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, 2020In 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, 2020Nordic 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, 2020Indian 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, 2020Westin 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, 2020Japanese 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, 2020The 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, 2020MCR, 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, 2020Anticipated 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, 2020WHO has developed a dashboard for Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) with the number of confirmed cases globally, which includes cases in China by provinces, regions and cities, as well as confirmed cases outside China by country. HIGHLIGHTS No new countries reported cases of 2019-nCoV in the past 24 hours. The infection prevention and control (IPC) global network is convened through weekly teleconferences with international IPC experts to discuss technical aspects of IPC measures, share epidemiological updates and experiences regarding the IPC measures put in place in affected countries. In consultation with the global IPC expert network, WHO has released three key IPC interim guidance materials on IPC measures during health care and home care, as well as advice on the use of masks in various settings. RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADVICE FOR THE PUBLIC During previous outbreaks due to other coronavirus (Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), human-to-human transmission occurred through droplets, contact and fomites, suggesting that the transmission mode of the 2019-nCoV can be similar. The basic principles to reduce the general risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections include the following: - Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections. - Frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment. - Avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals. - People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, coverncoughs - and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands). - Within healthcare facilities, enhance standard infection prevention and control practices in hospitals, especially in emergency departments. - WHO does not recommend any specific health measures for travellers. In case of symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel, travellers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their healthcare provider.
Create: Feb 9, 2020 Edit: Feb 9, 2020Marriott International announced it signed a record number of rooms in 2019, pushing its global pipeline to approximately 515,000 rooms as of year-end 2019 for the first time in the company’s history. The company signed 815 agreements, representing more than 136,000 rooms, marking the seventh consecutive year of record-breaking volume of organic rooms signings. Growth was fueled by unprecedented levels of organic rooms signed in each of the company’s international regions. During 2019, the company added 516 properties with more than 78,000 rooms in 60 countries and territories – an average of one new property every 17 hours. “With growth and loyalty as the cornerstones of our company’s success, our unrivaled 2019 signings illustrate our winning strategy, which combines leading brands, powerful business platforms and an enduring focus on our associates,” said Tony Capuano, Group President, Global Development, Design and Operations Services, Marriott International. “We continue to drive value for our owners with quality branding options for both property conversions and new builds, backed by our leading business support systems and loyalty platform. By staying true to our growth philosophy and continuously responding to the evolving preferences and lifestyles of travelers, we are poised for a successful 2020 and beyond.” At the end of 2019, Marriott International’s worldwide system consisted of more than 7,300 properties and roughly 1.38 million rooms in 134 countries and territories. More than half of the company’s record global development pipeline is located outside North America. “With 141 million Marriott Bonvoy members who increasingly crave travel to new cities and unique experiences around the world, a record-breaking year of deals means new, exciting properties are coming for travelers worldwide,” said Stephanie Linnartz, Group President, Consumer Operations, Technology & Emerging Businesses, Marriott International. “Our stellar growth results prove that our broad brand portfolio and platforms are resonating with owners and developers, as well as with customers.” Record-setting year for growth in valuable international markets In 2019, 53 percent of the company’s signed rooms were outside North America with record-breaking organic volumes in the company’s Asia Pacific (38,000 rooms), Europe (17,000 rooms), Caribbean and Latin America (more than 9,000 rooms), and Middle East and Africa (8,000 rooms) regions. Additionally, in 2019, Marriott International debuted its first hotels in four additional countries – Cyprus, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan and Latvia. Company extends its lead in luxury Marriott International did a record-breaking number of deals for its global luxury hotel brands, bolstering its lead in this high-value segment. In 2019, the company signed 42 luxury projects in 27 countries and territories, while opening or converting 34 properties such as The St. Regis Venice, W Dubai – The Palm, The West Hollywood EDITION and The Ritz-Carlton, Pune. As the company focuses on expanding its leading luxury footprint, it is revitalizing W Hotels. Last year, the company purchased the W New York – Union Square, with plans to transform the property into a showcase for the brand’s future look. Successful all-inclusive launch Last August, Marriott launched its all-inclusive platform to bring its brands, scale and trusted service to this growing, global vacation segment. Less than six months after its launch, the company has signed seven management and franchise agreements for all-inclusive properties representing nearly 3,200 rooms. Among the all-inclusive projects in development are an 800-room Marriott Hotels resort in Jamaica and a 240-room Ritz-Carlton resort in Mexico. The company last year also completed its acquisition of Elegant Hotels Group, which consists of seven hotels and 588 rooms located on the picturesque island of Barbados. Affordable lifestyle hotel brands buoy company growth Catering to the next generation of travelers, the company’s AC by Marriott, Aloft and Moxy brands opened nearly 10,000 rooms in 2019. Combined, these brands represent more than 65,000 open rooms in 44 countries and territories, including new hotels in Greece, Ireland, Jamaica, Latvia, Nepal and Switzerland. The company signed nearly 24,000 rooms across the AC by Marriott, Moxy and Aloft brands during the year – with record room signings for both AC by Marriott and Moxy.
Create: Feb 9, 2020 Edit: Feb 9, 2020Anticipated 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. “An unwavering commitment to service and quality, a strong operating model and alignment with hotel owners who share our vision places Four Seasons in an enviable market position as we continue to grow our portfolio and strengthen our global development pipeline,” says John Davison, President and Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “As we begin a new decade, we continue to elevate the experience for our guests and enhance our product offering, affirming our passionate dedication to excellence and the industry-leading innovation that has defined our brand for nearly 60 years.” Working in concert with its partners, each new development authentically reflects the character of the destination, envisioning new ways for travellers as well as local residents 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; the Athenian riviera conversion of the iconic Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens; and the company’s first all-inclusive wellness retreat in Hawaii. Soon, having just opened its collection of traditional chalets at the foot of the Mont d’Arbois slopes with Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Megève, the company that also introduced the first private jet experience will debut its first resort with an onsite winery in Napa Valley. Planned Openings in 2020 Six new openings are anticipated for 2020, including the return of Four Seasons to Bangkok with the glorious new Jean-Michel Gathy-designed landmark along the Chao Phraya River, debuting with nearly 300 stunning guest rooms and more than 350 beautifully appointed Private Residences. Also opening in the Asia-Pacific region early in the year is a third address in Japan, in the Otemachi area of Tokyo facing the Imperial Palace Gardens. In Europe, Four Seasons will debut in Spain for the first time with a new hotel in central Madrid, an assembly of several historic buildings now fully restored and reimagined, and highlighted by a rooftop restaurant by three Michelin-starred Spanish celebrity chef Dani García. Long established as the premier luxury hospitality brand in California with seven existing locations, Four Seasons continues to expand its presence in the northern part of the state with the spring opening of its second hotel in San Francisco, a soaring building in the Embarcadero district. Also scheduled for 2020 is the highly anticipated opening of a Four Seasons resort in Napa Valley, including a unique collection of Private Residences as well as Four Seasons first on-property winery in partnership with acclaimed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. Also in the United States, a recently announced hotel in New Orleans is expected to open in late 2020 in the city’s historic World Trade Center. 2019 Highlights Planned openings for 2020 follow an exciting year as Four Seasons celebrated a significant number of new openings around the world in 2019, including its first entry into Greece with the rebirth of the legendary Astir Palace Hotel in Athens; and the company’s return to Montreal with a stunning and sleek new hotel in the heart of the city’s Golden Mile, featuring the opening of the restaurant MARCUS with celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. Additional openings included a new hotel in the Garden City of Bengaluru, its second in India; the return of the brand to Philadelphia (located within the Comcast Center, the city’s tallest building) as well as a second hotel in Boston at One Dalton Street; a third address in Mexico, this time on the pristine beaches of the East Cape of Los Cabos; the company’s first all-inclusive wellness retreat in the fully refurbished Lodge at Koele on the Hawaiian Island of Lanai; and the completion of its full suite of historic chalet offerings in the French Alpine community of Megève. Looking Further Ahead In addition to announcing new properties in San Francisco and New Orleans, Four Seasons also unveiled plans for new hotels in Okinawa, Japan; Nashville and Minneapolis, USA; Cartagena, Colombia; and a second resort in Cabo del Sol, Mexico. The company also previously announced new Four Seasons projects in Dalian, China; Makkah, Saudi Arabia; Hanoi, Vietnam; and Caye Chapel, Belize. Also in 2019, Four Seasons announced plans for a new, fully customised Four Seasons Private Jet that will continue to take luxury travel to new heights as it continues the journey first introduced in 2015. A Growing Residential Portfolio Building upon Four Seasons 35-year history in branded residential following the opening of its first Private Residence in 1985, the company continues to strategically enhance its portfolio of exclusive Private Residences in markets around the world.
Create: Feb 9, 2020 Edit: Feb 9, 2020