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US independent hotels report positive metrics
During the week of 1-7 December, independent hotels in the U.S. reported increases across all three performance metrics, according to data from STR, parent company of HNN. Occupancy grew 1.2% to 56.9%, average daily rate increased 2.8% to $127.29 and revenue per available room rose 4% to $72.43.
What independent hotel dynasties need to succeed
Running an independent hotel in this era of brand proliferation and technology-based distribution is enough of a challenge, but running a family independent hotel across several generations is another beast that requires even more vision, HNN’s Terence Baker reports.
Speakers on a panel at the recent Independent Hotel Show in London titled “Hotel dynasties” said success might also come from challenging the status quo, even if that means “colorful conversations with those you love the most.”
“Family businesses are the backbone of U.K. business, and there is a long-time view, not the short-term gains you see and are focused upon in many sectors. They are about stability, although slower to develop,” said Paul Milsom, managing director of The Milsom Hotels.
Manhattan’s Kixby hotel debuts
Bringing new and modern life to old-New York, the Kixby hotel has opened in a historic Beaux-arts building. Behind the project is co-owner and managing partner Justin Arest in partnership with BD Hotels’ Richard Born and Ira Drukier. The boutique hotel’s public spaces were designed by Rockwell Group, evoking sophistication, history and wit along with a sense of intimacy, warmth and personalization.
“Kixby reclaims the stunning 1901 building that housed a legendary luxury hotel, the Collingwood, a century ago,” a news release sates.
Openings, management, people on the move
- The Harpeth Hotel, under Hilton’s Curio Collection, opens in Franklin, Tennessee, featuring 119 guestrooms. The hotel is managed by Valor Hospitality Partners.
- Charlestowne Hotels opens the Hotel Simone in St. Simons Island, Georgia, and is the first new-build independent hotel built on the island in decades.
- New Orleans’ Higgins Hotel & Conference Center appoints Daniel Rhodes as GM and Marc Becker as director of sales and marketing.
Compiled by Dana Miller.