Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Hôtel Le Louis Versailles Château, MGallery by Sofitel, opens in France

Hôtel Le Louis Versailles Château, MGallery by Sofitel, has opened following a complete renovation of an historic 19th century building in the Île-de-France region of France, what was once the seat of political power in the Kingdom of France.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Hôtel Le Louis Versailles Château, MGallery by Sofitel, opens in France

Hôtel Le Louis Versailles Château, MGallery by Sofitel, has opened following a complete renovation of an historic 19th century building in the Île-de-France region of France, what was once the seat of political power in the Kingdom of France.

Rotana takes Middle East’s Leading Hotel Brand title at World Travel Awards

Making a clean sweep of 19 awards at the Middle East Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards 2017, along with securing the coveted Middle East’s Leading Hotel Brand title for the 11th year in a row, Rotana has firmly consolidated its leadership position in the region’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Kahf to lead Hard Rock Hotel London

glh Hotels has announced the appointment of Oliver Kahf as general manager of the new Hard Rock Hotel London, as the iconic brand prepares to open its doors in the capital in early 2019. Kahf will bring considerable international operations expertise to the Hard Rock Hotel London, having lived and worked in 14 countries on four continents throughout his 33 years in hospitality.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Four Seasons Chat rolls out to guests around the world

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts has launched Four Seasons Chat – a new digital service enabling guests to send and receive instant messages with property teams before, throughout and after their stay. Four Seasons Chat leverages technology to get more personal, providing guests with access to Four Seasons service at their fingertips at any time, from anywhere.

Competitions & Markets Authority to look at UK hotel booking sites

The UK Competitions & Markets Authority has launched an investigation into hotel booking sites. The organisation raised particular concerns over the clarity, accuracy, and presentation of information on such sites, which could mislead people, stop them finding the best deal and potentially break consumer law.

Caesars Palace Las Vegas completes $100m Palace Tower renovations

The iconic Caesars Palace Las Vegas has completed the renovation of its Palace Tower, the resort’s largest tower, including 1,181 stylishly designed guest rooms and suites and a price tag topping $100 million.

Curtain Bluff, Antigua, to reopen tomorrow following refurbishment

Following the most significant refurbishment since its opening, Curtain Bluff, Antigua, will reopen tomorrow. “Our renovation underscores Curtain Bluff’s commitment to providing a signature luxury experience paired with the utmost level of service that keeps our guests coming back year after year,” explained Rob Sherman, managing director, Curtain Bluff.

Manzac appointed executive chef at Corinthia Prague

One of the Czech Republic’s celebrity chefs, Jean-Paul Georges Manzac, has been appointed as executive chef at the luxury, five-star Corinthia Hotel Prague.

Competitions & Markets Authority to look at UK hotel booking sites

The UK Competitions & Markets Authority has launched an investigation into hotel booking sites. The organisation raised particular concerns over the clarity, accuracy, and presentation of information on such sites, which could mislead people, stop them finding the best deal and potentially break consumer law.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Hilton reports increase in earnings per share for third quarter

Hilton Worldwide has reported diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of $0.55 and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, of $0.56. The figures are an increase of 37 per cent from the third quarter of 2016 on a pro forma basis.

Ski Lodge returns to Montague on the Gardens, London

Fear not Londoners, the perfect place for escaping winter’s dreariest months is back. The Montague on the Gardens has announced the return of its hugely popular Ski Lodge experience which serves up an authentic slice of the Alps in Bloomsbury.

Hagan to lead Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa has appointed Fiona Hagan as the new general manager. An Australian national, Hagan has 23-years of hospitality experience, working in various positions within the industry including, revenue manager, director of sales and marketing and general manager.

Semelin takes up digital marketing role with Rosewood

Timothee Semelin has been appointed corporate director of digital marketing and transformation for Rosewood Hotel Group. In his role, Semelin will be responsible for building the hotel group’s digital culture and exploring emerging trends in the technology space to enhance the digital guest experience. 

Autograph Collection brings Hotel Sina Villa Medic to Florence, Italy

Autograph Collection Hotels has announced its fourth hotel in Italy with the opening of Hotel Sina Villa Medici, located in the historic heart of Florence. The hotel joins a diverse portfolio of more than 125 Autograph Collection Hotels around the world – all one-of-a-kind properties that champion values of vision, design and craft.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Beaches Turks & Caicos to reopen in December

Beaches Turks & Caicos is set to re-open its doors on the December 14th following an enforced closure following hurricane season in the Caribbean.

Hendrick appointed general manager of Bintan Lagoon Resort, Indonesia

Gerald Hendrick has been appointed as senior vice president of Resort Venture and general manager of Bintan Lagoon Resort, the largest integrated resort on the Indonesian island of Bintan.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Hemingways Watamu, Kenya, to reopen in early 2018

Hemingways Collection has announced that Hemingways Watamu will re-launch in January 2018 following a multi-million-dollar transformation. The hotel will reveal a full refurbishment that cements its position as the leading property of its kind in the country.

Eras-Magdalena takes up new human resources leadership role with Belmond

Belmond has announced Ingrid Eras-Magdalena has been promoted to executive vice president, chief human resources officer, with the company.

New sales appointments for Ascott in Thailand

The Ascott has welcomed new members to the team, with Thitirat Ditpanya joining as the new assistant director of sales and marketing, and Tasanee Ua-Aksorn as the new marketing manager for Thailand.

trivago Hotel Relations seeks to bolster independent hotels

trivago has launched trivago Hotel Relations, a new wholly-owned subsidiary that will foster strong direct relationships with independent hotels. The company will focus on empowering hoteliers around the world to be more competitive online and to drive more direct bookings through their hotel websites.

Wyndham Hotel Group signs five new properties across south-east Asia

Wyndham Hotel Group continues to strengthen the presence of its upscale Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and upper-upscale Wyndham Grand brands across south-east Asia with five new hotel signings in Indonesia and Vietnam.

Monday, October 23, 2017

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Venice San Marco, set for 2019 opening

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has signed a long-term management agreement of a canal-side hotel in the inner part of Venice’s San Marco district, just steps from renowned Saint Mark’s Square.

Marriott debuts Four Points by Sheraton in Tanzania

Marriott International has announced the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, The Arusha Hotel, marking the debut of the brand into Tanzania.

Hospitality industry gathers in Moscow for Russia Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference

The Russia Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference will take place at the Radisson Blu Belorusskaya, hosted by Bench Events, from tomorrow.

Smart appointed executive chef at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has named Australian Paul Smart as the hotel’s new executive chef. Prior to joining the Hanoi property, Smart was the executive chef at SO Sofitel Bangkok for five years, where he was crowned winner of the Iron Chef Thailand TV program.

Atlantis Sanya unveils signature underwater suites ahead of spring opening

Atlantis Sanya will offer a number of luxurious signature suites and underwater suites to guests staying at the destination resort. The premium suites will offer guests views into the marine sanctuary at Atlantis Sanya, while relaxing in lavish accommodation.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts continues to expand in Oman with Muscat property

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts’ Oman expansion strategy is gathering pace with the company revealing plans to operate its third property in the sultanate’s capital, Muscat.

The Trafalgar St. James opens to guests in London

After a star-studded launch party, The Trafalgar St. James is officially open. Located in the heart of London, this iconic Trafalgar Square hotel has undergone a complete transformation and is set to be one of the hottest hotels in the capital, with a major emphasis on being a food and drink destination for Londoners and international visitors alike.

Four Seasons expands in Saudi Arabia with Mecca property

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Jabal Omar Development Company, a leading developer in the Middle East, have announced plans for a new hotel in the holy city of Mecca. The property will form part of the Jabal Omar integrated real estate development.

Raffles Europejski Warsaw to open in early 2018

Early 2018, Raffles Europejski Warsaw will open its doors to begin a new chapter in an extraordinary history which spans 160 years.

Ascott acquires freehold in Silicon Valley

The Ascott is investing S$81.5 million to acquire and refurbish The Domain Hotel, a freehold hotel in Silicon Valley, California, in a move designed to capture the fast-growing demand from global technology companies and multinational corporations.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

InterContinental Hotels Group takes Kimpton brand into Asia

InterContinental Hotels Group has signed three management contracts to introduce its luxury boutique hotel brand, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, to Asia.

Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End opens in Scotland

Hampton by Hilton has announced the opening of its latest property, Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End. The hotel is the first in Scotland’s capital and joins four more which are already open in the country.

Hecker to lead Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius

Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius, has appointed Gerhard Hecker to the role of general manager. Having joined the property this month, Hecker is set to continue to establish the resort as one of the leading hotels in the Indian Ocean, following its extensive relaunch in November 2015.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Corinthia Hotels expands into Brussels, capital of Europe

Work is underway to turn a part-listed, trophy property that has stood vacant for ten years into the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria, injecting true five-star glamour back into the city.

AccorHotels makes two Mercure signings in UK

AccorHotels has made two new Mercure signings, the Mercure Warwick Honiley Court (Warwickshire), and the Mercure Walsall Barons Court (West Midlands). Both hotels have been signed under franchise agreements with the Talash Hotels Group.

Jade Mountain St Lucia launches new range of spa treatments

Jade Mountain St Lucia has introduced a new range of home-grown spa treatments that seek to be as kind to the environment as they are to skin. The new treatments on offer at the hilltop Kai En Ciel Spa utilise the finest organic produce from the resort’s 600-acre Emerald Estate, including chocolate, mangoes, spices and botanicals.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Meliá hotels reopening in Cuba following Hurricane Irma

Meliá Cuba has announced the reopening of hotels affected by Hurricane Irma in Cayo Santa María, Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo and Varadero.

Stewart to lead IHG luxury operations in Europe

InterContinental Hotels Group has welcomed veteran Fergus Stewart to the Europe region as vice president, luxury operations.  The move reflects IHG’s thriving luxury business with the continuing growth of both InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.

AccorHotels makes two Mercure signings in UK

AccorHotels has made two new Mercure signings, the Mercure Warwick Honiley Court (Warwickshire), and the Mercure Walsall Barons Court (West Midlands). Both hotels have been signed under franchise agreements with the Talash Hotels Group.

AccorHotels makes two Mercure signings in UK

AccorHotels has made two new Mercure signings, the Mercure Warwick Honiley Court (Warwickshire), and the Mercure Walsall Barons Court (West Midlands). Both hotels have been signed under franchise agreements with the Talash Hotels Group.

Holiday Inn Express Cologne City Centre opens to first guests

InterContinental Hotels Group has opened Holiday Inn Express Cologne City Centre, the largest Holiday Inn Express in Europe. The newly opened property boasts 323 rooms all featuring the next generation Holiday Inn Express design which balances home comforts with smart design features.

Monday, October 16, 2017

Staal to take up role of president with Pentahotels

Pentahotels has announced the appointment of Eugène Staal as president of the company. He will take up the role with the neighbourhood lifestyle hotel group next month.

Staal to take up role of president with Pentahotels

Pentahotels has announced the appointment of Eugène Staal as president of the company. He will take up the role with the neighbourhood lifestyle hotel group next month.

First glimpse of Canopy by Hilton Washington DC, The Wharf, revealed

Canopy by Hilton has revealed the first look inside the brand’s first North American property, Canopy by Hilton Washington DC, The Wharf. Set on the Potomac River, The Wharf is home to some of DC’s most anticipated new restaurants, year-round entertainment and waterfront accommodations.

Meliá expands in South America with Iguazu Falls property

Meliá Hotels International has announced the imminent opening of the Meliá Iguazu, the only hotel located in the heart of Iguazu National Park in Argentina. The location is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meliá expands in South America with Iguazu Falls property

Meliá Hotels International has announced the imminent opening of the Meliá Iguazu, the only hotel located in the heart of Iguazu National Park in Argentina. The location is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

AccorHotels to acquire Mantra Group in Australia

AccorHotels has signed an agreement with Mantra Group with the view to acquire all of the issued capital in the company by way of a scheme to be approved by Mantra shareholders. Under the terms of the agreement AccorHotels would offer AUD3.96 in cash for each Mantra share including any potential special dividend.

Kigali Marriott Hotel recognised by World Travel Awards

Kigali Marriott Hotel has been recognised as Rwanda’s Leading Business Hotel and Rwanda’s Leading City Hotel at the prestigious World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2017.