International News

International News

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

University Fulfills Vision of Opening a Hotel on Campus

In January, The Inn at Elon in Elon, N.C., opened its doors to host its first guests. Managed by Charlestowne Hotels, the $31 million, 80-room hotel is the first on Elon University’s campus. The Inn at Elon, LLC, and all of its revenue beyond operating costs will be directed to fund scholarships for the university’s students. The inn’s conference facilities, which include a 5,200-square-foot ballroom that accommodates up to 340 people and outdoor lawn space for 440 people, are open to the public and available for business meetings and retreats as well as local celebrations and events. Additionally, the hotel has 10 suites and 70 rooms with king- and queen-sized beds; an upscale restaurant and lounge; a fitness center; dedicated on-site parking; valet and bell service; and complimentary bicycle rentals for guests to explore the campus.

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

World’s Largest Comfort Hotel Opens at Stockholm Arlanda Airport in Sweden

Nordic Choice Hotels opened the doors to the Comfort Hotel Arlanda Airport in Stockholm, Sweden on January 30. The 503-room hotel is the largest in the Comfort brand system worldwide. A select-service brand, Comfort hotels are environmentally conscious and challenge the traditional image of what hotels offer to guests. Hotels are situated in central locations and offer a welcoming environment and amenities that make for a good night's rest, all at the best possible price in their segment. The hotel is actively trying to counter food waste by using smaller plates, fruits and berries are made into smoothies, palm oil is banned and there is no beef on the menu. Last year, the hotel removed all disposable plastic and the goal is for only 1% of everything consumed to go to incineration.

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

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) Opens Devi Ratn, A Seleqtions Hotel In Jaipur

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the opening of Devi Ratn, Jaipur. This hotel will be a part of the SeleQtions brand. Located a short distance from the city centre, the resort is spread over 20 acres of lush green landscapes. Each of the spacious 60 rooms and suites offer a view of the Aravalli hills. Vyom, the all-day dining restaurant, with its 18-feet towering pillars, serves contemporary Indian and European cuisine. Mandala, the eclectic bar serves inventive Jaipur cocktails. Guests can also enjoy a quiet meal at Jal, the poolside café. The hotel’s conference room, banquet halls and sprawling lawns are geared for grand occasions – be it corporate off-sites or fairy tale weddings. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have nine hotels in Jaipur, including three under development.

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

The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali Opens

Westin Hotels & Resorts yesterday announced the opening of its latest Bali Resort, The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali. The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali features 120 contemporary guestrooms, suites and villas, each equipped with the brand's signature Heavenly® Bed and Heavenly® Bath that deliver total relaxation. Additionally, there are two private Pool Villas that offer an intimate experience for larger groups and families with prime views overlooking the entire resort. The resort also has numerous dining options, including the all-day dining venue Tabia - featuring hand-painted murals by local artists, this restaurant offers international cuisine, local specialties, and healthy dishes from Westin's Eat Well menu. Tall Trees offers a splendid dining experience complemented with a view of the river and tropical forest, highlighting flavors inspired by ancient recipes in which fresh ingredients are cooked.

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

Global Agents Launches New Japanese Hotel Brand

Japanese real-estate developer Global Agents announced the February 2020 opening of their new hotel brand, /slash. This new brand seeks to revolutionize the traditional hotel business in Japan and offer the next generation of digital hotels. With a total of 95 rooms, /slash offers guests a unique toss-up of digital-art aesthetics, (even room numbers are displayed digitally), and a high-tech smart-hotel experience. Guests have complete control over their room through a fully integrated application developed especially for /slash, which customers can find on the iPhone provided in each room. The application has several useful functions, including an alarm system based on bed movement, lighting adjustment, and control of the 80-inch projector screen built into every room. Guests can connect their personal devices to watch their favorite shows in a private theatre space.

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

Surestay Hotel by Best Western Floresville Opens in Texas

The SureStay Hotel by Best Western Floresville has opened its doors in Floresville, Texas. The SureStay Hotel by Best Western Floresville will provide guests with an experience they can count on and the amenities today's travelers have come to expect. Located at 1720 10th Street in Floresville, Texas, the hotel features 42 well-appointed guest rooms, complete with flat-screen televisions, microwaves and mini fridges. The SureStay Hotel by Best Western Floresville also offers an outdoor pool, a pavilion with barbeque pits and picnic tables, complimentary hot breakfast and free wireless internet – providing guests with the superior comfort and utmost value they want out of their stay. The property's location is optimal for guests interested in exploring the nearby area as it is just a short drive from Cycle Ranch, home to over 20 motocross events each year.

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

MCR Acquires 164 Room SpringHill Suites by Marriott Boston Peabod

MCR, the fifth-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, has acquired the 164-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott Boston Peabody. The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Boston Peabody is located at 43 Newbury Street and features: 1. 164 suites with mini-refrigerators, coffeemakers, microwaves and wet bars 2. A free daily hot breakfast buffet 3. Free fast Wi-Fi 4. The Market, a 24-hour sundry and convenience store 5. A 24-hour fitness center 6. An indoor saltwater pool and whirlpool 7. 5,500 square feet of flexible event space accommodating up to 250 people 8. A full-service business center 9. Complimentary parking 10. On-site laundry service and valet dry cleaning MCR is the fifth-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States with a $3.0 billion portfolio of 86 premium-branded hotels containing 15,000 guestrooms across 29 states and 76 cities.

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

Four Seasons to debut new hotels, resorts, private residences and more in 2020

Anticipated openings embody the company’s commitment to setting the highest standards for guest experiences in its growing global portfolio. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, continues to expand its global portfolio with strategic openings of new hotels, resorts and branded private residences in the world’s most desirable locations. Working in concert with its partners, each new development authentically reflects the character of the destination, envisioning new ways for travelers to experience the world of Four Seasons. Recent innovations have included the company’s first standalone Private Residences, fully serviced by Four Seasons, in London at Twenty Grosvenor Square; a technology-led development with Comcast in Philadelphia; and the Athenian Riviera conversion of the iconic Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens.

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