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.  

LNW Hospitality and Axia bring a Fairfield to Middletown!

by: JJ Singh

Fairfield by Marriott coming to Middletown, 2021

As reported by WDEL, LNW Hospitality and Axia Hotel Group announced a collaboration to bring the first Marriott hotel to Middletown, DE.  The joint venture signed a franchise agreement with Marriott and is expected to break ground on a new Fairfield by Marriott in 2020, with an opening scheduled in 2021. 

The development team has had a long-term presence in Delaware and in hospitality.  LNW Hospitality develops, owns, and manages hotel assets on the east coast, with three Marriott brands in its portfolio.  Its parent company, Leon N. Weiner & Associates, Inc. (LNWA), has been in Delaware for more than 70 years, with over 35 years in Middletown itself, through its ownership of Middletown Trace Apartments and Fairfield Commons Apartments.  “We see tremendous opportunity in Middletown,” said Kevin Kelly, Chairman of LNWA.  “The town is thriving, Fairfield by Marriott is a great brand, and our partner, Axia, has a strong track record in town as well.”

Axia Hotel Group has been in the hotel business in Delaware since the 1960s and has developed eight hotels in that time.  In 2006, Axia brought the first branded hotel to Middletown, with the development of its Hampton Inn & Suites on Sandhill Drive, which was recently renovated.  “Our Hampton has performed well, and we see an opportunity to grow our presence,” said Axia President Tom Kramedas.  “We’ve got a great site, partner in LNW Hospitality, and brand in Fairfield by Marriott.” 

Middletown, an historic town established in 1861, is a thriving community.  In the last 20 years, the population has more than tripled, while multinational corporations have built large presences in town.   The hotel site sits close to the entrance into Middletown from the newly constructed mainline U.S. Route 301, surrounded by numerous dining and entertainment amenities.  At the intersection of Warwick Road and Merrimac Avenue, the hotel will be visible to all cars that pass through town.  “Middletown has had a successful track record of attracting employers,” said Mayor Kenneth Branner, Jr.  “I’m pleased that LNW Hospitality and Axia Hotel Group wish to bring a Marriott property to town.  The two companies have been good corporate citizens and I look forward to our continued work together.”

Fairfield by Marriott is the second largest brand in Marriott’s portfolio, with over 1,000 properties and more than 400 more, worldwide, in its pipeline.  Fairfield welcomes guests with its friendly service and comfortable spaces, offering flexibility to work, rest, and maintain balance on the road.  Amenities include a complementary hot breakfast and coffee, as well as a fitness center and lobby market.  

Beach, Pool, or Walk in the Woods, Ocean Oaks has it all

By: Tamir Montalto & JJ Singh

             Some like the beach, some like the pool, and some like a stroll in the woods.  Now, at Ocean Oaks at Jekyll Island, you can have it all.  The pool and clubhouse were recently completed, providing homeowners another way to get some R&R.

             The new wade-in pool sits next to a covered pavilion.  The pavilion is a professionally designed and decorated convening space for homeowners to enjoy, complete with a bar area, fireplace, upscale lounging, and bathrooms.  Atop the pavilion sits a copper blue heron weather vane that was donated by one of the homeowners, a reminder of the inviting community Ocean Oaks has become.

             Ocean Oaks is a single-family home development on the southern part of Jekyll Island.  Since construction began in 2017, all homes have been sold, with only two left to be fully built out and transferred to homebuyers.

             The development, created by LNW Hospitality and the Carolina Holdings Group, is the first new single-family development on the island in roughly 50 years, according to Daniel Hoover, who has led the sales effort for Ocean Oaks.  Homebuyers have been attracted to Jekyll Island because it’s not as commercialized and congested as other similar areas. That can be attributed to Jekyll Island’s history of being a state park and its commitment to preserving the island’s natural beauty and ecosystem. 

             Said Ann Barrett, homeowner in the community, “It’s been my dream to live close to the ocean.  When you come over that bridge to the island, all the weight falls off my shoulders.  It’s like you leave all of your stress and burdens on the other side of that bridge.  It’s just such a serene setting – I think of the sun setting, and the golden grass blowing in the wind.  In fact, we named our house the Serenity Cottage.”

             With the project expected to close out by the end of the year, the team has been hard at work, putting the finishing touches on the serene setting.  The homes are built by Picket Fence Properties, with the engineering work done by Roberts Civil Engineering, the landscape architecture by Land Design Associates, the interior design by Coastal Design Works, and the architectural designs from Allison Ramsey Architects.

One Word: Plastics. But it isn't 1967 Anymore

by: Tamir Montalto & JJ Singh

Do you remember the movie the Graduate from 1967? Setting aside all of the tawdry twists and turns of Dustin Hoffman’s character arc, one of the most famous lines is about… Plastics. In fact, the quote about plastics is the 42nd best movie quote in movie history, according to the American Film Institute. If you’ve got 30 seconds, you can see the clip below.

The lesson, that plastics were the future, was prophetic. Light, durable, inexpensive, and strong, plastics are a part of everything we use on a daily basis. So pervasive is plastic, that it’s becoming a problem. Not all of it can be recycled, and much of it ends up in landfills and in our seas. According to some estimates, 5 million to 12 million metric tons of this non-biodegradable waste ends up in the ocean each year, creating significant disruptions to our environment and food chain.

Reducing the use of plastic is a top concern for our environmental sustainability. In the past, the hotel industry had focused more on water usage. By encouraging guests to reuse towels and linen, a significant amount of water could be saved. You’ve seen the signs—they’ve become common in most hotel rooms and bathrooms.

Recently, hotels have started to address plastic waste, head on. The Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG), which has brands such as Holiday Inn and Crown Plaza, will eliminate all miniature bottles of shampoo and conditioner, and use bulk-sized amenities. On average, over 200 million bathroom miniatures are used across IHGs hotels every year. A third of IHG’s 5,600+ hotels have already made the change, with the rest slated to complete the transition by 2021. Additionally, they’ve begun a campaign to eliminate plastic straws.

Other companies have made strides as well. For example, in 2017, Marriott launched its sustainability initiative called Serve 360. By 2025, they plan to reduce water intensity by 15%, carbon intensity by 30%, landfill waste by 45%, and food waste by 50%. In 2018, Hilton announced that it would cut its environmental footprint in half and double its social impact investment by 2030. Choice’s Room to be Green program also has similar targets.

These initiatives may not be enough to stem the tide—plastic is an important and ubiquitous material. But one thing is for sure, it’s not 1967 anymore.

Elected Officials are "Public Servants, Not Public Deities." Part II of the legacy of Leon N. Weiner

by: Stephen Schindel 

This year LNWHospitality’s parent company, Leon N. Weiner & Associates, Inc. (“LNWA”) is celebrating its 70th year in business. I sat down with LNWA Chairman, Kevin Kelly, to discuss the company’s founder Mr. Leon N. Weiner (1920 – 2002). Here is Part II of the discussion. You can find Part I here.

 How Did Leon N. Weiner & Associates transition from homebuilding to affordable housing?

Unlike most builders, Leon built homes for people of all backgrounds which allowed for thousands of new homes to be developed.  However, there was still a shortage of affordable housing; it was difficult to find safe and quality affordable housing.  Leon would always say that the lack of affordable housing was due to “a lack of supply, supply, supply, and only fixed by adding supply.” 

As a result of President Johnson’s work on the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965, federal housing programs were expanded, paving the way for the development of affordable housing.  LNWA shifted its core business from homebuilding to affordable housing.  Initially, LNWA built affordable housing for public agencies like the Philadelphia Housing Authority and the Wilmington Housing Authority, before branching out on its own.

“People from every corner of every state, from every walk of life and economic circumstance, share a common need, a common dream... a place to call home.”

— Leon N. Weiner

What were some memorable experiences from your time working with Leon?

There are two experiences that stick out. 

First, on my first major development project with Leon, we encountered a problem during the final stages of the approval process; there were stakeholders who had become less receptive to the site plan.  Leon noticed that a person with whom we were having problems was listening to classical music.  Leon engaged him in a discussion of concertos and symphonies.  This gentleman was taken aback, but also quizzed Leon on his knowledge, which was impressive.  It revealed a secret passion of Leon’s – I never knew he had an encyclopedic knowledge of classical music.  After that discussion, the energy in the room changed and we were able to get a fair deal. 

Second, Leon and I took a trip to Washington DC in January of 1981.  I was on my way for a meeting on a new development and I don’t remember Leon’s plans at the time.  On the drive down, Leon received a call on his car phone, and he turned to me and said, “Can you reschedule your meeting?”  I said, “Uh, sure boss.”  Leon responded, “We’re going to see the President, what’s your social security number for Secret Service?”  I was in awe and was probably pretty demonstrative in my enthusiasm.  Leon chastised me and taught me an important lesson.  “Don’t do that again.  They’re public servants, not public deities.” 

How did Leon N. Weiner & Associates get into the hotel industry?

After a successful development of Huntington Towers in New London, CT, the town came back to us, expressing interest in LNWA developing a hotel. At the same time, one of Leon’s friends from Georgia made him aware of the opportunity to redevelop the Jekyll Island Club. Both deals were closed in December 1985. LNW Hospitality still owns the Jekyll Island club over 30 years later.

Bust of Leon N. Weiner at the National Association of Homebuilders.

What is the legacy Leon left on Leon N. Weiner & Associates?

Some of the key things Leon always said that stick with us today:

“Principles have never been sacrificed on the altar of profit.”

“We do what is right even if it is difficult.”

“If we make a deal, we stick to that deal.”

It’s how Leon operated, and we still operate this way.

LNW Hospitality Breaks Ground on its New Courtyard / Residence Inn

Dave Curtis, Managing Partner of LNW Hospitality; Julian Buffam, Principal of New Castle Hotels & Resorts; Jones Hooks, Executive Director of the Jekyll Island Authority

by: JJ Singh

Yesterday, LNW Hospitality and its partner, New Castle Hotels & Resorts, broke ground on a new Courtyard / Residence Inn Jekyll Island, slated to open by the summer of 2021. The hotel features 209 rooms, the largest pool in 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.

“We’ve carefully designed the hotel to provide a seamless, unforgettable guest experience,” said Dave Curtis Managing Partner of LNW Hospitality. “LNW Hospitality has a 35-year track record of success on Jekyll Island, first in restoring the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, as well as developing the Hampton Inn, Westin, and Jekyll Ocean Club. We’re pleased to partner again with New Castle Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, and the Jekyll Island Authority, to create this stunning new getaway.”

East Elevation, Courtyard / Residence Inn Jekyll Island

“A dual-brand gives guests more choice in accommodation but minimizes overhead through shared resources, which is especially advantageous in a seasonal resort,” noted Julian Buffam, principal, New Castle Hotels and Resorts, which will operate the hotel upon completion. “The rich amenity package offered by Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott make both brands particularly popular with leisure travelers and convention goers. These brands will be exactly the right addition to Jekyll’s family-friendly product mix.”

Construction Crew

A barrier island off the coast of Georgia, Jekyll Island became a tourist destination for the richest families in America in the late 1800s. Over the last 15 years, over $200 million in public and private investment has been made on the island. Today, Jekyll Island is home to eight hotels, a world-class convention center, and numerous amenities to support tourism on the island. Ranked as the number one place to go for a vacation by Money Magazine in 2019, Jekyll Island is a celebrated destination. Over the last five years, the number of visitors to the island has grown by six percent per year.

“Responsible development is always at the core of our decision making, to ensure we do not overdevelop for the sake of additional lodging,” said C. Jones Hooks, Executive Director of the Jekyll Island Authority. “It’s important to understand that even with these additional 209 rooms from the new Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott, we' will still be 100 rooms below historic ‘peak hotel room’ capacity numbers for the island, ensuring we continue to maintain the island’s natural character. This project embodies our goal of welcoming new and different kinds of visitors, including business travelers and families, while remaining committed to conservation and stewardship of the island’s delicate balance.”

A Force for Social Change - LNWA Chairman Kevin Kelly Discusses Founder Leon Weiner

by: Stephen Schindel

This year, LNWHospitality’s parent company, Leon N. Weiner & Associates, Inc. (“LNWA”) is celebrating its 70th year in business.  I sat down with LNWA Chairman, Kevin Kelly, to discuss the company’s founder Mr. Leon N. Weiner (1920 – 2002).  Here is Part I of the discussion.  Part II will come in a follow-up blog post. 

What was Leon Weiner’s upbringing?

Leon N. Weiner (1920-2002)

He was born in 1920 and grew up in Philadelphia amidst the Great Depression.  He was a smart kid – at the age of 11, he starred on the NBC radio show “WizKids.”  Callers tried to outsmart the WizKids, most of whom were high schoolers, except for Leon.  He went to the University of Pennsylvania, and dropped out just before graduating, saying that it wasn’t worth his time or effort to finish his credits.  Later, he was drafted into military service and honorably discharged after World War II. 

How did Leon Weiner get into the Real Estate Business?

Leon worked for his uncle in Philadelphia who was a builder in Wilmington.  In 1949, after two years, he realized that he could do it himself and founded our company.  It became one of the largest home builders in New Castle County, Delaware. 

 What made Leon Weiner a social advocate?

He grew up in the Depression and saw economic and racial disparity firsthand.  He led an equality march in New Orleans where he helped register people to vote.  He was an advocate of equal voting rights and constantly challenged the status quo. 

Here in Delaware, there was a gentleman, Littleton Mitchell, who was the Delaware NAACP chairman for over three decades, and a former Tuskegee Airman.  He and Leon would become lifelong friends.  Littleton once overheard Leon having a discussion with US Senator Caleb Boggs about the importance of voting equality.  According to Littleton, Leon was “empathetic, articulate, but pointed and forceful in a reprimanding way” that Boggs did not fully support voting equality. When Leon passed away in 2002, Littleton quoted Leon’s keynote address at the NAACP 1973 National Convention. His address further pushed the issue of zoning and its impact on racial segregation.

Leon Weiner with President Johnson

One of the most influential projects Leon worked on was his development of Dunleith in the 1950s. This was the first integrated community in Delaware, a radical development at the time. Leon did not care what people thought, he only cared about what was right.

What was Leon Weiner’s personality like?

Leon was tenacious, unflappable, pugnacious, and unrelenting—a bull in a china shop.  When he wanted to go somewhere, he went there.  And if he thought he was right, he was right regardless of who or what you were… nothing stopped him.

In Part II of the interview, I’ll cover more of Leon’s professional work including homebuilding, affordable housing, and hotels.

Hygge - A New Hospitality Trend or a Cheer for Dear Old UVA?

by: Elska Vuong

There’s a new word that capturing the attention of the hospitality industry. "Hygge” (pronounced HOO-guh) is not a new cheer for the ‘HOOS of the University of Virginia, the 2019 men’s basketball national champion. Rather, according to Country Living Magazine, “Hygge is a Danish concept which cannot be translated into a single word but encompasses a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life.”

There has always been a market for hotel gyms and spas, offering guests a way to stay healthy on the road. However, with terms such as “hygge,” “mindfulness,” and “self-care” becoming buzzwords and movements of late, health and wellness seems to be having a moment.

The concept of health and wellness has evolved; it is no longer just about discrete wellness treatments or health-related activities and more about a holistic lifestyle focused on overall well-being. Guests are increasingly looking to maintain this lifestyle and/or find ways to incorporate “mindfulness opportunities” into their travel experiences, expecting more than just a hotel spa or gym with a treadmill and free weights.

Many properties and chains have taken notice, making concerted efforts to associate their brand or products with wellness. Starting in 2011, Marriott’s Westin Hotel and Resort brand began introducing amenities such as health-focused options on food and beverage menus, exercise clothing and shoe rentals, concierges to help with running routes, bike-share programs, saline swimming pools, and in-room high-tech Peloton fitness bikes in some cases. In 2017, Westin also launched its first global campaign in over five years – called “Let’s Rise” – with the aim of positioning itself as a leader in wellness tourism.

Other chains have also leaned in to the wellness wagon. Hilton launched its “Five Feet to Fitness” guestroom concept in 2017, installing more than 11 different fitness-focused items in hotel rooms. Priced at 20 percent above normal room rates, guests have the ability to access a range of fitness options and maintain their routines without leaving their rooms. Beyond high-end fitness equipment, the rooms also offer a meditation chair, blackout curtains, Biofreeze to ease muscle tension, and a range of protein and hydration drink options.

At its last global conference, Wyndham Hotel Group unveiled their new guestroom design looks, focused on color schemes and themes that focused on reducing guest stress level and inspiring guests to have “the feeling of being almost home.” In recent years, Wyndham has also launched a “Stay Well” guestroom program, using design features, amenities, and programming focused on keeping travelers healthy. Part of these features are circadian lighting technology to help reduce jetlag, wall-mounted air-purification filters to reduce allergens and microbes, and aromatherapy options.

Introducing new wellness offerings is not just a way for a hotel to differentiate itself. It’s also an opportunity to increase revenue and tap into the $639.4-billion wellness tourism industry. Health-conscious travelers reportedly spend as much as 130 percent more on hotel amenities than other guests. Within the coveted traveling millennial demographic, 60 percent of them say that health is the most important thing in their lives.

Today, health-conscious travelers are not just guests who are traveling specifically for a wellness experience, like a spa or yoga retreat. Rather, the majority are travelers who are looking to stay healthy or access health and/or wellness-focused amenities while on the road. As a result, there’s an incentive for hotels at every level and price point to find new ways provide their guests with health and wellness opportunities.

Au Revoir Marriott Rewards, Bienvenue Bonvoy

by Elska Vuong

If you watched the Academy Awards last month, you might have noticed something… aside from Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, that is. Marriott has finally unified all of its rewards programs into a new loyalty program called Bonvoy. During the show, Marriott featured a splashy 60-second commercial directed by Oscar-nominated director Jean-Pierre Jeunet as a part of its effort to introduce Bonvoy. The campaign will include activities across 22 countries throughout the year and leverage major cultural events to further highlight the new travel program, according to Marriott.

The new program, which merges together Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest, comes after years of keeping the Marriott and Starwood loyalty programs separate, following Marriott’s acquisition of the smaller company in 2016. The acquisition made Marriott the largest hotel company in the world. Bonvoy has an estimated 120 million members, in turn making it the largest loyalty program for a single hotel company globally.  

With the ad campaign and its associated tagline, “Rewards Reimagined,” Marriott hopes to raise Bonvoy’s brand recognition, along with the profile of its 30 hotel brands. “It’s about the emotional part of what good travel means,” said Karin Timpone, global marketing officer for Marriott International. “That’s what the campaign is all about — people experiencing the joy of good travel and they have one word to describe it, and that one word is ‘Bonvoy.’ The more people hear that, the more they connect that idea of good travel to our portfolio and that program.” The company reportedly spent extensive time researching, before deciding on Bonvoy, shorthand for ‘bon voyage,’ including investigating how the name would be pronounced by foreign language speakers.

Part of the new tagline also reflects a shift in focus from a loyalty program that is exclusively points and in-hotel-perks-driven. The new program and campaign emphasizes customized, special experiences you can have as a Marriott Bonvoy member, including musical performances, sporting events and culinary collaborations. “We think [Bonvoy is] good because it relates to travel, and relates to Marriott, and also points to something new — that the loyalty program is now the richest set of benefits, and much more than what it was in pieces,” said Timpone.