Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Ashford Castle to welcome unique blend from Midleton Distillery

Ashford Castle has announced a new partnership with Midleton Very Rare Whiskey and Waterford Crystal to launch a bespoke cask specifically for the 800-year-old castle hotel.

onefinestay opens first runway bedroom in Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Virgin Atlantic and onefinestay have collaborated to create the most exclusive airport stay in the world – complete with a personal butler, spa treatments, a brasserie, cocktail bar, and unrivalled views of Heathrow’s runway.

AccorHotels reaches €4.4b AccorInvest deal

AccorHotels has signed agreements with a group of international investors with a view to selling a majority of the capital of AccorInvest. For Accor, the sale would result in a cash contribution of €4.4 billion.

Italian Hospitality Collection launches Equilibrium Cooking School

Italian Hospitality Collection has announced the launch of the Equilibrium Cooking School across its three Tuscan spa hotels, Grotta Giusti, Bagni di Pisa and Fonteverde.

AccorHotels reaches €4.4b AccorInvest deal

AccorHotels has signed agreements with a group of international investors with a view to selling a majority of the capital of AccorInvest. For Accor, the sale would result in a cash contribution of €4.4 billion.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

AccorHotels reaches €4.4b AccorInvest deal

AccorHotels has signed agreements with a group of international investors with a view to selling a majority of the capital of AccorInvest. For Accor, the sale would result in a cash contribution of €4.4 billion.

Wale appointed to lead Kerzner International

Kerzner International has announced the appointment of Michael Wale as its new chief executive. The company manages a portfolio of globally renowned, entertainment destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels and residences and innovative entertainment experiences, largely under the Atlantis and One&Only brands.

Jumeirah Royal Saray to open in Bahrain

Jumeirah Group’s first hotel in the Kingdom of Bahrain will open tomorrow. Jumeirah Royal Saray offers a new wave of understated luxury on a private beach in the northern coastal Seef district.

Novotel London Heathrow Airport opens to first guests

Novotel London Heathrow Airport has opened, transforming the former headquarters of the British Airports Authority. The largest addition to the Nine Group portfolio, the £30 million launch brings significant investment and new job prospects to the local area.

Wale appointed to lead Kerzner International

Kerzner International has announced the appointment of Michael Wale as its new chief executive. The company manages a portfolio of globally renowned, entertainment destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels and residences and innovative entertainment experiences, largely under the Atlantis and One&Only brands.

Monday, February 26, 2018

Wale appointed to lead Kerzner International

Kerzner International has announced the appointment of Michael Wale as its new chief executive. The company manages a portfolio of globally renowned, entertainment destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels and residences and innovative entertainment experiences, largely under the Atlantis and One&Only brands.

Saudi Arabia pipeline to almost double hospitality sector size

Saudi Arabia has more than 64,000 rooms across the three phases of the hotel development pipeline, according to data from STR. That room total represents 76 per cent of the more than 84,500 existing hotel rooms in the country.

Saudi Arabia pipeline to almost double hospitality sector size

Saudi Arabia has more than 64,000 rooms across the three phases of the hotel development pipeline, according to data from STR. That room total represents 76 per cent of the more than 84,500 existing hotel rooms in the country.

First sales at the Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences, Dubai

For the first time, discerning buyers can purchase their own piece of Atlantis heritage with the arrival of The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Iquitos opens in Peru

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Iquitos has debuted as the latest addition to the growing portfolio of DoubleTree by Hilton. The 71-room full-service hotel is located just minutes from the Cathedral of Iquitos, the Iron House and the Cohen House.

Babilino takes up global sales role with Hard Rock International

Hard Rock International has revealed the appointment of Danielle Babilino as senior vice president of global sales and marketing for Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos.

Roger sees expanded tole as Leonardo Hotels grows portfolio

Leonardo Hotels has strengthened and restructured its management team in the UK following its takeover of the Jurys Inn Group.

First sales at the Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences, Dubai

For the first time, discerning buyers can purchase their own piece of Atlantis heritage with the arrival of The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences.

Meliá Maputo Hotel scheduled for spring opening

Meliá Hotels has announced the new Meliá Maputo Hotel, the first property from the brand in Mozambique. The deal extends the Meliá Hotels International’s presence in Africa, where it now operates 11 hotels.

Roger sees expanded tole as Leonardo Hotels grows portfolio

Leonardo Hotels has strengthened and restructured its management team in the UK following its takeover of the Jurys Inn Group.

Marriott Golf signs first resort in South Africa

Marriott Golf has announced further global expansion, with it’s first-ever managed golf resort property in South Africa, the Arabella Golf Club, located in Hermanus, South Africa, near Cape Town.

Friday, February 23, 2018

Airbnb rolls out plans for next decade of growth

Airbnb has revealed that it will add four new property types to its platform - Vacation Home, Unique Space, B&B and Boutique - in order to allow hosts better showcase their product. The rental company argues the move will give greater choice of accommodation options to guests and provide more transparency over the types of accommodation available.

Dell to lead Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has appointed seasoned hotelier Simon Dell as general manager of Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin in Thailand, a new upscale seafront resort set to open this spring.

Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde takes brand into The Netherlands

IHG has opened its first Hotel Indigo in The Netherlands, Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde. The new 63-room boutique hotel is located in the centre of The Hague – a city with a history of prestige and power – and is just steps away from the Royal Palace, home of the Dutch royal family.

Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde takes brand into The Netherlands

IHG has opened its first Hotel Indigo in The Netherlands, Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde. The new 63-room boutique hotel is located in the centre of The Hague – a city with a history of prestige and power – and is just steps away from the Royal Palace, home of the Dutch royal family.

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Atlantis Sanya welcomes first guests in Hainan, China

Atlantis Sanya, the flagship resort on beautiful Hainan Island, has opened its doors and welcomed its first guests. The much-anticipated opening of China’s first integrated entertainment resort is set to enhance Hainan’s incredible tourism proposition.

Tann takes up senior vice president, sales, role with Oakwood

Oakwood Worldwide has announced the appointment of Rebecca Tann as senior vice president of sales and marketing. Her strong expertise in sales and marketing, as well as her leadership in global organisations are skillsets that will support Oakwood’s global transformation and growth strategy.

Rotana opens two new Dubai properties

Making a significant addition to the UAE’s tourism and hospitality offering, Rotana has announced the soft opening of two stunning hotels in Dubai, the five-star Al Bandar Rotana, and a fully-furnished serviced apartments, Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana, at Dubai Creek.

Staybridge Suites unveils new look at Business Travel Show

Staybridge Suites has unveiled a new design for its future openings at the Business Travel Show in London. Building on Staybridge Suites’ brand hallmarks, the stylish new communal spaces will offer even more places to work, meet or relax.

Tann takes up senior vice president, sales, role with Oakwood

Oakwood Worldwide has announced the appointment of Rebecca Tann as senior vice president of sales and marketing. Her strong expertise in sales and marketing, as well as her leadership in global organisations are skillsets that will support Oakwood’s global transformation and growth strategy.

Moukarzel to open Al Bait Sharjah

General Hotel Management has named Patrick Moukarzel general manager of the Al Bait Sharjah, a 53-key hotel scheduled to open later this year in a historic district of the United Arab Emirates’ third largest city.

Stark appointed general manager at Malmaison Aberdeen

Malmaison has appointed Morag Stark as general manager of Malmaison Aberdeen. Stark has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and is a graduate of the general manager’s programme at the USA’s prestigious Cornell University.

Kohler Waters Spa reopens at Old Course Hotel in St Andrews

Kohler Waters Spa at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews has reopened following an extensive multi-million refurbishment. Opening up to the public for the first time as the only Kohler Waters Spa outside the USA, it offers a luxury spa retreat in the heart of Scotland with a focus on hydrotherapy and organic treatments.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Rotana opens two new Dubai properties

Making a significant addition to the UAE’s tourism and hospitality offering, Rotana has announced the soft opening of two stunning hotels in Dubai, the five-star Al Bandar Rotana, and a fully-furnished serviced apartments, Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana, at Dubai Creek.

Accor reports strong financial 2017 as FRHI deal pays dividends

AccorHotels has reported net profit increased 66 per cent to €441 million for financial 2017. The French hospitality giant saw revenue increase 17.7 per cent, to €1,937 million, for the year.

InterContinental sees revenue rise as it seeks acquisitions

InterContinental Hotel Group has seen revenue increase four per cent to $1.8 billion for 2017, primarily resulting from a four per cent increase in room numbers.

Madinat Jumeirah welcomes new recruits to senior leadership positions

Madinat Jumeirah has appointed two new general managers to its senior leadership team. Pinar Kartal Timer completes the team, joining Jumeirah Al Qasr and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf. following Azar Saliba, who joined Jumeirah Al Naseem in August.

Accor reports strong financial 2017 as FRHI deal pays dividends

AccorHotels has reported net profit increased 66 per cent to €441 million for financial 2017. The French hospitality giant saw revenue increase 17.7 per cent, to €1,937 million, for the year.

InterContinental sees revenue rise as it seeks acquisitions

InterContinental Hotel Group has seen revenue increased four per cent to $1.8 billion for 2017, primarily resulting from a four per cent increase in room numbers.

Accor reports strong financial 2017 as FRHI deal pays dividends

AccorHotels has reported net profit increased 66 per cent to €441 million for financial 2017. The French hospitality giant saw revenue increase 17.7 per cent, to €1,937 million, for the year.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Residences by Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, set for 2020 opening

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced an agreement to brand and manage 34 luxurious Residences by Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona.

Hard Rock Hotel New Orleans scheduled for 2019 opening

With a presence in more than 75 countries across the globe, Hard Rock International is expanding its hotel portfolio into the historic French Quarter and New Orleans Theatre District.

Cadau appointed head chef at Gili Lankanfushi

Gili Lankanfushi has appointed Aldo Cadau as the island’s new executive chef. Cadau joins the Gili Lankanfushi team in an exciting phase of the island’s gastronomic journey, as he spearheads developments in the resort’s restaurants, news of which will be announced in spring 2018. 

Barceló Hotel Group expands into UAE with two new properties

Barceló Hotel Group has expanded into the UAE with Barceló Residences Dubai Marina and Occidental Sharjah Grand Hotel. The United Arab Emirates is renowned for the grand luxury hotels and therefore serves as the perfect destination for the group’s expansion.

Cadau appointed head chef at Gili Lankanfushi

Gili Lankanfushi has appointed Aldo Cadau as the island’s new executive chef. Cadau joins the Gili Lankanfushi team in an exciting phase of the island’s gastronomic journey, as he spearheads developments in the resort’s restaurants, news of which will be announced in spring 2018. 

La Brasserie reopens at The Chester Grosvenor

The Chester Grosvenor, has completed a £350,000 refurbishment on its all-day dining restaurant, La Brasserie, creating the city centre’s most exclusive Champagne and cocktail bar.

Monday, February 19, 2018

Manikis appointed Wyndham Hotel Group EMEA managing director

Wyndham Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Dimitris Manikis to the role of president and managing director for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa. He will be based at the company’s London offices.

Manikis appointed Wyndham Hotel Group EMEA managing director

Wyndham Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Dimitris Manikis to the role of president and managing director for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa. He will be based at the company’s London offices.

Meliá Serengeti Lodge opens in Tanzania

Meliá Serengeti Lodge has become the brand’s first state-of-the-art, sustainability focused hotel. It is located in the Serengeti National Park, the oldest National Park in Tanzania, on the western border of Lake Victoria, a World Heritage Site.

Friday, February 16, 2018

Le Méridien Melbourne slated for 2020 opening

Marriott International has announced the signing of Le Méridien Melbourne, in partnership with owner and developer Jinshan Investment Group. Slated to open in 2020, the 235-room hotel will boast the brand’s distinct mid-century modern approach.