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Major Renovation Completed at Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan Beach Resort

Opened in 1987 as the very first Pueblo Bonito property, the celebrated Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort recently completed an extensive $27 million renovation project intended to boost the landmark hotel’s status as an international travel and hospitality industry leader. Located along the famous Zona Dorada, or Golden Zone of Mazatlan, the original Pueblo Bonito (“Beautiful Village”) hotel set the bar for luxury travel in Mazatlan more than 30 years ago, effectively launching one of the most successful resort brands in Mexico. The transformation pays homage to the hotel’s Old World charm while elevating all elements of the property, including totally upgraded guest suites, restaurants, lobbies, and pools. The remodeling and renovation project has also greatly enhanced the building’s exterior and amenities while retaining the unique appeal of a hotel that been a favorite of guests for decades. “We are very excited to have undertaken this major renovation, which has revitalized, revamped, and reinvented the pioneer resort of the Pueblo Bonito collection,” said Alberto Coppel, CEO, Pueblo Bonito Golf and Spa Resorts. “Our beloved Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan has retained its charm, while attaining a new level of luxury, enhancing the already unique experience our guests have always treasured.” Coppel added, “The early success of this property—the best resort in town from the day it opened—allowed Pueblo Bonito Resorts to expand to Los Cabos. This renovation is our way of giving back to Mazatlan a little bit of what Mazatlan has given to us.” All accommodations, totaling 248 guest suites, were completely remodeled, with new artwork and fresh touches added throughout the property. A new restaurant was added, Pescados, a casually elegant space that serves fresh sashimi, maki, nigiri and sushi. The dining outpost doubles as a snack bar during the day. In addition, a new oceanfront bar was also installed, while Cilantro’s restaurant was totally reimagined. Las Palomas restaurant was also redesigned and expanded. This popular dining spot features new décor finishes and furniture. For business groups and small conventions, new meeting facilities capable of accommodating up to 300 attendees were built. The resort now offers beautiful, outdoor event space next to the swimming pool. From enhanced cleaning protocols to new contactless services, Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan has taken all of the necessary steps to ensure the safety of guests and team members alike, through the company’s own CARE Pledge. CARE translates to Conscientious Service, Advanced Standards, Rigorous Sanitation, Elevated Hygiene. On-site testing services are available at all Pueblo Bonito Resort properties so that guests can easily comply with CDC requirements that travelers get a viral test within three days of flying to the U.S. Testing services are included with all-inclusive packages for stays of three nights or longer.

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

Concord Hospitality Plans June Opening of AC Hotel Columbus Downtown in Ohio

AC Hotel Columbus Downtown is slated to welcome its first guests in June. The property features a prime location that intersects the city’s bustling business district, Arena District and Short North Arts District. As part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, developed by Continental Hospitality Group and managed by Concord Hospitality, the modern, 160-room urban property will be a premier getaway for leisure and business travelers looking to experience the best Columbus has to offer. “The opening of the AC Hotel Columbus Downtown is symbolic of our city’s cultural growth in recent years,” said General Manager Lisa Garner, who joined Concord Hospitality in 2017 to oversee two Marriott hotels that remain under her watch in addition to the soon-to-open property. “The arrival of a lifestyle brand like AC Hotels by Marriott® helps cement Columbus’ reputation as a cultural innovator and tastemaker on the beat of what is trending in dining, art and entertainment. I’m proud to lead this incredible team and excited to find creative ways to utilize the city’s key attributes to enhance our guest experience.” With a pulse on the artistic heartbeat of the city, the hotel encourages guests to experience the art, culture and culinary traits that have earned Columbus its reputation as “The Hippest City in the Midwest.” The property features an inviting lobby with purposeful design and curated artwork that gives room to collaborative, flexible spaces. Its 160 guest rooms and suites provide a seamless, thoughtful experience that harmoniously blends with the area’s vibrant surroundings. Guests can enjoy European-inspired breakfasts at the hotel’s signature AC Kitchen with warm butter croissants, artisan cured meats such as thinly sliced Italian prosciutto, an international selection of cheeses, as well as yogurts and cereals, seasonal fruits and local specialties. The contemporary hotel offers 2,400 square feet of private event space with floor-to-ceiling panoramic skyline views, and the AC Lounge® by Lumin SkyBar, which doubles as a communal space by day and a lively social hub by night. Overlooking Park Street with scenic sunset views, the refined rooftop experience will transport guests to evenings in Barcelona with a variety of Spanish-inspired tapas, local craft beers and hand-crafted cocktails, including a selection of signature gin tonics. The hotel offers easy access to numerous landmarks and attractions, including the Nationwide Arena, new Columbus Crew Stadium, Greater Columbus Convention Center, The Scioto Mile and more than 350 restaurants, bars and retail shops. It is just a 10-minute drive from John Glenn International Airport and within a half day’s driving distance of more than a dozen major U.S. cities. The property is helping its first guests fuel up for fun with a Summer Road Trip Package. Travelers who book between June 6 and August 22, 2021, will receive a $50 gas credit per night of their visit and complimentary nightly parking. “Given our strong roots and relationships in the Columbus area, we had the opportunity to unlock the AC Hotel Columbus Downtown’s irreplaceable location,” said David Kass, CEO of Continental Hospitality Group. “Together with our trusted partner Concord Hospitality, the most prolific operator in Columbus, the AC Hotel Columbus Downtown will be one of the most desirable destinations in the popular Arena and Short North districts.”

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

Why Compliance Doesn’t Equate to Data Security

Hoteliers, let me ask you a question. What does it mean to run a secure hotel? The answer may vary, depending on who you ask. Why? Because security, across any industry, is a multifaceted discipline and an essential consideration for brands that interact with customer data and information. Cybersecurity attacks are commonplace in today’s world, and hotels are increasingly attractive targets due to their association with a variety of sensitive data. In fact, two of the top five biggest data breaches made public in 2020 were at hotel chains. Globally, cybercrime damages are expected to reach US $6 trillion by 2021. As our industry continues to embrace technological innovation across common touchpoints in the name of enhanced convenience and personalization, we realized the subsequent need for enhanced security protocols. With great power comes great responsibility, and the handling of personal data is no exception. The possibility for personalization is seemingly endless, but so are the associated security risks if hotels don’t take the necessary precautions to fortify their operations. Ironically though, hospitality’s ongoing focus on compliance often obscures the macro-level view of hotel security. All too often, we make the mistake of associating compliance with security when, in fact, they are not synonymous. Adherence to regulatory standards is important, but these standards often fail to account for the increasingly nuanced and ever-changing requirements of cybersecurity initiatives across hospitality. With ten years of former military experience under my belt, I’ve entered IT and cybersecurity with a unique perspective. My former career instilled in me the importance of a detail-centric approach, which I now apply to the world of hospitality regulations and procedures. I understand, intimately, that compliance is the first step – but it isn’t the entire picture. This realization holds even more weight in the pandemic era, a time when hotels are increasingly vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches and risks. A Demand for Security Innovation Historically, the hospitality industry has been slow to embrace technological change. Under the guise of tradition, many hospitality leaders have fallen victim to antiquated ideologies over the years — better known as the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset. Despite this, innovation is, ultimately, undeniable across a landscape that is primarily dictated by guest demands and preferences. However, the rate of change across our industry is often slow, and there is perhaps no better example of this stalemate than hotel tech security. While many aspects of our industry have seemingly ‘caught up’ to other sectors in regards to forward-facing innovation, IT and security have, for the most part, been left in the proverbial dark ages. We see hotels offering their guests an ultramodern experience, rife with next-gen upgrades and platforms including self-service kiosks, smart hotel rooms, AI-powered concierge robots, and keyless room entry. These are incredible advancements. When we pull back the curtain to view the policies and procedures at work behind the scenes, we realize a stark contrast. A robot concierge at a given hotel might know your name and seamlessly address your requests once you arrive on the property. However, that same hotel will probably still require you to manually fax or email a credit card authorization form. As an industry, we are making strides forward, but we have – for the most part – left core security considerations behind. To this effect, many of the hotel security breaches that dominated headlines involved hotels that were, in fact, compliant in terms of regulatory standards. These breaches often compromised point of sales systems that, despite complying with current industry standards, exposed guest credit card information in a way that put guests and hotel reputations at risk. Hotel Security for a Post-Pandemic World When considering the scope of hotel cybersecurity, it’s important to recognize that credit card theft is only one of many risks. Our industry relies on the exchange of large amounts of sensitive personal information, and the post-pandemic innovation and automation poised to spearhead hospitality’s recovery will, ultimately, thrive on guest data. As we look to a future of keyless room entry, AI-powered touchpoints, and high-tech self-service, we must consider the enhanced security required by increasingly interconnected hotel systems. Reports indicate that the more devices connecting to a network, the more vulnerable it is to cyberattacks. 513,936,296 hospitality data records were stolen or lost in 2018. In early 2020, 5.2 million guest records were compromised in one hotel chain breach 423 million travelers have been victims of a cyberattack through their business with hotels 70% of guests believe hotels don’t invest enough in cybersecurity protection Moreover, we must acknowledge the current state of the hospitality workforce. As our industry prepares for recovery after a period of severe downturn, we will welcome many newcomers to our industry in addition to restricted staffing due to limited post-pandemic budgets and cost-saving initiatives. New talent is welcome, but hotels should be increasingly cognizant of IT and cybersecurity training and awareness for all new and returning staff. After all, 95% of all data breaches can be traced to human causes. With this in mind, comprehensive cybersecurity training should be prioritized at every level of any organization. In fact, hotels should take this time to audit and, potentially, reinvent their cybersecurity best practices. Not only should risk assessments be performed every year, but they should also be performed every time a hotel implements a new solution. This may seem tedious initially, but dealing with the costs and reputational repercussions of a large-scale cybersecurity breach is far more taxing. Now, more than ever before, hoteliers must look beyond compliance to consider big picture hotel cybersecurity. Identifying any and all opportunities for risk is the only way to defend against it, and data security should be embedded into the very culture of a hotel. The more you educate your employees, the less likely they are to become the victim of a breach or attack.. In the post-pandemic world, creating a truly secure environment demands a diverse and increasingly detail-oriented approach to managing and protecting sensitive information.

Create: Apr 19, 2021 Edit: Apr 19, 2021 Hotel Management

Hyatt Partners With Carlisle LLC for a Caption by Hyatt hotel in Memphis, Tennessee

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement with Carlisle LLC for a Caption by Hyatt hotel in Memphis, Tenn. The Caption by Hyatt brand is grounded in a commitment to caring for people and place and creating connections between them. “We’re excited to bring the Caption by Hyatt brand to Memphis, a brand that is truly committed to embracing the evolving needs of today’s traveler. We are confident this hotel will deliver on creating a welcoming space where both travelers and locals can hang out, be themselves, and feel connected to the community,” said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Hyatt’s global brand leader, lifestyle and luxury brands. “Hyatt is committed to growing in places that matter most to our guests, World of Hyatt members and owners, and with the Caption by Hyatt brand, we have the opportunity to expand our footprint in a way that reflects the brand’s commitment to being truly of the community – not just in it. At Caption by Hyatt hotels, the people make the place, and we’re excited to see that come to life in Memphis.” Located at One Beale Street and adjacent Hyatt Centric Memphis Beale Street, which is set to open on April 15, Caption by Hyatt Memphis is expected to debut in 2022 and will be integrated into the historic main building of Wm. C Ellis & Sons Ironworks and Machine Shop, one of the earliest and longest running businesses in Memphis. The historic building will house the hotel’s ground and second floors, and a new 136-guestroom tower will rise above offering guests spectacular views of the Mississippi River and city skyline. The Caption by Hyatt brand’s signature marquee will adorn the hotel’s dual entrances, leading avid travelers and locals into the all-day, multi-functional lounge space, Talk Shop. The double height lounge will be enveloped by the historic building’s original heavy timber framing, decorative brick walls, archways, and clerestory windows. At Caption by Hyatt Memphis, Talk Shop will include an expansive patio and double height beer garden that will be incorporated into the building’s historic, decorative façade on Front Street – with locally driven tap beer offerings that will showcase the best beverages of the region, open fire-pits, exposed brick, and existing metal work, Caption by Hyatt Memphis will have an unmistakable neighborhood feel. Caption by Hyatt Memphis will work with Memphis-area purveyors and suppliers, making every effort to support local and minority-owned businesses whenever possible. “Carlisle is deeply rooted in the local Memphis community, and our properties reflect those roots. Just like our soon to open Hyatt Centric Memphis Beale Street, the Caption by Hyatt brand is aligned with our vision to truly make Memphis a world class destination for business and leisure travelers, as well as residents,” said Senior Vice President of Development & Asset Management Stephen Kallaher, Carlisle LLC. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate again with Hyatt to introduce the Caption by Hyatt brand to Downtown Memphis and we look forward to providing guests and locals with authentic, fresh experiences and new opportunities for meaningful connections. Caption by Hyatt Brand Primed for Global Growth With additional projects underway around the world, including Shanghai, Caption by Hyatt hotels will combine the design and comfort of an upscale, lifestyle-forward hotel with the self-guided options of a select-service property. Further, the brand can flex and adapt to suit the needs of different locations and markets, offering a more sustainable approach to design and operations. Destined for urban and downtown markets and lifestyle mixed-use developments, the Caption by Hyatt brand is redefining hospitality by embracing the evolving needs of people and places and allowing them to make Caption by Hyatt hotels their own. Offering dynamic, welcoming spaces for those who seek meaningful conversations, Caption by Hyatt hotels will encourage guests and locals to embrace self-expression in a space that delivers on experience and connection. The Caption by Hyatt brand is committed to hiring diverse talent, vendors, artisans, and suppliers in the community, giving each Caption by Hyatt hotel its own authentic expression of place. “We are focused on expanding the Caption by Hyatt brand footprint globally with the hope of building our business in key urban and downtown locations, including emerging neighborhoods and mixed-use lifestyle centers, where we can best extend care while also making a positive impact on our guests and communities,” said Jim Chu, Hyatt’s executive vice president of global franchising and development. “There’s incredible excitement surrounding the Caption by Hyatt brand, and we look forward to collaborating with new and existing owners and operators to bring managed and franchised Caption by Hyatt projects to fruition. As a fellow owner, Hyatt is deeply committed to helping owners and operators fully tap the power of the Caption by Hyatt brand in an effort to achieve operating excellence and ultimately drive revenue.” With a signature marquee sign above each hotel’s main entrance, Caption by Hyatt hotels will be distinct and at the same time have an unmistakable neighborhood feel. Anchored by an eclectic contemporary-meets-urban industrial style, each property will feature a playful layering of colors, textures, and hand-drawn graphic art. At Caption by Hyatt hotels, animated social and food-and-beverage spaces with tech-forward features – like digital check-in, digital keys, and mobile-order food service – unite for a seamless and efficient guest experience. At the heart of the Caption by Hyatt brand experience will be the brand’s food and beverage concept, Talk Shop, that will serve as a lively welcome area, all-day lounge and workspace, coffee shop, eatery, grab-and-go artisanal market and cocktail bar. Menus will feature locally inspired all-day items and regional favorites with locally sourced ingredients in a spirited and upbeat setting.

Create: Apr 15, 2021 Edit: Apr 15, 2021 International News

First Radisson Serviced Apartment Hotel Opens in Western Europe

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the opening of its first serviced apartment property and eighth operating hotel in the Dutch capital. The 227 all-suite aparthotel Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South offers the perfect base for families and long-stay visitors. Nestled amidst a maze of canals in a leafy neighborhood, guests will have a quintessential Amsterdam experience with easy access to the city’s central business district. The upscale Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South is an aparthotel featuring 227 suites within eight suite types, spanning from 21m2 to 106m2. All the suites have a fully-equipped kitchen, individual climate control, free high-speed Internet access and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Whilst all suites include a walk-in rain shower, guests can also choose suites with designer bathtubs and even a private infrared sauna. A complimentary self-service laundry facility is available and, for guests with busy schedules, the hotel also features a 24/7 Grab & Go market, a fitness studio, underground parking, bike rental, and a restaurant, Keuken & Bar – created by Marije Richards, of RICHARDS Design. Yilmaz Yildirimlar, Area Senior Vice President, Central & Eastern Europe, Russia and Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group, says, “We are delighted to open another highly successful Radisson Hotel Group brand in the city of Amsterdam especially during this challenging time. Our upscale Scandinavian-inspired Radisson brand has seen great traction since the EMEA launch in 2018, and we are thankful to our partners Cycas Hospitality, who operate the property, for being part of this incredible journey. We look forward to welcoming our first guests together in this key European destination.” Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South also features three modern meeting rooms, all with natural daylight and equipped with the latest high-quality audio-visual equipment. With convenient transport links to the Zuidas central business district (3km), city center (6km) and Schiphol Airport (8km), the property is well placed to cater to the growing demand for extended-stay accommodation options in this part of the city. For those looking to combine the best of both worlds – both the Dutch capital and the countryside – Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South is only a short walk or cycle ride from Amstelpark (2km) and Amsterdam Forest (2.5km), one of the biggest urban parks in Europe and three times bigger than Central Park. The surrounding area is the perfect complement to the pet-friendly hotel, which makes it much easier and more comfortable for pet owners and all members of the family to travel. Under the commercial umbrella of Radisson Hotels, Cycas Hospitality operates the all-suite property under a leased agreement with ECHO partners. Wayne Androliakos, Chief Operating Officer of Cycas Hospitality, the hotel management company operating the new Radisson property, said, “We are delighted to have opened our first Radisson-branded hotel in Cycas’s hometown of Amsterdam, and are confident that our extended-stay expertise will make Radisson’s first all-suite property in Western Europe a popular option for those visiting the city. The events of the last year have really highlighted the benefits aparthotels can offer travelers. By combining classic hotel services with the flexibility of home in one great property, we’re well-placed to cater for the current demand from essential travellers and, looking ahead, for the growing demand from longer-staying guests.”

Create: Apr 11, 2021 Edit: Apr 11, 2021 International News

The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel, Now Welcoming Guests in Lake Forest, Illinois

A contemporary new hotel located at 200 N. Field Dr. in Conway Business Park, The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel developed by Janko Group and operated by Janko Hospitality is a one-of-a-kind boutique inspired offering from the Hyatt Place brand. Marking the first hotel to open in the North Shore suburb since 1929, the property’s concept is inspired by the city of Lake Forest’s motto, “Naturae et Scientiae Amor,” which translates to “Love of Science and Nature.” The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel is at a similarly unique crossroads, offering all the benefits of a Hyatt Place hotel, while at the same time blazing new trails with unique offerings including Oaken Bistro + Bar, an upscale dining experience along with over 4,500 square feet of flexible event space. Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. At The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel, science and nature are woven throughout from artwork inspired by natural fractals and meeting rooms named after native plants and flowers, to the front desk itself being constructed of a solid, single white oak tree trunk. The property features 156 spacious guest rooms, including 10 suites, each with 55-inch flat-screen Smart HDTVs, complimentary WiFi, mini-fridges, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, blackout curtains, hair dryers, in-room safes and more. The hotel is pet-friendly, and offers complimentary parking to guests in a lot on premises. “As the picturesque city of Lake Forest continues to grow and thrive economically, we are honored to open the newest hotel in the city in nearly 100 years,” said Marlena Karwowski, General Manager, The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel. “With our smartly designed social spaces and guestrooms with separate work and sleep areas, our multitasking guests can easily accomplish what they need to do while on the road. Lake Forest has long been at a unique crossroads of preservation and progress by way of open lands backing up to modern office parks and the cobblestone streets of historic Market Square offering coffee shops and retail stores, and this hotel was conceptualized at a similar juncture.” Ideally equipped to host events both large and small, The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel boasts three event rooms and a pre-function space all featuring the latest technology. The Lupine Room offers exterior access to an outdoor patio and 1,676-square-feet of space, accommodating up to 186 guests, while The Aster Room, the hotel’s largest event space, is able to host up to 200 guests in its 2,232-square-foot space. Best suited for groups of up to 45 guests, The Blue Stem Room offers an intimate 378-square-foot space. The hotel also boasts a chef-driven, full-service restaurant, Oaken Bistro + Bar, now open for dinner, brunch and cocktails. The modern new bar and lounge area is filled with earth-toned features and foliage-inspired light fixtures at every turn. Led by Executive Chef Kristen Burman, formerly of Limelight Catering and Anthology San Diego, Oaken Bistro + Bar offers a robust menu rooted in flavors both strong and bold, like the many centuries-old White Oak Heritage Trees in Lake Forest. To complement, the restaurant also features an eclectic variety of wine and spirits including signature cocktails, infused with local flowers and herbs. Oaken Bistro + Bar offers diners an inspired menu that, like tree rings, will grow and change seasonally. The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel also offers: Complimentary breakfast for guests featuring a variety of pre-packaged or individually wrapped hot and cold breakfast items as well as a paid, dine-in breakfast option in Oaken.The Market serving freshly prepared meals anytime, day or nightNecessities program for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for freeFree Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestroomsFitness Center featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens

Create: Apr 10, 2021 Edit: Apr 10, 2021 International News

Vali-e Asr St., longest in West Asia, being prepared for possible UNESCO registration

Over the past years, Tehran’s Vali-e Asr Street, famed as the longest in West Asia, has undergone countless maintenance works as a prerequisite for a possible UNESCO registration. The leafy street runs for over 17 kilometers from the railway station in the south of the metropolis to the Tajrish square in the north. It is lined with many shops, restaurants, parks, cinemas, and cultural centers. Tehran’s District 11 Mayor Nasrollah Abadian has recently talked about restoration works is has carried out on the southernmost section of the thoroughfare, which is situated in the district. “Vali-e Asr Street, which is the longest in West Asia, has undertaken extra maintenance and restoration works as a prerequisite for a possible UNESCO registration…. Four Kilometers of it is situated in the district 11 and others in the districts of 6, 3, and 1, respectively,” Abadian said. Landscaping and the beautification of urban spaces, flooring, and the protection of green spaces of the street are amongst tasks being practiced, he explained. “Vali-e Asr Street is the best example which witnesses the persistent exercises of creating the concept of Garden-Street as a destination of an urban area from the Safavid era up to the modern time,” according to the UNESCO website. “A variety of architectural styles from traditional to modern and eclectic is a representation of eastern and western values synthesis in a specific geographical point, which carries a true definition of an architectural and spatial place.” In the 19th century, the route once passed through Shemiran gardens, barren fields between Tehran and Shemiran, Yusef Abad, Abbas Abad, and Behjat Abad ending at its southernmost tip inside the then Qajar-era town of Tehran. Vali-e Asr Street, which is registered on Iran’s National Heritage list, was added to the UNESCO’s temporary list in 2019. The street is one of the main urban elements of the Iranian capital in the north-south direction.

Create: Apr 5, 2021 Edit: Apr 5, 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

GHM Plans The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort, Doha, Qatar

GHM has announced plans to open a new luxury resort, composed of 59 rooms and suites as well as 32 chalets and villas at Katara Cultural Village in Qatar’s capital city, Doha. Developed by the Qatari real estate consortium, Triple A in partnership with Katara Cultural Village, The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort, Doha, Qatar shall occupy a beachfront setting within the landmark 100-hectare (247 acre) Katara Cultural Village district that includes theatres, concert halls, exhibition galleries, mosques, restaurants, shops, a park and an open amphitheatre. The area is a magnet for well-heeled travellers and Qataris who are keen to explore the cultural heritage of the region. All of Katara’s pedestrian-friendly attractions will be accessible from the property, either by foot or buggy. “The Katara Cultural Village is a microcosm of everything that Qatar stands for and what it aspires to be,” said GHM Chief Executive Officer Tommy Lai. “Our resort shall be both a springboard to and a respite from one of the most invigorating experiences to be had in the region. It is an oasis of calm and heritage in the middle of a dynamic and modern city.” With a design that pays homage to the glories of Indian Mughal Architecture and a touch of Ottoman influence, the new Chedi’s principal hotel building will house a lobby lounge with 180° views of the sea, an expansive spa and fitness facility, and rooms and suites with terraces and views over the Arabian Gulf and Doha skyline. The 32 villas dotting the extensive landscaped gardens in the Katara Hills range from one to five bedrooms, all with private gardens and swimming pools, offering privacy, luxury and tranquillity in the heart of the city. The Chedi’s food and beverage offering will include an all-day dining venue on the ground floor of the palace with live cooking stations and the exquisite Lobby Lounge, which is designed to heighten the welcome experience. An exclusive cigar lounge anchors the ground floor at one end of the palace and neighbours the resort’s Chedi Lounge.On the beachfront promenade, a long swimming pool accents the principal resort building while a second infinity pool offers a relaxing environment for families to enjoy a wide variety of snacks and fresh juices at the stand-alone Beach Club.The property’s architect, WATG, is a 75-year-old U.S.-based firm renowned for its work designing some of the world’s leading hotels, including the first hotel with overwater villas (in Bora Bora in 1961) as well as gems in the region such as the Royal Opera House in Muscat. Its subsidiary, Wimberly Interiors, will handle the new resort’s interior designs, creating an environment of elegance and calm.The resort is expected to open in July 2022, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022.Currently, the group flies the Chedi flag at The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, UAE, The Chedi Muscat, Oman, The Chedi Andermatt Switzerland, and The Chedi Hotel & Residences Luštica Bay, Montenegro.The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, UAE was recently hailed by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the most remarkable hotel debuts of the year on its 2020 IT List. The Chedi Muscat, Oman was also named the #2 Hotel in the Middle East and North Africa by Travel + Leisure magazine’s World’s Best Awards.

Create: Mar 9, 2021 Edit: Mar 10, 2021 International News

Tourism minister cuts ribbon on accommodation centers in Kashan

Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan inaugurated a hotel and two traditional guesthouses during his visit to the central city of Kashan on Tuesday. A budget of five trillion rials ($119 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) has been allocated for the establishment of the hotel, which is estimated to generate 120 job opportunities, CHTN reported. The total budget for traditional guesthouses also amounts to 170 billion rials ($4 million), the report added. The guesthouses are expected to create 40 new jobs as well. There is an additional 160 beds to the hospitality sector in the city with the inauguration of the accommodation centers. Kashan is a historical city near Isfahan in the central part of Iran. Its history dates back to over ten thousand years ago, and it is home to some of the most beautiful buildings featuring Islamic architecture. Many travelers opt to pass Kashan on their journeys between Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd, because this delightful oasis city on the edge of the Dasht-e Kavir, is one of Iran’s most alluring destinations. Kashan not only boasts a cluster of architectural wonders, an atmospheric covered bazaar, and a UNESCO-recognized garden, but it also offers some of central Iran’s best traditional hotels. The annual Golab-giri (rosewater distillation) ceremony of Kashan attracts huge crowds to the city every year. Some of the most ancient traces of civilization have been discovered near Kashan, at the Sialk archeological site.

Create: Mar 7, 2021 Edit: Mar 7, 2021 Regional News

White Lodging Opens Austin Marriott Downtown

The new Austin Marriott Downtown opens today, steps away from the most popular downtown tourist attractions, bars and restaurants. The hotel represents the newest design vision for Marriott Hotels, the signature brand of Marriott International, where spaces and amenities are crafted to allow guests to achieve moments of creative brilliance.The 31-story stylishly-designed tower fits seamlessly into the Austin skyline and speaks to the needs of today’s modern traveler, including hand-crafted food and beverage offerings, advanced health and safety features, and plenty of outdoor and socially distant options for connecting with others.Guests will feel a sense of place the moment they walk in the door, whether they’re in town for a staycation, weekend getaway, business trip, meeting or convention. The hotel’s design is inspired by its home city, with limestone and Texas Cedar native to central Texas used throughout the hotel.Guest rooms start on level seven to maximize views of Lady Bird Lake, the University of Texas campus, the city skyline, and in the distance, Texas Hill Country. Of the 613 guest rooms the hotel offers 25 luxurious suites. The reimagined rooms offer a spacious and elevated look complete with tailored solutions that are as inventive as its guests.Based on consumer insights, locally-inspired accents offer a sense of place, and the work surface provides flexibility to freely move and use technology wherever the guest desires. Deluxe walk-in showers and spa-like lighting complete the relaxed experience throughout the room.Hand-Crafted Food and DrinksFrom top to bottom, Austin Marriott Downtown’s restaurants and bars are sure to be new local favorites.Zanzibar. Seven stories up and a world away. Zanzibar, a lush tropical rooftop terrace and pool oasis with stunning views of downtown, opened before the hotel in September 2020. It quickly became a popular spot among Austin locals and travelers alike, known as a socially distant outdoor rooftop where guests can escape the everyday with modern tiki cocktails. It features its own street-level elevator access on San Jacinto Boulevard to transport you seven stories up and a world away.Zanzibar’s menu features modern tiki cocktails and island-inspired small plates. Specialty drinks are influenced with exotic spices grown right in Zanzibar, including cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and clove. Zanzibar is known as ‘spice island’ and was once the largest exporter of spices in the world so the drink and food menus reflect Zanzibar’s unique sense of place and flavors.Corinne Restaurant. Honest food + drink. Featuring one of the largest outdoor patios on West Cesar Chavez Street, Corinne is an honest and fresh neighborhood dining and cocktail spot serving classic, authentic regional classics and American comfort food with an emphasis on signature rotisserie dishes.From the featured Rotisserie Chicken dusted with mustard, thyme and lemon, to the Truffled Bucatini or the Wagyu Beef Tartare, lunch and dinner are complete with variety only available at Corinne. This is the second Corinne location following the first that opened in Denver in 2017.The Lobbyist. The Lobbyist is not only a clever nod to Austin’s history as a capital city, but it will also provide locals and hotel guests alike with a place to pause and reset or reach for a nightcap as they plan their next adventure. With a grand staircase entry, The Lobbyist is a two-story cocktail bar with a mezzanine level overlooking the entire hotel lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows to the outside.Loaf + Vine. Loaf + Vine is a modern urban grocer with a broad selection of quick and freshly made meals, grab-and-go options, fresh bakery goods, and cold drinks and coffee beverages. Available daily is everything from fine wines and craft beer to artisanal local favorites.60,000 Square Feet of Meeting Flexibility Meeting planners have a lot to celebrate about with Austin Marriott Downtown’s Next Gen Meeting Space that is tailored around any needs – from socially distanced setups to large gathering options. The hotel offers an 18,000 square foot exhibit hall filled with light thanks to a 204-foot wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as two 14,000 square foot ballrooms. The hotel follows all of Marriott International’s Connect with Confidence best practices for meetings and events.“This hotel is where Austin’s individuality meets the spirit of Texas,” said David Meisner, General Manager of the Austin Marriott Downtown. “With our state-of-the-art meetings facilities, wide selection of food and beverage outlets and thoughtfully-appointed guestrooms guests can reach their full creative potential. We are ready to be the first to safely welcome so many back to this great city as travel regains its footing.”“At Marriott Hotels, we want our guests to experience forward-thinking, aesthetically pleasing spaces that help foster their inventive nature and allow them to get into their best headspace for success,” said Manny Rappenecker, Vice President, Marriott Hotels. “We are so excited to extend the footprint of our brand in Austin, a city known for its innovative and creative spirit. We hope guests at Austin Marriott Downtown will be able to free themselves of distractions when they step into our hotel, allowing them to focus solely on being the best they can be.”Austin Marriott Downtown offers a completely touchless check-in and check-out experience, as well as elevator and in-room television controls using a personal smartphone. Austin Marriott Downtown is following Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean protocols, created in partnership with leading experts in food and water safety, hygiene and infection prevention, and hotel operations. These protocols include mandated mask wearing for all guests and associates within the hotel, and the use of disinfectants recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization to sanitize surfaces in the hotels.The Austin Marriott Downtown is owned and operated by White Lodging. White Lodging currently owns and/or manages more than 4,000 guest rooms and 10 restaurants and bars in downtown Austin, including the Moxy Austin-University, which opened in January 2021 as the only one of its brand in Texas.

Create: Mar 6, 2021 Edit: Mar 7, 2021 International News

The St. Regis Almasa Opens in Egypt Following Rebranding From Almasa Hotel

St. Regis Hotels and Resorts (www.StRegis.com), part of Marriott International (www.Marriott.com), today announced the opening of The St. Regis Almasa with the rebranding of the Almasa Hotel. Located in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt, The St. Regis Almasa is poised to become the best address in the heart of the up-and-coming city, which is slated to be the new face of Cairo and the administrative and financial hub of Egypt. “We are delighted to bring our iconic St. Regis brand to the New Administrative Capital together with the National Authority for Management & Investment,” said Guido De Wilde, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “This opening is a significant milestone in our journey and underscores the tremendous trust and confidence our owners have in us and in the power of our luxury brands in the region.” General Sherif Salah El-Din Chairman of The National Authority for Management & Investment said, “The National Authority for Management and Investment is excited to collaborate with Marriott International to bring the classic sophistication of the St. Regis brand to the New Administrative Capital of Egypt. The St. Regis Almasa will play a significant role in giving the tourism industry much-needed support and will become the new destination for luxury hospitality in Egypt, playing host to the country’s most coveted events, conferences and summits.” Showcasing timeless design and exquisite architecture, The St. Regis Almasa offers 270 rooms, 90 suites, 60 apartments and 14 villas, all featuring a private balcony or patio overlooking the pool and surrounding lush green landscape. The hotel’s classic aesthetic blends effortlessly with an elegant palate of rich fabrics to create a refined environment of luxury and comfort. Guests will enjoy the brand’s signature Butler Service, which offers around-the-clock anticipatory service and customizes each guest’s stay according to their tastes and preferences. The St. Regis Almasa boasts a 42,000-square-foot convention center that hosts official government conventions and events, as well as official foreign presidents’ and delegation visits. The Convention Center includes three ballrooms with separate entrances, dedicated bridal suites, nine meeting rooms and six VIP lounges with access to a private restaurant. It also features The Summit Hall, which is renowned for hosting heads of states, and Teatro Al Asema, a state-of-the-art spectator venue. The hotel is also ideally situated a short distance from Egypt’s ministerial district and the new Arts and Culture hub which is home to the Grand Opera House, Egypt’s Capitals Museum and the Capital Library. Dining venues at The St. Regis Almasa include La Sponda, offering true Italian charm and flavor, and Café Royal situated in the heart of the lobby serving the St. Regis brand’s signature Afternoon Tea ritual. The hotel also anticipates introducing new concepts and distinctive culinary experiences. The St. Regis Almasa’s leisure facilities cater to all ages, featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools and an artificial beach with waves. Guests can escape to the Trio Club House, an exquisite retreat housing a luxurious spa. The spa has eight tranquil treatment rooms offering a range of holistic treatments, a Moroccan Hammam, sauna and steam rooms and a fitness center with a separate space for ladies and a kids club. True to the legacy of the iconic brand, The St. Regis Almasa is expected to encompass the hallmarks of the brand such as its rich traditions and rituals to bring to life a complete brand experience over the next few months.

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