Sean Downey
Jim Merkel Shares Rockbridge’s Investment Strategy
When he was 25, Jim Merkel co-founded Rockbridge alongside his first boss, Ron Callentine. Since 1994, the Columbus, Ohio-based private equity firm has strategically converted or repositioned 325 assets, turning them into top-performing properties...
Interstate’s Jim Abrahamson Talks International Hotel Investment
At the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, we sat down with Interstate Hotels & Resorts CEO Jim Abrahamson to discuss the state of international hotel investment. Here's what he had to say about...
RLJ Lodging Trust Continues to Deliver Outsized Returns
Tom Baltimore speaks in measured tones and rarely shies away from blunt truths. He certainly doesn’t need to raise his voice to make a point. RLJ Lodging Trust’s blockbuster success has everyone from institutional...
Checking In With Wyndham Hotel Group’s New CEO
In March, Wyndham Worldwide announced that Eric Danziger was stepping down from his position as president and CEO of the company’s hotel division. Stepping into his shoes is Geoff Ballotti, former president and CEO...
Flexible Checkout: the Latest Direct Booking Amenity
Hotels continue to test the waters of flexible checkout practices that allow guests to extend their stay beyond the mid-day standard. Two years ago, Starwood Hotels made 24-hour checkout a perk for rewards members...