Marcus Hotels Press > Hotel Management Press Releases
02.14.12 |
Peggy Williams-Smith to Receive 2012 Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame Peak Performer Award
Milwaukee, Wis., February 14, 2012. . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced that Peggy Williams-Smith, senior director, catering and event operations, will receive the 2012 Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame Peak Performer Award presented by Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. The award is designed to identify and recognize a Metro Milwaukee individual who has shown excellence in his or her field, along with a commitment to the community. “Peggy is the ideal example of a Peak Performer. Her enthusiasm and dedication to her career shine throughout her work at Marcus Hotels & Resorts. Peggy is passionate about her community and willingly devotes her time, energy and resources to various charitable groups throughout the city. Congratulations to Peggy on this well-deserved honor,” said Gregory S. Marcus, president and chief executive officer of The Marcus Corporation. Williams-Smith has been with the company for 14 years and was selected to receive this prestigious award based on several factors, including her success with Marcus Hotels & Resorts, her professionalism, level-headedness under intense pressure and a relentless commitment to finding new ways to do business. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association, TEMPO Milwaukee and UCP of Southeastern Wisconsin. Williams-Smith also dedicates her time to numerous community organizations and non-profits, including Junior Achievement, United Way, Best Buddies and the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF). She had an instrumental role in the company’s 75th anniversary celebrations and activities in 2010, which resulted in charitable donations of over $150,000. The 2012 Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame Benefit Dinner and Induction Ceremony will be held at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis. on April 19, 2012. For more information, please visit http://wisconsin.ja.org/events_fame.html. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns or manages 18 hotels, resorts and other properties in nine states. A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historical 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 visit: www.marcushotels.com. |
02.10.12 |
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Receives AAA Four-Diamond Status for 15th Consecutive Year
Milwaukee, Wis., February 10, 2012. . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced that the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis. has received AAA Four-Diamond status for the 15thconsecutive year. The company’s 1, 300 acre resort was first honored with this recognition in 1998. “The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has been a part of our portfolio since 1993. Our vision for this unique property was to create an exceptional guest experience built on high-quality service and outstanding hospitality,” said Gregory S. Marcus, president and chief executive officer of The Marcus Corporation. “Today, the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa continues to offer the latest in technology, dining and relaxation over its 62,000 square feet of functional space. I am very proud of this honor as it is a true testament to our associates’ ongoing dedication to providing extraordinary service to their guests.” The AAA Four-Diamond status is North America’s premier hotel rating program. In order to achieve ranking, properties must meet 27 essential requirements focusing on cleanliness, comfort, security, and safety. All AAA-rated properties demonstrate the strict quality guidelines necessary for AAA approval. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa ranks in the 95th percentile of all 31,000 AAA Approved and Diamond-Rated hotels for 2012. Other properties in the Marcus Hotels & Resorts portfolio that have received AAA Four-Diamond status include The Pfister Hotel,in Milwaukee, Wis., the Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City, Okla. and the Westin Columbus in Columbus, Ohio. Most recently, theHilton Milwaukee City Center, located in Milwaukee, Wis. was awarded AAA Four-Diamond status for the first time in August 2011. The award comes after a multi-million dollar renovation of the hotel’s guestrooms, lobby area, public spaces, fitness center and more. For more information on AAA Four-Diamond criteria, please visitww2.aaa.com/aaa/common/Tourbook/diamonds/whatisthis.html. 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 or manages 18 hotels, resorts and other properties in nine states. A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historical 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 visit: www.marcushotels.com. 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 sixth largest theatre circuit in the United States and currently owns or operates 694 screens at 56 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio. For more information, visit the company’s web site at www.marcuscorp.com.
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02.07.12 |
The Pfister® Hotel Ranked Among Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the U.S. by TripAdvisor®
Milwaukee, Wis., February 7, 2012. . . . . Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), announced the company’s premier downtown Milwaukee hotel, The Pfister, was ranked among the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the United States in TripAdvisor’s10th Annual 2012 Travelers’ Choice Awards. This is the first year The Pfister Hotel has been recognized by TripAdvisor in the luxury hotels category. “Fifty years ago my grandfather and the founder of The Marcus Corporation, Ben Marcus, purchased The Pfister Hotel out of a bankruptcy auction. Open since 1893 and a favorite among dignitaries, he realized the important role the hotel played in the city of Milwaukee and wanted to keep that tradition alive,” said Gregory S. Marcus, president and chief executive officer of The Marcus Corporation. “We are proud of our 50 years of ownership of this landmark property which remains the premier luxury hotel and social center of downtown Milwaukee. Our associates should be very pleased by this recognition and we are excited to celebrate its success as the first property in our hotel portfolio.” “The Pfister is one of an elite group of hotels that are more than 120 years old,” said Joe Kurth, general manager. “From its priceless Victorian art collection and timeless architecture to its top-rated restaurants and reinvigorating spa, The Pfister continues to set the standard for exceptional amenities and gracious service. I am very proud of our management team and associates for striving every day to provide extraordinary service to our guests, and continue our tradition of providing an exceptional hotel experience.” In addition to being honored by TripAdvisor, The Pfister Hotel has received AAA Four-Diamond status for 36 consecutive years and is one of Wisconsin’s six lodging properties that received AAA’s highest Diamond Award ratings for 2011. Additionally, it is one of only 14 hotels in the nation that has received this designation since the inception of the award program in 1977. The hotel has also earned memberships in the most exclusive hotel organizations in the world including Historic Hotels of America andPreferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been named among the World’s Best Places to Stay by Conde Nast Traveler Gold List. TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice award winners are based on millions of real reviews and opinions about hotels onwww.tripadvisor.com. The annual Travelers’ Choice Awards honor the world’s finest hotels for their outstanding service, value and quality. For more information, please visit: www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice. The Marcus Corporation will celebrate its 50th year of ownership this fall. 2013 will mark the hotel’s 120th year as an icon in Milwaukee. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit:https://media.marcushotels.com. |
01.06.12 |
Bill Reynolds, Senior Managing Director of MCS Capital LLC, is featured in Hotel Business
Bill Reynolds, Senior Managing Director of MCS Capital LLC, is featured in Hotel Business “People of 2012.” Reynolds discusses how he arrived at The Marcus Corporation, his strategy for MCS Capital and the changes ahead in the industry.
Download the full article here: http://www.marcushotels.com/marcus-hotels-resorts-pdfs/hotel-business-people-2012.pdf
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12.07.11 |
Marcus Hotels & Resorts Mason Street Grill Concept featured in Hotels Magazine December 2011 Issue
Mason Street Grill, Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ American Grill restaurant concept is featured in the article titled “Money Hungry” in the December 2011 issue of Hotels Magazine. Keith Halfmann, vice president of operations for the company discusses profitability for the concept and how it has remained the successful go-to restaurant in downtown Milwaukee, Wis. as part of The Pfister Hotel. Download Full Article Here: http://www.marcushotels.com/marcus-hotels-resorts-pdfs/hotels-magazine-dec-2011.pdf |
12.05.11 |
Marcus Hotels & Resorts Honors Seven Properties with Awards of Excellence
Milwaukee, Wis., December 5, 2011. . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), presented awards to seven of its properties at the company’s annual 2011 Leadership Conference at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis. in November. The properties were recognized as exceptional examples of Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ “Core Values in Action.” Awards were presented to the following hotels and members of their management team:
“Providing exceptional guest service is a hallmark of our company,” said Gregory S. Marcus, president and chief executive officer of The Marcus Corporation. “Every day our associates are challenged to create a special experience for our customers – one that they will remember for just a few hours or a lifetime. We are proud to recognize those properties that exemplify the values of our company.” Attendees included the company’s leadership team, general managers, sales directors and other distinguished guests. Prominent keynote speakers included Michael Tchong who spoke on social engagement marketing, Haydn Shaw who discussed leading with a company’s value system and Daniel Burrus, author of Flash Foresight. For more information on each property, please visit www.marcushotels.com. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation(NYSE: MCS), owns or manages 18 hotels, resorts and other properties in nine states. A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historical 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 visit: www.marcushotels.com. |
11.08.11 |
Keith Halfmann Featured in Hotel Executive November 2011 Issue – Success Through Sustainability
Keith Halfmann, vice president of operations for Marcus Hotels & Resorts discusses with readers how to turn a hotel restaurant into a profitable destination in the November issue of Hotel Executive. In the article, he discusses how passionate owners and operators should view their restaurant as an opportunity to increase the bottom line and engage the local community. He addresses questions such as how do operators make their restaurant or lounge sustainable? How do they successfully draw-in out-of-town guests while also capturing added revenues from the local residents? And how do they transform their restaurant into a destination? Please read Keith’s article for great tips and insights! |
10.31.11 |
MARCUS HOTELS & RESORTS COMPLETES RENOVATION OF THE HOTEL PHILLIPS IN KANSAS CITY, MO.
Milwaukee, Wis., November 1, 2011. . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced the completion of a multi-million dollar property-wide renovation of the historic Hotel Phillips in downtown Kansas City, Mo. “The renovation focused on maintaining the hotel’s elegant Art Deco design elements while adding the high-quality amenities that today’s travelers expect. The newly renovated Hotel Phillips reflects the vibrant feel of Kansas City in the 1930’s, coupled with the modern-day excitement of 21st century city life,” said Chris Anderson, senior vice president, sales, marketing and brand development of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. Anderson said the renovation was part of the company’s focus on continually maintaining and enhancing its properties. “This is the fifth historic property we have renovated. The successful restoration of landmark properties requires specialized knowledge and expertise that we have developed over the past 50 years. Investing in our existing properties is a hallmark of our company, and one of the reasons why many of our hotels are the premier property in their market,” said Anderson. The Hotel Phillips welcomes visitors with dramatic exterior lighting designed to accentuate the hotel’s historic stone detailing. Inside, the lobby opens to reveal inlaid marble floors and pillars, walnut and wrought iron accents, and etched glass and brass light fixtures, also seen throughout other areas of the hotel. The statue of Dawn, a golden angel figure, overlooks the lobby and ties together all of the elements throughout the expansive hotel. The international company Duncan·Miller·Ullmann was the design firm for the project. Hotel Phillips opened in 1931 as the city’s most elegant hotel. Today it retains that beautiful distinctive Art Deco elegance that is now combined with the ambience of a European-style hotel. It features unparallel guest services and amenities. Hotel Phillips is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been recognized in Southern Living, Food & Wine and The Wall Street Journal. Reservations can be made by calling 877-704-5341. For more information, visit www.hotelphillips.com.
About Marcus Hotels & Resorts Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation(NYSE: MCS), owns or manages 18 hotels, resorts and other properties in nine states. A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historical 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 visit: www.marcushotels.com.
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 sixth largest theatre circuit in the United States and currently owns or operates 684 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. |
10.21.11 |
THE MARCUS CORPORATION ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION OF BILL OTTO
Milwaukee, Wis., October 21, 2011. . . . .The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS) today announced the resignation of Bill Otto, president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. Otto, who has been with Marcus Hotels for 19 years, expanded the division from a few properties to a company with a broad geographic reach. About The Marcus Corporation Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, The Marcus Corporation is a leader in the lodging and entertainment industries, with significant real estate assets. The Marcus Corporation’s movie theatre division, Marcus Theatres®, currently owns or manages 684 screens at 55 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio. The company’s lodging division, Marcus Hotels & Resorts, owns or manages 18 hotels, resorts and other properties in nine states. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.marcuscorp.com.
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10.17.11 |
MARCUS(R) HOTELS AND RESORTS CELEBRATES THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL IN OKLAHOMA CITY
Milwaukee, Wis., October 17, 2011. . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced the 100th anniversary celebration of The Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City, Okla. In 2007, Marcus Hotels & Resorts completed a $55 million renovation and restoration of this historic landmark, returning the property to its former glory as the social center of Oklahoma City. “We are delighted to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the oldest existing hotel in the state of Oklahoma. The Skirvin Hilton is a grand hotel in the tradition of historic hotels, and was our fourth historic restoration,” said Bill Otto, president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. “While carefully retaining its historic details, we completely renovated the property and introduced successful restaurant concepts, including the Park Avenue Grill and Red Piano Bar. We are proud to be a part of this celebratory event – and proud to continue to deliver exceptional service to our Oklahoma City guests.”
The project leveraged Marcus Hotels’ 50 years of experience in restoring landmark hotels and the expertise of Skirvin Partners in Development to accomplish such a monumental rebirth of this historic icon of Oklahoma City. “This was a complex undertaking from both a restoration and financial viewpoint, involving new-market tax credits and federal and state historic tax credits. However, it was
well worth the effort. The Skirvin Hilton has been a tremendous addition to Oklahoma City and helped to revive growth and excitement of the downtown surrounding area,” said Otto. “We look forward to celebrating the Skirvin Hilton’s Centennial anniversary at events throughout the week.”
“We are extremely pleased with the way the hotel has performed,” said Brent Bryant, economic development program manager for the city of Oklahoma. “The project has far exceeded what we felt was an aggressive occupancy rate and continues to carry on its significant role in our city as the social epicenter for residents and guests alike.”
“The Skirvin Hilton has been considered the city’s crown jewel through the turbulent years and rebirth of downtown Oklahoma City in 2006. Today the hotel serves as a chronicler of the city’s history and remains an important piece of the city’s past and future,” said Martin Van Der Laan, general manager of the Skirvin Hilton.
Otto added that reinvesting in its properties continues to be a hallmark of the company. “Maintaining our assets has always been a top priority for Marcus Hotels & Resorts. We continue to enhance and renovate our existing properties so they meet the high standards of today’s travelers and hotel owners alike. We also look for opportunities to add new features and amenities, such as creative restaurant and bar concepts and relaxing spas,” said Otto. The company recently completed $30 million of renovations at the Hilton Milwaukee and Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis., and renovations are in the final stages at the historic Hotel Phillips in Kansas City, Mo.
The Skirvin Hilton’s Centennial celebration will include a full week of festivities from Sunday, October 16 to Friday, October 21, 2011. All events are open to the public, and include different activities each day. Closing the week, the sold-out Centennial Black-Tie Gala, which has already raised over $145,000 for charity, will be the grand finale of the celebration. For more information on the Skirvin Hilton Centennial events, visit www.SkirvinCentennial.com or call 405-272-3040.
The Skirvin Hilton originally opened in 1911 and has been synonymous with elegance and innovation for the past five generations, hosting oil barons, dignitaries, movie stars, political leaders and presidents ever since. Guests from around the globe have traveled through the downtown Skirvin Hilton to experience its unique sophistication and timelessness. Since the renovation in 2007, the hotel
has earned a AAA Four Diamond rating every year and received the Mayor’s Development Award for best downtown development.
About Marcus Hotels & Resorts Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns or manages 18 hotels, resorts and other properties in nine states. A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historical renovations. The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels.
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 & Resortsdivision, the company’s movie theatre division, Marcus Theatres®, is the sixth largest theatre circuit in the United States and currently owns or operates 684 screens at 55 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio. For more information, visit the company’s web site at
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