As hotels and event spaces begin to cautiously reopen after coronavirus-related shutdowns, we're here to round up the biggest news of the week—in one convenient place. Got a tip? Get in touch!
In Case You Missed It
On BizBash.com this week, we spotlighted the buzziest new venues in Chicago and Miami/South Florida.
Here are six more things you need to know this week...
1. Hotels got creative with election night promotions and celebrations.
From serving as early voting sites to offering promotional packages for socially distant election parties, hotels across the U.S. got involved in election season in out-of-the-box ways this year. Hotel News Now rounded up a few standouts, including early voting sites at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., plus QR codes featuring voting information at the Shinola Hotel in Detroit.
And at Crossroads Hotel in Kansas City, guests who showed proof of voting could book a special promotion package on Nov. 3 that allowed them to watch the election coverage from their rooms—complete with CBD gummies and a cocktail called the Painkiller. "Why not do it in a hotel room?" said Jeremy Bennett, the hotel's director of lifestyle, in an interview with Hotel News Now. "Why not sit there and yell at the TV screen without your kids in the room, or why not [be] more comfortable and try to enjoy the night?”
2. Regardless of election results, the Washington, D.C., hotel industry may have reason to be optimistic.
According to a new study from Kalibri Labs, the hotel market in the nation's capital has been relatively stable compared to the rest of the nation, with experts predicting it will return to 2019 levels by 2025. "Regardless of the outcome of Presidential election, hotels in D.C. are likely to get a boost in the first half of [2021], as historically, both the inauguration and changes in the congressional makeup tend to drive an uptick in demand," notes the study. Kalibri's full report on Washington, D.C.—as well as previous reports on New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta—is available here.
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition opens Nov. 6 at America's Center in St. Louis.Photo: Courtesy of Explore St. Louis
Well, kind of. International touring exhibit Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition is taking over most of the 27,625-square-foot ballroom at America's Center Convention Complex from Nov. 6 to Jan. 10. The installation uses state-of-the-art technology to reproduce Michelangelo's renowned ceiling frescoes at their original sizes, and will feature 34 displayed reproductions such as "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgement." The convention center recently received GBAC STAR accreditation for its cleaning practices; other safety measures for the exhibit will include timed tickets, temperature screenings, and mandatory face coverings.
“After traveling the world with this exhibit, we could not be happier to bring it to St. Louis,” said Martin Biallas, CEO of Las Vegas-based SEE Global Entertainment, which produced the installation. “The city has a rich history of supporting the arts; we can’t wait to see Michelangelo’s work to come to life at America’s Center." The exhibit previously had stints in Los Angeles, Houston, New York, and other cities around the world.
4. Michigan bets on contact tracing for restaurants and bars.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued new mandates for restaurants and bars. Most notably, the businesses are now required to record diners' names, phone numbers, and the dates and times of their visits for contact-tracing purposes. The new rules, caused by a surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the state, is drawing mixed reactions.
"In relation to the size and scope of the industry, which serves millions of people every day and employs several hundred thousand more, this well-intended effort is more likely to result in job loss, foreclosure, and fewer restaurants than it will prevent transmission," said Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, in a statement.
The 1,360-room Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina has more than 280,000 square feet of meeting space plus a 446-slip marina.Photo: Courtesy of Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina has launched a private balcony concert experience. Guests can book a room with a balcony overlooking the hotel's swimming pool, where tribute bands will be playing live music. The experience, which is only available to hotel guests, kicks of Nov. 13 with an Eagles tribute band, and continues Nov. 20 with a Fleetwood Mac tribute band; additional dates are still being announced.
6. Hotels.com is advertising a private island for socially distant "Friendsgiving" celebrations.
Yes, you read that right: a whole island. Hotels.com is offering a seven-night stay for six people on a private island off the coast of Florida. It's priced at just $2,000 total—a substantial discount from the island's typical price of $1,400 per night—and includes a 5,000-square-foot home, boats and kayaks, and a private chef.
