Marcus Hotels Press > Hotel Management Press Releases
11.22.16 |
Marcus® Hotels & Resorts Offers Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales in Chicago, Milwaukee and Lake Geneva
Milwaukee, Wis., November 18, 2016. . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a national hotel management company, is offering not to be missed Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at premier properties in Chicago and Wisconsin. Now is the time to book a holiday shopping trip or invest in your next vacation at one of these leading Midwest hotels and resorts. Guests can take advantage of the following Black Friday and Cyber Monday hotel deals: • AAA-Four Diamond Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis. is offering a Deluxe room with Pfister Club access starting at $119/night (a $240 value). Club access includes complimentary Wi-Fi, a full, hot breakfast, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day. Must book between November 25 – November 28, 2016. Valid on travel through March 31, 2017. Based on availability. Book here. • AAA-Four Diamond Hilton Milwaukee Hotel is offering a Standard room with two complimentary drinks starting at $89/night (a $180 value). Must book between November 25 – November 28, 2016. Valid on travel through March 31, 2017. Based on availability. Book here. • AAA-Four Diamond Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis. is offering a 25% discount on rooms booked beginning Monday, November 28, 2016 at 9 a.m. The first 50 rooms booked include a $25 dining credit for guests to use at one of the resort’s award-winning restaurants. The sale runs for 72 hours and is valid on travel through February 28, 2017. Blackout dates may apply. Visit http://www.grandgeneva.com to book. • Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark in Lake Geneva is offering a 30% discount on rooms booked beginning Monday, November 28, 2016 at 9 a.m. The first 50 rooms booked include one large two-topping pizza for guests to enjoy. The sale runs for 72 hours and is valid on travel through February 28, 2017. Blackout dates may apply. Visit http://www.timberridgelodge.com to book. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts |
11.18.16 |
The Secret is Out: EscapeHouse and SafeHouse Chicago Target the Windy City with Grand Opening Launches
 A new mission awaits adventure-seekers as Chicago’s newest experiential attractions, EscapeHouse and SafeHouse Chicago, gear up for their grand openings in River North. CHICAGO – On orders from Control, top agents have confirmed that legendary Milwaukee destination (and famous spy refuge), The SafeHouse, will now expand by creating a covert location in the Windy City this January. SafeHouse Chicago will maintain the establishment’s treasured 50-year legacy while adding upgraded experiences to the new location, including new technology and a modern design by Chicago’s own award-winning firm, The Gettys Group. Spies eager to start their mission prior to the January grand opening will have their chance with the launch of EscapeHouse Chicago, opening Monday, November 21. The next evolution of innovative escape games, EscapeHouse immerses guests into an action-packed, 60-minute adventure, serving as the perfect precursor to SafeHouse Chicago. “Who doesn’t want to escape the every day for an hour or two and become an international superspy?” says Agent BB, Greg Marcus, President and CEO of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS). “Fascination with the world of espionage persists in novels and movies, making the SafeHouse and EscapeHouse concepts ones that will stand the test of time. It is the world’s second oldest profession.” While the popularity of room escapes has skyrocketed nationwide, none compare to the new EscapeHouse Chicago located at 54 E. Ontario Street. Through elevated design and upgraded finishes, this two room attraction transforms guests into the heroes of their own story. EscapeHouse was expertly designed, with upgraded, realistic finishes by Agent Fudd, Paul Daurio of Creative Development. Agent Fudd also led the team behind The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for Universal. Over the course of 60 minutes, agents will be tested on their ability to discover clues, solve puzzles and work together under pressure. EscapeHouse Chicago will include two game concepts: Saving the White House, where participants are secret service agents in training who explore an exact replica of the Oval Office, right down to the presidential seal on the ceiling, fusing an educational overlap with stimulating excitement, and Escape the Safe House, where operatives use methodology, tools and tricks of espionage to break codes and find clues to become a super spy. Secretly headquartered below the city streets in the abandoned warrens of Chicago at 60 E. Ontario Street, the SafeHouse Chicago will fuse elements from the original Milwaukee location with modern touches. While the password to enter will remain unchanged, SafeHouse Chicago will feature upgraded technology, a new agent authentication process, and interesting seating areas including the soon-to-be infamous cone of silence booth. Visiting spies will be tasked with locating the top-secret entrance marked only with a sign for International Exports Ltd. flanked by two gaslights. Before entering, operatives will be required to provide the password or perform a top secret clearance test to gain entry to this newest refuge for spies from around the world. Once inside, operatives will embark on a one-of-a-kind mission as they create their own agent name and complete missions while discovering gadgets and hidden gems. In addition to upgraded technology, the SafeHouse will reflect more modern touches and upgraded aesthetics more in line with the 21st century. The design of the SafeHouse was led by award-winning design firm, The Gettys Group, and Agent Fudd, Paul Daurio, who designed the EscapeHouse. The décor will feature original espionage artifacts, including the flight deck from an authentic spy plane donated by the man who flew it in WWII, as well as a piece of the Berlin Wall secured from covert operatives. From the sleek Interpol Bar to the Spybrary, to the Seduction Lounge and the Interrogation Room, every aspect of the design has been tinkered, tailored, soldiered, and spied. Interactive elements such as a Gadget Bar featuring a nightly magician, and “futuristic” technology, fuse seamlessly in an action-packed atmosphere where food and signature drinks unite guests as they embark on their mission. Every spy needs to eat well. Under orders from Control, the SafeHouse culinary agents are always on the prowl, tracing the source of local ingredients and securing them from top suppliers. These ingredients are then smuggled into the SafeHouse and hand-assembled into fresh dishes by experienced chefs to spies who deserve local and authentic food. Honoring original favorites like the Fried C4 Cheese Curds and the hand-crafted M.O.A.B. (Mother of All Burgers), Agent Pickles (a.k.a. Head Culinary Agent David Hardy) is bulking up the menu for visiting spies, adding specialties including poutine and an array of savory entrees as well as healthy vegetarian and vegan items. “Today’s consumers are increasingly seeking unique experiences, and the SafeHouse is a one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar that fills that niche,” says Agent Blonde, Peggy Williams-Smith, Marcus Hotels & Resorts Senior Vice President. “Spies in the great city of Chicago were in need of a refuge and Control wanted to ensure there was a SafeHouse for them as well.” For more information on EscapeHouse, visit EscapeHouseChicago.com or call (312) 981-6633. EscapeHouse is currently taking online reservations for escapes beginning on November 21. For more information on The SafeHouse, visit SafeHouseChicago.com. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts About The Marcus Corporation ### |
11.16.16 |
Joseph Khairallah, President of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Joins American Hotel & Lodging Association Board of Directors
 Joseph S. Khairallah Milwaukee, Wis., November 16, 2016. . . . .Joseph S. Khairallah, president and chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized hotel owner and management company, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). AHLA represents leaders from all sectors of the lodging industry, including brands, owners and REITS, management companies, independent hotels and state associations. As an AHLA board member, Khairallah will be a part of important discussions concerning a broad range of industry-and association-related issues. “We continue to reach new heights in our membership, advocacy and communication efforts and, together, with the leadership of our board and our officers, we are making significant progress in advancing our industry priorities,” said Katherine Lugar, president and CEO of AHLA. “As a new addition to AHLA’s Board of Directors, we are confident that Joe’s strong leadership will further strengthen our industry’s alignment and strategic direction as we build upon the successes to date. With the engagement of strong leaders like Joe, we are well-equipped to seize upon future opportunities while tackling industry challenges head on.” Khairallah joined Marcus Hotels & Resorts in 2013 as chief operating officer and was named president of the division in October. Khairallah has more than 33 years of hospitality industry experience, including 30 years with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. He is a native of Lebanon, graduated from the prestigious Haulot Institute in Belgium and has studied six languages. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts About the American Hotel & Lodging Association |
10.31.16 |
Marcus Hotels & Resorts Names Steve Hilton General Manager of the New Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District
Milwaukee, Wis., October 31, 2016. . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized hotel owner and management company and division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced that Steve Hilton has been named general manager of the 333-room Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District hotel, scheduled to open in summer 2017. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is a minority investor and will manage the 12-story high-rise hotel.  Steve Hilton Hilton will oversee pre-opening and opening activities for Omaha’s newest full-service hotel that will serve as an anchor for the Capitol District, an upscale urban destination dining and entertainment community located in the center of downtown Omaha. The 12-story hotel will offer 20,000 square-feet of flexible meeting space with an additional 16,000 square feet of pre-function space, outdoor event space, hospitality suites, roof-top swimming pool with bar/entertainment area, full-service restaurant and bar, Starbucks® café in the lobby, attached parking garage and personalized concierge service. “Steve is an accomplished hotel veteran with strong operational excellence and a proven track record in managing and opening hotels across the U.S. His proven leadership abilities and strong ties to the Lincoln and Omaha communities will be an asset to both the new Omaha Marriott Downtown hotel and the exciting Capitol District development,” said Joseph Khairallah, president and chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. Prior to joining Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Hilton spent 13 years in general manager roles for John Q Hammons Hotels & Resorts in Springfield, Mo., serving most recently as general manager of Embassy Suites Convention Center and Courtyard by Marriott Omaha La Vista, both in Omaha, Neb. Prior to that role, he served as general manager of Embassy Suites in Lincoln, Neb. and Embassy Suites Charleston Convention Center in Charleston, S.C. Hilton’s more than 20-year hospitality career also includes general manager positions at Westin Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, S.C., Sheraton Capital Center in Raleigh, N.C. and Westchase Hilton and Towers in Houston, Texas. Hilton has played an active role in the communities in which he serves, volunteering for organizations including Meals on Wheels, The Gathering Place and Special Olympics. He has served as chairman for Downtown Lincoln Association and Lincoln Visitors Bureau Travel Council, and served on the board of directors for Sarpy County, Neb. CVB and Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District, the $205 million Capitol District, developed by Shamrock Development, Inc., will include 218 luxury residential apartments, Class A office space, a 525-stall parking garage, and 90,000 square feet of retail space for restaurants, shops and entertainment, all located around an active, state-of-the-art plaza area that is a contemporary, modern day town square. The new Capitol District is located in the heart of downtown Omaha across the street from the CenturyLink Arena & Convention Center and TD Ameritrade Park, home of the NCAA College World Series and other major NCAA and regional events. Views of the project site can be seen live at: http://www.workzonecam.com/projects/shamrock/capitaldistrict/workzonecam. For more information the Capitol District Development, visit http://www.capitoldistrictomaha.com. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts |
10.21.16 |
The Marcus Corporation Announces Appointment of Joseph Khairallah to President of Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Milwaukee, Wis., October 21, 2016… The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS) today announced that Joseph S. Khairallah was named president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a national leader in hospitality management. Joseph S. Khairallah Khairallah joined Marcus Hotels & Resorts in 2013 as chief operating officer. In 2014 he assumed day-to-day oversight for the hotel division and became a member of The Marcus Corporation Executive Management Committee. According to Greg Marcus, President and CEO of The Marcus Corporation, “Joe has built an organization focused on operational excellence, profitability, quality and integrity. Under his leadership, the hotel division has enjoyed strong financial performance while continuing its unwavering commitment to exceptional guest service. We look forward to the continued success of the hotel division.” Khairallah served 30 years with Hyatt Hotels, where he was vice president of rooms, spa and security for Hyatt’s Americas Group, with responsibility for 155 properties, including 40 spas. Khairallah is a native of Lebanon, graduated from the prestigious Haulot Institute in Belgium and has studied six languages. He and his wife Susan have three teenage boys. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts About The Marcus Corporation |
09.13.16 |
Marcus® Hotels & Resorts Adds Spacious Villas To Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis.
 Multi-million Dollar Investment in Villas Will Provide New Upscale Lodging Option for Guests
Milwaukee, Wis., September 13, 2016. . . . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced the addition of spacious, all-season villas to the award-winning Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis. Twenty-nine villas will be added to the Grand Geneva campus, which currently includes 355 guest rooms at the expansive Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, and 225 suites at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark. By June 2017, the Grand Geneva campus will offer more than 600 units combined. The villas will feature studio, one, two and three bedroom accommodations. Each unit will include a full kitchen, fireplace, flat screen TVs, washer and dryer and deluxe furnishings. The interior design of the villas will incorporate visual elements of the beautiful outdoors while providing a comfortable and upscale setting. The villas will be created by renovating several currently unused buildings adjacent to the WELL Spa® + Salon. “The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is a very special, all-season destination for leisure and business guests,” said Joseph Khairallah, chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. “The addition of the villas at Grand Geneva is a multi-million dollar investment designed to enhance the resort experience for travellers who want expanded, upscale accommodations,” added Khairallah. Half of the villas will be available beginning March 1, 2017 and the remaining units will be open by June 2017. The villas will provide spacious accommodations for a variety of guests including business and leisure groups, golfers, skiers, snowboarders, girlfriend getaways, couples and families. Villa guests will be able to enjoy all the amenities of the resort combined with their own outdoor swimming pool during the summer season. Six fire pits will also be added for evening enjoyment and entertainment. “Just steps away from the main resort, the villas will provide a unique experience for those who want to get away but with all the conveniences of home,” said Grand Geneva Managing Director Steve Magnuson. “Our ongoing commitment to this exceptional property has allowed us to further the Grand Geneva as a top Midwest destination and one of the best golf resorts in the country.” The resort originally opened in 1968 as the Lake Geneva Playboy Club Hotel. The Marcus Corporation purchased this Frank Lloyd Wright inspired resort in 1993, and reopened it as the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in 1994. Over the years, the company enhanced the quality of the property by adding three successful restaurants, renovating the award-winning golf courses, adding Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark, expanding the meeting spaces, and renovating all of the guest rooms and suites. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa features a wide variety of activities for all ages and all seasons including golf, swimming, skiing, horseback riding and relaxing at the luxurious WELL Spa® & Salon. About Grand Geneva Resort & Spa About Marcus Hotels & Resorts # # # |
09.12.16 |
Marcus® Hotels & Resorts Names Lael Garner-Weadock Director of Training & Development
 Milwaukee, Wis., September 12, 2016. . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized hotel owner and management company, today announced the appointment of Lael Garner-Weadock as director of training and development. In her new role, Garner-Weadock is responsible for the assessment and creation of a training curriculum at both the corporate and property levels, in addition to providing support and guidance as it relates to best practices, systems and resources for associate development. Garner-Weadock brings 19 years of experience to Marcus Hotels & Resorts in training, development and customer service. Most recently, she served as national field training manager for Noodles & Company, where she was responsible for the oversight of regional trainers as well as the conception and implementation of training programs for over 500 restaurants in 27 states. Prior to her position with Noodles & Company, Garner-Weadock served as operations training specialist and franchise business leader for Burger King, where she oversaw nine franchises and 109 restaurants throughout the Midwest. Garner-Weadock also worked for Magid Glove & Safety and began her professional career at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. “We are delighted to welcome Lael to the team and look forward to her leadership and expertise in training and development,” said Joseph Khairallah, chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. “Lael’s passion and strong experience will be instrumental in helping Marcus Hotels & Resorts meet our goals in associate development and guest service.” For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts # # # |
08.31.16 |
Mason Street Grill Appoints Serkan Yorulmaz as General Manager
 MILWAUKEE – August 23, 2016 – Mason Street Grill, a member of the Marcus® Restaurants Group, announced today that it has appointed Serkan Yorulmaz as general manager. In his new position, Yorulmaz will be responsible for overseeing all facets of the restaurant and for ensuring that the culinary and service quality upholds the highest standards. Yorulmaz joins the team with more than eight years of experience in luxury restaurant management, service standards and quality operations, training, and development of formalized operational systems and procedures. Before joining Mason Street Grill, Yorulmaz oversaw food and beverage operations at The Setai Hotel in Miami, an ultra-luxury, privately-owned property. His career highlights have also included managing the AAA Four Diamond ranked Scarpetta restaurant, owned by celebrity chef Scott Conant, in the Fontainebleau Hotel Miami Beach; managing the world-renowned Japanese restaurant, Zuma; and working with Celebrity Cruises, where he helped launch five award-winning Solstice class ships for the brand. “We are thrilled to have Yorulmaz take the reins at Mason Street Grill,” said Mark Weber. “With his vast experience in some of the country’s top luxury restaurants, we are confident that he will continue to strengthen Mason Street Grill’s position as one of Milwaukee’s top rated restaurants.” Yorulmaz received a hotel management degree from the M.I.M Hotel and Tourism Management School in Istanbul, Turkey. He is a native of Turkey and speaks four languages. “I’m ready to solidify Mason Street Grill as the best happy hour, lunch and dinner location offering the highest quality food and an atmosphere of relaxed luxury in downtown Milwaukee. Mason Street Grill marks a new exciting journey for me, and I’m so happy to join the team,” said Yorulmaz. Best known for its happy hour, Mason Street Grill’s menu highlights the region’s bounty through traditional Wisconsin dishes that play with bold and creative flavors. For the fifth year in a row, Mason Street Grill has also achieved the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for its wealth of quality wine selections and pairings. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit https://media.marcushotels.com. About Mason Street Grill About Marcus Restaurant Group # # # |
08.04.16 |
$4.3 Million Renovation Plans Underway at The Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City, Okla.
 Milwaukee, Wis., August 4, 2016. . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), and Skirvin Partners in Development, the owners of the Skirvin Hilton Hotel, today announced a $4.3 million renovation project currently underway at the #1 hotel in Oklahoma City, Okla.  Red Piano Lounge The extensive renovation project at the AAA Four-Diamond luxury property includes all 225 guestrooms and public spaces, including rotunda suites and the presidential suite, guestroom corridors and the lobby area. Guests can expect to see fresh, elegant designs and décor throughout the public spaces, including beautiful marble flooring in the style and design reminiscent of the 1900s era. Renovations to the popular Red Piano Lounge have been completed and complement the bar’s style of laid-back luxury. Enhancements include updated flooring, tables, seating and a new red piano. Renovations to the Skirvin’s stunning lobby are nearing completion and focus on the addition of natural light for added attention to the property’s historic architecture. The lobby flooring has also been replaced with beautiful granite and marble to reflect the hotel’s original design intent. All remaining improvements will be completed in September. According to John Weeman, principal of Skirvin Partners in Development, “The new Skirvin lobby wall coverings reflect the original gothic design intent of developer Bill Skirvin when the hotel originally opened in 1911.” “The renovations will enhance the guest experience at the Skirvin Hilton, while maintaining the historic significance of the hotel. We are careful to pay attention to the historic nature and beauty of the hotel, as well as meeting the demands of today’s travelers. The Skirvin Hilton Hotel continues to serve as an important part of the city’s past and future,” said Joseph Khairallah, chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. In 2007, Marcus Hotels & Resorts and Skirvin Partners in Development, completed a $55 million renovation and restoration of the historic landmark hotel, returning the property to its former glory as the social center of Oklahoma City. Leveraging its over 50 years of experience in restoring landmark hotels, Marcus Hotels & Resorts carefully retained the property’s historic details throughout the renovation and also introduced successful food and beverage concepts including the Park Avenue Grill and Red Piano Lounge. “Since re-opening in 2007, the Skirvin Hilton Hotel has been a tremendous asset to the city and assisted in the growth and revitalization of the downtown. Through the addition of unique programs such as the Artist-in-Residence program that supports our local arts organizations and hosting many of the city’s galas, weddings and premier events, the Skirvin Hilton continues to play a vital role in the community. We look forward to further enhancing the guest experience through the current renovations,” said Gerald Rappaport, general manager. The historic Skirvin Hilton Hotel is the premier hotel in Oklahoma City, having recently earned TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for the sixth consecutive year. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts About The Skirvin Hilton Hotel The hotel features 225 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, including 20 one-bedroom suites, one presidential suite and 18,500 square feet of premier meeting and pre-function space. It is home to the upscale Park Avenue Grill restaurant and Red Piano Lounge. The Skirvin Hilton was recognized as one of the Best Hotels in the USA by U.S. News & World Report, finishing as the #1 Hotel in Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma. The hotel remains on the National Register of Historic Places. The Skirvin Hilton Hotel is located at One Park Avenue in Oklahoma City. For more information, please visit www.skirvinhilton.com and follow the company on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TheSkirvinHilton )and Twitter (@SkirvinHiltonOK). |
07.07.16 |
Marcus Hotels & Resorts Says Thank You by Giving Away Over 200 Free Room Nights
The #freenight promotion thanks guests and residents with complimentary room nights from now through September 1 at all Marcus Hotels properties in downtown Milwaukee
 Milwaukee, Wis., July 6, 2016…..Marcus® Hotels & Resorts is saying thank you to the Milwaukee community and its loyal guests with its first-ever free-night giveaway. From now through September 1, 2016, Marcus Hotels & Resorts will give away more than 200 #freenights to lucky winners at its three downtown Milwaukee properties – The Pfister Hotel, Hilton Milwaukee and InterContinental Milwaukee. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is a nationally recognized hotel owner and management company and division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS). Marcus Hotels & Resorts has been part of the Milwaukee community for over 50 years and during that time has provided extraordinary hospitality to thousands of guests visiting Milwaukee. Now the iconic Milwaukee brand is giving back to its hometown. “We are grateful for the support and loyalty of the community and our guests,” said Joseph Khairallah, chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. “Marcus is synonymous with Milwaukee because of the company’s rich history here, our passionate support for the area, and our ability to deliver exceptional service at all of our properties. This program is another way for us to give back while delivering ‘surprise and delight’ experiences.” Free room nights will be awarded several different ways, including surprising guests as they check in, as well as rewarding individuals who use #freenight #sweepstakes on Facebook and Twitter, and those who take photos of #freenight stickers or book future reservations. The #freenight campaign offers four ways to win: To generate excitement of the #freenight campaign, here is how guests and associates of Marcus Hotels’ Milwaukee properties describe the properties in one #hashtag: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG-vyjmwPts&app=desktop. For more information on how to enter the #freenight contest, or for general questions about #freenight, please visit www.MKEmarcus.com. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts |
