Russell takes the helm: Denver-based Red Lion Hotels Corp. named John J. Russell Jr. chief executive officer. Russell, an industry veteran with over 40 years of hospitality experience, has been serving as RLHC’s interim CEO since December 3. Prior to joining Red Lion in December 2019, Russell served as president and chief operating officer of Sentry Hospitality from October 2017, a management company for hotels, resorts, conference centers, and private residence clubs. Over the past 40 years, Russell has held numerous executive positions with hospitality companies, including ITT Sheraton, Days Inn of America, Carlson Cos. and Benchmark Hospitality.
Wyndham grows Trademark soft brand: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is expanding its soft-branded Trademark Collection by Wyndham with new hotels across the U.S., Canada and Germany. Latest openings for the brand, which has a global pipeline of over 8,400 rooms, include Cantilever Hotel, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham hotel in Ranier, Minnesota; The Eureka Inn, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham hotel in Eureka, California; Lakeview Signature, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and H+ and H4 Trademark Collection hotels in Leipzig, Germany. The Bridgewater Hotel, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham hotel in Fairbanks, Alaska is scheduled to open next month.
Dusit expands in Guam: Thai-based hotel and property development company Dusit International has expanded its management agreement with Tanota Partners, a Guam real estate investment and property development company, to operate the Dusit Beach Resort Guam and adjoining luxury shopping center, The Plaza. The partnership marks the newest additions to its Guam portfolio consisting of the luxury Dusit Thani Guam Resort, which opened in 2015 and which also adjoins The Plaza. Formerly the Outrigger Guam Beach Resort, the property will be renamed as Dusit Beach Resort Guam. The 604-room property has a variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and spa. It is currently undergoing renovation.
HVMG lands four-hotel portfolio: Atlanta-based private hotel investment, ownership and management company Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) has assumed management of a four-hotel portfolio of upper upscale and upscale independent and Hilton-branded hotels located in Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas. The 248-room Hilton Dallas/Southlake Town Square, the 227-room Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, the 161-room Hilton Garden Inn Oklahoma City Airport and the 139-room Islander Resort on the beach in Islamorada, Florida are owned by Hobbs & Curry Family Limited Partnership, LLP, a private owner and developer of hotels across the United States.
Extended Stay’s adds to franchise development team: Extended Stay America named Mark Williams managing director, franchise development. Williams will be responsible for continuing to grow ESA’s footprint throughout North America through franchise conversions and new build properties. Prior to joining Extended Stay, he served as senior vice president for Radisson Hotel Group, overseeing franchise development for the Eastern United States and Canada. He has also held senior franchise management positions at Red Lion, Vantage Hospitality, G6 Hospitality and Best Western International.
24 hours of Mandarin Oriental wellness: Mandarin Oriental will offer “24 Hours of Wellness” on June 13, with a global 24-hour Instagram livestream highlighting myriad wellbeing experiences at its properties around the world. The event, celebrating Global Wellness Day, will be streamed on the Group’s Instagram, as well as on each individual property’s channel. Those who tune in can participate in a healthy cooking class overlooking Central Park with Mandarin Oriental, New York in the morning, and practice mediation on the Chao Phraya River with Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok in the evening.