2013.

ME by Melia will officially launch its flagship hotel, ME London, on 1st March 2013 - a design-led, lifestyle hotel located at the centre of the capital's diverse art and culture district. Foster + Partners' first UK hotel project and the first for which they have designed all of the interiors and exteriors, ME London is situated in Marconi House, the original London home of BBC radio. The property has 157 guest rooms, including 16 suites and ultra-luxurious Suite ME, a two-storey penthouse located in the turret of the building. All have sumptuous bedding, bathrooms with spa-like rain showers and premium amenities, as well as access to the hotel's integrated digital media hub.

The Riu Nautilus, situated in Torremolinos (Andalusia, Spain), will reopen on 1 March presenting RIU's new style in décor, which is more modern and bright, as well as new facilities and services. The hotel's comprehensive renovation includes: rooms, bathrooms, communal areas, restaurants, gardens and the swimming pool.  What's more, from 1 April, the Hotel Riu Nautiluswill be marketed as "Adults Only", joining the Riu Don Miguel in Gran Canaria and the Riu Palace Macao in Punta Cana.