April 1, 2009

phoenix /  Arizona Grand Resort announced the appointment of its new F&B director, Mark Bertolacini.  Most recently, Mark served as F&B director at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach.  Arizona Grand Resort announced the opening of the new Arizona Grand Villas which adds 100 luxury, residential-style accommodations to the existing 640-suite property.

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa has appointed Shane Allor as DOS.  Shane most recently served as DOS at Camelback Inn, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa.

Dawn Benedict has been named director of group sales at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.  The $500 million development in Marana includes a 250-room Ritz-Carlton resort hotel and spa, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club featuring Jack Nicklaus Signature course, and a Ritz-Carlton branded residential community.  Dawn most recently served as a senior sales manager, Northeast region at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

The Phoenician put a contemporary spin on their resort experience with a $70 million project which encompasses all 647 guestrooms, main lobby and tea court, retail and restaurant venues, new conference space, as well as an innovative family activity center.  The master renovation of The Phoenician will be complete in October 2009 with the debut of a new 42,000 sq.-ft. conference facility and ballroom.

The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa has received the AAA Four Diamond Award.  The resort has added a new ballroom, The Mohave Ballroom, and now offers three full-size ballrooms.

The Arizona Biltmore, celebrating its 80th Anniversary, announced the opening of Ocatilla at Arizona Biltmore which redefines the luxury hotel experience, combining comfort and exclusivity with the attention to detail.  Ocatilla is a retreat and private sanctuary where a dedicated concierge attends to individual needs in a well-appointed, relaxed lounge environment.

scottsdale /  Staff news from the Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort – After a maternity leave, Corina Wood has returned to the resort as director of tour and travel.  Lynn M. Flosi, most recently national director of sales for BBJ Linens, is the new DOSM, and Robert Adam, formerly with the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, is the new director of catering.

Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas has finished $10 million in upgrades.  The major focus of this renovation was the Villas, which were completely refurbished and feature 42” flat- screen TVs and Bose surround sound systems.

Gainey Suites Hotel has appointed Christine Tetrick as sales manager.  Christine recently served as marketing coordinator for JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort. Gainey Suites recently completed a $3.7 million renovation. 

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North has completed its makeover which was inspired by the colors of the Sonoran Desert in bloom.  Newly transformed casita guest rooms and suites offer a tranquil oasis while Talavera restaurant and Onyx Bar & Lounge showcase innovative cuisine and panoramic Sonoran views.

The Scottsdale Plaza Resort announced that Kevin Mailloux joined the team as the human resources manager.  Kevin comes to The Plaza from Prudential Real Estate.

Michael Surguine, VP and general manager of Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, has been named the new board chairman for the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Travel + Leisure ranked eight Scottsdale resorts among the finest in the world in their “2009 World’s Best 500 Hotels” survey.  Winners included The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa; Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa; Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North; Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa; Fairmont Scottsdale; The Phoenician; and The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.  The ranking of number one resort in Arizona went to the Royal Palms Resort & Spa.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa recently received two Stars of the Industry Awards - the “Prism Award” for the Scottish Traditions at The Westin Kierland Resort and the “Guest Relations Award” for “The Compass” FUN Passport Program.

The 492-room Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch has completed the final phase of a $50 million renovation. In this latest phase, the hotel upgraded all guestrooms, suites, and casitas, redesigned its ballroom and other meeting spaces, and added a new solar hot water system.

Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center recently completed the renovation of its Coronado, Arizona and Maricopa ballrooms, a total of 22,168 square feet of meeting space.

Stars of the Industry awards, sponsored by the Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association, has honored three Lon’s employees at The Hermosa for outstanding accomplishments in the local hospitality industry.  Lon’s bartender Julia Gharib earned “Food & Beverage Employee of the Year;” Andrew Quinn, restaurant host, was named “Guest Services Employee of the Year;” and David Adame, maintenance supervisor, took honors as “Engineering/Housekeeping Employee of the Year.”

Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa has added an innovative new dining venue.  A new Airstream Bullet has been outfitted as a deluxe kitchen and dining space.  Aptly named the Rolling Stone Diner, the Airstream brings a “Moveable Feast” to even the most remote Sonoran Desert locations.  Michael Braun has been appointed the new F&B resort restaurant manager at The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa.

paradise valley /  The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley broke ground in January 2009.  The resort will stretch across 105 acres at the base of iconic Camelback Mountain and boast 225 rooms, 100 villas, 46 estate homes and 15 one-acre estate home sites that will be serviced and branded by The Ritz-Carlton.

 

chandler /  Hilton Hotels announced the opening of the Hilton Phoenix/Chandler which features 197 guestrooms, an executive level and lounge, and 7,000 square feet of meeting space.  Dante Alexander is the GM and Robin Lameyer is DOS.

mesa /  Hilton Phoenix East/Mesa completed an $11 million renovation of the entire hotel.  All guestrooms were entirely updated to accommodate the highest standards.  Other highlights include the addition of three boardrooms, upgrades to the hotel’s signature Zuni restaurant and atrium bar, and renovations to a number of suites.

sedona /  Celebrating its 25th anniversary next year, the L’Auberge de Sedona will mark the milestone by undertaking a $25 million expansion.  As part of the growth plan, the resort will add a new spa as well as new hillside and spa cottages.

tucson /  A $15 million dollar expansion and renovation of Lodge on the Desert facilities is scheduled to conclude mid 2009.

Hilton Tucson East recently completed its planned $2 million facilities upgrade program. The hotel now offers guests refurbished guestrooms, renovated 15,000 square feet of meeting space and an updated Vistas’ Bar and Grille.

After a multi-million dollar renovation, the Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites, which offers 18,000 square feet of meeting space, now offers a contemporary look with the personalized services that are usually found at luxury boutique hotels.  The new hotel experience was developed by Sage Hospitality, Sheraton Tucson’s management company.  Nanci Sherman serves as the hotel’s GM.

Westward Look Resort has completed a $10 million renovation that has updated all areas of the resort.  Mary Beth Seamands, most recently from Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites, joined Westward Look Resort as direcor of sales.  Raymundo Ocampo, landscape manager at Westward Look Resort, received the Manager of the Year award in the Medium Property category at the AHLA’s Stars of the Industry awards.

The Omni Tucson National Resort has completed a $30 million renovation. Improvements include the newly remodeled Ironwood Salons and Desert Willow Salon and the all-new 1,054 square-foot Cypress Salon.

Bill Petrella, GM of the Westin La Paloma, is the new president of the Southern Arizona Lodging and Resort Association.  Bill succeeds Brian Johnson, managing director of Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, who becomes chairman of the board for the next 18 months.

Mark Lindsey, DOSM for The Westin La Paloma Resort, announced that Janos Wilder has been nominated by the James Beard Foundation as the Outstanding Chef in the Country.

yuma /  Radisson Hotels & Resorts announced the grand opening of the Radisson Hotel Yuma, a $17 million, 154-room property.  “We are excited to bring the Radisson brand to this market and provide visitors the opportunity to experience our unique brand of hospitality,” said Elizabeth Yunker, GM.

 

 

April 1, 2009

bentonville / There are some very exciting changes at the La Quinta Inn & Suites Bentonville.  Kim Eason was promoted to GM. Toni Luetjen is the new director of sales. Rachel Drown is the sales coordinator and Laura Orr was promoted to front office manager.  Room upgrades will be completed by fall of 2009.

David McGeady is the new GM of the Bentonville Clarion & Convention Center and the Sleep Inn as of December 2008 and Max Moore is the new director of sales at the property as of January 2009. Jean Geyer is the new banquet manager as of March 2009.

Wingate by Wyndham-Bentonville has these staff updates:  Tom Moriarty, GM, Sally Funk, sales manager and Charity Law, front office manager.

hot springs / Embassy Suites Hot Springs Hotel & Spa is a Top 10 Embassy Suites.  The hotel is ranked as number 9. 

little rock /  Dennis Tracy, formerly with the Cincinnati CVB, joined the Little Rock CVB as director of sales & marketing.

“Authenticity” was the adjective chosen by Virtuoso CEO, Mathew Upchurch. After a two-year $24M investment, Little Rock’s historic Capital Hotel reopened with the comfort and convenience of a modern luxury hotel while retaining the character and approachability earned through 130 years of service. Following the unique vision of owners, Warren and Harriet Stephens, Michael Chaffin, the Capital’s COO, conceived an innovative service orientation based upon the origins of hospitality. Chaffin joined the project in a consulting capacity to oversee the Capital’s launch but has been hired to manage the hotel’s daily operation. 

The new Crowne Plaza Little Rock offers 244 upscale guest rooms, including 11 suites and a Club Floor. Their contemporary new look and exemplary service make Crowne Plaza one of Little Rock’s most exceptional hotel properties. After only 8 months of service since its renovations, Crowne Plaza Little Rock is setting high standards in the hotel industry, being ranked number 5 out of 164 Crowne Plazas Worldwide for their exceptional meeting facilities and services.

The Holiday Inn Airport East has completed its major construction.  The hotel has 5 meeting rooms and over 5,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space.

Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown, located in the heart of Downtown Little Rock and the River Market District, just opened its doors. The new hotel is convenient to the Clinton Presidential Library, the State Capitol, and the State Convention Center, as well as shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

Doubletree Hotel, the second largest convention hotel in downtown, recently completed its $12 million renovation and looks like a brand new hotel. 

 

 

April 1, 2009

boulder /  Millennium Hotels and Resorts announced that Angela Blackstock has been named as DOS for Millennium Harvest House Boulder.  Drawing on close to two decades of hospitality sales and management experience, including as director of group sales at the hotel, Angela is now responsible for room, catering and banquet sales, as well as all advertising, marketing and promotional efforts for the hotel.

denver /  VISIT DENVER, the CVB announced Justin Bresler as the new VP, marketing and business development responsible for overseeing marketing, public relations and communications, Web Site performance, and membership/business development operations.  Most recently, Justin worked at Weaver Multimedia Group where he worked with CVBs from destinations such as

San Francisco, Las Vegas and Seattle.

Peter Karpinski, COO of Sage Restaurant Group, has announced the selection of two industry leaders to take the culinary helm at Second Home Kitchen + Bar and the JW Marriott Cherry Creek in Denver. Anton Barich joins as director of operations food & beverage and Jason Rogers joins as executive chef.

The Magnolia Hotel Denver announced the Magnolia Ballroom has completed a remodel that has transformed the venue into an even swankier and more sophisticated event space.  The 4,000 square-foot ballroom has been renowned for its unique glass coffered atrium ceiling. The ceiling has been improved with an extensive new lighting package—a versatile system ideal for day or evening functions.

John Ault was announced as the new GM of the Radisson Hotel Denver Stapleton.

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel is currently undergoing a $70 million renovation.  New to the Sheraton Denver Downtown is Katie Mullen’s, a uniquely Irish Bar and Restaurant, encompassing four bars and four themed experiences.  Katie Mullen’s is the largest Irish experience in Colorado.  Sheraton Denver Downtown has new additions to their team:  Christopher Claydon, sales manager and Ann Uitting, sales manager.

The Westin Westminster announced that Brandon S. Hendricks has been named the director of sales and marketing.  Brandon most recently served as the DOSM at the St. Regis Houston.  The Westin Westminster is completing a $9 million renovation which includes guestrooms with the Westin Generation 3 Heavenly Bed, 37” plasma TVs and Westin white tea bath amenities.  Meeting space will receive new paint, carpet, wall paper and banquet chairs.

Officials from The Westin Tabor Center, Denver announced the completion of the hotel’s $11 million renovation.  Redesigned spaces include the lobby, the Augusta restaurant and all of the hotel’s 430 guestrooms and suites.  The renovation process, which took nearly a year, was an opportunity to both reinvigorate the hotel and refine the team’s approach to environmental responsibility. “Associates at The Westin Tabor Center have made a commitment to being as green as possible and recently implemented award-winning on-property compost and in-room recycling programs,” said Tom Curley, The Westin Tabor Center’s GM.

Hotel Teatro is waiting for city permission to build a sustainable greenhouse on their rooftop.  David Craig has nominated Jonathan Bryant the hotel’s DOS for the 40 Under 40 award through the Denver Business Journal.

The Denver Marriott South hotel announced the addition of Kevin Duncan as DOSM to its leadership team.  Kevin joins the team to oversee the day-to-day operations of sales department while maintaining focus on the hotel’s strategic goals.  Kevin’s most recent position was as senior sales manager for Marriott International.

A complete meeting space renovation debuted in February 2009 at the Marriott Denver West depicting a fresh, contemporary Colorado style that is the finishing touch on $7 million in renovations to their guest rooms, hi-tech fitness center, new Coffee Café featuring Starbucks beverages and complimentary internet and newly expanded business center.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Denver was honored with a 2009 Mobil Four-Star Award by Mobil Travel Guide.  The Ritz-Carlton was also recognized as one of Top 10 New U.S. Hotels in the 2008 by gayot.com.

Palazzo Verdi is Denver’s only LEED Certified green event venue.  Located adjacent to Fiddler’s Green, this new venue provides a unique backdrop for guests and includes  world class art at The MADDEN Museum of Art, the gallery-style atrium, along with the new Mangia Bevi Café.  Palazzo Verdi has promoted Tawana Foster to the venue’s event manager.

For the second consecutive year, the Grand Hyatt Denver’s 38th floor Pinnacle Club is the recipient of the “Best of Weddings” recognition by The Knot, a nationally renowned wedding publication.

Patty Moser, formerly at INVESCO Field and Edge Sports, relaunched her consulting business, E, which assists in the business development of many venues, destination marketing, and event planning.  With 20 years of experience, she brings a creative style and efficient delivery when creating non-traditional revenue streams for clients.

At ConferenceDirect’s annual meeting Terri Woodin, CMP was awarded the “2008 National Salesperson of the Year” award in recognition and appreciation of her support of their company.

centennial /  The Courtyard at Aspen Grove is introducing five event spaces on five acres for all types of events.  From intimate corporate retreats, to banquets, company picnics, the setting includes first class amenities, majestic mountain views, complimentary valet parking and an extensive preferred catering list.

aspen /  Julia Theisen has been named the new VP of sales and marketing for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association.  Julia will oversee all sales, marketing and public relations for Destination Marketing and Aspen Groups.  She has 20 years of experience in global event management, sales and marketing.  Julia recently relocated from Santa Barbara, Calif. where she was the director of two nonprofit organizations.

Laura Pugh has moved to Aspen to take over as director of group sales at the St. Regis.  Laura, a Cornell graduate, had been at the Westin Bellevue in Washington as a senior sales manager.

Aspen’s Sky Hotel welcomed Kate Brown as transient sales manager.  Kate is responsible for driving revenue in the wholesale, corporate, travel agency and package & promotion segments.  She joins the Sky from KB Associates in Longmont.

colorado springs /  Experience Colorado Springs, the CVB, introduced a new member of their online family.  They teamed up with CodeBaby, a new technology firm in Colorado Springs, to create Katharine, an animated online concierge.  Katharine has been added to the new website to help travelers and meeting and event planners navigate VisitCOS.com.  Katharine will walk people through ordering a visitor guide and signing up for our monthly consumer e-newsletter.  In addition, Experience Colorado Springs was chosen as “50+ Planners & Places to Watch in 2009” by SportsEvents Magazine.

Director of sales and marketing, David C. Fine, announced that Amy VanderWal is the newest member of The Broadmoor sales team. She is responsible for sales in the Northeast Region and brings twenty years of experience in the hospitality industry.

Benchmark Hospitality International has appointed John Branciforte DOSM for the Cheyenne Mountain Resort.  Laura Neumann, VP and GM, made the announcement.  John was previously with the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate.

Embassy Suites Hotels has honored Jessica Miller, front office agent of the Embassy Suites Hotel Colorado Springs, with the company’s Spirit of Embassy Award.  This award designates Jessica as a top performer within Embassy Suites Hotels.

Fairfield Inn Colorado Springs South’s $1.5 million update will be complete in early April.  

Sundance Mountain Lodge opened in November 2008 with 122 rooms, a restaurant and 250-person conference room.

The Cliff House will be completing renovations soon and adding meeting space to their main level.

loveland /  The Renaissance Hotel, Spa & Conference Center, a John Q. Hammons hotel, is under construction and will offer 300 rooms and 50,000 square feet of meeting space.  The new hotel, located just off I-25 across from US Air Force Academy, is scheduled to open spring 2010.

gateway /  Lee Bowden with Gateway Canyons Resort Properties was appointed to the board of the American Hotel & Lodging Association representing the resort segment of the industry for a 3-year term

vail /  The Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort, announced the appointment of a new culinary team.  Rob Dorey has been appointed F&B director and Darrell Jensen has been appointed executive chef of the brasserie, Centre V.  Rob was previously with the Snowmass Club and Darrell was previously with the Vail Resort’s exclusive Game Creek Restaurant.

snowmass /  Jeff David has joined Viceroy Resort Residences at Snowmass as GM. Viceroy Snowmass will open in late 2009 as the anchor ski-in/ski-out hotel in the new Snowmass Base Village.  Jeff comes from Viceroy’s sister opening property, Viceroy Anguilla.

breckenridge /  Andru Zeiset was promoted to GM of ResortQuest Breckenridge and Keystone.  Andru has been working with the company since 2001 and has worked as the assistant general manager since 2005.  Meredith Long was promoted to marketing manager of ResortQuest Breckenridge and Keystone. 

beaver creek /  The Beaver Creek Lodge announced that it has been named to receive two of the most prestigious awards in travel. Condé Nast Traveler magazine named the hotel to its “Top 50 Ski Resorts in North America” list in the December 2008 issue as well as to its “2009 Gold List” in the elite publication’s January 2009 issue.

Beaver Creek Lodge announced the appointment of Pat Gonzales as sales manager to the Kessler Resort in Beaver Creek.  Most recently, Pat was national sales manager at Vail Cascade Resort & Spa.

 

 

April 1, 2009

new orleans /  New Orleans has been selected as the “Best Domestic Business City” by Global Traveler Magazine.  “This is a great honor for New Orleans because it shows that the world is taking notice of the city’s entrepreneurial opportunities and continued growth as a business destination,” said Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans CVB.

Following a well-received response to a $60 million makeover in 2006, the New Orleans Morial Convention Center recently completed another round of upgrades.  Over $7 million in improvements include extensive landscaping, new digital large-screen A/V information systems and furniture pods in the pre-function areas.  More enhancements to the facility, totaling $12 million, are planned for 2009.

The Roosevelt New Orleans, which is scheduled to open this summer, announced its management team which includes Tod Chambers, GM, Mark Wilson, DOSM, Jeff Dennison, director of historic restoration and engineering, Melissa Kariker director of human resources, Earl Lizana, director of catering, Terry Treuting, director of events, and Laura Vocino, director of food and beverage.  The Roosevelt’s Blue Room – legendary with locals, visitors and celebrities –will return to the Sunday brunch circuit.  The Sazerac Bar, a Roosevelt landmark for decades, again will serve its signature Sazerac cocktail and Ramos Gin Fizz – both invented in New Orleans and made popular by The Roosevelt.  The Roosevelt New Orleans and luxury spa operator Spa Chakra, Inc. plan to open Guerlain Spa of the renowned Guerlain skincare brand in the summer of 2009.

The Westin New Orleans Canal Place announced the promotion of Denise Reid to director of catering and conference services.  Denise was named Manager of the Year for 2003 and reports to John Maskovich, GM of the Westin New Orleans Canal Place.

Leo Spriggs, president/CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation, has announced that the newly renovated Astor Crowne Plaza has been added to HMC’s portfolio of managed properties. “We are very proud to add this great New Orleans hotel to our portfolio,” said Leo.  The Astor Crowne Plaza has just completed an $11 million renovation of its 693 rooms, including 28 spacious suites, a new, expanded business center and health club facility, public spaces and meeting rooms to restore the property to its original luster.  Peter Ambros, who served as the opening GM of the hotel, has returned to assume that post once again.

David Teich, GM of the Windsor Court Hotel, announced the appointment of Drew Dzejak as executive chef.  David most recently served as chef de cuisine for the hotel’s award-winning Palmetto Café.

Myra deGersdorff, GM of The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, was awarded the 2008 Silver Plume Award for the New Orleans General Manager of the Year.  The Ritz-Carlton announced the following appointments:  Karla Schultz as director of human resources; Julia Nietes, most recently with the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, is the new director of operations; Charlie Shed, formerly F&B director for The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, is the new director of meetings and special events; and Allie Rodgers, formerly with the Westin in Atlanta, is associate director of meetings and special events.

BBC Destination Management’s team won two awards at the 2008 Association of Destination Management Executives Achievement Awards ceremony.  BBC’s senior account executive, Nicolas Nevares, CMP, won Rising Star of the Year Award.  BBC’s senior operations manager, Karl Beverung, working with DOS, David Rome, CMP, DMCP, received the Best Tour Program award.  Denise Malo, DMCP, director of operations for BBC, was nominated for the Professional of the Year award.

Experient recently recognized its top supplier partners at the Experient EnVision Annual Conference in Kansas City.  Serena Melancon, director of national accounts for USA Hosts, was awarded Supplier of the Year.  When it was announced that Serena won, Terry Epton, president / CEO of USA Hosts responded, “Proud, YES. Surprised? NO.”

kenner /  IHG announced that the 292-room Crowne Plaza New Orleans-Airport has undergone a $28 million renovation and conversion from a former Holiday Inn Select. “We’re pleased to bring a Crowne Plaza hotel to the New Orleans airport market,” said Gina LaBarre, VP, Brand Management, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, the Americas. “This hotel has undergone a tremendous renovation after receiving extensive hurricane damage, and the owners have delivered a fantastic property that we’re proud now carries the Crowne Plaza name.”  The hotel has ten meeting rooms with 12,000 square feet of flexible upscale meeting space for business functions or special events.

The Lexington Collection of fine Hotels, Plaza Hotels, and Resorts Worldwide announced the February 1 opening of the Lexington Hotel New Orleans Airport.  The four story hotel offers 166 guest rooms and has over 2,200 square feet of meeting and banquet space.  Bret Chittenden serves as the hotel’s GM.

baton rouge /  The Baton Rouge Area CVB was named Outstanding CVB of the year (in the budget of $750,000 and above) by the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association during a luncheon at the Annual Travel and Tourism Summit at Paragon Casino and Resort.  Renee Areng, CDME, executive VP of sales and marketing, received the award on behalf of the BRACVB.

The Baton Rouge Area CVB recently announced the 2009 officers for its Board of Directors:  Leonard Wyatt, chairman; Claude Reynaud, vice chairman; and Otis Washington, secretary & treasurer.

shreveport /  Financial Plaza, just off Interstate 20 and Pines Road in west Shreveport is the location of the newest openings - the Hilton Garden Inn, Value Place, and Homewood Suites by Hilton Shreveport. Two new projects also are underway in Bossier City – TownePlace Suites by Marriott and Value Place.

lake charles /  Holiday Inn Lake Charles - West Sulphur has named Harold Miller GM of its 97-room mini convention hotel.  Most recently, Harold served as general manager of the Coushatta Grand Inn.

 

 

April 1, 2009

albuquerque /  Hilton Albuquerque launched a $14 million renovation program in early 2008.  Two-thirds of its guestrooms were entirely refurbished and now offer the complete line of Hilton amenities including the Hilton Serenity Collection, new furniture and flat screen TVs.  Because of the addition of a number of “sustainable” items, the property has received recognition at the Commitment level by the Green Zia Environmental Excellence Program.  The renovation is scheduled for completion by mid 2009.

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town has just begun renovation of the new Hacienda, a historical and glamorous special event venue.  The 10,000 square foot Hacienda-style house and 8,000 square foot courtyard and garden have been a part of Albuquerque history for over 150 years.  This new space will be home to Albuquerque’s most divine and over-the-top event.  Renovation completion will be fall 2009.

The Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown recently renovated its floors and the entire public space of the hotel, which consists of the lobby, registration, hotel bar and meeting space. The $20 million project included renovation of the 17,000 square feet of meeting space and furniture upgrades to the 295 rooms and suites.  The Sheraton has named Claude Boudoux as director of food & beverage.  Claude most recently was the VP of food & beverage operations for the Norwegian Cruise Line.

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express, a new light rail system running north and south through the Albuquerque metro area, is now running from Belen through Albuquerque to Santa Fe. The trains have bike storage areas for easy transport and will soon have WiFi for business commuters.

ANDALUZ, formerly the La Posada de Albuquerque, will open this fall with the intention of achieving LEED gold certification.  The property is in the final stages of a $30 million renovation that will make the hotel one of the premier boutique hotels in the Southwest and one of the first historically-renovated hotels in America to become LEED certified.

santa fe /  Richard A. Ross, director of sales and marketing at the Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort & Spa at Buffalo Thunder, announced several staff changes.  Ravi Balan has joined the resort as assistant director of sales after a successful run in California and Tracy Mueller, Regina Martinez, Mandy Gonazales and Nancy Bankston Johns have all recently joined the team as senior sales managers.  In addition, Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino was just named one of the nation’s top 10 Native Resort Destinations by Native Peoples Magazine.

Mary Pat Kloenne was recently appointed the new director of sales for the Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Mary Pat will oversee the bureau’s national sales efforts including selling the new Santa Fe Community Convention Center to meeting and event planners.

The Hotel St. Francis is currently undergoing an exciting renovation and will soon become the newest cultural hotel to be offered by Heritage Hotels & Resorts.  With recognition as a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Historic Hotels of America, the hotel has offered a wealth of history throughout its existence.  Hotel St. Francis has also earned the prestigious status as a Summit Hotel, a Preferred Hotel Group partner.  Renovation completion will be July 2009.

Rick Galligan, former GM of the Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort and Spa, has returned to Santa Fe with Heritage Hotels & Resorts to manage both The Lodge at Santa Fe and The Hotel Plaza Real.  Rick brings 19 years of hospitality experience and attained his CHA designation in 2002.

Barbara Shelton has joined the Encantado sales force as the sales business development manager.  Barbara brings years of resort experience to Encantado and will be researching new business for Encantado.  In addition, the Terra Restaurant was voted one of the Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. by Forbes Magazine.

Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort and Spa has recently hired Dawn Kingston as a sales manager for the Texas market.  In addition, sales & marketing director Becky A. Ellis, CMP has just completed a re-certification process through the Convention Industry Council.  She is one of 22 candidates in New Mexico and has been with the resort since February of 2008.  For four years running, Bishop’s Lodge Resort & Spa has captured the coveted Platinum Choice Award.  The award is hosted by Smart Meetings Magazine and selected by readers.

ruidoso /  Ruidoso News reported on March 19 about key staff changes at Inn on the Mountain Gods that include the departure of Doug Lentz, COO, Daniel McCue, CFO, Tina Lentz, director of marketing, and Philip Pepple, director of casino operations.  With the departure of the old management team comes a new company - Warner Gaming - which will act as the Inn’s consultant.  Warner named Tim Maland as interim COO and CFO.  He is a former director of the Nevada Commission on Tourism.  Scott Bean has also been named the interim director of marketing.  Scott has been director of marketing at the Santa Fe Hotel and casino and was a casino marketing analyst at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.

 

 

April 1, 2009

tulsa /  Cherokee Casino and Resort will open a large convention and meeting complex in early 2009.  The resort features a huge casino, a luxury hotel with 35,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a premier steakhouse, a Vegas-style bar, a golf course and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill restaurant. The Cherokee Casino will also be taking on the Hard Rock Casino name and will feature Hard Rock and Cherokee cultural memorabilia and artifacts.

The Tulsa CVB welcomes Eric Lee to the staff as a senior sales manager. The former Harlem Globetrotter most recently served as the DOSM at the Westin Memphis Beale Street in Memphis.

A $40 million renovation of the historic Mayo Hotel is underway with plans for 72 luxury lofts, 100 hotel rooms, and an upscale restaurant to be finished by October 2009.

One of Tulsa’s downtown entertainment venues is getting recognition for strong ticket sales. The BOK Center is on track to rank among the Top 20 venues worldwide for ticket sales, exceeding $20 million in sales according to Venues Today magazine. 

The Tulsa Convention Center is undergoing a $50.5 million expansion and renovation.  Renovations to the building will include creating the state’s largest ballroom. The project, which is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2010, broke ground last September.  The new building will complement the design of the brand-new, state-of-the-art BOK Center located across the street. 

River Spirit Casino, the new, 300,000 square foot Creek Nation Casino, opened March 31, 2009. The new $195 million casino, located just south of the existing casino in south Tulsa, will include one of the state’s largest gaming floors.

Via Pollstar, Tulsa’s legendary Cain’s Ballroom ranks Number 41 on the list of Top 100 Worldwide Club Venues with 87,161 tickets sold in 2008. Cain’s Ballroom was the home stage for Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys and is called the Birthplace of Western Swing and the Carnegie Hall of Western Music.

In July 2009, Tulsa’s Downtown Doubletree Hotel will begin a $6 million upgrade including all guest bathrooms, large, flat-panel televisions, guest room furniture, new carpet for hotel corridors, and upgraded fitness center equipment.

Jann Hill, regional director of sales for The Hotel Ambassador announced that the hotel will celebrate its 80th anniversary in May of 2009.  Originally built by Gen. Patrick Hurley, the Ambassador is an iconic property in downtown Tulsa featuring spacious rooms, gracious service and the Chalkboard Restaurant. 

oklahoma city /  Pamela Stoy, DOSM for the Sheraton OKC, announced a major renovation to the hotel including the new Link@Sheraton powered by Microsoft - a new “interconnected environment.”  The hotel has recently completed its new “Core Performance” fitness center.

Kim Breitweiser, DOSM for the Sheraton Midwest City at Reed Center, announced the appointments of Paul Van Raamsdonk as GM and Georgina Williams as sales manager for government and SMERF markets.  Ray Perez, the hotel’s former GM, has been promoted to regional manager for DePalma Hotels and is now based in San Antonio.

The Oklahoma City Renaissance Hotel Convention Center and Spa has a new director of catering, Keith Keiser, who comes from the Rosen Hotel in Orlando. Tracy Blair, the senior SMERF sales manager, won the Sales Manager of the Year Award from the Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association. The hotel was also awarded the AAA Four Diamond Award for 2009 for the 7th consecutive year.

The Crowne Plaza Oklahoma City has a new GM, Jeff Keeley.  The property just finished a multi-million dollar renovation.

norman /  Josh McKinney has accepted the position of sales manager with Embassy Suites Norman.  Mikaela Borecky transferred from the Embassy Suites-Lincoln to Embassy Suites Norman.  Mikaela handles the social markets.  Carrie Burleson is also a sales manager and serves the University of Oklahoma accounts, travel agencies and business transient.  

bartlesville /  Caryl Kuykendall, district director of sales of Leisure Hospitality, Inc announced they have just hired Misty Lovelace for the Holiday Inn Express Bartlesville, which opened in December 2008, and a new assistant general manager for the Hampton Inn – Owasso, his name is Mr. Rahman.

 

 

April 1, 2009

abilene /  Nanci Liles, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, was presented the prestigious Tall in Texas award by the Texas Travel Industry Association. The Tall in Texas Award is given annually to an individual who through the sheer force of his or her commitment to and influence upon travel and tourism, has changed the face of the industry on a local, regional or state-wide level.  “Nanci is completely deserving of this award, the highest honor in the Texas tourism industry,” said Susan King, State Legislator from District 71.  Presenting the award is Brad Wuest, TTIA chairman.

Abilene announces the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn, a full service hotel, with 123 rooms and meeting space to accommodate 250.  This new addition to Abilene’s meeting space is ideal for hosting smaller meetings and is located near the Mall of Abilene. Abilene also welcomes the Residence Inn, Comfort Inn, and Wingate by Wyndham.  Opening soon are the Candlewood Suites, La Quinta and two Sleep Inns. Abilene now offers 3,200 rooms and is a perfect location for meetings, reunions and corporate retreats. 

amarillo /  Jerry Holt, VP of the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council, announced that Jason Harrison, who has been with the council since July 2007, is now leading the sales team as senior sales manager.  New to the convention sales staff is Tiffany Redinger. Tiffany, a 2007 graduate of West Texas A&M and most recently with Anderson Merchandisers, covers small markets and corporate sales.  Tina Teague, a convention sales manager, has added the SMERF and the agriculture/ranching markets.  The Amarillo CVC recently launched a comprehensive new website - www.visitamarillotx.com.

austin /  The Hyatt Regency Austin announced the appointment of Eric Love as director of sales & marketing.  Before joining the Hyatt Regency Austin, Eric served as associate DOSM for the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Palm Springs, CA.  Melissa Massito, the hotel’s former DOSM, has accepted the same position at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore.

The Hyatt Regency Austin recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation of its public spaces, suites, meeting space, and dining venues.  Specific additions included a state-of-the-art fitness facility, Marker 10 Spirits & Cuisine, SWB, a southwest bistro, and the re-imagined Perks Coffee and More.

The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center at UT announced that Keith Purcell, formerly VP of sales for LaCorsha Hospitality, has joined the staff as interim director of sales & marketing.  Doug Copeland, the center’s DOSM, is on a medical leave of absence.

White Lodging announced that Tom Tabler has accepted the position of GM for the company’s new Westin Austin hotel at the Domain.  Scheduled to open in the spring, 2010, the hotel is owned by affiliation of White Lodging and Indianapolis, IN-based Simon Property Group.  Tom most recently served as Texas market DOS for Marriott hotels.  The Westin Austin at the Domain is located in northwest Austin and will feature 340 guestrooms and suites, indoor pool, fitness center, full-service restaurant and over 13,000 square feet of meeting space.

Leslie Pchola has been appointed GM of the Hilton Austin.  An industry veteran with over 20 years of hospitality experience, Leslie will have oversight of the day-to-day operations of the 800 room property located adjacent to the Austin Convention Center.  Leslie was previously a hotel manager at the Hilton Chicago.

 

Leo Spriggs, president/CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation, announced that Michael Barnett has been named GM at the Radisson Hotel Austin-North.  Most recently, Michael was the pre-opening GM at a new resort at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Doubletree Hotel Austin-University Area just completed a $5 million renovation and converted to a full-service Doubletree Hotel. The public space renovation was completed in March 2008 and guest room renovations were completed in February.

Brian Payne joined the Austin CVB as the new account director, western region.  Brian previously served as national sales manager at the Wynn Las Vegas.

The Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin’s new carpet for the ballroom is now completed.  New drapes will be installed within the next few months.

Anne Wilcox, DOS for the Hyatt Place Austin North Central, introduced their new sales manager, Stephanie Boepple.

horseshoe bay /  Stuart Fowler was appointed senior account executive for group sales at Horseshoe Bay Resort.  He was recently a sales manager at Barton Creek Club & Resort.  Kenneth Gorzycki has been appointed director of agronomy at the resort. 

lakeway /  Bill Karotkin, GM, announced the opening of the new 70-room Hampton Inn and Suites.

san marcos / Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel, Spa and Conference Center announced the promotion of Mary Joyce to catering sales manager.  Mary will be handling social groups up to 25 rooms and catering groups up to 50 people.

beaumont /  Despite the national downturn, Beaumont is in the middle of an economic boom.  Numerous projects such as new hotels, restaurants and shopping outlets are adding to the city’s growth.  Beaumont offers 32 hotels and just over 3,500 hotel rooms citywide.

After being badly damaged by Hurricane Ike in September of 2008, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Beaumont Plaza celebrated its re-opening March 1, 2009.  Other Beaumont hotel news includes the Value Place Motel opens in June, Red Roof Inn is opening in September, the Holiday Inn Express opens in October, and Homewood Suites is scheduled to open in December.

brownsville /  The Road to the LPGA’s Duramed FUTURES Tour is coming to Brownsville as the Historic Brownsville Open, April 20-26.  The tournament will feature some of the world’s best women golfers competing for a $110,000 purse at Rancho Viejo Resort & Country Club.

corpus christi /  Keith Arnold, CEO & president of the Corpus Christi CVB, welcomed Michelle D. Horine as the new communications director.  Michelle is a Tarleton State graduate and moved to the Coastal Bend 10 years ago as a news reporter for KZTV and later KRIS, Channel 6.  Most recently, she was executive director for the Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest.

dallas /  Carol Benavidez, CMP, president of the MPI D/FW chapter, shared this -- “It is with heavy heart that I must pass along some sad news.  Peggy LaBounty, one of our dear MPI Chapter Members, has succumbed to her long, hard battle with cancer.”  Funeral services for Peggy were held on Thursday, February 12. Peggy had a long career with Marriott International based in the DFW area.

In February, Omni Hotels announced that the brand was officially selected by Dallas City Council to be the operator for the 1,000-room Dallas Convention Center Hotel scheduled to open in 2011.  The current design includes over 80,000 square feet of meeting space, several restaurants, lounges and a signature spa.  The issue of public funding of the new hotel will be presented to the voters in a May election.

In partnership with American Express, Meeting Professionals International released the initial executive summary of FutureWatch 2009 on www.mpiweb.org.  A forward-looking survey of its worldwide membership, FutureWatch focuses on the trends which will affect the meeting and event industry in the next twelve months.  This year’s survey set a record with over 2,700 participants.

Meg Fasy, CMP, joined the MPI’s senior management team as the VP of sales and marketplace performance.  Meg previously served as VP of venue development for nTAG Interactive.  She has also held positions with Event Strategy Group and iBAHN, Inc., Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Philadelphia CVB, and Hyatt.

The Westin City Center Dallas announced the appointment of Andrew Pena as director of sales and marketing.  Andrew will oversee the sales and marketing efforts for the 404 guestroom, downtown hotel.  Most recently, Andrew was the director of sales for the Renaissance Worthington in downtown Fort Worth.

Freeman recently announced that it has acquired AVT Event Technologies, a leading in-house audio visual provider to hotels in the U.S.  John K. Sweeney has joined Freeman’s U.S. audio visual division as VP, hotel sales.

After much anticipation, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck has officially opened. The Master Chef’s fine dining restaurant illuminates Dallas’s skyline as it sits atop the city’s landmark Reunion Tower.  “We are proud to be a part of Dallas’ first-rate culinary scene with the launch of Five Sixty,” said Wolfgang.

Lisa Flick, Creative Cuisine, announced the October opening of the new Trinity Audubon Center which provides two unique building for meetings and events.

The Dallas CVB officially kicked off its involvement in the Professional Convention Management Association’s 54th Annual Convention to be held Dallas in January 2010.  The kickoff was held at Ford Stadium Field at SMU in early March and was hosted by Philip Jones, president/CEO of DCVB, and Deborah Sexton, president/CEO of PCMA, headed up the event.

Laura Hallock, regional director of operations, announced Fun Factory Events has been rebranded as FFE TEXAS and recently purchased Superior Exposition Services which became The Trade Show Division of FFE TEXAS.  FFE TEXAS now has an in-house office at the Fairmont.

Paula Burton, CMP, has joined Resort Meetings Consortium, a site selection firm for associations and corporations, as director of national accounts.  Paula was formerly with the Las Colinas Country Club.

Carole Sharapata has joined Executive Coach, Inc. as senior account manager.  Carole was previously with Fun Factory Events.

The Dallas/Fort Worth Area Tour Guide Association has elected the following officers:  President-Wally Williamson; VP-Kelly Girnas; Recording Secretary-Charles Jeffreys; Membership-Danielle Michalski; Treasurer-Cheryl Main; Certification Chairperson-Juanita Gonzalez.

The Warwick Melrose Dallas Hotel is celebrating her 85th birthday in 2009.  The hotel, which opened in 1924, is more beautiful today than at any time in her past, having just unveiled a multi-million dollar, year-long renovation to its guest rooms and suites. “Every room received a complete makeover,” said Larry McAfee, general manager of the historic Warwick Melrose Dallas.

Circle R Ranch will be profiled in Fortune Magazine’s Small Business feature.  Fortune senior writer Patricia Gray interviewed managing partners Steven and Wendy Foster as part of Fortune’s Small Business Makeover segment which included a session with three industry experts who spent the day at Circle R Ranch examining all aspects of company operations.

The Hyatt Regency North Dallas is undergoing a $6 million public space renovation that will be completed in

April 2009.

Lisney Peterson is the latest sales manager to join The Westin Galleria Dallas Hotel, as they complete the staff additions after a 2 year renovation.  Lisney has been with Starwood Hotels & Resorts since February 2008.  The Westin Galleria Dallas celebrated their Grand Re-Opening with a party for their clients on April 2.

Erlin Evangelista Moya is the new director of sales and revenue management at the Crowne Plaza Dallas near the Galleria.  The property also received the award for the Number 1 hotel for December ‘08, January ‘09 and February ‘09 in overall guest satisfaction scores for all Crowne Plazas in the Americas.

Congratulations to Julie Faver-Dylla of the DFW Airport Marriott South.  Julie is a 5 time winner of Winegardner & Hammonds annual Platinum Club award.  Jeanne Hatcher, sales account manager with the DFW Airport Marriott South, was awarded Platinum Sales Status for 2008.  This award is given to top ranking sales account managers in the company.

The Grand Met restaurant, located inside the Grand Hyatt DFW hotel, has opened its new private dining room.  It offers an intimate setting for dining, presentations, or other celebrations for up to 24 people.

As the new Wyndham Hotels and Resorts global sales director, Bruce Wolpert, CMP, will handle Corporate and Association clients in Texas and Colorado, plus a key focus on ConferenceDirect associates in the South Central and Midwest states.

irving /  Chad Enloe, DOSM for the Omni Mandalay, announced the appointment of Andrew Casperson as their new general manager.  Andrew was previously the GM at the W Dallas.

The Irving CVB announced two new additions - Loretta Howard, Texas association sales manager, and Stacey Goldman, national association sales manager.

Lisa Klaker, director of sales and marketing, NYLO Hotel Las Colinas, announced a July 2009 opening.  Lisa, formerly GM of Marriott Las Colinas, named Erika Guerrero, formerly with Marriott Las Colinas, as associate DOSM; Charlene Mendez, formerly with Marriott Las Colinas, as sales and service coordinator; Keith Gardner, formerly with Marriott Doral, as sales manager, non-corporate group.

NYLO Las Colinas features 200 guestrooms that include PURE rooms (allergen-free), 7,000 square feet of meeting space including a 3,000 square foot ballroom and a 7,500 square foot courtyard.

grapevine /  Great Wolf Lodge announced the opening of its new 20,000 square-foot conference center.  The addition of the new facility comes about one year after the opening of Great Wolf Lodge which has since attracted a loyal guest following with its extensive recreational offerings, including indoor and outdoor waterparks and a full-service spa.  The property expansion also includes the addition of 203 new guest suites, bringing Great Wolf Lodge’s total to more than 600 guest suites. 

Lesley Totten has joined La Buena Vida Vineyards as its event facilitator.

westlake /  Nour Lassri has joined the Marriott Solana as general manager.

richardson /  Sharon Butler, DOSM for the Hyatt Regency North Dallas, reported that the Hyatt is currently undergoing a $6 million public area renovation that will be completed in April 2009. 

plano /  Judith Benaroche Johnson, CMP, president &  CEO of Rx Worldwide Meetings, Inc., announced that her company recently received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

Jennifer Young, DOSM, NYLO Plano, announces Kimberly Cole as senior account manager.  Kim previously was with Embassy Suites-Tulsa.

Kai Fischer, formerly GM at the Marriott Solana, has been named GM at the Marriott Plano Legacy.

frisco / Mr. Gerry Szczepanski has been named general manager of the new Hilton Garden Inn-Frisco.

Camille Zihlman has been added to the Holiday Inn Frisco staff as their new general manager, Michelle Tokarczyk is the new director of marketing, and Shannon Vizcarra has been brought on board as a new sales manager.

John Q. Hammons celebrated the topping out of the new Courtyard by Marriott Dallas-Frisco Hotel & Conference Center.  The nine-story, 228-room/suite hotel and adjoining 15,000 square-foot conference center is scheduled to open in fall 2009.  Bob Fugazi, regional VP for John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, introduced Stacy Polk as hotel director of sales and the first member of the facilities’ executive team.  An Allen-native, Stacy brings extensive experience with Marriott International, Inc., most recently as western region area DOS, including sales responsibilities for several Courtyard by Marriott hotels.

rockwall /  Mark Walsh, director of sales & marketing for the Hilton Bella Harbor Dallas/Rockwall, announced a new sales manager, Joni Cox.

fort worth /  The new Omni Fort Worth Hotel celebrated its ceremonial opening in January.  Wrapped in glass and sculpted from native stone and rich hardwoods, the 614-room hotel with almost 68,000 square feet of meeting and event space was constructed with a unique design and style that draws upon Fort Worth’s cultural roots and bold Texas flavor to create an unforgettable atmosphere.  “This is an exciting day for Omni Hotels and the city of Fort Worth,” said Ed Netzhammer, GM of the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Fort Worth one of its 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations.  From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitment to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place. “Fort Worth has successfully merged the appealing flavor of its cowboy heritage with the urban sophistication of its enviable array of artistic resources,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  Pictured are Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, Jerre Tracy, executive director Historic Fort Worth, Inc.; Texas First Lady Anita Perry and David DuBois, CMP, CAE, president / CEO of the Fort Worth CVB.

granbury /  Charlie McIlvain, executive director of the Granbury CVB, reported a successful Spring Break.  “Sun and sand worshippers don’t have to drive all the way to the coast.  They can enjoy a great beach here right here in Granbury,” he said.  The Granbury City Beach is open to the public on weekends throughout the summer.  Charlie also was pleased to report that his sales team has booked 72 events year-to-date in the new Granbury Resort Conference Center.

paradise /  Jennifer Wasserman, formerly with the Hilton Bella Harbor in Rockwall, has joined Garrett Creek Ranch as DOSM.  Debra Williams, formerly DOSM for the ranch, has launched a new business venture, Retreat Central, with her partner, Jaynie Schultz, who is also the VP of Garrett Creek Ranch.  Retreat Central will help summer camps to be successful by selling and marketing their facilities during their non-camp season.

houston /  Cindy Paul, DOSM for the Hilton Post Oak, announced the appointment of Sharon Coyle, formerly with Marriott Hotels, as senior sales manager specializing in the corporate marketing, and the promotion of Tricia Manzanares to sales manager responsible for the hotel’s One Stop Shop.  The hotel recently completed a major ballroom renovation.

Louise Upshaw-McClenny of Freeman has been named one of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International’s “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing” for 2008.  Honored at HSMAI’s annual Adrian Awards held at the New York Marriott Marquis, Louise was recognized as one of the “best of the best” minds in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries.  (Publisher’s note:  I agree)

Following an extensive remodel, Skyline, located on the 24th floor of the Hilton Americas-Houston, is now open as Houston’s newest scenic venue for social events from 20 - 200. With its sweeping panoramic view of the downtown cityscape, Skyline offers the ultimate space for all events.

Raymond Vermolen has been named general manager of the InterContinental Houston.  Raymond joins InterContinental Houston after serving as GM of the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City.

Wendy Keim has taken on the role of business travel sales manager at Hotel Sorella.  Wendy joins the pre-opening team of the 244-room, luxury property, which is located in close proximity to Houston’s Westchase and Energy Corridor business districts.  Debuting in July 2009, the hotel will serve as a flagship for the Sorella brand, an inspired hospitality concept from Houston-based Valencia Group, as well as a key anchor for CITYCENTRE, a dynamic, pedestrian-friendly mixed-use development also under construction.  Prior to joining Hotel Sorella, Wendy was with the DoubleTree Hotel Houston Intercontinental Airport.

 

Amanda Jonker, sales and catering service manager at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, has earned the designation of certified meeting professional.

Chris Miller has transferred to the Four Points by Sheraton | Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | Westin Hotels & Resorts Hotel Complex in Houston to be the complex director of sales and marketing. Chris was previously with the Westin Park Central in Dallas.

A $15,000 donation was presented to the Greater Houston Community Foundation on behalf of Hilton Hotels Corporation, to assist victims of Hurricane Ike in Houston and in the surrounding areas.

lake conroe /  La Torretta Del Lago debuted their signature fine-dining restaurant Chez Roux with the help of Master Chef Albert Roux who was visiting from Europe.  The restaurant, which provides spectacular sunset views of Lake Conroe, serves contemporary French fare prepared using local ingredients.  In early March, the hotel unveiled their new European-style 17,000 square-foot full-service spa.

the woodlands /  Benchmark Hospitality has received five international Adrian Awards for excellence in sales, marketing and public relations programming.  Included were Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.  “This recognition is a great honor for Benchmark Hospitality’s sales & marketing organization,” said Eric Terry, VP sales & marketing.  Benchmark announced the appointment of Alex White as director of training.

The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center is the only Texas conference center to receive the Paragon award from readers of Corporate Meetings & Incentives magazine. The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center also received the 2008 Prime Site Award by Facilities & Destinations Conference Magazine. 

clear lake /  South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center has just completed the renovation of guest rooms.

bay area houston /  The Bay Area Houston CVB wants to debunk a few “Hurricane Ike Myths.”  Myth One:  “I heard that the bay was so full of sunken boats that you could walk from one end of the bay to the other. Where is everyone going to sail now?”  Fact:  The sunken boats have been cleared by the Coast Guard so boaters should not be concerned with debris.  Charter boat companies are also offering public sailings.  Bay Area Houston is home to the third-largest pleasure boat basin in the country.  Myth Two:  “The seafood restaurants are open already?  From where are they shipping the food, since we can’t fish out of the bay anymore?”  Fact:  There are no known safety issues with eating the seafood served in the region’s restaurants. And, the fish markets on the Seabrook waterfront, where so many purchase fresh seafood, have re-opened.

galveston /  Harbor House, Galveston’s only harbor view hotel located at Pier 21, reopened Feb. 1.  The hotel sustained minor flooding from Hurricane Ike which struck Galveston on Sept. 13, 2008.  Harbor House guests enjoy signing privileges at the Hotel Galvez and The Tremont House.

The Hotel Galvez reopened Oct. 15 and the Galvez Spa is scheduled to reopen in May.

The Tremont House is anticipated to reopen in June 2009 with 700 square feet of new meeting space.

san antonio /  Sergio Ortiz, formerly with The Driskill Hotel in Austin, has been named as managing director for The St. Anthony – A Wyndham Historic Hotel.

The Westin La Cantera Resort has announced the completion of the public meeting rooms and 200 of the 508 guest rooms after undergoing a $10 million guest room renovation project that began in September of last year announced GM Tony Cherone. The resort’s remaining 308 guest rooms and corridors and The Westin La Cantera’s 17,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom are on schedule for completion this spring.

The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, currently under construction and slated to open March 2010, has named Arthur Coulombe as general manager. Arthur comes to the resort from his previous role as area general manager of the San Antonio Marriott Hotels.  The new JW will offer 1,002 guest rooms and more than 140,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space.  The resort will feature a six-acre water park, a 26,000 square-foot spa and two PGA 18-hole Tournament Player’s Club golf courses designed by Pete Dye and Greg Norman.  Mike Kass serves as the resort’s DOSM.

Gino Caliendo, GM, announced that the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa recently unveiled 10,000 square feet of additional meeting space.  The additional space brings the resort’s total to 43,000 square feet.  The Rogers-Wiseman Pavilion, a semi-permanent venue located adjacent to The Hill Country Golf Club, is ideally suited for exhibits, receptions, golf events and other social gatherings.

The Omni La Mansión del Rio and The Watermark Hotel & Spa have recently appointed Christine Ward to the position of pastry chef at Las Canarias, Omni La Mansion del Rio’s signature restaurant and Pesca on the River at The Watermark Hotel & Spa’s restaurant.

The San Antonio CVB welcomes new assistant director, sales & marketing, Ronnie Price.  CVB Executive Director Scott White noted, “We are very excited and fortunate to have Ronnie join our team.  His strong sales experience and leadership style aligns perfectly with our mission and brand of Deep. In The Heart.”

The Grand Hyatt has opened in downtown San Antonio.  The Grand Hyatt features 115,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space, much of which overlooks the famed River Walk as well as 29 meeting rooms, a 32,000-sq.-ft. main ballroom and a 21,000-sq.-ft. ballroom.

The McNay Art Museum’s $50.8 million expansion features a 45,000 square-foot exhibition facility designed by internationally-famed and award-winning architect Jean-Paul Viguier.

san angelo /  San Angelo’s convention center has recently completed a $3.8 million transformation and has been renamed the City of San Angelo McNease Convention Center.  Even more important than the striking cosmetic changes is the amount of additional space.  The recent renovation added 7,000 square feet and now offers 24,173 total square feet of meeting space.

south padre island /  As reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, South Padre Island, which lost a lot of tourism dollars after Hurricane Dolly struck last July, is feeling pretty good about spring break this year.  “This week, in particular, has been better than we anticipated,” said Dan Quandt, executive director of the South Padre Island CVB. This is the week when most Texas colleges and public schools have their spring breaks, and Dan said 18,000 to 20,000 have descended on the island.  Hotel occupancy is 85 to 95 percent, he said, although the island is still short 600 hotel rooms because some hotels and condos, including the Sheraton and Bahia Mar — popular spring break landmarks — haven’t reopened because of hurricane damage.  By the end of March, Quandt expects the island to have had 40,000 spring breakers. That’s fewer than last year’s 60,000 and the 80,000 of some years, but it’s pretty good in bad economic times. If each one spends $250, which Quandt called a conservative estimate, spring breakers will pour about $10 million into the local economy.

Isla Grand Beach Resort (formerly the Radisson) has reopened after an extensive renovation, and the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel will complete its major renovation and reopen in April.

waco /  Overlooking the Brazos River in downtown Waco, the Hilton Waco has recently completed $16.5 million in property Improvements including the addition of a larger ballroom and pre-function space.

Karin Alvarado is an independent meeting and travel specialist.  She reports Arkansas News.

alvarado.karin@gmail.com

Kelly Ball is a Dallas-based regional director for HelmsBriscoe, a leading meeting services firm, and reports the Dallas area news.
kball@helmsbriscoe.com

Eva Bourret is a principal with Hospitality Growth Solutions, LLC, which provides sales, marketing and training.  Eva reports the San Antonio and Hill Country news.

eva@hgstexas.com

Glen Parnell is regional director for HelmsBriscoe, a leading meeting services firm in Houston and reports Houston news. gparnell@helmsbriscoe.com

Marti Jenkins is regional director fo HelmsBriscoe, a leading meeting services firm.  Marti reports the Oklahoma news. mjenkins@helmsbriscoe.com