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Stonebridge Companies Acquires Residence Inn by Marriott Herndon Reston

Stonebridge Companies — a Denver-based, privately owned, innovative hotel owner, operator and developer — has acquired and will manage the 168-room Residence Inn by Marriott Herndon Reston in Herndon, Virginia. The acquisition is Stonebridge Companies’ second in less than three months and third since late 2018. Stonebridge last month announced the purchase of the Le Méridien New Orleans, and in late 2018 acquired the Embassy Suites by Hilton New Orleans. The extended-stay hotel offers modern and spacious studio and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and complimentary Wi-Fi. It features a seasonal outdoor pool and Sport Court®, barbecue and picnic area, complimentary breakfast buffet, 24-hour market and on-site business center and meeting space. Guests can also earn and receive benefits through the Marriott Bonvoy™ loyalty program.

Create: Feb 28, 2020 Edit: Feb 28, 2020 International News

495 Room Tower at Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas Celebrates Topping Out

CIM Group announced yesterday that it has reached a construction milestone at the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino with the topping out of a new eight-story tower, marking a significant expansion of the centrally located property in downtown Las Vegas. The 250,000-square-foot tower will add 495 modern hotel guestrooms to the hotel’s existing 629 premier guestrooms located in two towers. Upon completion of the new tower anticipated in late summer, Downtown Grand will offer guests a total of 1,124 rooms in a variety of room configurations. CIM established Downtown Grand as a popular destination for locals and visitors with its variety of dining establishments, entertainment programming, and a gaming venue. The additional 495 rooms in the hotel expansion allows the Downtown Grand to meet its increased customer.

Create: Feb 28, 2020 Edit: Feb 28, 2020 International News

Accor set to expand Ethiopia footprint with Ibis Styles hotel in 2023

Design-led economy 150-key property in Addis Ababa to grow the group’s presence to five properties countrywide. Accor is expanding its presence in Ethiopia after signing a management agreement to open a new property under its design-led economy brand, Ibis Styles. The Group has partnered with private conglomerate, Yuluch Elyano Trading plc, to operate the 150-key Ibis Styles Addis Ababa with a scheduled opening date of 2023. Conveniently situated just off the city’s main thoroughfare, Bole Road, 1km from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and close to corporate institutions and embassies, the property will appeal to regional and international business travellers seeking stylish and affordable accommodation. Ibis Styles Addis Ababa will offer 150 rooms, each featuring the brand’s signature Sweet BedTM by ibis concept, which is unrivalled in the economy sector.

Create: Feb 23, 2020 Edit: Feb 23, 2020 International News

Apple Leisure Group breaks ground on 2 hotel resorts in Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic will welcome Secrets Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana and Dreams Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana. Two of the 18 management deals, Secrets Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana and Dreams Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana are the first AMResorts-branded properties in this region of the country, and bring its total number of properties in the Caribbean to 20. These two new resorts form the backbone of the $400-million Playa Esmeralda hospitality development. Once complete, Playa Esmeralda will encompass nearly 1,500 hotel units, as well as a shared promenade, where guests from all hotels can mingle and enjoy a convention center, a theatre for live entertainment, ample retail offerings, and a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa. The promenade will also serve as the property’s main culinary hub, featuring diverse gourmet restaurants and elevated buffets.

Create: Feb 23, 2020 Edit: Feb 23, 2020 International News

Marriott opens first Aloft Hotel in Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan

Aloft Hotels, Marriott International’s innovation incubator brand for global travelers, announced the opening of Aloft San Juan, the first Aloft hotel in the Caribbean. By mixing art, technology, and music, Aloft San Juan introduces a new social scene with a fresh approach that differentiates itself from the traditional hotel offering. Located only a few minutes away from El Viejo San Juan, a historic area renowned for its cultural and gastronomic offering, the hotel is one of the anchor properties of El Distrito and the first to open in the 50,000 square-foot central plaza that will serve as the hub of all things fun and entertainment in Puerto Rico

Create: Feb 23, 2020 Edit: Feb 23, 2020 International News

Japan, Austria downgrade Iran travel warning

TEHRAN – Japan and Austria have significantly downgraded their travel warnings on Iran, a caution they, amongst some other countries, issued following the deadly crash of a Ukrainian plane near Tehran last month. The jetliner, with 176 people onboard, was mistakenly downed on January 8 by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) air defense system, a few hours after Iran fired dozens of missiles at a U.S. airbase inside Iraq in retaliation to the assassination of Iranian Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on January 3. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has eliminated its travel warning on Iran [asking its citizens to avoid ‘non-essential’ travel to the country] and it has also terminated depicting Iran’s security map with a warning sign,” ISNA reported on Tuesday. An advisory, which warned about traveling to Iran, is now deleted from the website of the ministry, the report added. Austrian ambassador to Tehran Stefan Scholz on Monday wrote on his Instagram account that his country has lowered its travel warning for Iran. “Austria has downgraded its travel warning for Iran, repealing its general advice against non-essential travels following a thorough reassessment of the security situation.” “We believe that the risk to Austrian nationals except for some specific border areas has changed. This decision will also further contribute to civil society contacts and commerce,” the envoy added. Late in January, the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved that European airlines can return to parts of Iranian and Iraqi airspace. Germany’s Lufthansa was among airlines that canceled flights over the affected airspace. Inbound tours started to severely drop following the crash, triggering a major setback to Iran’s budding tourism industry. The blow, however, is being hoped to be amended as soon as possible by a comprehensive action plan Iran’s tourism ministry has put into practice since January 25. In the same time, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ali-Asghar Mounesan issued a statement, inviting all travelers and holidaymakers to visit the ancient land, saying that the country-size guesthouse is wholeheartedly ready to receive tourists from around the world. The official emphasized that the Iranian government is trying its best to host incoming tourists by improving tourism infrastructure, offering attractive and pocket-friendly packages, as well as incentives such as visa waivers or 90-day visas on arrival. The 2019 Travel Risk Map, which shows the risk level around the world, put Iran among countries with “insignificant risk”, a category where the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, and Finland are placed in.

Create: Feb 19, 2020 Edit: Feb 19, 2020 Regional News

World’s Largest Comfort Hotel Opens at Stockholm Arlanda Airport in Sweden

Nordic 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, 2020 International News

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) Opens Devi Ratn, A Seleqtions Hotel In Jaipur

Indian 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, 2020 International News

The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali Opens

Westin 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, 2020 International News

Global Agents Launches New Japanese Hotel Brand

Japanese 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, 2020 International News

Surestay Hotel by Best Western Floresville Opens in Texas

The 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, 2020 International News

Four Seasons to debut new hotels, resorts, private residences and more in 2020

Anticipated 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 International News