Tag Archive for: Joie de Vivre

Tommie: Commune and Thompson Hotels’ New Hotel Brand

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Last year, we blogged that Thompson Hotels merged with Joie de Vivre (JDV) hotels to form Commune Hotels & Resorts. After a long wait, Commune has unveiled the name of the “value-conscious” spin-off brand to Thompson Hotels—Tommie.

The first brand from the merged companies, Tommie has been described as being “borne from the savvy of Thompson Hotels and the playful approachability of Joie de Vivre, defining utilitarian chic.”

“Tommie is about stripping away the non-essentials to create a functional efficiency. Everything is beautiful, but also has a purpose,” Thompson Hotel founder and Commune Hotels & Resorts co-chair, Jason Pomeranc said.

Telling by its shortened, fun name, the brand is going after the “hottest” demographic right now, the Millennials. “We think the time is right for the youthful traveler to have something developed specifically for their needs,” Niki Leondakis, CEO of Commune Hotels & Resorts said.

You won’t find your traditional run-of-the-mill hotel meeting space. Instead, Tommie Hotels will feature “crash pads,” meeting spaces that serve as incubators for productive minds, and casual communal dining experiences. The public lounges, called Reading Rooms, will promote gathering and socializing with games and curated programming.

Most importantly, Tommie Hotels will be heavily technology based, including free WiFi—an amenity Thompson Hotels do not have. “We do think it’s important because youthfully minded travelers grew up with technology,” Leondakis said. “So there is a certain expectation that whatever they have at home or the office, it needs to be better quality in their hotels. This will be a very tech-savvy experience, but we don’t want to compromise the customer interaction.”

It may run on a “help yourself” attitude with its self check-in via tablet, eclectic retail and grab-and-go gourmet marketplace, but its selective service philosophy is still personable and accessible—keeping in line with the Thompson and JDV brands.

Two Tommie locations in New York are already in development—the 250-room Tommie on East 31st Street in Manhattan and the 329-room Tommie in West Soho. Both locations are expected to open in early 2015.

The Shoreline Hotel Waikiki Joins JDV’s Collection as its Newest Boutique Hotel & Second Hawaii Property

Last March, we blogged that Joie de Vivre (JDV) Hospitality would start managing its first Hawaii property, the Seaside Hotel; and after a renovation was completed, the 125-room hotel would be rebranded and join the JDV collection. Well, fast-forward thirteen months, and you have The Shoreline Hotel Waikiki—JDV’s newest boutique hotel.

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 10.20.34 AMJust opening its doors this past Monday, “the 70s-inspired boutique hotel sits in the middle of some of Diamond Head’s best shopping and restaurants,” HotelChatter said. While it’s not a beachfront property, the actual ocean shoreline is under a mile away.

Commune Hotels & Resorts, JDV’s parent company, hired Anthony Laurino to redesign the property. Stephanie Silverstein of Pacific Business News reported, “The renovated hotel is inspired by 1970s architecture, with bold 1970s shapes and natural forms of local flora throughout the property.”

While the look is 70s inspired, the amenities are nothing but modern: flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, 24-hour front desk hosts, a Welcome Lei upon arrival and the Cha Cha Cha 2 Mexican restaurant and bar.

Originally owned by United Airlines, The Seaside Hotel was built in 1970 and was used as a perk house for employees and company retirees. JDV took over management last March after the hotel was sold to an unnamed buyer.

The Shoreline Waikiki Hotel is JDV’s second Honolulu property. The Coconut Waikiki Hotel has been open since spring 2012.

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 10.20.16 AMAlvida Surpia-Jones, general manager of both the Coconut Waikiki Hotel and Shoreline Hotel Waikiki, said that the California-based company has been looking to expand, and has plans to grow. “Joie de Vivre Hotels is definitely growing in different states other than California, so I can see that happening Hawaii, as well,” she said.

But as of now, the company is focusing on their two new properties.

“Shoreline brings a truly boutique and fresh hotel product to the Hawaiian market,” Niki Leondakis, Commune Hotels & Resorts CEO, said. “The carefree spirit and warmth of the JDV brand is reflected in the property, which marries daring design, individualized services and amenities in one of the world’s most coveted beach destinations.”

McConnell Marketing Clients Make 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler

It’s a good week for McConnell Marketing! Many of our clients have made “The Best in the World!” list by Condé Nast Traveler Readers:

InterContinental New York Times Square
Willard InterContinental, Washington, D.C.
Hotel Vitale – Joie de Vivre
Ventana Inn & Spa, Big Sur – Joie de Vivre
Shorebreak Hotel – Joie de Vivre
The Saguaro Scottsdale – Joie de Vivre
Mandarin Oriental, New York
St. Regis, New York
St. Regis, Washington, D.C.
Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park

According to Condé Nast Traveler, “The 25th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Survey is available through a secure website. The questionnaire contains lists of candidates in various categories (Cities, Hotels, etc.). Individual candidates are judged by relevant criteria for each. Those that receive a required minimum number of responses are deemed eligible for a Readers’ Choice Award.”

This year, a record 46,476 readers participated and elected a grand total of 1,306 winners ranging in the categories of hotels, islands, cities, cruises and airlines.

Congratulations to all the winners!