News Top: July
Pearlshire Capital Group Acquires the 172-key Holiday Inn Chicago SW Countryside Conference Center
Pearlshire Capital Group | July 29, 2014
July 30, 2014 - Chicago, IL - Pearlshire Capital Group has taken ownership of the Holiday Inn Chicago SW Countryside Conference Center and William Tell Restaurant. As new owners of the 172 room Chicago hotel, Pearlshire Capital Group, specialists in distressed real estate investments, will invest $8 million in capital improvements to reposition the property. Pearlshire Capital Group will retain the services of Ultima Hospitality, the company that has successfully managed the landmark property since 2012. "We are looking forward to working with Ultima Hospitality as we enter an exciting phase for the Holiday Inn Countryside" commented Re...
New 77-room La Quinta Inn Planned for Walla Walla, Washington
July 28, 2014
July 28--WALLA WALLA -- A new inn is in the works for Walla Walla. The new development, a La Quinta Inn, is planned at the southwest corner of Myra Road and Heritage Road. According to documents filed with the Walla Walla Joint Community Development Agency, it will be a four-story hotel with 77 rooms and a total floor area of 40,140 square feet. According to Lauren Prentice, development agency senior planner, because the building would be in the city's Highway Commercial zoning district, its plans will be subject to administrative review only and will not go before the city Planning Commission. An environmental Determination of Non-Sign...
Construction to Start for $3.6M 28-key Mills Park Hotel in Yellow Springs, Ohio
July 20, 2014
July 20--Construction of a new $3.6 million hotel in downtown Yellow Springs is scheduled to begin this week, backed by an owner who hopes a large inn in the village can boost tourism and the village's economy. The 24,000 square-foot Mills Park Hotel, 321 Xenia Avenue near Limestone Street, will be upon completion the largest lodging facility in the village. It will include 28 guest rooms and extended-stay suites, an exercise facility, a conference room that will hold up to 20 people and a banquet room that can hold up to 150 people, a cafe or bakery style restaurant and a small retail store. The ground has been leveled and gravel has b...
Investor Group Acquires Iconic Bahia Mar Resort & Marina in Fort Lauderdale, FL With Upgrade Plans
July 24, 2014
July 24--A group of South Florida real estate investors has purchased the iconic Bahia Mar Resort and Marina in Fort Lauderdale with visions of upgrading the waterfront property and adding shops, restaurants and condos. Miami real estate developers, brothers Jimmy and Kenny Tate, co-owners of Tate Capital, and longtime friend Sergio Rok, president of Rok Acquisitions, along with Rialto Capital Management and RCI Marine, paid an undisclosed price for a long-term lease on the 39-acre parcel. Blackstone Group had owned the lease on the property set on the Intracoastal Waterway across from a public beach. "It's iconic, it has a great name, ...
Plan to Turn Florida Keys Country Club in Marathon, FL into a Hotel Gets Go Ahead
July 12, 2014
July 12--The Marathon City Council on Tuesday unanimously OK'd the redevelopment of Florida Keys Country Club, a project fronted by accountant Peter Rosasco. The council granted Rosasco's team a conditional-use permit and development agreement that includes plans for an overhaul of the golf course on Sombrero Boulevard, a 76-unit hotel, 15 three-bedroom cottages, a 170-seat restaurant, new tennis courts, a swimming pool and a new clubhouse and pro shop. According to the development team's presentation, the construction would take place in three phases. The first would be to construct the cottages, eight on-site employee housing units an...
Ronald J. Hunter Named General Manager for the Embassy Suites Raleigh-Crabtree in North Carolina
Embassy Suites Hotels | July 21, 2014
MCLEAN, Va. - July 22, 2014 - Hilton Worldwide announced the appointment of Ronald J. Hunter as general manager of Embassy Suites Raleigh-Crabtree North Carolina, nestled on a wooded hill near downtown Raleigh and across from Crabtree Valley Mall, effective immediately. Hunter will direct and oversee the day-to-day operations of this all-suite hotel just ten miles from Raleigh-Durham Airport. Dedicated and award winning general manager, Hunter is familiar with North Carolina having attended North Carolina Central University and chairing the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau for three terms during service from 1996 to 2014. He join...
Jeffrey Fuller Appointed General Manager at Royal Sonesta Houston
Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston | July 8, 2014
HOUSTON, TX – July 9, 2014 – Industry veteran Jeffrey Fuller has joined the Royal Sonesta Houston as General Manager. In this capacity, he now helms one of the Bayou City's most exciting, new upscale hotel products. Fresh off a nearly $30-million renovation, the landmark, 485-room property features the largest meeting and event offering – 50,000 square feet – in the Galleria/Uptown area, a premier destination for group, leisure and business travel. Prior to his appointment at the Royal Sonesta Houston, Fuller was employed by John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts. Most recently, he was the General Manager of the Embassy Suites Gre...
Owned & Managed by Krishna Pearsall Investments, the 70-room Hampton Inn Pearsall Opens in Texas
Hampton IHotels | July 8, 2014
PEARSALL, Tex., and MCLEAN, Va., July 9, 2014 - Hampton Hotels, Hilton Worldwide's global brand of more than 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 70-room Hampton Inn Pearsall at 604 S. Lindsey Lane in Pearsall. "Conveniently located right outside San Antonio, Hampton Inn Pearsall provides its guests with great variety in amenities and activities," said Umesh Thakore, general manager, Hampton Inn Pearsall. "Quality accommodations and amenities combined with proactive, friendly service from our team members - all backed by the...
Hotels Donate & are Perfectly Positioned to Provide Unopened Toiletries to Non-Profit Organizations
Hotels For Humanity | July 23, 2014
RAPID CITY, S.D., July 24th, 2014 – Hundreds of new bars of soap and unopened individual bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body-wash donated by two Rapid City hotels will be given to local non-profit organizations, Hotels for Humanity announced today. The Grand Gateway Hotel and the Foothills Inn are providing the donation to Wellspring, Inc. and Working Against Violence, Inc. Wellspring offers therapeutic services for youth, while Working Against Violence provides temporary shelter, food and services to women who are victims of domestic violence and their children. "We are proud to be working with the Foothills Inn, the Grand Gatew...
Virgin Islands Government Chooses Company to Develop Water Island Hotel on Site of Former Resort
July 16, 2014
July 16--ST. THOMAS -- The V.I. government has chosen a newly established company to manage Water Island's first hotel resort in almost three decades. The Water Island Development Company is expected to turn more than 40 acres into a top rate hotel resort that will be in the same location as the Sugarbird Hotel, known formerly as the Water Island Hotel and Beach Club. Hurricane Hugo destroyed the 55-year-old resort in 1989. The new hotel resort will include beachfront property on Honeymoon Beach and Flamingo Bay. In early September, the V.I. Property and Procurement Department sought proposals from interested companies. More than 10 fir...
LED Source® Completes Lighting Retrofit at The Chatwal Hotel; Reduces Lighting Energy Use by 90%
LED Source | July 24, 2014
Uses Rebates and Incentives Program to Lower Costs to $1 Per LED Lamp (New York City)---LED Source®, the leading North American LED lighting solutions provider specializing in architectural, entertainment, and retrofit applications, has recently completed a major commercial project in the New York City area at The Chatwal, a Luxury Collection Hotel located in the heart of Manhattan's Theatre District. The project is part of a larger company initiative, led by Rick Lindemann, business development manager for the East Coast, to target all hotel properties throughout the greater New York City area that could benefit from an LED lighting u...
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta in Georgia Appoints Chef Michael Treanor as Chef De Cuisine
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta | July 22, 2014
ATLANTA, Ga.- July 23, 2014 -- The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta has announced the appointment of Michael Treanor as Chef de Cuisine. Treanor will oversee the culinary operations and menu creation at downtown Atlanta's only luxury hotel. His inspiration is a combination of his Southern roots and diverse culinary background. A professional chef for 15 years, Treanor grew up amid the rich cuisine of "The Hostess City of the South," in Savannah, Georgia. He takes great pleasure by infusing southern ingredients and flavor into his culinary dishes. He launched his professional career as a Sous Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead in The Dining Room fe...
Florida’s 442-key Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Completes Final Phase of its $20 Million Renovation
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay | July 31, 2014
TAMPA, Florida (August 1, 2014) - Following the completion of a $16 million rooms renovation in late 2012, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is proud to debut the highly anticipated final phase of its $20 million transformation. This second project included a full revamp of all public spaces to match the fresh look and feel of the 442 guest rooms and suites, an all-new dining experience at 1823 Kitchen and Bar and an innovative tech lounge within the hotel lobby. With the introduction of 1823 Kitchen and Bar, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay has added yet another opportunity for delectable dining to its already impressive lineup, which includes two of Tampa's...
Downtown Fort Worth’s Historic Ashton Hotel Sold to Ashford Hospitality Trust
July 21, 2014
July 21--The Ashton Hotel, a 39-room boutique hotel at the corner of Sixth and Main streets in downtown Fort Worth, has been sold to Dallas-based Ashford Hospitality Trust, which owns the nearby Hilton Hotel. Matt Mildren, the majority owner and managing partner of Ashton Hotel Partners, said the deal closed Friday. Ashford Hospitality took control of the property, 610 Main St., the same day. Executives with Ashford Hospitality, a real estate investment trust focused on the hospitality industry, could not be reached for comment on Monday. Ashford Hospitality has owned the Hilton, also known as the Radisson Plaza Hotel, since the mid-'90...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 126; Hotel History: Libby’s Hotel and Baths; Quote of the Month
Stanley Turkel, CMHS | July 1, 2014
By Stanley Turkel, CMHS 1. Hotel History: Libby's Hotel and Baths In the late 1920's the stock market was soaring, businesses were enjoying record profits and developers were constructing new buildings at a rapid pace. Mortgage companies began offering mortgage-backed securities, a new type of investment. One of the new buildings was the 12-story Libby's Hotel and Baths, built in 1926 at the corner of Chrystie and Delancey Streets in New York's lower east side. It was the first all-Jewish luxury hotel with an ornate swimming pool, modern gym, Russian-Turkish baths and lounges open to the entire community. The developer was Max Ber...
MPH Hotels to Develop 86-room Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Trinity, Florida
July 13, 2014
July 13--TRINITY -- The fast-growing Trinity area is slated to get its first hotel: an 86-room Holiday Inn Express and Suites. Saint Petersburg-based hotel developer Michael Holtz said he expects to close on a parcel at the intersection of State Road 54 and Corporate Center Drive, across from the West Pasco Industrial Park, as soon as the county issues permits for the $8 million hotel. "Trinity is a strong, growing area with a brand new hospital," Holtz said. "There are not enough hotels in the area now. There's definitely a strong retail base and a lot of homebuilding going on, so that creates demand for things like weddings and gradua...
Hotel Developers See Room for Growth in San Luis Obispo County in California
July 28, 2014
July 28--Hotel development has come roaring back to San Luis Obispo County. With the pain of the recession largely behind them, property owners and developers are teaming up with hotel operators to bring new hotels and inns to the area. While many are in the initial phases, others are already under construction or preparing to build. Even those with existing properties are sprucing them up to attract guests. Fueling the trend is an improved economy and pent-up demand for additional rooms catering to domestic and international travelers who have discovered the county's charm. The county has roughly 9,500 rooms, and local tourism official...
Frontera Hotel Group & LLJ Ventures Add Carlson to Portfolio: Open Radisson Hotel Atlanta NW
Frontera Hotel Group | July 10, 2014
Frontera Hotel Group and LLJ Ventures have opened the Radisson Hotel Atlanta Northwest after extensive renovations. The 218-room hotel is Carlson's only full-service property in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Radisson is part of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. David Berg, Chief Operating Officer of Carlson, visited the property just prior to the hotel's grand opening. The hotel features a full-service restaurant and lounge, more than 6,600 square feet of flexible ballroom and meeting space, an outdoor pool, fitness center and a fully remodeled lobby area. Located just off I-75 in Marietta, the hotel is convenient to Dobbins Air Force B...
Forza Group Proposes New Build Hampton Inn & Suites Near Station Square in Pittsburgh, PA
July 8, 2014
July 08--A 159-room Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel is in the works near Station Square. The Forza Group briefed city planning commission members today on a proposal to build the 15-story hotel on West Carson Street next to the Duquesne Incline. It is the second hotel the Bridgeville developer has proposed in or near the Golden Triangle in the past couple of months. Forza also plans to build an eight-story, 99-room Holiday Inn Downtown on Fort Pitt Boulevard. Forza hopes to begin construction of the Hampton Inn & Suites later this summer and have it completed in about 18 months. All of the rooms would face the Point and the Downtown ...
Construction to Begin for 88-room Radisson Hotel Santa Marta in Colombia
July 31, 2014
MINNEAPOLIS (August 1, 2014) - Radisson®, one of the best-recognized hotel brands, today announced the signing of the Radisson Hotel Santa Marta in partnership with Radisson Hotels International Latin America which will be located at Road 3 #130-60 on Bello Horizonte Beach in Santa Marta, Colombia. The ultra-modern style, 88-room oceanfront hotel will begin construction immediately. "As a leading hotel brand in South America, this signing reinforces our commitment to further expand our presence in key locations in the region," said Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Americas. "We are excited to part...
Loews Hotels & Resorts Completes Acquisition of the Graves 601 Hotel
Loews Hotels & Resorts | July 7, 2014
Rebranded Loews Minneapolis Hotel NEW YORK, NY (July 8, 2014) — Loews Hotels & Resorts, a wholly owned-subsidiary of Loews Corporation (NYSE: L), today announced that the company completed the acquisition of the 255-room Graves 601 Hotel Wyndham Grand. Located at the center of the business, theatre and entertainment districts in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the former Graves Hospitality property has immediately been converted to the Loews Hotels brand. Loews Hotels plans an approximate $7 million renovation scheduled to begin in early 2015. "The Loews Minneapolis is a great addition to the Loews portfolio," said Paul Whetsel...
Managed by Baywood Hotels, the Hampton Inn & Suites San Antonio-Downtown/Market Square Opens
Hampton Inn & Suites | July 8, 2014
SAN ANTONIO and MCLEAN, Va., July 9, 2014 - Hampton Hotels, Hilton Worldwide's global brand of more than 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 108-room Hampton Inn & Suites San Antonio-Downtown/Market Square located at 411 South Flores Street in San Antonio. The hotel is managed by Baywood Hotels. "Centrally located and nestled in an area featuring endless activities, San Antonio's newest hotel features free hot breakfast, a welcomed amenity for guests looking to get their day started off right," said Toni Ingle, general ...
InterMountain Management to Open 112-room TownePlace Suites in Fort Walton Beach, Florida Next Month
July 22, 2014
July 22--FORT WALTON BEACH -- Major construction is finished. The paint is dry. Furniture has been delivered. The first TownePlace Suites in Northwest Florida is scheduled to open Aug. 15. "Fort Walton Beach is going to have the newest and best representative of the Marriott brand right here at the foot of the Shalimar bridge," said John Birr, general manager of the TownePlace Suites. Birr said most of the hotel's 25 to 30 staff members have already been hired. However, the hotel is still looking for some maintenance, housekeeping and laundry staff. To apply for those positions, go to the hotel and fill out an application. InterMountain...
Managed by BMI Hospitality, The 122-room Hampton Inn Seattle/Everett Opens in Washington
Hampton Hotels | July 31, 2014
August 1, 2014 - EVERETT, Wash. and MCLEAN, Va. - Hampton Hotels, Hilton Worldwide's global brand of more than 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 122-room Hampton Inn Seattle/Everett, located at 2931 West Marine View Drive in Everett. "Hampton Inn Seattle/Everett brings to the city the unwavering comfort and friendly, convenient experience that is known of the Hampton brand," said Melissa Springer, general manager, Hampton Inn Seattle/Everett. "Our staff is committed to make sure guests have the best experience during thei...
Hotel Development Financing: How to Win the Race for EB-5 Capital
Jim Butler | July 30, 2014
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 30 July 2014 A viable source of capital and now mainstream The EB-5 Immigrant Investment Visa program offers an alternative means of raising capital for hotel development projects in the U.S., and the lawyers in JMBM's Global Hospitality Group® and Chinese Investment Group™ have worked on more than sixty EB-5 projects all over the United States. Over just the past 3 years, the EB-5 program has quickly gained the support of some of the largest, institutional-quality developers as well as major hotel brands. Perhaps a bit late, many develop...
