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SB Architects Celebrates Successful Bike to Hope Cycle and Year of Giving

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This fall, SB Architects, an international architecture firm renowned for localizing the look and feel of its hospitality, residential and commercial projects, co-sponsored and participated in the 8th Annual Bike to Hope cycle, an event benefitting City of Hope, which was recently named the leading cancer center in the West by US News & World Report and is supported by the Northern California Real Estate and Construction Council. For the fifth consecutive year, SB Architects assembled a team of riders from its Miami and San Francisco offices to complete the Bike to Hope cycle, helping to raise $271,000 dollars to support the center’s research and treatment of cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases, surpassing the annual fundraising goal of $200,000. Reflecting on the success of this charity event, which forged new community relationships, unified teams, and aligned with the firm’s core values of health and wellness, SB Architects will continue to direct both its design ethos and philanthropic efforts toward addressing the broader social and cultural needs of communities in 2020.

“Just as compassion is at the heart of City of Hope’s approach and the driving force behind their research, SB Architects carries the empathy behind human-centric design to areas where we can make a significant impact in bettering lives,” said Bruce Wright, Vice President and Principal. “We believe in better-connecting architects to their communities and extending our passion as designers of experience into supporting crucial causes related to wellness, education, and environmental concerns.”

From Immersing Guests in Nature to Immersive Expressions of Philanthropy

Over the 60 years that SB Architects has been in practice, its portfolio has reflected the integration of sustainable design with wellness amenities for the overall health of the user, project, and environment, and is largely focused on connecting guests with nature, whether designing resort rooms that give each guest an ocean view, or arrival experiences and spaces that blur lines between inside and outside. 

Experienced in creating bonds between properties and the natural environment, and connecting properties and people through authentic experiences, SB Architects is sensitive to the impact that natural disasters have on land and communities. When Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas, wiping out communities and displacing thousands in an area near the firm’s  renovation of Malliouhana Resort in Anguilla, and Baha Mar, a large-scale resort where the firm designed three restaurants, including the Costa Restaurant at the Rosewood Baha Mar, the firm supported the efforts of “boots on the ground” charities such as World Central Kitchen, which in the two weeks following the hurricane served more than 250,000 meals to survivors, and All Hands and Hearts Response, an organization dedicated to re-building and constructing new communities after disaster strikes. In addition to donating to these organizations, members of SB Architects’ Miami office donated items to those affected by the hurricane’s ongoing devastation.

“We are committed to helping to protect the natural beauty, culture and people in areas that have granted us such incredible opportunities,” said SB Architects President and Principal Scott Lee. “The root of the word ‘philanthropy,’ means ‘love of mankind,’ and SB Architects has great concern and care for both the surrounding communities and natural environs of our projects.”

In response to the recent Kincade Fire, which impacted members of the Healdsburg community where SB Architects is designing the experience-driven mixed-use project, Mill District, the design firm’s San Francisco office members joined a “Unity and Community” ride, which raised recovery funds for those displaced by the California wildfires. At Mill District, SB Architects is transforming the former Nu Forest lumber mill site into a destination paying homage to Healdsburg’s renowned, culinary and wellness features. The firm’s participation in the cycle reflects how its hands-on approach in site-sensitive projects and focus on integrating wellness elements into them align with its community-based recovery efforts.

Concern for Nurturing and Enriching a Sense of Community and Home

In designing and planning urban mixed-use communities – from a pedestrian-friendly district at the seminal San Jose project Santana Row, to the urban mixed-use destination Miami Design District and FATVillage in Fort Lauderdale, SB Architects has helped to make work, living, shopping, transportation and green spaces more integrated and easily accessible; this practice of district stewardship has instilled in the firm a heightened sensitivity to local values and awareness of the socio-economic shifts that impact master planning and design. With a dually local and global perspective, the firm supports causes such as Habitat for Humanity, a world-wide organization acting locally to ensure that people have a safe, affordable place to live and access to things they need to thrive.

Investing in Passion Projects That Serve Public Interest and Deepen Firm Expertise

In addition to its active participation in charity events and relief efforts, SB Architects has integrated pro-bono work into its practice, creating visions for new builds and restoration projects that reflect its values of innovation, cultural enrichment and environmental conservation. One such project involves the restoration of a wellness-focused center destroyed by wildfires in 2017. Slated to open in 2020, the new center is being designed by SB Architects to reflect the simplicity and untouched beauty of nature. Such pro-bono projects create places of sanctuary that positively impact visitors, and also strengthen the firm’s expertise in capturing the history and future of a place; in promoting community and wellness through design; and in creating design supportive of the surrounding landscape and nurturing and enriching to the guest experience.

Building the Next Generation of Giving and Forward-Thinking Architects

SB Architects’ San Francisco and Miami offices support the architects of the future through long-term relationships with schools and community organizations. For 13 years, SB Architects’ San Francisco office has hosted the Town School for Boy’s third-grade class for discussions and hands-on activities that engage them in the design process. For the 6th consecutive year, SB Architects’ Miami office has partnered with KAPOW (Kids and the power of work) to host a group of curious students for a morning of architecture and discovery. This past year, Southside Elementary School 5th graders learned how to use materials that would otherwise be considered refuse to build a model of their dream playhouse. Teaching youth how to explore opportunities, identify problems, and find solutions for them by collaborating with others, SB Architects shares its passion for human-centric design and inspires a new generation of architects to help transform communities, contribute to their well-being, and heal the environment.

About SB Architects

With nearly 60 years of continuous practice, SB Architects has established a world-wide reputation for excellence in the planning and design of large-scale hotels, resorts, destination resort communities, and all associated resort amenities, as well as large-scale multi-family residential and urban mixed-use projects. The dedicated staff in the firm’s San Francisco, Miami, Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh offices successfully merge six decades of experience with the energy, drive and dedication of a second generation of partners. For more information about SB Architects, visit www.sb-architects.com.

SB Architects Celebrates Successful Bike to Hope Cycle and Year of Giving
SB Architects Celebrates Successful Bike to Hope Cycle and Year of Giving

Media Contacts:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Claire Xu, Marguerite Munoz, or Danyelle Simpkins at Glodow Nead Communications, 415-394-6500 or SBarchitectspr@glodownead.com.

The St. Regis San Francisco Welcomes New Executive Chef Joseph Tiano

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The St. Regis San Francisco, the city’s premier address for relaxed luxury and timeless elegance, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Joseph (Joe) Tiano to the position of executive chef.  Chef Tiano joins the team with close to 20 years of culinary experience working with Marriott International. He will oversee all culinary operations for the property, including The Grill, the Lobby Lounge and banquets.

“Chef Joe is exceptionally talented.  His passion for culinary arts, creativity and international experience will elevate the hotel’s culinary offerings,” said Jacqueline Volkart, general manager of The St. Regis San Francisco. “We are thrilled to welcome him to our team.”

In his new role, Chef Tiano, a California native, plans to create and introduce seasonal menu items that focus on the freshest, finest California grown ingredients while adding a Mediterranean and Asian flair.

The son of a restaurateur, Chef Tiano’s early life experiences in the kitchen with his family fueled an innate passion for the culinary arts.  He graduated from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute and later moved to Italy to participate in the ICIF Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners master’s program. In 2002, Chef Tiano began his career at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel as a cook and over the years held various culinary positions at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain and The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne. Eventually, he became executive chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. Before joining The St. Regis San Francisco team, Chef Tiano spent a year traveling throughout the United States working at various Marriott International properties as a temporary executive sous chef through the company’s Operations Support Resources (OSR) program. 

“Through the OSR program I was able to travel to 11 different properties all over the United States, experience different cultures and culinary influences and styles,” said Chef Tiano. “I didn’t want to stop moving until I was placed on assignment at The St. Regis San Francisco.  It was just the perfect team, the perfect property, the perfect city, the perfect place for me to take all that I learned in my travels and incorporate it into the California style of cooking. I feel incredibly honored to be part of this extraordinary team.”

When Chef Tiano is not in the kitchen, he enjoys hiking, running and snowboarding in the winter.

For more information about The St. Regis San Francisco, please visit The St Regis San Francisco.

Media contact:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Laura Gigounas, Danyelle Simpkins or Grecia Corleto at Glodow Nead Communications, 415.394.6500 or stregispr@glodownead.com.  

Hotel Zetta Amplifies Tech-Forward Guest Experiences with Elevated In-Room Service

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San Francisco’s most innovative hotel adds Volara-powered Alexa technology in every guestroom and Atari Pong® Table to its Zetta Suite

Hotel Zetta, a hotel managed by Viceroy Hotels & Resorts and owned by Pebblebrook Hotel Trust boasting ultra-modern guest rooms, innovative health and wellness programming, and cutting-edge tech experiences in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling SoMa district, is pleased to announce new tech-forward guest amenities that adds a new level of innovative in-room offerings and services.  As the most tech-friendly hotel in San Francisco, Hotel Zetta now gives travelers an intuitive way to engage with the hotel directly with newly installed Amazon Alexa voice assistants powered by Volara, the only provider of custom voice-based solutions for the hospitality industry, in all of the property’s tech-forward and design-forward guestrooms along with adding a retro-inspired Atari Pong® Table to its Zetta Suite.

“Hotel Zetta continues to be at the forefront of delivering the latest technological offerings and experiences to our savvy travelers who expect a high caliber of service every time they visit,” said Mark Beevor, Hotel Zetta’s general manager.  “Being in the heart of an innovation hub like San Francisco, we’re proud to now offer Volara-powered Alexa, as well as a robust selection of tech-centric amenities that can’t be found elsewhere in the city.”

With Volara now an integral part of the hotel experience, guests can speak commands to Amazon Alexa to order Hotel Zetta’s services directly from the comfort of their guestrooms.  This offering gives visitors full control of their in-room experiences, whether its ordering a toothbrush, setting up a wake-up alarm, syncing their music playlists through Alexa, finding out the dining specials at The Cavalier restaurant or trying the Relax & Rejuvenate in-room spa treatment.  These quick on-command services are designed to make the guest experience as smooth as possible and is facilitated by Volara’s secure integration hub, which interfaces with the ALICE Hotel Operations Platform and MCOMS Guest Room Entertainment Platform at Hotel Zetta.

The recently-installed Atari Pong® Table in the Zetta Suite is equipped with games loaded with retro sound effects, bouncing lights and the original game mechanics.  The table blends the high-tech mechanical engineering of today with the beloved game from the ‘80s.  Atari Pong® Table features the classic PONG® game, a Bluetooth speaker so players can customize their PONG tournament experience with custom soundtracks, a LED clock display and USB charging.  The control panels on the table can also be hidden so it can be enjoyed as a retro coffee table.

Other tech-centric amenities include a virtual reality booth located in the hotel lobby featuring action, underwater or adventure games, OCULUS GO virtual reality headsets and Nintendo Switch portable gaming consoles available to all guests for complimentary use. Additionally, the Playroom now features pinball machines, a shuffleboard and neon artwork.  Each guestroom also features broadband Wi-Fi to help our guests always stay connected, the most up-to-date streaming platforms such as Netflix so guests can watch their favorite content on the TVs while traveling, and convenient in-room wireless charging capabilities.

For more information, please visit hotelzzetta.com or @HotelZetta on Instagram and on Facebook.

About Hotel Zetta

Located at the iconic convergence of San Francisco’s Union Square, SoMa and Financial Districts, Hotel Zetta is perfectly situated to experience the best of San Francisco’s fashion, arts, technology and music. Originally built in 1913 and reopened on its 100th anniversary, this 116-room property effortlessly combines state-of-the art amenities with intuitive service. With 2,760 square feet of meeting and event space, and Playroom, Hotel Zetta is the go-to hotspot for San Francisco’s leading-edge cultural and business communities. Hotel Zetta is a member of the Viceroy Hotel Group family and is located at 55 5th Street in San Francisco, California.

About Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and the largest owner of urban and resort lifestyle hotels in the United States.  The Company owns 59 hotels, totaling approximately 14,300 guest rooms across 16 urban and resort markets with a focus on the west coast gateway cities. Pebblebrook also owns The Unofficial Z Collection, which  includes other innovative hotels in San Francisco, including Hotel Zeppelin, Hotel Zelos, Hotel Zephyr, Hotel Zoe and The Hotel Zags in downtown Portland. For more information, visit pebblebrookhotels.com and follow us at @PebblebrookPEB.

Media contacts: Laura Gigounas, Morgan Moore, Angela Wong and Kate Bewak at Glodow Nead Communications, 415-394-6500 or HotelZettaPR@glodownead.com.

The St. Regis San Francisco Welcomes New Account Director Kurtis Sylvester

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The St. Regis San Francisco, the city’s premier address for relaxed luxury and timeless elegance, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kurtis Sylvester to the position of account director.  Sylvester joins the hotel team with several years of experience in the hospitality industry and brings high-end personalized luxury knowledge from boutique Wine Country resorts to The St. Regis San Francisco.

“It is such an honor to be a part of The St. Regis San Francisco and to join an incredible group of talented leaders and staff,” said Sylvester.  “The St. Regis San Francisco is the West Coast flagship for the brand, and I look forward to being involved in the growth of the hotel in such a thriving and cosmopolitan city.”

Kurtis will oversee all group sales west of the Mississippi, in addition to directly managing all international, automotive, incentive house, education, and travel accounts. Prior to joining The St. Regis San Francisco, Sylvester was the director of west coast group sales at Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collections Hotel in Napa Valley, and has overseen all group sales for Bardessono resort and spa. Prior to sales, Sylvester was the front office manager at Bardessono where he created cultural guidelines, training, and service standards for the hotel. His expertise contributed to the hotel ranking number two on TripAdvisor for five consecutive years.

“We are looking forward to having Kurtis at The St. Regis San Francisco,” said Jacqueline Volkart, general manager of The St. Regis San Francisco. “His knowledge and skills will bring great value to our associates and I am very excited to see the department succeed under his lead.”

A California native, Sylvester graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Concentration in Management. As an active member of the community, Sylvester enjoys participating in activities and causes such as Volo City, an organization contributing to the funding and support of youth leagues for children ages 6-12 at zero cost for families, where he is a volunteer coach and referee. He also participates in beach clean-ups once a month through Golden Gate Beach Stewards. Sylvester enjoys the outdoors, exercising, and the fine cuisine and world-class wine for which his home state is known.

For more information about The St. Regis San Francisco, please visit The St Regis San Francisco.

Media contact:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Laura Gigounas, Danyelle Simpkins or Grecia Corleto at Glodow Nead Communications, 415.394.6500 or stregispr@glodownead.com.

Hawaii hotels: Flat average daily rate, lower occupancy so far in 2019

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For the first three months of 2019, Hawaii hotels statewide reported flat average daily rate (ADR) and lower occupancy, which resulted in lower revenue per available room (RevPAR) compared to the first quarter of 2018.

According to the Hawaii Hotel Performance Report published by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), statewide RevPAR declined to $236 (-3.3%), with ADR of $292 and occupancy of 80.8 percent (-2.7 percentage points) in the first quarter of 2019.

HTA’s Tourism Research Division issued the report’s findings utilizing data compiled by STR, Inc., which conducts the largest and most comprehensive survey of hotel properties in the Hawaiian Islands.

For the first quarter, Hawaii hotel room revenues fell by 4.7 percent to $1.13 billion compared to the $1.18 billion earned in the first quarter of 2018. There were more than 74,300 fewer available room nights (-1.5%) in the first quarter and approximately 190,500 fewer occupied room nights (-4.7%) compared to a year ago. Several hotel properties across the state were closed for renovation or had rooms out of service for renovation during the first quarter.

All classes of Hawaii hotel properties statewide reported RevPAR declines in the first quarter of 2019 except Upper Midscale Class properties ($134, +0.6%). Luxury Class properties reported RevPAR of $452 (-5.4%) with ADR of $594 (-1.2%) and occupancy of 76.1 percent (-3.3 percentage points). At the other end of the price scale, Midscale & Economy Class hotels reported RevPAR of $155 (-5.0%) with ADR of $187 (-0.5%) and occupancy of 83.1 percent (-3.9 percentage points).

Comparison to Top U.S. Markets

In comparison to top U.S. markets, the Hawaiian Islands earned the highest RevPAR at $236 in the first quarter, followed by the San Francisco/San Mateo market at $210 (+15.9%) and the Miami/Hialeah market at $208 (-3.5%). Hawaii also led the U.S. markets in ADR at $292 followed by San Francisco/San Mateo and Miami/Hialeah. The Hawaiian Islands ranked fifth for occupancy at 80.8 percent, with Miami/Hialeah topping the list at 83.0 percent (-2.1 percentage points).

Hotel Results for Hawaii’s Four Counties

Hotel properties in Hawaii’s four island counties all reported RevPAR decreases in the first quarter of 2019. Maui County hotels led the state overall in RevPAR at $337 (-2.7%), with ADR at $428 (-0.9%) and occupancy at 78.6 percent (-1.5 percentage points).

Kauai hotels earned RevPAR of $228 (-10.2%), with flat ADR at $305 (+0.2%) and lower occupancy of 74.8 percent (-8.7 percentage points).

Hotels on the island of Hawaii reported a decline in RevPAR to $225 (-9.7%), due to a combination of decreases in both ADR ($285, -2.0%) and occupancy (79.1%, -6.7 percentage points).

Oahu hotels earned slightly lower RevPAR at $196 (-0.9%), with ADR at $236 (+0.8%) and occupancy of 83.0 percent (-1.4 percentage points).

Comparison to International Markets

When compared to international “sun and sea” destinations, Hawaii’s counties were in the middle of the pack for RevPAR in the first quarter of 2019. Hotels in the Maldives ranked highest in RevPAR at $575 (+4.5%) followed by Aruba at $351 (+11.2%). Maui County ranked third, with Kauai, the island of Hawaii, and Oahu ranking sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively.

The Maldives also led in ADR at $737 (+5.2%) in the first quarter, followed by French Polynesia at $497 (-1.1%). Maui County ranked fifth, followed by Kauai and the island of Hawaii. Oahu ranked ninth .

Oahu trailed Phuket (84.5%, -6.3 percentage points) in occupancy for sun and sea destinations in the first quarter. The island of Hawaii, Maui County and Kauai ranked fourth, fifth and ninth, respectively.

March 2019 Hotel Performance

In March 2019, RevPAR for Hawaii hotels statewide declined to $227 (-4.3%), with ADR of $285 (-1.1%) and occupancy of 79.6 percent (-2.7 percentage points).

In March, Hawaii hotel room revenues fell by 5.9 percent to $373.3 million. There were more than 27,200 fewer available room nights (-1.6%) in March and approximately 66,850 fewer occupied room nights (-4.9%) compared to a year ago. Several hotel properties across the state were closed for renovation or had rooms out of service for renovation during March. However, the number of rooms out of service may be under-reported.

All classes of Hawaii hotel properties statewide reported RevPAR declines in March. Luxury Class properties reported RevPAR of $443 (-7.2%) with ADR of $583 (-3.1%) and occupancy of 75.9 percent (-3.4 percentage points). Midscale & Economy Class hotels reported RevPAR of $150 (-2.9%) with ADR of $182 (+0.8%) and occupancy of 82.0 percent (-3.1 percentage points).

Hotel properties in Hawaii’s four island counties all reported lower RevPAR for March. Maui County hotels reported the highest RevPAR in March at $336 (-1.4%) with ADR of $421 (-1.6%) and flat occupancy (79.8%, +0.2 percentage points).

Oahu hotels reported lower occupancy (80.4%, -2.3 percentage points) and flat ADR ($230, -0.2%) for March.

Hotels on the island of Hawaii continued to face challenges in March, with RevPAR dropping 11.2 percent to $216, ADR to $272 (-4.9%) and occupancy to 79.2 percent (-5.7 percentage points).

RevPAR for Kauai hotels fell to $213 (-14.6%) in March, with declines in both ADR to $286 (-4.5%) and occupancy to 74.4 percent (-8.8 percentage points).

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San Francisco International Airport purchases six new electric buses

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Today Proterra announced that San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has purchased six 40′ Proterra Catalyst E2 electric buses and three 60 kW Proterra plug-in chargers, joining a growing list of airports across North America transitioning to electric buses for airport ground transportation. The new battery-electric bus fleet will reduce Bay Area emissions and support SFO’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2021 while cutting its bus operating costs.

As one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S., SFO has ambitious plans in place to reduce its carbon footprint. SFO’s Five-Year Strategic Plan sets goals of carbon neutrality across airport-controlled operations by 2021 and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent from a 1990 baseline. Part of that plan includes the creation of a Clean Vehicle Policy to promote the adoption and deployment of low emission vehicles by both airport departments and ground transportation providers. The new battery-electric Proterra Catalyst buses will replace six diesel buses in its current operating fleet and will eliminate more than 23 million pounds of greenhouse gas tailpipe emissions over the 12-year life of the vehicles. SFO expects to purchase additional battery-electric buses to replace its CNG vehicles, for a greener, more modern fleet.

“Earth Day serves as a call to action; an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to the environment,” said Airport Director Ivar C. Satero. “SFO is an airport industry leader in sustainability, and we have set big goals to achieve zero net energy use, zero waste, and carbon neutrality. By deploying San Francisco’s first public battery-electric buses, we’re on the path to zero emissions in our ground transportation services, leading the way in our quest to be the world’s most sustainable airport.”

The new electric buses will integrate batteries that are designed and manufactured down the street from the airport at Proterra’s Silicon Valley headquarters in Burlingame, California. With 440 kWh of battery capacity on board, the buses will be part of SFO’s fleet that currently provides buses to shuttle passengers between the terminals, long-term parking garages and other airport locations along daily routes.

SFO joins other California airports that are leading the electrification trend across ground transportation fleets, including Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and Silicon Valley’s Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC). Beyond California, five additional airports across the country have chosen Proterra electric vehicles for their ground transportation needs, including Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), Honolulu International Airport (HNL), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

“San Francisco International Airport has long been a leader in sustainability and joins other forward-thinking airports around the country in transitioning ground fleets to 100 percent battery-electric buses,” said Proterra CEO Ryan Popple. “We are proud to help one of our local airports offer superior service and meet its sustainability goals while also providing reduced vehicle maintenance costs and lower total cost of ownership.”

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No surprises: New York, London and Tokyo top the list of world’s 15 richest cities

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Boston, Calgary, Perth and Macau – all associated with material wealth – have failed to make this list of the 15 richest cities in the world, compiled by market research firm New World Wealth.

The data gathered by the researchers reflects the total amount of private wealth held by all the individuals living in each of the cities on the list. Unlike traditional ratings, this top 15 is not based on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but reflects analysis that covers all assets, such as property, cash, equities and business interests, excluding liabilities. Government funds are included.

1. New York City – $3 trillion

2. London – $2.7 trillion

3. Tokyo – $2.5 trillion

4. San Francisco Bay Area – 2.3 trillion

5. Beijing – $2.2 trillion

6. Shanghai – $2 trillion

7. Los Angeles – $1.4 trillion

8. Hong Kong – $1.3 trillion

9. Sydney – $1 trillion

10. Singapore – $1 trillion

11. Chicago – $988 billion

12. Mumbai – $950 billion

13. Toronto – $944 billion

14 Frankfurt – $912 billion

15. Paris – $860 billion

According to New World Wealth, wealth is a measure that differs from a GDP indicator, which is another common metric used to gauge economic power. The research firm revealed that Houston, Geneva, Osaka, Seoul, Shenzhen, Melbourne, Zurich and Dallas had just missed out on the top 15.

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New team member at The Pod Hotels

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The Pod Hotels is striving to address the rapidly-increasing demand for affordable lifestyle hotels targeted at progressive-minded and budget-conscious travelers who are creative and ambitious and who maintain high expectations when it comes to authentic experiences, smart design and intuitive technology.

As part of this progress, BD Hotels today announced the appointment of Rani Gharbie as the Head of Acquisitions & Development for The Pod Hotels, BD Hotel’s highly profitable micro-hotel concept to replicate this successful business model in even more key markets including Miami, San Francisco, Chicago, Austin, Boston, Nashville, Seattle, Montreal, Toronto, and Mexico City, amongst others.

Gharbie formerly oversaw development and acquisitions for North America at Virgin Hotels where he actively contributed to grow the brand’s footprint in key markets.

As Head of Acquisitions & Development working closely with BD Hotels owners Richard Born and Ira Drukier, Gharbie will be responsible for identifying potential investment opportunities and bringing together strategic partners and investors to fund future projects in numerous markets. He will leverage BD Hotels’ expertise in hotel development, investment and operations to expand The Pod Hotels brand across the country and eventually globally.

“Rani joins us at a pivotal time as we scale The Pod Hotels portfolio exponentially in North America” said Richard Born, Owner of BD Hotels. “He will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset as he brings over 20 years of experience in hotel acquisitions, development and operation.”

“I’m looking forward to expanding the profitable model Richard and Ira created to key markets nationwide,” said Gharbie. “I see great growth potential for the brand as there is an increased desire from today’s travelers to stay at smart, innovative brands like The Pod Hotels.”

Prior to joining Virgin Hotels, Gharbie was the Managing Director and Founder at Cedar Funds, a New York City based development and investment firm with a focus on progressive hotel and real estate assets, as well as regional Director of Development with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). In addition, Gharbie is an Adjunct Professor at Columbia’s Masters in Real Estate Development program, where he teaches the spring course Private Equity Development, Hotel Focus. He holds a Masters Degree from the program, an MBA from the HEC Business School in Montreal, a Bachelor degree in Hotel Management from the Glion Hotel School in Switzerland, and a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management from Cornell University in New York.

The Pod Hotels currently has five properties in the portfolio, three of which opened over the past two years (the brand’s flagship Pod Times Square opened in January 2018; Pod DC and Pod Brooklyn opened in 2017), with the brand recently announcing two more hotels in the direct pipeline (Pod Philly opening in fall 2019 and Pod LA slated for 2020). With its functional guestrooms, vibrant communal space and flexible design, The Pod Hotels presents superior investment returns when compared to legacy hotel brands of similar positioning.

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California-based Surf Air eyes profitability in 2019

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A turbulent year for Surf Air has finally come to an end. Exciting recent updates have already resulted in massive improvements to its scheduled service and membership growth.

A recent lawsuit against Encompass Aviation, its former flight operating partner, has been settled. Under the terms of the settlement, Surf Air has regained full access to its entire fleet of branded Pilatus PC-12s, an unfortunate consequence of negotiations that caused severe disruptions to the company.

“By doubling down on our most popular routes and eliminating non-core flying we have proven route profitability and that the fundamental business model works. Our plan for 2019 is to continue to invest further into these core markets and expand access to Surf Air through new, more flexible membership product offerings,” says Surf Air Chairman & CEO Sudhin Shahani.

Recent Club Updates:

A Robust Core Schedule

Surf Air has rebuilt a core schedule and added more flights across its most important routes: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Lake Tahoe. The company will continue to add flights as it continues to acquire more members.

The company will also add back leisure weekend destinations as it makes sense (Las Vegas, Napa, Monterey, and Palm Springs).

Best-in-Class Reliability

With the help of Advanced Air, the company’s current third-party flight operator and long-time partner, they’ve restored operational reliability to its former best-in-industry levels of over 90% completion factor.

“Advanced Air has been a critical partner during this transitional period. With their proven professional and safety record, they’re the perfect, value-aligned partner to continue to scale our business,” says Sudhin Shahani.

Flexible, Per-Seat Membership

Perhaps Surf Air’s most promising opportunities for scaling membership growth is the new Express membership, allowing flyers to buy and fly on a per-seat basis. Meaning, for the first time, less frequent flyers can enjoy the time-savings benefits of zero hassle air travel.

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Gavel slams: Airbnb not eligible for privileged tax treatment

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A report released on behalf of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) calls on state and local government leaders to reject Airbnb’s future pursuit of voluntary collection agreements (VCAs) and look to the Wayfair decision as a pathway to cancel current VCA agreements and bring Airbnb up to code with current industry tax standards and regulations.

AHLA released a new report on National Tax Day, conducted by former Director of the Montana Revenue Department Dan Bucks, which clearly demonstrates why the Supreme Court’s Wayfair vs. South Dakota decision last year eliminates the need for state and localities to enter into “voluntary collection agreements” (VCAs) with Airbnb and provides the legal framework and incentive to tax Airbnb like every other U.S. online business now.

“Airbnb no longer qualifies—if it ever did—for privileged treatment by tax agencies as a ‘voluntary collector,’” states Bucks in the report. “This treatment gives Airbnb an unfair advantage in the marketplace by creating a tax and regulatory haven for Airbnb lodging operators. Post-Wayfair, Airbnb’s “voluntary agreements” are now a relic of a past legal premise that no longer exists.”

Bucks urges government leaders to begin the process of terminating existing “voluntary” tax agreements with Airbnb in coordination with state adoption of “general marketplace provider” legislation. Bucks went on to say that disparities between the tax treatment of Airbnb and other online businesses pose a legal risk to states and localities.

“Airbnb has been making back-room deals and strong-arming state and local jurisdictions into ‘voluntary’ tax deals with no transparency, oversight or auditing capability for years,” stated Chip Rogers, President and CEO at AHLA. “Airbnb, and other short term rental platforms need to abide by the same rules as all other law-abiding, tax-paying businesses in the industry.”

AHLA urges state and local government leaders to terminate Airbnb’s voluntary tax deals and instead institute a tax policy that will collect taxes from Airbnb and its operators to ensure an even playing field and transparency for taxpayers. In San Francisco, home of Airbnb’s corporate headquarters, the company agreed to pay back taxes and collect city taxes from its hosts.  AHLA urges other states and localities to follow suit.

“Airbnb’s secret tax agreements are hurting communities across America by shortchanging their schools, infrastructure, and other public services” stated Rogers. “Airbnb’s special treatment needs to end.”

The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) is the singular voice representing every segment of the hotel industry including major chains, independent hotels, management companies, REIT’s, bed and breakfasts, industry partners and more.

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