Hotel News: The Olympia Companies Blog

Mar
15
2024

Hotel Ursa Opens on the Campus of the University of Maine

Olympia Hospitality has announced the opening of Hotel Ursa, a new hotel on the campus of the University of Maine (UMaine) in Orono. Hotel Ursa has 95 guest rooms and is located at the center of the campus. The new property serves a variety of needs for UMaine while providing visitors to the region with a unique and compelling experience.

Nov
26
2023

The Alfond Inn At Rollins Is A Hotel Designed For Art And Philanthropy

It’s not a stretch to say that The Alfond Inn at Rollins, a boutique hotel in the heart of historic Winter Park, Florida, is unlike any other hotel in the country. Currently celebrating its 10th anniversary, the property unveiled a $36 million expansion last week, including a lavish spa, a chic Café, and 71 additional rooms, totaling 183 guestrooms. A light-filled seven-story atrium connects the expansion with the original building. Guestrooms in the original building have undergone complete upgrades with contemporary interiors, and the existing lobby, library, and bar have also been renovated.

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Aug
17
2023

Supporting Hospitalities Next Generation

For the second year, several Kent Students will be awarded scholarships from The Olympia Companies – the organization that manages the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center. The scholarships support students in Kent State’s Hospitality and Event Management program, which is part of the College of Education, Health and Human Services' School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration. There are currently about 100 students in the program. Kiwon Lee, Ph.D., is an assistant professor and the program coordinator for the undergraduate Hospitality and Event Management program as well as the graduate Hospitality and Tourism Management program.

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Jun
26
2023

14 Relaxing Destinations If You Need Peace and Relaxation

What could be more idyllic than strolling the cape and exploring lighthouses? This town is the home of the Cape Elizabeth Light (or Two Lights Lighthouse) which has been active since 1874. In addition to the interesting history and classic New England architecture, Cape Elizabeth is one of the best places to get juicy lobster. You will find plenty of tranquility here on the rocks, and also at accommodations like Inn by the Sea, one of Maine's best luxury hotels with relaxing in-room amenities like cozy fireplaces and soaking tubs.

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May
04
2023

The Benson Hotel and Faculty Club Opens in Colorado

The Benson Hotel and Faculty Club, a new boutique hotel, has opened as the hospitality center for the nationally recognized University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. Long considered the gateway to the Rockies, Aurora has evolved into Colorado’s biotech hub and a health and life sciences research center. The Benson Hotel, a Preferred Hotel & Resorts member, lies conveniently between downtown Denver and Denver International Airport. It is adjacent to the Fitzsimmons Innovation Community, the new business and residential district focused on medical and bioscience.

Apr
29
2023

Inn by the Sea Named Best Pet Friendly Hotel in Maine

With an eye on what’s new for 2023, Yankee’s editors round up the best attractions, eateries, and hotels in top Maine travel destinations.

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Apr
29
2023

Glen House Named Best Green Hotel in New Hampshire

With an eye on what’s new for 2023, Yankee’s editors round up the best attractions, eateries, and hotels in top New Hampshire travel destinations.

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Apr
26
2023

Olympia Hotel Management Appoints Karl McElligott Director of Food & Beverage

April 26, 2023. Portland, ME. Olympia Hotel Management has named Karl McElligott the Director of Food & Beverage. McElligott was previously the Director of Food & Beverage at Fathom Companies in Portland, overseeing all F&B operations at The Press Hotel and Canopy Portland Waterfront. Before that, he was the Director of Food & Beverage at Stowe Mountain Lodge and the Director of Restaurants at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.

Apr
05
2023

Olympia Hotel Management to Operate Sun & Ski Inn and Suites in Stowe, Vermont

April 5, 2023. Stowe, VT. Olympia Hotel Management has announced that it has been selected to operate Sun & Ski Inn and Suites in historic Stowe, Vermont, the state’s premier four-season destination. The 39-room hotel, which features Stowe Bowl and Stowe Golf Park, caters to families and guests with an active lifestyle. Bordering the West Branch Little River, it has an enviable location midway between historic Stowe Village and Stowe Mountain Resort.

Apr
04
2023

Olympia Hotel Management to Operate Inn on Boltwood at Amherst College

April 4, 2023. Amherst, MA. Olympia Hotel Management has announced that it has been selected to operate Inn on Boltwood in Amherst, Mass. Owned by Amherst College, Inn on Boltwood has welcomed guests to Amherst and the Pioneer Valley since 1926. The stately and traditional inn features 49 stylish guest rooms and suites, each with a unique design, as well as 8,000 square feet of meeting, event, and wedding space, including a ballroom and conference facilities. The Inn includes 30Boltwood, a full-service farm-to-table restaurant serving meals fireside or alfresco on the terrace, with a vibrant bar scene offering a menu of craft cocktails.

Apr
01
2023

Olympia Hotel Management in Lodging Magazine

Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) is known for managing a growing collection of customized campus hotels such as The Alfond Inn at Rollins and The Hotel at Oberlin and independently owned boutique hotels like The Glen House, SOPHY Hyde Park, and Inn by the Sea. In addition, Olympia is recognized annually with best-in-brand awards for it's distinctive work with it's franchise partners including Hilton, Hyatt, Wyndham, and IHG. OHM's portfolio also focuses on medical hospitality with hotels serving major health systems. A division of The Olympia Companies, OHM is currently working with a portfolio of 30 properties nationwide.

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Nov
17
2022

Once last resorts, hotel restaurants are making a comeback

CHICAGO - As dusk falls outside, things are buzzing in the lobby of the Pendry, a luxury hotel that opened last year in the iconic 1929 Carbide and Carbon Building.

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Oct
26
2022

Olympia Hotel Management to Operate a New Hotel on the Campus of the University of Maine

Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) has announced that it has been selected to operate a new hotel on the campus of the University of Maine (UMaine) in Orono. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 1, 2022, and the hotel is expected to be completed in early 2024.

Sep
19
2022

Olympia Hotel Management to Operate the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant

Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) has announced that it will operate the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant, which is owned by Berea College, in Berea, Kentucky.

Jul
27
2022

The Olympia Companies Acquire the Golden Gables Inn

The Olympia Companies has announced that it has purchased and will operate the Golden Gables Inn in North Conway, in the heart of the dramatic Mt. Washington Valley in New Hampshire. The property will be operated by Olympia Hotel Management.

Jul
13
2022

Chicago’s SOPHY Hyde Park Ranks as One of “The 10 Best Hotels in Chicago” in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards

SOPHY® Hyde Park has been named one of the 10 Best Hotels in Chicago by the readers of Travel + Leisure in the 2022 World’s Best Awards. The readers also ranked the city of Chicago among “The Best 15 Cities in the United States.”

Jul
13
2022

The Alfond Inn at Rollins Named One of the “15 Best Resort Hotels in Florida” by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards

The Alfond Inn at Rollins has been named one of the 15 Best Resorts in Florida by the readers of Travel + Leisure in the 2022 World’s Best Awards.

May
24
2022

10 best family resorts in the Northeast: Where to stay in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island

Every year when spring break or summer vacation come around, the best family resorts in the Northeast welcome kids and parents with activities and amenities designed especially for families. Here, kids can begin developing a love of horses, kayaking, hiking and other pastimes that they can enjoy for a lifetime. From New England to New Jersey (and all the states in-between), these tried-and-true Northeast resorts know just how to please kids and parents alike. With options ranging from all-inclusive family resorts to classic dude ranch experiences, there really is a family vacation idea for every kind of family in the Northeast. FamilyVacationist.com has rounded up the region’s most kid-friendly resorts.

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Apr
28
2022

Olympia Hotel Management to Operate The Revolution Hotel in Boston

Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) has announced that it has been chosen to operate The Revolution Hotel in Boston. Located in the city’s vibrant South End, the hotel is minutes away from Copley Square, Newbury Street Shopping and the elegant Public Garden in Back Bay. The Revolution Hotel opened in 2018 and since then has redefined the concept of a stylish and remarkably affordable boutique property in the city. It’s an eclectic, art-filled space aimed at urbanites who come to stay, but also to meet, work, dine and socialize.

Apr
19
2022

Olympia Hotel Management to Operate The Benson Hotel and Faculty Club

Olympia Hotel Management has been chosen to operate The Benson Hotel and Faculty Club, a new boutique hotel developed by the Denver-based Aimco, located at the heart of the world-class University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado.

Feb
16
2022

Six Olympia Hotel Management Properties Lauded as “Best Hotels” in U.S. News & World Report

Six properties in Olympia Hotel Management’s portfolio have been named in Best Hotels Rankings by U.S. News & World Report.

Dec
16
2021

Hyatt Place Harrisonburg Opens Today

Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) is proud to announce that Hyatt Place Harrisonburg has opened. The newest and most contemporary hotel in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the property is conveniently located near Harrisonburg Crossing and the campus of James Madison University (JMU), a public research university.

Dec
13
2021

The Ridge Room Rooftop Tavern Opens Thursday at Hyatt Place Harrisonburg

Local Purveyors, an Inspired Menu & Panoramic Views of the Shenandoah Valley The dramatically situated Ridge Room Rooftop Tavern, opens on Thursday, December 16, atop the new Hyatt Place Harrisonburg hotel. Panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley are on offer, with a variety of indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant pairs the breathtaking vistas with a carefully curated menu of regional food and drink. The Ridge Room Rooftop Tavern has a separate entrance for walk-in guests and promises to quickly become the city’s most welcoming and dynamic gathering spot.

Dec
06
2021

Project of the Week: Benson Hotel and Faculty Club, Aurora, Colorado

A highly anticipated boutique property currently taking shape in the Centennial State, Benson Hotel and Faculty Club has scooped our latest Project of the Week title. This exciting scheme aims to raise the standard of accommodation available in Colorado’s third largest city, Aurora. Improving the Fitzsimons Innovation Community campus With a name that pays tribute to former University of Colorado president Bruce Benson, the Benson Hotel and Faculty Club development forms part of an ambitious vision for the future of the Fitzsimons Innovation Community campus. Currently under construction, the newbuild project’s being developed by AIMCO, with Tryba Architects leading the architectural design. The developer is hoping to enhance the campus, where thousands can now live, work and play, by introducing facilities that appeal to a diversity of needs.

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Oct
12
2021

OHM Properties Win Multiple Awards

Five hotels and resorts managed by Olympia Hotel Management have been singled out for awards and recognition in the Condé Nast Traveler 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2021. They include The Alfond Inn at Rollins, The Glen House, The Hotel at Oberlin, Inn by the Sea and SOPHY® Hyde Park. “This extraordinary recognition from America’s two leading travel publications is a tribute to the talented management teams and staff at each of these hotels,” said Sara Masterson, President of Olympia Hotel Management. “These hotel teams are constantly focused on heartfelt attention to the guest and this acknowledges their determination during what has been an exceptionally challenging year for the hospitality industry.”

Sep
09
2021

REVIEW: Sophy Hyde Park

Set the scene: The University of Chicago, anchor of Hyde Park, serves as inspiration for the Sophy, a 98-room gem on the community’s lively commercial strip, walking distance to campus, the Museum of Science and Industry and, sometime in the next few years, the Obama Presidential Center, now being built in nearby Jackson Park. The 44th president was a community organizer and teacher in the university law school before ascending to the highest office, and his presence, along with the other renowned Nobel laureates and MacArthur geniuses nurtured at the UC, are celebrated at Sophy. But there’s nothing stiff about the academic references to music, literature and science; this hotel is, above all, a community gathering spot and the community that gathers here is diverse, active and cultured. The backstory: Sophy’s developers, Olympia Hotel Management, also run the nonprofit and similarly art-filled Alfond Inn in Winter Park, Florida, proving they have an affinity for campus audiences.

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Sep
08
2021

The Top 10 New England Resort Hotels

New England resorts run the gamut: from beach escapes to Gilded Age mansions to quiet country inns. What they all have in common is the feeling that you're at the well-appointed home of a sophisticated friend, rather than a splashy hotel. This understated elegance is what keeps T+L readers coming back year after year, whether it's on a seafood-seeking road trip along the Maine coast or a history-filled jaunt to Newport, Rhode Island. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

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Sep
08
2021

The Top 15 Resort Hotels in Florida

If you ask T+L readers, the best resorts in Florida are the ones situated on the coast. (Proof: 12 of the 15 properties on this year's list can be found along a seashore.) From the tropical islands in the Keys to the golf course-studded retreats by the Gulf of Mexico, the voters' hearts are with the water. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

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Jun
29
2021

Long-Awaited Expansion Begins for The Alfond Inn at Rollins

The Alfond Inn at Rollins, the award-winning boutique hotel in the heart of historic Winter Park, has announced that it intends to break ground on a much-anticipated expansion this summer. Owned by neighboring Rollins College, a private coeducational liberal arts college in Winter Park, Florida, The Alfond Inn at Rollins is a unique luxury property. The hotel directs net operating income to The Alfond Scholars Program and has given away millions of dollars in full scholarships to Rollins College since 2013.

Jun
11
2021

Hotel Optimization Day 2 tackles financing, operations

The second day of Hotel Optimization Part 4—a virtual conference sponsored by Questex Hospitality (parent company of Hotel Management and the International Hotel Investment Forum) and AAHOA—examined the latest trends in lending, hygiene, revenue and technology.

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Jun
02
2021

Spotlight on Campus Hotels Leading Economic Recovery

There’s growing evidence that campus hotels are a good barometer for economic and pandemic recovery, especially as the industry looks to fall 2021 when colleges reopen and there’s a return to in-person learning. No one knows this better than Olympia Hotel Management, a division of The Olympia Companies, and an industry leader continually refining the concept of campus hotels for the past decade.

May
26
2021

UVa graduation ceremonies provide area businesses a much-needed boost

The University of Virginia’s decision to hold in-person graduation ceremonies is giving local businesses a financial boost as students, friends and family come to town for the events. The university spread out graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021 over three days with two commencements held at Scott Stadium on Friday, two Saturday and one on Sunday. Monday is being held open as a rain date. The school also held ceremonies last weekend for the Class of 2020, which did not have a chance for in-person graduation gatherings a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down the school.

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Mar
11
2021

Women in Hospitality: 5 Questions for Sara Masterson, President of Olympia Hotel Management

Women’s History Month is a reminder that more women are needed in the top echelons of the hotel industry. Women held just 12 percent of hospitality industry leadership positions in 2019, according to the “2020 Women in Hospitality Industry Leadership” report from the Castell Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the careers of women professionals in hospitality. A new generation of women hospitality leaders is emerging and among them is Sara Masterson, President of Olympia Hotel Management, one of the relatively few women-led hotel companies in the country. Masterson helms a company that currently has 30 hotel projects under management or development in the U.S. She’s making her mark with a diverse portfolio that includes customized campus hotels such as The Alfond Inn at Rollins and the Hotel at Oberlin, as well as independently-owned luxury boutique hotels like SOPHY Hyde Park, The Glen House and Inn by the Sea. The company has earned multiple best-in-class awards for its work with such select-service brands as Best Western, Wyndham, Hyatt, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn. Masterson, who joined Olympia in 2006 and was appointed president in 2019, is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Massachusetts and also the current president of the New England Inns & Resorts Association.

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Feb
17
2021

Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol - University Opens in Railroad Square Art District

Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol - University and Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) proudly announced today the hotel’s opening in the Florida state capital. The five-story, 80,000 square foot property is comprised of 120 guestrooms, including 77 with full kitchens, a large patio with outdoor bar service, an outdoor pool, a fitness room, and an 846-square-foot meeting space. 6,000 square feet of retail space is situated adjacent to the modern extended-stay hotel. Developed by Mountain Shore Properties (MSP), a Charleston, South Carolina-based developer, and managed by OHM, Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol – University is located in the city’s Railroad Square Art District.

Feb
04
2021

Olympia Hotel Management Named as New Operator of the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center

Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) is proud to announce the addition of the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center in Kent, Ohio, to its third-party portfolio. The hotel is centrally located in the heart of the city, offering accommodations, dining, and meeting facilities adjacent to the Kent State University campus. Kent State has more than 36,000 students, and the property is uniquely placed to serve both the college and the community.

Aug
18
2020

Olympia Hotel Management Tapped as Operating Partner for new Hyatt House in Tallahassee

Mountain Shore Properties (MSP), a Charleston, South Carolina-based developer, is planning to open a new Hyatt House hotel in Tallahassee’s Railroad Square Art District. The upscale, extended stay Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol – University is currently under construction and scheduled to open in February 2021. The five-story, 80,000 square foot property will have 120 guestrooms, including 77 with full kitchens, a large patio with outdoor bar service, an outdoor pool, a fitness room and an 846-square-foot meeting room. There will be 6,000 square feet of retail space adjacent to the hotel.

Apr
17
2020

These Hotel Brands Are Helping First Responders During the COVID-19 Crisis

Travel for most of us may be significantly reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are some who have no choice but to travel due to their particular job. Some first responders, including doctors, nurses and other support staff, have had to ramp up travel to assist in areas that need it most. Many are doing so at their own personal expense (not to mention risking their own health).

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Apr
08
2020

Hotels Open as ‘Comforting Refuge’ for Health Care Workers

Social distancing at hotels At the Sophy Hyde Park, a hotel in Chicago that opened the majority of its rooms to University of Chicago Medical Center staff since March 27, contactless interactions between hotel staff and the health care workers checking in have become routine. Its rooms are open to the hospital’s employees until mid-April, at which point it will begin charging a discounted rate. “Our staff is across from the front desk, the keys are premade and in the credenza eight feet away from the front,” said Anthony Beach, the hotel’s general manager. “There’s a key-sanitizing station. There’s no handing over of credit cards or anything of that nature, so they can get their keys and go directly to their rooms.”

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Apr
06
2020

Hotel Partners provide lodging for cancer patients in need

Cancer doesn’t recognize a global pandemic. Even as COVID-19 seizes headlines and hospital beds around the country, cancer patients continue to need treatment, and often, places to stay while receiving that treatment. Data from the National Cancer Database estimate that nearly 200,000 cancer patients each year travel more than 40 miles to receive treatment.

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Apr
05
2020

Maine Acts of Kindness: Portland hotel donates 50 rooms to health care workers

Clarion Hotel in Portland is donating 50 of its rooms through the month of April to provide a clean, safe place for health care workers from Maine Medical Center and Northern Light Mercy Hospital to rest and recharge before returning to the front line battle against the coronavirus pandemic. “We’ve had a number of folks reach out to us with discounted rates but Clarion is the first to contact us for the no-cost option,” said Jenny Hutchins, the director of human resources at Mercy Hospital. The donated rooms were first made available Saturday evening. So far the use has been minimal – Hutchins said no Mercy Hospital staff had stayed as of Sunday afternoon – but is expected to be of greater importance in the coming weeks.

Mar
28
2020

Hyde Park Hotel Opens Doors for U of C Medical Center Employees

While many hotels are down during the COVID-19 pandemic, one in Hyde Park is opening the door to its medical partner. Just one mile apart, The Sophy Hyde Park is opening for University of Chicago Medical Center employees during the outbreak. "Our property, being a neighborhood hotel, which our major partners are the University of Chicago and University of Chicago Medical Center,” a manager said. "Instead of suspending our operations, our ownership and our management team decided to donate our rooms to medical professionals in need from the hospital.” Like hotels across the country, The Sophy saw reservations dip below 10 percent capacity because of the pandemic.

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Feb
12
2020

Hyatt House hotel will be built at Woodward Corners in Royal Oak

Hyatt House, an extended-stay hotel, is coming to the Woodward Corners by Beaumont development in Royal Oak. Construction is set to begin in May on the 128-room, five-story hotel near Woodward and 13 Mile, officials said Tuesday. The hotel is expected to open in 2021. “As a good neighbor to our Royal Oak community, we’ll welcome business and leisure travelers looking for a hotel that offers an excellent array of other businesses nearby, including a grocer, restaurants and coffee shops,” said Carolyn Wilson, Beaumont Health Chief Operating Officer.

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Feb
03
2020

Olympia Hotel Management to Operate the Best Western University Inn in Canton, NY

Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) is proud to announce the addition of the Best Western University Inn to their third-party portfolio. Located adjacent to and owned by St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, the hotel adjoins The Oliver D. Appleton Golf Course at St. Lawrence University, which OHM will also manage.

Oct
24
2019

Three OHM Properties Lauded in Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards

Three properties in Olympia Hotel Management’s portfolio have been singled out in Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards 2019. Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine has secured the prestigious number two spot among the Top 25 Resorts in New England while The Glen House, the award-winning 68-room boutique hotel that opened one year ago at the base of Mt. Washington, was also honored as one of the Top Hotels in New England. The Alfond Inn at Rollins in Winter Park, Florida was named one of the Top 5 Hotels in Florida.

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Oct
22
2019

The Olympia Companies celebrates 50 years

With 50 years under its belt, the Portland, Maine-based Olympia Companies is focused on creating growth opportunities for both its portfolio of luxury independents and branded select-service hotels and its employees.

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Aug
19
2019

Olympia Hotel Management Chosen to Operate the New Hyatt Place Harrisonburg

Portland, ME. Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) is proud to announce that developer Harman Realty, Inc. of Harrisonburg, Virginia has chosen OHM to manage the new Hyatt Place Harrisonburg. The hotel broke ground on August 2 and is expected to open in September 2020. The general contractor is Harman Construction, Inc. The city of Harrisonburg is home to James Madison University (JMU), a public research university, and a visitor gateway to nearby Shenandoah National Park. It was rated a “Favorite Town in America" by Travel + Leisure in 2016

Jul
15
2019

The Mystique of White Mountains

Chronicle 5 WCVB explores The Mystique of the White Mountains with a highlight of The Glen House Hotel.

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Jul
11
2019

Mountain Shore Properties Selects OHM as Operating Partner

Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) has announced a partnership with Mountain Shore Properties (MSP), a Charleston, South Carolina-based developer who was recently named Developer of the Year by Hyatt as part of Hyatt’s annual owner awards. Olympia won Hyatt’s Operating Excellence Award in 2016. MSP, which was recognized for its excellent construction quality, efficiency, and hotel development in strategic locations, has decided to focus exclusively on hotel development and has elected to partner with OHM, a leader in distinctive select-service and boutique hotel management.

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Jul
06
2019

Chicago Travel: Culture Club Thriving in the Art of the City

With its defining architecture, world-class museums and thriving arts scene, Chicago is America's favourite city break. Set on the banks of Lake Michigan, Illinois, it has all the buzz of New York as well as the sass of San Francisco but here there's space to breathe.

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Jun
27
2019

“Random Acts of Hospitality” Marks the 100th Anniversary of Hilton with a Waterfront Clean-Up

On May 31, hundreds of Hilton hotels worldwide marked the 100th anniversary of Hilton by extending Hilton hospitality beyond their doors and taking “Random Acts of Hospitality” to their communities. In Portland, team members of The Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront joined forces with the other Portland-area Hilton-branded properties and embarked on an ambitious public clean-up program in conjunction with the City of Portland Parks and Recreation to clean up the Eastern Promenade and East End Beach.

Apr
30
2019

15 Best Hotels in Orlando, Florida

Booking a hotel in Orlando can be a complicated proposition. With so many major theme parks in the area, it’s no surprise that a number of resorts have special perks like early entry to the parks and free transportation to entice their guests—but what if you’re looking for a relaxing retreat away from the bustle? You don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other. Our list of the best hotels in Orlando covers Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, as well as some luxury resorts and art-filled boutique hotels across town.

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Apr
12
2019

Olympia Hotel Management Properties Win Multiple Awards

Five properties managed by Olympia Hotel Management have been singled out for an array of industry awards and recognition in recent months, including SOPHY® Hyde Park, The Alfond Inn at Rollins, Hilton Garden Inn Durham-University Medical Center, Hyatt Place Cleveland/Westlake/Crocker Park and Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth. “These awards are a tribute to the incredible management teams we have at each of these properties,” said Sara Masterson, SVP Hotel Management for The Olympia Companies. “It acknowledges great people who are always striving to be their best and do exceptional work in hospitality.”

Apr
08
2019

Winter Park, Fla. hotel to begin expansion this summer

The Alfond Inn, owned by the nearby Rollins College and located in Winter Park, Fla., announced plans to begin expanding the property late this summer, with work expected to finish Q1 2021. The upgrades will introduce 73 new guestrooms, a wellness center and spa, a second swimming pool area with cabanas and 2,000 additional square feet of meeting and public space.

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Apr
05
2019

Hilton Garden Inn Durham/University Medical Center Wins 3 Awards from Hilton

April 5, 2019. Durham, North Carolina. The Hilton Garden Inn Durham-University Medical Center continues to be recognized by Hilton for its outstanding service. The hotel has just won its third Pride Merit Award from Hilton. The award is given to the top 5% of properties within the brand that have excelled in all brand requirements. The award demonstrates the highest commitment to brand standards, guest satisfaction, and loyalty.

Apr
02
2019

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Porthsmouth Earns a "Best of" Award

April 2, 2019. Portsmouth, NH. The newly renovated Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth was just recognized with a “Best of Award” from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Mar
29
2019

Ivy Arndt, Director of Sales for Hyatt Place Cleveland/Westlake/Crocker Park, named Director of Sales of the Year for Hyatt Place Properties

Ivy Arndt, Director of Sales for Hyatt Place Cleveland/Westlake/Crocker Park, has been recognized as the Director of Sales of the Year for Hyatt Place properties. The hotel, which opened in 2015, is owned by Stark Enterprises, was developed by The Olympia Companies and is managed by Olympia Hotel Management. The award was presented during the opening session at Hyatt’s Transient Sales Workshop at the Hyatt Regency Reston, in Reston, Virginia, on Monday, March 11, 2019.

Mar
21
2019

Olympia adds Maine resort to management portfolio

Olympia Hotel Management is assuming management of Point Lookout Resort and Conference Center in Northport, Maine. The new owner of Point Lookout is Deep Creek Grazing Association, led by principals David and Tami Hirschfeld.

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Feb
19
2019

3 Distinctive Hotel Openings Highlight the Growth of The Olympia Companies

February 14, 2019. Portland, ME. The Olympia Companies has just come off a year of remarkable growth and development with the completion of three extraordinary new hotels: SOPHY Hyde Park in Chicago, IL; The Glen House in New Hampshire’s White Mountains; and Hyatt Place & Hyatt House Quad Cities in East Moline, IL.

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Feb
01
2019

Sophy Hyde Park featured in February Issue of Hospitality Design

With a city as vibrant and architecturally rich as Chicago, its no wonder developers, and visitors, continue to take notice. In 2017, total visitation topped 55.3 million, an increase of 2.7% over the previous record the prior year.

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Jul
17
2018

White Mountain Meetings at The Glen House

Green’s Grant, NH. The Glen House, the new 68-room hotel opening at the foot of Mt. Washington in September, has been designed not only to welcome those who love the great outdoors but to welcome meetings, retreats, and social events year-round. The hotel has a range of flexible spaces and facilities, a dedicated catering staff and a full-service restaurant that offers indoor and outdoor seating with a fire pit, not to mention panoramic views of Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast.

Jul
12
2018

Sophy Hotel Announces New Restaurant

Hyde Park’s Sophy Hotel, 1411 E. 53rd St., opening this fall, has released details for its new restaurant, “Mesler”. In a statement the hotel said the name of the restaurant, which means “to mix and mingle,” was chosen to reflect Hyde Park’s racial and cultural diversity.

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Jul
11
2018

Sophy Hyde Park Announces Mesler Restaurant

SOPHY Hyde Park, the new hotel opening in the fall of 2018, has announced details for its new restaurant, Mesler. The restaurant name, which means “to mix and mingle,” is a reflection of the hotel’s Hyde Park neighborhood, one of the most racially and culturally diverse areas of Chicago.

Jul
09
2018

Inn at Swarthmore Wins 2018 International Hotel & Property Award

Floss Barber, Inc. won a 2018 International Hotel & Property Award for the Inn at Swarthmore. The boutique, 40-room hotel was named a shortlisted finalist in January and was recognized with the Hotel Under 50 Rooms: Global Award in a ceremony in Capri, Italy, on 29 June 2018. Floss Barber, Joseph Alteari, and Meghan Duval were on hand for the celebration.

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Jun
20
2018

Olympia Wins Two Hotel of the Year Awards

PORTLAND, Maine, June 20, 2018 -- Olympia Hotel Management is proud to announce that it is currently holding the top awards for two of the world's major select service brands, Hyatt Place and Hilton Garden Inn.

Jan
24
2018

Olympia Companies Sets Ambitious Growth Plans

The Olympia Companies has set an ambitious growth plan in motion for this year, with a full roster of openings and new developments ahead. Known for its upscale luxury properties, such as the Inn by the Sea in Maine and The Alfond Inn at Rollins in Winter Park, FL, as well as a number of branded select-service hotels, The Olympia Companies is continuing to pursue diverse opportunities nationwide.

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Dec
13
2017

Anthony Beach Named General Manager of Sophy Hotel

SOPHY, a new 98-room hotel, is under construction and scheduled to open in summer 2018. The hotel is located at 53rd St. and Dorchester Ave. in Hyde Park near the future Barack Obama Presidential Library, the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry. Anthony Beach will be assuming the role of general manager at SOPHY when it opens this upcoming summer.

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Dec
05
2017

Luxury Boutique Hotels Become Part of the College Experience

The Olympia Companies, based in Portland, Maine, specializes in hotel development and management. Sara Masterson, vice president of hotel management, runs a portfolio made up of the non-flagged hotels owned or managed by Olympia. Most are campus-adjacent properties. “College-affiliated ownership has a different set of challenges,” she says. “Their goals differ from a regular hotel, and they often have diverse purposes beyond profits.” In addition to being the front door to the school for students, parents, alumni, visiting professors and other university-related business, most colleges want an affiliated hotel to reflect their values. To that end, according to Masterson, “The hotels become mirror images of the missions of the schools they serve.”

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Oct
17
2017

The Alfond Inn #1 Hotel in Florida

The Alfond Inn at Rollins has been recognized as the best hotel in Florida for the third consecutive year in the 30th annual Condé Nast Traveler 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Oct
17
2017

Inn by the Sea a Top Ten Resort

Inn by the Sea, located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine and just minutes from Portland, Maine has once again been selected by Conde Nast Traveler Readers as being a Top Ten Resort in the 30th Annual Readers Choice Awards for the Top Resorts in New England. Congratulations to Inn by the Sea!

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Sep
01
2017

Hyatt House and Hyatt Place Sneak Peek

A special thank you to Great River Property Development for sharing this sneak peek drone footage of the Hyatt House and Hyatt Place in East Moline, IL. Scheduled to open in Fall of 2018!

Aug
08
2017

Introducing Sophy

The Olympia Companies and SMART Hotels are bringing a luxury boutique hotel to the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.

Aug
02
2017

Top 25 Colleges of the Midwest

The University of Chicago and Oberlin College make the top ten of Forbes Top 25 Colleges of the Midwest for 2017. The Olympia Companies is proud to manage a hotel on or near each of these top rated Colleges. University of Chicago: Hyatt Place Chicago South Oberlin College: The Hotel at Oberlin

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Aug
02
2017

America's Top Colleges 2017

For the 10th anniversary, Forbes aligned its ranking of America's Top Colleges 2017 with what they value most: superior return on investment, high impact, leadership and success; and a first-rate student-consumer experience. We send warm congratulations to Duke University, Williams College, University of Chicago, and Swarthmore College for being named on this year's list as a top college in America. The Olympia Companies is proud to manage hotels on or near these four top campuses: Duke University: Hilton Garden Inn Durham Williams College: The Williams Inn University of Chicago: Hyatt Place Chicago South Swarthmore College: The Inn at Swarthmore

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Jul
27
2017

Achieve Hospitality Architecture That Impresses - Part 2

"The most prosperous hotels embrace local opportunities. They might, for instance, support a manufacturing district or link to a transit hub. Therefore, the challenge for architects is to design hotels that not only cater to the preferences of those most likely to use them, but also respond to regional nuances. A case in point is the new Hyatt Place Cleveland/Westlake/Crocker Park."

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Jul
18
2017

North of Orlando, an Elegant Florida Vacation Awaits

Brunch with a Side of Modern Art "Bring on the day with brunch at the Alfond Inn, a boutique hotel with walls adorned with lively and engaging modern art, including Alfredo Jaar's sunrise-hued neon "Be Afraid of the Enormity of the Possible." At the inn's restaurant, Hamilton's Kitchen -- named for a former Rollins president, not the trending Founding Father -- the shrimp and grits is a must. Its North Florida-sourced grits are freshly milled, which makes this kitchen's take on the Southern staple extra tasty."

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Jul
03
2017

The Alfond Inn Makes Travel + Leisure's World's Best List - Twice

The Alfond Inn, located in Winter Park, FL, steps from Rollins College, is honored to be named one of the Top 15 City Hotels in the U.S., just one-tenth of a point behind the number one spot for the 2017 Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards. In 2016, The Alfond Inn held the number nine spot. In addition to making the Top 15 City Hotels in the U.S., The Alfond Inn is humbled to have also been recognized as one of the top 100 hotels in World.

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Jun
30
2017

All Play and No Work: 10 Central Florida Staycations

"Nothing like getting plunked down in the middle of one of Central Florida’s most artistic, scenic, historic, walkable settings for a soothing getaway. It’s the kind of class that can’t be dismissed" "But you don’t have to be a scholar to matriculate at the lounge with an art-inspired craft cocktail, or at the courtyard for a brunch of chicken and white-cheddar crepes, or at the inn’s farm-to-table restaurant, Hamilton's Kitchen, for veal osso buco or black garlic risotto."

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May
24
2017

The 10 Best College Hotels

The 10 Best College Hotels Across the Country #5 OBERLIN: The Hotel at Oberlin, Oberlin, OH "A stone’s throw from Oberlin College, this boutique hotel is among five in the country meeting the United States Green Building Council LEED Platinum standard. Most notably, it uses radiant heating and cooling to keep guests comfortable. Instead of circulating hot or cold air, surfaces within the space are adjusted with infrared energy. To keep things from feeling too slick, the building features salvaged wood furnishings built by area Mennonite and Amish carpenters."

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Apr
12
2017

World's Best Beach Hotels

The Inn by the Sea has been recognized as one of the World's Best Beach Hotels by Travel + Leisure Readers. "Maine is famous for its rocky coast, but guests at Cape Elizabeth's Inn by the Sea enjoy access to the sandy Crescent Beach...In the summer, days are spent walking the mile-long beach, sunbathing, and swimming in the Gulf Stream-warmed waters."

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Apr
11
2017

Achieve Hospitality Architecture That Impresses - Part 1

Multigenerational Appeal, Local Connections "A hotel’s design should complement the structures that surround it. It also needs to respect the concerns and issues of those who live nearby. For Hyatt Place Chicago South/University Medical Center, the developers, and Legat Architects met with Hyde Park residents. These community input sessions inspired the hotel façade design and gave locals a sense of ownership. The resulting design features porcelain tiles and zinc shingles that usher in a modern image, but their appearance—the colors and segmentation resemble masonry units—also respects the community’s historic context."

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Apr
11
2017

The Alfond Inn Receives it's Gold Badge

"Out of 53 luxury hotels in the Orlando-Walt Disney World area, 5 earned a Gold Badge by scoring in the top 10 percent of the Best Hotels in the USA". The Alfond Inn, ranked 4th among Orlando-Walt Disney World area hotels, receiving it's Gold Badge.

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Apr
05
2017

The Alfond Inn mentioned by New York Travel

"De-emphasize Disney with a stay at the Alfond Inn (from $299) in nearby Winter Park. Don’t be surprised if you see professors conducting classes in the lobby: The 119-room luxury boutique hotel is owned by Rollins College and serves as a showplace for work from its Cornell Fine Arts Museum, with a new exhibition each April. Join the curator-led Sunday tours of the exhibition, then walk down Winter Park’s main street, Park Avenue, to the newly expanded Morse Museum, which boasts the largest collection of works from Louis Comfort Tiffany in the country."

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Apr
04
2017

Olympia Hotel Management Climbs the Ranks

Having seen growth in its portfolio since last year's Hotel Business Management Company Annual Report, Olympia Hotel Management has climbed 13 spots to #68 of about 150 listed hotel management companies.

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Feb
06
2017

Best Hotel in Maine - Inn by the Sea

"U.S. News & World Report ranks the best hotels by taking into account reputation among professional travel experts, guest reviews, and hotel class ratings. 1,987 scored high enough to be recognized as Best Hotels in the USA". The Inn by the Sea was named the #1 Best Hotel in Maine by U.S. News & World Report.

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Jan
31
2017

Olympia Hotel Management Wins Four Brand Awards from Hilton Garden Inn

Olympia Hotel management has been recognized with four 2016 Brand Awards from Hilton Garden Inn (HGI), which recognizes the exceptional performance of both hotels and team members from a field of more than 700 HGI hotels worldwide

Nov
21
2016

New Feature of the College Tour: First-Class Campus Hotels

"Some of the details were conceived by Smart Hotels and by the Olympia Companies, which Oberlin hired to advise on technical services and to manage the hotel. But they help tell the Oberlin story, which he said was a major reason for building the hotel."

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Oct
26
2016

Hyatt Place Chicago-South/University Medical Center Awarded LEED Gold Status

The Olympia Companies and SMART Hotels LLC are delighted to announce that Hyatt Place Chicago-South/University Medical Center in Chicago’s iconic Hyde Park neighborhood has been awarded LEED Gold Certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) in the New Construction category.

Oct
18
2016

Inn by the Sea Selected One of the Best Resorts in the North East

Condé Nast Traveler readers have once again selected Maine’s Inn by the Sea one of the Best Resorts in the Northeast in the 29th Annual Reader’s Choice Awards. Over 300,000 readers cast votes for ‘the best of the best in travel’, and 2016 results will be announced in November issues of the luxury travel magazine.

Oct
18
2016

The Alfond Inn at Rollins #1 in Florida

Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its 29th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, in which The Alfond Inn at Rollins is recognized as the best hotel in Florida for the second consecutive year.

Jul
12
2016

Andrew Chadwick named Executive Chef

Maine’s premier beach destination, Inn by the Sea, appointed Andrew Chadwick Executive Chef of Sea Glass, the hotel’s ocean-view restaurant, announced the Inn’s General Manager, Michael Briggs.

Jul
10
2016

Travel+Leisure picks Inn by the Sea

Travel + Leisure has named Inn by the Sea as #83 for the Top 100 Hotels Worldwide and #9 for Top 10 Resorts in the Northeast.

Jul
10
2016

The Alfond Inn makes T+L Best List

The Alfond Inn at Rollins was named one of the top 15 Best City Hotels in the Continental U.S. in Travel + Leisure's 2016 World's Best Awards.

Feb
17
2016

Hilton Garden Inn Durham praised by Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Worldwide’s (NYSE: HLT) upscale global brand of hotels, recently recognized the Hilton Garden Inn Durham University Medical Center with The Connie Award – Hotel of the Year, You Can Count on Us Community Relations Award and Highest HHonors Loyalty Award for their outstanding achievements during the past year.

Nov
10
2015

Hyatt Place Cleveland/Westlake/Crocker Park Opens

Hyatt Place Cleveland/Westlake/Crocker Park, the second Hyatt Place hotel to enter the Cleveland metropolitan area, officially opens today in Westlake, Ohio.

Feb
03
2015

Hilton Garden Inn Durham-University named Best New Hotel

The Olympia Companies announce that the Hilton Garden Inn Durham-University Medical Center in North Carolina has been recognized by Hilton Worldwide with two prestigious awards.

Jan
14
2015

The Olympia Companies to Develop and Manage Hyatt Place Crocker Park

The Olympia Companies, an innovative privately-owned real estate company specializing in hotel investment, development and management, will develop and manage the new Hyatt Place Crocker Park in the Cleveland, Ohio suburb of Westlake.

Nov
30
2014

EMR Awards Mike Zimmerman

Two weeks ago I had the honor of receiving the award for best Hospitality / Residential Project from ENR Midwest on behalf of the Hyatt Place Chicago South University / Medical Center.

Oct
24
2014

The Alfond Inn named #2 by Conde Nast

The Alfond Inn, the boutique hotel in Winter Park, was named one of the Best Hotels in Florida with an impressive debut at #2 on the short list of winning Florida hotels.

Oct
24
2014

Inn by the Sea named a Best Resort by Conde Nast

Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, a luxury beach resort managed by The Olympia Companies and the state's only Virtuoso property, was named one of the Best Resorts in the Northeast in the 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Oct
15
2014

2014 Gold Key Finalists Announced

The 2014 Gold Key Award Finalists for Excellence in Hospitality Design have been announced and we are pleased to announce the Hyatt Place Chicago-South/University Medical Center, Chicago is included as Best Eco or Socially Conscious Hotel for 2014.

Oct
01
2014

Gold Adrian Award for New Hotel Opening

Congratulations to our media partner, Conran PR, and The Alfond Inn for their 2014 Gold Adrian Award in the New Hotel Opening Category.