Marcus Hotels Press > Marcus Hotels & Resorts Press Releases
12.07.15 |
InterContinental Hotel tucks art, cuisine and cocktails into overnightsThere is an abundance of elegance in the InterContinental Hotel, 139 E. Kilbourn Ave., but perhaps the true beauty is how complete an experience a person – or couple – can have without leaving the building…. View the entire article here |
11.17.15 |
Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington Among First Hotels in the Country to Install Keyless Entry Minneapolis, Minn., November 17, 2015. . . . . The Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington hotel, a leading hotel near the Mall of America managed by Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, today announced the introduction of Digital Key, a new feature of the Hilton HHonors app that provides loyalty program members more convenience and control in their travel experience. The Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington hotel was among the first five hotels in the country to install the new keyless entry and digital check-in feature. Hilton reports that by early 2016, this application will be available in more than 170,000 rooms at 250 U.S. properties.  Hilton’s Digital Key now gives frequent guests the option to bypass the hotel check-in counter and access their rooms, as well as any other area of the hotel that requires a key, directly via the Hilton HHonors app on their smartphones. Beginning the day before arrival, HHonors members who booked directly with Hilton may select their desired room on their mobile device using digital check-in and will be asked if they’d like a Digital Key during their stay. If the guest elects to use a Digital Key, it is issued as soon as his/her room is ready the day of arrival and the guest will use his/her smartphone as their key throughout their stay. When the guest approaches his/her hotel room, they can simply press the virtual “unlock” button on the app to unlock the door. The Hilton HHonors mobile app provides a number of benefits to members, including digital check-in, room selection and the ability to request personalized amenities such as extra pillows, snacks or drinks – all from a smartphone. “Hilton is among the first in the industry to introduce this type of technology, and we are excited to offer this new feature at our property,” said Jim Waldvogel, managing director of the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington Hotel. “With Digital Key and digital check-in now available, we are able to make the guest experience even more seamless and further customize the travel experience.” Digital Key is currently available to Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington guests on both the iOS and Android platforms. HHonors members who use the Digital Key throughout the rest of this year at equipped hotels will receive 1,000 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points. The Hilton HHonors loyalty program is open to all guests and free to join. Visit https://secure3.hilton.com/en/hh/customer/join/joinHHonors.htm for enrollment information. To learn more about Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington or to book your experience, visit: http://www.bloomingtonhilton.com/ For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts # # #
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11.10.15 |
Westin Atlanta Perimeter North Appoints Two DirectorsJohn Visconti joins as director of sales and marketing and Okan Hazar joins as director of food and beverage
Atlanta, Ga., November 10, 2015. . . . . The Westin® Atlanta Perimeter North hotel, managed by Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, today announced it has appointed John Visconti as director of sales and marketing and Okan Hazar as director of food and beverage for this top rated 372-room property located at the Concourse Corporate Center. Visconti joins the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North from Wyndham Hotel Group, where he served as director of sales and marketing and successfully oversaw the brand transition, renovation and repositioning of the new Wyndham Atlanta Galleria. Previously, Visconti served as director of sales and executive assistant manager for Thompson Hotels, overseeing revenue generation for the Boutique SAX Chicago Hotel, and for five years prior to that was director of sales and marketing for the Hyatt Regency Miami. His career includes 15 years with InterContinental Hotels Group, serving as a director of sales and marketing in Toronto, Chicago, Miami and Atlanta markets. Visconti received a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Ga. and graduated from Toronto’s Ryerson University in the Hospitality Management Program. Prior to joining the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North, Hazar served as director of banquets for the 763-room Sheraton Downtown Atlanta, responsible for all banquet functions in the hotel’s 42 meeting spaces. Previously, he served as director of outlets for the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. His extensive food and beverage experience also includes serving as director of outlets and restaurant general manger for the Resort at Singer Island in Singer Island, Fla., as well as consultant at Yage Bay Club and assistant beverage manager at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, both in Miami, Fla. Hazar received a Master’s of Science degree in economics from Boston University in Boston, Mass. and a Bachelor’s of Science degree, Magna Cum Laude, in business administration and hotel management from the University of New Hampshire in Manchester, N.H. “We are pleased for John and Okan to be part of the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North executive team,” said Martin Van Der Laan, general manager. “Their extensive experience in the Atlanta market will allow us to enhance our position as one of the most prominent meeting and events hotels in the area and we look forward to continuing to exceed our guest’s expectations.” The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North is managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is owned by Carey Watermark Investors, The Arden Group and Marcus Hotels & Resorts. To learn more about the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North, please visit: http://www.westinatlantanorth.com. About the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North About Marcus Hotels & Resorts Carey Watermark Investors Arden Group # # # |
10.28.15 |
The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel Seeks First Artist in Residence Lincoln’s historic hotel begins a new residency program connecting hotel guests with the arts
Lincoln, Neb., October 28, 2015. . . . . The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, majority owned and operated by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, has begun the search for its first Artist in Residence. The Artist-in-Residence program is a new venture from the hotel which will enable interaction between guests and local artists. One artist is chosen from a pool of applicants and given a working art studio on the Lobby level of the hotel for a full year, beginning April 1, 2016. During this year of residency, the selected Artist in Residence will spend time in an on-site studio and create gallery pieces, host gallery nights and network with guests to create a truly enriching experience for travelers. General manager of The Cornhusker, Susan Madsen, is eager to begin the new program. “The Artist-in-Residence program will be an exciting way to meld the local art culture with The Cornhusker and give guests a unique memory with our hotel,” states Madsen. “Guests will have the opportunity to walk up to the artist’s studio, be a part of the creation process and build a personal connection with the designer. This will be a distinctive feature that we are excited to initiate.” In addition to the provided studio space, the Artist in Residence will receive a $1,000 monthly stipend, complimentary meals within the hotel’s cafeteria and a $500 monthly house spend account for entertaining new and potential buyers. A legacy piece will be created during the year of residency to permanently be on display within the hotel. Artist selection will begin with the Artist-in-Residence Program Board of Directors, a diverse group of local art enthusiasts, including gallery owners, artists, curators and hotel managers. Six finalists will be chosen by the board and the finalists will then display their work for public voting. The final winner will be announced on Feb. 1, 2016. The Cornhusker has already begun accepting applications for interested artists and welcomes any range of media. Artists that would like to be considered for the program can request an application by emailing ArtistInResidence@TheCornhusker.com. All applications are due by Dec. 1, 2015. The Artist-in-Residence program was created by Marcus Hotels & Resorts in 2009 at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis. The program encourages the public and guests to interact with a local artist, enriching the overall guest experience during their visit as they are able to connect with the artist and see the evolution of the pieces created. The excellent guest response to the program at The Pfister led to expanding the program to other company-owned properties including the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City, Okla. The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel is located at 333 South 13th Street in Lincoln, Neb. For more information or to reserve accommodations, please call 1-800-228-9290 or visit www.marriott.com/lnkfs. About The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel About Marcus Hotels & Resorts # # #
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10.28.15 |
Marcus Hotels & Resorts Announces New Director of Sales and Marketing at Two Minneapolis HotelsJessica Stephens at Crowne Plaza Minneapolis Northstar Downtown and Riana van Staden at Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
Minneapolis, Minn., October 23, 2015. . . . .Marcus® Hotels & Resorts today announced it has appointed Jessica Stephens as director of sales and marketing for the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis Northstar Downtown and Riana van Staden director of sales and marketing for the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington in Bloomington, Minn. Both will be responsible for overseeing sales strategies and initiatives, developing sales staff, managing all group room bookings and business accounts and maximizing all revenue streams. “We are delighted to welcome Jessica and Riana to the Marcus Hotels Minneapolis team, ” said Joseph Khairallah, chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. “They both have strong experience and relationships within the Minneapolis hotel market that will benefit our operations as we continue to exceed customer expectations at our properties.” Prior to joining the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis Northstar Downtown, Stephens served as assistant director of sales for Millennium Hotel Minneapolis, where she managed and developed sales managers, and monitored sales activities and performance results to ensure all goals were met. Previously, Stephens served as a corporate director of sales for Minnesota-based Arbor Lake Hotels, overseeing sales for the Holiday Inn and Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn and Staybridge Suites properties. She has also held sales positions for the Holiday Inn Express Golden Valley in Minneapolis and the Hilton Garden Inn in Eagan, Minn. Stephens received a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minn. Van Staden joins the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington from the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest where she served as assistant director and senior sales manager. She has served in various sales roles for properties in the Minneapolis market including the Sofitel Minneapolis, Hilton Minneapolis and Towers, DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington Minneapolis South and the Hyatt Minneapolis. Van Staden holds a law degree from the University of South Africa. To learn more about Crowne Plaza Minneapolis Northstar Downtown or to book your experience, visit: http://www.cpminneapolis.com. To learn more about Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington or to book your experience, visit: http://www.bloomingtonhilton.com/ For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts # # #
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10.28.15 |
Marriott AC Hotel Chicago Downtown Names Emily Childers as Director of Sales & Marketing Chicago, Ill., October 13, 2015. . . . .The Marriott AC Hotel Chicago Downtown, owned and managed by Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, today announced that Emily Childers has been appointed director of sales and marketing.  Emily Childers Located at the popular corner of Rush and Ontario streets, just one block west of Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, the 226-room AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is the fourth hotel in the U.S. to debut the stylish new AC Marriott brand. The AC Hotel’s progressive style, European aesthetics, modern technologies and communal functional spaces are appealing to guests and locals alike. In her new role as director of sales and marketing, Childers will be responsible for leading sales strategies and initiatives for the hotel, managing all group room bookings and business accounts, and maximizing all revenue streams. Prior to joining the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown, Childers served as senior sales manager for Hotel Lincoln in Chicago, a Joie de Vivre Hotel, where she oversaw all group bookings, business development initiatives and managed top business travel accounts. Childers previously served as a sales executive for Marriott Northern Mid-America Area Sales, responsible for driving revenue for the Marriott hotels located in the Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee regions. She also served as a select service/extended stay regional manager overseeing 40 hotels under Marriott Northern Mid-America Sales Office, as well as serving as assistant food and beverage manager for Baltimore Country Club. Childers received a bachelor’s degree in hospitality business from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. According to Brian Burton, Vice President of Revenue Generation for Marcus Hotels & Resorts, “Emily’s sales experience and deep knowledge of the Chicago hotel and travel market will be an asset, as we welcome more guests to this new lifestyle hotel concept.” AC Hotel Chicago Downtown opened in June and is AC Hotels by Marriott’s fourth property in North America. The hotel is part of a growing portfolio of more than 50 hotels expected to open in the next few years in the U.S. and Latin America. AC Hotel is part of a new breed of lifestyle hotels targeting millennial and business travelers worldwide. Inspired by the fashion houses of Milan and blending European style with minimalist design, AC Hotels create a comfortable atmosphere for guests and an unfussy alternative to the one-size-fits-all hotel. Based on a belief that purposeful design improves lives, each guest room carefully curates the items that guests need and edit what they don’t. The result is elegant yet unpretentious style, innovative “Beverage & Food” programming and locally inspired experiences to guests and locals. To learn more about AC Hotels by Marriott or to book your experience at AC Hotel Chicago, visit: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chiac-ac-hotel-chicago-downtown.mi For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com. About AC Hotels by Marriott About Marcus Hotels & Resorts # # # |
10.15.15 |
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Kicks Off The 21st Annual Christmas in the Country Festival November 22Lake Geneva’s AAA, Four-Diamond Resort Lights Up the Holiday Season LAKE GENEVA, WI (October 15, 2015) – Two million lights will twinkle and glow creating a winter wonderland in the heart of the Midwest at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and sister property, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, as they kick off the holidays with the annual Illumination Ceremony Nov. 22. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts and the company manages Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark. Celebrating its 21st year, Christmas in the Country is a regional festival favorite complete with a variety of activities from breakfast with Santa to classic Christmas tale readings and festival holiday tea that bring this magical time of year to life. The six-week long celebration welcomes locals and guests alike to share in the festive holiday spirit and includes the following events and programming:
Packages and Deals Perfect for families, the “A Christmas Portrait” package at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark includes: one night stay in a suite, four waterpark passes, and four tickets to “A Christmas Portrait.” Ski Season at Grand Geneva To kick off the season, ski for free opening weekend Dec. 5-6, at Mountain Top by bringing in a canned food donation and bringing the voucher from the Grand Geneva Facebook page, weather permitting. Get more out of your skis or board this season with the Frequent Skier Punch Card, back this year by popular demand. With the purchase of one punch card for $250, receive 10 lift tickets for use any time during the 2015-16 ski season. With no limits on when or who can use the tickets, family and friends can partake in the fun. For more information, please call 262-249-4726. For more information on Christmas in the Country festivities, The Mountain Top or reservations please call 800.558.3417 or visit www.GrandGeneva.com. ### About Grand Geneva Resort & Spa About Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark About Marcus Hotels & Resorts |
09.09.15 |
Brandon Ganus Named Executive Chef at The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel, in Lincoln, Neb.Lincoln, Neb., September 9, 2015. . . . . The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel, majority owned and operated by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, today announced the addition of Brandon Ganus as executive chef. Ganus will oversee all culinary operations of the hotel, including banquets, special events and daily dining.  Ganus brings 13 years of culinary experience to The Cornhusker. He started his career as a kitchen steward at the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center in Tulsa, Okla. and worked his way up to sous chef. As a sous chef, Ganus worked under accomplished chef Bill Doyle, who now holds the position of executive chef at Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ Milwaukee Hilton. After nine years in Tulsa, the Oklahoma native moved south, and held the role of executive sous chef at the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center in Richardson, Texas for two years and then served as executive chef at the Marriott Hotel & Convention Center in Allen, Texas. In his new position, Ganus strives to bring local Lincoln fare and food purveyors into The Cornhusker kitchen. With a focus on fresh, seasonal foods and market-style presentations, Ganus continually customizes the hotel’s menu to reflect what’s growing best in Nebraska’s fields and farms. Already, Ganus’ unique style is being noticed in Lincoln, as his braised beef short rib with red wine demi-glace took home the “Best in Show” award at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s Savor the City event which took place August 27 at Nebraska Champions Club. “As the number one hotel for group events and meetings in Nebraska, The Cornhusker offers meeting planners a high-quality experience, including fresh and locally sourced foods. Chef Brandon has created new banquet menus focusing on today’s educated diners, using the freshest ingredients from the area. He also excels at creating customized menus to make each event special and unique,” said Susan Madsen, general manager of The Cornhusker. “We are excited to have Brandon on board and I know both travelers and local residents alike will enjoy his creative and flavorful Nebraska cuisine.” Ganus received an associate degree in Culinary Arts from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel, is located at 333 South 13th Street in Lincoln, Neb. For more information or to reserve accommodations or for dining reservations, please call 1-800-228-9290 or visit www.marriott.com/lnkfs. About The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel About Marcus Hotels & Resorts |
09.01.15 |
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Debuts “A Grand Tale,” a Book Celebrating the History of the Iconic Resort“A Grand Tale” Features a Historic Account of Midwest’s Premier Destination LAKE GENEVA, Wis. (September 2015) — The AAA Four-Diamond Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, owned and managed by Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, is proud to announce the launch of the resort’s exclusive book, “A Grand Tale,” illustrating the colorful past of the iconic Lake Geneva property. “Grand Geneva has a unique history and a distinct story to tell, so it’s exciting to see ‘A Grand Tale’ come to life,” said General Manager Tom Mason. “With so many guests intrigued about the history of the property, we wanted to offer a takeaway that highlights the past and where we’ve come from. You truly discover how the destination has grown from Hugh Hefner’s mansion to the wonderful resort that it is today.” “A Grand Tale” examines the rich history of the pivotal resort property that has evolved into a grand vacation destination. From its humble beginnings as a picturesque farmland to the famed Playboy Club-Hotel to its eccentric recording studio days, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa consistently maintains its’ place on national “Best Of” lists, keeping Lake Geneva a top tourist travel destination. Chapters in “A Grand Tale” include a look at Lake Geneva’s early years with its popularity among well-to-do Chicago families, the Frank Lloyd Wright legacy, the world-class recording studio that played host to famed performers, celebrity sightings, the transformation into an Americana resort and more. “A Grand Tale” is available for purchase for $19.95 at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Gift Shop. For more information please visit www.grandgeneva.com or call (800) 558-3417. ### About Grand Geneva Resort & Spa About Marcus Hotels & Resorts |
08.13.15 |
The Garland Completes Major $20 Million Multi-Phase Renovation Iconic North Hollywood boutique hotel unveils final phase with debut of The Front Yard NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (July 20, 2015) – The Garland, a longstanding and beloved icon of the San Fernando Valley, reemerges as Los Angeles’ newest urban retreat and social hub following the completion of an extensive $20 million, property-wide renovation and redesign. The newly transformed hotel, owned by Beverly Garland’s family-operated Rio Vista Development, Inc. and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, welcomes guests with a new neighborhood dining experience, revamped guest rooms, updated lobby and lobby bar, and elegant outdoor garden wedding and events venue. “The official opening of The Garland is a very proud moment for the entire team. We had a vision to take all that is relaxing and fun about the Southern California experience and merge it with newly reimagined sophisticated style and comfort,” said Owner James Crank. “My mother, Beverly Garland, is the muse of the property, and we were determined to preserve her style and legacy. With that in mind, the transformation is now consistent with today’s discerning traveler, incorporating a vibrant, playful and welcoming atmosphere with a core focus on service and the guest experience.” At the cornerstone of The Garland’s final phase of renovations is the opening of The Front Yard, the hotel’s new neighborhood restaurant helmed by newly appointed Executive Chef Chris Turano. Nestled within the seven-acre property under towering sycamore trees, The Front Yard lends itself to elevated social dining with its simplified, approachable menu that celebrates the Los Angeles food scene. The addition of an expansive outdoor patio, hip bar and fire pit offer a uniquely Southern Californian alfresco atmosphere. “We are excited for the next chapter of this iconic hotel,” said General Manager Scott Mills. “The history of The Garland combined with our extensive redesign has brought the hotel to the next level – a one-of-a-kind urban retreat. It’s a destination in Los Angeles that will far surpass guests’ expectations.” The first phase of the property’s transformation made its debut November 2014. The Garland’s 257 guest rooms, of which 14 are suites, lobby and lobby bar were restyled in vibrant colors against rich textures and eclectic accent pieces to project a sophisticated, bohemian California style. Family ownership teamed up with design team Forchielli Glynn alongside Rossi Architecture, to update The Garland’s withstanding structures and spaces in a multi-phase renovation to reflect the needs of the modern traveler while honoring the hotel’s true Hollywood roots. Highlights of The Garland’s upgrades and renovations include: • Design transformation to all 257 guest rooms Welcoming industry executives, families, couples, local residents, and more, The Garland is just minutes away from many of Hollywood’s most popular destinations including Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk, Hollywood and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Nearby blockbuster movie, television, and music studios also include Walt Disney Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers Studios, as well as major entertainment production companies, ABC, CBS and NBC Studios. For more information please visit www.thegarland.com. ### About The Garland Built in 1972 by Fillmore Crank for his wife, well-known Hollywood actress, Beverly Garland, The Garland has a colorful history and strong presence in the North Hollywood community. In the second generation of family management, James Crank took over the helm in 1999. Today, Mr. Crank has brought together top talent in the hospitality industry to continue the success of the revered hotel. The Garland boasts 257 renovated guest rooms including 14 suites, updated public spaces, the addition of a brand new outdoor garden/wedding venue – Beverly Park, and a completely redesigned neighborhood dining destination, The Front Yard. Located just minutes from many of Hollywood’s most popular destinations, including Universal Studios, Universal CityWalk, Hollywood, The Hollywood Walk of Fame and Warner Bros Studios, the hotel is ideal for families, couples and business travelers alike. For more information, please visit www.thegarland.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 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, please visit www.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels). For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com |
