Dallas Teague Snider

 by Dallas Teague Snider

ME Miami marks brand’s debut in U.S.

 

ME Miami marks brand’s debut in U.S.

ME Miami marks brand’s debut in U.S.

ME Miami marks brand’s debut in U.S.

Marking a historic moment for Meliá Hotels International, its ME by Meliá brand officially opened its first-ever U.S. destination —ME Miami — in Downtown Miami. The hotel opens with 129 luxury-appointed rooms and more than 1,000 square feet of meeting space. Guests will be able to enjoy brand signature suites, a 14th floor Sun Deck featuring open air Sunset and Sunrise pools and Bella’s Bar, a poolside bar and lounge set to open later this Summer. The property will also introduce a fresh interpretation of The ONE Group’s STK restaurant. The opening of ME Miami represents an exciting new chapter for the lifestyle brand, which has destinations in London, Madrid, Milan, Ibiza, Mallorca, Cabo, and Cancún.

CGI 1100 Biscayne Management, LLC, an affiliate of CGI Merchant Group, owns the hotel, which will be managed under the Meliá Hotels International brand ME by Meliá. CGI Merchant Group purchased the building in January 2013, and led the redevelopment of the original hotel from 56 to 129 guestrooms. The design-forward property underscores the ME brand’s practice of opening destinations in capitals of culture and cool, a key characteristic that proved appealing to CGI.

ME Miami is located in the heart of bustling downtown and within a stone’s throw of major cultural institutions including the Pérez Art Museum Miami, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science. The new hotel’s enviable location is equidistant to Miami’s flourishing communities located near downtown, including the popular and artsy Wynwood, booming Midtown, the Miami Design District, MiMo, Brickell, and the Arts + Entertainment District for guests to engage and discover.

“The opening of ME Miami is not only historic because it is the brand’s first-ever foray into the U.S. market, but also because it’s an acknowledgement and celebration of Miami’s thriving downtown community, which has undergone an extraordinary and exciting cultural Renaissance,” said André P. Gerondeau, Executive Vice President of Hotels, Meliá Hotels International. “As the brand does with all of its destinations, ME Miami really places the guest right in the middle of that urban vitality and momentum. We’re excited about what we’ve achieved here, and know that our guests will find ME Miami a distinctive and compelling addition to an already robust portfolio of unique destinations.”

The ME by Meliá brand is known for creating experiences catered to each individual, while also encouraging social interaction. The ME guest is stylish, modern and smart, mixes business with pleasure travel and considers traveling an extension of the life experience. A mix of insightful design, inspiring art displays, global music, in-room amenities, signature food & beverage offerings and pet perks heighten the brand’s appeal to guests’ passions while exceeding expectations.

Well-appointed guest rooms feature custom furnishings, ultra-plush bedding, modern technology, in-room “Maxi” bars and spectacular views of the Bay and skyline. The soon-to-be-completed deluxe one-bedroom Personality Suite overlooks the city from the 14th floor, while the ultra-plush, two-bedroom Suite ME will provide an urban oasis on the 11th floor when it opens later this month. Suites come with ME+ Experience service, including customized check in and preferences for their stay. Premium Algotherm natural bath products that emphasize holistic wellbeing pamper guests in-room. In the Fall, the hotel will be introducing SKIN C featuring relaxing massages and services for guests. Pet-friendly welcome kits containing shampoo, a playball, mini towel and teeth cleanser are available by request, along with a plush pet bed, food & water bowls, and a slew of pet services including gourmet pet food specially-prepared by the chef for pets to enjoy during their stay. The hotel also has a partnership with renowned fashion photographer Alberto van Stokkum, which includes exciting installations on the 1st and 3rd floors, ME+ Suites and activations that will officially roll out later in the year.

In the true ME by Meliá tradition of bringing the outside in, ME Miami has touches and influences reflective of its surrounding community. Floor-to-ceiling windows, vibrant art, lush greenery and multi-tiered public spaces provide an open flow and allow Miami’s tropical vistas to provide the backdrop. Further, ME’s Aura Experience Managers, a signature brand position empowered to curate the guest stay, set the mood throughout the hotel’s public and personal spaces by controlling everything about the sensory experience — from music, to lighting, to scent — creating the perfect tone designed to inspire, invoke and ignite guests’ passions. These individuals also serve as on-site experts allowing guests to make the most of their stay, from simple tips such as how to navigate the Wynwood art and bar scene to personalized suggestions on where to go and what to do, including an insider’s guide to free, underground community events that only locals would be aware of.

“CGI, and its entire development team, is excited to work with a brand of Meliá’s caliber and is thrilled to see the fruits of more than two years’ of work come together so beautifully. Investing in the coveted location of 1100 Biscayne and making it home to the first-ever ME by Meliá in the U.S. is a true milestone and responsibility for CGI,” said Raoul Thomas, Chief Executive Officer CGI Merchant Group. “We look forward to introducing this exceptional space, culinary experience and creativity to the Miami community and beyond.”

ME by Meliá not only caters to its guests, but also the local Miami community through its unique pairing of signature entertainment and dining options. Resident DJ sets and special music-driven events that draw headliners from around the world for unforgettable parties are synonymous with the ME by Meliá brand, and ME Miami will be no exception. ME Miami will also be home to STK Miami, a fresh, new interpretation of the famed steakhouse concept by leading luxury hospitality brand The ONE Group. Situated on the hotel’s ground level, overlooking iconic Biscayne Boulevard, guests can see and be seen amidst the bustling downtown area. Inspired by the emerging local scene, the restaurant will feature sleek, contemporary dining and lounge spaces by ICRAVE, as well as an in-house DJ. This will be the first newly-designed STK location to offer both daytime and evening dining, serving an array of reimagined classic American cuisine. Signature dishes include bite-sized Lil’ BRGsmade with Wagyu beef, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and of course, the highest quality cuts of steak. The ONE Group will also provide in-room dining, bites and cocktails Bella’s Bar on the 14th floor pool deck, as well as breakfast service.

The opening of ME Miami follows closely in the footsteps of ME Milan Il Duca, which opened May 2015; ME Mallorca and ME Ibiza in 2014; as well as the celebrated ME London opening in 2013. The brand will continue to expand with the exciting development of future properties in key markets, including ME Caracas in 2017 and late award-winning architect Zaha Hadid’s ME Dubai, slated to open in 2018.

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 by Dallas Teague Snider

Great Ideas for Client Entertainment – Showcase Your Chefs

Showcase Your Chefs To Entertain Guests

By Larry Mogelonsky, Founder, LMA Communications Inc.

Showcase Your Chefs To Entertain Guests | By Larry Mogelonsky

Showcase Your Chefs To Entertain Guests | By Larry Mogelonsky

Earlier this year, I was invited up to the BMO Institute for Learning (IFL) in the suburbs of my hometown of Toronto. The purpose of my visit was to guest judge the regional IACC Copper Skillet Competition for Ontario whereby chefs operating in conference centers were given all the same ingredients and only two skillets in order to complete dishes in less than 45 minutes. As one of two evaluators alongside Rose Reisman, we marked each chef’s creation based upon taste, presentation and applicability to a banqueting or catering scenario.

This year’s contest included:

  • Luc McCabe from the NAV Centre in Cornwall, Ontario
  • Rebecca Lynore Marett and Alvin Guilas from the IFL in Scarborough, Ontario
  • Alexsandra Lalonde and Barrington Graham from St. Andrew’s Club & Conference Centre in downtown Toronto, Ontario
  • James Van Hagen and Kent Phillips from the Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre in London, Ontario

To sum it up, the food delivered by all seven competing chefs was utterly fantastic. For the three chosen mains, the Cornish hen was succulent (hard to do with only a skillet and a limited timeframe), the pork tenderloin was well-spiced and the fishiness of the trout was balanced with lemon, herbs and just the right amount of butter. While each chef worked frantically to get their plates ready, they were all humble, enthusiastic and thoroughly knowledgeable about their cuisine after the show.

This time was different, though. Last year only had five participants, and so the organizers could keep it behind closed doors within the confines of IFL’s kitchen. However, with seven contestants that was never longer possible. Instead, tables were assembled along a central corridor in the building’s atrium with all guests free to walk around and watch the chefs in action. I told the organizers this after the event was over and I’ll repeat it now: hosting this competition out in the open was an outstanding idea.

Yes, it raised a few minor safety issues as you had passersby coming close to hot pans, open flames and sharp knives, but the positives far outweigh any such drawbacks. Observing professional chefs in action isn’t something we’re privy to every day, which makes this contest both exceptional and highly memorable. By letting people witness this event, it gets them talking, both in person and via social media as noted by the dozens of smartphones cameras whipped out to document the occasion. Lastly, it was quite interactive as onlookers were invited to sample the cuisine and to ask questions.

While the Copper Skillet Competition comes but once a year to Ontario (with many other satellite and international iterations), I pose the question to you: Why can’t your hotel host a public cooking show or competition?

We all know that cooking shows are popular these days, and your own culinary event can piggyback on this contemporary craze. At its most basic level, you could host a contest only between the chefs working at one property. More challenging will be to bring participants together from multiple locations – either those operating at the behest of a specific management company or a given brand (either soft branded association or chain). Of course there are logistical challenges (safety concerns, spacing, electrical access and so on) but the returns are too great to ignore.

Not only will these types of events highlight a hotel or conference center’s prestige as a culinary destination, but they will also inspire all chefs to continue to hone their craft in the kitchen. Much like how other industries have trade shows for the exchange of ideas, so too do gourmets need to occasionally Rendezvous to exhibit their culinary creativity. Then think of your guests. Such a competition is memorable and interactive – both incredible attributes to heighten guest satisfaction and build a loyal customer base.

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 by Dallas Teague Snider

International Tourist Up in First of 2016

International Tourist Arrivals Up 4% in the First Half Of 2016

World Tourism Organization UNWTO

International tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 4% between January and June 2016 compared to the same period last year. Destinations worldwide received 561 million international tourists (overnight visitors), 21 million more than in 2015, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. 

Asia and the Pacific demonstrated renewed strength this first half of 2016, receiving 9% more international arrivals, the highest growth across world regions. In the Americas, international arrivals increased by 4%, led by Central America and South America. Europe (+3%) showed mixed results, with solid growth in many destinations offset by weaker performance in others. In Africa (+5%), Sub-Saharan destinations rebounded strongly, while North Africa continued to report weak results. Limited data for the Middle East points to an estimated decrease of 9% in international arrivals this six-month period, though results vary from destination to destination.

“Tourism has proven to be one of the most resilient economic sectors worldwide. It is creating jobs for millions, at a time when providing perspectives for a better future to people of all regions is one of our biggest challenges. But tourism is also creating bonds among people of all nations and backgrounds, bringing down stereotypes and fighting fear and distrust”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“Safety and security are key pillars of tourism development and we need to strengthen our common action to build a safe, secure and seamless travel framework. This is no time to build walls or point fingers; it is time to build an alliance based on a shared vision and a joint responsibility.” he added.

Regional Results

Growth accelerated in Asia and the Pacific with international arrivals up 9% through June, driven by robust intraregional demand. Oceania (+10%) led growth, followed by North-East Asia, South-East Asia (both +9%) and South Asia (+7%).

International tourist arrivals to Europe grew by 3% between January and June 2016, with mixed results across destinations. Northern Europe and Central and Eastern Europe both recorded 5% more international arrivals. Though many destinations posted positive results, growth in both Western Europe (+1%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+2%) was slow.

International arrivals in the Americas were up 4% in the first half of the year, in line with the world average. Strong US outbound flows continued to benefit many destinations across the region. Central America and South America (both +6%) led growth, while arrivals in both the Caribbean and North America grew by 4%.

Comparatively limited data available for Africa points to a 5% increase in international arrivals, with Sub-Saharan Africa (+12%) recovering vigorously, but North Africa down by 9%. International arrivals in the Middle East decreased by an estimated 9%, with mixed results among destinations.

Positive prospects for the second half of the year

The first half of the year typically accounts for around 46% of the total international arrivals count of the year. For the remainder of 2016 prospects are positive overall. Countries that have already reported results till July or August show continued growth in the current Northern Hemisphere summer peak season. The UNWTO Panel of Experts evaluated the period May-August also favourably and remains confident about the September-December period, in line with the trend of the first half of the year. Confidence is highest in Africa, the Americas and Asia and the Pacific, while experts in Europe and the Middle East are somewhat more cautious.

Demand for travel abroad varies across source markets

China, the world’s top source market, continued to report double-digit growth in expenditure on international travel (+20% in the first quarter of 2016), benefiting destinations in the region and beyond. The United States, the world’s second largest market, increased expenditure on outbound travel by 8% through July, thanks to a strong currency. Third largest market, Germany, reported a 4% increase in expenditure through July. Other markets that showed robust demand for outbound travel in the first half of 2016 were Spain (+20%), Norway (+11%), Australia (+10%) and Japan (+6%). Meanwhile expenditure from the Russian Federation and Brazil continues to be weak, reflecting the economic constraints and depreciated currencies in both markets.

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 by Dallas Teague Snider

International Tourist Arrivals Up 4% in the First Half Of 2016

World Tourism Organization UNWTO

International tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 4% between January and June 2016 compared to the same period last year. Destinations worldwide received 561 million international tourists (overnight visitors), 21 million more than in 2015, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. 

Asia and the Pacific demonstrated renewed strength this first half of 2016, receiving 9% more international arrivals, the highest growth across world regions. In the Americas, international arrivals increased by 4%, led by Central America and South America. Europe (+3%) showed mixed results, with solid growth in many destinations offset by weaker performance in others. In Africa (+5%), Sub-Saharan destinations rebounded strongly, while North Africa continued to report weak results. Limited data for the Middle East points to an estimated decrease of 9% in international arrivals this six-month period, though results vary from destination to destination.

“Tourism has proven to be one of the most resilient economic sectors worldwide. It is creating jobs for millions, at a time when providing perspectives for a better future to people of all regions is one of our biggest challenges. But tourism is also creating bonds among people of all nations and backgrounds, bringing down stereotypes and fighting fear and distrust”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“Safety and security are key pillars of tourism development and we need to strengthen our common action to build a safe, secure and seamless travel framework. This is no time to build walls or point fingers; it is time to build an alliance based on a shared vision and a joint responsibility.” he added.

Regional Results

Growth accelerated in Asia and the Pacific with international arrivals up 9% through June, driven by robust intraregional demand. Oceania (+10%) led growth, followed by North-East Asia, South-East Asia (both +9%) and South Asia (+7%).

International tourist arrivals to Europe grew by 3% between January and June 2016, with mixed results across destinations. Northern Europe and Central and Eastern Europe both recorded 5% more international arrivals. Though many destinations posted positive results, growth in both Western Europe (+1%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+2%) was slow.

International arrivals in the Americas were up 4% in the first half of the year, in line with the world average. Strong US outbound flows continued to benefit many destinations across the region. Central America and South America (both +6%) led growth, while arrivals in both the Caribbean and North America grew by 4%.

Comparatively limited data available for Africa points to a 5% increase in international arrivals, with Sub-Saharan Africa (+12%) recovering vigorously, but North Africa down by 9%. International arrivals in the Middle East decreased by an estimated 9%, with mixed results among destinations.

Positive prospects for the second half of the year

The first half of the year typically accounts for around 46% of the total international arrivals count of the year. For the remainder of 2016 prospects are positive overall. Countries that have already reported results till July or August show continued growth in the current Northern Hemisphere summer peak season. The UNWTO Panel of Experts evaluated the period May-August also favourably and remains confident about the September-December period, in line with the trend of the first half of the year. Confidence is highest in Africa, the Americas and Asia and the Pacific, while experts in Europe and the Middle East are somewhat more cautious.

Demand for travel abroad varies across source markets

China, the world’s top source market, continued to report double-digit growth in expenditure on international travel (+20% in the first quarter of 2016), benefiting destinations in the region and beyond. The United States, the world’s second largest market, increased expenditure on outbound travel by 8% through July, thanks to a strong currency. Third largest market, Germany, reported a 4% increase in expenditure through July. Other markets that showed robust demand for outbound travel in the first half of 2016 were Spain (+20%), Norway (+11%), Australia (+10%) and Japan (+6%). Meanwhile expenditure from the Russian Federation and Brazil continues to be weak, reflecting the economic constraints and depreciated currencies in both markets.

Useful links:

UNWTO World Tourism Barometer

UNWTO Tourism Highlights, 2016 Edition

Infographics

World Tourism Organization UNWTO

International tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 4% between January and June 2016 compared to the same period last year. Destinations worldwide received 561 million international tourists (overnight visitors), 21 million more than in 2015, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. 

Asia and the Pacific demonstrated renewed strength this first half of 2016, receiving 9% more international arrivals, the highest growth across world regions. In the Americas, international arrivals increased by 4%, led by Central America and South America. Europe (+3%) showed mixed results, with solid growth in many destinations offset by weaker performance in others. In Africa (+5%), Sub-Saharan destinations rebounded strongly, while North Africa continued to report weak results. Limited data for the Middle East points to an estimated decrease of 9% in international arrivals this six-month period, though results vary from destination to destination.

“Tourism has proven to be one of the most resilient economic sectors worldwide. It is creating jobs for millions, at a time when providing perspectives for a better future to people of all regions is one of our biggest challenges. But tourism is also creating bonds among people of all nations and backgrounds, bringing down stereotypes and fighting fear and distrust”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“Safety and security are key pillars of tourism development and we need to strengthen our common action to build a safe, secure and seamless travel framework. This is no time to build walls or point fingers; it is time to build an alliance based on a shared vision and a joint responsibility.” he added.

Regional Results

Growth accelerated in Asia and the Pacific with international arrivals up 9% through June, driven by robust intraregional demand. Oceania (+10%) led growth, followed by North-East Asia, South-East Asia (both +9%) and South Asia (+7%).

International tourist arrivals to Europe grew by 3% between January and June 2016, with mixed results across destinations. Northern Europe and Central and Eastern Europe both recorded 5% more international arrivals. Though many destinations posted positive results, growth in both Western Europe (+1%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+2%) was slow.

International arrivals in the Americas were up 4% in the first half of the year, in line with the world average. Strong US outbound flows continued to benefit many destinations across the region. Central America and South America (both +6%) led growth, while arrivals in both the Caribbean and North America grew by 4%.

Comparatively limited data available for Africa points to a 5% increase in international arrivals, with Sub-Saharan Africa (+12%) recovering vigorously, but North Africa down by 9%. International arrivals in the Middle East decreased by an estimated 9%, with mixed results among destinations.

Positive prospects for the second half of the year

The first half of the year typically accounts for around 46% of the total international arrivals count of the year. For the remainder of 2016 prospects are positive overall. Countries that have already reported results till July or August show continued growth in the current Northern Hemisphere summer peak season. The UNWTO Panel of Experts evaluated the period May-August also favourably and remains confident about the September-December period, in line with the trend of the first half of the year. Confidence is highest in Africa, the Americas and Asia and the Pacific, while experts in Europe and the Middle East are somewhat more cautious.

Demand for travel abroad varies across source markets

China, the world’s top source market, continued to report double-digit growth in expenditure on international travel (+20% in the first quarter of 2016), benefiting destinations in the region and beyond. The United States, the world’s second largest market, increased expenditure on outbound travel by 8% through July, thanks to a strong currency. Third largest market, Germany, reported a 4% increase in expenditure through July. Other markets that showed robust demand for outbound travel in the first half of 2016 were Spain (+20%), Norway (+11%), Australia (+10%) and Japan (+6%). Meanwhile expenditure from the Russian Federation and Brazil continues to be weak, reflecting the economic constraints and depreciated currencies in both markets.

Useful links:

UNWTO World Tourism Barometer

UNWTO Tourism Highlights, 2016 Edition

Infographics

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 by Dallas Teague Snider

HOW MUCH OF YOUR VISITORS’ EXPERIENCE RESTS IN THEIR HANDS?

Author: Guest Adam Lasky, Director of Business Development, Chatbox
Posted: July 06, 2016
Blog Topics Covered:
Advocacy | Economic Development

Creating a delightful and memorable experience for visitors is what DMOs strive to do, but more and more, the access to a city literally rests in the hands of the traveler.

It’s the mobile screen that’s now the source of the majority of digital bookings in the US.  Visitors research destinations to find top-rated activities, places to stay, shop and eat from peer-to-peer sites, like Trip Advisor, as well as directly from DMO websites.  With 73% of digital Americans using a mobile device to do their trip research, destination marketers know how important it is to have a strong mobile presence.

Moreover, smartphones are never far from reach during a trip. Mobile devices touch nearly every part of a vacation. We take pictures of the monuments; our kids snapchat stories to friends; we get directions (and get lost anyway); and we Uber to our next adventure after tapping a screen in our hands.

Facebook’s VP of messaging products David Marcus recently said, “Just like the flip phone is disappearing, old communication styles are disappearing, too.”  Americans now spend about 26 minutes a day texting, compared to spending about six minutes a day on voice calls.  Text is the #1 app on a smartphone leaving the original “phone” feature in the dust. 75% of Millennials suggest they would rather text than call, and this is the generation that’s spending nearly $200 billion annually on travel, and travel more frequently than any other generation.

Mobile devices and messaging can liberate and expand the DMO. Now, a visitor center can be everywhere. Travelers already use text messaging, or a handful of social apps to communicate with friends – they want to communicate with a destination the same way. Sweden recently created a way for anyone in the world to connect and chat with a random Swedish resident. What’s next? Can DMOs push further to create authentic conversations between visitors and merchants? Can messaging inspire visitation? More likely than not, the leading destination marketers will find the answer lying in the hands of travelers.

– See more at: http://www.destinationmarketing.org/blog/how-much-your-visitors%E2%80%99-experience-rests-their-hands#sthash.T0wQub4m.dpuf

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 by Dallas Teague Snider

Uber Scheduled Rides Feature Debuts in Seattle

Uber Scheduled Rides Feature Debuts in Seattle

AppsNewsTravel

BY SUSAN JACOBS ON JUNE 10, 2016

uber-scheduled-rides

Six years ago Uber revolutionized the world of transportation with the introduction of an elegant app that allows the public to instantly hail a ride on demand. The only feature lacking in the highly functional app was the ability for customers to schedule rides in advance. That has changed with Uber’s scheduled rides roll out June 10.

The new feature permits users to pre-order pickups 30 minutes to 30 days in advance. Passengers simply select UberX, tap “schedule a ride,” and set their preferred pickup date, time, location and destination. Uber will send reminders both 24 hours and 30 minutes before the scheduled pickup. Like other Uber reservations, the request can be cancelled with no penalty before the driver is dispatched, and is subject to price surging.

The new scheduled rides feature debuted in Seattle but will be expanded to other major markets soon.

Scheduled Rides Designed With Business Travelers in Mind

According to Uber, ride scheduling was a top-requested feature from business travelers. Designed with them in mind, the company is giving priority access to riders with business profiles or those with Uber for Business accounts.

Its business customers are delighted. “Scheduled rides will improve the business travel experience for our employees, especially when they want extra assurance a ride will be there when they need it,” said Zillow Group, an online real estate company, in a statement released by Uber.

“Seattle has grown into one of the world’s great technology markets, and we’re excited to see Uber launch new and innovative features here first,” added Microsoft, which is headquartered in Seattle.

The Seattle Times reports that Uber chose to launch the new service in Seattle because developers who created the system are based there, and the city has a lot of business travelers. It notes that the service will be particularly helpful for business travelers with early morning flights.

They “want an extra degree of assurance Uber will be there when they head out” and will “sleep better knowing their Uber ride is arranged,” Tom Fallows, director of global experiences for Uber, told The Seattle Times.

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 by Dallas Teague Snider

Choice Hotels Officially Launches Exclusive Member Rates on ChoiceHotels.com and Choice Mobile App

New Choice Privileges Member Rates Can’t be Found Anywhere Else on the Internet

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Starting July 20, 2016, all visitors to Choicehotels.com or the Choice mobile app will have access to discounted rates that can’t be found anywhere else on the internet. Both existing and new members of Choice Privileges, the guest-loyalty program for Choice Hotels International, Inc.(NYSE: CHH), can access exclusive room rates that are up to a 7% discount off the best available rate by booking directly on ChoiceHotels.com or the Choice mobile app. Furthermore, Choicehotels.com continues to stand behind its pricing, if a guest finds a lower price elsewhere online the company will match the price and give the guest a $50 Visa gift card.

“Too often consumers feel the need to scour the internet for the best hotel price. We want our members to have confidence that when they book their rooms directly with Choice Hotels they have exclusive access to the best prices, the best service and the best rewards,” said Robert McDowell, Chief Commercial Officer at Choice Hotels International.

The Choice Privileges Member Rate is the latest in a series of enhancements to Choice’s guest rewards program, designed to bring greater and faster value to its ever growing 27 million Choice Privileges members. In June, Choice enhanced its “Your Extras” benefits partners, where guests can earn special rewards for midweek travel, to include household names like Uber and Amazon in the U.S., and Tim Hortons and Amazon.ca in Canada. For full information about the Choice Privileges rewards program, visit www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges.

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 by Dallas Teague Snider

Development to start on Virgin Hotel Dallas this October

Development to start on Virgin Hotel Dallas this October

|
Virgin Design District
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 by Dallas Teague Snider

Best Western Four Seasons Announces Name Change And Earns Best Western Plus®designation

Best Western Four Seasons Announces Name Change And Earns Best Western Plus®designation

Name Change Communicates Enhanced Style and Amenities

TRAVERSE CITY —  The former BEST WESTERN Four Seasons is now the BEST WESTERN PLUS Traverse City, and this name change reflects the hotel’s BEST WESTERN PLUSdesignation, resulting from its recent property enhancements. Launched in 2010, BEST WESTERN hotels were provided the opportunity to earn the BEST WESTERN PLUS or BEST WESTERN Premier® designation by meeting specific design and amenity guidelines. BEST WESTERN PLUS indicates an upper midscale hotel brand with well-appointed rooms and modern amenities, offering guests an enhanced level of comfort to ensure they get the most out of their stay.

“Best Western’s diverse portfolio of hotel offerings helps our guests choose the hotel type that best fits their needs from among our 4,100 properties worldwide,” said David Kong, president and CEO for BEST WESTERN® Hotels & Resorts. “Best Western Plus properties typically have a 3-Diamond rating from AAA, and offer a little something extra to make a guest’s stay even more memorable.”

With 50 guestrooms and convenient guest services, the BEST WESTERN PLUSTraverse City is thoughtfully designed to suit the needs of any business or leisure traveler. The hotel is located at 305 Munson Avenue (US-31) and each of its rooms include a microwave, mini-refrigerator, 42-inch HD cable TV with HBO, wireless high-speed Internet (provided via Fiber Optic Cable) and an in-room coffee and tea maker. The hotel’s complimentary full, hot breakfast is a great start to any morning. And, after a busy day of sightseeing, guests can relax by the 24-hour, 11-foot deep indoor heated pool. Additionally, the hotel offers a new fitness center, a laundry room, and a shuttle service that helps guests experience some of the area’s best restaurants, micro-breweries, wineries and shopping.

When visiting the BEST WESTERN PLUS Traverse City, guests will not only notice the name change and the property’s exceptional upgrades, but the unveiling of brand new signage, which is a result of BEST WESTERN‘s recent brand and logo refresh to demonstrate the company’s commitment to the future of travel. Last September, BEST WESTERN introduced an updated master brand name, BEST WESTERN Hotels & Resorts, and unique logos for all seven distinct brands in its portfolio. Many BEST WESTERN properties throughout the U.S. and Canada will be showing off this new look this summer. The BEST WESTERN PLUS Traverse City is the first BEST WESTERNbranded hotel in Michigan to install the newly branded signs.

The BEST WESTERN PLUS logo picks up on the brand’s traditional use of red, incorporates the signature lettering and draws more emphasis to the word “Plus” using a contemporary tapered line. The diamond shape distinguishes it from the BEST WESTERN hotel brand logo by giving it a more premium look.

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Traverse City’s impressive renovations have not gone unnoticed, as the property recently received esteemed recognition from AAA with its upgrade to a Three Diamond Rating. This new rating marks the property as a multifaceted establishment with distinguished style that appeals to travelers with comprehensive needs.

“We are proud to put the BEST WESTERN PLUS sign on our door,” said General Manager Brad Smith of the BEST WESTERN PLUS Traverse City. “We offer the great service and value that BEST WESTERN is known for.”

Guests who stay at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Traverse City can join and earn rewards from BEST WESTERN Rewards®, one of the hotel industry’s most generous hotel loyalty programs. Members can earn rewards that can be redeemed for free room nights around the globe with no blackout dates, dining, shopping and entertainment gift cards, gas cards, airline miles and more. Membership is free. Ask us about our “Elite Matching Program”.

To learn more or book a room at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Traverse City, visitbestwestern.com.

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 by Dallas Teague Snider

The Kansas City Financial District Welcomes Latest Hampton Inn by Hilton

The Kansas City Financial District Welcomes Latest Hampton Inn by Hilton

The property opens in downtown Kansas City

The Kansas City Financial District Welcomes Latest Hampton Inn by Hilton

The Kansas City Financial District Welcomes Latest Hampton Inn by Hilton

KANSAS CITY, Mo. and MCLEAN, Va. — Hilton Worldwide‘s (NYSE: HLT)Hampton by Hilton brand, the global mid-priced hotel that serves value-conscious and quality-driven travelers around the world, today announced the opening of its newest property, Hampton Inn by Hilton Kansas City/Downtown Financial District. The 74-room hotel joins the Hampton by Hilton family of more than 2,000 Hampton by Hilton and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton hotels. Located at 801 Walnut Street, the hotel is managed by Lodging One Hospitality, LLC.

Located just off of I-35, Hampton Inn by Hilton Kansas City/Downtown Financial District is nearby popular area attractions including Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Power and Light District and River Market.

“We are excited to welcome guests to our new location, truly in the heart of downtown,” said Carolyn Byrd, general manager. “Guests will experience a glimpse of history when they stay at our hotel, which is the former Gumbel Building built in 1904 and recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. The unique décor along with our accommodating staff will help to create a memorable stay for all of our guests.”

The hotel provides guests a fresh start to each day with On the House hot breakfast which includes eggs, oatmeal and waffles. In addition, the hotel provides Hampton‘s On the RunTM Breakfast Bags filled with a multi-grain bar, an apple, an artisan breakfast bread loaf and a bottle of water with a flavor packet for those guests on the go, available Monday through Friday.

Hampton Inn by Hilton Kansas City/Downtown Financial District also offers amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, a 24- hour business center with complimentary printing, a 1,500 square foot meeting space that can accommodate up to 100 people and a fitness center. Each guestroom includes the brand’s signature Clean and fresh Hampton bed®, LCD TV, a safe, refrigerator and coffeemaker.

Designed as an extension of the guestroom with a variety of seating and lighting options for both leisure and business travelers, the new hotel features the Perfect Mix Lobby. Within the lobby, guests can find Suite Shop, a food and beverage shop filled with snacks, toiletries, local merchandise and drinks for purchase. Each guest is guaranteed to be satisfied with every stay, or they don’t pay, and that’s the 100% HamptonGuarantee®.

Hampton by Hilton team members proudly exhibit a unique culture described as Hamptonality. This term describes each hotel’s approach to friendly customer service and anticipation of guests’ needs and providing travelers with helpful suggestions about area attractions, historical facts and fun things to do around town. Additionally, hotels are infused with local photography and artwork, highlighting each property’s connection and support to its own community.

Hampton Inn by Hilton Kansas City/Downtown Financial District participates in HiltonHHonors®, the only hotel loyalty program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® on the same stay and No Blackout Dates on reward stays. HHonors members always get our lowest price with our Best Price Guarantee, along with HHonors Points, digital check-in and no booking fees only when they book directly through Hilton. For more information or to make reservations, please visit,Hampton Inn by Hilton Kansas City/Downtown Financial District or call +1 816 474 9200.

Read more about Hampton by Hilton at www.hampton.com andnews.hampton.com.

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