A list of the top stories from Hotel & Motel Management's coverage of The Americas Lodging Investment Summit, held in San Diego Jan. 26-28.
PHOTO SLIDESHOW
Photos from The Americas Lodging Investment Summit.
IN-DEPTH NEWS COVERAGE
Industry unsure of its own future
Jan. 27, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
If hoteliers came to San Diego looking for a sunny side, they didn't find it at the Hilton Bayfront. The Americas Lodging Investment Summit kicked off with harsh news that the hotel industry is in a "freefall," according to Mark Woodworth, president of PKF Hospitality Research, and that everyone from developers to operators to investors are in hunker-down mode.
The brand effect
Jan. 27, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
During one of Tuesday morning's sessions at ALIS, titled "The hotel leaders' outlook: The view from around the globe," brand leaders describe how they are evolving to help franchisees get through the downturn.
Real estate moguls weigh in
Jan. 28, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
For six years, The Americas Lodging Investment Summit has ended with a special panel where representatives from IREFAC discuss the current trends in providing capital to the hotel industry. This year, the panelists gave their predictions for when year-over-year revenue per available room will turn positive again.
ALIS NOTEBOOKS
Hilton launches Home2 Suites
Jan. 27, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
The extended-stay brand, billed as "hip and humble," debuted Monday before the opening of The Americas Lodging Investment Summit.
Hoteliers look to LIIC for answers
Jan. 27, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
Nearly 50 brokers, investors, valuators and developers showed up at the Lodging Industry Investment Council meeting to get the scoop on where the industry is headed.
Instability has investors staying on sidelines
Jan. 27, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
The perception that hotel investors can't get the funds they need to buy loans is only half true. Some can't. But some investors have the capital to invest and just don't see the opportunities.
La Quinta focuses on strengths
Jan. 27, 2009
By Paul J. Heney
Recession or no recession, La Quinta Franchising continued its record growth during 2008 and is expecting more success in 2009. Of the 129 new agreements signed last year, more than 80 percent represented new construction.
Kimpton adapts strategy to changing times
Jan. 27, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
This boutique company is directing a large part of its efforts on third-party management.
Country Inns and Suites continues growth, renovations
Jan. 27, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
In a time where most brands are struggling to add new properties to their portfolio, Country Inns and Suites by Carlson plans to add 36 properties in 2009.
Danziger has been here before
Jan. 27, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
All the gloom and doom coming from The Americas Lodging Investment Summit isn’t scaring Eric Danziger.
Duncan excited by Home2's prospects
Jan. 28, 2009
By Paul J. Heney
Bill Duncan, the newly named SVP, Brand Management for both Home2 Suites and Homewood Suites by Hilton, thinks there is plenty of room for both extended-stay brands.
K partners speeds up growth
Jan. 28, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
Mark Crisci, EVP of investments and development for K Partners Hospitality Group, said the down economy isn’t thwarting K Partners’ plans for significant growth in 2009.
Hotel Indigo San Diego sits in prime position
Jan. 28, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
IHG executives led a hardhat tour of the property, expected to open in late July, during The Americas Lodging Investment Summit.
BLOGS
The Year of Hilton begins
Jan. 26, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
While others focus on the poor economy, frozen lending market and declining occupancies, Hilton Hotels Corp. is stealing the thunder with its new Home2 Suites extended-stay brand and Global 21 luxury lifestyle brand.
Mystery surrounding Global 21 project continues
Jan. 27, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
Hilton's near-guerrilla marketing strategies have created a buzz about the new luxury lifestyle brand.
The Ross Klein experience
Jan. 27, 2009
By Jason Q. Freed
Twenty-five minutes with the man behind the brand.
