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Visit Plano announces new Sales Manager and Convention Services Coordinator

Visit Plano has promoted two staff members to the positions of SMERF & Government Sales Manager and Convention Services Coordinator.

Visit Plano’s former Convention Services Coordinator Blaire Zahn has been named SMERF (social, military, educational, religious, and fraternal) & Government Sales Manager, and intern Liz Navarette has been promoted to the position of Convention Services Coordinator.

In her new role, Zahn will be responsible for booking SMERF and government conventions, meetings, events and securing hotel room nights in Plano.

Prior to joining Visit Plano in December 2016, Zahn was Tourism Director at the Mineral Wells Convention & Visitors Bureau. She brings a diverse background and numerous talents to Plano. Her extensive experience in the tourism industry also includes positions with The Fairmont Dallas, Banana Azul Hotel, the Carolina Renaissance Festival, Visit Southlake and Sustainable Travel International. Zahn holds a Master of Science in International Sustainable Tourism and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management, both from the University of North Texas.

Navarette 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).

Navarette received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and minored in Kinesiology at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. She played on their women’s soccer team for four years and graduated from the Redwine Honors Program. Before interning with Visit Plano, she also completed an administrative and marketing internship with Midwestern’s Athletic Department.

Meliá Hotels International Accelerates Its Growth In The Asia Pacific To Reach 45 Hotels In The Region With China, Vietnam, Thailand And Malaysia To Host new company hotels

Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, Executive Vice President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, as well as the COO, André P. Gerondeau and the Global Development Managing Director Maria Zarraluqui, have completed another annual tour of Asia Pacific accompanied by the Regional Vice President Bernardo Cabot. During this trip, they visited several key destinations in China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand, amongst others. Whilst in the APAC, Escarrer signed agreements for severalnew hotels with major local partners, taking the total number of hotels in the region to 45. Meliá has grown quickly in Asia Pacific, adding more than 30 hotels over the last five years and multiplying its portfolio in the region by five.

Of the 44 hotels in operation or in the pre-opening phase, 16 are in Indonesia, 10 in China, seven in Vietnam, four in Thailand, five in Malaysia, one in Mongolia and one in Myanmar. Meliá Hotels International has also developed a service program adapted to Chinese guests to ensure hotels all over the world are better prepared to meet the needs and expectations of this increasingly powerful market. The company expects to add new hotels by the end of the year.

In China, Meliá Hotels International will add a new hotel under the Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand, Meliá Xueye Lake, which is in Shandong province next to the prosperous city of Ji’nan where Meliá already operates the Meliá Jinan. In Thailand, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, the company adds two new Meliá Hotels & Resorts: the Meliá Chiang Mai and INNSIDE Bangkok Sukhumvit.

In Vietnam, Meliá has signed another new property: Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat, situated in the beautiful Vietnamese countryside to the west of Hanoi. Gabriel Escarrer, Executive Vice President and CEO at Meliá also signed an agreement for the future Meliá Bukit Tinggi in the state of Pahang in Malaysia. The company’s portfolio and pipeline already includes four hotels in Malaysia.

Gabriel Escarrer said: “The size of this market, the strong organic growth we are seeing in China and Southeast Asia, and the progressive growth in revenues in the region, lead us to predict that in the medium term the region will make a contribution as important to company results as Cuba represented after its addition 30 years ago.”

Committed to alliances with major partners
The company has been operating in Asia Pacific for 30 years, and the region is a perfect example of its business model, focused on the addition of hotels under management agreements rather than through acquisitions. This is a key feature of the company’s growth strategy. Bernardo Cabot, Senior Vice President in the Asia Pacific said: “Meliá has an attractive value proposition for hotel owners and investors, thanks to its know-how, its extensive portfolio of leading brands, and its human potential and service culture, which increase its appeal in such a demanding market as Asia.”

The relevance of the APAC markets is developing for Meliá Hotels International year-on-year, considering both the inbound and the outbound travellers. In line with the company’s strategic commitment to and importance of the Asian market, the new management agreements signed by Gabriel Escarrer will strengthen the relationships of the company with important financial and real estate groups in the region, such as Greentown China, TCC-Land in Thailand and Aurelian Land SDN BHD.

Source: Melia Hotels International

MEET WELL, BE WELL AT SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, SINGAPORE

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore announces its “Meet Well, Be Well” meeting package to help corporate and MICE guests focus on wellness, even during business trips. Following the complete nature-inspired redesign and renovation of the hotel’s Tower Wing, the innovative holistic wellness meeting experience is designed to engage and energize. For bookings of at least 20 rooms or more in any of the newly-renovated events spaces at the Mezzanine level of the brand new Tower Wing, guests will receive the following privileges:

– Wellness-enhanced coffee breaks
– Option for participants to enjoy a healthy two-course “Super Food” lunch, instead of buffet lunch at The Line
– Option of a room-delivered Breakfast Power Pack or buffet breakfast at The Line
– A complimentary room with Horizon Club access per night for every 20 confirmed and paid guestrooms
– One complimentary meeting package for every 20 confirmed and paying participants
– 20% savings on treatments at CHI, The Spa
– A mindful meditation group session

With an advance notice of seven days, guests who are in the hotel for meetings may also register for any of the following morning activities:

– Morning run to Singapore Botanic Gardens led by a member of the hotel’s management team (45 minutes)
– Private yoga session at Banyan Deck (30 minutes)
– Singapore’s only AquaSpin class in the swimming pool (30 minutes)
– Neighborhood power walk (30 minutes)

The Meet Well, Be Well meetings package is in line with Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore’s wellness philosophy of taking into consideration guests’ well-being from a holistic perspective – physical, mental and nutritional. Business guests attending meetings and conferences can also look forward to breaks that energize and nourish the body and mind such as healthy food options and group meditation.

The wellness experience is enhanced by Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore’s Tower Wing nature-inspired renovation, which was unveiled in July 2017. The redesign embraces natural elements like water, wind, wood and stone, which act as a potent de-stressor, as plants can lower anx iety levels and improve well-being. The redesign can be found in all aspects of the wing, from art installations like a moss and stone wall in the lobby, to regionally-sourced sustainable material used in guestroom furniture.

Whether guests are corporate executives who need to sustain their energy for power meetings, or families on staycations, the wellness experience extends beyond meetings and dining. A comprehensive Eat Well at Shangri-La menu for adults and a healthy children’s menu called Junior Bites is offered at The Line, pool-side and in-room, designed to be balanced and contain nutrient-dense, whole foods to promote multiple health benefits. Guest rooms are stocked with healthy snacks in the mini bar, and Shophouse by Shangri-La offers healthy fruit and vegetable juices and other treats.

To integrate the overall wellness experience, the hotel also offers tailored stays, dining, meetings, spa and holistic activities to encourage a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

The wellness experience is enhanced by Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore’s Tower Wing nature-inspired renovation, which was unveiled in July 2017. The redesign embraces natural elements like water, wind, wood and stone, which act as a potent de-stressor, as plants can lower anxiety levels and improve well-being. The redesign can be found in all aspects of the wing, from art installations like a moss and stone wall in the lobby, to regionally-sourced sustainable material used in guestroom furniture.

The Meet Well, Be Well meetings package is valid for bookings until December 30, 2017. For group bookings and further information, please email the hotel’s meetings specialist hazel.lim@shangri-la.com, or call +65 6213 4919.

About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently operates over 95 hotels with a room inventory of over 40,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in Australia, mainland China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. For more information, please visit www.shangri-la.com.

LBA Hospitality’s Dual-Branded Hotel Now Serving Guests in Clearwater Beach, Florida

LBA Hospitality is proud to announce Residence Inn Clearwater Beach and SpringHill Suites Clearwater Beach are now open. Developed by 3H Group, Inc. who entered a joint venture with Key International upon opening, the Marriott dual-branded hotels will include 140-suite Residence Inn and 115-suite SpringHill Suites in Clearwater Beach. Located at 309 Coronado Drive, the hotels offer access to the Clearwater Beach Marina, downtown Clearwater, Pier 60, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Sand Key Park, the Cleveland Street District and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.

Co-located under one roof, the fusion of these two unique and powerful Marriott brands on Clearwater Beach allows guests to take advantage of a variety of room types, amenities and services at one address, while providing common social space for the ultimate experience. For example, the properties share an outdoor swimming pool with an expanded sun deck and marina views, a state-of-the-art fitness center and covered valet parking for the guests’ enjoyment.

To accommodate larger parties, the hotel features three separate meeting rooms including The Coronado Room, The Mandalay Room and The Gulfview Room, a total of over 2,400 square feet of meeting space. Both hotels are pet friendly and offer complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi and Marriott’s new MVP Guest Entertainment Technology featuring over 40 HD channels, an interactive guide and streaming capabilities for Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Pandora and Crackle. In addition, the property includes 7,000 square feet of ground floor upscale retail space for shopping and dining and ideal proximity to the marina, all ideal forms of entertainment while on the coast.

“We are pleased to offer two brand-new, centrally located hotels in Clearwater Beach,” said LBA President Beau Benton. “This new property marks LBA’s first time managing in the market and offers us the chance to serve more visitors, business travelers and families looking for an affordable, convenient and enjoyable stay in two outstanding custom-designed hotels.”

The Residence Inn Clearwater Beach is designed for stays of five nights or more and offers a variety of guest room options such as studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites featuring plush mattresses, crisp linens, a well-lit work desk, ergonomic chair and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. In addition, each Residence Inn suite has a fully-equipped kitchen with a coffeemaker, microwave oven and residential-sized appliances. Beyond the rooms, road warriors and families alike can enjoy the hotel’s grocery delivery service, 24-hour onsite food and beverage market, dry cleaning services and onsite guest laundry room.

Additionally, the new SpringHill Suites Clearwater Beach offers guests a fresh take on mixing business with pleasure by providing enhancements to help them enjoy their time away. Features include separate living, working and sleeping spaces with a modern, stylish design for flexibility and functionality highlighting an exclusive assortment of furniture and accessories from the hotel’s partnership with West Elm. From the guest rooms to the lobby, every aspect of design – from furniture and lighting to colors and fabrics – has been carefully designed to evoke calm and refreshing spaces that allow guests to relax and recharge. The lobby features a brand new design that adds depth and sophistication to the décor and therefore is a great venue for conducting casual meetings or to socialize.

To support the growth of these two hotels, LBA Hospitality has named Ron Bitz general manager and Kelly Clark director of sales. Bitz, who has over 35 years of hospitality experience, most recently served the southeast region’s Hampton Inn and Suites and Hilton Garden Inns as area general manager. As his complement, Clark brings 15 years of hospitality experience to her position at this new Marriott dual-branded property. In her last role of director of sales at a Hilton hotel in the area, she strategically grew revenue for the property and built long-lasting relationships with prominent members of the community.

For more information, visit LBA’s full list of properties on their website here, including Residence Inn Clearwater Beach and Spring Hill Suites Clearwater Beach.

About LBA Hospitality
Founded in 1973, LBA Hospitality is a full-scale hotel management, development and consulting firm. With more than 70 properties in 10 states, LBA Hospitality is the premier hotel developer for the South- east. For more information, visit www.lbahospitality.com.

Kimpton Aertson Hotel offers special meeting package

Kimpton Aertson Hotel features more than 8,600 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meetings and events space on its 8th and 17th floors. Music City provides a spectacular backdrop to the spaces on both floors with unobstructed views and F&B menus overseen by James Beard Award-winning chef RJ Cooper, creating an unforgettable experience. All spaces are bright with windows and views of downtown Nashville and direct access to an exclusive outdoor terrace.

Special package:
· Save up to 30% when you only need 6 to 25 rooms, based on availability
· Outdoor rooftop pool, seating area, fire pit and cabanas all located on the 8th floor (where most of the meeting space is located)
· Kimpton-style extras to perk-up your stay

o Hosted wine hour every evening with the GM
o Yoga mats in every room
o Pet-friendly – NO FEES for pets
· Central to famed Nashville live music and other attractions
o Located in Nashville’s Midtown neighborhood, just blocks from Music Row and within walking distance of bars and restaurants
· Complimentary WiFi on all devices

Associated Luxury Hotels International Adds Three New Member Hotels to its Southeast U.S. Collection

Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) has expanded its worldwide portfolio and Southeast U.S. options with the recent addition of three new member hotels. This includes: the 450-room The Guest House at Graceland resort, which opened in October 2016 in Memphis, Tennessee; the oceanfront 404-room Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort on the Northeast Florida coast; and the grand new Hotel Bennett, opening in early spring 2018 in scenic Charleston, South Carolina. The ALHI Global Sales Organization now represents the hotels to the North American and European meetings, conventions and incentive market, according to ALHI’s Chief Sales Officer Mark Sergot.

ALHI features a distinguished portfolio of more than 250 luxury-level and upper-upscale hotels and resorts worldwide, plus 23 luxury cruise ships appropriate for meetings and incentive programs, and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) in 100-plus locations worldwide. All of ALHI’s member hotels and resorts are either independent or are with an independent hotel brand, and specialize in serving the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions/Conferences and Exhibitions/Events (M.I.C.E.) marketplace.

“These three new members are very special and unique in their own way, with terrific appeal to both meeting and incentive groups,” said Sergot. “Located on beautifully landscaped property just a few steps from the gates of Elvis’ renowned Graceland, The Guest House at Graceland is a wonderful new option for planners. Featuring a truly picturesque setting overlooking the Atlantic, Omni Amelia Island Plantation provides world-class accommodations, indoor and outdoor event facilities and on-site offerings. While the elegant Hotel Bennett will open this spring in historic and beloved Charleston. We are proud to showcase these fine properties to meeting professionals, incentive specialists and business executives throughout North America and Europe.”

Inspired by the iconic Graceland Mansion, the AAA Four-Diamond The Guest House at Graceland opened this past fall as the most significant enhancement to Graceland since it opened to the public in 1982, and was the largest hotel project in Memphis in over 90 years. In addition to the 450 beautifully appointed and spacious guest rooms and suites, the resort hotel offers more than 17,000 square feet of meeting space, which includes the 10,700-square-foot Grand Ballroom and a state-of-the-art 464-seat theater which is perfect for group presentations and live events. Known for its warm Southern hospitality, the resort also features two full-service restaurants with indoor/outdoor seating, a lobby bar, an expansive outdoor pool, and a manicured lawn space that can accommodate a 400-person tent for outdoor events. The resort is just three miles from Memphis International Airport (MEM).

Nestled on 1,350 acres at the tip of a barrier island just off the Northeast Florida coast, Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort features 404 oceanfront guest rooms, each featuring a private balcony or patio facing the ocean. The legendary destination resort also offers 80,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, which includes a new 16,825-square-foot ballroom, 13,200 square feet of pre-function space and a new 11,000-square-foot event lawn. In addition, the hotel features 10 restaurants, world-class resort pools, 54 holes of championship golf, a full-service spa, 23 tennis courts, kayaking, paddle boarding, and many other recreational options. The resort is 45 minutes from downtown Jacksonville, and 29 miles from Jacksonville International Airport. Private and corporate aircraft charters also can fly directly to Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, just four miles north of the resort.

Slated to debut this spring, the exceptional new Hotel Bennett features an ideal location on picturesque Marion Square, the most famous green space in the city, which is the site for such events as the Charleston Wine + Food Festival and the popular Charleston Farmer’s Market. Blending unparalleled luxury with a prominent setting, the grand hotel is located on a historic site that formerly housed the Charleston Library and the original west wing of The Citadel. In addition to offering 179 finely-appointed guest rooms and suites with custom furnishings, the hotel will feature 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, which will include a 6,600-square-foot ballroom, a terrace overlooking Marion Square, and event spaces with sweeping city views. Plus, the hotel will have a two-tiered restaurant offering outdoor dining, a rooftop pool, a spa, a retail shop and a lobby bar. Charleston International Airport (CHS) is just 20 minutes away.

The Guest House at Graceland becomes ALHI’s second member hotel in Memphis, joining the world-famous and legendary The Peabody Memphis. Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort becomes ALHI’s fourth option in Northeast Florida, joining the dazzling 193-room One Ocean Resort & Spa, the graceful and stylish 66-room The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach and the AAA Five-Diamond, 249-room Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Hotel Bennett is ALHI’s second member in Charleston, joining the sophisticated 434-room Belmond Charleston Place.

For more information about ALHI, any of its member hotels and resorts or Global Luxury Alliance members worldwide, contact your nearest ALHI Global Sales Office. For specific contacts, go to alhi.com to identify the nearest “ALHI Team” sales professionals in your area. Or, call the “ALHI Group Desk” toll-free in the U.S. at 866-303-ALHI (2544), and visit alhi.com .

About ALHI, with 250 Hotels & Resorts + Alliance Members
ALHI, established in 1986, is the leading independent Global Sales Organization serving the meetings and incentive marketplace, providing one-call access for its distinguished membership of more than 250 luxury-level hotels and resorts, which are either independent or are with an independent hotel brand. Hired and authorized by member properties, ALHI features a distinctive portfolio of exquisite resorts, luxury-level city center business hotels, historic grand landmark hotels, lifestyle hotels, and boutique hotels. ALHI’s portfolio also features a Global Luxury Alliance partnership including 23 luxury cruise ships appropriate for meetings and incentive programs, and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) in 100-plus locations worldwide. ALHI offers 21 Global Sales offices in the U.S., Canada and now London, providing extensive Global Sales services, valuable expertise, local connectivity, market intelligence, and account advocacy for meetings and incentive programs of any size and scope worldwide, at no cost to accounts. alhi.com

Sofitel Singapore City Centre opens as AccorHotels’ 800th hotel in Asia Pacific Ushers in new levels of luxury in the ‘Lion City’

AccorHotels has announced that the highly anticipated Sofitel Singapore City Centre will open its doors in October and will be the group’s landmark 800th hotel in Asia Pacific. Nestled amidst historic shop houses and towering skyscrapers, the 223-room luxury hotel is elegantly designed, reflecting Singapore’s rich cultural heritage with undeniable French flair.

“The unveiling of Sofitel Singapore City Centre marks an important milestone for AccorHotels as we continue to strengthen our presence in the region,” says Michael Issenberg, Chairman & CEO of AccorHotels Asia Pacific. “I am pleased to announce that this flagship hotel is our 800th property in Asia-Pacific and opens at a time when we are focused on strengthening our luxury credentials globally.”

An oasis at the heart of historic Tanjong Pagar, the hotel is strategically situated just 20 minutes from Singapore’s Changi Airport. It will be AccorHotels’ 13th hotel in Singapore and will be shortly followed by a combined 782-room Novotel and Mercure complex which will open on Stevens Road, firmly cementing the group’s position as the largest hotel operator in Singapore.

Guests entering Sofitel Singapore City Centre are welcomed by the shimmering Singapour Je T’aime, a stunning nine-meter chandelier designed by Lasvit. This stunning art installation of glass leaves that whirl through the lobby, comprises 700 hand-blown glass crystals.

Sofitel’s commitment to culture and design is brought to life with an outstanding collection of custom-made furniture and artworks including designer uniforms accentuated with floral prints, evoking the strong botanic theme that runs throughout the hotel.

The hotel’s interiors elegantly juxtapose vibrant rose gold accents with striking design features and botanical motifs, inspired by the sublime geometry of a traditional jardin à la française and the rich green spaces of Singapore, also known as the Garden City.

Guests may choose from 223 well-appointed rooms and suites featuring floor to ceiling windows; complimentary minibars serviced by the hotel’s very own droid butler – Sophie The Robot; Sofitel’s luxurious MyBed; a Handy Phone which provides access to free local and international calls to 10 countries and Wi-Fi on the go; Smart TVs and Bose Sound systems; large soaking tubs with separate rain showers and luxurious Lanvin or Hermes amenities
Sofitel Singapore City Centre offers several dining outlets including Racines, helmed by award-winning Executive Chef Jean-Charles Dubois, which will offer both French and Chinese cuisines prepared by two distinct culinary brigades across four open kitchens for a truly interactive culinary experience.

Following the tradition of barrel-aged cocktail-making and the simple sophistication of martinis, 1864 (homage to the foundation year of Tanjong Pagar’s docking industry) aims to provide the perfect after-work vibe. This bar will also be the home for the timeless ritual of Champagne sabering. Guests can enjoy Sofitel’s signature afternoon Hi-Tea and handcrafted gourmet bites and tapas throughout the day.

Guests of Luxury Club Rooms and Suites will enjoy the services of Club Millésime, including breakfast, evening cocktails and canapes, a library, intimate meeting spaces and a butler service.

Sofitel Singapore City Centre will offer 20,000 square feet of meeting spaces across 10 flexible venues including the 600 sqm Wallich Ballroom, named after Nathaniel Wallich, the founding father of the Singapore Botanical Gardens. The hotel has partnered with the award-winning Imperial Treasure to provide premium wedding and banqueting menus.
In addition to its own SoFit gym, Club floor guests can enjoy access to the adjacent Virgin Active Fitness Club – Tanjong Pagar which will offer a range of wellness programs. A specially-designed In-Room Fitness Kit complemented with a series of workout videos is available in all rooms and guests can also enjoy the 30m infinity pool and spacious Lawn for rejuvenating morning yoga. Guests looking for a holistic spa experience will be pampered at SoSpa located at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa.

Sofitel continues to expand its global portfolio with recent openings of Sofitel Baltimore in Paris, Sofitel Foshan and the latest Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara and Sofitel Guiyang Hunter. Upcoming flagship hotel soon to open in Asia Pacific will be the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.

To celebrate the opening of Sofitel’s flagship property in Singapore, the hotel is offering a special opening rate of $800++ per room for two nights, in commemoration of Sofitel Singapore City Centre being the 800th Accor Hotel in Asia Pacific.

The Mirage Announces Name of Newest Addition to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

Coco, a healthy dolphin calf, is swimming her way into the hearts of guests and staff alike at The Mirage. The female calf, born July 17 at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, was officially named this week after an employee contest that drew 300 entries.

Coco displays the initials of MGM Resorts International’s “One Company, One Culture” employee philosophy in reverse order.

Coco, her mother Huf n Puf, grandmother Duchess and sister Bella are in the Birthing and Research pool, which is open to public viewing during the facility’s operational hours. Together, these females represent three generations of dolphins at The Mirage. Sofi, an 11-year-old female, completes the female pod. The calf’s father, Lightning, is located in another pool.

The Roosevelt New Orleans, announces New Executive Chef Jose Martinez

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, announced Chef Jose Martinez as the new executive chef. In his new role, Martinez is responsible for the creation and execution of menus throughout the entire hotel, including in-room dining and banquets, as well as the training and management of the hotel’s entire culinary staff.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Martinez fostered his love for food through his family’s restaurant in the heart of Luquillo, Puerto Rico, where they served tourists from all over the world. Coming from a culture with a rich history of serving rice and beans as a base for meals and incorporating seafood from surrounding bodies of water, Martinez will fit right into New Orleans, bringing even more flare to the Crescent City’s culinary scene.

In 2002, Martinez enrolled in the Caribbean Culinary Institute in Puerto Rico where he fully immersed himself in the art of cooking. Martinez is a firm believer in using the freshest local ingredients to produce the best results, mastering his skills on an island influenced by the colorful flavors of the Caribbean. At the age of 21, Martinez sought to expand his knowledge in the kitchen, making the move to the contiguous U.S. where he studied at the Florida Culinary Institute.

With a diverse background, Martinez will apply his extensive knowledge and creativity to continue the hotel’s excellent culinary reputation

“I always say, enjoy the moment you are at the table because nothing comes close to that feeling of being surrounded by great food, friends and family. The Roosevelt New Orleans is now my table,” said Martinez. “I am honored to play such a large role as executive chef, carrying on the tradition of sophisticated and luxurious dining for the whole hotel.”

Chef Martinez’s career began when his family opened up the Crab House in Puerto Rico where he continually filled the 75-seat restaurant with guests eager to try the family’s cuisine. Following his desire to expand his culinary skills, he attended the Florida Culinary Institute. Chef Martinez gained experience at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. In 2013, he started his career with the Waldorf Astoria brand at the Arizona Biltmore luxury resort as executive banquet chef and worked his way up, eventually earning the title of executive sous chef. In 2015, he move to Colorado Springs and gained new experience at The Broadmoor before he returned to the Waldorf Astoria brand here in the Crescent City. Chef Martinez is now catering to New Orleans luxury at The Roosevelt New Orleans as the executive chef.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Martinez to our kitchen,” said Resident Manager Sebastian Stutz. “The Roosevelt New Orleans has a century-long tradition of culinary excellence all centered on the guest experience. We know Chef Martinez’s culinary creativity and love for executing artful dishes for our guests will keep the hotel at its best.”

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, is one of America’s most luxurious and revered properties in one of the world’s greatest cities. This iconic hotel offers 504 rooms, including 125 suites, along with ballrooms and meeting space for every event from elaborate galas to private groups, weddings and more. Built in 1893 and boasting its signature block-long golden lobby with dozens of sparkling chandeliers, The Roosevelt has created its own history with the renowned Blue Room, Sazerac Bar, Waldorf Astoria Spa, fitness center, Rooftop Bar, Teddy’s Café, Fountain Lounge, Emporium Gift Shop and its true Waldorf world-class service. Located steps from the history and excitement of the French Quarter, The Roosevelt New Orleans is the crown jewel of New Orleans luxury.

Hyatt Centric Guatemala City

Hyatt Hotels Corporation in conjunction with LATAM Hotel Corporation and GHL Hotels, announced the opening of Hyatt Centric Guatemala City, the brand’s first hotel in Central America. The 138-room hotel is located along 2nd Avenue in the heart of Guatemala City’s Zona 10, known locally as “Zona Viva,” which is considered one of the city’s most upscale commercial areas and provides a perfect launch pad for guests to explore and discover the diverse offering of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

“This hotel is a prime destination in Guatemala City, allowing guests to begin their journey of the country’s economic, governmental, and cultural center,” said George Vizer, vice president of franchise operations, Hyatt. “We are confident Hyatt Centric Guatemala City will deliver on the brand’s commitment to put guests in the middle of the action and inspire them to explore Guatemala’s capital city.”

As the first Hyatt Centric hotel in Central America, the hotel is designed to make guests feel welcome and connected to the heart of Guatemala City and all it has to offer. From Hyatt Centric Guatemala City, guests can meander through the National Museum of Archeology, shop for handmade textiles at the Plaza Mayor, and experience the Historic Center and National Palace. Additionally, La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala’s passenger and cargo hub, is only 10 minutes away from the hotel.

“Hyatt Centric is a globally recognized brand – we are confident that Hyatt Centric Guatemala City will serve as a terrific launch pad for guests, but will also be a great gathering point for the local community. Furthermore, the location of the hotel in Zona Viva will position Hyatt Centric Guatemala City as an outstanding hotel in the city,” said Fernando Paiz, president of Latam Hotels Corporation.

“We are delighted to open Hyatt Centric Guatemala City, which will set a new standard for hospitality, service and facilities in Guatemala City. Hyatt Centric is a globally recognized brand, and whether traveling for leisure or business, our guests will have the opportunity to explore a full service lifestyle hotel and have a wonderful experience,” said Jorge Londoño, president of GHL Hotels.

Guestrooms
Modern explorers can relax and recharge in one of the hotel’s 138 guestrooms and suites, each complete with floor-to-ceiling views of Guatemala City or the hotel’s atrium. Design features include vintage artwork highlighting Guatemalan culture and desired conveniences such as complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and an airport shuttle to La Aurora International Airport are provided with your stay.

Dining and Drinking
Food lovers can discover local flavors at the hotel’s distinct dining outlets. Starting with the hotel’s main restaurant, Zamat brings a unique open kitchen concept offering a delicious mix of modern inspirations and classic dishes prepared with local ingredients. Decorated with organic materials such as wood and the colorful textiles from Guatemala, Zamat features a display wall with the traditional masks of Guatemala as a central point of the restaurant. Adding to its character and a sense of place, an artisanal cocktail menu featuring local plants enhances the experience and atmosphere.
When the sun starts to set over Guatemala City, guests will find themselves at Zielo. This unique rooftop restaurant with a central open kitchen is the perfect place to relax or spend time with friends, family, and colleagues while being in the middle of the action. Enjoy tropical cocktails, live music once a week and a casual menu consisting of pizzas, small bites, and other sharing plates.

Additional food and beverage outlets include the exclusive Bar Zeis and Ezprezzo Corner, which serves delicious coffees from different regions of Guatemala with gourmet pastries.

Wellness and Recreation
The rooftop fitness center at Hyatt Centric Guatemala City pulls out all the stops to motivate your workout. Guests can enjoy skyline views while getting their heart rate going on a treadmill or stationary bike. Additionally, guests can round out their workout with a suite of strength-training equipment.

Pet Friendly
Guests are welcomed to join us with their favorite four-legged friend during their stay in Guatemala City. Up to one dog per room weighing up to 40 pounds. The hotel offer beds, bowls, toys, and treats, free of charge.

Source: Hyatt Hotels

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