Create: Aug 22, 2019 Edit: Sep 14, 2019 TV
Banyan Investment Group, a hotel investment and management company that acquires and manages select-service hotels in the United States, has acquired and will operate the 110-room Courtyard by Marriott Houston Pearland in Texas. Located in the Pearland Town Center, the five-story hotel is 15 minutes from NRG Stadium (home of the NFL’s Houston Texans) and within 20 minutes of the Texas Medical Center, downtown Houston, and William P. Hobby International Airport. “We continue to seek institutional quality assets, such as the Courtyard by Marriott Houston Pearland, in major markets with numerous demand generators,” said Andy Chopra, founding principal and chief investment officer, Banyan Investment Group. “The hotel benefits from its location within Pearland Town Center, a popular mixed-used development with 937,000 square feet of open space location within the South Houston marketplace that includes 140 specialty stores, 234-unit apartment complex building, and more than 50,000 square feet of office space. The hotel requires minimal capital expenditures, and we are confident the property will achieve its economic objectives with immediate cash flow.”
Create: Aug 10, 2019 Edit: Aug 21, 2019 International NewsU.S. hotel owner/operator Blue Sky Hospitality (BSHS) has acquired the 220-room New Orleans Marriott Metairie at Lakeway, La., and the 615-room Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, N.Y. The New Orleans Marriott Metairie at Lakeway is situated in the hub of Metairie’s central business district and a few miles from Audubon Aquarium of America, New Orleans Botanical Gardens–City Park, and the French Quarter. A complete renovation program is scheduled to take place over the next three years. The Long Island Marriott is a recently renovated Nassau County hotel in Uniondale near the LIRR and within a short distance of Hofstra University, Cradle of Aviation Museum, and Jones Beach State Park. “The hotel cycle is maturing, which creates growth opportunities for experienced operators and investors with a contrarian approach to the industry,” said David Fincannon, COO, BSHS. “We have accumulated a substantial portfolio of managed and owned properties in just six months, and we have a substantial appetite to do more. We currently own and operate all 52 properties in our portfolio and now have the infrastructure, operating systems, and structure to take on third-party management contracts. As we grow, we will pivot to focus predominantly on operations on behalf of other ownership groups.”
Create: Aug 10, 2019 Edit: Aug 21, 2019 International NewsEast Africa's premier International Food & Agriculture exhibition to host Exhibitors from over 20 countriesKenya's premier Food & Agriculture exhibition returns to Nairobi from 01 - 03 August, 2019. FOODAGRO AFRICA 2019 will showcase top products, equipment and machinery presented by exhibitors from over 20 countries.Building on the success of previous events, the FOODAGRO AFRICA 2019 just gets bigger and better. Also contributing is the recognition of Kenya as one of the major access point in Africa and the huge volume of imports in the country for its own consumption for over 40 million consumers. Last year, Kenya imported goods valued at $200 million and re-exported goods worth $520 million.
Create: Aug 5, 2019 Edit: Aug 8, 2019 Events and ExhibitionsProtea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge officially opened this month, making it the first Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotel in KwaZulu-Natal and the fourth in South Africa. A highly anticipated addition to the brand’s fast-growing portfolio, it joins Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotels in Melrose Arch (Johannesburg), Cape Town and Menlyn (Pretoria). A short drive from King Shaka International Airport, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge is nestled along the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal coastline in the sought-after seaside town of uMhlanga, just north of Durban. In close proximity to the breathtakingly beautiful uMhlanga Rocks Beach, the Gateway Theatre Mall and the Moses Mabhida Stadium, it provides easy access to the region’s resplendent natural beauty, rich cultural heritage as well as its burgeoning energy and vibe. Featuring the hallmarks of the Fire & Ice! by Marriott brand such as comedy and DJ nights, bold décor, and associates who go the extra mile, it is set to transform the hotel scene in uMhlanga and emerge as the new coolest hotspot. A Durban-inspired menu, a retro VW combi, DJ booth, and design elements linked to a beach and surf theme, lend the hotel its own unique flavour and twist. “Durban is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city with a need for a hotel brand that matches its spirit. We are thrilled to introduce Fire & Ice! by Marriott brand with its trend-setting aesthetic fused with local influence to the thriving town of uMhlanga. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge will provide the quirky, modern vibe that guests and locals in this area are looking for. The property reflects our agility and adaptability to identify and transform a property to suit an evolving destination,” said Volker Heiden, Area Vice-President for Marriott International. Previously a Protea Hotel by Marriott, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge has been rebranded after a complete transformation “This entailed heavy-duty renovations, an aesthetic metamorphosis, and a complete change in operations. Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotels dare to be different − they are progressive and fun, and while each hotel is individual in its personality, it is this edge that unites them under the brand.We had to balance that in creating this beautifully sassy hotel,” said the designer of Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge, Peter de Klerk. Guests are welcomed into a refreshed lobby that brings to life the vibe of the Fire & Ice! by Marriott brand, with mixed seating, a DJ booth and a TV wall. The new reception area features three pods and a dedicated guest relations desk. The outdoor deck features a retractable awning, three exterior pods for relaxing and dining, and a swimming pool. The VW combi completes the Fire & Ice! by Marriott atmosphere. 205 completely renovated chic and stylish guest rooms offer both comfort and thoughtful amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast at the Breakfast Room on the first floor and choose indoor seating, one of the two private dining rooms or the outdoor deck. Whether you’re swinging by for a crafted cocktail or looking for an indulgent delicious meal, the stylish restaurant, which features sophisticated neutral décor and delicious global cuisine prepared in an open kitchen offers the ideal venue with both indoor and a scenic outdoor patio seating option. The new menu reflects a strong African focus rooted in KwaZulu-Natal’s culinary specialties. Guests can expect a fresh take on the likes of bunny chow and curry, with a Fire & Ice! twist and elegance as well the brand’s signature (egg-ceptional) Fire & Ice! By Marriott breakfast options. No Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotel would be complete without a strong link to music. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge will host Friday DJ nights, featuring top local and national DJs. The hotel will also share the brand’s renowned sense of humour, with regular co medy nights playing host to South Africa’s top comedians.
Create: Jul 27, 2019 Edit: Aug 2, 2019 International NewsCreate: Jul 23, 2019 Edit: Aug 18, 2019 TV
Yotel has announced plans for its first property in Australia, located within walking distance of Melbourne’s central business district. The 244-room Yotel Melbourne is scheduled to open in 2022, on City Road in the city’s Southbank district. Facilities will include the group’s signature Komyuniti public space for co-working, informal meetings and relaxing, as well as an outdoor terrace, gym, and viewing deck with restaurant and bar. Commenting on the news Hubert Viriot, CEO of Yotel said: “Over the past two years, we have been actively searching for the right locations and partners to roll out our brands in Australia, a key market for our global expansion and a key feeder market for our hotels in the US, Singapore and the UK. “With solid market fundamentals and global appeal, Melbourne is the perfect gateway to launch our first property in the country. Moreover, we are delighted to enter the market with (owner and developer) Cornerstone Partners Group, an international leader in hospitality and real estate investments.” “Australia is a very sophisticated hotel market with strong stakeholders; however, we believe the affordable luxury segment has been underserved and that’s what Yotel intends to solve. “Yotel Melbourne will serve as a launching pad for our brand across the country, following a similar strategy as what we did in the USA, where we first opened a property in New York in 2011 and now have ten hotels under management with extensive operational synergies and strong distribution channels. “We are already exploring development opportunities in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth and we are confident we will soon have a robust hotel pipeline in place, targeting both our international customer base as well as the domestic market.” The Yotel brand launched in 2007 at Gatwick airport, and there are currently 30 properties either operating or under development, with plans to increase this to 60 by 2023. The group’s first Yotelpad is set to open in Switzerland next year, and Yotelair properties recently opened at Istanbul and Singapore Changi’s airports.
Create: Jul 21, 2019 Edit: Aug 2, 2019 International NewsCreate: Jul 21, 2019 Edit: Aug 18, 2019 TV
Hyatt announced today the opening of Hyatt Place Tokyo Bay, marking the debut of the Hyatt Place brand in Japan. Hyatt Place Tokyo Bay features the Hyatt Place brand's intuitive design, cozy atmosphere and practical amenities such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings. "We are especially excited about this hotel opening as it marks the debut of the Hyatt Place brand in Japan, as well as the twenty-fourth Hyatt-branded hotel in Asia," said Sam Sakamura, vice president - Japan and Micronesia. "The first Hyatt-branded property opened in Japan in 1980 and Hyatt has since grown its brand presence to thirteen hotels across seven Hyatt brands in Japan, now including Hyatt Place Tokyo Bay. The Hyatt Place brand is founded on extensive consumer insights indicating that guests seek stylish, comfortable and seamless experiences that accommodate their lifestyles and routines. Hyatt Place Tokyo Bay offers the brand's distinctive casual hospitality and purposeful service in a smartly designed, high-tech and contemporary environment. Located in Urayasu City in Chiba Prefecture, Hyatt Place Tokyo Bay is just 30 minutes by train or car from central Tokyo, offering a resort-like atmosphere with breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay. The hotel is also conveniently located between both of Tokyo's airports, 21 miles (34 kilometers) from Haneda Airport and 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Narita Airport. The property is also less than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Tokyo Disney Resort®, one of Tokyo's premier destinations.
Create: Jul 20, 2019 Edit: Jul 20, 2019 International NewsHyatt Regency Chantilly has opened to become the ninth Hyatt branded hotel in France. Reminiscent of an 18th-century hamlet, the 211-room property is set along the Nonette River in the historic town of Chantilly. Situated in the tranquil town, only 20 minutes from Charles De Gaulle International Airport and 45 minutes from the centre of Paris, the hotel is able to accommodate both business and leisure guests alike. “We are thrilled to announce the opening of Hyatt Regency Chantilly,” said Charles Guyonnaud, general manager of Hyatt Regency Chantilly. “The hotel’s exquisite facilities combined with its peaceful setting provides the ultimate business retreat and relaxation getaway.” Comprised of eight buildings, the hotel offers a scenic setting among lush trees and serves as a venue for hosting a variety of events including weddings, social occasions, exhibitions, meetings, and conferences. Chantilly is home to many historic attractions including the Domaine de Chantilly, which features the Chateau de Chantilly, the Musée Condé and the intact treasures of the 19th century prince, Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale. Also nearby are the prestigious Chantilly horseracing courses for those with a passion for equestrian sports. Golf lovers will also appreciate the numerous golf courses in the area. Guests will be also able to explore the historical and natural treasures of the region by bike or horseback, taking in the beautiful and tranquil setting of Chantilly. The hotel’s 211 modern and spacious guestrooms include 14 luxury suites, offering four different suite varieties including one royal garden suite, seven regency executive suites, one Chantilly suite, and five regency suites. Guests staying in suites and regency club rooms enjoy additional amenities such as complimentary breakfast, evening cocktails, and hors d’œuvres.
Create: Jul 13, 2019 Edit: Jul 17, 2019 International NewsHilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminal 2 has opened its doors to guests. The 369-room hotel, located at Europe’s busiest airport, is the latest addition to the growing Hilton Garden Inn portfolio. Operating under a franchise agreement with Arora Group, the hotel becomes the eleventh property to be added to the Arora Group portfolio. Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminal 2 features runway views and is the first and only hotel at Heathrow Airport to provide guests with direct access to the Queen’s Terminal via a walkway, allowing them to reach departure gates in minutes. “More than 80 million people pass through Heathrow every year, and we are delighted to offer guests a great accommodation option to make their travel journey that much smoother,” said Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president, EMEA, Hilton. “Hilton pioneered the concept of the airport hotel back in 1959, so we are proud to be opening the doors to our second Hilton Garden Inn property at Heathrow as we celebrate our 100th anniversary.” The 14-floor property features 369 comfortable guest rooms, including 23 family rooms and ten suites offering an adjoining seating area with a sofa bed and a 55-inch HDTV. Arora Group founder and chairman, Surinder Arora, commented: “This hotel is special, not just for us but for the Heathrow market too. “We are delighted to be partnering with Hilton Garden Inn and delivering the service, excellence and passion of Arora Group, while based at the convenience of Heathrow’s Central terminal area.” Guests can indulge at the hotel’s main restaurant, the Apron, and enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner. After a long flight, guests can visit the Runway Bar on the hotel’s rooftop (opening in August), and enjoy a range of cocktails and small plates while overlooking 360º views of Heathrow’s runway. The hotel is within proximity to frequent transport links, allowing guests to reach London in just 15-minutes using Heathrow Express. There are also several convenient and nearby attractions including, the picturesque Windsor Castle and Thorpe Park for thrill seekers.
Create: Jul 10, 2019 Edit: Jul 17, 2019 International News