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Renaissance New York Times Square Unveils New Guestrooms and Suites

Meetings, Travel

Renaissance New York Times Square continues to provide travelers with unparalleled experiences in the heart of Manhattan with the official debut of its completely redesigned 317 guestrooms and suites, following the earlier completion of its unique terrace suites. The hotel’s chic renovations pay homage to its bustling Times Square neighborhood and the area’s evolution as an iconic hub steeped in theatrical history.

“This redesign fully encapsulates the pulsating energy of this city,” said Renaissance New York Times Square General Manager Christine Devers. “We’ve created an authentic New York experience for guests to discover from the moment they enter their rooms.”

Dash Design, a leading NYC-based interior design and branding agency by founder David Ashen, was selected to spearhead the makeover. When envisioning the hotel’s new look, the firm aimed to inspire guests with a sense of endless discovery and unexpected twists at every turn.

“Every aspect of each guestroom is a piece of art,” said Dash Design President David Ashen. “We created a local pied-à-terre for guests with a vision to capture the pulsating energy of Times Square while paying reference to Broadway’s theatrical roots.”

Color palettes depict shades synonymous with New York City – cement gray represents the concrete jungle, white mimics markings on the street’s blacktop, and yellow accents evoke the New York City taxi. Guestroom windows and their ombre window treatments serve as frames for the theater that is Times Square. Above the bed, the ceiling steps in as a matte canvas featuring strokes of glossy, white feathers, a nod to a festive spirit of theater district. Refurbished bathrooms are outfitted with refinished vanities, cheeky artwork, and mirrors featuring a frosted outline of the city’s famed skyline. Carefully curated touches include multifunctional, custom-designed furniture, which transform from seating to storage, and NYC snow globes, which provide playful moments.

In essence, the design invites the guest to decide how to work, relax, and play in their personal space. At every turn is a moment of discovery.

To learn more or make reservations, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycrt-renaissance-new-york-times-square-hotel/ or call 212-765-7676.

Source: Renaissance New York Times Square

The St. Anthony Hotel announces new sales team appointments

Meetings, Travel

As the first luxury hotel in San Antonio, The St. Anthony Hotel is pleased to announce new sales team appointments with the promotion of Lena Gutierrez to sales account manager and Ana Francesca Garcia joining the team as a sales account executive.

Lena Gutierrez, Sales Account Manager

Formerly, an executive meeting manager, Lena has been with The St. Anthony Hotel for three years and has been in the hospitality industry for eight years. As sales account manager, Lena will be responsible for assisting groups in need of 40 rooms and above and coordinating corresponding meeting space. She will focus on the oil and gas, technology, real estate and agriculture industries.

“Lena has the creativity and strategic insight needed to assist groups with building exceptional events at The St. Anthony Hotel,” said Libby Nations, Director of Sales & Marketing for The St. Anthony Hotel. “She has a passion for the beauty of our property and weaves that into addressing the unique needs of group business.”

Prior to joining The St. Anthony Hotel team, Lena worked with Royal Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas where she was a catering and events assistant who helped to contract and execute weddings, golf tournaments, and various social events.

Ann Garcia, Sales Account Executive

Ana Garcia has joined The St. Anthony Hotel team as their new sales account executive. In this role, she focuses on assisting small meetings in need of 10-39 rooms per night.

“This is an important sector of our market as corporate and incentive meetings seek the luxury that The St. Anthony Hotel provides,” said Libby Nations, Director of Sales & Marketing for The St. Anthony Hotel. “Ana’s history in the hospitality industry and eager personality makes her an ideal addition to our team, especially in regards to the demands of the small meetings market.”

Ana is a graduate of the University of Houston where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. She has over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining The St. Anthony Hotel, she was the Spa Group Sales Manager and the Events Manager for Lake Austin Spa Resort. Ana is familiar with the Starwood brand, having worked at The Westin La Cantera Resort as well as the Starwood Call Center.

More information about the luxurious St. Anthony Hotel can be found at www.thestanthonyhotel.com.

Cambria Hotel Milwaukee Downtown announces August opening

Meetings, Travel

The new, sophisticated hotel serves as a hip destination in the up-and-coming metropolitan area, and was built by Chicago development company, Murphy Development Group (MDG). The hotel will be managed by Concord Hospitality, an award-winning hotel management company, and Murphy Asset Management (MAM), a subsidiary of MDG, will act as the Asset Manager. Located within walking distance of the Historic Third Ward, shores of Lake Michigan, Walker’s Point, and the RiverWalk District, Cambria Hotel Milwaukee Downtown is the quintessential destination for both residents and visitors alike with premier amenities, meeting space, and more.

A mid-rise oasis of luxury, the hotel features 132 modern guest rooms and suites, all curated by Stan Ramaker of the Fond du Lac-based M+A Design. The hotel includes 77 king rooms, 50 double queen rooms, and five elegant suites, each featuring wood floors, spa-style bathrooms with Bluetooth mirrors, Beautyrest St. Pierre Plush Mattresses and televisions with Smart Television technology capabilities.

“We are thrilled to open this new property,” said David Noel, General Manager of Cambria Hotel Milwaukee Downtown. “In light of Milwaukee’s strong identity, our team found endless inspiration that embraces the hotel’s overall design. Cambria Hotel Milwaukee Downtown will be a truly unique property within our brand. We are excited to see this project come together and bring this hotel into such an energetic and optimistic community, full of entrepreneurs and startups.”

Catering to a wide range of guests from business travelers to leisure visitors, Cambria Hotel Milwaukee Downtown includes 1,300 square feet of sleek, multi-function meeting space, a first floor indoor pool, state-of-the art fitness center, and intimate outdoor courtyard. Guests are invited to enjoy
and indulge in the stylish lobby, complete with a fireplace. Those looking for a quick bite to eat can take advantage of the gourmet bar and restaurant,complete with some of Milwaukee’s classic cuisine, small bites, local craft beers, and custom cocktails.

For more information on Cambria Hotel Milwaukee, please visit https://www.cambriamilwaukee.com/ or call (414) 223-4484.

Source: Cambria Hotel Milwaukee

Rosen Hotels & Resorts is honoring active and retired military

Travel

Rosen Hotels & Resorts is honoring active and retired military during the month of May – National Military Appreciation Month – by offering an incredible half-off discount on accommodations at four of its family-friendly, leisure hotels. As an added thank you, all food and beverage outlets at the four leisure hotels also will provide a 50% discount, (excluding alcohol) to these American heroes. Nearby Shingle Creek Golf Club, part of the Rosen Hotels’ collection, is extending a $69 rate for greens fees for military in May.

The deal is open to active duty and retired members of the U.S.military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and National Guard or Reservists at Rosen Inn International, Rosen Inn, closest to Universal and Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando (all three are located on famed International Drive) and Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista (located near Walt Disney World).

Amenities include refrigerator, microwave, safety deposit box and free Wi-Fi in all guestrooms. You’ll feel safe and secure at all hotels with 24-hour uniformed security and free parking with gated entrances. Guests will enjoy swimming pool, convenience store, children’s playground (at select properties), buffet restaurant and lounge at each hotel. Kids eat free when accompanied by a paying adult, for ages 5 and under, at breakfast and dinner buffets. Limit one free child per paying adult. Discounted children’s prices available for ages 6-10. Guests also have access to complimentary scheduled shuttles to some theme parks. Shuttle details available on hotel websites. At Rosen Hotels & Resorts, there is never a resort fee.
Each is ideal for families, couples and individuals, the perfect choice for an Orlando vacation. Choose from:

Rosen Inn International, a Universal Partner Hotel, is at the center of International Drive, just minutes away from world-famous entertainment and all that Orlando has to offer. Here you’ll find 728 classically-styled guestrooms, two seasonally-heated swimming pools, playground, video game room and a fitness center.

Rosen Inn, closest to Universal, a Universal Partner Hotel, is best for vacationers who want to be nearby all the excitement. The hotel features more than 300 guestrooms with private baths and technology-friendly accommodations. It has amenities like a seasonally-heated swimming pool, fitness center and video arcade game room to keep the whole family entertained. Enjoy evening dining at SHOGUN Japanese Teppanyaki Steakhouse and Sakura Sushi and Bar.

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, a Universal Partner Hotel, is located right across the street from the dining and entertainment center, Pointe Orlando, close to Orlando’s many attractions and just 60-90 minutes from either Florida coast. The hotel has 1,020 guestrooms, three swimming pools, video game room, outdoor pool table, playground, fitness center, coffee bar, featuring Starbucks and ice-cream as well as on-site ticket center.

SOURCE ROSEN HOTELS

Brand USA’s marketing initiatives drove record international visitor spending and economic impact in Fiscal Year 2018

Meetings, Travel

Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, announced that a study by Oxford Economics shows Brand USA’s marketing efforts are generating a high return on investment (ROI) and driving significant incremental international visitation and spend, which is helping to fuel the nation’s economy.

The report shows Brand USA has consistently driven strong results over the past six years, including record results in Fiscal Year 2018 (FY2018) for incremental international visitor spending, tax revenues generated, and total economic impact.

Highlights of the study show Brand USA’s marketing efforts in FY2018 alone (October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2018) helped drive:

13 million incremental international visitors to the USA who spent
$4.1 billion on travel and fare receipts with U.S. carriers, and generated
$1.17 billion in federal, state, and local taxes and
$8.9 billion in total economic impact, and supported
52,305 incremental U.S. jobs

The resulting FY2018 marketing ROI was 32:1—meaning that every $1 Brand USA spent on marketing generated $32 in spend by international visitors.

The study also shows that the cumulative results of Brand USA’s marketing efforts over the past six years (FY2013 through FY018) has helped bring:
6 million incremental visitors to the USA who spent
$21.8 billion on travel and fare receipts with U.S. carriers, and generated
$6.2 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, and
$47.7 billion in total economic impact, which has supported, on average,
Nearly 52,000 incremental U.S. jobs each year

The six-year results equate to an average marketing ROI of 28:1.
“International visitation is an important driver for the nation’s economy—benefiting a wide range of industries well beyond travel and tourism,” said Christopher L. Thompson, president and CEO of Brand USA.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, international travel to the United States is the nation’s top services export and represents 11 percent of all U.S. exports, contributing a $77.4 billion trade surplus.

“The FY2018 ROI study reinforces the effectiveness of our promotional campaigns and how our efforts are supporting communities and employment throughout the country. The United States provides international travelers more value in its diversity of experiences than any other place in the world, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners to market the USA as the ultimate travel destination,” added Thompson.

Each year, Brand USA deploys a number of market-driven platforms and programs as part of its mission to increase incremental international visitation, spend, and market share for the United States in order to fuel the U.S. economy and enhance the image of the USA with worldwide travelers.
Brand USA also collaborates with federal partners to communicate U.S. visa and entry policies and correct misperceptions about those policies as required by the Travel Promotion Act.

The Oxford Economics study includes an analysis of Brand USA’s work in nine markets – Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and the United Kingdom—and also considers the organization’s total impact in other international markets where Brand USA’s marketing was active during the year via consumer, trade outreach, and cooperative marketing programs.

Source: Brand USA

New Executive Chef at Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort Looks to Redefine Hotel Dining Experience in Chicago Suburbs

Meetings, Travel

The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center is putting an exclamation point on a multi-year, $25 million property wide transformation with the introduction of a transcendent Executive Chef. Chicago-native Victor Martinez, who’s worked his way up from his father’s bistro as a teen to some of the most respected kitchens in the country, now looks to redefine hotel dining in the suburbs. By bringing an experiential, farm-to-fork culture to culinary operations at Oak Brook Hills Resort, Victor is setting out to change the way people think about hotel food outside the city.

“I see through ingredients, into their soul,” says Victor. “Where they came from, what they’re intended to be. My cooking philosophy is to tell the ingredients’ story.”

Shadowing that sentiment, Victor’s elevated food program at his new suburban retreat, from banquets to restaurant service, incorporates a classically-trained French ideology that highlights the integrity of ingredients. He’s focusing heavily on hyperlocal sourcing so that he can build relationships with his materials. When in season, fresh produce for recipes will come from the expansive Chef’s Gardens located on the Resort’s 150 acres of Audubon-certified grounds. Another interesting culinary component that Victor integrates into all his menus is the widespread use of house honey, farmed on-site in the Resort’s Hive Garden. He’s doing things differently in Oak Brook to give people opportunities to have authentic experiences in the moment.

“Bringing a sense of mindfulness to the table is a key element of who I am as a cook,” adds Victor, “and a reason why people will want to return to rediscover the Resort!”

If given the opportunity, Victor encourages people to get to know what goes into a recipe before eating it. Some of the unique ways diners can have an interactive experience at Oak Brook Hills Resort is by: picking their own veggies and herbs from the Chef’s Gardens for use in their dishes, observing (in protective suits) the resident beekeepers farming for honey, enjoying a private tasting with Chef in his office, or shopping for fresh ingredients at the Resort Farmer’s Markets (hosted periodically on-site).

Victor’s upbringing in the kitchen is where he honed his love for cooking. His earliest memories are working at his father’s bistro growing up in Chicago, beginning as a dish washer and eventually helping with food prep. It was at that time when young Victor was first inspired by his dad’s passion for cuisine and longed for the Chef’s life. After culinary school, Victor’s resume quickly took shape within the hotel Food & Beverage world. There was a first brush with Oak Brook Hills Resort, followed by Hyatt, Sofitel, and Four Seasons – where he started to look at cooking as an art form. Victor eventually received a high-profile position for Hilton Corporation, helping run the show at the luxurious Conrad Chicago, before ultimately returning “home” to where his heart is, Oak Brook Hills Resort.

“We’re committed to setting the bar for excellence after relaunching this Resort as the Hidden Gem of the Suburbs,” says General Manager Steven Ellingsen. “To help us cultivate our new culture and give guests an experience that’s top-notch, we’ve identified an extraordinary Chef who can take us there.”

Victor takes over a culinary program at Oak Brook Hills Resort that already had a strong reputation for chef-driven execution. At the Resort’s restaurant outlets, B., a contemporary farm-fresh dinner concept, and Tin Cup, an all-day gastropub, he’s committed to seasonal menu diversity and simple preparations accented by dynamic flavors. In addition, the Resort hosts some of the suburb’s most esteemed private banquets and public holiday brunches, such as the upcoming Easter from the Chef’s Table event, all of which center on the wide-ranging skills of the Executive Chef.

“Our desire is to be regarded as one of the leading Resorts in the Midwest,” asserts Steven. “With the talents of Victor Martinez now on board and an outstanding new culinary approach, we can honestly say we’ve reached the next level!”

About the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center:
The Midwest’s premier lifestyles and conference resort is nestled away in the upscale suburb of Oak Brook, Illinois – just 30 minutes west of Chicago. After a 4-year property wide renovation culminating in late 2018, the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center is now considered “The Hidden Gem of the Suburbs” (3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523). Designed by hospitality architecture visionaries O’Kelly Kasprak, the new look of the Resort carries a stylish aura reminiscent of the Golden Age of Leisure. The designers have created a chic identity at the IACC-certified 150-acre property, where modern innovation meets mid-century elegance. With over 42,500 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, the resort is an ideal venue for conferences, weddings, banquets or social functions. The 386 guestrooms and 39 suites are complemented by an all-season tented pavilion, full exercise and spa facilities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and the 18-hole Championship Willow Crest Golf Club. The artistic talents of Executive Chef Victor Martinez can be seen throughout the resort’s culinary program, from catering to the resort’s two signature restaurants, a farm-to-fork called B. and a gastropub, Tin Cup. Visit http://www.oakbrookhillsresort.com for reservations or call the hotel direct at 630.850.5555.

SOURCE: Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort

Visit Plano Appoints New Convention Services Coordinator

Meetings

Visit Plano has promoted Lalaina Alvarez to the position of Convention Services Coordinator.

Alvarez has held an internship with Visit Plano for over a year. In her new role, she will manage all logistics, arrangements, and services for Visit Plano clients once they have been booked in Plano by the Visit Plano sales team. She will also assist meeting planners in coordinating events in each of Visit Plano’s targeted market segments including corporate, association, government, sports, and SMERF (social, military, educational, religious, and fraternal).

Alvarez earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs degree in May 2018 from the University of Texas at Dallas, where she will also complete her Masters of Public Affairs degree in May 2019.

Source: Visit Plano

The Wigwam invites Meeting Planners to enjoy nine ways to save

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To celebrate its 90th anniversary, the historic Arizona resort is offering 9 ways to save on everything that goes into group stays, including guest rooms, food & beverage, spa services, golf and more.

In celebration of 90 years as a Southwestern oasis resort, The Wigwam is excited to continue its incredible generosity by offering groups and meeting planners unbeatable perks through 2019. Complete with extensive meeting facilities, easy convenience to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale, the historic 440-acre desert oasis’ new 2019 offerings for groups and meeting planners – 9 Ways to Save – is offering incredible incentives and savings.

As the authentic Southwestern retreat celebrates 90 years of welcoming guests, The Wigwam’s newest promotion is offering 9 different deals and steals on all group travel for stays from April 1 – December 31, 2019. The resort can prorate all benefits to fit groups of any size, including the small and intimate. The historic milestone brings more than incredible savings on room nights with 9 benefits including:

$9.00 rebate per full price group rate credit to the master
$9.00 resort fee (normally $30.00)
90% retail pricing on audio-visual
90% retail pricing on standard banquet menus
9 upgrades to suites per 100 rooms
9 complimentary VIP amenities per 100 rooms
$90 staff room rates – 1:90 ratio
90% retail pricing on contracted golf
90% retail pricing on spa block treatments

Book now through April 30, 2019 to receive this offer. Cannot be combined with any additional offers and concessions. Existing contracts may not be amended. Based on availability.

The Wigwam is an ideal destination for productive and inspiring meetings year-round. The resort has 30,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and 55,000 square feet of outdoor event space, which consists of 25 separate meeting rooms and 10 intimate outdoor spaces.

For more information on the 9 Ways to Save promotion or to book meetings and events at The Wigwam, call (833)721-5047 or email WigwamSalesOnline@wigwamarizona.com.

Visit Anaheim Welcomes New Meeting Sales Manager, Kelly Piva

Meetings

Kelly Piva is Visit Anaheim’s new meeting sales manager. Stationed in Chicago, Kelly will oversee self-contained group, meeting and convention accounts based in the Midwest that are in need of 999 sleeping rooms on peak and under. This will allow her to deliver a broad range of options across Anaheim and Orange County.

 As an event professional with over eight years in the industry, Kelly has served as the operations manager at Hannover Fairs, USA. Prior to that, she was an event manager at SmithBucklin, one of the world’s largest association management companies.

“Kelly’s drive and enthusiasm make her an ideal fit for Visit Anaheim’s meeting sales team,” said Mariles Krok, senior director of meeting sales for Visit Anaheim. “Additionally, her experience working as a planner for clients in the association, incentive, and corporate space will help her anticipate planner needs and be a critical extension of their teams.”

Kelly graduated magna cum laude from Taylor University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. She is originally from Arkansas and has spent the last seven years in downtown Chicago. Additionally, Kelly speaks fluent Portuguese as she lived in Brazil during her teenage years.

Source: Visit Anaheim

Apple Leisure Group and HOTEL expand partnership with new resort in Tulum, Mexico

Travel

AMResorts®, an Apple Leisure Group® (ALG) brand, and Grupo Hotelero Santa Fe, one of the leaders of Mexico’s hotel industry, announced a new resort management deal that will bring Breathless® Resorts & Spas to Tulum.

AMResorts will oversee brand management, sales and marketing of the resort, while HOTEL will be responsible for operating the property. ALG is the world’s top seller of vacation packages to Mexico, Dominican Republic and Jamaica, and one of the largest to the Caribbean, from the U.S., moving 2.3 million passengers annually to these regions.

“Our strong relationship with Grupo Hotelero Santa Fe demonstrates ALG is the right resort brand management partner for owners seeking to maximize their investments through our powerful distribution channels,” said Javier Coll, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of ALG. “As Tulum welcomed more than 300,000 visitors* this summer alone, we are excited to expand our presence in one of Mexico’s top travel destinations.”

Breathless Tulum Resort & Spa, a Grand Tourism category resort as designated by the Mexican Secretary of Tourism, is slated to open in 2021 and will be comprised of 300 suites offering the brand’s Unlimited-Luxury® vacation concept where everything is included: gourmet dining, 24-hour room and concierge services, an unlimited premium beverage program, daily refreshed mini bar, daytime activities, live nighttime entertainment, included taxes and gratuities, and more – all without wristbands. The property will also boast a stunning beach club that will raise the bar to a new level in the entire region.

“Breathless is the perfect match for Tulum, as it is the first to offer all the services and amenities of a Grand Tourism category property in the area, which will allow more sophisticated travelers to reach this destination,” said Francisco Zinser Cieslik, Executive Vice President of Grupo Hotelero Santa Fe.

The companies first announced their partnership earlier this year, co-branding three resorts in Punta Cancun, Los Cabos and Nuevo Vallarta under AMResorts’ new brand, Reflect® Resorts & Spas and Krystal Grand®.

AMResorts is a resort brand management company with 54 resorts in its current portfolio, plus 10,000 rooms under development. The brand is a recognized leader in the luxury all-inclusive sector, possessing a global sales, marketing and brand management platform, and a portfolio of over 20,000 rooms under several award-winning brands in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.

This development is aligned with Grupo Hotelero Santa Fe’s diversification strategy which contemplates growth in the resort segment with partners. With this deal, Group Hotelero Santa Fe’s portfolio will reach 28 hotels and 6,932 rooms in 18 cities across Mexico, including hotels currently in construction or expansion.

Source: Apple Leisure Group

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