Hotel News in Brief

May 18, 09 | 1:45 am

IHG announced that the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia-Bucks County has opened, following $4 million in renovations to guestrooms and public spaces. The property, located at 4700 Street Rd., Trevose, Pa., is owned and managed by Hermani Hotels LLC, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.


Cadence Keen Innovations Introduces Bed MadeEZ_^TM, Cadence Keen Innovations (CKI), a leading inventor and provider of sleep solutions for the hospitality industry, announced the debut of the Bed MadeEZ_^TM, a new housekeeping device designed to reduce the fatigue and injuries associated with changing linens. Bed MadeEZ utilizes a unique wedge-shaped, ergonomic design that inserts effortlessly between the mattress and the box spring, creating an automatic lift as it slides in. The mattress can then rest in a raised position, eliminating the need for repeated lifting as the linens are changed. This innovative device is aimed at reducing back strain and injury experienced by housekeepers, a leading source of Workers' Compensation claims in the hospitality industry.


Summit Hotels & Resorts, a brand of Preferred Hotel Group, is pleased to announce its newest member - La Flora Resort Patong. The collection includes more than 150 internationally acclaimed hotels and resorts that celebrate local luxury.


RGH Hospitality, announces the appointment of Jennifer Masten as the General Manager of the Hampton Inn and Suites in Tilton, NH. RGH Hospitality is handling all aspects of the hotel's operations on behalf of its owner, The Moultonborough Hotel Group. Ms. Masten joins Hampton Inn and Suites in Tilton, NH from the Courtyard by Marriott Grappone Conference Center in Concord, NH where for nearly three years she was Sales Manager.


Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town's most iconic luxury hotel, has outshone its competitors by winning one of the world's most sought after travel accolades. The hotel was voted ‘Africa's Leading Hotel' at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2009 held in Durban this week.


Accor is expanding its Grand Mercure brand in New Zealand with the announcement that the Century City Apartments has joined the network.

Travelodge, the UK's fastest growing hotel company, announced results for the year ending 31st December 2008. Travelodge delivered significant revenue growth of 19% in 2008, while EBITDA for the company rose 11%. Rooms sold increased by nine percent to six million and occupancy levels were at 74% across the board. Travelodge continued to deliver against its stated UK growth plan, opening a record 39 hotels (3,844 rooms) in the UK in 2008, creating 750 jobs. ‘Click here to continue reading'.


ROKA is bringing its unique style of contemporary Japanese cuisine to the heart of Canary Wharf this autumn. The newest outpost to the ROKA family follows the successful openings of ROKA Hong Kong and Scottsdale.  Rainer Becker co-founder of Zuma / ROKA comments:  "It's been an exceptional time for Zuma, ROKA and Shochu Lounge as the company has experienced quite astounding success internationally. From a personal point of view, I am particularly looking forward to opening a further ROKA in London as I very much consider the city my home.  I have been looking for a suitable site for a long time.  Canary Wharf offers a unique urban environment with its own energy and is a great contrast to our West End location. I'm looking forward to bringing ROKA to a whole new audience". ROKA Canary Wharf will accommodate up to 140 guests comprising the main restaurant, the Shochu Lounge and an external seated balcony, overlooking Canada Square.


Just four months after its launch Traveljargon.org, the free global encyclopaedia of travel and meetings terminology,  now has members in most sectors of the travel and meetings industries and has notched up and audience in over 80 countries.  The site, developed by Travel Intelligence Network for corporates, suppliers  and  students as well as the industry at large is an A - Z of over 11,000 terms, acronyms, and expressions for business and leisure travel, airlines, hotels, car hire, conference and meetings, rail, cruising and tourism. Amongst the latest additions to the site are 200+ capitals of the world, national flags of the world and business travel management jargon - soon industry publications sources (including newsfeeds and newsletters) will be added.


Days Inns Canada announced the opening of its newest location in Alberta. The new construction hotel located in Athabasca, Alberta offers 69 spacious guest rooms, complimentary high-speed Internet access, free hot Daybreak Café breakfast, fitness facilities, business centre and meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 50 people.