Middletown Fairfield Hotel Honored by Marriott Chairman David Marriott

Retreat Hotels & Resorts (“Retreat”) announced that the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Middletown, DE, owned by a partnership between Retreat, the Axia Hotel Group, and LNWA, received the “Best Project” award from Marriott International. Retreat received the award from the Chairman of Marriott, David S. Marriott, and other senior leaders at the Marriott hotel owners’ conference in Orlando, FL. The Best Project Award recognizes the top project completed by each Marriott Select Brand, based on design, cooperation, participation, and process.

From Left to Right: Leeny Oberg, Marriott Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Development; Liam Brown, Marriott Group President, US & Canada; JJ Singh, Retreat Hotels & Resorts President; Stephen Schindel, Retreat Hotels & Resorts Director of Development & Operations; David S. Marriott, Marriott Chairman of the Board; Ty Breland, Marriott Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer; Karen Finberg, Marriott Chief Franchise Officer

The Fairfield brand is Marriott’s second-largest brand, and warmly welcomes guests with friendly service and comfortable spaces—offering them the flexibility to work, rest and maintain their balance while on the road. Signature amenities include complimentary hot breakfast and coffee and lobby market available 24/7. With a heritage from the Marriott family farm, Fairfield delivers the quality and reliability you expect – backed by the Fairfield Guaranty.

  Opened in 2022, the 90-key Fairfield in Middletown includes all signature amenities, while also featuring an indoor pool, large fitness center, and unique outdoor patio that includes seating for dining and a firepit, surrounded by attractive landscaping to create a serene and inviting experience. The hotel is the only Marriott hotel within a 15-mile radius and sits in close proximity to the 301 bypass and Route 1. Guests are able to enjoy numerous amenities surrounding the hotel, with Texas Roadhouse, Metro Diner, Red Robin, Walmart, and the Westown Movie Theatre a short walk away.

  “We are honored to receive this award from Marriott International,” said JJ Singh, president of Retreat Hotels & Resorts. “The award is a testament to the hard work of our team, and an embodiment one of our company’s core values: Excellence in Execution.”

  “Marriott awards the ‘Best Project’ award to truly deserving projects that meet the high standard set by Marriott International. I congratulate the teams at Retreat and Axia on this achievement. Having happily stayed at this hotel multiple times, I can attest that the Fairfield in Middletown is a wonderful property,” said Cameron Read, Marriott Chief Financial Officer, U.S. & Canada.

A 3-D Rendering of our Dual-Brand Marriott in Perry, GA

Our friends at Chamberlain Architect Services, and Mohamed El Sayed in particular, generated this amazing 3-D rendering of our forthcoming dual-brand hotel in Perry, GA. Excited to see it come to life!

Retreat Announces the Construction of a new TownePlace Suites / Fairfield by Marriott Hotel on the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter

As reported in HospitalityNet, Retreat Hotels & Resorts (“Retreat”), the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority (“GAEA”), and the City of Perry, GA announced the start of construction of a new TownePlace Suites / Fairfield by Marriott dual-branded hotel on the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (“Fairgrounds”) in Perry, GA. The hotel is expected to open in the summer of 2025.

The planned 129-key hotel features two brands under one roof, with 66 TownePlace Suites by Marriott keys and 63 Fairfield by Marriott keys. The property will be connected via an air-conditioned corridor to the adjacent conference center, the Miller Murphy Howard Center. Other amenities include a large pool, fitness center, guest laundry, bar, and restaurant.

The hotel is affiliated with Marriott, which is the largest hotel franchisor in the world. The TownePlace Suites is one of Marriott’s extended stay brands which caters to longer-term guests, whether that be individuals, families, or Fairground attendees. The Fairfield by Marriott brand is Marriott’s second-largest brand, with more than 124,000 keys globally, across 1,253 properties. Drawing inspiration from the Marriott family’s retreat, The Fairfield Farm, this brand places emphasis on simplicity, and caters to leisure and business travelers. This is the first Marriott in the Perry market, and the only Marriott hotel within a 15-mile radius.

Exterior rending of the TownePlace Suites / Fairfield by Marriott at the Georgia National Fairgrounds

The Fairgrounds are run by the by the GAEA, a state-appointed authority. The GAEA was created in 1985, through legislation, and was tasked with creating a facility to showcase Georgia’s agriculture/agribusiness, promote youth agricultural events and achievements, and provide a center for diverse activities to benefit the state economy such as the Georgia National Fair. The Fairgrounds hosts more than 200 events per year, with approximately one million visitors. The hotel site abuts I-75 which has a daily traffic count of approximately 65,000.

The City of Perry, Georgia is an historic community that encompasses over 27 square miles along I-75 right in the heart of Georgia. The community enjoys a unique downtown, excellent schools, a high quality of life, and proximity to Robins Air Force Base. As an award-winning premier community, Perry is focused on supporting strategic economic and community development while providing quality customer service to its citizens.

The project is financed by WSFS Bank, based in Wilmington, DE. The General Contractor for the project is Foutz Brothers Construction, based in Gainesville, GA. The architectural design for the project was created by Chamberlain Architect Services Limited, based in Ontario, Canada, with civil engineering provided by Triple Point Engineering, based in Macon, GA, and interior design done by Design Continuum, Inc., based in Atlanta, GA.

“We’re thrilled to begin construction. The hotel has been perfectly designed for the environment, we have strong hotel flags provided by Marriott, and terrific partners in the GAEA and the City of Perry. We can’t wait to welcome and delight guests from Georgia, and around the world,” said JJ Singh, President of Retreat Hotels & Resorts.

“WSFS is proud to partner again with the team at Retreat Hotels and Resorts, to provide financing on this project,” said Ron Weingrad, Senior Vice President of WSFS Bank. “This hotel is a welcome addition to our commercial real estate portfolio on the East Coast.”

“Breaking ground on this hotel is a major milestone,” said Foster Rhodes, Chairman of the GAEA. “The Fairgrounds have long needed first-class accommodations on-site to complement our robust operations.”

"We are pleased to partner with Retreat Hotels & Resorts on the TownePlace / Fairfield hotel. This hotel will further enhance the experience of our visitors,” said Stephen Shimp, Fairgrounds Executive Director. 

“We are delighted to support the new hotel at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on our community now and for future generations,” said City of Perry Mayor Randall Walker.

“In addition to the development of a much-needed asset for the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, this hotel will support economic development throughout Perry and bolster our tourism assets. We’re excited to watch this development progress and look forward to meeting new friends that choose to visit Perry and stay at this hotel,” said Holly Wharton, City of Perry Economic Development Director.

Retreat Chairman Honored for Development on Jekyll Island

Retreat Board Chair, and LNWA Co-Managing Principal, Dave Curtis was recently honored by the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (GACVB) for his work in revitalizing Jekyll Island. The Bill Hardman Sr. Product Development Tourism Champion Award was awarded to Curtis last month. The award is specifically given to a partner agency or individual for outstanding work in attracting capital investments for tourism projects.

“It was an honor to present Dave Curtis with the 2023 Product Development Tourism Champion Award. I, like many others, have enjoyed seeing the growth and revival of Jekyll Island, and we recognize that partnerships like this are an important part of the tourism industry’s continued success,” said Jay Markwalter, GACVB executive director.

Curtis and LNWA began working on Jekyll Island decades ago in restoring the historic Jekyll Island Club. The 1985 project had renovations in excess of $20 million.

“Dave and LNWA have been an instrumental part of making Jekyll Island what it is today, through their ongoing private/public investment partnership,” said Jones Hooks, executive director of the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA). “From his first day on the island all those decades ago, Dave not only believed in Jekyll, but he was also able to convince others to believe in Jekyll. We are all very grateful for his vision and willingness to accept some challenges and stick with us through these many years.”

You can read more here in the Brunswick News: Brunswick New Article

Job Fair July 7th!

Retreat Hotels & Resorts is pleased to host a job fair for our forthcoming Fairfield by Marriott hotel in Middletown, Delaware. Prospective employees can learn all about our opportunities at our job fair on Thursday July 7th from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the Red Robin in Middletown. Exciting careers, great benefits!

Location: Red Robin Middletown

140 Commerce Drive

Middletown, DE 19709

Middletown Fairfield Progress Photos

by: JJ Singh

Our new Fairfield by Marriott in Middletown, DE is moving along nicely! We expect to open the hotel in Q3 of this year. We’ve hired our new General Manager, Diane Gradel, and we’re looking forward to welcoming guests in a few short months.

Retreat Announces the Execution of a Franchise Agreements to build a dual-brand Marriott in Perry, GA

As seen in Hospitality Net, Retreat Hotels & Resorts (“Retreat”) announced the execution of franchise agreements for a new dual-brand hotel with Marriott International at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (“GNFA”) in Perry, GA. The brands, a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott, will cater to visitors of all types. 

In July 2021, Retreat entered into a long-term ground lease with the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority (“GAEA”) for a site on the GNFA, adjacent to the Miller Murphy Howard Convention Center. The site abuts I-75 with significant daily traffic counts, while the GNFA attracts approximately one million visitors per year.

The first brand, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, has agricultural roots that befit this development. In 1951, John Willard and Alice Marriott purchased the Fairfield Farms in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. They used this farm as a gathering place for family, friends, and business associates. As a tribute to their farm, they created the Fairfield brand in 1987, with its first location being in Atlanta, GA. The brand is about providing a “simple, straightforward, and stress-free experience,” to mimic the simplicity and joy brought to the Marriotts at their beloved Fairfield Farm. With more than 1,000 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott hotels worldwide, the hotel warmly welcomes guests with friendly service and comfortable spaces – offering them the flexibility to work, rest and maintain their balance while on the road.

The second brand, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, is designed to appeal to longer stay travelers who want to feel at home and stay productive. The design offers guests extraordinary value and features modern spacious suites with full kitchens, larger public spaces and a complimentary hot breakfast. The décor expresses today’s design trends with an emphasis on comfort and creating a sense of well-being. With nearly 500 TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotels in North America, the hotel is an important component of Marriott’s portfolio.

While there will be two hotel flags, there will be only one building with a shared lobby and shared amenities. Fairfield guestrooms will be featured on one side of the hotel, while TownePlace Suites rooms will be located on the other side.

“We’re proud to partner with Marriott again on another dual-brand project,” said JJ Singh, president of Retreat Hotels & Resorts. “Following on the success of our dual-brand Marriott project on Jekyll Island, we see opportunities for synergies as a developer, and a streamlined, enhanced experience for our guests. The Fairgrounds are a special place, and we’ve got the perfect brands to match.”

“The Georgia National Fairgrounds is a first-class venue for competitions, conventions, entertainment, exhibitions, meetings, trade shows, and related events, all in one facility,” said GNFA Executive Director Stephen Shimp. “Now we look forward to providing first-class accommodations, and welcoming these two powerful Marriott brands, under one roof.”

“We’re pleased to partner with Retreat Hotels and the GNFA for this wonderful dual-brand hotel,” said Chris DiBenedetto, Vice President of Lodging Development for Marriott International. “These two powerful brands make for a compelling dual-branded property and we’re excited about all the potential we see here in Perry, and at the Fairgrounds.”

LNWA & the Orlean Company Announce the Formation of Retreat Hotels & Resorts

by Elska Vuong

As seen in Hotel Business, Leon N. Weiner & Associates, Inc. (“LNWA”), a mission-minded housing development firm in Delaware, and the Orlean Company, a developer of residential and commercial real estate in Ohio, announced the formation of a joint-venture, Retreat Hotels & Resorts (“Retreat”). 

Retreat is a full-service developer, owner, asset manager, and operator of hotels and resort communities. Seeded with existing hotel assets and a robust pipeline of future projects under development, Retreat has a presence in Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Virginia.

The Board and management team have extensive experience in the sector, developing more than one half billion dollars in hospitality assets, representing brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Choice, and independent flags. Retreat’s Board of Managers tapped JJ Singh, former Director of LNWA’s hotel division, as its President.

  “I’m thrilled to lead this new venture,” said Singh. “We have a fantastic team, an outstanding pipeline, and we’re well capitalized. In short, we’re well-positioned to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests and strong returns for our investors.”

  The name Retreat has its roots in history, while also representing the hospitable culture the new company represents. LNWA’s first hotel asset, the Jekyll Island Club, had a long and storied history. In the 19th century, the Club became the preferred retreat for the most prominent families of American history including the Vanderbilts, Pulitzers, and Rockefellers. During the 20th century, the Club fell on hard times, but in 1985, LNWA transformed the property into the thriving resort it is today, welcoming guests from all around the world. The term Retreat embodies a place of privacy or safety—a refuge where travelers can escape, recharge, and leave invigorated and refreshed.

  “Strategically, forming this hospitality company with the Orlean Company is an important step for LNWA. This business structure will allow the new firm to attract investment capital and support our core business: developing, building, managing and owning affordable multifamily rental housing,” said Glenn Brooks, President of LNWA. “Retreat Hotels and Resorts will build upon LNWA’s proud 36-year history of providing world class lodging experiences.”

  “We’re proud to join LNWA in forming this new venture,” said David Orlean, President of the Orlean Company. “Like LNWA, our core business is multifamily and commercial development, with assets in the hospitality sector. Forming this joint-venture allows us to significantly grow our presence in the sector.”

LNW Hospitality & New Castle Hotels Celebrate the Topping out of the New Courtyard / Residence Inn

by JJ Singh

As seen in Hotel Online, LNW Hospitality and New Castle Hotels celebrated the topping out of the new dual-brand hotel on Jekyll Island. Full announcement below!

LNW Hospitality and New Castle Hotels, the developers of the new dual-branded Courtyard/Residence Inn coming to Jekyll Island, announced the formal topping out of the building.  This important construction milestone, the completion of the support structure of the roof, was marked by a ceremony on site. 

The 209-key property, scheduled to open in the spring of 2021, features 120 Courtyard by Marriott rooms and 89 Residence Inn by Marriott rooms.  Sitting on 5.8 acres of oceanfront land, this hotel will provide an exceptional guest experience.  Amenities include the largest pool on Jekyll Island, a large hot tub, a splash pad for children, fire pits, a Bistro restaurant, an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant, a fitness center, and 2,600 square feet of meeting space.

The hotel is being constructed by Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. with construction management services performed by McKibbon Places.  Chamberlain Architect Services serves as the architect. 

“We’re excited about the progress of our new hotel,” said JJ Singh, Director of Hospitality for LNW Hospitality.  “We’ve got a fantastic team that has been working so hard to keep us on track and we look forward to opening our doors next spring to welcome travelers from all over the world.”

"Starting my career with Marriott over 23 years ago, this project is of significant importance to me as we welcome the Marriott Courtyard and Residence Inn brands to Jekyll Island, a community that has been my home for the past 10 years," said Trevor Stratton of New Castle Hotels, who is the incoming General Manager of the property.

"I am thrilled to see how far construction has come since the groundbreaking just last summer,” said Jones Hooks, Executive Director of the Jekyll Island Authority.  “We look forward to welcoming new business travelers and families, while remaining committed to conservation and stewardship of the island's delicate balance.”

“In over 4 million square feet of hotel construction by Kellogg & Kimsey, with a significant portion being Marriott brands, this is one of our favorite projects,” said Charles Kimsey, Executive Vice-President of Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. “From the unique building design to accommodate the two brands and the remarkable coastal location, to the elaborate guest amenities, to the high quality professionals involved in the project with LNW, New Castle, McKibbon, and Chamberlain, it is a pleasure for our experienced team to build.”

Courtyard / Residence Inn Progress - August 2020

by: JJ Singh

Check out the latest progress on our new dual-branded Marriott on Jekyll Island!

Courtyard / Residence Inn Construction Progress!

Our Courtyard / Residence Inn on Jekyll Island is coming along! Check out our latest construction progress video. The hotel is opening in the spring of 2021!

Welcome Back to Jekyll Island!

As we continue to rev up the economy safely, Jekyll Island has seen an uptick in visitors. To prepare for further visitors and groups, Jekyll Island has created a whole series of enhanced procedures at its Convention Center, while the hotels on the island have all adopted stringent health standards.

Check out the Welcome Back video put together by the Island’s governing authority, which shows all that’s being done!

Three Ways Hoteliers are Giving Back

by: Aline Matias

Keeping six feet apart means we’re getting closer—to communities, that is. As people practice social distancing and healthy measures, hoteliers are finding innovative ways to take care of those in need as well as those in need of small, relaxing breaks. Because we all could do with a bit of good news, here are three ways the hospitality business is giving back:

Giving back relief: Events D.C.—a convention and sports authority—announced a relief package worth $18 million to assist hotels, restaurants and hospitality employees impacted by COVID-19 in Washington, DC. Programs in the funding package will help recovery efforts in the business and provide assistance to workers in the industry.   

Giving back hope: They respond to our health needs, now hoteliers respond to their accommodation needs. Hotel chains and independent properties offered 3.4 million hotel rooms as temporary housing to first responders. The initiative, Hospitality for Hope, garnered the support of more than 15,000 hotels opening their doors to the health community. Health care workers, looking to rest while maintaining a close distance to work, were able to do so in the comfort of a hotel. In fact, LNW Hospitality has partnered with first responders at its properties, providing refuge to those who keep us safe.

Giving back joy: So you’ve traded in your suitcase for the baking pans? Great; you can still bake your luscious loaves of bread at home—alongside Italian, luxury hotel chefs! As travelers buckle down home, luxury hotels are providing online lessons to make your couch life worthy of a five-star experience. Watch The Artesian at The Langham London’s demos to perfect your craft cocktails; finally make your parents proud and learn how to clean your room in a way only The Four Seasons can; and for those with little travelers at home, make Lucky Charms cereal bars alongside The Langham Chicago’s very own pastry chef. All these lessons--from hotel family yoga lessons and more--right in the comfort of your own space. The only caveat? You can’t take the mini toiletries home.

Travel and hotel visits might be a bit slow at the moment, but for now—and in the future—we continue doing what we do best for all: Giving.  

A Galaxy Not So Far Away

by: Aline Matias

Turns out, you won’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away too see if the force is with you. That’s right “Star Wars” fans, pack your lightsabers, because Disney announced that reservations for its new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser—a two-night, two-day immersive inter-galactic resort/hotel experience—are set to launch later this year.

Set in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the Starcrusier won’t open until 2021, but it’s worth the wait. “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a completely new experience,” Ann Morrow Johnson, executive producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, said in a Disney blog post, “You’re going to live onboard a star cruiser, and you can get wrapped up in a larger ‘Star Wars’ story.”

Complete with windows simulating travel to outer space, guests will enter the Starcruiser pods from which they will experience being launched and traveling towards the Halycon ship. Upon arrival, they will then be shown to their cabins complete with bunks resembling those Chewbacca sleeps in. 

Not the biggest “Star Wars” fan? Not a problem—something for you there is! Guests will be able to participate in a variety of activities. From lightsaber trainings, to planet excursions to Batuu, to visits to the ship’s navigation and defense systems tour, the Starcruiser voyage is one meant to be immersive as well as inclusive for all ages. Of course, guests can interact with various Star Wars characters and crew members throughout their stay which will play a great part in how their story plays out aboard. Disney’s newest experience can pave the way for future immersive theme park and hotel adventures where guests can become part of a story which can lead to longer-lasting memories.  

The biggest mystery at the moment, however, remains the cost, as set prices have yet to be announced. Typically, Disney hotels can cost several hundreds of dollars per night, but recent success of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” in theaters and “The Mandalorian” streaming on Disney+, proves that the love for the franchise might not discourage fans from becoming Jedis—even if it’s just for two days. But let’s all be honest here, for the opportunity to snap a selfie with Baby Yoda, we’re all willing to pay whatever it takes.  

Homes at the Moorings at Jekyll Harbor Now Available!

by: JJ Singh

Carolina Holdings Group and LNW Hospitality announced the sale of new condominiums and duplex homes at the Moorings at Jekyll Harbor, on Jekyll Island, GA.  Brought to you by the same group that created the successful Ocean Oaks at Jekyll Island and Cottages at Jekyll Island, the Moorings will have 39 three-bedroom residences and nine raised townhomes ranging from 1,726 to 1,946 heated square feet available for purchase. 

Located on the coast of Georgia, Jekyll Island is a barrier island steeped in history.  In the late 1800s, the island became a tourist destination when it was purchased by the Jekyll Island Club, which constructed a vacation resort for the nation’s leading families.  In 1947, the state of Georgia purchased this once-private paradise and has worked tirelessly, ever since, to preserve the island's pristine natural beauty, only allowing 35 percent of Jekyll Island to be developed.

Today, residents and visitors alike enjoy its meticulously maintained natural aesthetic, ecology, and history.  The island boasts unspoiled beaches and other great amenities such as the Jekyll Island Landmark Historic District, biking trails, the Summer Waves Water Park, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. The beach and Beach Village are just a short bike ride away from The Moorings.  Jekyll Island was ranked the #1 best place to go in 2019 by Money Magazine. 

The Moorings site is home to the Jekyll Harbor Marina, a magical enclave on the banks of the Jekyll Sound, surrounded by majestic, moss-draped oaks.  Jekyll Harbor is ideal for a day of fishing or exploring the many meandering rivers and creeks of the Golden Isles. The marina offers both wet storage and dry storage at reasonable rates. 

“We’ve worked tirelessly to create a community that fits into what makes Jekyll Island great,” said Gary Wadsten, Managing Partner of the Carolina Holdings Group.  “The homes fit seamlessly into the natural landscape, offering homeowners serenity and breathtaking views.  We’ve collaborated with the Jekyll Island Authority throughout this process to ensure that this development befits the character and beauty of Jekyll Island.  I’m thrilled to partner again with the JIA and our co-developer LNW Hospitality.”

“The Moorings at Jekyll Harbor is a special community,” said Dave Curtis, Co-Managing Partner of LNW Hospitality.  “With refined finishes, picturesque views, and proximity to the marina, beaches, dining, golf, and biking, the Moorings at Jekyll Harbor offer an unbelievable home and getaway.”

“These homes are stunning,” said Daniel Hoover, lead sales agent for the Moorings.  “Home buyers will really be able to take advantage of this ‘quiet side’ of Jekyll Island – where life moves slower, southern hospitality is even more gracious and glorious sunsets are commonplace.  All starting in the $400s.”

Home prices start at less than $500,000, with construction by the Solid Rock Co. expected to begin in the spring of 2020.  For further information: The Moorings at Jekyll Island or call 843-997-5540.

A Special MLK Day for LNW Hospitality

by: Seth Collett

The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebrates the civil rights leader’s life and legacy. But for a group of volunteers, this day, January 20, 2020, was not a day off, but rather a day on. Members of LNW Hospitality, LNWA, Arbor Management, and the Axia Hotel Group used the opportunity to serve others at the Middletown soup kitchen, Our Daily Bread.  

“Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

Formed in 2008, Our Daily Bread utilizes donations from businesses and religious organizations to cook and serve food to the less privileged residents of Middletown. The organization serves their guests, as they sit at tables, creating a warm and hospitable atmosphere. Whether they are homeless looking for a momentary escape from hardship, or single mothers and their children when it’s difficult to make ends meet, all are welcome at Our Daily Bread .

Fourteen employees of LNW Hospitality, LNWA, Arbor Management, and the Axia Hotel Group donned non-slip shoes and got to work chopping onions, greeting and serving guests, and washing dishes.  Big smiles, lots of laughs, and the smell of good food filled the dining room as residents from all over Middletown trickled in. On the menu was homemade baked chicken Parmesan, spaghetti with marinara sauce, and Caesar salad.

All in all, twenty-five meals were served, in addition to the donation of unused food items. Many guests complemented the quality of service, and the Our Daily Bread Director, Betsy Cave, even said “This is one of the hardest working groups of volunteers we’ve ever had.”

All of the companies involved in this day have a long-standing tradition of community service, as well as a presence in Delaware. LNWA and Arbor Management have been in Middletown for more than 30 years, owning and managing two apartment complexes.  Members of LNWA also created the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation, which provides educational assistance to children and adults in families with low to moderate incomes to help them achieve their highest potential and become confident, accomplished, fulfilled individuals and productive members of society.  The Axia Hotel Group has contributed to numerous important causes in Delaware and owns and operates the Hampton Inn & Suites in town.  Axia and LNW Hospitality have teamed up to create the new Fairfield by Marriott in town. 

Beyonce Was Wrong… Women Aren’t Just Running the World, They’re Travelling It

by: Aline Matias

Hotel Zena, courtesy of Hotelguides

Beyoncé lied to us. Women aren’t just running the world — they’re traveling it, and hoteliers are taking note. With the upcoming opening of Hotel Zena in Washington, D.C. — one of the first hotels dedicated to celebrating female strength and accomplishments — the hospitality business is proving that this powerful demographic is worth the powerful investment. 

Owned by Bethesda’s Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, Hotel Zena will become a part of the Viceroy Urban Retreats Portfolio, a series of boutique hotels managed and operated by Viceroy Hotels and Resorts. Opening in Spring of 2020, the hotel offers opportunities for guests to enjoy diverse experiences in D.C. from coordinated hotel monthly music sessions to eating at unique restaurants and bars from nearby 14th Street. But aside from boasting 191 rooms, a cocktail-themed lobby lounge, a 14th-floor rooftop pool, and let’s admit it, a name echoing that of the best warrior princess, Hotel Zena’s interior design reminds us that the future of travel is female. 

Hotel Zena, courtesy of Bloomberg

Guests will be able to engage in thoughtful conversation in the cocktail lounge near the mural of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Or for an even more casual setting, drinks on the rooftop overlooking the skyline of the nation’s capitol is always an option. With art decorations inspired by feminine icons travelers are immersed in herstory, and men, don’t worry, you too can be a part of this experience as Hotel Zena is available for lodging to all travelers.   

Hotel Zena is not the first to provide a holistic and targeted guest experience — hotels such as the Eaton provide artful amenities for its artist, activist, and entrepreneur guests — but it is the first to celebrate female accomplishments. And we’re not surprised. After all, as reported by the Travel Industry Association, approximately 32 million American women travel alone every year and 75% of women plan to travel on their own in the next couple of years. 

As women seek wellness experiences internationally and domestically — from weaving tapestries to taking boxing classes with a world champion — travelers are relying on each other for guidance while creating an industry of women led travel businesses and experiences. Groups like Wild Women Expeditions, El Camino Travel, and Girls Love Travel provide platforms created by women for women to share travel advice, book potential tours and travel routes, or post photos of treks up pebbled Portuguese castles. 

With such a large group of travelers, and one that is projected to keep growing, it’s no surprise that markets influenced for female travelers are abundant, reaffirming Beyonce… that girls truly do run this world.   

Why Doesn't Front Desk Tell me my Room Number? All about Security at Hotels

by: Marissa Consalo

Have you ever noticed that when you get your key at reception, they never tell you your room number—only the floor on which you’ll be staying?  That’s for security reasons—they want to keep your room number private.  Small measures like this are factored into the design, construction, and operations of a hotel; they are are meant to provide additional safety to guests, employees, and the property.

As we launch into the 2020s, hotels are taking further steps toward the integration of more modern technology within their security systems.  With hotels increasingly moving away from all forms of paper, more is being done to combat cyber crime.   

According to Top Hotel News, “To combat cybercrime, hotels are taking steps to incorporate more advanced firewalls, limiting who has access to data and securing mobile devices of employees.” Additionally, hotels have been installing virtual local area networks (“VLAN”), which provide enhanced connectivity, with an additional layer of protection.   

Mobile Key App

When it comes to the physical safety of the guests, the mobile room key has added a new layer of security for travelers. With this new technology, the guest can only get in their room through the use of their mobile device, which greatly reduces the chance of a room key falling into the wrong hands. Some hotels even provide an alert system through the mobile key app, that will let guests know if their room has been entered without them physically being there.

The hospitality industry has also stepped up the security for not only their systems, and their guests, but also their employees. Last year, the American Hotel and Lodging Association (“AHLA”) launched their “5-star Promise” to prioritize the safety of employees more than ever before. In a video, the AHLA showcased a new device that allows room attendants to send a silent signal to the hotel’s security system along with the direct location of the employee who pressed it.

By 2020, the AHLA projects that over 20,000 properties will have devices of this nature for not only their housekeeping departments but all of their employees, and they are on track to becoming the standard across all brands.

While these technological advancements in security may come at a hefty cost for hotels, the safety and well being of the guests, employees, and the property are priceless, and for that reason, companies will continue to push towards building the most efficient systems possible for their properties.

99 Problems but a Beach Ain't One

by: Aline Matias

Courtesy of Pinterest

With the Thanksgiving holiday week coming up, travelers are packing their bags with cozy sweaters, post-meal sweatpants, tupperware for leftovers (we’re not judging) and heading over to celebrate with family and friends. And while we at LNW Hospitality know that there’s no place like home, might we suggest a slight change? Ditch the coat — pack the swimsuit! This year, head over to the beach.  

“But what about Uncle Rick’s fried turkey?”  Don’t worry, Uncle Rick can come too. After all, like The New York Times, we encourage you to seize the holiday and treat yourself to that not-so-crowded beach resort in Belize or in the U.S.

Nothing against Belize — we’re sure it’s beautiful! — but you don’t have to go abroad to swap the crunch of leaves for the feel of sand between your toes. Besides, as reported by Forbes, unless you’re one of 42% of Americans who already own a passport, a trip abroad might not maximize your time or money. What with having to rush order a passport and pay up to $60 in expedited fees in addition to regular processing fees of up to $145, your wallet might not be so thankful this holiday season.

Courtesy of Legacy Vacations

While we’re at it — ahem — have we mentioned LNW Hospitality’s beautiful beach resorts? Oh, we haven’t? Well, here they are! And for those of you hesitant to depart from tradition and indulge in a Thanksgiving beachcation, picture this: you, a swaying hammock, the warm touch of sun on your bronzed skin, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or football game streaming on your tablet.

But the Black Friday sales! We won’t stop you from standing for fourteen hours for $2 towels, but actually, Cyber Monday has better savings potential and even better beach football prospects. But the homemade Thanksgiving turkey! Book a resort with a kitchen and cook to your heart’s content. Don’t feel like cooking? Whole Foods or online grocers have Thanksgiving meals ready to order and available for pickup or delivery. That’s right, you too can have it all — with a side of mai tais. So this Thanksgiving shake up tradition, indulge, and remember, you may (hopefully not) have 99 problems but a beach doesn’t have to be one.

Boutique Hotels -- an Old Friend Makes a New Appearance

by: Isabelle Frawley

You hear the word “hotel” and what comes to mind?  Perhaps a Hilton, or if you’re feeling fancy, The Four Seasons.  It’s not a surprise that most people associate the word “hotel” with major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, IHG, or Choice.  These brands have been around for decades, and for good reason.  They provide travelers with rigorous quality standards, giving each guest a similar experience no matter where in the world.  Additionally, loyalty rewards provide incentives for just that… loyalty. 

Lowell Hotel

It wasn’t always that way.  Hotels have been around for over 1,300 years, long before JW Marriott opened up his first root beer stand. But, in recent years, there has been a massive rise in the popularity of boutique hotels.  

Boutique hotels are unique, small, charming lodging establishments, often located in urban areas.  According to recent research from Hotel News Now, the supply growth of boutique hotels was measured at 11.5% from 2016 to 2017, with a room revenue increase of 9%.  Boutiques are becoming more popular, largely because of the ability to market online, and cater to a younger generation.  For example, unique hotels with quirky decor provide a highly desirable check-in location for social media users.  Posting a picture on Instagram at a chain hotel is not the same as posting a picture paying tribute to Eloise’s playtime in the lobby of the Lowell Hotel in New York. The Lowell Hotel loves to highlight their wood-burning fireplaces on their website specifically because they are a “rare find” in New York. In contrast to other hotels, they describe themselves as similar to luxury NYC apartments, hoping to attract guests looking for a more authentic experience. 

Freehand Hotel

 Some boutique hotels are also on our radar because of their pricing.  In some cases, with small lobbies and lounges, overhead expenses can be kept low.  For example, The Freehand Chicago hotel is another great example of an amazing boutique find.  Among the giant skyscrapers and modern décor of Chicago, this spot has an art-deco, down-to-earth, quirky feel with dark-wood furnishings and exotic rugs.  It brings a unique feel to a city full of modern luxury, at a cost similar to other branded hotels in the area.  

Hotel chains seeing the popularity in boutique hotels are following suit with “soft-branded” hotels. Soft-branded hotels marry the unique local aesthetics of boutique hotels, while providing guests with loyalty points and assurances on quality by affiliating with a major brand.  For example, Hilton has created Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Tapestry Collection by Hilton.  

The rise of boutique hotels feels like a new trend, but they’ve actually been around for over a millennium. An old trend is making a new appearance.