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Element by Westin Opens the 460-room Element Philadelphia in Pennsylvania

Element Hotels – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 leading brands and designed for today’s healthy, active traveler – announce today the opening of Element Philadelphia, marking the brand’s debut in the city. Developed by Conshohoken-based Chestlen Development, the hotel will be the newest addition to Philadelphia’s reemerging hospitality scene, with travelers planning an average of 2.7 trips this year, according to a recent Visit Philadelphia report. Designed with a focus on sustainability and well-being, Element is ideal for families, groups and business travelers who want to maintain a balanced lifestyle while on the road. “Bringing the Element brand to Philadelphia was a strategic decision to appeal to the wellness-minded modern traveler, who is looking for self-sufficiency, more space to recharge, and amenities that align with their lifestyle,” stated Edward Baten, Complex General Manager, Element Philadelphia. “As the needs of travel, work and leisure have evolved over the last year, our offering is better suited than ever before to welcome guests with a range of work and life demands. Our flexible accommodations will open at a time when it’s needed most for leisure and business travelers alike.” Element Hotels has redefined the longer stay experience with a design philosophy that encourages guests to recharge and find focus. This approach is seen throughout Element Philadelphia, the brand’s largest property globally. The hotel’s 460 bright and modern guest rooms are positioned in an ideal Center City location and boast impressive views of Philadelphia’s historic architecture and skyline. The sunlit Sky Lobby will offer open seating for work and relaxation, and a range of safe, socially distanced amenities for guests to utilize. Fully equipped kitchens in every room, a business center, Motion Fitness center and guest laundry services create flexible work-from-anywhere possibilities. At Element Philadelphia, guests will be energized with a food and beverage program that prioritizes fresh, healthy ingredients. A complimentary Rise breakfast starts the day and the Relax evening reception invites guests to unwind together in the Sky Lobby. Balanced grab-and-go meals, snacks and beverages are available from the Restore gourmet pantry, which features products from local producers. In addition, guests are invited to eat well from the comfort of their own room. With kitchens stocked with everything needed to create a home-cooked meal, Element hopes to inspire guests by introducing local culinary and nutritional voices to provide easy-to-follow recipes. These digital recipes and meal ideas, which will be accessible via in-room QR codes and in pre-arrival emails, will feature fresh, local ingredients that can be picked up at iconic neighborhood markets such as Di Bruno Brothers and Reading Terminal Market. Designed to get visitors moving, Element Philadelphia features a Bikes to Borrow program with its custom-designed Priority Bicycles in unmistakable Element green. The Bikes to Borrow program provides suggested routes to help guests experience the city’s history, art or nearby bike trails. Whether on two wheels or walking with a four-legged friend, Element encourages guests and their pets to explore more. Element’s pet-friendly program includes a signature dog bed, treats, water bowls, eco-friendly clean-up supplies and more for travelers visiting with pets. Element Philadelphia offers more space for guests to live their lives in rooms ranging in size from a Standard guest room, to Deluxe and Executive guest rooms, to One Bedroom Suites. The signature Westin Heavenly® beds and spa-inspired bathrooms feature rain showers designed to infuse a sense of calm. Element is proud to be green from the ground up and has built a smarter, better place to stay. When choosing materials, Element Philadelphia’s design team pioneered eco-friendly, sustainable design that improves hotel air quality, minimizes pollutants and chemicals, and gives guests ample access to natural light, resulting in a cleaner, healthier environment. The hotel also integrates eco-friendly materials and practices into its design in a variety of ways, including: Electric vehicle charging stations Guestrooms featuring carpets with up to 100% recycled content Wall art mounted on a base made from recycled tires Walls featuring low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints Bathrooms featuring low-flow faucets and fixtures Silverware and glassware provided, minimizing single-use plastics and disposable waste Recycling is made easy with bins in every guestroom and throughout public spaces Filtered water is available in all guestrooms and in the public spaces through a dispenser unit Element Philadelphia uses only 100% recycled postconsumer wastepaper for all printing and stationery needs Element Philadelphia will soon provide access to over 45,000 square feet of purpose-built event space, fully adaptable for the changing dynamics of indoor meetings, events and celebrations. Guests of Element Philadelphia can travel with confidence with services adapted for COVID-19, adhering to Marriott’s Commitment to Clean standards throughout their stay, including contactless check-in, social distancing, increased cleanliness protocols and new UV-light cleaning technologies. Consisting of in-house and outside experts in food safety, hygiene and infection prevention, and hotel operations, the Marriott Cleanliness Council has redefined cleaning and safety standards.

Create: May 16, 2021 Edit: May 16, 2021 International News

Intl. webinar to discuss ways to preserve Persepolis for future generations

A host of experts will be discussing archaeological findings and the latest attempts for the conservation of the UNESCO-registered Persepolis for future generations. “In this webinar, experts and researchers in the fields of archaeology, conservation and restoration, archeology, linguistics, documentation, architecture and civil engineering, geology, biology, law, statistics, etc. will discuss and exchange views on the ancient Persepolis during a four-day international webinar, which starts on Sunday,” CHTN quoted the organizers as saying on Saturday. Archaeological achievements in the World Heritage site will be discussed on the first day of the conference while decades of conservation, restoration, documentation projects would be topics for the second day. On the third day, applied research on conservation and restoration, documentation will be scrutinized. Moreover, comprehensive conservation plans for the architecture and conservation of the site are set to be conferred on the last day of the event. Persepolis, also known as Takht-e Jamshid, whose magnificent ruins rest at the foot of Kuh-e Rahmat (Mountain of Mercy) is situated 60 kilometers northeast of the city of Shiraz in Fars province. The ruined royal city ranks among the archaeological sites which have no equivalent, considering its unique architecture, urban planning, construction technology, and art. Persepolis was burnt by Alexander the Great in 330 BC apparently as revenge to the Persians because it seems the Persian King Xerxes had burnt the Greek City of Athens around 150 years earlier. The city’s immense terrace was begun about 518 BC by Darius the Great, the Achaemenid Empire’s king. On this terrace, successive kings erected a series of architecturally stunning palatial buildings, among them the massive Apadana palace and the Throne Hall (“Hundred-Column Hall”). This 13-ha ensemble of majestic approaches, monumental stairways, throne rooms (Apadana), reception rooms, and dependencies is classified among the world’s greatest archaeological sites. The site is marked by a large terrace with its east side abutting the Kuh-e Rahmat (“Mount of Mercy”). The other three sides are formed by a retaining wall, varying in height with the slope of the ground from 13 to 41 feet (4 to 12 meters); on the west side, a magnificent double stair in two flights of 111 short stone steps leads to the top. On the terrace are the ruins of several colossal buildings, all constructed of a dark gray stone (often polished to a marble-like surface) from the adjacent mountain. According to Britannica, the stone was cut with the utmost precision into blocks of great size, which were laid without mortar; many of them are still in place. Especially striking are the huge columns, 13 of which still stand in the audience hall of Darius I (the Great; reigned 522–486 BC), known as the Apadana, the name given to a similar hall built by Darius at Susa. There are two more columns still standing in the entrance hall of the Gate of Xerxes, and a third has been assembled there from its broken pieces. In 1933 two sets of gold and silver plates recording in the three forms of cuneiform—ancient Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian—the boundaries of the Persian empire were discovered in the foundations of Darius’s hall of audience. Several inscriptions, cut in stone, of Darius I, Xerxes I, and Artaxerxes III indicate to which monarch the various buildings were attributed.

Create: May 16, 2021 Edit: May 16, 2021 Regional News

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon Reveals Extensive Renovation in 2021

So much more than a room renovation announcement, this is a serendipitous story that begins in 1959, when the Hotel first opened its doors. “We have welcomed guests from all over the world here, with most returning again and again, year after year,” says Guilherme Costa, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. “And given the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, we thought this was an ideal time to carry on the much anticipated vision of the future for this Hotel.” When highly acclaimed Portuguese architecture studio OITOEMPONTO was entrusted in 2019 to breathe new life into guest rooms and suites at the Hotel, design duo Artur Miranda and Jacques Bec baulked at the idea of modernising the classic Hotel. Old photos stirred memories of Artur’s former stays in the iconic Ritz, an experience he didn’t want to deny to modern guests. Together, the two set about re-imagining the “past for the present,” embarking on a journey to evolve the Hotel’s roots – in style and substance, aesthetics and ambience – for 21st century visitors. “It was fascinating to delve into the history of the Hotel – and realise that its essence hasn’t changed much in 60 years,” shares Artur. “Not only is it an emblematic architectural piece of 1950s Portugal, it also remains at the creative forefront of classic meets cutting-edge. The Hotel has always been very sure of itself, so it’s no surprise that it dictated the parameters for this visionary-vintage reincarnation.” Inspired by the Hotel’s pure fifties style room #44, the new vibe is authentic yet still pioneering 1950s: a Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon trademark, and while successfully evoking the past, it proudly steps into the present, with each room featuring the most advanced technology for light, vision and sound. Already blessed by the generous balconies, they are now much cosier and perfect for breath-taking views of this beautiful capital. According to Guilherme Costa: “This is a time of great excitement for the community of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. After sixty years of proud existence, we honour our great heritage, maintaining our legendary service and continuing to evolve our offer to make it the most-beloved hotel in the city.” “We have enjoyed a strong partnership with Four Seasons since 1998 and we are delighted to have embarked on this renovation program togethe,r” adds Filipa Queiroz Pereira, member of the board of Hotel Ritz S.A. From spring 2021, guests will be able to experience: Redesigned guest rooms and suitesA new outdoor swimming poolA new outdoor barNew terrace of the Ritz Bar Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon remains open with operations as usual throughout the transformation period and welcomes guests to enjoy its accommodations, ballroom and meeting spaces, CURA Restaurant, Varanda Restaurant the the Ritz Bar, O Japonês and other Hotel facilities including the Ritz Spa, indoor pool and rooftop fitness centre.

Create: May 8, 2021 Edit: May 8, 2021 International News

400 beds to be added to accommodation capacity of Yazd

A total of 400 beds is expected to be added to the accommodation capacity of the touristic Yazd province, a local official announced on Wednesday. Ten tourism projects, which are composed of hotels and other lodging centers, are under construction across Yazd province, the official said. “Construction work has been finished on two of the projects, and the rest are complete by 70 to 90 percent.” “200 [hotel] rooms and 400 beds will be added to the accommodation capacity of Yazd when the projects come on stream,” the official said. The central province is usually referred to as a delightful place to stay, or a “don't miss” destination by almost all of its visitors. The city is home to thousands of mudbrick houses that are equipped with innovative badgirs (wind catchers), atmospheric alleyways, and many Islamic and Iranian monuments that shape its eye-catching city landscape. In July 2017, the historical structure of the capital city of Yazd was named a UNESCO World Heritage. Wedged between the northern Dasht-e Kavir and the southern Dasht-e Lut on a flat plain, the oasis city enjoys a very harmonious public-religious architecture that dates from different eras. Yazd is known today for its traditional districts, the qanat system, traditional houses, bazaars, hammams, water cisterns, mosques, synagogues, Zoroastrian temples, and the historic garden of Dolat-Abad. The city enjoys the peaceful coexistence of three religions: Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. Yazd Jameh Mosque, Dowlatabad Garden, the Yazd Atash Behram, also known as Atashkadeh-e Yazd, Towers of Silence, and adjacent desert landscape are among its tourist sites.

Create: May 8, 2021 Edit: May 8, 2021 Regional News

NOUN Hotel Breaks Ground in Norman, Oklahoma

Managing partner Scott Lambert is pleased to announce NOUN Hotel, a premiere four-story boutique hotel, has broken ground and is expected to welcome its first guests in summer 2022. Located in downtown Norman at 542 South University Boulevard on Campus Corner next to the University of Oklahoma, NOUN Hotel will feature 92 modern guest rooms, including two luxurious 900-square-foot suites, a signature restaurant and bar, an intimate speakeasy bar, a banquet room for up to 150, boardroom, an outdoor/indoor bar, and on-site parking. NOUN Hotel will be managed by Lambert, who will drive the hotel’s development, implementation, and execution. Lambert said, “This is something that the community and the University of Oklahoma have wanted for years, so this is an exciting time for us and the city. We look forward to providing our guests with the highest level of service and hospitality in true Oklahoma fashion.” Designed by GH2 Architects, NOUN Hotel’s exterior elements will include a classic, timeless look that reflects the architecture of Norman and the University of Oklahoma. As guests enter the hotel on the first floor, they will be drawn in by the hotel’s spacious lobby with 15-foot ceilings, high-end lighting and a 3,000-square-foot upscale restaurant and bar with a plaza area offering scenic views of University Boulevard as well as a room for private dinners and meetings. Outdoor and indoor seating will be available, including a patio bar with a fire pit and water feature that will serve the restaurant and lobby area. NOUN Hotel guest rooms will emphasize comfort featuring soft neutral tones and clean, modern lines. The second floor will include a 3,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor covered bar featuring a stylish and contemporary bar overlooking the University of Oklahoma and Campus Center where guests can take advantage of beautiful Oklahoma sunsets. The bar will offer limited food service and handcrafted cocktails. The food and beverage program will be supported by Hal Smith Restaurants. In addition to dining and guest rooms, the hotel will feature multiple meeting spaces, including a 150-person banquet room and a hotel boardroom that seats 25 people. With a flexible, connected layout, the space can accommodate intimate business meetings and a range of special events or private parties.

Create: May 6, 2021 Edit: May 6, 2021 International News

The world’s tallest hotel, Dubai’s Ciel Tower

The skyline of Dubai is likely to be adorned with Yahya Jan’s creative work. He is president and design director of architectural and engineering firm NORR, responsible for some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Infinity and Atlantis Hotels. Now he is working on his most ambitious project, due for completion in 2023. The Ciel Tower will be home to more than 1,000 hotel rooms and suites and rise more than 1,200 feet (365 meters) above ground. For the project, Jan was tasked with designing the skyscraper on a triangular plot of land at Dubai Marina with an area of just 2,500 square meters — small for a building of that height. “It’s a property that’s very compressed. It’s like what you would face in Manhattan or London. The constraints were tremendous, and yet we had to make it work.” Yaya says. An observation deck that offers 360-degree views of Dubai and iconic landmarks such as the Palm Jumeirah will be built according to the First Group developer. From the restaurant and rooftop pool, visitors will be able to catch a glimpse of the city. Jan said the project appeals to the senses and is energy efficient, using 25% less energy for air conditioning than typical similar buildings. “This project is not just about architecture. It’s about architecture and engineering coming together. That’s why I love the project so much. It … is my passion, the convergence of science and art,” Yaya added. Twelve floors have been completed, but Jan said he remains “extremely involved” in work even this far into the build. “When you design a project as complex as the Ciel, you can never let your guard down, and you can never say it’s over,” he said. “It’s a continuous process.” Originally from Karachi in Pakistan, Yaya moved to the US when he was 18 on a scholarship and studied structural engineering at Princeton. He then did an MS in architecture. For the next nine years, Jan worked in the US and wasn’t planning to leave until he was offered a job as a senior designer for the Emirates Towers complex. The 57-year-old architect said he never imagined he would stay in Dubai for so long. “It’s been an amazing 25 years living here,” he said. As for the Ciel Tower — which is named for the French word for the sky — Jan hopes the building will be considered timeless, just like the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building in New York City. “The reason I like the fact that it’s called Ciel is that I believe in our own lives the sky is the limit, and that’s the case certainly in my own life. I’ve had a chance to grow, to do things that I didn’t think I would get a chance to do. So it’s been amazing.” HE said.

Create: May 5, 2021 Edit: May 5, 2021 International News

Rosewood Partners With Mitsubishi Estate Co. for 2024 Opening of Rosewood Miyakojima in Japan

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® has been appointed by Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. to manage Rosewood Miyakojima on Mikayo Island in the Okinawan archipelago, opening in 2024. The 55-villa, ultra-luxury resort represents the first Rosewood property in Japan, in a destination acclaimed for its exquisite beaches with several of the country’s most scenic locations. Miyako Island and nearby isles offer miles of soft, white sand with endless vistas of turquoise-blue sea. Aquatic adventures range from snorkeling at Yabiji, the largest coral reef expanse in Japan, to diving through underwater caverns teeming with marine life and outstanding deep-sea fishing. Approached through verdant sugar cane fields, Rosewood Miyakojima will occupy a secluded peninsula surrounded on three sides by white sand beaches, dramatic rock formations and stunning ocean vistas. Arriving visitors will feel the sand beneath their feet within a 20-minute drive from Miyako Airport and 30-minute drive from Shimojishima Airport which receives direct flights from Hong Kong and major cities in Japan. The resort’s 55 villa accommodations will feature private pools, landscaped gardens and unobstructed sea views. Conceived by Netherlands-based Studio Piet Boon, the architecture and interiors are seamlessly designed to immerse guests in the natural surroundings and express harmony with the island through the extensive use of local materials. Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Inc. is providing local architectural expertise and support in realizing the design vision. Four restaurants and bars will include relaxed beachfront concepts showcasing fresh seafood, prized island-raised beef, locally distilled spirits and craft beer. With a stunning seascape as a backdrop, the resort’s indoor and outdoor event venues will host unforgettable destination weddings and private celebrations. On-site recreation will include a standalone Rosewood Explorer’s Club, Rosewood’s program for younger guests designed to inspire creativity and imagination, encourage adventure, discovery and social responsibility through unique experiences attuned to the destination. Asaya, Rosewood’s pioneering integrated wellness concept, will offer treatment rooms set amid private gardens, indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy facilities and a menu of programs and services influenced by local healing traditions. Beyond the resort, guests will discover an abundance of vividly picturesque sites, from the majestic natural stone arch of nearby Sunayama beach to the perfectly poised lighthouse at Higashi-Hennazaki Cape (a nationally designated “Place of Scenic Beauty”) and the seven-kilometer stretch of Yonaha Maehama, regularly ranked as Japan’s best beach and renowned for its cinematic sunsets. Even a brief sojourn will reveal distinctive customs, culture, dialects, cuisine and crafts as well as the beguiling ways of the Okinawan uchinanchu (“sea people”) who inhabit the island. “We are tremendously excited that our first presence in Japan will be in this exquisite location, where Rosewood’s signature A Sense of Place concept will be expressed amidst such a spectacular setting and rich culture,” said Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “We are honored to have Mitsubishi Estate as our partner and very grateful for the trust they have placed in us to offer this exceptional experience.” “Rosewood’s sensitivity to its locales and its dedication to the highest levels of hospitality excellence, which are perfectly in line with our philosophy of urban developments, inspired us to appoint them to manage this very special resort,” said Atsushi Nakajima, senior executive officer, Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. “We are fully confident that Rosewood Miyakojima will become one of the world’s most coveted vacation destinations when it opens its doors.”

Create: Apr 27, 2021 Edit: Apr 27, 2021 International News

Cambria Hotels Marks Expansion in Airport Markets With Orlando Debut

Cambria Hotels, an upscale brand franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc., continues its domestic expansion with the opening of the Cambria Hotel Orlando Airport. The five-story, 108-room hotel is the brand’s fourth property to open this year, joining the Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach, Cambria Hotel Rock Hill – University Center and the Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront, as it continues to add new locations throughout the U.S. in top-tier markets. Cambria Hotels is set to open two more airport-area hotels this year in Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee. Located at 7986 South Conway Rd., the Cambria Hotel Orlando Airport is less than two miles from the Orlando International Airport and a short drive from world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. For travelers looking for a day on the water, Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach are approximately one hour’s drive from the hotel. The Cambria Hotel Orlando Airport is also a 30-minute drive to the Orange County Convention Center and downtown Orlando’s numerous attractions, such as the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Amway Center, live entertainment, fine dining and breweries. Luxury and outlet shopping destinations, including The Florida Mall, Mall at Millenia and the Orlando International Premium Outlets, are just minutes from the hotel and collectively attract millions of visitors annually. “As more people are increasingly vaccinated and returning to travel, we’re working to give travelers even more Cambria hotels in their favorite destinations, where they can experience the local flavor of an area while being able to get outdoors, relax, work or unwind with our thoughtful upscale amenities. The debut of the Cambria Hotel Orlando Airport perfectly illustrates our expansion strategy, as Orlando is currently one of the most searched destinations for summer leisure flights,” said Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. “We’re eager to add new hotels this year that connect our guests to their ideal markets across the nation, including Los Angeles and Napa, California; Austin, Texas; Louisville, Kentucky; and Nashville, Tennessee.” The Cambria Hotel Orlando Airport features upscale amenities and approachable indulgences that appeal to modern travelers, including: Relaxing outdoor pool and spacious patio with views of the nearby wetland conservation area.Multi-purpose indoor and outdoor spaces for productive work or relaxation.Locally inspired design décor, reflecting the unique personality of the surrounding community.Contemporary and sophisticated guest rooms, complete with design forward fixtures, abundant lighting and plush bedding, as well as airport runway and lake views.Immersive, spa-style bathrooms with Bluetooth mirrors.Onsite dining featuring freshly made food, local craft beer, wine and specialty cocktails, now also including to-go options.Multi-function meeting and event spaces.State-of-the-art fitness center. All Choice-branded hotels are participating in Commitment to Clean, an initiative that builds upon the strong foundation of franchisees’ long-standing dedication to cleanliness with enhanced training and best practices for deep cleaning, disinfecting and social distancing. Additionally, Cambria guests can limit their interactions with hotel staff by using the Cambria Contactless Concierge Service, a text messaging service for housekeeping requests, to-go food orders, meeting room requests and more. The Cambria Hotel Orlando Airport was developed by Green Stay Hospitality LLC, part of Reddy Hotels, Orlando, and construction and design were managed by Florida-based SMC Construction and MILES architecture group, respectively. There are currently over 55 Cambria hotels open across the U.S. in popular cities such as Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Nashville, Houston, and Phoenix, with 80 hotels in the pipeline.

Create: Apr 27, 2021 Edit: Apr 27, 2021 International News

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Opens La Quinta Hotel With Del Sol Prototype in Selma, NC

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries, announced today the opening of La Quinta by Wyndham Selma, the milestone 120th hotel in the La Quinta portfolio featuring the sought-after Del Sol prototype. There are 175 La Quinta hotels in the development pipeline, with openings scheduled this year in key markets such as Nashville, Tenn.; Santa Cruz, Calif.; Austin, Texas; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Denver, Colo.; and Corpus Christi, Texas. The brand has also announced plans to bring La Quinta to other countries including Dominican Republic, China, United Arab Emirates, Mexico and Georgia. Owned by Jay Sai Corporation, the new-construction La Quinta by Wyndham Selma features 80 modern guestrooms, a sleek lobby design and an outdoor pool. The hotel is conveniently located by both I-95 and US-70, near Smithfield Community Park, and is easily accessible from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. “This is a milestone opening for the La Quinta by Wyndham brand, and we’re proud to unveil this innovative new property,” said Krishna Paliwal, Wyndham’s president of La Quinta and head of architecture, design, and construction. “We’ve seen huge demand for this stylish, modern prototype, which offers a comfortable stay with contemporary rooms and thoughtful amenities for guests. It’s a great investment opportunity for hotel owners.” Developer interest continues to thrive for the Del Sol prototype, which features a fresh and stylish design providing comfort and convenience while enabling productivity, making it appealing to both business and leisure travelers. Since Wyndham’s acquisition of the La Quinta brand in 2018, 122 new franchise contracts have been executed, helping to drive franchise system growth to eight percent. La Quinta has been among the strongest performing brands throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining 490 basis points of RevPAR Index in 2020 against its competitive set, according to STR data. As a leading upper-midscale brand, La Quinta offers contemporary design and a great guest experience at nearly 940 hotels across the United States, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Turkey, and New Zealand.

Create: Apr 27, 2021 Edit: Apr 27, 2021 International News

White Lodging Opening Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk

Hilton and White Lodging announce the opening of Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk this week located in the vibrant city of San Antonio on the iconic Riverwalk. The 195-room hotel officially opens Thursday, April 22 and is the first Canopy by Hilton in San Antonio. Together with its new restaurant and bar, this welcome addition to the neighborhood mixes colorful old-world vibes with the city’s rejuvenated art, entertainment and culinary scene. “We are thrilled to provide our guests with an authentic experience that brings San Antonio to life through locally-inspired design and South Texas cuisine while also providing a place to relax and recharge,” Daniel Haughan, general manager of Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk. “With incredible views of the Riverwalk and cultural attractions just steps away, guests are immersed in San Antonio’s vibrant Fiesta Culture.” Designed as a natural extension of the surrounding city, Canopy San Antonio Riverwalk boasts spacious guestrooms, suites and public spaces that strike a balance between modern design and rich cultural décor. This includes integrating the old Civil War-era Alamo Fish Market building and repurposing historical elements such as the cistern and limestone walls. Guest rooms are thoughtfully designed, showcasing artwork and textiles that reflect the city of San Antonio. The intricate black-and-white shower tile pattern in the bathroom represents the classic San Antonio quatrefoil logo, which honors the four specific city pillars: People, Pride, Passion and Promise. “I can’t think of a better city in which to grow Canopy’s footprint in Texas. San Antonio increasingly becomes a must-visit destination for its rich history, architecture, award-winning restaurants and eclectic culture,” said Phil Cordell, global category head, lifestyle & global brand head, Canopy by Hilton. “We look forward to offering guests a truly positive stay at Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk as we continue to expand Hilton’s lifestyle portfolio and open new properties in sought-after locations around the world.” Locally-Inspired Cuisine UNESCO has designated San Antonio a “Creative City of Gastronomy,” recognizing the city’s rich culinary heritage and local food movements. Canopy San Antonio Riverwalk embraces the local food scene with its two on-site restaurants that combine modern cuisine and local ingredients. Domingo Restaurant: From brunch plates to appetizers and dinner entrees, Domingo’s menu offers the flavors of South Texas, celebrating the culture of San Antonio with modern culinary flair. The on-site restaurant features a diverse menu that starts with lighter fare, including Mexican Shrimp Cocktail and Halibut Ceviche, and finishes with entrees like Ribeye a La Plancha and Green Chile & Chicken Enchiladas. The Sonoran Crispy Hot Dog and Mexican Hamburguesa – both made with wagyu beef – are sure to become an everyday favorite. Otro Bar: Sitting on the third floor, the elevated space includes an open-air terrace with great views of the Riverwalk alongside small bites and tacos. Otro’s full bar features creative cocktails, including the River Walker (La Venenosa Raicilla Tabernes, D’Aristi Xtabentún liqueur, lychee puree, Mahina Coco, lime juice) and a collection of non-alcoholic alternatives. We’ve Got You Covered At Canopy by Hilton, Enthusiasts (hotel Team Members) connect guests to the best of downtown San Antonio and are always happy to arrange a city tour or suggest a hidden gem to explore. At Canopy San Antonio Riverwalk, Enthusiasts define the local vibe, sharing their knowledge and experiences with guests and complimentary Canopy Bikes to explore the city. Canopy San Antonio Riverwalk is the ultimate destination for dog lovers and travelers looking to bring their canine along for the journey – in fact, Canopy offers each canine a Bark Box which includes a dog’s guide to the neighborhood and a welcome gift. Energizing Comfor Guest rooms feature beds that are covered by the brand’s signature, locally inspired canopies which create an ideal sleeping environment, complemented by Serta mattresses with ZoneActive™ 5-Zone Foam Topper and Serta Cool Balance® Technology for optimal support and temperature control. Each room is thoughtfully designed and offers a welcoming and relaxing experience that leaves guests feeling recharged with an open closet system, built-in refrigerator drawer and a Nespresso coffeemaker. From early morning to late at night, the hotel’s lobby space is a vibrant and energetic space for work, rest and play. In addition, the spacious 24-hour fitness center features an assortment of cardio, strength, core and balance equipment. Meeting Space Canopy San Antonio Riverwalk also offers 2,300 square feet of meeting and event space with floor-to-ceiling glass windows showcasing spectacular views of the San Antonio Riverwalk, an open terrace and ample natural lighting. The collaborative meeting space also includes linen-less event tables for a sustainable approach to meetings. Designed to create event experiences that are clean, flexible, safe and socially responsible, Canopy San Antonio Riverwalk features Hilton EventReady with CleanStay, a global, industry-leading cleanliness and customer service program specific to meetings and events that provides curated solutions for every step of the event planning process. Canopy San Antonio Riverwalk is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,400 properties in 119 countries and territories. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, and free Standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key. The latest opening is Canopy by Hilton’s fourth property in the Lone Star State, and joins Canopy by Hilton Dallas Frisco, Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown and Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown.

Create: Apr 24, 2021 Edit: Apr 24, 2021 International News

Caravanserais, Asbads in South Khorasan eye World Heritage status

The process of preparing four caravanserais and Asbads (ancient vertical-axis windmills) in South Khorasan province is being carried out and the UNESCO assessors are projected to visit the sites by mid-May to register them in the World Heritage list. UNESCO assessors will travel to Iran for a final evaluation, and we hope to see the province's fifth property inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list this year, Hassan Ramezani, director-general of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department of South Khorasan said on Wednesday, ILNA reported. Located in eastern Iran, South Khorasan province is home to many historical and natural attractions such as Birjand Castle, Dragon Cave, Furg Citadel, and Polond Desert. It is also known for its famous rugs as well as its saffron and barberry which are produced in almost all parts of the province. Asbad used to be a smart technique to grind grains. It also bears testimony to the human being’s adaption with nature by transforming environmental obstacles into opportunities. Iran plans to register a wide collection of its Asbads in different provinces on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The architectural spaces of these caravanserais include entrance porches, cells, docks, stables, water reservoirs, and the royal sitting hall, and in some caravanserais, impressive and very beautiful brick decorations have been used, and this architectural style and characteristics have made these works valuable." We are trying to prioritize the excavations of Kaleh Koob site in the form of joint studies with foreign groups through the Cultural Heritage Research Institute so that we can use modern Iranian methods in exploring this site." He explained the province's progress plans in the field of cultural heritage and said: "We have some research work in the field of very rich and valuable areas of South Khorasan which we continue them to reach a clear result. One of them is the ancient site of "Kaleh Koob" around the city of Sarayan, where we have done three seasons of archeological excavations so far, and there are artifacts and remains that date back to the late Neolithic to the Bronze Age.” He continued: "We are trying to prioritize the excavations of Kaleh Koob site in the form of joint studies with foreign groups through the Cultural Heritage Research Institute so that we can use up-to-date Iranian methods in excavating this site." He also pointed out that so far three seasons of archeological excavations and speculation operations have been carried out in the area of "Takhcherabad", noting: "During the study of architectural works and evidence obtained, in the opinion of many of my colleagues and experts and archaeologists, the antiquity of this hill, which is located around Birjand, can be traced back to the Median period in terms of architecture and history. Therefore, we definitely need to continue the exploration operations in this area so that we can achieve more accurate and scientifically sound results." Ramezani pointed out: "In the field of restoration, fortunately, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism, and especially the Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Dr. Talebian, had a good view and also a good knowledge and domination of the historical capacities of South Khorasan, which has made us now one of the leading provinces in the field of buildings that are being restored with the participation of owners and the private sector, and we are even restoring a large number of historical buildings with the participation of owners and the private sector." The official underlined: "Following this process, a number of historical monuments in the province will be restored this year from our partnership funds. In addition, in the field of urban and rural historical textures, due to the number of nationally registered valuable textures, this year we will also see the continuation of restoration works in the walls of the passages, flooring, and restoration of single buildings in the area of historical textures." Ramezani also announced: "By mid-May, the process of launching the Museum of Clothing and Textiles of South Khorasan, which has been completed by the private sector at the historical house "Pardeli" in Birjand, and will be put into operation during the cultural heritage week."

Create: Apr 24, 2021 Edit: Apr 24, 2021 Regional News

Hyatt Celebrates 1,000th Global Hotel Opening With Debut of Alila Napa Valley

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the official opening of Hyatt’s 1,000th hotel worldwide, Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena, Calif. Founder Jay Pritzker purchased the first Hyatt hotel in 1957 with a new vision for hospitality, built around people. Since then, Hyatt’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best has driven groundbreaking hotel designs, the award-winning World of Hyatt guest loyalty program and strategic brand acquisitions. Today, this milestone reinforces Hyatt’s continued commitment to intentional growth in places that matter most to guests, members, customers, and owners. Marking the expansion of Hyatt’s luxury lifestyle Alila brand portfolio with the brand’s second property in the Americas, Alila Napa Valley offers guests crafted luxury, innovative design, and bespoke experiences in one of the world’s most famous wine regions. The 68-room adults-only restorative retreat is surrounded by the pristine Home Vineyards of the Beringer Estate and features an outdoor pool overlooking adjacent vineyards and distant mountains, a seasonally driven restaurant and bar with a local, sustainable menu and Spa Alila and Fitness Center with transformative, customized treatments. “Hyatt’s thoughtful journey to 1,000 hotels has been grounded in listening, growing, and innovating along the way to meet guest, member, customer and owner needs,” said Jim Chu, Hyatt’s executive vice president of global franchising and development. “Today, we remain focused on expanding our global footprint and building our business based on where we can best extend care and make a positive impact on our guests and the communities in which we operate. With a strong pipeline of new openings and developments, Hyatt continues to offer differentiated experiences that will cater to the growing demand for leisure destinations our guests are seeking as they get back to travel.” Planned 2021 Hyatt Property Opening Highlights In 2021, Hyatt plans to welcome several properties to its portfolio in key global markets. Highlights across brands include: Alila The Alila brand features luxury hotels in unique locations, distinguished by innovative eco-design and a strong commitment to sustainable tourism. Alila means “surprise” in Sanskrit, which suitably describes the refreshing character of Alila hotels and the impression guests feel when they stay as a guest. alilahotels.com Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas (130 guestrooms) in Encinitas, Calif.Alila Dalit Bay (152 guestrooms) in Sabah, MalaysiaAlila Hinu Bay (112 guestrooms) in Salalah, Oman Andaz Global in scale while local in perspective, the Andaz brand of luxury lifestyle hotels weave the sights, sounds, and tastes of each property’s surroundings for a distinctively local experience. Every Andaz hotel is a unique expression of the culture that surrounds it and enables guests to go beyond the familiar and satiate their curiosity. andaz.com Andaz Bali (149 guestrooms) in Bali, Indonesia Destination by Hyatt Destination by Hyatt is a diverse collection of independent hotels, resorts and spacious residences that are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to embody the true spirit of each location. Ranging from upper-upscale to luxury, each property is purposefully crafted to be a place of discovery through immersive experiences, authentic design, and genuine service. destinationhotels.com Banyan Cay Resort & Golf (190 guestrooms) in West Palm Beach, Fla.The Seabird Resort (226 guestrooms) in Oceanside, Calif.The Shay(148 guestrooms) in Culver City, Calif.Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort (153 guestrooms) in Isle of Palms, S.C. Grand Hyatt Grand Hyatt hotels celebrate the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Drawing inspiration from each destination, Grand Hyatt hotels provide superior service and signature experiences within a backdrop of dramatic architecture, world-class restaurants, luxury spas, and spectacular meeting and event spaces. grandhyatt.com Grand Hyatt Kuwait (303 guestrooms) in Kuwait City, Kuwait Hyatt Centric Hyatt Centric is a brand of lifestyle hotels located in prime destinations around the world that inspire discovery for savvy, millennial-minded travelers with an adventurous spirit. Each Hyatt Centric hotel is in the heart of the action with passionately engaged team members always on-hand to serve up insider knowledge and provide local expertise. hyattcentric.com Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis (227 guestrooms) in Memphis, Tenn.Additional Hyatt Centric hotels expected to open in destinations globally in 2021: Cambridge, England.; Charlotte, N.C.; Denver, Colo.; Dubai, U.A.E.; Melbourne, Australia; Nashville, Tenn.; Sacramento, Calif.; Antiguo Cuscatlan, El Salvador Hyatt House / Hyatt Place Hyatt House hotels are designed to welcome guests as extended stay residents. Apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas remind guests of the conveniences of home. Hyatt Place hotels offer a modern, comfortable, and seamless experience, combining style and innovation to create a casual hotel environment for today’s multi-tasking traveler. From the lobby to the guest rooms to in-hotel dining, every touchpoint is designed with the high value business traveler in mind. hyatthouse.com / hyattplace.com Hyatt House Scottsdale-North and Hyatt Place Scottsdale-North (229 combined guestrooms) in Scottsdale, Ariz.Hyatt House LAX/Century Blvd and Hyatt Place LAX/Century Blvd (401 combined guestrooms) in Los AngelesHyatt Place Kyoto (239 guestrooms) in Kyoto, JapanHyatt Place Montreal Downtown (353 guestrooms) in MontrealHyatt Place New York Chelsea (510 guestrooms) in New YorkHyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach (124 guestrooms) in St. Augustine, Fla. Hyatt Regency Hyatt Regency hotels are intuitively designed to make travel free from stress and filled with success. Conveniently located in urban and resort locations in more than 30 countries, Hyatt Regency hotels offer seamless experiences for any occasion, from energizing vacations to personalized, high-touch meetings. hyattregency.com Hyatt Regency JFK at Resorts World New York (400 guestrooms) in New YorkHyatt Regency Koh Samui (139 guestrooms) in Koh Samui, ThailandHyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle (255 guestrooms) in Zurich, Switzerland JdV by Hyatt A community for the spirited, light-hearted, and young-at-heart, the JdV by Hyatt brand offers a collection of vibrant, independent hotels that are true reflections of the urban neighborhoods they call home. Each hotel provides an experience that is inclusive in spirit and space, welcoming all vibes, tribes and unique souls—effortlessly bringing people together with joy-driven service. jdvhotels.com El Capitan Hotel (114 guestrooms) in Merced, Calif.Mission Pacific Hotel (161 guestrooms) in Oceanside, Calif.The Anndore House (113 guestrooms) in Toronto, OntarioThe Walper Hotel (92 guestrooms) in Toronto, OntarioAdditional JdV by Hyatt hotels expected to open in 2021 include Story Hotel Riddargatan (82 guestrooms) and Story Hotel Signalfabriken (83 guestrooms) in Stockholm, as well as Story Hotel Studio Malmö (96 guestrooms) in Malmö, Sweden Park Hyatt Park Hyatt hotels provide discerning, global travelers with a refined home-away-from-home. Guests of Park Hyatt hotels receive quietly confident and personalized service in an enriching environment. Located in several of the world’s premier destinations, each Park Hyatt hotel is custom designed to combine sophistication with understated luxury. parkhyatt.com Park Hyatt Toronto (219 guestrooms) reopening in Toronto, Ontario Thompson Hotels Founded in 2001, Thompson Hotels is a collection of award-winning luxury hotels with timelessly original properties in urban and resort destinations. Each hotel delivers a new take on modern luxury and tailored stays for guests with connections to world-class culinary offerings, arts and entertainment, and groundbreaking design. thompsonhotels.com Thompson Hotels expected to open in U.S. destinations in 2021: Austin, Texas; Buckhead, Ga.; Denver; Hollywood, Calif.; and Savannah, Ga. The Unbound Collection by Hyatt More than a compilation of independent, one-of-a-kind hotels, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand offers a thoughtful curation of stories worth collecting. Whether it’s a modern marvel, a historic gem or a revitalizing retreat, each property provides thought-provoking environments and experiences that inspire for guests seeking elevated yet unscripted service when they travel. unboundcollectionbyhyatt.com Hotel du Palais Biarritz (139 guestrooms) reopening in Biarritz, FranceCommune by The Great Wall (175 guestrooms) in Beijing, China

Create: Mar 16, 2021 Edit: Mar 16, 2021 International News