International News

International News

Marriott Is Already Reopening China Hotels During Coronavirus Crisis

Marriott was already having trouble in Asia-Pacific in 2019 before the coronavirus impact hit. The company isn't forecasting a major impact outside of Asia, and it's already reopening hotels inside China. It pays to collect fees — and not actually own or run hotels — during a crisis like this. As Marriott International goes, so goes the global hotel industry. The sector's largest player has had its China operation annihilated by the coronavirus crisis, but is already seeing positive signs of a return to normal. So much so that the chain has started to open hotels that had been closed in China, executives said. They didn't say where, or specify how many.

Create: Mar 1, 2020 Edit: Mar 1, 2020

One thousand tourists has been quarantined and sealed in a hotel suspected of being affected by Corona virus

After a person was infected with the Corona virus in Tenerife, Spain, about one thousand tourists were baned to leave the hotel.

Create: Mar 1, 2020 Edit: Mar 1, 2020

The Italian economy's sharp decline

Due to Corona virus outbreak, Italy's economy, including the tourism industry, has been influenced by the spread of the Corona virus, and the governor of Veneto ordered the opening of all schools, cinemas, museums and public places on Monday. In Italy, more than 400 people have been infected with the coronavirus. Many sports competitions were postponed following the outbreak. Many foreign tourists canceled their planned trips to its cities, including the historic city of Venice.

Create: Mar 1, 2020 Edit: Mar 1, 2020

Dallas’ HALL Arts Hotel Joins Crescent Hotels & Resorts Latitudes Collection

The new HALL Arts Hotel, which opened its doors in the Dallas Arts District in December 2019, has joined Crescent Hotels & Resorts’ Latitudes collection of lifestyle hotels & resorts. With a lifestyle-driven, property-specific approach to hotel management and operations, Crescent’s Latitudes portfolio encompasses exceptional hotel properties from across the U.S. Some of the collection’s featured properties include The Mayfair at Coconut Grove, Newport Beachside Resort, and the PGA National Resort & Spa. Designed by HKS Architects, HALL Arts Hotel offers 183 contemporary guest rooms, including 19 Dallas Arts District-inspired suites, a rooftop pool, a show-stopping contemporary art collection and a state-of-the-art fitness center. ELLIE’S Restaurant + Lounge serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-room dining with live music and entertainment five nights a week.

Create: Mar 1, 2020 Edit: Mar 1, 2020

Stonebridge Companies Acquires Residence Inn by Marriott Herndon Reston

Stonebridge Companies — a Denver-based, privately owned, innovative hotel owner, operator and developer — has acquired and will manage the 168-room Residence Inn by Marriott Herndon Reston in Herndon, Virginia. The acquisition is Stonebridge Companies’ second in less than three months and third since late 2018. Stonebridge last month announced the purchase of the Le Méridien New Orleans, and in late 2018 acquired the Embassy Suites by Hilton New Orleans. The extended-stay hotel offers modern and spacious studio and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and complimentary Wi-Fi. It features a seasonal outdoor pool and Sport Court®, barbecue and picnic area, complimentary breakfast buffet, 24-hour market and on-site business center and meeting space. Guests can also earn and receive benefits through the Marriott Bonvoy™ loyalty program.

Create: Feb 28, 2020 Edit: Feb 28, 2020

495 Room Tower at Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas Celebrates Topping Out

CIM Group announced yesterday that it has reached a construction milestone at the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino with the topping out of a new eight-story tower, marking a significant expansion of the centrally located property in downtown Las Vegas. The 250,000-square-foot tower will add 495 modern hotel guestrooms to the hotel’s existing 629 premier guestrooms located in two towers. Upon completion of the new tower anticipated in late summer, Downtown Grand will offer guests a total of 1,124 rooms in a variety of room configurations. CIM established Downtown Grand as a popular destination for locals and visitors with its variety of dining establishments, entertainment programming, and a gaming venue. The additional 495 rooms in the hotel expansion allows the Downtown Grand to meet its increased customer.

Create: Feb 28, 2020 Edit: Feb 28, 2020

Former Grand Ayudhaya Hotel In Bangkok to Convert to Hilton Brand

Hilton today announced the signing of a management agreement for its largest hotel in Bangkok yet. Together with real estate company AP Prime Property Company Ltd., Hilton will convert the former Grand Ayudhaya Hotel into a 608-room hotel under the company’s flagship brand, with a target to open it as Hilton Bangkok Ratchada in 2022. No more than 27 kilometers from both the Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport, the hotel will be located on one of Bangkok’s major arteries, Ratchadapisek Road, which sits in close proximity to landmarks. The hotel will feature an executive lounge and two restaurants including an all-day dining restaurant and a Chinese specialty restaurant, with other dining options available in the hotel’s café and bar. Guests can spend their downtime in the hotel’s fitness center or pool.

Create: Feb 23, 2020 Edit: Feb 23, 2020

Hilton to Feature Three Brands at US$4.3 Billion Integrated Las Vegas Resort

Resorts World Las Vegas and Hilton have partnered to bring three of Hilton’s premium brands together for the first time when the US$4.3 billion integrated resort, which is currently being developed, opens in summer 2021. The 3,500-room resort will also be part of Hilton Honors, the guest-loyalty program for Hilton's 18 brands. Guests will have access to the resort’s premier facilities, including a 5,000-capacity state-of-the-art theater which is scalable to host A-list celebrity residencies and corporate events; 350,000 square feet of meeting and convention space; 220,000-square-foot pool complex with seven unique pool experiences; spa and fitness center; extensive collection of casual and fine-dining food and beverage concepts; and more.

Create: Feb 23, 2020 Edit: Feb 23, 2020

Accor set to expand Ethiopia footprint with Ibis Styles hotel in 2023

Design-led economy 150-key property in Addis Ababa to grow the group’s presence to five properties countrywide. Accor is expanding its presence in Ethiopia after signing a management agreement to open a new property under its design-led economy brand, Ibis Styles. The Group has partnered with private conglomerate, Yuluch Elyano Trading plc, to operate the 150-key Ibis Styles Addis Ababa with a scheduled opening date of 2023. Conveniently situated just off the city’s main thoroughfare, Bole Road, 1km from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and close to corporate institutions and embassies, the property will appeal to regional and international business travellers seeking stylish and affordable accommodation. Ibis Styles Addis Ababa will offer 150 rooms, each featuring the brand’s signature Sweet BedTM by ibis concept, which is unrivalled in the economy sector.

Create: Feb 23, 2020 Edit: Feb 23, 2020

Apple Leisure Group breaks ground on 2 hotel resorts in Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic will welcome Secrets Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana and Dreams Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana. Two of the 18 management deals, Secrets Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana and Dreams Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana are the first AMResorts-branded properties in this region of the country, and bring its total number of properties in the Caribbean to 20. These two new resorts form the backbone of the $400-million Playa Esmeralda hospitality development. Once complete, Playa Esmeralda will encompass nearly 1,500 hotel units, as well as a shared promenade, where guests from all hotels can mingle and enjoy a convention center, a theatre for live entertainment, ample retail offerings, and a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa. The promenade will also serve as the property’s main culinary hub, featuring diverse gourmet restaurants and elevated buffets.

Create: Feb 23, 2020 Edit: Feb 23, 2020

Marriott opens first Aloft Hotel in Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan

Aloft Hotels, Marriott International’s innovation incubator brand for global travelers, announced the opening of Aloft San Juan, the first Aloft hotel in the Caribbean. By mixing art, technology, and music, Aloft San Juan introduces a new social scene with a fresh approach that differentiates itself from the traditional hotel offering. Located only a few minutes away from El Viejo San Juan, a historic area renowned for its cultural and gastronomic offering, the hotel is one of the anchor properties of El Distrito and the first to open in the 50,000 square-foot central plaza that will serve as the hub of all things fun and entertainment in Puerto Rico

Create: Feb 23, 2020 Edit: Feb 23, 2020

MGP and BREIT Complete MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay Acquisition

MGM Resorts International, MGM Growth Properties (MGP), and Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust (BREIT) announced the closing of the previously announced transaction for a joint venture formed between MGP and BREIT to acquire the Las Vegas real estate assets of the MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay for $4.6 billion. In addition, BREIT has purchased approximately 4.9 million MGP Class A shares at a price of $30.67 per share. In connection with the completion of the transaction, MGM Resorts has entered into a long-term, triple-net master lease for both properties. MGM has also provided a full corporate guarantee of rent payments. Together, the MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay comprise 9,743 rooms, approximately three million square feet of meeting space, and approximately 300,000 square feet of casino space across 226 acres on the Las Vegas Strip.

Create: Feb 19, 2020 Edit: Feb 19, 2020