Hilton Opens Flagship Property in Da Nang

Hotel News - US-based hotel franchiser and hotel management company, Hilton Hotels & Resorts (“Hilton”) has debuted in Da Nang with the opening of 223-key Hilton Da Nang, Vietnam. The property is conveniently located near the Han Bridge and Bach Dang street with access to Da Nang’s main entertainment, shopping and business facilities. The hotel is accessible via a 10-minute drive from Da Nang International Airport and 5-minute drive from Da Nang Beach. The hotel offers rooms and suites ranging from 36 square meters to 202 square meters and a lounge on the 27th floor serving breakfast and drinks. In addition, the property features an all-day dining restaurant, a cafe, a rooftop grill bar, 725 square meters of meeting space, a 24-hour gym and a heated outdoor swimming pool. The new opening represents Hilton third property in Vietnam after Hilton Hanoi Opera and Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi.

Introducing World Resorts in Las Vegas

Wynn Resorts sues Resorts World Las Vegas over “similar design”

Hotel News - Wynn Resorts has filed a five-count trademark infringement and unfair competition lawsuit against Resorts World Las Vegas LLC. The cause of the suit is the Resorts World property that is currently under construction on the Las Vegas Strip. The $4 billion, 3,000-room resort is expected to open in late 2020. Local news reports say that the suit alleges that this property’s design looks a little too similar to the nearby Wynn Las Vegas and Encore buildings. The 17-page lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of Nevada last month claims the designs have already confused some people and that they have the potential to mislead customers into thinking that the two properties are affiliated with each other. The complaint also has Wynn Resorts claiming that Resorts World’s design scheme uses Wynn’s registered architectural design, which consists of a three-dimensional building that features a concave facade, curved bronze glass, and horizontal banding above and between the lines of its glass panes. In addition, the design of the new Resorts World Las Vegas is said to be confusingly similar to the plaintiff’s architectural trade dress and copyrighted architectural work. “The architectural design embodied in defendant’s Resorts World Las Vegas hotel and casino is substantially similar to plaintiff’s registered copyrighted architectural work, and therefore defendant is violating plaintiff’s copyrights in addition to plaintiff’s registered and common law trade dress,” the lawsuit says. The new property is directly across the street, and as such is likely to confuse or even deceive the public, according to the lawsuit. In summation, the five counts of the suit list federal trade dress infringement, unfair competition, federal trademark dilution, state trademark dilution, and copyright infringement. The Wynn Las Vegas first opened back in 2005, followed by Encore in 2008. The Resorts World property is slated to open some time in 2020.

Best Western Hotels Resorts Signs New Seafront Resort in Hua Hin, Thailand

Hotel News - Best Western Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a new seafront property in the popular resort town of Hua Hin, on Thailand's gulf coast. Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao will feature 410 guest rooms and an array of leisure amenities for all types of guest, including couples and families. Located close to the beach just south of Hua Hin town center and 2.5 hours' drive from Bangkok, this contemporary resort will provide the perfect destination for locals, expats and international travelers seeking a revitalizing break from the city. The centerpiece of this elegant resort will be a series of freeform lagoon pools, slides, waterfalls and a special children's water play zone, all surrounded by tropical palm trees, sun decks and cozy cabanas. Every room features modern amenities and a balcony overlooking these aquatic attractions, while a series of spacious ground floor rooms offer terraces with direct access to the pools. A sunken pool bar creates an ideal spot to enjoy a cooling daytime drink, while the Beach Bar allows guests to chill out with refreshing drinks and gaze out over the glistening Gulf of Thailand. The hotel also features a restaurant serving breakfast and all-day Thai and international cuisine, a daytime coffee shop and a modern fitness center, and onsite parking will be available. Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao is owned by One Place Estate Co., Ltd. The signing ceremony was held on December 17, 2018, and attended by Mr Pongpipat Kanjanasupat (4th right), Mr Suvichai Janethanaarthakij (4th left), CEOs of One Place Estate, and Olivier Berrivin (3rd right), Managing Director of International Operations - Asia, Best Western Hotels & Resorts. "Hua Hin has transformed from a charming coastal town into a thriving international tourism destination that now attracts millions of visitors every year. Newly connected with international flights, it now possesses a wide range of attractions including world-class golf courses, wineries, restaurants and enchanting cultural sites. Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao will allow guests to experience the best of this impressive destination in comfort and style, with spacious accommodation and fantastic facilities, most notably its exotic outdoor pools," commented Olivier Berrivin. "Whether guests are seeking a romantic beachfront retreat, a memorable family vacation or a fun-filled getaway for a group of friends, this new resort has something for everyone. We look forward to working with our esteemed partners at One Place Estate as we bring this exciting project to life," he added

Portugal's Lenha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort Sold

Hotel News - Lenha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort - Aerial view Portugal's Lenha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort Sold  CBRE has advised the Carlyle Group on the acquisition of Penha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort, in Sintra, Portugal. Penha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort, part of Quinta da Penha Longa, in Sintra, is one of the most iconic resorts in Portugal, with 194 rooms, a spa and a wellness centre, and more than 3,000 m2 conference and meeting facilities. The resort features a golf course, highlighted as one of the top 30 best golf courses in Europe, designed by the renowned course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. In addition to extensive meeting, sporting and leisure facilities, in 2018 Penha Longa became the first hotel in Portugal to have two restaurants awarded Michelin stars. The resort will continue to be managed by Ritz-Carlton, a Marriot Group company, who has run the resort since December 2003. Duarte Morais Santos, Senior Consultant at CBRE Hotels, commented: "Tourism continues to be one of the great drivers of the Portuguese economy, constantly setting new records when it comes to the occupation rate. This transaction shows the great work CBRE Hotels has been developing, and we are very proud to have been an active part in the transaction of this resort." Peter Stoll, Managing Director for Carlyle European Realty advisory team said: "Penha Longa is one of the best-known and most-established hotels in Portugal, and the hospitality sector in the country is experiencing a strong demand from both leisure and corporate travellers. We are excited to be partnering with Explorer Investments to develop the full potential of the resort."

Describing Details of Iran Heritage Hotel Design

Hotel News – "The projects are about the buildings with a historical and cultural background." Said the deputy of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran regarding the plan for the establishment of heritage hotels in Iran.  “These buildings, some of which are registered and some are not, are different from the Eco-Tourism resorts.” Vali Teimuri said. Worldwide, the countries such as Spain and Portugal are leading in restoration of such buildings, and we will follow the design of Iran’s heritage hotels with Portuguese experts. "Our main goal is to work with Portuguese experts, receiving their experience, in order to ultimately cooperate  with the domestic investor," he said.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts globally revamps mid-scale brand

Hotel News _ Beyond the visual identity and logo, new prototype designs for public areas and guestrooms are also being introduced BRAND UPDATE Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has unveiled  a new direction for the Ramada Encore by Wyndham  brand globally.  At the heart of this new identity is a brand promise to be ‘Refreshingly Different’, underpinned by the brand’s core attributes of being fresh, approachable and vibrant. This new identity includes a redesigned logo, created by London-based marketing agency, Octopus Group, aimed at appealing to a new  generation of travelers. and prototype designs for guest rooms and common spaces designed by hospitality architecture firm Harrison. Ramada Encore by Wyndham has a portfolio of 54 hotels in 20 countries. Created in the late 1990s as a limited service, mid-scale hotel brand designed for business and leisure travelers looking for great value, the brand introduced concepts such as guest rooms with all-wood flooring and an open plan, multipurpose common area serving as a reception, lobby, casual dining and networking space.  “Whether it’s a business trip or a weekend break, we know that for travelers  every minute counts.  That’s why we wanted the brand identity for Ramada Encore to reflect its position as a hotel for guests on the go,” said Lisa Checchio, chief marketing officer for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

HILTON SIGNS NEW CONRAD, DOUBLETREE HOTELS IN RAK

Hotel News - As it continues to grow its presence in the UAE, Hilton revealed its 50th hotel in the country, with the signing of the DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Conrniche Residences and the Conrad Marjan Island Resort. Both properties will help meet the increased demand for travel to the emirate, along with need for quality, internationally branded residences.  Ras Al Khaimah boasts pristine beaches, historical sites and  adventure attractions such as the world’s longest zipline.  “Ras Al Khaimah is a fastgrowing and highly soughtafter  leisure destination. The number of international visitors arrival rose by 11.2% in the first nine months of 2018 and are expected to reach 1 million this year for the first time in the emirate’s history,” said Carlos Khneisser, vice president of development, Middle East,  North Africa & Turkey, Hilton. “Hilton has had a presence in Ras Al Khaimah for more than 15 years. We are delighted to introduce the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand to the emirate and to open the DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Corniche Residences.”  Conrad Marjan Island Resort will offer 120-guest rooms, including beach villas and water villas. and world-class facilities including a fitness centre, salon, spa, an outdoor pool and a Kids Club. The hotel will also feature an extensive  range of dining options including two signature restaurants, a pool bar and beach bar. Conrad Marjan Island Resort will join Conrad’s more than 33 properties across more than 21 countries.

Wanda Hotels Launches New Brand - Wanda Moments

Hotel News - On 30 November, 2018, Wanda Hotels & Resorts held a launch ceremony and gala dinner to unveil Wanda Moments, a premium mid-scale hotel brand, and announced the newly upgraded guest loyalty program – Wanda Club at the conference center on the Star Island of Qingdao Movie Metropolis. The conference brought together representatives of Wanda Club members, guests of Wanda Moments and media guests to witness the launch of Wanda Moments and the new development strategy of Wanda Hotels & Resorts. At the conference, Dr. Ning Qifeng, Executive President of Wanda Cultural Tourism Creativity Co., Ltd. and President of Wanda Hotels & Resorts, introduced the group's latest development strategy during its transformation to asset-light development and Wanda Moments, the new premium mid-end hotel brand. He announced that Wanda Moments plans to develop 700 hotels around China in the next 5 years, and shared the comprehensive upgrade of Wanda Club program with the guests. Dr. Ning signed contracts with the first 6 Wanda Moments hotels' owners, which marks an official beginning of the development of the new brand, Wanda Moments. Mr. Chen Mengchao, Vice President of Wanda Hotels & Resorts, introduced Wanda's resource strength in developing hotel industry. He also described the brand positioning, product characteristics, development plan and cooperation models of Wanda Moments. As the fifth hotel brand of Wanda Hotels & Resorts after Wanda Reign, Wanda Vista, Wanda Realm and Wanda Jin, Wanda Moments is a premium mid-scale hotel brand that is committed to providing high-quality selected service to business travelers with unique taste, enjoy life attitude and pursuing different experiences. The new brand continues the diversity and inclusivity of Wanda hotel brands, and the artistic design, attentive services as well as interactive staying experience. With the brand concept of "Better for tomorrow" and the 4S core values (Sweet+Social+Style+Smart), Wanda Moments aims to create a new lifestyle that integrates art, culture, intelligence and fashion. Mr. Liu Yingwu, Vice President of Wanda Hotels & Resorts and President of Wanda Hotel Design Institute, introduced Wanda's integrated services from hotel design to construction and to project management. "The asset-light transformation we are pursuing is not just providing hotel management and design services, but a integrated project management services. It is an innovative service model and a mature and completed management system that based on the investment, construction and operation experience of more than 100 hotels. This enables us to assist and serve our owners with extensive ownership experience and systems." Wanda Hotels & Resorts attributes the brand development to the support of the brand's loyal customers, and pays close attention on rewarding program. During the event, Ms. Adeline Yong, Deputy General Manager of Sales & Marketing Department of Wanda Hotels & Resorts, officially announced the launch of upgraded Wanda Club program which was comprehensively enhanced in the points accumulation mechanism, membership system and points redemption system.

Wyndham to open three hotels in Deira, Dubai

Hotel News - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is set to increase its footprint in Dubai with three new managed hotels as part of the Deira Waterfront Development by Ithra Dubai, a wholly owned subsidiary of Investment Corporation of Dubai. The hotels will operate under the Wyndham, Days Inn by Wyndham, and Super 8 by Wyndham brands. Also known as the Deira Enrichment Project, Ithra Dubai’s development is a mixed-use area situated along the Dubai creek in the southern part of Deira. Communal facilities, public amenities and open spaces will create a dynamic urban community along the shores of the Dubai Creek and will deliver key commercial growth opportunities for the city. The addition of three new hotels to the first phase of the development will also draw domestic and international business and leisure visitors looking for accommodation suited to a range of budgets. “We are very excited to welcome Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as a partner of our flagship development in Deira,” said Issam Galadari, director of Ithra Dubai. “Ithra Dubai’s development in Deira will enhance this busy and bustling part of Dubai, and will add to its rich tapestry woven by communities past and present. “The collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will bring a new dimension to the area’s hospitality services, and will elevate and facilitate new pathways for trade and business in the heart of Dubai’s commercial district.” The 282 rooms and suites at Wyndham Deira Waterfront will appeal to upscale travellers looking for tailored services and amenities to match, with its extensive meeting, fitness and leisure facilities, including a rooftop pool with views over the Gulf. Days Hotel Deira Waterfront will give midscale travellers a fresh burst of energy with its 131 quality rooms and suites, as well as an all-day dining restaurant and meeting facilities. Lastly, travellers on a budget will find 90 reasonably priced rooms at Super 8 Deira Waterfront, alongside a restaurant and café. “The addition of three of our most iconic global brands to this important area demonstrates Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to Dubai and the Middle East region as a whole,” said Ignace Bauwens, regional vice president for Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Together with Ithra Dubai, we know we can preserve the heritage of the area whilst still meeting the needs of the modern traveller and contributing to growing the district’s commercial opportunity. “Offering three very distinct hotel brands ranging from upscale to economy will also ensure the area holds great appeal for visitors to Dubai from many different source markets.”

Aman Resorts International

Meticulously designed to frame their natural settings, Aman destinations are renowned for space and privacy. Each welcomes guests as if to the home of a close friend, instilling a sense of peace and belonging amid some of the most diverse natural and historical landscapes. It is an approach that has changed little since 1988 when the first retreat was built on Phuket’s west coast. It was named Amanpuri, meaning ‘place of peace’, and Aman was born. Today, embracing 33 resorts, hotels, and private residences in 21 countries, Aman continues to seek out transformative experiences and awe-inspiring locations around the world. Ranked number 1 in the Top Luxury Hotel Brands 2018.

300 Room Hilton Garden Inn Washington D.C. Downtown Sold For $128 Million

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: XHR) today announced it has sold the 300-room Hilton Garden Inn Washington D.C. Downtown for $128 million, or approximately $427,000 per key.  The sale price represents a 15.2x multiple and a 5.8% capitalization rate on the hotel's trailing twelve month Hotel EBITDA and net operating income as of October 31, 2018, respectively. "We are pleased to have completed the sale of Hilton Garden Inn Washington D.C. Downtown," commented Marcel Verbaas, Xenia's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "The sale of this select-service hotel at an attractive valuation further exemplifies our dedication to upgrading the quality of our portfolio by making targeted investments and completing selective dispositions consistent with our long-term investment strategy of primarily owning high-quality luxury and upper upscale hotels in top 25 U.S. lodging markets and key leisure destinations." After the completion of this disposition and the addition of the recently acquired Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa, Xenia's portfolio consists of 40 high-quality hotels located in strong lodging markets with a diversity of demand generators, with its 11 luxury hotels and 27 upper upscale hotels representing 24% and 72%, respectively, of its total room count. "We remain bullish on the long-term strength of the greater Washington D.C. market, and particularly the Northern Virginia market, as evidenced by our acquisition of The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, in Arlington, Virginia, in 2017 and our continued ownership of the recently renovated Lorien Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia. We expect both hotels to benefit greatly from the vibrant economic climate in the area, including the recently announced addition of one of Amazon's headquarter locations," said Mr. Verbaas. "However, this sale represents another step in the evolution of our portfolio as we continue to upgrade the quality of our asset base while opportunistically harvesting value through timely dispositions. With the completion of this disposition, we have created additional balance sheet flexibility to take advantage of on-strategy acquisition opportunities as they arise." Proceeds from the sale will be utilized for general corporate purposes which may include debt repayments, acquisitions consistent with the Company's long-term strategy, and share repurchases under the Company's existing authorization..