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New Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Hotels Open in North Scottsdale

Hyatt Place North Scottsdale and Hyatt House North Scottsdale, Scottsdale’s first combined Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels, celebrated their openings. Situated in the heart of North Scottsdale near Mayo Clinic Hospital, notable golf courses such as Grayhawk, TPC Scottsdale, and Troon North and premier dining establishments, guests can appreciate the hotels’ convenient location. The hotels expand the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands’ footprint in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The dual-branded properties feature nearly 2,000 square feet of meeting and event space, open concept public spaces, a 24-hour fitness center, a cozy breakfast area, a stylish bar area and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotels are operated by Evolution Hospitality. “We’re excited to invite guests to enjoy our dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels in the heart of North Scottsdale,” said General Manager Scott Snofsky. “As guests look for a place to recharge on the road, we know they can appreciate the modern design and spacious layout in each guestroom– from the separate areas to sleep and work, including the Cozy Corner at Hyatt Place North Scottsdale, to the apartment-style suites with full kitchens at Hyatt House North Scottsdale. The unique benefit of dual branding is that our guests can choose the space that fits their needs without compromising on location.” “It’s a pleasure to be bringing the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House experience to the North Scottsdale market with the opening of these properties,” said owner Michael Batt. “This opening is a culmination of exceptional vision and hard work from many parties and is a testament to the standards of excellence we hold ourselves to with every undertaking. We’re confident guests will find everything they need to feel at home when they walk through the doors of these new hotels.” With close proximity to Mayo Clinic Hospital, one of the most sought-after medical facilities, Hyatt Place North Scottsdale and Hyatt House North Scottsdale serve as a respite for visiting medical professionals and patients alike. The nearby In addition to being located near the medical district, the hotels are also nearby Scottsdale Sports Complex, Musical Instrument Museum, West World and other event areas. Hyatt Place North Scottsdale features: 136 spacious guestrooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and play, as well as a Cozy Corner sofa-sleeperFree Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestroomsNecessities program for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for freeEvent Spaces with 1,910 square feet of flexible meeting/function spaceFitness Center featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens and free ear buds Hyatt House North Scottsdale features: 93 guestrooms (studio and one-bedroom suites), featuring fully equipped kitchenettes, comfortable living areas and bedrooms with complimentary skin and haircare amenitiesFree Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestroomsComplimentary breakfast for guestsThe Commons, a comfy lounge with an open and welcoming space for guests to relax, gather and socialize, and an outdoor area with comfortable seating and pool24-hour Workout Room to keep fitness routines goingBorrows Menu with often-forgotten items from phone chargers to razorsAdditional conveniences, including 24-hour Guest LaundryA pet-friendly policy that welcomes your furry companions

Create: Mar 20, 2021 Edit: Mar 20, 2021 International News

Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel Completes Full Property Renovation

Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel announces the completion of its top-to-bottom renovation that includes a total transformation of guest rooms, fitness center, and public spaces, as well as a redesign and upgrade of its more than 100,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces. Associate and guest safety continues to remain paramount during the pandemic with current guidelines located here. Owned and managed by Columbia Sussex, the Renaissance Dallas Addison is extremely popular for groups of all sizes and leisure travelers to North Dallas. Offering the biggest meeting space of any hotel in Addison, the hotel is located in the heart of the vibrant Addison “Restaurant Row” – just steps away from a wide variety of restaurants, nightlife entertainment and upscale shopping destinations, as well as key venues such as Addison Circle Park and Galleria Dallas. The hotel’s comprehensive renovations touched nearly every space within the property and, in keeping with the Renaissance brand’s ethos, were designed to reflect the spirit of the neighborhood, where visitors can enjoy culture, work and play. The area’s growing community of theatre, fine art, music and food invites travelers to immerse themselves in the vibrancy of the area, and the renovations reflect these ideals through neutral color palettes that juxtapose natural wood and leather materials with contemporary designs and thoughtfully-curated artistic focal points. The Renaissance Dallas Addison has implemented a number of health protocols and safety measures to allow people to feel comfortable traveling again when ready, including the option for an entirely contactless stay, social events designed to allow for social distancing, restrictions on fitness center capacity, housekeeping access to guest rooms, and thorough cleaning and sanitation protocols throughout the property that follow Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean protocols. The renovations at Renaissance Dallas Addison included: Meeting & Event Spaces Renaissance Dallas Addison’s expansive meeting and event space – totaling more than 100,000 square feet – attracts groups of all sizes to Addison and, with the biggest meeting space of any hotel in Addison, has consistently been among the city’s most popular meeting destinations. The hotel utilizes the Social Tables virtual platform to create event layouts that enable appropriate social distancing between guests and has remained a popular destination for social events during the pandemic as its space is able to accommodate up to 700 guests with proper social distancing protocols in place. This capacity will grow to 2,000 guests as restrictions are lifted. The redesigned meeting and event spaces offer state-of-the-art conference space, stylish meeting rooms, and indoor and outdoor event venues. The hotel features 37 flexible spaces from boardrooms to ballrooms, with the largest venue offering more than 25,000 square feet. Some highlights of the newly-introduced meeting offerings include: A neutral aesthetic replete with earth tones and natural fabrics reflecting the rich natural landscape and historic industries of oil and cattle that have shaped Addison Custom and innovative menus to inspire guests of all tastes and preferences – from coffee breaks and luncheons to cocktail banquets and seated receptions Anticipatory service aligned with the Renaissance brand, which intends to provide each guest with a unique and delightful experience State-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities to ensure seamless and enriching experiences for all meeting and event guests. Floorplans of the hotel meeting and event spaces are available here. Guest Rooms All 528 guest rooms, including 24 bi-level suites, ranging in size from 750 square feet to 2,400 square feet have been renovated to reflect the new design philosophy using wood, earthy tones and natural materials, coupled with a modern and upscale twist reflecting the Renaissance brand’s comfortable, modern aesthetic. The complete redesign of the hotel’s guest rooms included the appointment of entirely new furniture and furnishings, as well as upgrades to the HVAC system and plumbing. Updates to the guest rooms include thoughtful touches and elements reflective of the Dallas culture, such as the placement in each room of both a photograph of the “Blueprints” sculpture situated just behind the hotel in the Addison Circle Park and a portrait of Dallas-born musician Stevie Ray Vaughan. Additionally, each luxurious guest room is designed for optimal rest and productivity with architectural framing, contrasting finishes and wall cladding, upscale bathroom fixtures, and thoughtful solutions to enhance a guest’s stay, such as: Convenient wall outlets, lamp outlets and nightstands outfitted with USB ports for multiple electronic deviceLuxurious bedding with cotton-rich linens and fluffy pillowsHigh-speed Wi-Fi and a large desk with a well-lit workspace, comfortable chair and plug-in panels55-inch flat-panel TVs with the Marriott Entertainment Package, including premium cable and movie channels to keep guests well-entertainedIn-room refrigerator and coffee barStrategically placed mirrors, including back-lit vanity mirror and full-length mirrorsEclectic art collections featuring subjects local to Dallas. Public Spaces and Fitness Center Upon entering the Renaissance Dallas Addison, guests are immediately greeted by a fully renovated lobby. In its complete transformation, the lobby area was outfitted with new furniture, appealing light fixtures and a Discovery Table that are designed to invite guests into the public spaces with a sense of warm Southern hospitality. The new lobby also features artwork from local Dallas artists, including sculptures from Brad Oldam, and a unique interactive wall that offers a unique Texas belt buckle match game. With views leading into the newly redesigned lobby and downstairs public spaces, on-site restaurant Noell JCT will continue to offer contemporary, American-style cuisine made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The adjacent Noell JCT Lounge has been updated with the addition of intimate, semi-private spaces perfect for small groups to conduct business or to unwind and enjoy an appetizer and a selection from the extensive wine list or cocktail menu. Additionally, the hotel’s on-site state-of-the-art fitness center has been transformed entirely with a larger footprint of more than 4,000 square feet and new Matrix Fitness equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes, various weight stations and free weights.

Create: Mar 13, 2021 Edit: Mar 13, 2021 International News

Tharaldson Hospitality Management Opens New Hyatt House Nashville Airport

Tharaldson Hospitality Management (THM) is pleased to announce the opening of the brand-new Hyatt House Nashville Airport! This extended-stay Hyatt House, located at 14 Century Blvd, features 128 suites and guest rooms, along with great amenities such as free Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast, an indoor pool, business services, guest laundry, meeting facilities, room service, and much more. This property also features the excellent H-Bar, a place right in the lobby where guests and anyone else can get a custom-made cocktail, craft beer, or just meet up with some friends or colleagues. It is conveniently located just a few minutes away from the Nashville Airport, as well as only 10 minutes away from the historic downtown district of Nashville, where guests can enjoy a plethora of dining choices, live music, bars, and much more. Under its franchise agreement with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, THM will own and operate the property.

Create: Mar 2, 2021 Edit: Mar 2, 2021 International News

Tehran tourism fair opens; activists hope for boom when corona vaccine is ever-present

Tehran’s international tourism and handicrafts fair opened to the public on Tuesday in defiance of a government campaign to improve the hugely-battered travel sector in the face of the novel coronavirus. Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan and his deputies for tourism, and handicrafts were amongst attendees to the opening ceremony of the fair, which is underway at Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds. Activists, including tour operators, hoteliers, transport businesses, and tour guides, are hopeful that such days would be numbered at the COVID-19 vaccine is getting more widespread. Since it first surfaced late in 2019, the pandemic has created a greater demand for experiences away from crowds, which is opposite to many traveling pillars. Experts say that such preference for solo travel would probably continue till a coronavirus vaccine is ever-present. “Safe and Responsible Travels” has been picked as the motto of the four-day event that according to organizers could help boost synergy among the two sectors as people have a chance to visit them maybe in a day-long visit! The event is being held according to health protocols announced by the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control, and following the necessary coordination with the relevant agencies in this field, according to Vali Teymouri, the deputy minister for tourism. Travel agencies, airlines, sea or rail companies, entrepreneurs, startups, banks, insurance brokers, agents or hospitals in charge of health, medical tourism, sports clubs, pilgrimage & eco-tourism companies, representatives of hotels, guesthouses, touristic villages, and free zones are amongst exhibitors in the tourism sector. Furthermore, tens of booths and stands in various exhibition halls have been dedicated to craftspeople, artisans, live performers, and tribespeople who are coming together from every corner of the ancient land to promote skills inherited from generation to generation. Though its main goal of the sales exhibit is to make money and sails of the handicrafts, souvenirs, foodstuff, and various other regional products, it can be a venue for dialogue between exhibitors and visitors and even visiting officials, according to organizers. The fair showcase arrays of personal ornamentation, woodwork, illuminated manuscript, miniature, textile printing, enamel, leatherwork, handwoven textile, calligraphy, traditional musical instrument, metalwork, and marquetry among tens of others while nomadic culinary arts, live workshops, and performances that would gather own fans every corner. Iran expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 24 being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, it aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025. So it will undeniably try its best to achieve a relatively ambitious goal but when that happens the travel industry is likely to look more altered.

Create: Feb 24, 2021 Edit: Feb 24, 2021 Regional News

Valor Hospitality Partners Opens The Valley Hotel in Birmingham, Alabama

Valor Hospitality Partners announced today the opening of The Valley Hotel, a 129-room upper upscale boutique hotel in the heart of charming downtown Homewood, Ala., minutes south of Birmingham. As the latest addition to Curio Collection by Hilton™, The Valley Hotel blends Southern charm and contemporary lifestyle with subtle nods to Birmingham’s history across its spacious rooms and suites and public art offerings, chef-driven dining venues and over 7,000 square feet of meetings and event space. An urban retreat located in bucolic Homewood, The Valley Hotel boasts 129 tailored guest rooms, including nine suites that evoke the sophisticated and vibrant essence of Homewood. The guestrooms’ fresh color palette mimics the natural environment of Homewood and its proximity to Red Mountain, while crisp wood and linen accents recall classic Southern hospitality. Bespoke furnishings offer a subtle tie to Homewood’s thriving artistic community. Additional room amenities include a 55” LCD TV, oversized bathrooms and a curated collection of original artwork from local photographers. In addition to offering upscale accommodations and thoughtful design elements, The Valley Hotel introduces three new dining venues – Ironwood Kitchen + Cocktails, The Terrace Bar and The Valley Coffee Co. – to Homewood’s burgeoning culinary scene. Curated by Executive Chef Doug Zuk, who is renowned in the culinary world for his work in Las Vegas, The Valley Hotel’s culinary options all pay homage to Birmingham’s industrial origins in both menu and design. Among cast iron furnishings and intimate dining nooks, the property’s upscale full-service restaurant, Ironwood Kitchen + Cocktails, serves reimagined Southern comfort cuisine utilizing quality regional ingredients. Ironwood Kitchen + Cocktails is complemented by The Terrace Bar, offering craft cocktails, cozy fireside seating and unparalleled views of downtown Homewood. For a more casual dining experience, The Valley Coffee Co. serves meticulously roasted craft coffee offerings and specialty seasonal breakfast and lunch items in a warm, welcoming environment. The property’s tie to its location extends beyond rooms and dining. The Valley Hotel introduces a new public art offering to the local Birmingham community and guests with its outdoor art sculpture, The Outpouring, designed by renowned artist Salem Barker. Located next to the hotel entrance, The Outpouring’s metal construction speaks to Birmingham’s history with the iron and coal industries, while the curved elements draw on the area’s emphasis of the arts and music. The Valley Hotel is the ideal destination for a wide range of corporate events, weddings or other social gatherings with more than 7,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, including coveted al fresco options. The over 4,000 square foot Red Mountain Ballroom offers customizable options, as well as an adjacent pre-function space. The Vulcan Boardroom and exquisite Shades Creek Room with copious natural light provide options for intimate board meetings and corporate engagements. “Guests will look to The Valley Hotel as an oasis that simultaneously offers both relaxation and the opportunity to explore Birmingham’s unique history,” said Danny Hiatt, regional director and general manager at The Valley Hotel. “We look forward to welcoming both travelers and locals and offering a thoughtful ‘home away from home’ experience in Homewood.” As part of Curio Collection by Hilton™, The Valley Hotel embraces the industry-leading Hilton CleanStay and Hilton EventReady with CleanStay programs, reinforcing a commitment to the wellbeing of both guests and team members. The Valley Hotel is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app. The Valley Hotel is located at 2727 18th Street S. in Homewood, Ala., providing guests with easy access to explore Homewood’s unique culture, local shops, art galleries and golf courses, as well as the neighboring University of Alabama at Birmingham campus, Red Mountain Park and downtown Birmingham’s top attractions.

Create: Feb 20, 2021 Edit: Feb 20, 2021 International News

Grupo Lomas and Karisma Hotels & Resorts to Open Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya in June 2021

Fans of SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and PAW Patrol get ready: Karisma Hotels & Resorts is opening Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya in June 2021. Beginning today, travelers can book accommodations at Mexico’s first Nickelodeon Resort, featuring one of the largest water attractions in Mexico and all ocean-front swim-up suites, accommodating families of five, for the ultimate family beach escape. Now, families can enjoy a premium vacation experience themed to Nickelodeon’s most beloved and imagination-expanding worlds, with something for everyone. All Oceanfront, Swim-up Suites Designed for FamiliesNickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya will feature 280 oceanfront swim-up suites, incorporating family-friendly amenities such as two bathrooms in every suite and plenty of space for a family of five, as well as playful design elements including art pieces pulled from beloved show archives and furnishings inspired by Nickelodeon’s iconic colors and current and past characters, such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. In addition, the property will feature four rooftop, penthouse-style Signature Suites, including the fan-favorite Pineapple Suite and the first-ever Turtle Lair Suite, dedicated to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. “After the huge success of the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, we could not be better poised to expand the brand experience with our resort with all oceanfront swim-up suites, along with themed experiences with an extended cast of 20 your favorite Nickelodeon characters,” said Mario Mathieu, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Design and Construction of Karisma Hotels & Resorts. “This property features many firsts such as the new Turtle Lair Suite, even more dedicated entertainment spaces such as SNICK Lounge and Mainstage, and the one-of-a-kind Aqua Nick® with its epic slides, river rides and the teen-friendly Soak Summit, which will be a destination in itself.” Aqua Nick®: Fun in the Water like You’ve Never Seen BeforeAt the epicenter of the resort’s entertainment offerings is Aqua Nick®, a six-acre themed water park featuring 2,000 sq. ft. of slides and more than 1,820 sq. ft of river rides, including a Lazy River and a faster-paced Adventure River, with complimentary and early access offered to guests. Park amenities also include the relaxing Bikini Bottom Beach, a Slime Spot, PAW Patrol Adventure Bay, an interactive water playground, and Soak Summit with 10 spine-tingling single and double-rider slides, including a multi-lane racing format. Because Aqua Nick® is conveniently adjacent to the resort, guests can still enjoy uninterrupted ocean views from their suites and seek out relaxing or high-energy spaces as they desire. Nickelodeon Place™: Character Experiences and Entertainment for All AgesNickelodeon Place™ will feature signature Nickelodeon characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Blue from Blue’s Clues & You and more. Within Nickelodeon Place™ is Club Nick, the ultimate free play zone for kids complete with special themed days, a craft laboratory, playground, stage, surprise visits by Nickelodeon™ characters and even Slime!; along with immersive entertainment experiences. Guests can also pay homage to the iconic Big Orange Couch at SNICK Lounge, a sophisticated ‘90s-inspired space that serves as a game room, sports lounge and live music venue Nickelodeon Fun with World-Class Gourmet Inclusive® ExperiencesWith Karisma’s industry-leading World-Class Gourmet Inclusive® Experience, guests will have access to 24-hour in-room dining as well as world-class food and beverages served at six distinct restaurants for every taste. Adult time is also elevated, with sommeliers and expert mixologists crafting drinks at three bars, including The Bikini Bottom Bar and two swim-up bars. Other standout resort amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center and a spa featuring kids’ treatments, couple’s suites, a luxurious bridal suite and outdoor treatment areas. Grupo Lomas Leadership to Bring Beloved Brands and Family Fun to Mexico“This year Grupo Lomas celebrates its 40th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate it than with the opening of this property that reaffirms our commitment to Mexico and continues to generate investment and jobs by betting on the most innovative accommodation concepts worldwide that contribute to strengthen the leadership of the Mexican Caribbean,” said Dolores López Lira, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Grupo Lomas. The tourism corporation’s investment in Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya will add nearly 2,000 luxury suites to its portfolio under the operation of Karisma Hotels & Resorts. “We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with Grupo Lomas and Karisma Hotels & Resorts to open this incredible resort along a stunning stretch of white sand beach, providing guests of all ages with an authentic vacation experience centered on five-star luxury, playfulness and the warm hospitality that makes Mexico such a beloved destination,” said Kevin Suh, President of Themed Entertainment at ViacomCBS. “With Viacom Global Insights reporting that 70% of kids find family time one of the most important sources of happiness, we’re excited to offer a fun destination that gives them a world-class family experience they won’t ever forget.” Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts is being brought to Riviera Maya by hospitality trailblazers Grupo Lomas, which has introduced guests to an authentic Mexican experience for decades with an impressive collection of resorts such as the award-winning El Dorado Spa Resorts as well as game-changing local investments such as a 70,000 sq. ft. community greenhouse.

Create: Feb 11, 2021 Edit: Feb 11, 2021 International News

Top 12 Things That Should Be In Every Hotel Room

⚜️ As someone who spends well over 100 nights a year in hotels, I thought it was high time to put together a post with my thoughts about what every hotel room should offer (and what they definitely should not) in addition to all the basics like free WiFi, good personalized A/C and heating, and, you know, running water. Some of these are obvious – with the proliferation of lightweight laptops, smartphones, tablets and more, every hotel room should have an abundance of power outlets – while others might be more TPG-specific. However, these are things I’d like to see in every hotel room I book in the future, and feel free to share your own wish list below. 1. Power outlets galore . As I mentioned, we all travel with tons of gadgets these days, from computers and tablets to phones, cameras, music players and more, and the one thing they all have in common is that they must be charged. So it’s astonishing to me how many hotels still lack more than one or two outlets for guest use – you know, where lamps, phones and other odds and ends aren’t already plugged in. Not only that, but every hotel room should have bedside outlets. So many people tote their computers to bed to work while on the road for business, and so many use their Smartphones as alarm clocks (probably because hotel alarm clocks can be so byzantine to operate) that it just makes sense to have outlets near the bed that you can access without ripping the mattress away from the wall. Tons of lamps even come with outlets in their bases to make things easier. Hotels, take note, this should be a standard feature in your rooms. 2. A Nespresso machine . Call me a caffeine fiend, but I believe that every hotel room should have some sort of miniature coffee or espresso machine. Oftentimes, that’s all I want in the morning before grabbing something on the go from a lobby shop or a nearby cafe. I just want to be able to enjoy my first cup of the day in my room as I go through emails and my calendar without having to get dressed, leave the hotel and pick up coffee somewhere else. Or tea. Put in an electric kettle and some tea bags for the tea-drinkers out there. Who knows, maybe I’ll be feeling so productive I’ll order room service and up your revenue with a full-on breakfast if I feel like I’m getting a lot done. 3. A shower that doesn’t take advanced calculus to figure out how to work . Hotel showers can be glorious. Indoor showers, outdoor showers, showers with 12 showerheads, steam showers, rainfall showers…they’re all just wonderful. Except for one thing: so many of them are impossible to operate! Personally, I’m an old-fashioned, one knob for cold water and one for hot and you turn them to adjust the pressure and balance of temperature kind of guy. But so many hotel showers these days have temperature controls, pressure controls, controls to determine which showerhead is operating…I often find myself getting blasted with a rocket of cold water from one direction and volley of scalding drops from another these days. I mean, I love options as much as the next person, but can we please make these things easier to operate so I can get in, clean up and get out? And not to be too American about this, but would it be possible to include both Celsius and Fahrenheit temperatures on the knobs? I can do simple arithmetic on the fly with the best of them, but I don’t want to have to panic and try to figure out why 47 degrees is so hot. 4. Toothbrush and toothpaste . Call it a symptom of always being on the road, but I forget a toothbrush and toothpaste a lot when I travel and it would be such a nice surprise to find a mini travel kit in my hotel room when I arrive. If airlines can do it in amenity kits – and I’m not just talking business and first class ones here, but some airlines offer it in economy as well – then hotels can provide a mini oral hygiene set to guests. 5. Free water bottles . It’s midnight. You’re off a really long flight. You’re parched. All the stores are closed. All you want is a bottle of water, especially if you’re in a place where the water might not be potable for you. Any water will do – it doesn’t have to be Evian – but your only choices are in the minibar and they each cost $10. Why is that? Hotels need to start offering guests two free water bottles per day (that’s the other thing – even if you get a couple free bottles, it’s a one-time thing with a lot of hotels – once you drink them that’s it!). We would all appreciate it, and it’s such a simple provision. 6. A room service menu that doesn’t take 20 clicks on the TV screen to navigate and order from . This is another old-fashioned quirk of mine, but as much as I love new technology, sometimes just having a paper menu and calling down to room service is just so much easier than trying to learn to navigate a hotel’s “state of the art” television ordering system. If you’re going to put such a system in place, put an iPad in my room and let me order from there, which is so much easier. To be continue...

Create: Aug 9, 2020 Edit: Aug 11, 2020 Language Academy

Approval of the construction of the "Honar-e Iran" hotel on Nofel Loshato Street

The construction of the five-star hotel "Honar-e Iran" was approved at the meeting of the Article 5 Commission of Tehran, which was held in the presence of the chairman of the city council and the mayor of Tehran. The hotel will be built on Nofel Loshato Street with a combination of two large properties and includes sections of the Gallery Museum, an auction of works of art, cinema, theater, music and more.

Create: Jul 11, 2020 Edit: Jul 11, 2020 Regional News

Delivering the Service Experience - Chapter 6 ; The Public Space Experience

Technique 86 Display High Quality Outdoor Furniture; All outdoor furniture should be of high quality (even at limited service and economy properties). Viewing outdoor furniture subconsciously sets the tone for what the guest will receive once inside. Technique 87 Keep Elevator Flooring Clean; Due to the use of rolling suitcases, one of the biggest prob- lem areas with regard to public space cleanliness is the elevator floor. Staff should be trained to check and clean the flooring in the elevators several times per shift. The cleanliness of the ele- vator is a factor in initial perception formation and also influ- ences guests’ perceptions throughout their stay. Technique 88 Offer Branded Rubber Duckies; When a family with a small child or baby passes a house- keeping cart in a corridor as they are returning to their gues- troom, the housekeeper should offer the family a rubber duckie that is branded with the hotel’s name/logo. ghout their stay. Technique 89 Create a Photo Zone; Photo Zone—With Selfies being the “in thing”, cre- ate a backdrop, banner, or something unique to the hotel (including your logo or hotel name) where guests can take pictures of themselves or, if they want a photo with a cam- era, an employee can easily take a picture of the guests. Encourage guests to share it on social media or a blog. This is another way for guests to remember their experience in a positive way. Technique 90 Routinely Eliminate Scuff Marks; At least two times per week, a member(s) of the engi- neering team should inspect all public corridors and remove scuff marks from walls with cleaning products such as Magic Erasers. This task should be part of the engineering team’s preventative maintenance schedule. Technique 91 Play Music in the Lobby; Music that matches the brand personality of the hotel should always be played in the lobby. Employees should under- stand the value of the music in reinforcing brand personality. Technique 92 Scent the Lobby; The hotel’s lobby should be scented year around with the same fragrance. Repeat guests will recall the scent when they return. This strategy can be achieved through plug-in aroma- therapy products or by burning scented candles. Technique 93 Afford Adequate Attention to Restroom Cleanliness; The public restroom cannot take a “rest” from service. The cleanliness and messiness of a restroom set the tone for other facets of a guest’s experience. If a guest sees a dirty restroom, automatically s/he will have a negative impression of the hotel. Technique 94 Use Bright Lighting in the Restroom; The hotel’s public restrooms should have very bright flu- orescent lighting. Such brightness helps the restroom appear clean. Technique 95 Give Back-of-the-House Tours; When a potential catering and conference client arrives for a site visit, show him/her the back-of-the-house areas first. Including the back-of-the-house demonstrates that the hotel pays enough attention to detail to keep those areas neat and orderly similar to the front-of-the-house. This effort also aids in making the potential client feel as if s/he is getting to know the team. Technique 96 Provide Employees with Business Cards; Have business cards with all the pertinent hotel informa- tion. Leave space on the card for an employee to be able to handwrite his/her name and position. Should a guest need hotel information, the employee can hand them out. This effort serves as a personalized service and the guest will know who to ask for if they need anything. This gesture comes in handy on many occasions and is fast and personalized as well. Technique 97 Offer Branded Gloves; If a guest is exiting the hotel in the winter time without gloves, offer a complimentary pair of gloves branded with the hotel’s logo. Technique 98 Display a Looking Glass; If a window in one of the hotel’s public spaces has a nice view, then affix a looking glass on a string to the wall next to the window. Technique 99 Screen the Outdoor Break Area from Guest View; The hotel needs to have an outdoor break area for asso- ciates that are 100 percent screened from guest view. Such screening can be achieved with landscaping and/or decorative fencing. When a guest sees hotel associates on break smoking cigarettes, this is one of the biggest ‘experience breaking’ prob- lems in the industry and is also one of the most common. Technique 100 Offer Wagon Rides for Small Children; The hotel should have wagons in the lobby that are cus- tomized with a seat and side paneling so that families can give their children safe rides to their guestrooms. Custom- ized wagons can also be available for pet transportation to the guestroom. Technique 101 Have a Child-Sized Luggage Cart Available; Just as some grocery stores have child-sized grocery carts, a hotel can have a child-sized luggage cart. The child can help co-create the lodging experience by placing his/her suitcase on the small cart and pushing it to/from the guestroom at check-in/out. Technique 103 Make Bicycles Available; If the hotel is located in a bicycle-friendly area, then have some bicycles and helmets available to the guests at no charge. Guests can sign a liability waiver form and borrow the bicycles when desired. Technique 104 Denote Empty Parking Spaces; When the hotel’s parking lot or garage is near maximum capacity, helium balloons should be placed in the remaining parking spots. Viewing the balloons from a distance will allow guests the opportunity to find the open spots without wasting time or fuel. Technique 105 Encourage Clutter-Free Storage Areas; Any areas that are visible to the guests when a door is open (e.g., service area, behind the front desk, office, storage room, etc.) should be free of clutter and anything that can be construed as unsanitary. Technique 106 Conduct Signage Audits; At least once per year, a 3rd party who has never been inside the hotel before should be asked to do an internal and external signage audit to confirm that signs are accurate and are not confusing (particularly directional signs). The signage audit could be traded for a room night. Technique 107 Print Hometowns on Nametags; All associates should have their hometowns printed on their nametags because this information helps facilitate con- versation with guests. Technique 108 Display Photos of Famous Locals; Display pictures of famous people from the local or sur- rounding area in the hotel’s public spaces—doing so helps connect the guest to the hotel. Technique 109 Offer Swimming-Related Amenities in Pool Area; If the hotel has a swimming pool, guests love the extras of a pool experience, especially in very hot weather. These items can be misters, cold washcloths, ice water, etc. Technique 110 Offer to Augment Diving Toys with Gold or Silver Coins; If the hotel has a swimming pool, if children are seen diving for coins, they should be given gold or silver coins inscribed with the hotel name/logo to use instead. They can keep these as souvenirs. Technique 111 Keep a Well-Stocked Bookcase; The hotel should have a bookcase in a public area from which guests can borrow books (including children’s books) to read or games to play during their stay. Some books should be about the local area.

Create: May 2, 2020 Edit: Aug 13, 2020 Hotel Management

Dallas’ HALL Arts Hotel Joins Crescent Hotels & Resorts Latitudes Collection

The new HALL Arts Hotel, which opened its doors in the Dallas Arts District in December 2019, has joined Crescent Hotels & Resorts’ Latitudes collection of lifestyle hotels & resorts. With a lifestyle-driven, property-specific approach to hotel management and operations, Crescent’s Latitudes portfolio encompasses exceptional hotel properties from across the U.S. Some of the collection’s featured properties include The Mayfair at Coconut Grove, Newport Beachside Resort, and the PGA National Resort & Spa. Designed by HKS Architects, HALL Arts Hotel offers 183 contemporary guest rooms, including 19 Dallas Arts District-inspired suites, a rooftop pool, a show-stopping contemporary art collection and a state-of-the-art fitness center. ELLIE’S Restaurant + Lounge serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-room dining with live music and entertainment five nights a week.

Create: Mar 1, 2020 Edit: Mar 1, 2020 International News

Marriott opens first Aloft Hotel in Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan

Aloft Hotels, Marriott International’s innovation incubator brand for global travelers, announced the opening of Aloft San Juan, the first Aloft hotel in the Caribbean. By mixing art, technology, and music, Aloft San Juan introduces a new social scene with a fresh approach that differentiates itself from the traditional hotel offering. Located only a few minutes away from El Viejo San Juan, a historic area renowned for its cultural and gastronomic offering, the hotel is one of the anchor properties of El Distrito and the first to open in the 50,000 square-foot central plaza that will serve as the hub of all things fun and entertainment in Puerto Rico

Create: Feb 23, 2020 Edit: Feb 23, 2020 International News

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve officially reopens

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve officially reopens, marking an exciting chapter in the property’s rich legacy as well as in the recovery and resurgence of Puerto Rico. Following a meticulous restoration, Dorado Beach emerges more spectacular than ever, featuring expanded offerings, amenities and facilities, allowing the celebrated resort to continue to create transformative and personal journeys for all guests. As a part of Marriott International, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has partnered with musical artist and philanthropist Lin-Manual Miranda to support his work in stimulating the Puerto Rican economy and preserving the country’s culture by strengthening and sustaining the local arts community. Throughout the resort’s opening season, starting now through February 2019, Dorado Beach will donate $10 per room to Miranda’s Flamboyan Arts Fund, which supports all aspects of Puerto Rico’s artistic community, including music, theater, visual arts, dance, literature, and youth arts education – critical components of Puerto Rico’s tourism industry and pivotal to the economic recovery of the island. “Dorado Beach exemplifies the unique qualities of the Reserve brand, which is distinguished for its collection of locally-inspired properties that offer heartfelt care and transformative experiences in the most incredible corners of the world,” said Lisa Holladay, Global Brand Leader for Ritz-Carlton Reserve. “With this reopening, the world’s most discerning travelers can once again immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy unique experiences set apart by human connection and discover this rare estate anew while also supporting the revitalization of Puerto Rico.” Guests returning to Dorado Beach will find each of the property’s 114 beachfront guestrooms and suites re-imagined with a thoughtful design and refreshed with a color palette that amplifies the natural beauty just beyond their doors. The expansive and lush landscape that makes up this special, rare estate has welcomed the addition of more than 300,000 new plant species, resulting in a truly tropical sensory experience. “It is with great enthusiasm and joy that we welcome guests back to our treasured Reserve. The dedication, hard work and care that our Ladies and Gentlemen have invested in the transformation of Dorado Beach is truly remarkable and we look forward to sharing it with both returning and new guests,” said George Sotelo, General Manager of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. “We are delighted to continue to curate extraordinary experiences for our guests through new and meaningful journeys, as well as by encouraging them to rediscover the intrinsic beauty of Dorado Beach.” Encanto Beach Club Bar & Grill will introduce a refreshed dinner menu featuring coastal cuisine that highlights authentic dishes from the Mediterranean. The property’s chic beachside restaurant, Positivo Sandbar, will debut an Omakase & Ceviche bar situated directly on the sand for relaxed, oceanside dining. Dorado Beach’s highly-anticipated new signature restaurant and bar, COA, will be revealed in mid-December 2018. The award-winning Spa Botánico has been fully revitalized for guests to unwind in serenity and comfort. In addition to the return of its signature and locally-inspired spa treatments and unique handcrafted products that are made in the on-site apothecary, Spa Botánico will also debut new treatments as well as introduce a spa cuisine concept. Su Casa, Dorado Beach’s unique five-bedroom villa and former home of historical figure Clara Livingston, will welcome guests starting mid-December 2018 after completing a renovation that will fully modernize the space while maintaining its historical significance and personality.

Create: Jan 18, 2020 Edit: Jan 18, 2020 International News