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STR IS LAUNCHING a new phase, STR Benchmarking, a market share product for the global hotel industry, according to STR's parent company, real estate marketplaces, information and analytics provider CoStar Group. The new software platform will offer property-level data and analytics for hotel owners and operators with functionality built on the STAR Report. Acquired by CoStar in 2019, STR draws its benchmarking data from a sample of 77,000 participating properties with 10 million rooms around the world. STR Benchmarking provides new functions, including user and competitive set self-management as well as high-frequency updates to data. Future product enhancements, which are expected to begin rolling out later this year, include portfolio-level benchmarking, monthly P&L, average-length-of-stay data, and forward-looking occupancy.

As winter arrives with its frosty embrace, one of the most crucial elements of your wardrobe becomes the reliable pair of winter boots. Far beyond just keeping your feet warm, winter boots are a style statement and a key component of facing the elements with confidence. Whether you're on the hunt for women's boots or men's boots, this guide will help you navigate the diverse world of winter footwear, ensuring you find the perfect balance between style, comfort, and functionality. CHOOSING THE RIGHT WOMEN'S BOOTS: Classic Knee-High Boots: Knee-high boots are a timeless addition to any woman's winter wardrobe. Not only do they provide ample coverage and warmth, but they also add a touch of sophistication to various outfits. Pair them with skirts, dresses, or skinny jeans for a chic and polished look. Stylish Ankle Boots: Ankle boots are versatile and perfect for both casual and semi-formal occasions. Whether flat, heeled, or with a wedge, ankle boots complement a range of outfits. Choose a waterproof option for added functionality, ensuring your feet stay dry during winter rain or snow. Faux Fur-Lined Boots: For ultimate warmth and a cozy feel, consider boots with faux fur lining. These boots are not only fashionable but also provide insulation against the cold. Opt for styles with faux fur peeking out at the top for a trendy winter look. Hiking-Inspired Boots: Hiking-inspired boots have become a popular trend in women's winter footwear. With sturdy soles and a rugged appearance, these boots are both practical and stylish. They are perfect for outdoor activities while adding an adventurous edge to your winter fashion.

KNOWLAND, A HOSPITALITY data-as-a-service provider, recently integrated a sub-market filter into its search and dashboard functions, adding to its market snapshot and new-to-market capabilities. This new feature enables precise filtering down to the sub-market level within larger markets, identifying localized opportunities, Knowland said in a statement. "To stay agile in this competitive industry, hotel sellers must be savvy about community activity," said Jeff Bzdawka, Knowland's CEO. "With this localized market view, they see opportunities in their immediate area rather than sifting through broad datasets. We continue to innovate our platform with new features and functionalities to help sales teams excel in account-based selling and automate the sales process for better outcomes." Hotel sales teams rely on detailed data analytics for sourcing new business, Knowland said. The sub-market filter provides accessible metrics on top neighborhoods, aiding teams in adopting an account-based selling approach.

DUETTO, A REVENUE management software provider, recently introduced BlockBuster, a revenue optimization solution, and rebranded its acquired space optimization tool, MiceRate, as OpenSpace, integrating new functions. BlockBuster coordinates revenue, sales and catering teams to optimize business quotes, while OpenSpace automates revenue management for rooms, event spaces, and ancillary services, Duetto said in a statement. "The addition of OpenSpace, combined with our investment in group management, positions us as a one-stop-shop for hoteliers looking to maximize revenue across their entire property," said David Woolenberg, Duetto's CEO. "Now, our customers can leverage Duetto to optimize pricing, manage inventory, and streamline bookings for individual guests, groups, and function spaces - all in a single, unified solution. These enhancements will streamline the group booking process, improve internal communication, and ensure a more seamless experience for both hoteliers and their customers."

Noble Investment Group has made three new appointments to its senior management lineup. They are Ben Brunt as chief investment officer, Jim Conley as chief compliance officer, and George Dabney as chief financial officer, and all three are principals, too. Noble, based in Atlanta and led by Mit Shah as CEO, is beginning its 28th year of operation. Brunt, who joined Noble in 2005, succeeds Rodney Williams, who retired as CIO in December. Williams will continue to serve on the firm's investment committee as a senior advisor. "Ben is a driven, results-oriented leader who has been instrumental in guiding our value-creating investment efforts," Shah said. Conley joined Noble in 2006 as chief financial officer. In his new role, he will oversee the administration of the firm's regulatory and compliance function. He also manage the company's environmental, social, and governance initiatives along with the firm's duties as a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment.

HILTON'S EXTENDED-STAY Homewood Suites brand is getting a new look. The brand's new Prototype 10.0 includes a smaller footprint but with more rooms, as well as changes to guest suites and common spaces. The new prototype draws from design ideas implemented during a 2019 update implemented in open Homewood Suites hotels as part of the brand's 30-year anniversary. Prototype 10.0 features a site size reduction from 2.49 acres to 2.36 acres and building area reduction by more than 3,350 square feet while increasing the number of rooms from 121 to 131 suites. Another developer-oriented change is new F&B options aimed at increasing revenue. The suites have been modified so they can be booked individually or as connected groups. The fitness center has been reimagined and guest laundry rooms have been expanded. More common areas have been added inside and outside in the prototype. "We modernized the brand to appeal to the evolving needs of our guests, who are going to love the functionality and flexibility of the innovations, which are intended to make them feel both empowered and cared for, whether they're with us for an overnight trip or an extended stay," said Rick Colling, global head of Homewood Suites.

The Residence Inn by Marriott Richmond West is open in Midlothian, Virginia. It is owned by Shamin Hotels, led by CEO Neil Amin in Chester, Virginia. The 111-suite extended=stay hotel is near Johnston-Willis Hospital and 20 minutes from downtown Richmond. Other nearby attractions are Richmond Ice Zone, Huguenot Park, Chesterfield Towne Center and River City Sportsplex. The pet-friendly hotel's amenities include a meeting room, an indoor swimming pool and a fitness center. "When on the road for an extended period, our guests need space to spread out, maintain their life's pace and restore their energy to keep a healthy balance and routine while traveling. This new hotel offers a seamless blend of modern style and functionality that allows them to settle in and thrive," said Diane Mayer, vice president and global brand manager for Residence Inn at Marriott International.

WHEN IT COMES to growing hotel revenue, size does not matter. Economy hotels and micro-inventory properties are experiencing one of the biggest booms in recent years, thanks partly to a massive resurgence in small group travel, changing economic trends, and the staying power of global "return to travel". CBRE noted economy and midscale hotels recovered to 2019 performance levels by 2021, and properties with fewer rooms may benefit from lower operating costs when compared to their big-box brethren-though they also tend to have fewer resources with which to hire revenue professionals. Revenue managers are driving the charge for better operating returns. Many are taking the lessons they learned from their success at larger hotels and applying these truths to the industry's smaller properties. These revenue managers leverage new technology and strategies, options that small hotels with smaller, cross-functional staff haven't fully embraced. However, competition among economy hotels and properties tends to be fierce, requiring new action, especially with recent economic pressures and a downward 2023 RevPAR forecast of 0.2 percent in recent data shared by Tourism Economics . Modern revenue management practices and technology can provide these hotels with many benefits and significant competitive advantages. Small hotels need to avoid the erratic rate shifts of the past and capitalize on new trends as they emerge. By embracing strong revenue management systems and discipline in these properties, operators can realize greater control over a typically inconsistent space. Room Enough for Revenue The most common misconception about revenue management's place in hospitality is that it is the domain of large or full-service hotels. This is simply not the case today. No two hotels are the same, in practice, with key differences always existing between the layout of a property, its location, third-party partnerships, and so on. Every hotel has different revenue pot

Home2 Suites by Hilton Cookeville in Cookeville, Tennessee, is now open. It is owned by NHK Hotels LLC and operated by Image Hotel Management, both led by Neil Patel as CEO. "On Aug. 14, 1986, Neil Patel, CEO and founder of Image Hotel Management, opened his first hotel, Executive Inn, in Cookeville," said Karen Patel, managing partner of Image Hotel Management. "Thirty-seven years later, we are delighted to open our Home2 Suites here and continue our partnership with Hilton Hotels." The 102-room hotel is near Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, and Fall Creek Falls state parks, Image said in a statement. Hotel amenities include full kitchens, an indoor saline pool and a fitness center. The property includes a "backyard" with outdoor seating, a seasonal fire pit, pet pit stop, putting green, and yard games. The Cumberland Room offers 1,500 square feet of conference space with a spacious pre-function area and catering kitchen.

MARKING 50 YEARS in the hotel business, Red Roof held its annual brand conference at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Nov. 11 to 13. During the conference, the company announced a new partnership with software company HotelKey to install a multi-functional, cloud-based system in its more than 675 properties nationwide. Other news from the conference included details of the company's financial position, which George Limbert, Red Roof president, said is strong. Company officials also discussed Red Roof's new dual brand development prototype, other partnerships and the latest charity efforts of the company's Purpose With Heart. "Red Roof delivered record revenue which is a testament to our resilience and ability to anticipate market trends," Limbert said. "Our financial position is strong, travelers are back and our owners and operators are exceeding performance expectations."

HILTON IS ONE of the largest hotel companies in the world, known usually as parent company to higher end brands, such as Hilton Garden Inn and Canopy by Hilton. Now, the company is moving into the "premium economy" segment with its new brand, Spark. Spark will include several features meant to appeal to owners, according to Hilton, primarily by providing the company's reservation network, business model and commercial engines. It also includes supply chain management, a cost-effective pricing model and automated customer offerings such as digital check-in and Digital Key. "Spark by Hilton was developed in close collaboration with our developer community, and we are thrilled by the positive feedback and excitement we have received to date," said Alissa Klees, brand leader, Spark by Hilton. "In fact, we already have more than 100 deals in various stages of development across the U.S., with the first properties anticipated to open this year." Each hotel will feature colorful exterior walls and artwork. The public space will feature multi-functional seating, such as communal tables and rocking chairs, for guests to eat breakfast, socialize or work throughout the day. Guest rooms will have practical amenities, including an open closet, in-room refrigerator, multi-purpose work surface and bathroom. To ensure a consistent, quality guest experience, each hotel will be required to complete a full renovation, encompassing all guest-facing areas of the hotel, prior to joining Spark by Hilton. The new brand will fill a certain niche, said Matt Schuyler, Hilton's chief brand officer.

Phil Norman is executive vice-president of people resources and development for third-party hospitality management company Twenty Four Seven Hotels. Previously, he was chief human resources officer with Canyon Ranch where he operated human resources functions for 1,840 U.S. employees across hotels and cruise ships. Norman will provide oversight for talent management, including leadership development, organizational capability and change management in this newly created role, the company said. He also held similar positions as human resources director at the Homestead, America's oldest resort property dating to 1766, and the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, where he oversaw 1,250 team members, while ensuring safety and building an inclusive environment. "With 35 years of hospitality human resources experience, Phil is the ideal candidate to take over our people resources and development team as well as provide immediate support to our on-property teams," said David Wani, CEO for Twenty Four Seven Hotels. "His performance at both the hotel and corporate levels has been amazing, creating workplaces where every associate is gratified by their work and where they feel they belong. Phil's reputation of aligning systems and processes and his focus on workplace culture create the potential for exceptional stakeholder returns and in turn support the growth of the company."

DD PARTNERS, PEACHTREE Group, and Woodbine Development are collaborating on Embassy Suites Gulf Shores, a resort with a Gulf of Mexico view located in tourism spot in Alabama. DD Partners and Woodbine lead the development and asset management of the 8-story joint venture project, with Peachtree overseeing resort operations. The project is currently in progress and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025, the companies said in a joint statement. The 8-story property will feature 257 all-suite beachfront guestrooms, along with 13,620 square feet of enclosed meeting and pre-function space, including a 7,800-square-foot ballroom, the statement said. The resort will also feature a 3-story parking garage and 7,618 square feet of leasable retail space.

ANOTHER ASIAN AMERICAN developer has signed on to build two properties under Choice Hotels International's upscale Cambria brand. VRL Hotels, led by Victor Patel as president, has signed on to build a Cambria in Gatlinburg and another in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The 140-room Cambria Hotel Gatlinburg hotel is expected to open in 2022. It will feature a rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking the tourist town in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Local attractions include Ober Gatlinburg ski resort, the Gatlinburg SkyLift, which carries passengers 1,800 feet up to the top of Crockett Mountain, and the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Also nearby are Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Haunted Adventure, the Rocky Top Sports complex, several bourbon distilleries, breweries and wineries and the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The 140-room Cambria Hotel Pigeon Forge is expected to open in 2024. Nearby attractions include Dollywood amusement park, the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and Museum, the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, Titanic Museum Attraction, NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains and seasonal outdoor events throughout the year, such as Winterfest. Both hotels will have multi-function meeting and event spaces and fitness centers among other amenities.

The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview is now open in Riverview, Florida. It is owned by Riverview Hotels & Resorts LLC led by manager Singh Japinder and managed by Naples Hotel Group of Naples, Florida. The 108-room hotel is near James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital, Topgolf and Bass Pro Shops. Hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and 512 square feet of meeting space to accommodate functions of up to 40 people. "The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview is a truly stunning example of the brand's contemporary look and feel, and we are pleased to introduce Fairfield by Marriott hotels in the Riverview area," said Janis Milham, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Classic Select Brands at Marriott International.

BWH HOTEL GROUP will offer cashless tipping to guests via eTip and Visa. The function will allow guests to express gratitude to hotel associates through pre-selected or custom tipping in the U.S. and Canada. The eTip process will be available at properties of the group, including Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotel Group hotels, the statement added. BWH said the new facility will empower guests to financially give to those who rely on tips as latest reports revealed that only 16 percent of U.S. customers carry cash. "We are committed to providing the best possible experience for our guests and bringing value to BWH hoteliers and their associates," said Michael Morton, BWH vice president for brand management. "We're excited to offer eTip digital tipping solution as a convenient way our valued guests can show appreciation to our dedicated hotel associates. We are equally excited to offer our associates a choice to receive their tips in real-time directly into their bank accounts. Innovation and caring are at the heart of our brand and we're proud to partner with eTip to innovate the tipping experience for guests and hoteliers alike."

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association recently announced three promotions among its leadership team. Kiersten Pearce was promoted to senior vice president for executive and strategic initiatives; Adrienne Weil was promoted to senior vice president for member engagement and services; and Kara Filer was promoted to senior vice president for strategic partnerships and business development. Pearce joined AHLA in 2018 and previously served as its vice president of member engagement and services, according to AHLA. In her new role she will develop industry initiatives that align with AHLA's strategic plan and organizational priorities. She'll also oversee the coordination of the AHLA board of directors, executive committee and associated committees, as well as operational functions, including legal. Weil previously served as AHLA's vice president of strategic partnerships and business development and led efforts to accelerate "non-dues" revenue growth from industry service providers and suppliers. In her new role, she will lead AHLA's membership team and spearhead efforts to optimize AHLA's committees and networks and ensure AHLA's differentiated value proposition remains relevant as member needs evolve.

FOLLOWING NEARLY TWO decades with Noble Investment Group and a 40-year career in real estate and hospitality, Jim Conley will retire and become a senior advisor to the firm. The company has appointed Katherine Seitz as its new compliance officer. Conley joined Noble in 2006 as chief financial officer before becoming the firm's first compliance officer. In this role, he led the oversight and administration of Noble's regulatory and compliance functions and helped oversee the impact of Noble's core ESG initiatives and its duties as a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment, the company said in a statement. "Jim is a trusted friend and respected colleague who has been an important part of our organization's longstanding success," said Mit Shah, Noble CEO. "We are deeply grateful for his profound commitment to our team and to upholding Noble's ethical standards of performance." Conley said Noble is his family and their journey together had been most fulfilling. "I take immense pride in our team's accomplishments and our distinguished record as an institutional fiduciary. I am equally enthusiastic about the firm's future and its next generation of leadership," Conley said. Seitz assumes responsibility for managing and directing Noble's regulatory, compliance and ESG programs. She joined Noble from Carter's Inc., where she was corporate counsel. She has practiced law and served as in-house counsel focusing on real estate and corporate services for nearly twenty years, the statement added.

HILTON RECENTLY INTRODUCED a new North American prototype and refreshed global brand identity for its Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites brands. The prototype is scheduled for its inaugural hotel opening in early 2025, Hilton said in a statement. "With a legacy of leadership and performance spanning four decades, Hampton by Hilton continues to stand as a beacon of humanity, connecting people from around the globe and delivering a reliable and friendly stay in each one of our hotels," said Shruti Gandhi Buckley, Hampton by Hilton's senior vice president and brand leader. "As we unveil our new North American prototype and refreshed visual identity, we embark on an exciting new chapter for Hampton. This is a celebration of our core values and signifies a renewed commitment to our owners, guests and team members." The prototype is designed to adapt to various market conditions and site restrictions while improving the guest experience, the statement said. Informed by guest and owner insights, as well as design trends, these updates aim to enhance guest functionality and comfort while optimizing costs for owners in terms of building, operating, and renovating.