Hospitality Net: Latest Industry News

Hospitality Net Expands Mobile Presence with Launch of Photo App for App Store

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:31:48

Maastricht, The Netherlands and Austin, Texas, USA – In conjunction with a recent website overhaul, Hospitality Net (www.hospitalitynet.org) today announced the launch of HN PHOTOS – the 1st Photo Sharing App in the hospitality B2B space. The iPhone app enables hotel industry professionals to publish and share newsworthy photos on Hospitality Net.

Maestro Launches Big Data Mobile Business Intelligence and Performance Management Dashboards for Faster “Time to Information” Decisions

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:27:08

Markham, ON – May 22, 2013 – NORTHWIND, provider of Maestro™ Enterprise Property Management hotel software and reservation software solutions for the industry's leading independent hotel, resorts, and multi-property groups, announced its new Mobile Business Intelligence System with wireless handheld and tablet remote access. The new Maestro Mobile BI with Management Dashboards gives single and multi-property hoteliers instant drill-down access to the "why" behind the numbers. Click here to learn more about Maestro's solutions for profitability and productivity. NORTHWIND merges business intelligence with mobile advances to increase profitability NORTHWIND merged mobile technology with business intelligence (BI) and data visualization to empower operators and managers to run their businesses more profitably. The world is becoming more mobile as operators and managers travel more. What manager does not want to achieve faster "time-to-information" and shorter "time-to-decision?" Maestro's Mobile Management Dashboard gives busy executives the ability to maximize their property or hotel group's performance wherever they are. NORTHWIND's BI tools enable independent operators to be more successful "Operators must be able to view and understand their big data for it to have business value. NORTHWIND provides this capability for single hotels and multi-property operators with easy-to-use Management Dashboards for handhelds and tablets," said Warren Dehan, President of NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS. "Maestro's database collects and holds information from its 20 property modules as well as from third-party systems interfaced to Maestro. It combines the data to give hoteliers graphic, mobile-optimized data views for business decisions based on real information. NORTHWIND provides multi-property companies the same capability with its Corporate Export Module that aggregates data from multiple Maestro and third party PMSes and interfaced systems into one readily-accessible data mart. We created our business intelligence tools specifically to help independent operators be more successful." Maestro's new Mobile BI delivers comprehensive property and hotel group performance data to desktops and tablets via 4G wireless next-gen displays. The system provides customizable, highly effective ways to evaluate information that results in improved productivity and profitability. For example, operators can see real-time revenue performance by market segment, geographic region, rate packages, RevPAR by day of the week, season, reservation source, and virtually an unlimited combination of data. Maestro real-time Mobile BI lets operators respond to changes before they become trends Property owners and managers want greater control and 360 visibility into hotel operations. Maestro Mobile Management Dashboard delivers it with 24/7 access to real-time permission-based data for on-the-spot decisions. Maestro lets hoteliers monitor operational processes and review KPIs anywhere. The Maestro Mobile Management Dashboard wirelessly connects operators with their Maestro system so they can respond to performance changes before they become trends. NORTHWIND provides 17 pre configured easy-to-use views for accessing and visualizing data. The flexible Maestro data views also give operators the ability to create custom ad hoc drill down data access that shows the sources of the data. This crucial data availability gives operators the 'why' behind their property performance so they have complete understanding of all factors that create performance. Maestro places this powerful data tool in the palm of your hand. Going to HITEC 2013 in Minneapolis? Visit Booth 101 to meet the Maestro team and get a personal demonstration of the latest Maestro Solutions, including Mobile Management Dashboards BI and Maestro's multi-property Corporate Export Module. For a demo of the Maestro Property Management Suite featuring the ResWave Booking Engine, please contact NORTHWIND at 1.888.667.8488 or email info@maestropms.com. Maestro Property Management Solution Enhance guest service, improve efficiency, and maximize online and offline revenue with Maestro PMS, the industry's most robust and flexible resort software and boutique hotel software solution empowering leading full-service hotels, luxury resorts, multi-property groups, conference centers, condominiums, and timeshare properties. Solutions include Front Office (PMS), Accounts Receivable, Analytics and Business Intelligence, Sales and Catering, Multi-Property Management, Condo & Timeshare Owner Management with Web Functionality, Spa and Activities, Web Booking Engine, Real-Time Yield Management, Dynamic Packaging Golf, CRM, Guest Experience Measurement, CRO, GDS Two-Way XML Connectivity or Integration, Membership, Work Orders, Fine Dining and Retail POS, Online Table Reservations with Web Booking, Concierge, and Guest Experience Measurement. The Maestro PMS is database independent (ODBC Compliant) and may be deployed via Windows, UNIX, Linux, Terminal Services, hosted, and Web platforms. About NORTHWIND – Maestro PMSNORTHWIND is recognized in the hospitality industry for its standard-setting Diamond Plus Service and robust integrated Maestro resort hotel software technology. With over 30 years' experience dedicated to developing technology solutions for the hospitality industry, NORTHWIND is a partner who understands you need a scalable, flexible PMS that works the way you do. Maestro applications are engineered for operators who need to manage their enterprise in a real-time environment for the utmost operational efficiency, productivity, control, and profitability.

Lexington Inn & Suites Flag Flies in Yuba City, CA

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:23:35

The former Quality Inn & Suites in Yuba City, CA has switched flags and is now a Lexington Inn & Suites, part of the Vantage Hospitality family of brands.

PAR Springer-Miller Systems, Inc. Awarded Gold and Bronze Distinctions for ATRIO® Guest Experience Management at 8th Annual 2013 “Hot Companies and Best Products” Awards Ceremony

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:02:41

PAR Springer-Miller Systems, Inc. (PSMS) announced today it received two awards from Network Products Guide during their annual Hot Companies and Best Products event. PSMS received a Gold award for Innovative Company of the Year and a Bronze award for Best New Information Technology Software Company of the Year. The Technology Software Company award recognizes the ATRIO Guest Experience Management Platform for the hotel industry. PSMS is a wholly owned subsidiary of PAR Technology Corporation (NYSE: PAR).

Hotel Clarence and The Red Mill Inn Select Infor Hospitality

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:55:53

Infor, a leading provider of business application software serving more than 70,000 customers, today announced that JGB Properties, Hotel Clarence and The Red Mill Inn, have selected Infor Hospitality to provide a more complete solution for managing multiple hotel functions. Infor HMS will work to combine reservations, guest history, front office, and guest accounting functions, providing a centralized, unified look at guests and business performance to help Hotel Clarence and The Red Mill Inn boost revenues by selling more rooms at the best possible rate.

Digital Alchemy Continues Expansion into Spa Market with Debut of eClub Opt-In Client Messaging System

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:49:57

Digital Alchemy, the pioneer of electronic customer relationship management (eCRM) and eMarketing solutions for the global hotel market, introduces Spa eClub, its latest innovation in eMarketing for the spa market. This specialized opt-in email marketing software solution was specifically designed to meet the client communication needs of day spas and hotel spas, and can be seamlessly integrated into the spa's website. Digital Alchemy's eClub platform helps spas build better customer relationships and increase ROI by providing relevant information only to the spa clients who specifically ask to receive email communications.

Restel chooses Otrum to provide interactive TV solutions to Cumulus and Rantasipi hotels

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:31:00

Otrum today announced that it has been chosen to provide TV solutions to all hotels within the Cumulus and Rantasipi brands in Finland. The contract signed between Otrum Finland Oy and Restel Oy covers 30 hotels with over 4.500 rooms, which will all be installed with new LED displays from LG powered by Otrum's interactive TV system. The installations will take place during 2013 – 2014.

Milestone for Aloft Hotels as Ten Thousand Guests Choose Not to Check in Traditionally

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:58:57

Ten thousand users can't be wrong. " Aloft Hotels, the game-changing "different by design" brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), has reached a milestone 10,000 users of its industry-leading Smart Check-In Program, the brand announced today. One of the easiest and fastest check-in experiences offered in the industry, Smart Check-In allows guests to bypass the front desk and head directly to their rooms.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts Continues Expansion In China With A New Hotel In Xi’an

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:37:25

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts has signed a new management contract with Shaanxi Puyu Industrial Co., Ltd for a 350 room hotel in Xi'an. Scheduled for completion in 2016, Swissôtel Xi'an will be nestled in the core business area in the Xi'an National Civil Aerospace Industrial Base within proximity to two Metro lines.

A Restaurateur’s Guide to Successful Digital Marketing | By Emily Ditman

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:30:11

Restaurant industry sales in 2013 will total more than $660.5 billion, a 3.8 percent increase from 2012 (National Restaurant Association). As restaurant-industry sales continue to climb yearly, it is crucial that a restaurant maintain an online presence in order to communicate with current diners, attract new customers, and build loyalty among patrons.

Review Filtering in the Local World – the Good, the Bad, the Ugly

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:58:56

A hot topic in the local world is the use of review filters on local platforms. Better customer reviews lead to higher rankings in search engines, so business owners and managers are willing to do just about anything to boost the quantity of positive reviews. Yelp, for instance, has caught many businesses paying customers to add positive reviews, which goes against Yelp's slogan, "Real people, Real reviews".

Kempinski Hotels Begin Deployment of Nor1’s Data-Driven Upsell Solutions Across Brand Portfolio

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:57:11

Europe's oldest luxury hotel brand, Kempinski Hotels, announced today that it has selected Nor1, Inc., the technology leader in upsell solutions, to provide its data-driven upsell platform for the portfolio of 80 luxury properties.

Former Best Western Celebrates One Year as M Star Hotel Clinton

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:55:20

Magnuson Hotels, the world's largest independent hotel group, congratulates today the M Star Hotel Clinton of Clinton, Missouri upon one year as a Magnuson Hotel brand.?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /

Pegasus Solutions Reports that Global Corporate Bookings Set New Growth Record in April

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:30:42

Global corporate bookings set a new growth record of +8.8% over prior year in April, according to Pegasus Solutions, the single largest processor of electronic hotel transactions. The jump is the highest year-over-year increase in reservation volume through the global distribution systems (GDSs) since August 2011.

Lausanne, Switzerland's Beau-Rivage Palace Completes First Phase of Major Renovation, Unveiling 37 Newly Renovated Rooms and Suites

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:14:32

The renowned Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne's destination for the world's elite and jet-set for over 150 years, has completed the first phase of a major renovation, unveiling 37 new guestrooms and two luxury suites in the hotel's Palace Wing. With 61 additional guestrooms set to be completed in April 2014, the renovation will cost approximately US$28 million and is being overseen by acclaimed interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon.

Trust International’s Flexible Distribution Solutions, Proactive Partnership Win Over AmericInn Hotels

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:49:12

AmericInn International, a division of Northcott Hospitality, LLC, has selected Trust International as its strategic partner for all distribution related services for its hotels. After an extensive six-month review process, AmericInn chose Trust International for its top of the line technology, proven reliability, outstanding usability, easy-to-manage inventory and rates structure and central reservation service (CRS) distribution connectivity that will help drive increased productivity and revenue.

PKF-HR May 2013 Lodging Insights

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:42:46

Mark Woodworth and Jack Corgel discuss the "supply conundrum" and when we might expect new hotels to be entering the U.S. market. uartered in San Francisco, PKF Consulting USA, LLC (www.pkfc.com) is an advisory and real estate firm specializing in the hospitality industry.

Magnuson Hotels reports 5 brand conversions from Best Western

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:23:59

With the launch of PMS1, a free hotel property management system, Magnuson Hotels, the world's largest independent hotel group, reports a sudden rise in hotel brand conversions from Best Western.?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /

Social Media Use in the Restaurant Industry: A Work in Progress | By Abigail Needles and Gary M. Thompson Ph.D.

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:45:07

Restaurant operators have moved strongly into social media, but a survey of 166 restaurant managers finds a mixed picture in the way restaurants use social media. The study, "Social Media Use in the Restaurant Industry: A Work in Progress," by Abigail M. Needles and Gary M. Thompson, found that many restaurants are moving ahead without having well-defined social media goals. Needles, a Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University, is a graduate of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, where Thompson is a professor. The study is available at no charge from the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research.

Common Global and Local Drivers of RevPAR in Asian Cities | By Crocker Liu Ph.D., Pamela Moulton Ph.D., and Daniel C. Quan Ph.D.

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:30:09

A study of global and local factors that drive changes in hotels' revenue per available room (RevPAR) in eight major Asian cities found that the revenues for the hotels in these cities are strongly subject to global forces. The study, "Common Global and Local Drivers of RevPAR in Asian Cities," by Crocker H. Liu, Pamela C. Moulton, and Daniel C. Quan, is available at no charge from the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research. Liu, Moulton, and Quan are all faculty members at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration.