Latest news with #StarRatings
Business Wire
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
CUT by Wolfgang Puck at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Named to 2025 Star Bars List by Forbes Travel Guide
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CUT by Wolfgang Puck at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown was named one of the world's 58 Hotel Star Bars verified by Forbes Travel Guide ('FTG'), the world's leading authority on luxury hospitality. The full list is featured on 'At CUT, the experience goes far beyond the plate. It's about creating an atmosphere where every detail, every pour, and every interaction is intentional,' said Byron Lazaroff-Puck. This year's honorees, spanning 19 countries, were identified through data gathered as part of FTG's 2024 and 2025 Star Ratings, based on exacting incognito inspections globally. The bars named to the list excelled in scores related to their beverage program and presentation, as well as providing seamless, luxurious service and an exceptional guest experience. The selection of 58 honorees is a tribute to Forbes Travel Guide's founding as Mobil Travel Guide in 1958. Located in the heart of Tribeca, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is a 2025 Forbes Five-Star recipient, recognized for its outstanding hospitality, contemporary design, and refined sense of place. Adjacent to the hotel's lobby, the bar at CUT by Wolfgang Puck has emerged as a destination of its own, offering guests a vibrant yet intimate setting that seamlessly blends culinary innovation with elevated mixology. With its rich textures, warm lighting, and curated cocktail experience, the bar reflects the hotel's broader commitment to excellence, welcoming locals, travelers, and tastemakers to gather, unwind, and enjoy standout service in one of the city's most iconic luxury addresses. 'At Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, we are proud to deliver an experience that is both intimate and iconic,' said Igor Morosowski, General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. 'Being named to Forbes Travel Guide's Star Bars list affirms our commitment to excellence and recognizes the bar at CUT by Wolfgang Puck as a place where sophistication, creativity, and community intersect in the most memorable way.' 'At CUT, the experience goes far beyond the plate. It's about creating an atmosphere where every detail, every pour, and every interaction is intentional,' said Byron Lazaroff-Puck. 'This recognition celebrates our commitment to hospitality that feels both personal and elevated. Being part of Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown allows us to bring that vision to life in a setting defined by timeless luxury and world-class service. Guests come not just to unwind, but to connect, indulge, and be inspired. We're honored by this distinction and excited to continue raising the bar for what an unforgettable experience can be.' 'The 2025 Star Bars represent the pinnacle of hotel bar experiences,' said Hermann Elger, CEO of FTG. 'FTG's in-person inspections in more than 90 countries provide unmatched insight into hotel bars, with our research delving into two years of exacting data to surface the best of the best.' 'These awards highlight sophisticated ambiance, elevated service, artfully curated wine lists, and cocktails that are skillfully crafted and creatively presented," said Bastien Gardrat, Forbes Travel Guide's Global Spirits Ambassador. 'These are elements that come together to create an unforgettable hotel bar experience. Congratulations to the remarkable bars on this year's inaugural list.' To view the full list of 2025 Hotel Star Bars award winners, visit Connect with Forbes Travel Guide: Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises and their restaurants. Our anonymous inspectors evaluate hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world's best experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our exacting inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit About CUT by Wolfgang Puck at The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown The bar is an extension of CUT by Wolfgang Puck, the renowned chef's first Manhattan restaurant, located just next door off the lobby of The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. More than just a place to grab a drink, it stands as a destination in its own right. Designed with rich textures, warm lighting, and striking architectural details, the bar offers an intimate yet energetic atmosphere that echoes the restaurant's refined ambiance. Guests can enjoy innovative cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list, whether as a pre-dinner indulgence or a standalone experience. On select evenings, curated DJ sets elevate the vibe, infusing the space with a dynamic rhythm. Whether reconnecting with friends or unwinding after work, the bar has become a favorite among locals, business professionals, travelers, celebrities, and tastemakers alike - a true hidden gem nestled within one of New York's most iconic addresses.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
13 Press Releases You Need to See This Week
Including Warner Bros. Discovery's plans to split into two companies, a pride vinyl collection from Urban Outfitters and the launch of SmartLess Mobile. NEW YORK, June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Warner Bros. Discovery to Separate into Two Leading Media CompaniesThe Streaming & Studios company will consist of Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, and HBO Max, as well as their legendary film and television libraries. Global Networks will include premier entertainment, sports and news television brands around the world including CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., Discovery and Discovery+. Forbes Travel Guide Unveils 2025 Hotel Star Bars ListStar Bars were selected using data from FTG's 2024 and 2025 Star Ratings, with inspectors visiting incognito to assess service, ambiance and beverage quality across more than 1,500 hotels worldwide. The Conference Board Employment Trends Index™ (ETI) Fell in May"The ETI in May continued to slow relative to the start of 2025," said Mitchell Barnes, Economist at The Conference Board. "But despite general tariff wariness, the ETI is currently above the 2017-19 average, suggesting that the labor market broadly remains on solid footing." Two Icons Unite: Post Malone Announces Global Partnership with the Legendary Food & Drinkware Brand, Stanley 1913Post's affinity for the brand's timeless Originals line is evident in the inclusion of a premium Lunch Box and Classic Bottle set, marking a first-time collaboration for these iconic products. Honeywell Completes Acquisition of Sundyne to Expand Process Industry CapabilitiesThe acquisition of Sundyne—a leader in the design, manufacturing, and aftermarket support of highly-engineered pumps and gas compressors for process industries—is expected to be immediately accretive to Honeywell's sales growth and segment margins as well as to adjusted EPS in the first full year of ownership. Wilson Sporting Goods and Caitlin Clark Unveil Year Two Signature Basketball CollectionThe latest collection was developed by a team of women product designers at Wilson who collaborated closely with Caitlin throughout the process. They gathered key insights to create unique designs, highlighting the elements that keep Caitlin motivated and centered. U.S. News Acquires Sups AI to Supercharge College Admissions with AISups was created to provide resources for students who want feedback in their college-essay-writing process. Sups doesn't write essays for students — it acts as an advisor, brainstorming ideas, helping students research college-specific offerings and leaving thoughtful comments in Sups' custom-built document editor. Urban Outfitters Unveils First-Ever Pride Vinyl CollectionCreated to honor the deep connection between music, identity, and culture, the 18-title lineup features legendary releases from RuPaul, Kesha, Britney Spears, and a new drop from Frankie Grande. Bold, expressive, and unapologetically fun, the collection channels both high-energy beats and nostalgic anthems. SmartLess Mobile Wants You To Stop Overpaying - And They're Not Exactly Subtle About ItJason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, the minds (and mouths) behind the wildly popular SmartLess podcast - are taking on a new role: mobile entrepreneurs. With the launch of SmartLess Mobile, the trio is serving up a new kind of wireless service: direct-to-consumer, data-sane, and refreshingly BS-free. 2025 Hotel Price Index Reveals the Best Value Stays, 4-Star Sweet Spots, and Where Prices are FallingThe new report analyzes hotel pricing trends, finding international 5-star hotels are 27% cheaper than U.S. stays with luxe options under $200 in Hanoi, Pattaya and Auckland. Drink Up, Collect 'Em All - Whataburger Releases Limited-Edition Commemorative CupsStarting Tuesday, June 10, Guests can collect a rotating lineup of designs from four different collections that will launch throughout the rest of the year. Expect iconic Whataburger themes, some festive fun for Halloween and Christmas, plus something a little extra special for National Whataburger Day. OnePay and Synchrony to Launch New Industry-Leading Credit Card Program With Walmart; Credit Card to Be Powered by Mastercard and Set to Go Live This FallAs part of the program, OnePay and Synchrony will introduce both a general-purpose card, which will serve as the program's signature card and be available to use anywhere Mastercard is accepted, and a private label card, which will be exclusively for Walmart purchases. BOXABL Announces Intent to Merge with a SPAC, Targeting Nasdaq ListingThe Proposed Transaction represents a significant step forward in BOXABL's mission to revolutionize affordable, sustainable housing. BOXABL currently has over 50,000 investors, representing an aggregate investment of over $200 million, who have shown support for BOXABL's mission and vision. Read more of the latest releases from PR Newswire. Do you have a press release to distribute? Sign up with PR Newswire to share your story with the audiences who matter most. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers, and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Subject Matter Experts: Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Related Resources: Our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, features regular media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world. For questions, contact the team at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE PR Newswire Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Associated Press
25-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Medicare Advantage Star Ratings Plummet in 2025: Top Plans Leverage Technology to Thrive Amid Stricter CMS Standards, Black Book Research
Sweeping Study Identifies Critical Technology Solutions Helping High-Performing Plans Navigate the 2025 Medicare Advantage Crisis WASHINGTON, D.C., WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESS Newswire / May 25, 2025 / The Medicare Advantage (MA) market has encountered unprecedented turmoil in 2025, marked by the most significant drop in CMS Star Ratings in over a decade. Black Book Research reports the national average MA Star Rating sharply decreased from 4.07 in 2024 to 3.92 in 2025, with only seven plans attaining the elite 5-star status-down dramatically from 38 the previous year. Reduced Plan Offerings and Market Shifts The number of Medicare Advantage plans available for individual enrollment fell approximately 6%, decreasing from 4,428 in 2024 to 4,186 in 2025. This reduction primarily stems from insurers consolidating or exiting markets in response to intense financial pressures and tighter regulatory scrutiny. Contrasting this trend, Special Needs Plans (SNPs), targeting specific beneficiary health conditions, have risen by 8.5%, underscoring a market shift toward specialized healthcare delivery. Insurers such as Humana and UnitedHealthcare have notably adjusted their geographic presence, with Humana entering 12 new counties but exiting 70, while UnitedHealthcare expanded into 42 counties yet withdrew from 38. Stable Premiums Amid Rising Costs Despite these shifts, the average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans remained steady. Moreover, approximately 32% of MA plans now offer Medicare Part B premium reductions, an increase from 19% in 2024, providing beneficiaries additional savings. However, the financial strain remains substantial, with the median out-of-pocket maximum increasing from $5,000 to $5,400. Meanwhile, coverage of certain supplemental benefits such as over-the-counter items, remote technologies, meal services, and transportation has significantly declined. Heightened Regulatory Oversight Intensifies Pressure In response to mounting concerns over potential overpayments and program integrity, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) dramatically escalated their auditing activity, reviewing all 550 eligible MA plans annually,a sharp increase from 60 previously audited. This rigorous scrutiny has immediate and significant financial implications, particularly impacting major insurers which have already faced notable stock market declines. Technology Emerges as a Key Differentiator for Success Black Book's extensive research surveyed 972 senior executives across 550 Medicare Advantage and commercial health plans, identifying more than 300 software vendors critical to the success of high-performing plans. Evaluated across 18 qualitative KPIs-including regulatory compliance, integration, member experience improvement (CAHPS and HEDIS), and care quality-these elite plans strategically deploy advanced technologies across ten critical domains: Care Coordination and Chronic Disease Management Member Engagement and Satisfaction Preventive Services Utilization Real-Time Data and Analytics Quality Improvement Frameworks Provider Collaboration Grievance and Appeals Resolution Retention and Net Promoter Score (NPS) Tracking Coordination Across Care Settings Interoperability and Data Integration Stakeholders can access the detailed insights and vendor evaluations in the comprehensive 72-page report available at Black Book Market Research 'The 2025 Black Book of Technology Enablers for High-Performing Medicare Health Plans'. Black Book will release three focused follow-up analyses to follow up on: Care Coordination, Quality Improvement, and Advanced Analytics: Featuring population health platforms, predictive modeling solutions, and data transformation tools. Member Engagement, Experience, and Retention: Highlighting technologies driving member satisfaction, loyalty, and improved health outcomes. Real-Time Data, Regulatory Compliance, and Provider Collaboration: Showcasing vendor solutions enabling agile decision-making, seamless interoperability, audit preparedness, and optimized provider networks. In an increasingly challenging environment, strategic investments in technology have emerged as the critical pathway for elite Medicare Advantage plans to sustain operational excellence and successfully navigate heightened CMS standards. About Black Book Research Black Book Research provides independent, unbiased industry benchmarks and vendor performance evaluations for healthcare IT, outsourcing, and managed services. All Black Book satisfaction surveys are conducted free from vendor influence or paid participation, ensuring transparency, objectivity, and trust in every report. Contact InformationPress Office 8008637590 SOURCE: Black Book Research press release
