More Miami Hotel Mambo :: Construction Delays

Loews Miami Beach Hotel

It looks like The Miami Hotel Mambo, our newest feature on the Miami hotel scene, will stick around afterall.

On Monday, we told you about the construction on the W South Beach and the personnel hirings at the upcoming Gansevoort South. These news struck a nerve with Stan who emailed us his thoughts on the ever-changing Florida hotel landscape.

In general, it's safe to add 8 to 12 months to an opening date for any new project in South Florida. An example: the Fort Lauderdale St. Regis {it's gorgeous} was scheduled to open December 06. It opened in July.

Even better: Loews South Beach built out a new spa, not even in the main building, that was supposed to open the first week in January. Now, we're just talking about the spa, not the entire hotel. They pushed the date back a little bit but were determined to get it open in time for the Miami-hosted SuperBowl, which was the first weekend in February. It finally opened in May.

Stan guesses the reason why there are opening delays is because there is too much construction going on and not enough construction workers. He also takes one last final dig at the W Hotel, disbelieving one of the hotel's thrown-about opening dates of 2007 as well as the June 2008 opening expected for W Hotel Fort Lauderdale.

Interesting to note: the W Hotels and the St. Regis Hotel are part of Starwood Hotels brand.

If you have your own opinions about what's going on in Sobe and SoFla (we made that up just now) or better yet, you have hotel construction secrets and tips, keep us in the loop.

[Photo: Tenangrymen]

New Group Lobbies Against Internet Fraud

Well-known companies such as Dell Inc., Yahoo Inc. and Marriott International Inc. are lobbying Congress for tougher laws targeting online scammers who profit from their brand names.

United as the Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse, 10 companies have hired the law firm Alston and Bird LLP to persuade federal lawmakers of the need to crack down against those who claim Web addresses, or domain names, that include _ or even resemble _ a legitimate company's trademark.

The coalition estimates that so-called cybersquatting costs companies worldwide more than $1 billion annually in diverted customer sales and enforcement expenses.

In the past, Internet speculators claimed famous-sounding or popular domain names in the hopes of selling them to corporations for thousands or millions of dollars. They also purchased Web domain names that sounded like a popular company as a way to quickly generate traffic and sell online advertising.

But the coalition says scammers increasingly employ cybersquatting to sell counterfeit goods, secretly install malicious software on computers or dupe customers into providing personal data through, hurting both companies and their customers.

Cybersquatting enables 'phishing' scams, said Paul Martino, a former counsel to the Senate Commerce Committee from 2001 to 2005 on Internet issues and now a lobbyist for the coalition.

Phishers attempt to lure Internet users via e-mails to counterfeit Web sites disguised as trusted companies in order to get sensitive data, such as credit cards.

'The bigger the brand name, the more lucrative it is to cybersquat the brand,' Martino said.

Both the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI's cyber division said that under existing laws cybersquatting, in and of itself, is not necessarily a crime.

'If the intent of the (Web) site is to defraud or to commit some other illegal act, then it's a crime and we can possibly step in,' FBI spokeswoman Cathy Milhoan said.

Dell says it sees 500 new infringements of its brand name each month. Citing a report by MarkMonitor, a brand-protection firm, the group said cybersquatting grew by 248 percent in the past year.

Fighting cybersquatting has become more difficult, companies said.

Many scammers now use automated technology to buy a domain name, test its profitability and then drop it for a refund within an accepted 5-day grace period, tactics referred to as 'tasting' and 'kiting.'

About 2 million domain names daily are tasted and kited this way by exploiting the grace period, originally designed to rectify legitimate mistakes such as mistyping a domain name.

Susan Crane, Wyndham Worldwide Corp.'s group vice president of intellectual property, said this makes it almost impossible to find the true identities of cybersquatters, who also provide false information on registration forms.

'You can never catch who has it because the ball keeps bouncing around,' she said.

However, a fear among domain name holders who use their sites for legitimate purposes is that deep-pocketed corporations could unfairly target them as cybersquatters and try to take away their Web addresses.

Josh Bourne, the coalition's president, said a 1999 federal consumer protection law against cybersquatting isn't deterring the practice and civil penalties _ which now range from $1,000 to $100,000 _ aren't enough, he added.

He said the 5-day grace period should also be eliminated, which would require the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, the Internet's key oversight agency, to change its policy. The group will also seek an international treaty on cybersquatting..

Bourne would not divulge the group's budget or how much they plan spend lobbying, but said: 'Money isn't an issue.'

In addition to Martino, the firm's other registered lobbyists include Naotaka Matsukata, who was director of policy planning for former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and Eric Shimp, who handled trade and investment issues also at the U.S. Trade Representative's office.

The coalition's members also include: Verizon Communications Inc., Hilton Hotels Corp., American International Group Inc., HSBC Holdings Plc., Eli Lilly & Co. and Swiss-based Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA, which makes Cartier jewelry.

Choice's Suburban Extended Stay Brand Expands Westward

Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) today announced that longtime Choice
franchisee PNK Group Investments of Hollywood, California has entered into
agreements to develop Suburban Extended Stay hotels in California, Texas and
Oklahoma.  The California property, the first for the Suburban brand, is
located in Van Nuys and opened in June.  The company is opening two hotels in
Oklahoma City, with the first expected to open by the end of the year and the
second scheduled to open by the end of 2008.  The Texas property, located in
Midland, is slated to open next year.  Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, the
largest franchised economy extended stay brand, offers a great value over a
longer stay and provide spacious rooms that feature a well-equipped kitchen and
free high-speed Internet access. 

“We have been Choice franchisees for well over a decade and have a strong
relationship with the organization,” said Sagar Kumar, principal, PNK Group
Investments.  “We elected the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel brand due to the
segment’s strong fundamentals, the dedicated support and industry expertise of
Choice’s extended stay brand team, and the robust central reservations
contribution we have received as Choice franchisees.”

“We are very excited to enter the California market and enhance our presence in
the Plains states working with PNK Group,” said Kevin Lewis, president,
extended stay brands, Choice Hotels.  “Developers are electing to franchise
Choice-brand extended stay hotels on account of our continuing focus on
franchisee profitability and the extended-stay-specific support and training we
provide our hotels.  We have put in place a number of customized programs that
address the segment’s unique needs in an effort to help our owners operate
successful extended stay property.”

A Hotel That Fits on an 18-Wheeler

If you can't find a hotel you like where you're going, how about bringing one with you?

The current issue of Business 2.0 (not online yet) features a Spanish company making the HotelMovil, a portable hotel that can be transported on the back of an 18-wheeler truck. This is no micro hotel though, thanks to its Transformer-style action.

"A Hotelmovil arrives at the site--campground, beach, woods, etc.--looking very much like a standard semi. You simply detach the cab and press 'Play' on a handheld remote to start the 30-minute hydraulic unfolding process.

When all is finished you have 11 bedrooms with private bathrooms and a second-floor outdoor terrace."

The contraption sells for half a million dollars, or you can rent one for about $8,000 a weekend. From the looks of the photo though, there's one thing that's surely lacking: a room with a view.

BRIEF: BRADENTON -- Tom Jung, general manager of Bradenton's Holiday Inn Riverfront

By Sara Kennedy, The Bradenton Herald, Fla.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News

Jul. 26--BRADENTON -- Tom Jung, general manager of Bradenton's Holiday Inn Riverfront, has been appointed to the Tourist Development Council.

Jung listed professional certifications as a hotel administrator and memberships in the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce on his application for the unpaid post.

He replaces Joe Pickett, who is still head of the sports commission, but resigned from the council because of expanded work responsibilities, said Larry White, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Jung's filling a term that will expire in 2009 and he's eligible to run for another four-year term, White said.

The council recommends to the county commission how tourist tax dollars should be spent, White said.

Other members of the council include Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash, Holmes Beach City Commission Chairman Sandy Haas Martens, Bradenton City Council member Marianne Barnebey, Ed Chiles, Kent Davis, Barbara Rodocker, Sean Murphy and David Teitelbaum.

Proposal for center offers world of worry: Albany council member Calsolaro has been vocal over evolving plans for convention facility

By Tim O'Brien, Albany Times Union, N.Y.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News

Jul. 27--ALBANY -- When it comes to the construction of a convention center in Albany, Common Council member Dominick Calsolaro is the most persistent questioner.

He worries about where the money will come from to cover the price tag now estimated at $300 million. He worries about Albany taxpayers ending up footing the bill if the two proposed hotels aren't full enough. And he worries about a parking being built beneath the center in a 100-year flood plain.

Last month, George Leveille, president of the board of the Albany Convention Center Authority, estimated the cost for the project would be $300 million, $100 more than originally expected.

"Three hundred million is probably still not a high enough estimate especially when they are talking about knocking down parking garages and building parking garages," Calsolaro told the Times Union's editorial board this week.

The facility is to be built on Hudson Avenue between Liberty and South Pearl streets. It would include two hotels: one full-service hotel with 250 rooms and a 150-room hotel offering more limited amenities. The convention center would include a 60,000 square foot exhibit hall, a 25,000 square foot room that could be used for multiple purposes, and a 22,350 square foot ballroom.

The state has provided a $75 million grant for the center. It also will be funded by a 3 percent hotel tax, and its bond repayments will be guaranteed by $192 million in additional state aid that the city of Albany can use for other purposes if it is not tapped for bond repayment.

Calsolaro wants the extra state aid, but not for it to be used if the hotel revenue falls short.

"If it is a state convention center, then all the money should come from the state," he said.

Assemblyman Jack McEneny, a member of the convention authority board, has noted that the extra state aid would not be available to Albany if not for the proposed center.

"We're going to need additional funds," McEneny said Wednesday. "We'll be appealing to the state. In September or October, we'll have a much better idea. This is still a plan. We're working on it."

Calsolaro said he is concerned new ways might be found to tax residents to cover the costs.

In San Diego, he said, a tax was added on rental cars to help pay for a convention center. In Cleveland, a sales tax of 0.25 percent was added. Nashville's council rejected a controversial plan to add a tax to restaurant meals to pay for its center.

Leveille said the authority is working to develop specific plans and cost estimates for the project.

"We need to put a plan in place to go find the resources for it," Leveille said. "It is a state authority. We expect the state will take the lead here."

The authority is seeking both an operator for the hotels and a design firm, but the board president said he doesn't expect firms to be hired when the board next meets at 8:30 a.m. today at the Harold L. Joyce County Office Building at 112 State St. in Albany.

Calsolaro said he expects the cost to continue to rise, especially now that the authority is talking about building a skyway to connect to the Times Union Center for increased exhibit space.

He also opposed the demolition of a Green Street parking garage, which the authority would then replace with parking underneath the convention center and larger hotel.

"That's a 100-year flood plain," he said.

Leveille said that issue would be reviewed by the design team once it is in place.

"Building has been going on in this area for hundreds of years," he said. "That's a design issue. We haven't designed it yet."

McEneny agreed and said flooding is unlikely.

"I don't believe we've had a serious flood there since 1928 when we opened up the Sacandaga Reservoir," he said. "I expect we won't go deep enough to be a problem."

He also noted that Calsolaro has said, and the councilman repeated it to the editorial board, that his preferred site would have been the Washington Avenue Armory.

A trade show that required 24 tractor trailers to unload could not possibly be held at the armory, McEneny said. "How he thinks that would be practical reflects upon what he is saying," the assemblyman said.

Leveille said he doesn't mind Calsolaro's persistent questioning. The councilman is a regular speaker at the start of most meetings of the convention authority board.

"He's constantly raised a variety of issues that are legitimate and worthy of raising," Leveille said. "We're working on preparing a study that will be done in a couple of months that will be much more detailed." m O'Brien can be reached at 454-5092 or by e-mail at tobrien@timesunion.com.

Hilton Hotels Corporation signs management agreement for new Ras Al Khaimah resort

Hilton Hotels Corporation today announced the signing of a management agreement with RAK Properties that will see a new integrated lifestyle development, Hilton Mina Al Arab Resort, open in Ras Al Khaimah in the U.A.E in the first quarter of 2010.

'The Arabian Peninsula is a key development market for us; there is so much potential that is untapped. Ras Al Khaimah epitomises this situation, and we are pleased to be able to bring out its most inviting qualities. This new Worldwide Resort in Ras Al Khaimah is integral to our development strategy in the Middle East, where we plan to double our current portfolio of 34 hotels within the next five years,' said Jean-Paul Herzog, President, Hilton Hotels, Middle East & Africa.

Hilton Mina Al Arab Resort will be Hilton's third property in the Emirate; all 400 rooms will face the Arabian Sea set onto a natural beach spanning 300 metres, while its design incorporates the distinctive Venetian style of arched doorways, neutral tones and mosaic friezes.

Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, Managing Director of RAK Properties said: 'We are proud to be driving the development of Ras Al Khaimah's tourism infrastructure through path-breaking projects and productive partnerships. To partner with Hilton is to gain the backing of a world-renowned company with considerable international experience, a proven track record in emerging markets, and a reputation for sustainable destination management.'

Mina Al Arab, an AED10 billion freehold development, has been designed as a gated, waterfront resort community where homes and hotels will be set amidst lush landscaping, protected coastal wetlands, pristine beaches and world-class amenities.

The new Hilton resort will raise tourism standards in the Emirate in the same way that the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah and the newly opened Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa have done. Ras Al Khaimah has all the elements of a world-class destination: the mountains, the ocean, proximity to international airports, and now the hotel properties to bring these elements together.

Additional Hilton properties are under development in the U.A.E, with the Residence, Beach Club and Conrad - all in Dubai, and in Abu Dhabi with its first Conrad, in addition to Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon and Jordan (Amman & Aqaba). Furthermore, the new-look Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa will open after a complete facelift in 2008.

Renaissance Dubai Hotel announces its special 'Anwar Ramadan' package

The award-winning Renaissance Dubai Hotel is celebrating the month of Ramadan with its special 'Anwar Ramadan' package that includes either Iftar or Suhour.

The offer beginning from the 14th September to 10th of October, 2007 allows guests checking into the hotel during the holy month of Ramadan to opt for this special package.

Guests choosing this package can also enjoy a traditional Ramadan Iftar at the Mediterranean restaurant Sails. The hotel's pool side tent is also open every evening from 8:00 pm till 1:00 am to offer guests the perfect Ramadan ambience so they can celebrate with family and friends. Here, guests can treat themselves to a special Ramadan drink or enjoy their favourite Shisha while relaxing to the sounds of Oriental music.

Located just north of the city centre, the Renaissance Dubai Hotel is perfectly positioned to provide quick access for both business and leisure. 281 spacious rooms and suites spread across 6 floors, feature amenities including high speed internet, 60 satellite channels and 24-hour room service while the outdoor swimming pool, sauna and high-tech fitness centre provide total relaxation.

Akron to pitch to gay travelers: Visitors bureau plans to market programs, incentives for visitors (The Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio)

Jul. 16--When you think of gay travel destinations, you may think of San Francisco or Cape Cod... or Akron?

Well, maybe.

The folks at the Akron/Summit County Convention & Visitors Bureau are shaping plans to pursue the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender -- GLBT -- visitors.

"In an increasingly competitive economy, it is imperative for businesses and organizations of all kinds to aggressively identify and communicate with emerging market segments," Akron CVB spokesman Jim Mahon said in a meeting notice.

The Akron CVB will meet with gay-owned or -operated and gay-friendly businesses July 24 to see what incentives, promotions and programs it may offer to gay and lesbian travelers.

Perhaps of particular interest are gay males, who spend more than heterosexual men and lesbians on trips, according to a survey last year by the Travel Industry Association of America.

To capture some of the $55 billion GLBT market, communities have to demonstrate that they're gay-friendly. GLBT travelers want to go "where they can hold their partner's hand in public" and where they're free of intimidation and threats, according to the TIA survey.

"They want messages (developed directly for them), whether it's for cell phones or vitamins, you name it," Mahon said. "We want to compile and pool resources that are here."

Phil Craig, executive director of the Ohio Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus, said bureaus have to keep churning to reach markets beyond older ones, students and blacks.

"The consumer is being bombarded by radio, their BlackBerry, the Internet, TV, so the message has to be high-quality and have recency and the appeal has to be high," he said.

Already many CVBs are going after the gay market.

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., partners with almost 100 bureaus worldwide, including Bloomington, Ind., Durham, N.C., and Minneapolis. Some CVBs "welcome all," others welcome heterosexuals and homosexuals, some are gay-friendly.

Cleveland is the only Ohio market to partner with the gay and lesbian travel group, and it is new to the market, unveiling its GLBT program just this year.

The Cleveland Web site touts "trendy and unique neighborhoods of Lakewood, Ohio City, Tremont, Coventry and the Detroit Shoreway (that) serve as areas for gay night life and culture."

The Cleveland visitors guide promotes gay-friendly businesses such as Flex, a full-service, clothing-optional hotel and spa for men; Five Cent Decision, a lesbian bar; and attractions for everybody, such as the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Representatives of the online Edge Publications will visit Cleveland for a familiarization tour, said Samantha Fryberger, spokesperson for the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland.

"The only negative response has been from people who thought we were trying to change our focus away from families and the like," Fryberger said. "Truly, we're just adding another area of interest."

The Akron CVB got its toe wet in GLBT travel two years ago at a seminar sponsored by Community Marketing Inc., a San Francisco company that researches the gay market. Last year, it began to advertise in the weekly Gay People's Chronicle in Cleveland.

Now, it's at a fork in the road, said Mahon, the CVB spokesman. "We can't make up things. If there are incentives or hotel packages out there, that information needs to be fed to us so we can package it," he said.

Doug Santuri, chairman of the Akron-Area Pride Collective, said the area has much to offer the GLBT visitor.

The CVB could spotlight Highland Square, the West Akron neighborhood known to welcome the gay community, and Out in Akron, the Pride Center's annual fall festival. This year's events from Oct. 11 to 14 will include a hate crimes vigil, a film festival and "cabaret Q, " a showcasing of local talent.

The Pride Collective's Web site already lists many churches, bars and restaurants that provide services or discounts to the gay community.

Opening the Akron area's arms to the wider gay travelers is a good idea, Santuri said.

"We have the community, the businesses to put us on the map a little more prominently."

Denis Le Nohaïc Appointed General Manager Of Le Meridien Bora Bora

Le Méridien Bora Bora announced the appointment of Denis Le Nohaïc as General Manager. A multi-talented hospitality professional boasting 25 years experience in the kitchens and head offices of Le Méridien properties around the globe, Le Nohaïc will be responsible for all operations at the luxurious tropical island resort in French Polynesia.

'Le Méridien has a long tradition of promoting talent from within, and Denis has proven himself to be a stellar manager throughout his long and distinguished career,' said Keith Vieira, Senior Vice President Starwood - Director of Operations Hawaii & French Polynesia.

Prior to taking the reins at Le Méridien Bora Bora, Le Nohaïc spent the past two years as Resident Manager of Le Méridien Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During the previous decade, he held top management positions at four additional Le Méridien properties, including Le Méridien Mandji in Port-Gentil, Gabon (2000-2005); Le Méridien Chari in N'Djamena, Chad (1999-2000); Le Méridien Saint-François in Guadeloupe (1997-1999); and Le Méridien Leconi Palace in Franceville, Gabon (1996-1997).

Before moving up to management, Le Nohaïc held a series of food and beverage related positions, including F&B Manager, Executive Chef and Sous-Chef at various Le Méridien properties. He first joined the hotel group as Sous Chef of Le Clos Longchamp restaurant at Le Méridien Etoile in Paris in 1982.

Le Nohaïc earned a "Hotel & Catering Technical College Diploma" from Lycée Hôtelier Jean Drouant in Paris in 1981. He will reside on Bora Bora with his wife and two children.

About Le Méridien Bora Bora
Set on the 'Pearl of the Pacific,' Le Méridien Bora Bora is located on a six-mile-long 'motu' islet, facing Otemanu Mountian, within one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. The hotel has 99 bungalows including 4 lagoon bungalows, 14 beach bungalows, and 81 over-water bungalows - the last featuring glass flooring for stunning views of marine life frolicking in the clear blue sea below. Tipanié restaurant is among the best gourmet dining venues in Bora Bora; Te Ava is a lovely setting for romantic lunches and relaxed dinners on the beach; and the Miki Miki bar resembles the prow of a ship headed for Mount Otemanu. Le Méridien Bora Bora's turtle sanctuary is a private lagoon that is home to more than 100 species; the resort is active in environmental efforts to protect marine turtles, which guests can experience on-site in their natural habitat. Watersports equipment is available, along with the Kaïnalu Canoë Club and a kid's club.

The Fairmont Washingon, D.C. Names Shannon Byrne Schneider Director Sales And Marketing

George Terpilowski, General Manger of the 415-room Fairmont Washington, D.C., is pleased to announce the promotion of Shannon Byrne Schneider to Director of Sales and Marketing.

Schneider joined the Fairmont in November of 2005 as the Director of Group Sales. Previously, she had been with the Hiltons of Washington, D.C. since 1998 most recently as the Director of Sales – Conference Center. Previously she was Hilton's Assistant Director of Sales, a Convention Sales Manager and a Conference Sales Manger.

Schneider holds a Bachelor of Science, Hospitality and Tourism Management degree from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. She was awarded Hilton's Trimester Excellence in Sales Award and was nominated for Hilton Hotels' Annual Excellence in Sales Award.

Located at 2401 M Street, NW, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. is convenient to the finest museums, theaters (including the Kennedy Center), shopping and dining. Close to two metro stations, it is five miles from Reagan National Airport and 33 miles from Dulles International Airport. At 415 rooms and luxury suites, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. offers a wealth of facilities while maintaining an air of tranquility insured through the design of intimate spaces, plenty of natural daylight, and a cascade of plants both inside and out.

With the opening of the landmark Fairmont San Francisco in April 1907, one of the world's leading luxury hotel brands was born. For over a century, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has offered warm hospitality and timeless elegance in unforgettable locations. Throughout 2007, our 50 distinctive hotels in 10 countries, from fabled castles to secluded lodges and modern retreats, will celebrate a centennial of rich experiences and lasting memories. Committed to growing its portfolio of world-class hotels, which includes The Fairmont Banff Springs and London's Savoy, Fairmont will soon reflag four hotels in Kenya and anticipates the re-opening of New York's famed Plaza Hotel. Future Fairmont Hotels & Resorts also include locations in Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Vancouver and South Africa. Fairmont Raffles Hotels International operates over 120 hotels worldwide under the Fairmont, Raffles, Swissôtel and Delta brands, as well as vacation ownership properties managed by Fairmont Heritage Place. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com.

HotelChatter OpenThread: Walt Disney World Hotel Deals

[HotelChatter OpenThreads are a place for readers to get in here and talk about hot stories and issues of the day in an open forum. If you are already a HotelChatter member log in comment away.]

We are going to be taking more of a closer look at the World of Disney since it's practically the Las Vegas for Families and our inbox is never wrong about what you guys want to know more about.

As you may have noticed we recently did two stories on hotel deals near Mickey's house and some of you sent in your thoughts, critiques, and added information about these said deals--or were they deals at all?

Realizing, that there are an alarming amount of Disney-philes out there armed with more Disney intelligence than exists in Walt's cryogenically frozen head, we decided that you will be our trusted experts on this one.

So instead of reading all the tips and suggestions sent into HotelChatter headquarters by the Disney army, we figured it was time to put up a Disney Deals OpenThread. This is where you can drop off all your tricks for getting hotels, the latest news on Disney hotel deals and if you're nice enough, you can drop off some of your opinions on Disney Deals.

We'll be watching this thread over the next couple of weeks and highlighting what we find to be the most magical comment in the world.

Lodging Cos Shifting to Centralized Tech

The big brands have a tangle of technology they must constantly update in order to ensure their franchisees and company owned hotels are plugged in. Myriad systems such as PMS, reservations, training modules and a host of other programs must be constantly catered to in order to make sure they are relevant.

Additionally, lodging industry CIOs must decide which applications to buy off the shelf and which ones are worth investing in developing in-house. At times is can be enough to drive even the most organized and proficient tech masters crazy.

At last week’s Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) some top level tech execs shared their strategies for maximizing their organization’s technological muscle. These days, lodging companies are working to move applications out of computers and servers at individual properties. Instead more programs are being centrally housed at the corporate office. This allows programs to be continually updated while eliminating many of the problems arising from having thousands of computers running similar software all over the world. With blazing fast high speed internet connections, individual users can now tap into a central system via the internet.

“We have a very dynamic business environment, which is good because things are changing all the time. All our applications need to be easy to use and available on the internet,” said Becky Brechbill – Carlson Hotels Worldwide’s Director/ Application Development.

At Carlson, the company is currently moving every hotel onto a common property management system and simplifying the way it handles rate management. Carlson also plans its upgrades stringently, implementing updated solutions only when there is actual demand. The company is not only cautious about change for the sake of change, but every change can be a costly endeavor. Additionally, Brechbill said the company maintains a small set of technologies and utilizes a lot of third party software for disciplines such as PMS, finance, accounting and sales and catering that can be utilized as soon as it’s brought in house.

David Schlesinger, Hilton Hotels Corporation’s Director Brand Support Technologies, said the company is continuing to move applications “above property.” Currently his department is experiencing a deluge of work as it tries to roll out its proprietary OnQ property management system to hotels worldwide that came into the system after the merger with Hilton International last year.

“We are taking a centralized technology strategy and applying it to all properties overseas,” said Schlesinger. “The goal of the Hilton International acquisition was not to acquire a couple hundred hotels, but to set the stage to grow these brands globally and we need to have our technology work everywhere.”

Schlesinger said each country comes with a need for its own set of unique solutions such as language, tax calculation and in Asian countries, new character sets. Going above property will enable the company to maintain its systems more easily.

Interestingly, the OnQ system is a derivative of the PMS systems utilized by the former PROMUS Corporation, which Hilton bought in 1999. Overall, the company owns and operates the lion’s share of its technology, unless Schlesinger said “there is a compelling reason otherwise.”

Marriott International’s VP of IT Strategy Neil Schubert said his company has been shifting to a centralized platform since it is the most effective way of managing the back end. He said Marriott moved the reservations and property management systems off the property “long ago,” which help them change how they look at technology.

“We used to think about specific applications and finding a way for them to fit in, now we know think about the process that occurs and [create or buy] solutions to streamline the specific process,” said Schubert of the company that has more than 2,900 hotels and 500,000 rooms in its system. “Getting to service oriented architecture is a challenge however and we need a positive mindset change among suppliers. We want component driven applications.”

Schubert said one of the biggest challenges was rolling out high speed internet access for guests. That’s because the network must accommodate all types of computers and seamlessly get access to seemingly limitless corporate servers. “These systems accommodate visitors and we can’t tell them what they can do online, so it has taught us a lot. We have a very different perspective of networks than other industries,” said Schubert.

Fortaleza terá R$ 1 milhão em reformas

As duas propriedades administradas pela Atlantica em Fortaleza (CE) anunciaram que receberão investimentos de R$ 1 milhão destinados para reformas.
Nas duas unidades, serão revitalizadas as suítes seniores, que ganharão decoração temática e regional, televisores de plasma, mesa com seis lugares e chaise longue.
No Comfort Hotel Fortaleza os gastos atingem R$ 350 mil e, além das suítes, serão distribuídos na área de eventos, no fitness center e na ambientação de um espaço no lobby. Já no Quality Hotel Fortaleza, os R$ 650 mil serão destinados à modernização do lobby, corredores dos andares, salas de eventos, fitness center e suítes. Mudanças no mobiliário, TV de LCD nas acomodações máster, tela plana nos apartamentos sênior e cama dos sonhos também compõem o novo projeto.

Mercury Applauds Strategic Review

Mercury Real Estate Advisors LLC, an affiliate of Mercury Partners LLC, a real estate investment management company based in Greenwich, CT, sent the following letter yesterday to Sonesta International Hotels Corporation's Board of Directors.

Mercury Real Estate Advisors llc Three River Road Greenwich, Connecticut 06807 June 26, 2007 Sonesta International Hotels Corporation Board of Directors: Peter J. Sonnabend Vernon R. Alden George S. Abrams Jean C. Tempel Joseph L. Bower Roger P. Sonnabend Paul Sonnabend Stephanie Sonnabend Charles J. Clark 116 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02116 Dear Directors: Mercury Real Estate Advisors LLC ("Mercury"), together with its managed investment funds, is the largest independent shareholder of Sonesta International Hotels Corporation ("Sonesta" or the "Company"), owning a reported stake of 9.4% in the Company. As you are aware, we have been a long term and supportive shareholder of the Company. We are writing in response to the Company's announcement on June 4, 2007 that it had hired Goldman, Sachs & Co. to assist it in a review of strategic options available to the Company to enhance shareholder value. We applaud your decision to undertake this strategic review, as it has been clear to us for some time that the Company's diminutive size, controlling family ownership and consequent share illiquidity make Sonesta ill-suited to be a publicly traded company. Our belief was compounded by the recent closure of the Sonesta Key Biscayne Hotel in anticipation of its redevelopment as a luxury condominium project. While the transaction made sound business sense, it substantially reduced the Company's already small revenue base. Overall, it is not efficient for a company with a $115 million equity capitalization to try to incur the sizeable legal, accounting, regulatory costs that are borne by a public company, all of which are even more burdensome under Sarbanes-Oxley. We further believe that the Company's attractive assets are not appropriately valued in a public market obsessed with quarterly earnings. With modest net debt associated with the well-located 400 room Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston (Cambridge) and the significant value imbedded in the unique Key Biscayne property (the land is conservatively valued at $160 million and significant development profits are yet to be reaped), we believe that the intrinsic value of Sonesta is dramatically in excess of the current public market value. Another reason for pursuing strategic alternatives is the unique market opportunity created by a growing number of investors interested in purchasing real estate assets, especially hotel assets. The dramatic growth of the private equity real estate funds, in particular, has spawned a number of public real estate mergers and acquisitions over the last two years, including ten completed or pending transactions in the United States hospitality business alone, according to SNL Financial. These acquisitions include La Quinta Corporation, MeriStar Hospitality, Boykin Lodging, Jameson Inns, Four Seasons Hotels, Winston Hotels, Innkeepers USA Trust, Highland Hospitality, Eagle Hospitality and most recently Equity Inns. Given the Company's undervalued share price, the impracticalities associated with being a public company and the intense interest among investors in companies like Sonesta, it is very timely that the Company explores strategic options, including either selling its assets or soliciting a buyout offer. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal on June 21, 2007 entitled "Hotel Buying Frenzy Intensifies" highlighted the extremely strong demand for hotel assets from private-investment companies, with one of the demand drivers being that "hotel yields in the form of capitalization rates -- the return on investment in the first year of ownership -- are still relatively high compared with their other commercial real estate cousins." These attractive relative yields are piquing the interest of many real estate private-investment companies that are flush with cash and actively seeking investment opportunities. The study of strategic options in a family-run and family-controlled business does, however, warrant several important considerations. Sonesta is a company with seven of 11 executive officers belonging to the extended Sonnabend family, four of nine directors belonging to the extended Sonnabend family and 39.2% of the Company's common stock owned by Sonnabend family executives or directors. We have also been advised that certain Sonnabend family members not serving as executive officers or directors also own a substantial percentage of the common stock, giving the entire Sonnabend family majority ownership of the Company. Given these facts, it is obvious that certain protective mechanisms must be instituted by the independent members of the Board of Directors to insure the integrity of the strategic process and protect the interests of minority shareholders. Unfortunately, we have seen far too many circumstances where similarly situated companies are the subject of a controlling family's attempt to take such company private at a price that does not reflect the company's intrinsic value. We would strongly advise the independent members of the Board of Directors to institute in advance procedures to accomplish the following: 1) Gauge whether there is any potential family interest in taking the Company private. If so, the independent directors should immediately form a committee that hires independent legal and investment banking counsel. 2) Require that any interested party offer be subject to the approval of a majority of non-Sonnabend family shareholders. 3) Resist any breakup fee or other restrictions that would chill the interest of third parties. The independent members of the Board of Directors would appear to have the business standing and professional expertise to be completely attuned to these issues and their overall fiduciary duties. Nonetheless, out of an abundance of caution, we respectfully submit these suggestions. We will be following the progress of the strategic review with intense interest and anticipate a professional process with an economically fair and market driven outcome. We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss these matters with the independent members of the Board of Directors as soon as possible. Very truly yours, David R. Jarvis Malcolm F. MacLean IV Chief Executive Officer President Mercury Real Estate Advisors LLC

CONTACT: Malcolm F. MacLean IV, President of Mercury Real Estate
Advisors LLC, +1-203-769-2980

Web site: http://www.mercuryrealestate.com/

Racino operator wins Gideon Putnam contract: 20-year deal includes Roosevelt Baths and Spa and a pledge of improvements to be made to historic hotel (

By Dennis Yusko, Albany Times Union, N.Y.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News

Jul. 3--SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Saratoga Gaming and Raceway and its food and entertainment provider have won a state bid to operate the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center and the Roosevelt Baths and Spa for 20 years, the state said Monday.

The harness track/betting parlor and Buffalo-based Delaware North Companies will be partners in operating the historic 120-room hotel, conference space and bathhouses in Saratoga Spa State Park, just a few miles from the racino, starting in January.

The state chose the winning bid over two others -- Xanterra Parks & Resorts, which has operated the businesses in the park since 1988, and Saratoga Gideon Partners, made up of the Saratoga Hotel Group and Benchmark Hospitality International of Texas.

The proposal calls for Saratoga Gaming and Raceway and Delaware North Companies' Parks and Resorts to form a new company, Gideon Putnam LLC, to hold the lease, state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash said.

It will manage the hotel and spa and has pledged to replace and upgrade the furniture, accouterments and bathrooms in the Gideon's guest rooms, reconfigure its first-floor public areas and refurbish the Roosevelt Bath house, Ash said.

The state and Gideon Putnam LLC must now negotiate a contract for the properties so neither gave more specifics about what was in the bid.

"We're very excited and delighted," said Kerry Hassen, spokeswoman for Delaware North Companies.

A five-person committee at the state parks department judged the proposals. In selecting the bid, the commissioner cited the racino group's promised financial return, "green" environmental practices, experience in state and national park operations, and its understanding of public-private partnerships. Delaware North Companies operates concessions at Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Niagara Falls state parks.

In accordance with the bid requirements, the racino group will make a minimum capital investment of $10 million, of which $7.3 million will be spent on the hotel. A base annual rent of $500,000 will be adjusted yearly by changes in the Consumer Price Index. The state will receive a still-unannounced portion of gross receipts from the hotel and spa and $2.5 million over 20 years for additional investments, parks spokeswoman Eileen Larrabee said.

Denver-based Xanterra paid the state 6 percent of its gross receipts for the last four years. The properties in the park earned $8.9 million in 2005, the most recent data available, according to the bid application. Nearly $7.8 million of the 2005 revenue was from the Georgian Revival-style hotel, which was built in 1934.

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, which opened three years ago, recently almost doubled in size with a 45,000-square-foot addition. More than 2.5 million people visited the racino in 2006, and the facility generated more than $119 million in revenue.

"The Gideon Putnam has a long, rich history in this community, and we are very excited to become a part of it," said Sarah Cappelletti, public relations manager for Saratoga Gaming and Raceway. "Adding the Gideon Putnam to an already impressive entertainment roster that includes gaming, racing, a nightclub and restaurants will truly make Saratoga Gaming and Raceway a destination resort."

Yusko can be reached at 581-8438 or by e-mail at dyusko@timesunion.com.