Marcus Hotels Press > Hotel Management Press Releases

06.01.15

European Design and Style Come to Life at New AC Hotel Chicago Downtown

Marriott International and Marcus Hotels & Resorts Open New AC Hotel by Marriott; Steps Away from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile  

AC Logo

 Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), and Marriott International, Inc. announced today the opening of the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown, bringing European timelessness and elegance to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.  The 226-room hotel located at 630 N. Rush Street is the fourth AC Hotels by Marriott branded property to open in the U.S.

 

Located in Chicago’s River North area, the heart of the city’s shopping, dining and entertainment district, the AC Hotel by Marriott lifestyle brand targets the millennial traveler searching for a design-led hotel in a vibrant location with high-quality service.  The brand boasts urban, simplistic and clean designs with European aesthetics and elegance, the latest technology and communal functional spaces.  The result is elegant yet unpretentious style, innovative food and beverage programming and locally inspired experiences for both guests and locals.

 

“We are very excited to bring one of the first AC Hotels by Marriott in the U.S. to Chicago’s popular River North area,” said Gregory S. Marcus, president and CEO of The Marcus Corporation.  “The urban-inspired feel and sleek, European designs make this brand the perfect fit for Chicago, providing guests with a cosmopolitan, yet relaxed atmosphere.  This sophisticated, lifestyle brand will fit in perfectly with Chicago’s fashion-forward, trendsetting environment, and will provide guests with a unique travel experience right in the heart of downtown.”

 

Designed by The Gettys Group, an award-winning international hospitality consultancy headquartered in Chicago, the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown provides an energetic vibe, drawing from the runways and fashion houses of Milan.  Taking influence from its European roots, the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown uses muted colors and monochromatic color schemes throughout, showcasing a timeless design that is both modern and refined.

 

Guestrooms and suites aim to please the millennial traveler, incorporating a tone-on-tone color scheme with clean lines, sleek furnishings, hardwood floors, luggage benches, separate showers and open closet systems.  High-tech amenities include “kallpods,” “media salons” with Bluetooth technology and USB charging stations, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

 

The AC Lounge is the place to start and end the evening.  The communal space offers a bar area with handcrafted cocktails such as the signature Gintonic, craft beers in a can, including Chicago’s very own Revolution, Spanish-inspired tapas and wine on tap.  Kallpods allow guests to easily request a check, talk to a server or order an expresso any time of day. Chicago’s best “Barcierges” blend a mixologist and concierge, connecting guests to the latest Chicago happenings with insider tips and recommendations on the local area and nightlife.

 

Adjacent to the AC Lounge, the AC Kitchen serves a European-inspired breakfast menu, such as all butter-Bridor croissants, artisan-cured meats and signature iced coffee.  A Berkel artisan slicer allows guests to experience a taste of Europe each morning with Iberico inspired artisanal La Quercia Prosciutto, and a Nespresso machine is always on hand.

 

The AC Library, located just off the main lobby, is a collaborative space with communal tables, self-service business center and individual reading areas, providing a quiet space to work, think and be inspired.  Guests can also enjoy a selection of books, magazines and guides to all that Chicago has to offer.

 

AC Fitness includes state-of-the-art equipment, yoga mats and free weights, open 24/7.

 

“Chicago is such a vibrant city with an active arts scene and energetic urban culture,” said Toni Stoekl, VP Lifestyle Brands, Marriott International. “Located in the heart of the shopping district and within walking distance to the city’s main tourist attractions, AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is situated perfectly for millennial travelers looking to experience everything the city has to offer.”

Other amenities include outdoor terraces with views of the city, on-site parking and 3,000 square-feet of meeting space.

 

The new lifestyle hotel by Marriott is AC’s first property in Illinois (second in the Midwest).  Along with Chicago and other U.S. locations, AC Hotels by Marriott currently offers a portfolio of nearly 80 hotels throughout Spain, Italy, Portugal and France.  Founded by Antonio Catalan, The AC Hotels by Marriott brand was launched in Europe in 2011 as a joint venture between Marriott International and Spain’s AC Hotels.  Today, more than 50 additional hotels are set to open within the next three years throughout the U.S. and Latin America.

 

Marcus Hotels & Resorts will own and manage the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown.  To learn more about AC Hotels by Marriott or to book an experience at AC Hotel Chicago Downtown, visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chiac-ac-hotel-chicago-downtown.

 

For the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit https://media.marcushotels.com.  

 

 

About Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states.  A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historic renovations.  The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels.  For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

 

About The Marcus Corporation

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., The Marcus Corporation is a leader in the lodging and entertainment industries, with significant company-owned real estate assets.  In addition to its Marcus Hotels & Resorts division, the company’s movie theatre division, Marcus Theatres®, is the fifth largest theatre circuit in the United States and currently owns or operates 681 screens at 55 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio.  For more information, visit the company’s web site at www.marcuscorp.com.

About AC Hotels by Marriott

AC Hotels by Marriott is a lifestyle brand within the Marriott International global portfolio of 19 brands. AC Hotels currently offers a portfolio of more than 75 hotels throughout Spain, Italy, Portugal and France.  The brand’s first U.S. hotel debuted in New Orleans in November 2014.  Growth plans for the brand include the opening of its next North American locations in Kansas City’s stylish Westport neighborhood and in the heart of Miami Beach early this year and additional growth in Latin America and Europe.  We expect more than 50 AC hotels to open within the next three years throughout the U.S. and Latin America.

 

Marriott International’s luxury and lifestyle brands portfolio currently includes The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, EDITION, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, the Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott and Moxy Hotels. Accounting for approximately 25 percent of the company’s system-wide pipeline, Marriott expects to add more than 200 luxury and lifestyle hotel projects over the next several years, reflecting over $15 billion of investment by the company’s owners and franchisees.

 

05.15.15

Marcus Hotels & Resorts Names Susan Madsen General Manager of The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel, in Lincoln, Neb.

Nebraska native to oversee landmark Lincoln property

Susan Madsen

Susan Madsen

 

Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced Nebraska native Susan Madsen has been appointed general manager of The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel in Lincoln, Neb.  Madsen brings her extensive hospitality experience and a longtime career with Marriott hotels to Lincoln’s newly renovated premier property.

 

Madsen joins Marcus Hotels & Resorts from the Embassy Suites Omaha Downtown/Old Market, where she served as general manager since 2008.  Prior to her position in Omaha, she served as general manager of the Kansas City Airport Marriott Hotel in Kansas City, Mo.  Prior to her general manager roles, Madsen served as director of operations for the Minneapolis Marriott City Center.  She has also served in various human resources and sales roles for Marriott International and served as regional manager of sales and marketing at the Marriott Worldwide Reservation Center.

 

“Susan’s extensive background in management and human resources will be a valuable asset to The Cornhusker hotel.  Susan’s business and community relationships in Nebraska make her a great fit for overseeing one of the state’s most prominent hotels.  She will be a welcome addition to the Lincoln community and our hotel management team, ” said Joseph Khairallah, chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts.

 

Madsen has held many leadership positions in the following organizations: Greater Kansas City Hotel Lodging Association, SKAL International, Metropolitan Hospitality Association, Nebraska Hotel Motel Association, Old Market Business Association Board Member (Omaha) and Omaha Public School Career Advisory Board.

 

Marcus Hotels & Resorts and its subsidiary, MCS Capital, acquired The Cornhusker hotel in September 2012 as part of a joint venture with a fund affiliate of LEM Capital of Philadelphia.  Marcus Hotels & Resorts is the majority owner.

 

For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com.

 

About The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel

Located in the heart of downtown Lincoln just minutes from the historic Haymarket District, The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel, has proudly served Nebraska’s capital city for almost 90 years. Having completed an $11 million renovation in September 2014, the hotel’s newly renovated amenities include 290 refurbished guest rooms and 10 luxurious suites, 46,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a revitalized lobby and a Marriott great room offering style, comfort, convenience, complimentary Wi-Fi and the latest technologies for the savvy traveler.  Guests can grab a perfectly paired bite and brew at The Miller Time Pub & Grill, Lincoln’s go-to restaurant for a power lunch, happy hour or cheering on Husker sports.  To keep up with the latest Cornhusker happenings, find the hotel on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thecornhuskermarriott), follow it on Twitter (@thecornhuskerh) or visit: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lnkfs-the-cornhusker-a-marriott-hotel.

 

About Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states.  A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historic renovations.  The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels.  For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

 

About The Marcus Corporation

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, The Marcus Corporation is a leader in the lodging and entertainment industries, with significant company-owned real estate assets.  In addition to its Marcus Hotels & Resorts division, The Marcus Corporation’s theatre division, Marcus Theatres®, currently owns or manages 681 screens at 55 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio.  For more information, please visit the company’s web site at www.marcuscorp.com.

 

 

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04.22.15

Marcus Hotels & Resorts Receives Three Horizon Interactive Awards in 2014 Competition; Wins Best Restaurant Website in Internet Advertising Competition

Heidel House Resort & Spa website and Pfister Augmented Reality app recognized in prestigious annual interactive media awards; Marcus Restaurants wins Best Restaurant Website in IAC awards

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Milwaukee, Wis., April 22, 2015. . . . . Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced that its technology team won three web design awards from the Horizon Interactive Awards, a leading international interactive media awards competition that recognizes the year’s “best of the best” in interactive media production. Marcus Hotels & Resorts also won Best Restaurant Website for its Marcus Restaurant Group site in the Internet Advertising Competition.

 

The Heidel House Resort & Spa website, http://www.heidelhouse.com, won a gold award in the responsive/mobile design category and a silver award in the travel & tourism category.  After assuming management of the 190-room resort in Green Lake, Wis. in March 2014, Marcus Hotels & Resorts almost immediately began work on a new responsive website to showcase the stunning images the lakefront property offers.  The marketing team laid out the business priorities and goals of the website, while the technology team worked on crafting a new responsive design and implementing a strong SEO strategy.  Within three months of the new site’s launch there was a 330% increase in website visitors from the Chicago market alone, and mobile users were actively engaging in the new site as evidenced by a 1,700% increase in mobile visits.

 

The Pfister Hotel Augmented Reality Art Tour, http://www.thepfisterhotel.com/art-tour, won a gold award in the mobile app category. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is one of the first hotel management companies in the U.S. to launch an augmented reality tour at its flagship property, The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis.  Housing the largest collection of Victorian art of any hotel in the world, the Pfister Hotel now has an augmented reality tour to provide a self-guided, digital, full motion experience of 12 pieces in the art collection, featuring games, videos and other graphics.  The Marcus Hotels technology team created the new mobile technology and built a seamless experience for mobile and tablet users, as well as wearable devices.  The app has received local and national media attention and there are plans to augment more of the art collection in the future.  The app is free and available for download at: http://www.thepfisterhotel.com/art-tour.

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“Our corporate marketing and technology teams are focused on development projects that empower and engage our customers before and during travel,” said Christine Beuchert, senior director, marketing and ecommerce strategy for Marcus Hotels & Resorts. “These awards recognize our company’s creative talent and outstanding work in providing an exceptional digital user experience for our customers.”

 

Marcus Hotels & Resorts was also a winner in the Internet Advertising Competition Awards for its Marcus Restaurant Group website, www.marcusrestaurants.com, for Best Restaurant Website.  The IAC Awards provide an opportunity to highlight the best online advertising in 96 industries and nine online formats including online ad, video, mobile, newsletter, email and social media.  The Marcus Restaurant Group website award was based on the following criteria: creativity, innovation, impact, design, copywriting, use of the median and memorability.

 

“These interactive digital awards are a testament not only to the exceptional design work our team is capable of, but the sound coding and optimization strategy behind each project.  These awards recognize not only the sites that look good on the surface, but also the sites that are built soundly and adhere to industry standards and best practices,” said Jessica McCoy Howsam, digital project manager for Marcus Hotels’ design and development team.

 

For more information on each award, please visit the Marcus technology team blog at: http://blog.marcustec.com/2015/04/here-comes-the-sun.

 

For more information visit the Horizon Interactive Awards online: www.horizoninteractiveawards.com.  For more information on the IAC Awards, please visit: http://www.iacaward.org. For the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit https://media.marcushotels.com.  

 

About Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states.  A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historic renovations.  The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels.  For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

 

 

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02.23.15

Marcus® Hotels & Resorts Names Michael Swasey Area Vice President

Michael Swasey Media

 

Milwaukee, Wis., February 23, 2015. . . . . Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced Michael Swasey has joined the company as area vice president.

Swasey joins Marcus Hotels & Resorts with 20 years of hospitality experience, having most recently served as vice president of hotel operations for Alena Hospitality, based in Orlando, Fla.  His prior experience includes serving as vice president of asset management for Inland American Lodging Management, L.L.C. (now Xenia REIT) in Orlando, Fla., and serving in operations roles for B.F. Saul Company – Hospitality Group, Bethesda, Md.; Legacy Hospitality, Inc., Albuquerque, N.M.; InterContinental Hotel Group, Atlanta, Ga. and Sage Hospitality, Denver, Colo.

“Mike brings an extensive background of operations expertise to our portfolio and we are excited to welcome him to our executive team,” said Joseph Khairallah, chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts.

Swasey graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and holds a master’s degree from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.  He serves on the American Hotel & Lodging Association Food & Beverage Committee and is a member of HAMA (Hospitality Asset Managers Association).

For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com.

About Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages

20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states.  A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historic renovations.  The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels.  For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

 

To view the complete PDF click here

 

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02.13.15

Marcus® Hotels & Resorts’ Properties Recognized with AAA Four Diamond Award® Rating

The Pfister Hotel, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Skirvin Hilton and Hilton Milwaukee again receive AAA Four Diamond status in 2015

 

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Milwaukee, Wis., February 13, 2015. . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced that four of its owned and managed properties have again received the AAA Four Diamond Award rating in 2015.  Less than four percent of 58,000 AAA- Approved hotels and restaurants receive this rating.

 

The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis., remains one of only 12 hotels in North America that have maintained AAA Four Diamond status for 39 consecutive years since the Diamond Ratings were first introduced in 1976.  The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis. maintained AAA Four Diamond status for 18 consecutive years; the Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City, Okla. received the rating for the ninth consecutive year and the Hilton Milwaukee in Milwaukee, Wis. received the rating for the fifth consecutive year.

 

The Pfister Hotel, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Skirvin Hilton and Hilton Milwaukee are part of a select group of establishments within North America.  Currently, just 1,544 hotels and 689 restaurants hold the AAA Four Diamond Rating.  Hotels at this level are committed to providing every guest with a personalized experience and attentive service in comfortable, high-quality surroundings, according to AAA. They typically offer an extensive array of amenities and guest services.

 

“We are once again honored to be recognized with the AAA Four Diamond Award rating,” said Joseph Khairallah, chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts.  “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the extraordinary service they provide to our guests.”

 

“AAA is pleased to recognize The Pfister Hotel, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Skirvin Hilton and Hilton Milwaukee as Four Diamond hotels,” said Michael Petrone, director of AAA Inspections & Diamond Ratings. “To maintain the exceptional standards required for this rating on a daily basis is an outstanding achievement. AAA Four Diamond establishments are attentive to guests needs and consistently deliver memorable travel and dining experiences.”

 

For more information on AAA Four Diamond criteria, please visit http://newsroom.aaa.com.   For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com.

 

About AAA Inspections

For 79 years AAA has used professional inspectors to conduct in-person property inspections. AAA offers the only rating system using comprehensive, on-site professional hotel and restaurant evaluations guided by member priorities. With a far greater inventory than any other rating entity, AAA’s rating system covers the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

 

Travelers can find Diamond Rated establishments and inspector insight in AAA trip planning products: the AAA Mobile® app for tablets and smartphones, the desktop and mobile versions of the TripTik® Travel Planner  online mapping and routing tool, searchable Travel Guides on AAA.com and AAA TourBook® guides available to members at AAA/CAA offices.

 

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 54 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

 

Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states.  A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historic renovations.  The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels.  For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

 

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12.29.14

The Pfister® Hotel and InterContinental Milwaukee Receive Adrian Awards in Global Competition

The Pfister® Hotel and InterContinental Milwaukee Receive Adrian Awards
in Global Competition
Four awards recognize successful marketing efforts

Milwaukee, Wis., December 29, 2014. . . . . Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced two of its owned Milwaukee, Wis. properties, The Pfister Hotel and InterContinental Milwaukee, have received a total of four Adrian Awards in the industry’s largest and most prestigious travel marketing competition.  Presented by The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), this year’s Adrian Award contest garnered more than 1,200 entries from around the world, with entries judged by top executives throughout the industry.

The Pfister Hotel won a Gold Adrian Award for its Four Generations Wedding Story in the category of “Public Relations Single Item: Feature Placement Online-Consumer Media,” and won for its placement in ABC News online/Good Morning America.  The Four Generations Wedding Story chronicles one family’s wedding history with the Pfister Hotel, dating back to 1924.

The hotel received a Bronze Adrian Award for its new website, www.thepfisterhotel.com, in the category of “Digital Marketing: Digital Single Item – Web Site.” The fully responsive site was created by Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ in-house marketing and web development teams.  The website was designed to include impactful imagery, a modernized look and feel, and easy navigation for online reservations, amenities, dining options and guestroom features.  The Pfister website also recently won a 2014 Mobile Web Award in the category of Best Hotel and Lodging Mobile Website.

As previously announced, The Pfister Hotel also received a Silver Adrian Award in the category of “Public Relations Campaign: Marketing Program – Consumer” for its 120th Anniversary Marketing Campaign which included Emmy-nominated documentary, “The Pfister: History & Story” and international award-winning 283-page book, “The History, Art & Imagery of The Pfister Hotel.”

The InterContinental Milwaukee won a Gold Adrian Award in the category “Public Relations Campaign: Community Service/Social Responsibility” for the Five Year Pink Room Community Partnership PR Campaign which included branding and collateral pieces, community relations, PR placements and total donations raised.  In 2009, the InterContinental Milwaukee created two special guest rooms designed to build awareness, raise funds, offer support and foster hope for those fighting breast cancer.  The hotel partnered with a local organization, ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, in which a portion of the proceeds from each stay in the rooms was donated.  Since the inception of the program, $50,000 has been donated to ABCD, and the Pink Room Project continues to receive national media recognition.  Additionally, InterContinental Hotels Group took the concept system-wide and other hotels are following suit and creating similar programs around the world.

HSMAI will pay tribute to these winning entries during the annual HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala, a black-tie affair attended by more than 1,000 hospitality, travel and tourism marketing executives at the New York Marriott Marquis on February 23, 2015.

“We are honored to receive four Adrian Awards in this year’s competition,” said Christine Beuchert, senior director of marketing and e-commerce strategy for Marcus Hotels & Resorts.  “Our goal is to create websites and marketing campaigns that provide a rich customer experience, through meaningful community initiatives, well-developed and interesting content and highly impactful visuals. Ensuring that the online experience fully expresses the brand and engages our customers at an emotional level will always be a priority for us.  We are thrilled to be recognized for delivering on this goal.”

“We are continually amazed by the creativity of the Adrian Award submissions,” said Fran Brasseux, HSMAI executive vice president. “We saw imaginative campaigns that got results in all categories, and we’re excited about honoring this year’s Adrian Award winners in February.”

Visit www.AdrianAwards.com for more information on the event and competition.

About HSMAI
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners, and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals & their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as HSMAI’s MEET, Adrian Awards, and Revenue Optimization Conference. HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprising more than 7,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at www.hsmai.org, www.facebook.com/hsmai, www.twitter.com/hsmai and www.youtube.com/hsmai1.

Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states.  A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historic renovations.  The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels.  For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

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12.11.14

Heidel House Resort & Spa Receives Two Industry Recognitions

Blue HH Resort and Spa Logo          MarcusHotels_trans

Heidel House Resort & Spa Receives Two Industry Recognitions
Voted Best Wisconsin Lakeshore Resort by Wisconsin Meetings magazine; General Manager Scott Krause Named 2014 Innkeeper of the Year by Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association

 Milwaukee, Wis., December 11, 2014. . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced that Heidel House Resort & Spa, located in Green Lake, Wis., has been awarded two prestigious industry recognitions. The readers of Wisconsin Meetings magazine have voted Heidel House the Best Wisconsin Lakeshore Resort in 2015 and hotel General Manager, Scott Krause, was named Innkeeper of the Year by the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WH&LA).

“Receiving these awards is truly an honor and speaks to our fantastic staff and sales and catering teams who dedicate themselves to providing outstanding experiences for our guests.  I believe it is our personalized customer service and people-pleasing attitudes that help set us apart from other resort properties, ” said Krause.

Wisconsin Meetings Best Wisconsin Lakeshore Resort

Heidel House Resort & Spa was voted the Best Wisconsin Lakeshore Resort in the 2015 Best of Wisconsin Meeting Awards.  The annual awards are determined by a survey that asks readers to weigh in on the suppliers and venues that rise to the top of the meetings and convention industry. Meeting planners have voted Heidel House the Best Wisconsin Lakeshore Resort in 2013 and 2015, and it’s not hard to see why. Tucked away on the beautiful shores of Green Lake, the state’s deepest inland lake, meeting planners continue to be impressed with the resort’s unique amenities including 18,000 square-feet of meeting and event space, an award-winning luxury spa, Evensong Spa, and three restaurants including Grey Rock, which has been named one of Wisconsin’s Top 25 Restaurants and has received the Wine Spectator Award every year since 2002.  Other features include two lounges, a stand-alone ice cream parlor, the elegant Dartford ballroom accommodating up to 380 guests, a Carriage Tent event space for outdoor weddings and social events, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, tranquil beach and lakefront, and nearby golf courses. The resort also has the 60-foot Escapade yacht available for daily excursions on the lake, cocktail cruises, private dinners and receptions.

Known as a year-round Midwestern destination, Heidel House Resort offers a boat rental and water sports area, hiking and biking trails and a variety of seasonal waterfront activities in summer.  Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and ice fishing.

“Our team does our best to assist meeting planners in providing spectacular events, both inside and outside the meeting room,” said Von Fabella, director of sales and marketing. “The property is beautiful and welcoming, leaving meeting planners with a variety of options to choose from to make the event their own.  We are happy to see our dedication to exceptional service recognized and hope to continue to provide an inspirational setting for successful meetings and events.”

Additional information on the 2015 Best of Wisconsin Meeting Awards will be in the December issue of Wisconsin Meetings magazine.

WH&LA Innkeeper of the Year Award

The Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WH&LA), representing more than 650 hotels, motels, resorts and inns throughout the state, named Heidel House Resort & Spa General Manager Scott Krause as the 2014 Innkeeper of the Year at the Wisconsin Lodging Conference held in early November.  Krause was recognized for his outstanding leadership in the Wisconsin lodging industry, serving as the general manager of Heidel House Resort & Spa for 11 years.  He also currently serves on the Governor’s Council on Tourism as one of three delegates representing the lodging industry and was the first recipient of the Governor’s Tourism Service Award.  Krause has also served as WH&LA Chairman of the Board in 2008, Wisconsin Representative on the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) Board of Directors and was accepted onto the prestigious AH&LA Resort Committee.  Krause received special commendations from Governor Scott Walker for his service to the lodging industry.

“Scott Krause exemplifies the passion for the lodging industry that enables a property and its entire staff to perform at its best, which not only makes the property more successful, but reflects well on the lodging industry throughout the state,” said Trish Pugal, WH&LA president and CEO.

Marcus Hotels & Resorts assumed management of Heidel House Resort & Spa in May 2014.  The property is owned by the Fiore Companies, Inc. based in Madison, Wis.

About Heidel House Resort & Spa

Since welcoming its first guests on a snowy New Year’s Eve in 1945, Heidel House Resort & Spa has become a year-round Midwestern destination offering both summer and winter activities. Nestled on 20 wooded acres along the shores of Wisconsin’s deepest inland lake, this full-service resort offers numerous amenities including 180 guest rooms, 18,000 square feet of meeting space, lakeside dining at Grey Rock restaurant and luxurious spa services at the award-winning Evensong Spa. Selected as the 2014 Best Honeymoon Location in Wisconsin by Wisconsin Bride magazine, Heidel House is a favorite destination for weddings and social gatherings, in addition to offering a scenic setting for business and leisure travelers alike. For more information, please visit www.heidelhouse.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states.  A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historic renovations.  The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels.  For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

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12.08.14

The Pfister® Hotel’s 120th Anniversary Marketing Campaign Wins Prestigious Adrian Award

Milwaukee, Wis., December 8, 2014. . . . .The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) will recognize The Pfister Hotel’s 120th Anniversary Marketing Campaign with a silver Adrian Award for its winning entry in the 58th annual Adrian Awards, the largest and most prestigious travel marketing competition globally.  The Pfister Hotel’s 120th anniversary coffee table book, “The History, Art & Imagery of The Pfister Hotel,” also received a Platinum MarCom Award in the Marketing Promotion category in this annual international communications award program.  The Pfister Hotel is owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS).

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The year’s Adrian Award contest garnered more than 1,200 entries from around the world, with entries judged by top executives throughout the industry.  The Pfister Hotel’s 120th Anniversary Marketing Campaign included Emmy-nominated documentary “The Pfister: History & Story” and international award-winning 283-page book, “The History, Art & Imagery of The Pfister Hotel.”

Chris Anderson, senior vice president, sales, marketing and brand development of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, had the challenge of putting together a relevant campaign that would tell the story of a 120- year-old hotel in a modern day format.  “As the 120th anniversary approached, we realized that there was no formal documentation of The Pfister’s life throughout the years for others to learn about and appreciate.  In order to tell the iconic hotel’s story in formats that would be intriguing to future generations and Millennials, we needed to create marketing pieces that were appealing and unique.  The book and documentary did the job of telling the story of The Pfister not just through words, but through stunning photography and video – leaving a piece of history for future guests and generations to enjoy.  We are honored to be able to share the hotel’s extraordinary story with our guests, the Milwaukee community and beyond,” said Anderson.

Depicting the history of Milwaukee’s Pfister Hotel through memories and stories of previous guests, employees, historians and notable local figures, the documentary takes viewers back in time to experience the grandeur of the hotel, including its evolution since it opened its doors to the public in 1893.  The personal stories dictated in the film convey The Pfister’s impact on the local Milwaukee community and all those who pass through its doors into the grand marble lobby.

The book captures the timeless beauty, personality and elegance of this world-class hotel through breathtaking original photography by award-winning Milwaukee photographer Jay Filter and stories written by best-selling award-winning writer Tom Jordan.  Published by The Marcus Corporation and registered with the Library of Congress, the book’s 283 pages detail the hotel’s simple yet elegant architecture and history, showcasing ironwork railing and staircases, exquisite chandeliers, the Victorian front desk that has greeted guests since 1893 and original paintings.

“We are continually amazed by the creativity of the Adrian Award submissions,” said Fran Brasseux, HSMAI executive vice president. “We saw imaginative campaigns that got results in all categories, and we’re excited about honoring this year’s Adrian Award winners in February.”

HSMAI will pay tribute to The Pfister Hotel’s 120th Anniversary Campaign during the annual HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala, a black-tie affair attended by more than 1,000 hospitality, travel and tourism marketing executives at the New York Marriott Marquis on February 23, 2015.

Additionally, “The History, Art & Imagery of The Pfister Hotel” book helped win a Platinum award in the 2014 MarCom Awards competition.  The MarCom Awards is an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communication professionals.  MarCom’s Platinum Award is presented to those entries judged to be among the most outstanding entries in the competition.

In 2014, the documentary also earned the prestigious Telly Award and was nominated for an Emmy in this year’s competition.  The book earned top awards at the 2014 International Book Awards and the National Indie Excellence® Book Awards.

The documentary is available online at: http://www.thepfisterhotel.com/boutique-hotel/pfister-history or at www.marcushotels.com.

Visit www.AdrianAwards.com for more information on the event and competition.

For more information on the MarCom awards, please visit: http://marcomawards.com.

About The Pfister Hotel
Built in 1893, The Pfister Hotel has been the premier downtown Milwaukee hotel for more than a century, and continues to celebrate a tradition of gracious service and impeccable style; 2013 marked the hotel’s 120th year as an icon in Milwaukee. The Pfister Hotel was purchased in 1962 by Ben Marcus, who vowed to renovate the distinguished hotel to its original beauty. Significant renovations were completed and a new 23-story guest room tower was built. In fall 2012, The Marcus Corporation celebrated its 50th year of ownership of the property.

Home to the largest collection of Victorian art of any hotel in the world, The Pfister is a AAA Four-Diamond property with membership in two of the industry’s leading organizations: Historic Hotels of America and Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. The Pfister Hotel is located at 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. More information and updates on the hotel can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thePfisterHotel and on Twitter (@PfisterHotel).

Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states.  A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historic renovations.  The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels.  For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

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11.18.14

Downtown Lincoln Association Honors The Marcus Corporation with its Business Leadership Award

Company recognized for its investments in The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel, and the Lincoln Grand Cinema

Milwaukee, Wis., November 18, 2014…..The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS) today announced The Downtown Lincoln Association (DLA) in Lincoln, Neb. honored the company with its Business Leadership Award as part of its annual Impact Awards program.  This prestigious award recognizes The Marcus Corporation for its commitment to the city of Lincoln through its recent investments in the Lincoln Grand Cinema and The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel over the past year.  DLA’s Impact Awards recognize businesses or individuals that have made a significant contribution to downtown Lincoln.

“We have received a very warm welcome from the Lincoln community, first for our theatre and most recently for our investment in The Cornhusker.  We are honored to receive this recognition from the Downtown Lincoln Association.  Lincoln is an energetic and vibrant community to be a part of and we look forward to participating in its continued growth and success,” said Gregory S. Marcus, president and chief executive officer of The Marcus Corporation.

“Working with the team at The Marcus Corporation has been a breath of fresh air for the business climate in Lincoln.  Because of their ongoing commitment to the vitality of our downtown, we have experienced a resurgence and vibrancy in our community.  The company’s leadership and vision has helped us get to the next level both as a travel destination and a place to live, and on behalf of the Lincoln business community we want to recognize The Marcus Corporation for their investments in our city and future,” said Jeff Maul, executive director of the Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel

In September 2014, Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, the company’s hotel division, completed an $11 million revitalization of The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel.  Acquiring the property in 2012 as a majority owner of a joint venture, the iconic landmark had been a fixture of Lincoln since 1926 but was undergoing financial difficulties related to the previous ownership.  Having lost its Marriott flag at the time of purchase, Marcus Hotels & Resorts rebranded the property with Marriott Hotels & Resorts and completed extensive property-wide renovations including a significant lobby transformation, all 300 guest rooms, 46,000 square feet of meeting and event space and the addition of Miller Time Pub & Grill restaurant – catering to both guests and local residents alike.  The revitalization included adding signature Marriott elements and amenities such as the Marriott great room experiential lobby offering style, comfort, convenience and entertainment for the next generation of travelers, and adding a Marriott Concierge Lounge on the hotel’s 10th floor.

“Having been a part of the Lincoln community for nearly 90 years, we knew the Cornhusker Hotel was a special place in the hearts of associates, locals and guests.  We took great care in renovating this landmark property to meet the needs and expectations of today’s travelers and to take this landmark property to new heights.  We are grateful to the DLA for recognizing our efforts in making The Cornhusker the place future generations can continue to enjoy,” said Chris Anderson, senior vice president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts.

Lincoln Grand Cinema

In June 2014, the company’s theatre division, Marcus Theatres®, completed an extensive renovation of the Lincoln Grand Cinema, adding the first UltraScreen DLX® (DreamLounger eXperience) auditorium in the state.  The state-of-the-art auditorium combines a massive screen, Dolby® Atmos® sound and DreamLoungerSM recliner seating.  As part of the renovation the company was also the first movie theatre to offer a food and lounge concept to moviegoers in Lincoln.  Take FiveSM Lounge provides guests with a casual dining experience before or after the movie, offering a chef-inspired menu and a full-service bar for socializing and relaxation. Zaffiro’s® Express lobby dining provides a convenient option for dining while enjoying Zaffiro’s THINCREDIBLE®, handmade thin-crust pizza, along with appetizer favorites, sandwiches, fresh salads and desserts.

“We are excited to bring many firsts to the movie-going experience in Lincoln.  Now offering a complete entertainment experience, guests of the Lincoln Grand Cinema can enjoy movies as never before.  Our comfortable recliner seating allows guests to sit back and relax while watching their favorite blockbuster on a 58-foot-wide screen with immersive sound.  Take Five Lounge and Zaffiro’s Express offer guests in-theatre dining options under one roof for convenience and enjoyment.  We continually strive to respond to our customers’ ever-changing needs and are honored to receive the Impact Award for our investments in the city’s largest cinema.  We thank the residents of Lincoln for their continued support,” said Rolando B. Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of Marcus Theatres.

For more information on The Downtown Lincoln Association’s Impact Awards, please visit: http://downtownlincoln.org/connect/news.html/article/2014/10/29/dla-announces-impact-award-winners-at-annual-meeting.

For more information on the Cornhusker Hotel revitalization, please visit:https://media.marcushotels.com/?p=2531.

For more information on the Lincoln Grand renovations, please visit: http://marcustheatres.com/About/PressReleaseDetail/71/

About The Marcus Corporation

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, The Marcus Corporation is a leader in the lodging and entertainment industries, with significant company-owned real estate assets. The Marcus Corporation’s theatre division, Marcus Theatres®, currently owns or manages 685 screens at 55 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio. The company’s lodging division, Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.marcuscorp.com.

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10.28.14

Marcus® Hotels & Resorts Announces Four General Manager Promotions

Milwaukee, Wis., October 28, 2014. . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced four general manager promotions.  Jim Waldvogel has been promoted to area vice president and general manager of the Hilton Milwaukee City Center; Tim Smith, general manager of The Pfister® Hotel; Omar Naimi, general manager of the InterContinental Milwaukee; and Skip Harless, general manager of the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace.

Jim Waldvogel will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Hilton Milwaukee City Center and will have operational oversight of the company’s two other Milwaukee properties, The Pfister Hotel and InterContinental Milwaukee.  He will also continue to oversee the company’s two Minneapolis properties, the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington and the Crowne Plaza-Northstar.  Promoted to area vice president in April 2014, Waldvogel joined the company in 1997 as general manager of the Crowne Plaza-Northstar hotel and was promoted to general manager of the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington in 2007.  Waldvogel graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis.

Tim Smith, a nearly 30-year veteran of The Marcus Corporation, will oversee operations of the company’s flagship property, The PfisterHotel in Milwaukee, Wis. Smith joined the company in 1987 as an account executive at the Marc Plaza (now Hilton Milwaukee) and held various sales positions within the company.  In 2005 he was named corporate director of sales and in 2007 he was promoted to his most recent position as general manager of InterContinental Milwaukee.  Smith graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

Omar Naimi is the new general manager of the InterContinental Milwaukee.  Naimi joined the company in 2011 as director of hotel operations and interim general manager of The PfisterHotel.  Prior to joining Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Naimi served as general manager of the Tanjung Rhu Resort and Spa in Langkawi, Malaysia.  Prior to this role, Naimi spent 12 years with Marriott Hotels & Resorts working in operations and food and beverage positions at some of Marriott’s most luxurious properties.  He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in hotel administration from Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, N.H. and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Stockholm School of Economics in Stockholm, Sweden. He also holds a hotel diploma from the Hotel Institute Montreux in Montreux, Switzerland.

Skip Harless has been named general manager of the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace.  With more than 24 years of experience with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Harless joined the company in May 2014 as resident manager of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.  Prior to joining Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Harless served as the senior executive assistant manager for the Hyatt Regency Denver in Denver, Colo.  He graduated with a bachelor of fine arts degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

“Jim, Tim, Omar and Skip have demonstrated great professionalism and leadership within our company and I have great faith that all four of these individuals will continue to make significant contributions to the continued success of Marcus Hotels & Resorts,” said Thomas F. Kissinger, interim president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts and senior executive vice president of The Marcus Corporation.

Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Marcus Hotels & Resorts is a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS).  When it assumes management of The Hotel Zamora in St. Pete Beach, Fla. on November 1, the company will own and/or manage 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states.  A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historic renovations.  The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels.  For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

 

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