Budget chain marks 25 yrs of true value

Cheap sleeps in Britain are 25 years old and will be celebrated on Monday with the unveiling of a plaque.
Travelodge launched the first budget hotel in the UK in 1985 on the A38 at Bartonunder-Needwood, Staffs. The company - now owned by private equity firm Dubai International Capital - has 438 hotels in the UK, with 11 in Ireland and three in Spain. It employs about 6,000 staff.

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Maldives Hotel Tourists Abused at Wedding Ceremony

A hotel in Maldives has had to apologize to a couple after they were subject to foul abuse in a language they didn’t understand. The couple thought that they were being blessed in an idyllic beach wedding ceremony. Maldives is a Muslim-majority nation and is one of the most exclusive honeymoon destinations in the world, with its economy relying mostly on tourism.
The Vilu Reef hotel says that it was unforgivable that a member of their staff conducted the marriage vows renewal while solemnly reading out a series of extreme religious and sexual slurs in Dhivehi. The owners, Sun Travel and Tours, said in a statement that the resort’s management is deeply saddened by the humiliating event.
A video of the ceremony has surfaced on YouTube, showing the supervisor insulting and mocking the unknown Swiss couple. They obeyed orders from the minister when to do certain things, while he called them infidels and swine, among a string of other insults and swears.
Hotel manager Mohamed Rasheed said that the worker who posted the video did it as a joke without realizing the seriousness of the possible consequences. Sun Travels chief executive Ahmed Shakir said that those directly responsible for the incident have been removed, suspended from duty and/or forbidden from leaving the staff area at the hotel. The company is also contacting the couple to apologize. Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed is horrified of the footage, and an investigation has been launched.

What video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3anLy3Hz9I

STARWOOD REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2010 RESULTS

Third Quarter 2010 Highlights

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special items, EPS from continuing operations was a loss of $0.03.

Excluding special items, EPS from continuing operations was $0.25. Including

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Adjusted EBITDA was $205 million.

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Including special items, the loss from continuing operations was $5 million.

Excluding special items, income from continuing operations was $47 million.

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in constant dollars) compared to the third quarter of 2009. System-wide REVPAR

for Same-Store Hotels in North America increased 10.6% (10.0% in constant

dollars).

Worldwide System-wide REVPAR for Same-Store Hotels increased 10.0% (11.1%

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Management and franchise revenues increased 7.7% compared to 2009.

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approximately 140 basis points.

Worldwide Same-Store company-operated gross operating profit margins increased

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10.8% (12.5% in constant dollars) compared to the third quarter of 2009. REVPAR

for Starwood branded Same-Store Owned Hotels in North America increased 12.5%

(11.2% in constant dollars).

Worldwide REVPAR for Starwood branded Same-Store Owned Hotels increased

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basis points.

Margins at Starwood branded Same-Store Owned Hotels Worldwide increased 110

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compared to 2009.

Operating income from vacation ownership and residential increased $10 million

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contracts representing approximately 4,500 rooms and opened 17 hotels and

resorts with approximately 3,300 rooms.

Read More:During the quarter, the Company signed 20 hotel management and franchise 

Marriott Outlines Plans for Ambitious Growth

Earnings by 2013 Could Reach New Highs; Approximately $3 to $5 Billion Could Be Returned to Shareholders Over Three Years
While highlighting its significant market opportunities and competitive advantages, Marriott International will tell security analysts and institutional investors in New York today, that, assuming growth scenarios of Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) of 5 to 9 percent compounded annually over the next three years, diluted earnings per share (EPS) could approximate $1.90 to $2.75 by 2013, well above the highest earnings per share (EPS) achieved during Marriott’s most recent peak earnings year of 2007. [Picture: The Waikiki EDITION.]

The company will say that total fee revenue could range from $1.57 billion to $1.87 billion and incentive management fees could nearly double through 2013 from 2010 estimated levels, ranging from $285 million to $440 million under those same RevPAR scenarios.

The company expects to add at least 80,000 to 90,000 hotel rooms to its portfolio from 2011 through 2013 with additional opportunities for 22,000 rooms to open in Europe and Asia during that same period.  Marriott has plans to adapt and expand current brands, such as Courtyard and Fairfield, to meet the growing needs of customers in markets worldwide.  The company will also be expanding its new brands outside of the United States, including EDITION, which just opened its first hotel on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, and the Autograph Collection. [Picture: Courtyard Mumbai International Airport]
J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of the company, said, “We are on the threshold of extraordinary growth for our company.  As we look ahead over three years, Marriott is poised to deliver substantial gains in bottom line results, as well as meaningful returns to hotel owners and shareholders, as our industry-leading portfolio of brands both recovers from the recent recession and grows worldwide.”
According to the company, having reduced net debt by almost $1.5 billion since the end of 2008, Marriott has already reached its targeted debt levels.  The company will say that it assumes it will invest $2.3 to $2.7 billion over the next three years.  The company could return between $3.3 billion and $5.3 billion to shareholders from 2011 through 2013 through dividends and share repurchases, while still maintaining its investment grade bond rating.  As of October 21, 2010, the company has resumed open market share repurchases, making modest repurchases to date.

Hilton Worldwide Adds Three New Hotel Deals to Russian Pipeline

MOSCOW, Russia – Hospitality Business News (27 October 2010) - Hilton Worldwide has today announced the signing of three hotel agreements in strategic regional locations in Russia. New hotels will open in Yaroslavl and Kazan, as well as Hilton Worldwide’s second hotel in Moscow. These new signings will significantly expand the group’s presence in Russia, with 11 hotels now open or under development, since entering the market in 2008.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development, Europe and Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Today’s announcement is an exciting milestone for Hilton Worldwide in Russia. We entered the market only two years ago and have seen remarkable expansion of our brands since then. We continue to see owners and investors eager to work with us, for both new build and conversion projects, attracted by our multi-brand offering and brand strength which resonate with domestic and international guests.”
Hilton Worldwide is currently represented by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn, and operates three hotels; Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya; Hilton Garden Inn Perm; and the recently opened Doubletree by Hilton, Novosibirsk, which began welcoming guests in September 2010.
Doubletree by Hilton, Moscow Leningradsky-Riverside - offering 270 guestrooms, the hotel will be located in the north-west of Moscow on the Leningradskoe Shosse between the city centre and the airport. The hotel is expected to open in the beginning of 2012. A yacht club and marina is located next to the hotel site and it will be possible to travel by water to reach downtown Moscow, as well as the Black and Baltic seas. The hotel will feature a full-service restaurant and bar, and dedicated fitness centre complete with indoor swimming pool. A total of 1,200-square metres of meeting space and ballroom is complemented by a state-of-the-art business centre and wireless internet access throughout the hotel. Doubletree by Hilton, Moscow Leningradsky-Riverside will be operated under a franchise agreement with Autoconcept Co LLC.
Hilton Garden Inn Yaroslavl - offering 179 guestrooms, the hotel will be located close to major transport links, just a few minutes from Moscovsky train station and the main city highway, which connects Yaroslavl to Moscow (250 kilometres). Yaroslavl is a major tourist destination in Russia; the old town was named by UNESCO as a world heritage site and is renowned for its 17th century churches and outstanding urban planning which dates back to 1763. Expected to open in spring 2012, the new build Hilton Garden Inn Yaroslavl will offer a restaurant, lobby bar as well as extensive meeting space of 576 square metres, including 10 meeting rooms and a ballroom. Hilton Garden Inn Yaroslavl will be operated under a franchise agreement with RESO Hotel Investments LLC.
Hilton Garden Inn Kazan - offering 171 guestrooms, the property will be located in the downtown area of Kazan city, close to the airport and Volga river port and in an area which is home to local business and commerce. Historic Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, recognised as a sovereign state by the Russian Federation, with a population of more than 1 million inhabitants. The city sees mainly corporate visitors, with a mix of leisure from predominantly domestic sources. Expected to open in spring 2014, the new build Hilton Garden Inn Kazan will offer an all-day restaurant, lobby bar, business centre, fitness facility and four meeting rooms. Hilton Garden Inn Kazan will be operated under a franchise agreement with Vostochnaya Zvezda LLC part of the London & Regional Properties Ltd group.
Russia is an important strategic development market for Hilton Worldwide. Most recently, the company announced the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Omsk, which is expected to open in 2014. Additional hotels under development include: Doubletree by Hilton, Perm, expected to open in 2012; Doubletree by Hilton, Sochi-Adler, Hilton Garden Inn Samara and Hilton Garden Inn Ulyanovsk, all expected to open in 2012

US group may take Maybourne hotels stake

US private equity company has emerged as a possible bidder for a stake in Maybourne, the London hotel company at the centre of the legal challenge that developer Paddy McKillen has taken against State assets agency Nama.
New York-based Northwood Investors is understood to be interested in taking a €230 million stake in Maybourne, owner of three upmarket hotels – Claridges, the Berkeley and the Connaught – in the English capital.

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Irish Hotel told staff to fake TripAdvisor reviews

An Irish hotel has been cautioned by global internet travel service TripAdvisor for posting fake reviews to boost its ratings.
The Clare Inn Hotel & Suites, which is part of the Lynch Hotel Group, has been given a "red badge" warning by TripAdvisor for reviews posted about its service.

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Nation's Unemployment Outlook Improves Drastically After Fifth Beer

WASHINGTON—Despite ongoing economic woes and a jobless rate that has been approaching 10 percent, U.S. unemployment projections drastically improved Monday after the consumption of five beers.
"It's going up," leading economist David Singleton said confidently, indicating the predicted growth in jobs with an upward wave of a Bud Light bottle. "All the way up. By the end of the month. No problem."

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Boy Believed To Be Next Reincarnation Of Regional KFC Manager Discovered In Chatfield, MN

LOUISVILLE, KY—According to sources at the corporate headquarters of fast food giant KFC, a young boy believed to be the third reincarnation of the chain's regional manager for eastern Georgia was discovered in Chatfield, MN Tuesday following an exhaustive five-year search.

The Chosen One, kindergartner Brian Thorson, was located by a special council of seven High Branch Managers selected from the most profitable KFC restaurants nationwide. In accordance with tradition, the boy will henceforth be known as Roger Purcell, the ceremonial title given to all who have previously overseen operations in eastern Georgia.

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The search is on... for Britain's best banger!

The organisers of British Sausage Week 2010 have named the lucky person who'll be judging this year's Star Sausages competition - "tough" Craig Revel Horwood of Strictly Come Dancing fame.

As part of British Sausage Week which kicks off on 1 November, Horwood will be helping to find the nation's favourite sausage as he takes on his role as this year's 'King of Sizzle'.
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Berkins Deli wins ‘Sausage of the Year’ award

Sausage maker, restaurateur and former butcher, Kevin Berkins, was presented with the accolade following the live final of the BPEX Foodservice Sausage of the Year competition 2010, held at London's Butchers Hall on Friday 22nd October.
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Carlson to build Radisson near Calgary airport

A global hotel chain has announced it plans to build a new hotel near the Calgary International Airport.
Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, said the 120-room Radisson Hotel would be built just over three kilometres from the airport at 6620 36th St. N.E.
Estimated cost of the Radisson Hotel and Conference Centre is $19 million US.

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Some hotel chains ditching the front desk

Two bloggers walk into a hotel ...

No, that’s not the opening line to a joke. We’re talking about two travelers who picked the same hotel chain — Andaz, a boutique Hyatt property. One stayed at a Los Angeles Andaz, the other at a New York City Andaz. Neither lobby contained a front desk — a budding hospitality-industry trend that’s equal parts chic and shrewd. The reviews: a wow in the West, and a wince in the East.

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RP-Malaysian venture issues $300-M bonds

MANILA, Philippines—Tourism and gaming firm Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., a joint venture between the group of tycoon Andrew Tan and Malaysia’s Genting Group, successfully debuted in the global bond market with a $300-million bond float.

The seven-year international bond issue carried a coupon of 6.9 percent, the lowest ever bond yield achieved by an Asian gaming firm. It also broke record for having the lowest coupon rate among unsecured US dollar bond offerings from gaming companies globally.

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U.S. Hotel Market Recovery Deteriorates in September

According to e-forecasting.com, in conjunction with Smith Travel Research (STR), announced this week that the HIP dropped in September. After an increase of 1.6 percent in August, HIP went down 2.2 percent in September.

HIP, the Hotel Industry Pulse Index, is a composite indicator that gauges business activity in the United States' hotel industry in real time, similar to a GDP measure for the industry. The latest monthly change brought the index to a reading of 87.9. The index was set to equal 100 in 2000.

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