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Hospitality Net
a day ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Maestro All-In-One PMS Celebrates Standout Presence, Product Buzz at HITEC Indy
MARKHAM, Ontario – Maestro PMS is reflecting on a highly successful showing at HITEC Indy last week. As a Platinum Sponsor of North America's largest hospitality technology event, the company made a bold impression with a high-energy booth, enthusiastic crowds, and the exclusive unveiling of new innovations. Maestro, the leader in All-In-One cloud-hosted, private cloud, and on-premises property-management systems for independent hotels and luxury resorts, drew strong interest — particularly for its deep integration capabilities and comprehensive feature set. A preview of its upcoming Maestro Touch interface also caught attendees' attention, offering a glimpse of what's to come. There was an incredible energy around our booth this year, said Maestro President Tim Major. It was meaningful to connect face-to-face with so many of our clients, partners, and industry friends. Seeing firsthand how our technology is impacting operators—and hearing how excited they are about what's coming next—was both humbling and inspiring. Maestro Touch Steals the Spotlight Maestro Touch, the upcoming tablet-optimized user interface, generated considerable buzz from attendees looking for greater mobility and ease of use. The next-generation interface delivers a modern, intuitive, and touch-optimized experience to the Maestro PMS platform and is currently in the late stages of pilot testing with select properties. Maestro Touch represents the future of front desk operations, said Lisa Jane 'LJ' Wheaton, Senior Product Strategist. It's sleek, simple, and modern—built with today's mobile-first workforce in mind. Seeing how it resonated with operators from all types of properties tells us we're delivering something that truly meets the moment. Enhanced Features, Smarter Integrations, and a Stronger Spa Offering A major highlight for many attendees was discovering the full scope of Maestro's platform. Many were surprised to learn how many tools are offered in one cohesive system. With more than 800 integrations, Maestro provides independent operators with unmatched flexibility to connect their preferred tools. The company also showcased significant upgrades to its Front Desk, Sales & Catering, and Spa Management modules, as well as enhanced capabilities within GuestXMS, its two-way guest/staff messaging platform, now with WhatsApp integration. HITEC attendees were also keen to see Maestro's expanded partnership with Silverware, which enables seamless integration between the PMS and POS platforms—delivering real-time connectivity across reservations, dining, gift card management, loyalty programs, VIPs, SGIs, guest preferences and more. It was truly special to share the booth with the Maestro team this year, said Thomas Small, Global Enterprise Sales Director, at Silverware. Our partnership is built on mutual respect and a shared vision for the independent hospitality sector. Operators are demanding more cohesive, personalized, and data-driven guest journeys—and together, we were able to demonstrate just that. People were blown away by the Maestro/Silverware integration and how we are generating more revenue, streamlining workflows, maximizing staff efficiencies, and greatly enhancing the modern guest experience. A Glimpse Into the Future of Hospitality Tech The Maestro team engaged in countless conversations on the show floor that provided valuable insights into the future of hotel technology. Key themes included personalization, guest mobility, data security, and staff enablement. These priorities are reflected in Maestro's 2025 product roadmap and ongoing development efforts that include rollout of its seamless payment experience to Canada this year; adjustment of its internal client document management processes; and integration with Feedback has also led to expanding features and functions, such as automated deposit requests and enhancing responses to no-shows and cancellations. HITEC is more than a tradeshow; it's a litmus test for where the industry is headed, added Major. Our team came away energized, informed, and more aligned than ever on what operators need most—tools that are intuitive, flexible, and deeply integrated across every guest touchpoint. At Maestro, we are uniquely positioned to help support independent operators with a strong foundation backed by our powerful booking engine and chat concierge. Our features are growing more expansive every day. The Road Ahead As part of the Fullsteam family of software and payments companies, Maestro remains laser-focused on growth and innovation. With Tim Major at the helm and Warren Dehan continuing to serve in a strategic advisory capacity, the company is well positioned to continue delivering best-in-class solutions that help operators thrive in a fast-changing landscape. For more information or to schedule a personalized demo, visit About Maestro Maestro is the preferred cloud hosted or on-premises All-In-One Web PMS solution for independent hotels, luxury resorts, conference centers, vacation rentals, and multi-property groups. Maestro's PCI certified and EMV ready enterprise system offers 20+ integrated modules on a single database including touchless and mobile apps to increase engagement, drive direct bookings, centralize operations; all while enabling a unified & seamless guest journey from booking to checkout and everything in between. For over 45 years Maestro's Diamond Plus Service has provided unparalleled 24/7 support and education services to keep hospitality groups thriving and productive. Click here for more information on Maestro PMS. Click here to get your free PMS Buying guide. Barb Worcester
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Can my mum pass her property portfolio to us without falling into an inheritance tax trap?
My father passed away 18 months ago unexpectedly. Thankfully he had a will which left his estate to mum. His estate contained predominately a portfolio of five rental properties of which three are mortgaged, the home that my mum lives in and a surplus of cash. My mum is retired now and uses a portion of the rental income to top up her pension and support her day to day living. My mum wants to structure things in a way which mitigates inheritance tax and capital gains tax as much as possible. I'm one of three brothers - one has health issues and doesn't work, the other is potentially emigrating and doesn't want to complicate things by owning a property outright in his name. What are our options? L.J, via email This reader's mother has five buy to let properties on top of her own home and cash savings Harvey Dorset, of This is Money, replies: This must be a difficult time for you and your family. It is good to hear your father did not pass away intestate, as a will undoubtedly makes the whole inheritance process slightly easier. As your mother wants to reduce the eventual inheritance tax bill now, it is good she is considering her options well in advance. Unfortunately, as you mention, there are complexities in your situation that mean it isn't as straightforward as your mother passing the whole estate directly to you and your brothers when she dies, especially given that there could be a hefty inheritance tax bill if she did given the size of the estate. As discussed below, there are options available to you to mitigate the IHT bill, especially if you take action sooner rather than later. This is Money spoke to two financial advisers to find out what you, and your mother, need to do in order to reduce your future tax bill. Aaron Banasik, independent financial adviser at Ascot Lloyd, replies: I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your father. It's reassuring he had a will in place, allowing your mother to inherit the estate smoothly. With a portfolio of five rental properties three mortgaged alongside her home and a cash surplus, your mother is rightly seeking to protect the estate from future inheritance tax and capital gains tax while supporting her retirement. Observing inheritance tax, it is charged at 40 per cent on estates over £325,000, although transfers between spouses are exempt. On your mother's eventual passing, the estate could benefit from an enhanced nil-rate band of up to £1million, provided the family home is left to direct descendants. She may consider gifting property during her lifetime, which, if she survives for seven years, could fall outside her estate for IHT. However, if she retains any benefit such as the rental income, then the gift may still be considered part of her estate. Furthermore, CGT may apply immediately on such transfers, and stamp duty could arise if debt is involved. Gains above the CGT allowance (£3,000 for 2025/26) would be taxed at 18 per cent or 28 per cent. Holding the properties until death eliminates CGT entirely, as assets passed on death are exempt from CGT. An alternative strategy could be to sell the properties gradually. This allows her to reinvest proceeds in IHT-efficient investments such as a discounted gift trust which can provide her with an immediate IHT discount whilst producing a regular income, however it's important to speak to an experienced independent adviser to provide guidance on this. Discretionary trusts can offer a way to transfer assets while retaining some control, though they could come with initial IHT charges and high-income tax rates on rental income. If structured correctly, trusts can help support family members, especially relevant with one son unable to work and another potentially relocating. Alternatively, whole of life protection written in trust can be used to cover the future IHT bill. Premiums may even qualify under the 'normal expenditure out of income' rule if her income is sufficient. Given the differing needs of your brothers, flexibility is vital. A mix of selective lifetime gifting, trust arrangements, and making use of your gifting allowances may allow for equitable wealth transfer without placing immediate obligations on them. Patrick Haines, chartered financial planner at Partners Wealth Management, replies: This is an important time for the family following their loss 18 months ago. Specific measures should now be put in place to ensure tax is mitigated. In addition, an assessment ought to be made in relation to your mother's ongoing vulnerability, just in case your father's passing impacts any decisions being made now. Deed of variation The first action which should be considered is a deed of variation (DoV) of your father's will. This enables the terms of the will to be altered post-death so long as all of the original beneficiaries are in agreement with the changes and that adjustments take place within two years of death. I recommend you then review the five rental properties with your mother and siblings (in terms of yield and values), to see which of these could be now placed in the names of her three sons. This can be actioned by a legal transfer of ownership once the DoV has been actioned. Potentially, you and your brother who is to remain in the UK could each receive a rental property, with a third property being sold to realise a cash sum for investment for your other brother who is due to move abroad. Advice should be taken for your non-working brother as any rental income now received could impact his receipt of state benefits (such as Personal Independent Payments etc.) Inheritance tax By removing these three rental properties from your mother's estate, this could save 40 per cent inheritance tax on these assets which would have otherwise become payable on your mother's eventual passing. The remaining two rental properties could continue to be owned by your mother with any rental income being enjoyed as a top-up to pensions etc. If any of the income is excess to requirements, this can be gifted outright to you and your brothers without any inheritance tax applying, so long as certain conditions are met. This will also ensure there are sufficient assets remaining within your mother's estate should future care costs need to be met. Depending on your mother's age and medical history, some of the excess income could also be used to fund a Whole of Life policy, written under trust. The sum assured would then be payable on your mother's passing and this could be used to meet some or all of the inheritance tax due. Any mortgage debt can be used to reduce the taxable value of the estate. A life policy is particularly useful where property is concerned as it can ensure that the two rental properties (and main residence) do no need to be sold immediately and can eventually pass to you and your brothers free from IHT. Help with financial advice and planning Financial planning can help you grow your wealth, sort your pension, or make sure your finances are as tax efficient as possible. A key driver for many people is investing for or in retirement and inheritance tax planning. If you are looking for help sorting your finances and want to work out whether you need advice, planning, or coaching, the following links can help you understand more: > Do you need financial planning or financial advice - and is it worth it? > Financial advice: What to ask and how much it might cost > Inheritance tax planning - what you need to know to protect your wealth Capital gains tax Assuming your father owned the five rental properties in his sole name, any capital gain will have been 're-based' on your father's passing. This has benefits in there will be no capital gains tax (CGT) due on the gain as gains die with the owner. The re-basing of the property values does need to be claimed so is not an automatic entitlement. Investment considerations If your brother does move abroad, the sale proceeds of his inherited rental property could be reinvested using an Offshore Bond which he can access when he is abroad if needed, whilst enjoying deferred tax on the fund in the UK. Advice should be sought at the time to ensure any withdrawals are not taxed by the authorities where your brother is residing when abroad. He should also consider making full use of his Isa allowance before leaving the UK. Wills and power of attorney It is important to ensure your mother's will is now reviewed following your father's passing as there may be elements of the existing will which are no longer relevant. Equally, your mother should ensure she has a power of attorney arranged in the event she loses capacity and is unable to manage her own affairs. This will save the family an awful lot of cost, administrative burden and stress at a difficult time. Get your financial planning question answered Financial planning can help you grow your wealth and ensure your finances are as tax efficient as possible. A key driver for many people is investing for or in retirement, tax planning and inheritance. If you have a financial planning or advice question, our experts can help answer it. Email: financialplanning@ Please include as many details as possible in your question in order for us to respond in-depth.
Associated Press
13-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Pinata Announces Exclusive Partnership with MRI Software to Power Rewards and Credit Reporting for Renters
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Piñata Rent, Inc., a leading rent rewards and credit-building platform, has announced a partnership with MRI Software, a global leader in real estate solutions and services. The partnership will deliver a first-of-its-kind resident rewards program, embedding Piñata's perks directly into MRI RentPayment. The enhanced features will give property managers a turnkey solution to boost on-time payments, engagement, and retention, while giving renters real financial benefits for simply paying rent. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: 'Partnering with MRI Software, a trailblazer in PropTech, allows us to transform rent into a powerful financial tool,' said Lily Liu, CEO of Piñata. 'We're rewarding renters for timely payments and helping them build stronger financial futures, all while simplifying operations for property managers.' 'The integration between MRI RentPayment and Piñata offers more than credit reporting - it's a comprehensive rewards program that benefits renters no matter how they choose to pay rent,' said Carla Hinson, VP of North America Solutions and Innovation at MRI Software. 'The partnership equips property managers with innovative ways to elevate the resident experience and foster long-term loyalty.' Renters are more likely to pay rent on time when payments are reported to credit bureaus, studies show. Additionally, two-thirds of renters say they prefer to live in communities that offer rent reporting services. The strategic partnership embeds Piñata's rewards system, credit-building engine, and marketplace directly into MRI's RentPayment interface. Residents can access these benefits effortlessly, turning rent payments into opportunities for financial growth. Key Benefits of the Piñata + MRI Partnership: [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] Lily Liu, Founder & CEO of Piñata Photo by Struan Jamieson To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: About Piñata Piñata is the nation's first platform dedicated to rewarding renters and building their financial resilience. By transforming rent payments into opportunities for rewards and credit growth, Piñata empowers the one-third of Americans who rent to achieve upward mobility. Even renters who are not part of the Powered By Piñata network of registered landlords can benefit with the PinataPay Visa Debit Card-a reimagined debit card that offers credit card-like rewards for every dollar spent or saved. Discover more at About MRI Software MRI Software is a leading provider of real estate solutions and services that transform the way communities live, work and play. MRI's open and connected, AI-powered platform enables agents, owners, operators and occupiers in commercial and residential property organizations to innovate in rapidly changing markets. A trailblazer in the PropTech industry, MRI serves more than six million users worldwide, including the public and affordable housing sector. Through innovative solutions and a rich partner ecosystem, MRI gives real estate companies the freedom to realize their vision of building thriving communities and stronger businesses. For more information, please visit Media Contacts Mandie Erickson for Piñata [email protected] 646-749-0777 Rachel Antman for MRI Software - North America [email protected] 212-362-5837 To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Hospitality Net
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Small Danish Hotels forms strategic partnership with Mews to accelerate digital transformation
Copenhagen – Mews, the industry-leading hospitality cloud, has been selected as a strategic partner by Small Danish Hotels, the largest independent hotel chain in Denmark, to support the digital transformation of its portfolio of 64 independently owned properties across the country. The agreement enables hotels within the Small Danish Hotels chain to adopt Mews' innovative property management system, with the goal of improving operational efficiency and guest experience. With a legacy spanning over 40 years, Small Danish Hotels connects a diverse portfolio of boutique hotels, inns, castles and seaside retreats, offering business stays as well as tailor-made holiday and weekend packages. This partnership gives its member hotels the opportunity to retain their individuality while gaining access to Mews' innovative property management system, enabling faster operations, deeper automation, and increased revenue opportunities. This partnership is a perfect match, said Matt Welle, CEO of Mews. Small Danish Hotels represent some of Denmark's most unique and independent properties. Through this collaboration, Mews can empower them to thrive individually while benefiting from the strength of a connected, forward-thinking brand. Member hotels that choose to implement Mews will benefit from award-winning cloud-based solutions, including digital check-in terminals and integrated payments, helping to reduce manual processes and elevate guest service. Partnering with Mews is a pivotal step in our digital evolution, said Finn Kræfting, CEO of Small Danish Hotels. Mews' modern, user-friendly platform will help our member hotels operate more efficiently, deliver even better guest experiences, and future-proof their businesses. It's a solution that respects the individuality of each hotel while uniting us under one powerful system. To learn more about how Mews is transforming hospitality for independent hotel brands like Small Danish Hotels, visit About Mews Mews is the leading platform for the new era of hospitality. Powering over 12,500 customers across more than 85 countries, Mews Hospitality Cloud is designed to streamline operations for modern hoteliers, transform the guest experience and create more profitable businesses. Customers include BWH Hotels, Strawberry, The Social Hub and Airelles Collection. Mews was named Best PMS (2024, 2025) and listed among the Best Places to Work in Hotel Tech (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) by Hotel Tech Report. Mews has raised $410 million from investors including Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Kinnevik and Tiger Global to transform hospitality. Katie Halfhead Senior Communications Manager
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Monument considers budget cuts as sales tax revenue drops
(MONUMENT, Colo.) — On Thursday, May 15, the town of Monument reported it is preparing for a nationwide recession and evaluating what cuts can be made. The town's 2025 budget is currently in good standing, despite a drop in sales tax revenue during the first few months. Town leaders stated that they are using funds from reserves to cover some costs in the budget for projects. But this may change depending on what happens in the economy over the next few months. The town is debating selling some town-owned property or renegotiating leases, and has held off filling some open positions to try to bring in more money for the town. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
