INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Whether it’s celebrating an anniversary, receiving an award, earning a certification, debuting a new product or expanding the business, hotel companies and vendors achieve new milestones on a daily basis. Here’s a look at recent accomplishments:
Kelley Weidner Appointed to Serta Simmons Bedding Hospitality Division
Kelley Weidner has recently been appointed to lead the Serta Simmons Bedding Hospitality division. In this role, she is responsible for leading both Serta and Beautyrest Hospitality brands and overall business operations. The Hospitality Division has experienced a long-standing leadership role in the industry, supporting some of the world’s leading hotel brands across all segments, including Marriott International Inc., Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Choice Hotels and Radisson Hotel Group to name a few.
Weidner joined Serta in 2006 as a contract national account executive. Since then, she has taken on increasing responsibility in various leadership roles, overseeing sales, support and product development. Weidner’s extensive background in account management, marketing, her deep understanding of hotel standards and the strength of her brand relationships has contributed to the success and service of the division’s national account programs.
The Time New York Hotel Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary
Time New York Hotel celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Founded in 1999 by Chatwal as the city’s first boutique property, the hotel offers a luxury respite in the heart of Manhattan’s Theater District. The Time New York was the first boutique property of the Dream Hotels group, and its success paved the way for future brands, including Dream Hotels and The Chatwal. In 2015, the 193-room property underwent a comprehensive, $22-million dollar renovation by the Rockwell Group. Since the relaunch in 2015, the Time New York has experience increased year-over-year rates and ADR growth of more than 40%.
Two Hilton Grand Vacations Properties Receive Connie Award
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. reveals two of its properties—Ocean Oak Resort by Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Hilton Head, SC and Hilton Grand Vacations Club on Paradise in Las Vegas, have won the Connie Award. The Connie Award is the pinnacle hotel award across Hilton’s 17 brands. Winners are selected based on several factors such as internal audits, customer service results and HGV owner appreciation scores. Each Hilton brand recognizes its top properties with Connie Awards each year.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth Earns “Best of” Award
The newly renovated Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth in Portsmouth, NH has been recognized with a “Best of” Award from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The “Best of” awards are presented annually to an elite group of hotels that are evaluated on specific criteria including hotel quality, guest feedback and Wyndham Rewards compliance. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth is managed by Olympia Hotel Management and is close to Portsmouth International Airport (PSM), downtown and the Decks, the open air bars along the waterfront.
Choice Hotels Canada Honored with Canadian Franchise Association Hall of Fame Award
Choice Hotels Canada has been awarded the 2019 Hall of Fame Award, an annual Recognition Award from the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA). Of the Canadian Franchise Association’s 700 corporate members, only 32 have been awarded the Hall of Fame Award. The CFA Recognition Awards honor individuals and CFA member companies for their outstanding achievements, philanthropic endeavors and contributions to the Canadian franchise community. Nominations are solicited from CFA members across Canada and winners are selected by the committee based on merit.