Hyatt to add 20 new luxury hotels and resorts by the End of 2020

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that more than 20 new luxury hotels and resorts are expected to open worldwide by the end of 2020, boosting Hyatt’s luxury portfolio. The additions include new properties under the Park Hyatt, Andaz, Alila, Grand Hyatt, Miraval and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brands. As part of this global expansion, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand is seeing its strongest growth to date in Europe. The brand is known for an exceptional portfolio of true historic gems as well as contemporary properties with a fascinating past. Each hotel within the collection provides one-of-a-kind experiences attracting independently minded travelers looking for the extraordinary. Upcoming hotels include distinctive properties like Great Scotland Yard, the location of London’s former metropolitan police headquarters, expected to open December 9; and the majestic Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, the former imperial residence of Napoleon III, which is due to reopen in June 2020 after an extensive renovation. “With our growth acceleration in the luxury segment, we will have the opportunity to care for more travelers around the globe through a range of differentiated high-end experiences,” said Mark Vondrasek, chief commercial officer, Hyatt. “We’re excited to expand into new markets and enhance the global footprint of our brands, giving our guests and members additional ways to connect with our luxury offerings in places where they want to be.” Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2020, the Park Hyatt brand is also a key contributor to Hyatt’s luxury portfolio growth, with five Park Hyatt hotels expected to open by 2020 in Doha, Qatar; Jakarta, Indonesia; Niseko, Japan; Suzhou, China; and Auckland, New Zealand. With its world-renowned artwork, sophisticated design, and sought-after dining experiences – with several Michelin-starred restaurants, now totaling three in Europe – the brand caters to discerning travelers who appreciate understated luxury and an intimate, residential stay. Throughout the decades, Park Hyatt hotels have delivered immersive experiences, creating a refined home away from home for guests. “Across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, as well as Southwest Asia, luxury properties account for over a third (35 percent) of our portfolio,” said Peter Fulton, group president – EAME SWA, Hyatt. “Europe in particular, with its unique and historic architecture, represents a natural home for The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, and as we expand with our lifestyle and independent brands, we are confident our new offerings will cater to high-end travelers who are seeking an unprecedented stay.” Other announcements include the expansion of the Alila brand, which delivers world-class service and crafts rare and intimate experiences for its guests, with three luxury resorts expected to open in Switzerland, Malaysia and Oman. In addition, six Andaz branded luxury lifestyle properties are due to open in Dubai, UAE; Prague, Czech Republic; Bali, Indonesia; Shenzhen and Xiamen in China; and Palm Springs, California, offering distinctively local experiences and creative design within open, barrier-free spaces. The Grand Hyatt brand is also set to continue to steadily grow with new openings in Hefei and the Shenzhou Peninsula in China, Kuwait, Gurgaon in India, Jeju in South Korea, and Nashville, Tennessee, along with the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Known for its bold and vibrant architecture and welcoming service, Hyatt’s largest luxury brand, Grand Hyatt, celebrates the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Planned Alila openings Alila Dalit Bay in Malaysia (2020) Alila Hinu Bay in Oman (2020) Alila La Gruyère in Switzerland (2023) Planned/Recent Andaz openings Andaz Dubai The Palm (2019)–will mark the brand’s entry into Dubai Andaz Bali (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into Indonesia Andaz Shenzhen in China (2020) Andaz Xiamen in China (2020) Andaz Palm Springs in the U.S. (2020) Andaz Prague (2022)–will mark first Hyatt hotel in the Czech Republic Andaz Seoul Gangnam in South Korea (opened 2019) Planned/Recent Grand Hyatt openings Grand Hyatt Hefei in China (2019) Grand Hyatt Al Khobar (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Grand Hyatt Kuwait (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into Kuwait Grand Hyatt Gurgaon in India (2020) Grand Hyatt Jeju in South Korea (2020)–will mark largest Grand Hyatt hotel in Asia Pacific Grand Hyatt Nashville in the US (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into Tennessee Grand Hyatt Shenzhou Peninsula in China (2020) Grand Hyatt at SFO–only on-airport hotel at SFO (opened 2019) Planned/Recent Park Hyatt openings Park Hyatt Doha (2019)–will mark the brand’s entry into Qatar Park Hyatt Auckland (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into New Zealand Park Hyatt Jakarta (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into Indonesia Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono in Japan (2020) Park Hyatt Suzhou in China (2020) Park Hyatt Kyoto in Japan (opened 2019) Planned The Unbound Collection by Hyatt openings Great Scotland Yard (2019)–will mark the brand’s entry into the UK Hotel du Palais Biarritz in France (2020) Planned Miraval openings Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa in the US (2020)—will mark the brand’s entry into Massachusetts

International Architecture Festival

Radisson Blu to open hotel within Stuttgart’s Porsche Design Tower

Radisson Hotel Group has announced plans for a Stuggart property under its Radisson Blu brand. The 168-room hotel will be housed within the forthcoming Porsche Design Tower, which will also feature an adjacent building housing a new Porsche Centre with showroom, gallery and workshop. The Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart will occupy floors nine to 23 of the tower, and will offer 550sqm of meeting and events space across ten rooms, as well as a 10th floor restaurant and bar with views overlooking the city, two rooftop terraces, and a fitness centre and sauna. According to a press release from Porsche (released in December 2018), the group said it “could move into its new home at the end of 2021”, although the tower is not expected to be completed until a year later. Stuttgart-based Porsche opened its first Design Tower in Miami in 2017, and a residential tower is also under development in Frankfurt. Commenting on the news Elie Younes, executive vice president and chief development officer, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “This project represents everything Radisson Blu associates with and further cements our position as the largest upper upscale brand in Europe. The timeless architecture of the 90-metre Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart is the ideal locale for our guests to stay. “We are excited about the cooperation between Radisson Hotel Group and the projects developer and investor, Bülow AG and Porsche Design, and thank them for their trust.”

World Tourism Organization Leads Discussion on “Tourism Financing for the 2030 Agenda” at Aid for Trade Conference in Geneva Geneva

Tourism’s unique potential as a tool for driving the global sustainable development agenda has taken center stage at a special event hosted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Geneva, Switzerland. The session, entitled “Tourism Financing for the 2030 Agenda” was held during the 2019 Global Review of Aid for Trade at the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO). UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili began the discussions by highlighting the key role that the global tourism sector plays in economic growth and job creation. Ministers, development partners and financing institutions need to better understand and recognize how tourism can contribute to the 2030 Sustainable Agenda. Tourism is explicitly mentioned as a target in three of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (8, 12 and 14), though, as speakers at the Geneva session noted, for the sector to really realize its enormous potential, the amount of aid and development financing directed towards tourism needs to be increased significantly. Unlocking Tourism’s potential for realizing the 2030 Agenda requires a combination of effective and robust policy frameworks, enhanced private sector action, and an innovative approach to partnerships for development cooperation. “This is an important time for both the tourism and the international development sectors,” said Mr. Pololikashvili. “Strengthening and unlocking aid flows for tourism will help the sector be a driver of job creation, as well as of social and economic development and economic diversity. UNWTO welcomes the opportunity to join ministers, tourism leaders and our partners for these important talks here in Geneva. Working together we can harness the power of the new aid architecture and ensure that nobody gets left behind as tourism transforms lives around the world.” Also joining Mr Pololikashvili for the session were Ms. Arancha González, Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC), H.E Dr. Rania Al- Mashat, Minister of Tourism, The Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr. Toshiyuki Nakamura, Director General, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Ms. Caroline Freund, Director of Trade, Regional Integration and Investment Climate, World Bank.

Marriott building world’s tallest modular hotel

On-site construction of the AC Hotel New York NoMad will begin this fall with an opening planned for late 2020. The 168-room, 26-story hotel will be erected over 90 days and, once fully built, will stand 360 feet tall. According to Marriott International, it will be the world’s largest modular hotel. Fully outfitted guestrooms will arrive at the construction site with bed, sheets, pillows, flooring and toiletries already inside. Marriott plans to use modular construction for the hotel’s roof and rooftop bar as well. Its more customized public areas, including the restaurant and lobby, are expected to be built using traditional methods. “We wanted to demonstrate that modular building can do more than just harness the efficiencies of the factory,” Danny Forster, president and founder of Danny Forster & Architecture, the firm that designed the project, said in a statement. “It can produce a graceful and iconic tower. And yes, it can do so at the rate of an entire floor a day.”Marriott said it began researching modular construction in 2014. In 2015 it began hosting town halls, factory tours and stacking events to educate owners, franchisees, architects, lenders, consultants, general contractors and other stakeholders on the benefits of modular construction. Since the initiative’s launch, its development partners have opened 31 Marriott-brand hotels using prefabricated guestrooms and/or bathrooms. “The world’s tallest modular hotel in one of the world’s greatest destinations will act as a game-changing symbol to ignite even greater interest in modular among the real estate and lending industries,” Eric Jacobs, chief development officer, North America, select and extended stay brands at Marriott, said in a statement.

Radisson aims to double portfolio in francophone Africa by 2022

Radisson Hotel Group, which today has 96 hotels and more than 18,500 rooms in operation or under development across 31 countries in Africa, is now seeking to double its portfolio there by the year 2022. If all goes according to plan, the hotel company will operate more than 130 hotels with 23,000 rooms by that time, putting it at the forefront of hospitality growth in French-speaking Africa over the next five years. The group currently has 28 hotels in operation and under development in francophone Africa across 13 countries. This includes six hotel deals signed during 2018 in markets such as Morocco, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Niger and Republic of Guinea. Key people for a key team In order to drive the rapid growth of its African portfolio, Radisson Hotel Group has reinforced its development team, doing so via the introduction of Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Middle East, Turkey & French Speaking Africa. Rankoussi has been with Radisson Hotel Group for over 5 years, initially overseeing the growth of the company in the Middle East & Turkey and now leading development activities across French-speaking Africa. He is supported by Erwan Garnier, Director, Development French & Portuguese Speaking Africa. Together, they seek to accelerate the introduction of all Radisson brands in the region with a focus on key capital and economic cities. The new organizational structure follows the recent appointment of Frederic Feijs, who leads operations as Regional Director Africa – French Speaking Countries for Radisson Hotel Group, and who will play a significant role in strengthening the group’s network in the region and increasing operational synergies, for the greater benefit of owners. Rankoussi in a statement said: “I am thrilled to be expanding my geographical focus, to include French-speaking Africa. We have ambitious plans for this important market and it is imperative that we have the right resources in place to support our growth. This means communicating effectively with owners and investors, as well as providing first class levels of expertise as we establish long-term relationships with our business partners in this market. We are proud that each of our development team members fits this criterion for success.” “We are rapidly growing our francophone Africa portfolio with hotel deals strategically aligned to deliver our five-year development plan across the continent, the introduction of new brands and a scaled growth in Africa’s key destinations. We plan to continue this accelerated growth through further expansion in our focus markets across this flourishing continent. With our new brand architecture, countries like Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Mauritius have the potential for a critical mass strategy across all our brands to be implemented with,” he added.

Radisson news roundup

Hotel News - Have a look at some of Radisson’s new hotel openings around the world from Ecuador to Georgia RADISSON QUITO REOPENS AFTER $4.5M REFURBISHMENT Radisson’s Park Inn property in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito has reopened to the public after extensive renovations to almost the entirety of the hotel. An incredible $4.5m was pumped into the renovation, which involved not only upgrades to the rooms and common areas, but also gave the hotel a brand new look and feel. The hotel benefits from an amazing location close to the city’s trendy Zona Rosa area, which is also close to the business, financial and shopping districts. The hotel boasts 55 guest rooms and suites, with guests also being able to access the state of the art fitness and wellness centre. Business travelers will also be able to avail of on-site conference and meeting facilities, which have been designed in line with current informal work trends. Frances Gonzalez, vice president of Operations for Radisson Hotel Group in Latin America, says, “We are thrilled to re-introduce one of our excellent brands in the great city of Quito, while exemplifying our growth strategy for Latin America. This fantastic hotel embraces what the Park Inn by Radisson brand is all about with its vibrant colors, unique design and amenities, along with the dedicated staff that provides our ‘Happiness Guarantee.’” RADISSON COLLECTION OPENS IN GEORGIA’S WINE REGION Radisson has unveiled the newest addition to its premium lifestyle collection in the prestigious wine region of Georgia, Tsinandali. The hotel is a stunning 141-key property set within its very own vineyard, which boasts a historic winery, a rooftop spa and outdoor swimming pool. The design of the hotel has been executed with elegance and sophistication, and blends vernacular elements of Georgian style with contemporary flourishes to result in a truly unique offering, which fits with the Radisson Collection properties. Michel Stalport, Area Senior Vice President Russia and Eastern Europe, says, “Georgia is recognized as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, known to be the birthplace of wine, and a place where travelers are welcomed with hospitality like nowhere else. The estate combines magnificent architecture and historical authenticity with the finest new design details to provide guests with truly exceptional and memorable stays.” Wine lovers will rejoice in the experiences available at the hotel, which range from wine tasting and tours to learning about the bottles housed in Prince Alexander Chavchavadze’s personal wine cellar collection.

Myrtle Garden Hotel by Graft Lab & Penda

Hotel News - The hotel is located in the outskirts of Xiangyang / Hubei and sits on a small hill within the largest Myrtle Flower Garden throughout Asia. The design of the hotel was primarily focused on providing a soothing harmony between architecture and its natural environment. Designed to blend into its surrounding typography, the hotel is partially inserted into the slope of the hill and offers a varying appearance depending on ones point of view. Where else the hotel is read from the north as low to the ground and has a continuity to its surrounding  landscape, the complex opens up towards the South introducing the business area to a nearby already existing restaurant by the lake. A drop­off lane wind itself through and underneath the circular volumnes and offers a certain level of urbanity to the hotel’s natural surrounding. Being situated within Myrtle Tree Park, the layer of balkonies serves as a connecting element between the  Interior of the Hotel and the vegetation of the park. Smaller Trees growing on and within the facade layer  underline the relation between the articial balcony structure and its natural environment. Every room throughout the hotel is surrounded by the Myrtle Garden on one side and a courtyard on the other, which provides natural air ventilation when needed.  Rainwater gets collected on the hotels roof and passed on to the 3 courtyards, where it is stored in tanks and  can be used for flushing and irrigating plants.

Accor’s innovative new mobile offering in the French Alps

Hotel News - AccorHotels has launched a new concept for accommodation in the Alps. Avoriaz 1800 is a collection of containers decked out in timber that are designed to have as little impact on the landscape as possible and to provide flexible and mobile lodgings for the ski resort. We find out more. FLYING NEST LANDS IN THE ALPS French hotel group Accor has been testing a new concept hotel over the past year at events such as LeMans and the Bordeaux Architecture Biennale, which now, for the first time, will be open for the public to experience. The experiment involves the erection of mobile lodgings, which can be shipped in for conferences, events and now for ski seasons, as required. The concept is called Flying Nest, and features a number of shipping containers that have been given a custom overhaul by renowned designer Ora-ïto, who is based in Marseilles. Flying Nest was conceived of as a form of nomadic architecture which can be transported and installed in various destinations as necessary. But, far from compromising on comfort, the thoughtful design of the containers brings a cosy and comfortable offering to wherever it lands. The latest location of Flying Nest is in the Alpine ski resort of Avoriaz. DESIGN AND VISION Damien Perrot, AccorHotels’ Global SVP Design Multibrand, says Flying Nest is a visionary concept which will gives wings to the future of the industry. “We worked on creating an immersive experience more than just a room.” The idea behind the concept, as well as being mobile, is that the arrangement of containers will have as little impact on their surroundings as possible, enabling them to be installed in areas that are of significant natural beauty and that need to be protected. This also allows guest to have a great connection with the destination, and in the case of Avoriaz, skiers can just step out of the container directly onto the mountain and its slopes. The containers come equipped with individual decks, and are connected to each other by walkways and platforms, allowing guests to mingle with each other as they act as social spaces. The containers have one entire side that is made of glass, giving guests incredible views out towards their environment. Approximately 20 units were installed in the French ski resort, which are propped up on piles that sit into the ground with minimal disruption.

Melia opens it's fourth hotel in Cuba

Hotel News—the fourth Paradisus hotel in the Meliá Hotels International chain in Cuba and the first in Cayo Santa María—opened its doors on 8 December. This eco resort is set in a unique natural environment. Cayo Santa María is surrounded by the Buenavista Biosphere Reserve, which boasts the second most important coral reef on the planet. Elegant, sophisticated and modern, Paradisus Los Cayos defines the essence of an all-inclusive natural luxury experience. Overlooking a fine-sand beach stretching for nearly half a mile and bathed by turquoise waters in one of the most unspoilt spots in the key, the establishment blends harmoniously with the nature surrounding it. Paradisus Los Cayos offers 802 Suites and Junior Suites. A large hotel where the architecture and interior design ensure guests can relax in an exclusive private setting. One aspect that sets this eco resort apart from the rest is its 34 swimming pools. Guests can go for a refreshing dip directly from their Garden Swim-Up rooms. The hotel provides two exclusive areas: The Reserve and Royal Service. Designed for guests seeking personalised attention, The Reserve is suitable for lone travellers or families as it offers the Family Concierge service. The Reserve guests can also enjoy areas and amenities especially designed for the most exacting tastes. If you prefer a luxury adult-only experience, Paradisus Los Cayos has a Royal Service area. Besides exclusive access to hotel bars, the lobby and swimming pools, other highlights include an exceptional butler service. The variety and quality of the food is another differentiating factor. With 12 restaurants and 14 bars to choose from, guests can enjoy a huge variety of tastes and textures. They range from Mediterranean dishes to Latin fusion and include the exotic flavours of Asia, signature cuisine and traditional Cuban fare. Guests can also enjoy diverse bar locations and interiors designed to cater for all tastes. Sipping a drink on the beach or gazing at the sunset while savouring a cocktail specially prepared by Cuban cocktail experts are two of the options available for travellers staying at Paradisus Los Cayos. The facilities for the MICE segment will turn this hotel and Cayo Santa María into a new hub for major events. The establishment provides 959 m² for meetings, with a large ballroom (910 m²) that can hold 910 people in a theatre format and 500 in banquet style. There are also alternative locations: beaches, swimming pools, gardens or terraces. Paradisus Los Cayos is destined to become the company’s flagship in Cayos del Norte de Villa Clara. The hotel’s special features and surrounding natural environment make it a unique place for discovering enchanting landscapes and experiencing memorable moments in this Cuban paradise.

Introducing the World's Best Ski Resort in 2019 (Part 4)

Pure Resort Ehrwald PURE Resort Ehrwald is one of projects on our list with an opening date that’s fast approaching. This property is under construction now with a debut slated for the second quarter of 2019. in the centre of Ehrwald, in a quiet location at the Florentin Wehnerweg , the luxurious PURE Resort Ehrwald will be established. Until a few years ago the renowned hotel ,Maria Regina’ was located here. PURE Resort Ehrwald is a “full-service” tourist-oriented rental concept in which luxury apartments and chalets are realized along with numerous facilities such as a restaurant, lounge and sun terrace. A fitness room and a high-quality spa/wellness area with swimming pool and outdoor sauna let you relax after an active day in the mountains. The apartments are characterized by a traditional architecture and the use of many natural materials. For example, walls are cladded with natural stone and wood. Typical alpine elements in a contemporary design give the building a warm and exclusive look. Perfectly positioned, the apartments are in an excellent location and partially offer a wonderful view on the Zugspitze. The professional rental, management, and op eration of the apartments is provided by an owner family residing in the -resort. The hosts will make sure that guests feel at home and lack -nothing.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts globally revamps mid-scale brand

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