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Industry Happenings
Carlson Rezidor to Develop the 225-key Radisson Blu Hotel Mannheim in Germany to Open in 2016
Rezidor Hotel Group | July 22, 2013
July 22, 2013 - Carlson Rezidor, one of the ten largest hotel groups worldwide, announces the Radisson Blu Hotel Mannheim in Germany. The new built property featuring 225 keys is scheduled to open in 2016. Radisson Blu is Europe's largest upper upscale brand and offers first class, full service hotels with contemporary architecture and design, innovative concepts, and signature services such as free high speed internet access. "We are delighted to further strengthen our presence in our home market Germany where we now operate and develop 26 Radisson Blu hotels. Due to its excellent location, style and services the Radisson Blu Hotel Man...
The 460-room Hilton Times Square in NYC Completes $15 Million Hotel Revitalization Project
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | July 22, 2013
July 22, 2013 - NEW YORK - Hilton Worldwide proudly announces a fresh chapter in the life of Hilton Times Square. The iconic, upscale full-service hotel in New York, New York, features 460 all-new guest rooms (including two all-new suites). Drawing on inspiration from Times Squares' history, formally known as Long Acre Square, the design direction for the newly renovated hotel is based on the "squares" history. This boutique-style property is perfectly situated on famous 42nd Street in the heart of Times Square excitement. Hilton Times Square was originally built in 2000. The hotel features a modernist facade of geometric shapes in prim...
Carey Watermark Investors Sells Interest in Long Beach, California Hotels
Carey Watermark Investors | July 22, 2013
NEW YORK, July 22, 2013 -- Carey Watermark Investors Incorporated (CWI) announced today that it sold its 49% interest in a joint venture owning two hotels located on the waterfront in Long Beach, CA - Hotel Maya, a Doubletree by Hilton; and Residence Inn Long Beach Downtown - to its partner in the venture, Ensemble Hotel Partners, LLC (Ensemble). CWI sold its joint venture interest for approximately $22.6 million, with Ensemble retaining the obligations of the venture, including all third party debt. CWI's joint venture investment with Ensemble in the two properties, which occurred in May 2011, was CWI's first investment. Commenting on ...
Hotel Transaction Volumes in Asia Strongest Since 2008 According to Jones Lang LaSalle Report
July 22, 2013
SINGAPORE, 22 July, 2013 – Confirmed hotel transaction volumes in Asia reached USD 1.3 billion in H1 2013, up 85 percent on H1 2012, according to Jones Lang LaSalle's Hotels & Hospitality Group. The latest "Asia Hotel Investment (H1 2013)" report shows that the solid growth in sales activity marks the region's strongest first half year since H1 2008. Weight of investment into the established tourism markets of Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo, coupled with opportunistic deals in emerging markets such as Thailand and the Maldives was predominately responsible for driving growth in the region. Mike Batchelor, Managing Director Investm...
IHG to Open 57-room Hotel Indigo Paris – Opera in 2014 Through a Property Renovation and Conversion
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | July 22, 2013
22 July, 2013 - IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading global hotel companies, is proud to announce the signing of a management agreement with Société Foncière Lyonnaise (SFL) for the development of Hotel Indigo Paris – Opera, France. Located just a few steps from Opera Garnier and the InterContinental Paris Le Grand, this addition follows the recent signings of the Hotel Indigo boutique brand in Rome and Brighton. The property is owned by Société Foncière Lyonnaise (SFL) one of the largest real estate owners in France. The property, currently trading under an existing brand, will undergo major renovatio...
FairBridge Hotels Expands to Arkansas
FairBridge Hotels International | July 22, 2013
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON, July 22, 2013 - The hospitality firm headquartered in downtown Spokane, FairBridge Hotels International, today announced the opening of its newest hotel in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The 179-room FairBridge Inn & Suites is located at 3006 S. Caraway Road off exit 42 of Hwy 63 near industrial parks, hospitals, banks, Arkansas State University, fairgrounds, Turtle Creek Mall and Joe Campbell Park. Guests enjoy the crystal blue indoor pool, bright glass atrium, deluxe business center, and recently upgraded fitness center. As with every FairBridge, guests can expect free hot breakfast and wi-fi. "If planning a meeting or ...
Three Years After Filing Bankruptcy, Extended Stay America Files for Proposed IPO
Extended Stay America | July 22, 2013
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Extended Stay America today announced that it has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") relating to its proposed initial public offering. The offering will consist of common stock of Extended Stay America, Inc. and Class B common stock of ESH Hospitality, Inc., which will be attached and trade together as a unit. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering have not been determined. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the SEC, but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, n...
Bryan Skelding Named Executive Chef at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
The Greenbrier | July 22, 2013
White Sulphur Springs, WV - July 22, 2013: The Greenbrier, the historic American destination retreat in the foothills of West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains, has announced the appointment of Bryan Skelding as its new Executive Chef, overseeing all 14 dining venues at the resort. Chef Skelding's relationship with The Greenbrier spans almost the length of his career. He joined The Greenbrier culinary brigade in 2002 as lead chef in the Tavern Room. After a stint at the famed L'Orangerie in Los Angeles, Skelding returned to West Virginia, and The Greenbrier, as Saucier. For almost two years, he managed all hot food production for the Main ...
Pentahotel Hong Kong, Kowloon to Open in the Kai Tak Area of Kowloon East
pentahotel Hong Kong, Kowloon | July 22, 2013
Pentahotel Hong Kong, Kowloon will open 5 August 2013 as the first international brand hotel in the fast-emerging Kai Tak area of Kowloon East. Just like pentahotels in Europe, the neighbourhood lifestyle pentahotel will be designed as a gathering spot for the local community and a home base for independent-minded travellers keen to discover the colourful surrounding neighbourhoods. The 32-storey pentahotel Hong Kong, Kowloon, a few minutes' walk from the Diamond Hill MTR station, will feature 695 practical, New York loft-style inspired guestrooms. The hotel's design will blend style with simplicity and comfort with convenience. Its con...
Xanterra Completes Phase 1 of Renovations of Yellowstone National Park’s Lake Yellowstone Hotel
Xanterra Parks & Resorts | July 22, 2013
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, July 21, 2013 - The oldest hotel in Yellowstone National Park, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, has received a bottom-up facelift - literally - that would make any grand dame of 122 years proud. The project, costing in excess of $10 million, included new lobby décor, major structural enhancements, the addition of an elevator, new business center and 43 renovated rooms, including four newly created suites in the west wing of the hotel. Xanterra Parks & Resorts' Yellowstone National Park Lodges, operator of the hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, tours and activities in the park, has been working since the day the hot...
Marshall Hotels & Resorts Selected as Management Firm for Three Hotel Properties
Marshall Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | July 22, 2013
SALISBURY, Md., July 22, 2013 - Marshall Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a leading hotel management and services company that operates properties nationwide, today announced that it added three hotel management contracts to its rapidly expanding portfolio, marking eight new additions this year. The new properties include the 187-room Holiday Inn Pittsburgh-Monroeville in Pa., the 197-room Lafayette Yard Hotel & Conference Center in Trenton, N.J., and the 440-room Ramada Kissimmee Maingate West in Fla. "While each of these hotels had very specific needs of their own, they all required an experienced management team to help them achieve thei...
California’s Holiday Inn Torrance Completes Property-Wide Renovation
Holiday Inn | July 22, 2013
TORRANCE, CA - July 22, 2013 - The Holiday Inn Torrance has announced the completion of a $4 million property-wide renovation. Included in the scope of work were all guest rooms and guest corridors, the hotel's Ginger Café and Ginger Lounge. Guest room areas received the greatest attention with new carpet, wall vinyl and comfort furniture. All rooms were installed with HDTV, HD entertainment programming and MP3 music player compatible clock radios. Guest bathrooms were totally renovated, featuring stone tub surrounds, marble floors, granite counter tops and all new fixtures. The Ginger Café was re-created as a contemporary Asian bistr...
The 98-room Courtyard New Bern Riverfront Opens in New Bern, North Carolina
Courtyard by Marriott | July 22, 2013
New Bern, North Carolina - July 22, 2013 - Courtyard by Marriott is rolling out its innovative lobby and room design in New Bern, North Carolina. This is the first Courtyard in the area featuring the Refreshing Business lobby environment, where guests can enjoy an open and flexible space. Along with media pods, Wi-Fi and a variety of seating zones, the redefined space is ideal for everything from pop-up meetings to social gatherings. The 98-room Courtyard New Bern Riverfront, that opened on Thursday, July 18, 2013, also offers a refreshing and stylish room design that helps guests stay connected, productive and comfortable. Thoughtfully...
Euro Building Hotel Group Debuts in the U.S. with the Opening of 133-room EB Hotel Miami in Florida
EB Hotel Miami | July 22, 2013
Miami, FL - (July 21, 2013) - A uniquely appointed luxury hotel geared specifically for the frequent business traveler, the 133-room EB Hotel Miami opened its doors this summer, welcoming business travelers who fly through Miami every day. Just a few steps from Miami International Airport, the new EB Hotel Miami aims to bring a modern luxury hotel experience to the business traveler. Featuring cutting-edge design, personalized service, world class dining, modern conveniences and contemporary amenities, the EB Hotel Miami is the first property to open in the US market. Part of the Eurobuilding Hotel Group, which owns and operates several...
DoubleTree Debuts in Poland with DoubleTree by Hilton Lodz Opening; A Conversion of Lodz Film Studio
DoubleTree By Hilton | July 22, 2013
LODZ, Poland - July 22, 2013 - Hilton Worldwide is offering visitors to the city of Lodz a unique voyage through Poland's cinematic history thanks to today's opening of the country's first DoubleTree by Hilton, part of Hilton Worldwide's upscale brand which features more than 350 hotels globally. Opening at the site of the Lodz Film Studio, the newly built DoubleTree by Hilton Lodz pays homage to the golden age of Polish cinema. Its towering 8,000 square meter glass façade depicts a scene from one of the many Polish film masterpieces to have emanated from Lodz's famous 'Dream Factory' studios. Once inside, guests continue their journey...
HeBS Launches New Ventana Inn Website, the Perfect Blend of Artistry, Technology and Functionality
HeBS Digital | July 22, 2013
HeBS Digital is excited to announce the launch of the new Ventana Inn website. Designed and launched with the Elite Website Design Package, the site uses dynamic custom design, state-of-the-art digital technology, and engaging content to provide an intuitive user experience and effortless booking environment. New York, NY (July 22, 2013) - HeBS Digital announces the launch of the new Ventana Inn website http://www.ventanainn.com. Designed and launched with the Elite Website Design Package, the site uses dynamic custom design, state-of-the-art AJAX and CMS technology, and engaging content with vibrant full-screen images, search engine-op...
Hotel Assets Group Involved in 127 Hotel Transactions Over Last 12 Months
Hotel AG | July 22, 2013
ATLANTA - July 22, 2013 - Hotel AG announced today the firm has been involved in 127 hotel transactions over the past 12 months. In the past 6 weeks, the firm has closed 10 transactions that range from select service hotels including Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard brands to full service assets. The hotels are located throughout the major US regions and cover most brand families. Currently, Hotel AG has 196 hotels on the market with 41 hotels under sale agreement expected to close within the next several months. H. Keith Thompson, principal of the firm, stated, "The hotel real estate market today is at a fevered pitch and we are seeing ...
The 140-room Courtyard by Marriott Leon at the Poliforum Opens in Mexico
Courtyard by Marriott | July 22, 2013
July 21, 2013 - Marriott International announced the opening of the 140-room Courtyard by Marriott Leon at the Poliforum, expanding the brand's roster of Mexico properties to nine and solidifying the country's position as the most important Latin American market for Marriott's leading mid-tier hotel brand. The stunning hotel is located conveniently near the Poliforum Leon Convention and Exhibition Center, Leon Airport, Leon Stadium, Explora Science Center, Centro Max Shopping Center and the city's main industrial parks. Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool. "From the refreshing, open business lobbies to our modern...
Starwood’s Development Pipeline in Mexico Includes Eight New Hotels Totaling Nearly 1,100 Rooms
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | July 22, 2013
STAMFORD, Conn. - July 22, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today plans to expand its hotel portfolio in Mexico by 30 percent, emphasizing the important role the country plays in Starwood's Americas growth strategy and its prominence in the global travel market. Starwood continues to lengthen its lead as the largest operator in the upper-upscale hotel segment in Mexico with eight new hotels in its development pipeline that will add nearly 1,100 rooms. Mexico is Starwood's largest market in Latin America with 24 hotels and a total of 4,800 rooms, representing eight of the company's nine brands in...
Brooklyn’s Hotel Le Bleu Goes Up For Sale
BuildCentral | July 22, 2013
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Have Updated 263 Hotels in the Last Two Weeks with Changes in Personnel, Property Management or Ownership Chicago, IL. July 22, 2013 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have reported 263 changes in personnel, property management and ownership in the Hotel Profiles database over the last two weeks. Many hotels are getting a fresh start with a new Owner, Property Manager or General Manager. Recommend your product or service to someone who might be looking for a change. Hotels Under New Management: Hilton Garden Inn Greenville (Greenville, SC) Ames Hotel -Boston (Boston, MA) Holiday Inn East Hartford (East H...
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Appoints Rachael Marret as Senior Vice President, Customer Engagement
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | July 19, 2013
Minneapolis - July 19, 2013 - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the appointment of Rachael Marret as senior vice president, Customer Engagement, effective July 15, 2013. Rachael will report to Suzy Riesterer, chief commercial officer. In this newly created position, Marret will play a key global leadership role within the Commercial organization to drive customer engagement and build lasting loyalty with our company and brands. As we continue to build our global organization and team in support of our Ambition 2015 strategy, we were fortunate enough to have Rachael ret...
Hyatt Plans to Enter the All-Inclusive Resort Segment in Partnership with Playa Hotels & Resorts
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | July 19, 2013
CHICAGO (July 19, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that a wholly owned Hyatt subsidiary plans to enter the all-inclusive segment in partnership with Playa Hotels & Resorts B.V. ("Playa"). Playa was created with the goal of becoming a leading owner, operator and developer of all-inclusive resorts. Hyatt expects to invest a total of $325 million, consisting of $100 million for an approximate 20 percent ownership stake in Playa and $225 million for convertible preferred stock in Playa. Playa's hotel portfolio will include 13 resorts totaling approximately 5,800 rooms across the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Ja...
Hyatt Hotels and Concord Hospitality Open 137-room Hyatt House Raleigh North Hills in North Carolina
Hyatt House | July 19, 2013
CHICAGO - July 19, 2013 - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Concord Hospitality today announce the opening of Hyatt House Raleigh North Hills, marking the brand's second hotel in the Raleigh area and fourth in North Carolina. The 137-room hotel provides a refreshing new choice for business and leisure travelers looking for the extra space and amenities allowing a space to live, not just stay. "Our social and contemporary environment will help guests feel connected, welcome, and at home," said Jason Andrews, general manager, Hyatt House Raleigh North Hills. "Hyatt House is everything the name represents – a welcoming and warm envi...
MPI Grows Hotel Portfolio with Acquisition of Atlanta, Georgia’s Sheraton Suites Galleria Hotel
MPI, Mall Properties, Inc. | July 19, 2013
NEW YORK, July 19, 2013 -- MPI, Mall Properties, Inc., one of the country's leading private owners, developers and managers of commercial real estate, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the Sheraton Suites Galleria hotel in Atlanta, GA. MPI purchased the hotel for $21 million from FelCor Lodging Trust and will invest a further $9 million on renovations to the property. With today's acquisition, MPI's hotel division, Olshan Hotel Management, Inc. ("OHMI") now owns and manages five hotels throughout the nation including award-winning Marriott- and Hilton-flagged properties. While this acquisition represents MPI's fir...
