Coronavirus lockdown: Hilton partners with Zomato, Swiggy for food deliveries

Hilton, a leading global hospitality company, has partnered with top food aggregators Zomato and Swiggy for home delivery of its signature dishes to customers, following a safe and contactless delivery practice. Currently, six Hilton properties are operational for food delivery via Zomato and Swiggy including Conrad Bangalore, Conrad Pune, Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon, Hilton Chennai, DoubleTree Ahmedabad, and Hilton Mumbai.

Hotel's select delivery menu across cities features the top 20 signature dishes from the most popular F&B outlets of Hilton Hotels in those cities, at special delivery prices. Hilton claims to have always followed stringent hygiene protocols, and due to the outbreak of COVID-19, is taking all necessary precautions to ensure utmost safety in the delivery of food to its customers

Hilton will also be offering a curated delivery service for private parties and gatherings. Deliveries under this service will be done by Hilton's staff using company-owned vehicles

Marriott reveals another security breach: 5.2 million guests exposed

A Marriott International franchise property may have been the source of a data leak that compromised information on up to 5.2 million hotel guests The breach involved the login credentials belonging to two employees; the incident happened in mid-January and was discovered by Marriott in late February 2020. The intruder’s access has since been disabled.

The latest breach

The security breach was discovered when Marriott found that ‘an unexpected amount of guest information may have been accessed’ using the two aforementioned compromised employee credentials. Those logins have since been disabled and the company has been investigating the security breach, as well as increasing its monitoring

If there’s an element of good news regarding this latest Marriott data breach, it’s that for now, at least, ‘the company currently has no reason to believe’ that certain vital guest details were accessed, including things like driver’s license numbers, bank card info, PINs, passport data, or national ID information. Certain sensitive details were potentially exposed, however.

Going forward

Security breach involved things like gender, birth dates, work company, loyalty account points and numbers, email addresses, phone numbers, mailing addresses, and names.

Not the first time

This isn’t the first time Marriott has faced a large security breach. In early 2019, for example, the company revealed that up to five million unencrypted passport numbers belonging to hotel guests had been exposed by its system. That breach involved the Starwood reservation system and impacted up to 383 million guests who stayed at one of the properties before September 11, 2018.

Hilton, American Express Offer 1 Million Rooms to Coronavirus Frontline Medical Staff

Hilton and American Express are partnering on an initiative to provide up to one million hotel room nights for doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other frontline medical staff who need somewhere to sleep or safely self-isolate between April 13 and the end of May, the companies announced Monday. Rooms will either be paid for by Hilton and American Express or, in some cases, donated by individual hotel owners.

“During this crisis, we have seen so many examples of medical professionals working in the most challenging circumstances, sacrificing their own needs for the greater good,” Hilton President and CEO Christopher Nassetta said in a statement. “They truly are heroes.”

Hilton is initially working with 10 medical associations, including the American Hospital Association and the Society of Critical Care Medicine, to assist the organizations’ more than one million members find a place to sleep away from home as a precautionary measure against spreading coronavirus to family members.

Rooms will be available across a variety of Hilton brands and be staffed by team members who underwent additional safety and health training to protect themselves and guests during the ongoing pandemic. Hotel rooms and common areas will also be sanitized with industrial-grade cleaners and updated cleaning protocols in light of coronavirus.

Steven Drewery Named Executive Assistant Manager for the Pan Pacific London Hotel

Pan Pacific London announced the appointment of Steven Drewery as Executive Assistant Manager for Pan Pacific Hotels Group's first London property, opening in Autumn 2020.

Steven joins from The Biltmore Mayfair, where he was an integral part of the pre-opening and operational activity for the first London outpost of Hilton's most upmarket brand, LXR Hotels & Resorts.

In the new Executive Assistant Manager position, he will support Anne Golden, General Manager, on strategic decision making in addition to overseeing all Pan Pacific London's food and beverage operations. A highly established professional within the industry, Steven has an exemplary background in luxury hotel management and F&B operations, which includes positions at JW Marriott Grosvenor House; Fairmont Bab Al Bahr; Giorgio Armani, Ritz-Carlton and Conrad in Tokyo; Swissotel Singapore; and Peninsula Hong Kong.

Set to open its doors in Autumn 2020, Pan Pacific London will be taking reservations from Spring 2020. Located in a mixed-use development at One Bishopsgate Plaza, the City's new landmark tower, the hotel is currently under construction and will provide a new hospitality offering to The City of London. 

Hilton and American Express to Donate Up to 1 Million Rooms To Frontline Medical Professionals During COVID-19 Crisis

Hilton (NYSE:HLT) and American Express (NYSE:AXP) announced that the companies, in partnership with Hilton’s ownership community, will donate up to 1 million hotel room nights across the United States to frontline medical professionals leading the fight against COVID-19.

Hilton is initially working with 10 associations who collectively represent more than 1 million healthcare workers to provide access to the program, designed to support individuals who would otherwise have to spend their own money on accommodations.

American Express, Hilton’s long-standing strategic partner, is investing alongside Hilton in the donation of the hotel rooms, which will be provided at or below cost by Hilton’s network of independent owners and franchisees.

Rooms will be available across a variety of Hilton brands, including Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton and others. Hotels will be staffed by Team Members who have received additional training on relevant health and safety measures to safeguard their own and their guests’ well-being. Hotel rooms and common areas will continue to be sanitized using industrial-grade cleaners and updated cleaning protocols. In some high-demand locations, room availability may be limited at times.

The following organizations will provide their networks with further details about booking rooms through this program, which is currently planned to cover stays from April 13 through May 31.

• American Association of Critical Care Nurses

• American College of Emergency Physicians

• American Hospital Association

• American Nurses Association

• Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association

• Emergency Nurses Association

• National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians

• Society of Critical Care Medicine

• Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants

• Society of Hospital Medicine

Hilton Garden Inn Monterrey Obispado Opens in Mexico

Hilton announced the opening of its new Hilton Garden Inn in Mexico — Hilton Garden Inn Monterrey Obispado. Owned by Real State Agency ALORA and developed by Promotora DEVI SA de CV, the 176-room hotel is located within Torre TOP, a new mixed-use project with LEED Gold Certification for sustainable buildings. Upon completion, Torre TOP will be recognized as Mexico’s tallest skyscraper.

Located two miles away from San Pedro Garza Garcia, Hilton Garden Inn Monterrey Obispado boasts 176 guestrooms that offer panoramic views of the Monterrey mountain range. The rooms also feature the brand’s signature bedding, which includes fresh, white duvets and crisp linens; a spacious and clutter-free work desk with an ergonomic desk chair; and an in-room “hospitality center” with a mini fridge as well as a coffee maker. 

Situated in front of the San Pedro corporate and financial area and surrounded by important medical establishments such as Christus Muguerza Hospital and Sierra Madre Hospital, the hotel boasts convenient access to downtown tourist attractions, such as Macroplaza, Santa Lucia walkway, Metropolitan Cathedral, Mirador del Obispado, Fundidora Park and Museo del Acero Horno 3. Guests can take advantage of a complimentary shuttle service to reach destinations within five miles of the property. 

Hilton currently has a portfolio of nearly 160 hotels and resorts across 25 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, including just about 70 properties in Mexico. The company is actively pursuing additional Caribbean and Latin American growth opportunities and currently has a robust pipeline of more than 100 hotels throughout the region, including 30 hotels in the pipeline in Mexico.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Clovis Fresno Airport Opens in California

Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton's All Suites portfolio, opened on March 27th, its newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton Clovis Fresno Airport. Designed for travelers who want to maintain their normal routine, the hotel features 111 suites and a range of value, tech-focused and eco-conscious amenities. Home2 Suites by Hilton Clovis Fresno is situated conveniently located 90 minutes away from 3 National Parks; Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia. In the Central Valley, visitors spend $4.5 billion on tourism and hospitality which supports 46,600 jobs generating $258 million in State and local tax revenues in 2018.

“Clovis’ proximity remains a destination to visit for both international and domestic traveler’s and we are excited to bring our modern extended stay accommodations to Clovis,” said Stephanie Rodriguez, General Manager, Home2 Suites by Hilton. “Guests enjoying the area will love our convenient location and customizable suites that fit the needs of every unique traveler.”

Located at 810 Santa Ava Avenue, just 4 miles north of the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Home2 Suites by Hilton Clovis Fresno Airport offers guests convenient access to California State University, Lamonica Stadium and variety of eateries and wineries.

Hilton Partners with Leading Companies to Find Temporary Jobs for Displaced Hotel Team Members

As the hospitality industry responds to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Hilton is partnering with leading companies to connect workers from temporarily suspended hotels with hundreds of thousands of short-term jobs created by the global pandemic.

Hilton Team Members, and others in the industry seeking employment, will be given direct access and in some cases expedited access to temporary jobs on the Hilton Workforce Resource Center at companies such as Albertsons, Amazon, CVS, Lidl, Sunrise Senior Living and Walgreens.

These partners recognize the power of a service culture and the value of hospitality skills training Hilton Team Members are known to receive. With a diverse range of experience reflected in the eligible candidate pool, these Team Members are an ideal fit to quickly step in and assist organizations in temporary assignments.

Hilton hopes to expand the program globally and plans to welcome these Team Members back when travel resumes.

Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts in Berlin presents new Area General Manager

The former General Manager of the Hotel Steigenberger in Koln since 2016, Peter B. Mikkelsen, now holds the position of General Manager of the Berlin region

In his new role, He will be responsible for the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt, the Steigenberger Hotel Berlin in Los Angeles Platz and the Steigenberger Airport Hotel in Berlin. He will also manage the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt as General Manager. The new manager has training as a hotel specialist and holds a degree in hotel management. He also held the position of General Manager at the Radisson Blu in Warsaw and has gathered further experience at business hotels operated by Sheraton, Hilton and Rezidor

Hilton's Response to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As it has always been, the safety and security of our guests and team members remains our highest priority. We are doing everything we can to ensure your travel safety and provide maximum flexibility as the situation around novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve

Your Travel Safety

We take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. In response to the coronavirus, we have taken additional measures developed in consultation with global and local public health authorities (including the WHO and CDC) to make our cleaning and hygiene protocols even more rigorous:

• Our hotel teams are receiving ongoing briefings and enhanced operating protocols.

• We have increased the frequency of cleaning our public areas (including lobbies, elevators, door handles, public bathrooms, etc.) and have continued the use of hospital-grade disinfectant.

• We will continue to adjust food and beverage service in accordance with current food safety recommendations.

• We have increased the deployment of antibacterial hand sanitizers.

We have activated our regional and global response teams to provide around-the-clock assistance to our hotels and are prepared to act swiftly should we be alerted to a case of coronavirus at one of our properties.

Your Travel Flexibility

We remain committed to offering you flexible booking options. Given these unique circumstances we are making additional adjustments to our individual booking policies to give you extra peace of mind:

• Government Restrictions. In regions affected by government-issued travel restrictions, we will continue to waive change fees or offer full refunds. Please see below for the latest information on region specific travel waivers.

• Existing Reservations. All reservations – even those described as non-cancellable (“Advanced Purchase”) – that are scheduled for arrival before April 30, 2020 can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival.

• New Reservations. Any reservation you make – even those described as “non-cancellable” (“Advanced Purchase”) – that are booked between today and April 30, 2020 for any future arrival date, can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival.

If you need to adjust reservations made via the Hilton website, app or call center, please contact the Hilton Guest Assistance team. If you need to adjust reservations made through another travel site, please contact them for assistance.

Your Points and Status

We know that earning Hilton Honors Points and Status is an important way we show appreciation. We also know the current travel environment may limit your ability to stay with us.

• We will pause the expiration of all points scheduled to expire between now and May 31, 2020.

• We will make updates to the requirements for earning tier status for 2021. Since the situation is still evolving, it is too early to make and announce specific changes. We are committed to sharing details as soon as possible.

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Hilton Welcomes New Executive Committee Members

Noelle Eder, EVP & Chief Information and Digital Officer, and Martin Rinck, newly appointed EVP & Chief Brand Officer, join Hilton Executive Committee .They assumed their new roles on March 9, 2020.

Innovation and technology have kept Hilton at the forefront of the hospitality industry. Eder’s expanded role will deliver technology alignment across the business and continue the ongoing digital transformation benefiting Hilton’s guests, owners and team members. She joined Hilton three years ago, bringing with her more than two decades of cross-industry business and technology experience. She has successfully led the consolidation of Hilton’s technology architecture, creating a foundation that supports the company’s continued global growth.

Rinck brings more than 30 years of international hospitality experience and has been with Hilton for nearly 12 years, previously serving for 10 years on the Executive Committee as the Area President for Asia Pacific (APAC). He has served as the Global Head for Hilton’s Luxury & Lifestyle group for the last two years. In his new role, he will oversee and lead the strategy for Hilton’s portfolio of 18 world-class brands.

Chris Silcock, who has been a member of Hilton’s Executive Committee for the last four years, has expanded his role overseeing the Global Commercial Organization. His new role will include the Marketing and Loyalty & Partnerships organizations.

Chris Nassetta , President and Chief Executive Officer of Hilton

Noelle Eder, EVP & Chief Information and Digital Officer

EVP & Chief Brand Officer

Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts in Berlin presents new Area General Manager

The former General Manager of the Hotel Steigenberger in Koln since 2016, Peter B. Mikkelsen, now holds the position of General Manager of the Berlin region.

In his new role, He will be responsible for the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt, the Steigenberger Hotel Berlin in Los Angeles Platz and the Steigenberger Airport Hotel in Berlin. He will also manage the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt as General Manager. The new manager has training as a hotel specialist and holds a degree in hotel management. He also held the position of General Manager at the Radisson Blu in Warsaw and has gathered further experience at business hotels operated by Sheraton, Hilton and Rezidor

Hilton RAK Resort and Spa appoints Executive Chef

Ahmad Kasdi Mohd Dahar A culinary veteran, brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, having worked for the World Expo in Malan presenting Malaysia, as well as previously being a business partner of Royal Brunei Catering now appointed as executive chef.

He will be responsible for the daily operations of all the resort’s F&B venues, including Lebanese restaurant Al Maeda, Italian restaurant Piaceri da Gustare, Latin/Caribe Pura Vida restaurant and the Mediterranean Sol Bar on the beach and also be asked to aid in the development of new menus and ensure items are created using sustainable and local ingredients.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bangalore won Award for Excellence in Employee engagement

Anoop HA receiving the award from Mr. Brendan Toomey, Vice President HR Asia Pacific

Hilton 2018 India HR and Learning Meet was conducted on 23 d and 24th of April 2019 at Conrad Bengaluru. It was attended by the Senior Human Resource Leadership team of Singapore and New Delhi Office as well as the HR and Learning department heads of various hotels of India.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bangalore won the award for Excellence in Employee engagement in the award ceremony held on the evening of 23 rd April 2019. The award was a recognition of our commitment as a hotel to keep our team members engaged and committed at work. The two day meet was a great opportunity for us to interact and network with HR Leaders of Hilton from different parts of the country. The meet also provided an opportunity for exchange of ideas on best HR practices being followed by hotels across the country.

Hilton India and Singapore HR leadership also briefed us on the HR Priorities of Hilton in India for the year 2019 and the road map forward. The two day meet was an enriching session for all of us involved as we got an opportunity to learn and interact with leading industry veterans.

Hilton Salalah Resort attains first Green Globe certification

Hilton Salalah Resort has received its Green Globe certification. Green Globe is a sustainability standard within the travel and tourism industry and certifies hotels, resorts, cruises and casinos are managed with an interest to protect environment and supports the local community and culture.

Commenting on the award, Green Globe Certification CEO Guiso Bauer said: “Hotels that are certified by Green Globe are serious about sustainability, they have green teams in place who act within the Green Globe standard, building and maintaining the foundation and framework for sustainable management. Hilton Salalah is one of these hotels that has taken sustainability matters to heart and we look forward to the Hilton Salalah team maintaining their Green Globe certification in the years to come.”

Hilton Salalah general manager Mehdi Othmani said: Putting into practice solutions to the challenges humans are posing to the environment is part of Hilton’s corporate responsibility strategy — travel with purpose and I am very proud to see this responsibility being taken to heart by the Hilton Salalah team.”

Hilton ranked #26 in #BestWorkplaces for Millennials from Great Place to Work US and Fortune Magazine