Greenwood Press Room

When the ribbon was cut Thursday afternoon to officially open downtown Fredericksburg’s second hotel, it represented several full-circle moments in the life and career of the guiding force behind the project: William J. (“Bill”) Vakos Jr.

Vakos’ father, William J. Vakos, came to the United States from Greece in 1913 and eventually settled in Virginia Beach. Vakos Jr. was born in 1945 as the ninth of 11 children, all of whom lived in a three-bedroom house with their parents.

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Western Landmark: Hotel Paso Del Norte

Hotel Paso Del Norte is steeped in history while offering modern amenities for the discerning traveler.

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(Tulsa, OK) July 2, 2024 - The AAA Four Diamond rating is a significant achievement, reflecting Tulsa Club Hotel’s commitment to superior hospitality and luxurious accommodations. This designation places the hotel among an elite group of hotels and restaurants that offer upscale amenities, remarkable service, and distinctive fine dining.

To earn this distinguished designation, hotels must undergo a rigorous evaluation process, including an unannounced visit from one of AAA's Inspectors. These trained professionals travel across North America to conduct independent, in-person property inspections. The inspection process is based on the Four Cs of AAA Diamonds:

• Cleanliness: AAA hotel inspections include ATP surface testing, the same technology used to verify cleanliness in the healthcare and food service industries.
• Comfort: Inspectors evaluate a property’s quality of experience, range of amenities, and level of hospitality.
• Cuisine: Diamond restaurants are assessed on their food, service, and vibe. Inspectors dine at these properties anonymously.
• Consistency: AAA Diamond properties – no matter the designation – have one thing in common: consistency. Unlike subjective star reviews, Diamond inspections rely on published guidelines based on industry standards.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Tulsa, Tulsa Club Hotel Curio Collection by Hilton combines historic charm with modern sophistication. Guests can enjoy beautifully appointed rooms and suites, exquisite dining options, and state-of-the-art facilities, all within a beautifully restored Art Deco building that dates back to 1927.

“I am honored that our historic renovation of the Tulsa Club has been recognized with the prestigious AAA Four Diamond designation. This accolade is a testament to Ross Group’s commitment to preserving the Art Deco heritage of the 1920s while providing an exceptional experience for our guests. We are proud to have partnered in this project and to contribute to the legacy of this remarkable building,” said Tulsa Club Hotel owner and developer Warren Ross, CEO of Ross Group.

The hotel's dedication to quality and consistency is evident in every aspect of its operations, from the meticulously restored architecture to the thoughtfully curated guest experiences. The AAA Four Diamond rating reinforces the hotel’s reputation as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers.

“I am humbled to be part of an amazing organization and an amazing team here at the Tulsa Club. We have all worked hard for this incredible award. This achievement would not have been possible without the exceptional team we have here at the Tulsa Club," said Luis Nazario, General Manager of Tulsa Club Hotel.

About Tulsa Club Hotel

Tulsa Club Hotel is a 96-room hotel in Tulsa’s famed Art Deco District. The exclusive property offers over 7,800 square feet of flexible meeting/ballroom space; Chamber, a classic American Tavern with farm-to-table fare; and Commerce, a sophisticated destination for pre-prohibition cocktails. Tulsa Club is ideal for travelers who enjoy the finer side of hospitality, exploring iconic neighborhoods, and a passion for historic Art Deco, and upscale dining options. Tulsa Club is walkable to the Tulsa Arts District, Blue Dome District, East Village District, and the famous Tulsa Performing Arts Center. 

About Curio Collection by Hilton Hotels

Curio - A Collection by Hilton is a global collection of distinctive four- and five-star hotels that offer travelers local discovery and authentic experiences in key markets. The word “curio” refers to something unique or even rare, just as each Curio hotel will be different from the next. Each Curio hotel has individuality as its common thread, along with the quiet reassurance of the Hilton name behind every location.

Reikart House: a Western NY gem

Back in the early 1900s, Frank C. Reikart and his wife, Dolly, were the "it" couple of Amherst, a town in Western New York State about 12 miles from the Erie Canal. Reikart was the local everyman—a musician, entertainer, inventor, barber, photographer and ice cream man—and he could be found around town with his capuchin monkey Jacko. The couple were known for their hospitality, entrepreneurship and colorful personalities, and were the inspiration for Reikart House, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

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The hotel and restaurants were mentioned in the piece, which appeared in Leisure Group Travel on 07/13/2023.

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Hotel Retlaw Celebrates 100 Years Tonight, Friday, March 3, 2023

KFIZ isn’t the only Fond du Lac staple in the community turning 100 this year.

The Hotel Retlaw has the honor of celebrating it’s centennial birthday as well and tonight the public is invited to celebrate with the hotel.

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El Paso to Host Marriott Conference

The Hotel Paso del Norte, part of the Autograph Collection of hotels, has been selected by Marriott to host the 2022 Autograph Collection and Tribute Portfolio General Manager and Sales Leaders conference.

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ATLANTA – August 26, 2022 – Today, hotel owner, operator, and developer Hotel Equities (“HE”) announced the launch of its new Lifestyle division. HE’s alliance with Greenwood Hospitality combines Greenwood’s extensive collection of lifestyle and luxury hotels with HE’s portfolio of award-winning focused and full-service hotels.

"This is an important milestone for Hotel Equities as we strategically and thoughtfully expand into the lifestyle and luxury segments. We have blended Greenwood Hospitality’s industry leading team of passionate, experienced professionals along with their extensive infrastructure and back-office expertise with our best-in-class training and proprietary business intelligence systems to create a peerless offering in the experiential, full-serve and luxury segments. This creates tremendous confidence and value for both our existing and future stakeholders,” said President and CEO of Hotel Equities, Brad Rahinsky.

Bill Kohl, Principal at Greenwood Hospitality will lead an elevated enterprise-wide food and beverage team while adding depth to the lifestyle team with the addition of Peter Tziahanas, SVP of Operations. Tom Conran, also a Principal with Greenwood Hospitality lends his skillset to further expand the new lifestyle division across both the U.S. and Canada. All disciplines will be supported by Albert Smith, Hotel Equities’ President of Hotel Operations.

"We've assembled a stellar leadership team to provide tremendous across-the-board support to our lifestyle division and create exciting new concepts that drive revenue and resonate with guests," said Tom Conran, Principal for Greenwood Hospitality. “By providing unrivaled best-in-class service, we look forward to continuing to expand in the lifestyle space.”

The lifestyle division now includes over thirty assets that include award winning hotels like The Farnam in Omaha, NE and The Henry in Dearborn, MI, both Autograph Collection by Marriott hotels, as well as the Tulsa Club, a Curio Collection by Hilton, located in Tulsa, OK.

About Hotel Equities

Hotel Equities is an award-winning full-scale hotel ownership, management and development firm with a portfolio of over 250 hotels and resorts throughout the United States and Canada. Fred Cerrone, CHA, serves as Founder and Chairman; Brad Rahinsky serves as President and CEO. Hotel Equities is an affiliate of 33 Degrees, an integrated management platform combining market knowledge and industry experience across a broad range of CRE assets including office, restaurant, retail, mixed-use and multi-unit residential. For more information on Hotel Equities, visit www.hotelequities.com.

HB on the Scene: Q+A with Bryan DeCort

Hotel Business VP, Content & Creative Christina Trauthwein sits down with Bryan DeCort, COO, Hotel Equities, to talk about the company’s strategic alliances, particularly with Greenwood Hospitality.

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Hotel Equities, Greenwood Hospitality join forces

Hotel Equities has formed a strategic alliance with Colorado-based Greenwood Hospitality. The combined portfolio of HE and Greenwood will have more than 200 hotels.

The alliance is meant to create a vertically integrated platform that represents all hospitality categories and chain scales. With this alliance, the companies will be able to provide operations, sales and marketing, revenue generation, human resources, development services and training/development to all of its clients.

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Hotel staff trying to unite lost toy with owner

LBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - The DoubleTree hotel in Albemarle County is on a mission to help reunite a child with a lost toy. Staff at the hotel discovered a stuffed animal left behind in the lobby over the weekend. They named him Mr. Green and started posting on Facebook about his adventures around the hotel.“We found this little guy in our lobby over the Fourth of July weekend, and we really want to get him home because he looks like he’s been well loved,” Rachel Brown with the hotel said. “We’re posting his adventures every day until we can find his home.

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Bill Kohl, Greenwood Principal, Honored with IFMA Silver Plate Award

Chicago, May 27, 2021 - The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) is proud to announce the 2021 IFMA Silver Plate Aware recipients, representing nine categories across the industry. IFMA's annual Gold & Silver Plate Awards honors the nation's leading foodservice operator talent. Silver Plate winners are nominated by IFMA members and industry leaders, then selected by a distinguished jury national trade press, foodservice experts and past Gold & Silver Plate award winners.

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Monterey, one of California's best coastal towns

Monterey is one of California’s best places to visit along the central coast where there’s abundant natural beauty, marine life, beaches and plenty to do outdoors. It’s an ideal place with wide open space to explore with safely with plenty of room for social distancing – biking, hiking, golfing, whale watching, and outdoor exercise. To read the full article click here.

Hoteliers remain optimistic despite pandemic fatigue

REPORT FROM THE U.S.—The U.S. hotel industry has struggled over the better part of the year with the coronavirus pandemic, watching as cities and states close and reopen and corporate business all but disappear, leaving leisure demand to do the heavy lifting. To read the full article click here.

Monterey entities get “Safe Travels” designation for health and safety

MONTEREY – Three Monterey entities have received the “Safe Travels” stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council, having implemented all health and hygiene protocols outlined by the council. Cannery Row is the first tourism business on the Central Coast to receive the designation recognizing the implementation of rigorous safety protocols. The Sardine Factory is the first restaurant and Inns of Monterey the first hotel group in Monterey approved for the Safe Travels program. To read the full article click here.

Reimagining F&B: 3 hotel eateries that flipped script

Hoteliers looking to revamp their restaurants have several factors to consider, starting with a concept that fits naturally. A hotel restaurant’s success is not subjective. Take one look inside, and it should be obvious if the space is generating profit. If your restaurant isn’t busy, or if there is no buzz inside from patrons and staff, your research is over. To read the full article click here.

Greenwood Hospitality's Path To 10 Years Of Success

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO—It’s been a solid decade since Tom Conran and Aik Hong Tan formed management company Greenwood Hospitality, though it wasn’t always easy. Conran, one of Greenwood’s principals, recalled going through high times and low times over the last 10 years. But with strong communication among clients, Greenwood has built name recognition, he said.

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Hotel Northland Adds New Sign, A Lot Like The Old Sign

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Hotel Northland in downtown Green Bay is spicing up its look.
Crews began installing the hotel's new sign Monday morning. We're told the process would take a few hours.
The sign is similar to one the hotel had in the 1920s.
Action 2 News has been following the effort to restore the historical hotel for about a decade. It officially reopened last February following $50 million worth of restoration and renovation.
See full video here.

Greenwood Company Recognition - Marriott Awards

This past week the 2019 Marriott MINA conference was held at the JW Marriott in Scottsdale, Arizona. The attendees included operators and owners of full-service hotels across North America. We are proud to announce Greenwood Hospitality was nominated in two significant categories, including GUEST EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE AND FOOD & BEVERAGE EXCELLENCE in the Large Portfolio segment. Three companies earned nominations in each category.
Read the full article here.

Hotel Northland recognized with Historic Restoration Award

Hotel Northland, built in 1924, was the social center in downtown Green Bay that hosted a number of banquets, dances and football fans during its 55 years of use.
For more than 30 years following the hotel's closure in 1979, the building operated as Port Plaza Towers, a home for seniors and disabled people.
Read the full article here.

Greenwood Hospitality Celebrates 10 Years

Not all principals are as hands on as the ones at Greenwood Hospitality Group. Maybe that’s why the hotel management company is celebrating 10 years in business.

“As Greenwood has evolved, we have remained cognizant of the need to add additional resources as required to support the needs of the portfolio,” said Aik Hong Tan, principal, Greenwood Hospitality.

Read the full article here.

Reikart House recognized as the Marriot International Hotel of the Year

Reikart House, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is being recognized as the Marriott International Hotel of the Year in the Distinctive/ Premium category. This award is presented to one hotel among nearly 750 in Marriott’s distinctive brand category, which encompasses Autograph, Westin, Renaissance hotels, Le Meridien, Gaylord Hotels and others. This property is being recognized as a property that exceeds expectations in all areas of financial and guest satisfaction; brand promise and delivery; art and local community events and more.

Hotel Northland To Open February 14th

Looking for an extraordinary way to spend Valentine’s Day? The Hotel Northland will officially open for business Thursday, February 14, at 3 p.m., the hotel’s standard check-in time.

The much-anticipated opening follows a 10-month undertaking by Greenwood Hospitality Group to complete the redevelopment of the historic property after it assumed the project on April 30, 2018.

Read the full article here.

F&B is the Differentiator for Greenwood

Independents and soft brands are a growing focus for Greenwood. Tan said his company has carved out a niche differentiating F&B operations at its hotels. The fact that most of Greenwood’s properties “are not in big, sexy cities is OK,” he said.

“I don’t care what culture you come from, we all gather around food,” he said. “Food and connecting. F&B allows us to do that. People want that connection, and we want to give them the opportunity to do it. We want to differentiate ourselves through F&B. I know a lot of companies avoid it, but F&B can be a big differentiator.”

Read the full article here.

Using social media to improve guest service

She arrives at the desk only to find that her room is not available yet. Upset, she treks back to the car to call her husband and feed her hungry daughter. This is not how she wanted to start their trip. Shelly settles into the back seat and sends the hotel a Facebook message with a photo captioned, “Me feeding my daughter in my car because my room was not ready when promised.”

Opportunities for guest service and recovery around situations like Shelly’s are abundant on social media. It isn’t merely a sales tool, but an operational tool as well. The very definition of social media is focused around concepts of sharing, engaging and networking. If we are only pushing our messages out (or worse, not present at all), it is like having a mailbox and never reading the letters you get. Social media holds guest service requests, concerns and accolades, and we should be taking advantage of it.

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