Hilton to Accelerate Expansion in Fast-Growing Lifestyle Category with Addition of Graduate Hotels to Global Brand Portfolio

Hilton announced an agreement with Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners (“AJ Capital”) to acquire the fan-favourite Graduate Hotels® brand, adding a significant growth opportunity for the global hospitality leader in the fast-growing lifestyle hotel market.  

Hilton will pay $210 million to acquire all rights to the Graduate brand worldwide, enter into franchise agreements for all existing and signed pipeline Graduate Hotels, and become responsible for the brand’s future development and growth. AJ Capital will remain the owner of the more than 35 operating and pipeline Graduate properties, each of which will be operated under long-term Hilton franchise agreements.  

The transaction, which is expected to close in the second quarter, subject to customary closing conditions including review and approval pursuant to Hart-Scott-Rodino, will be immediately accretive to Hilton. The company expects the fee contribution for the first full year of ownership to be approximately $16 million.

“Adding Graduate Hotels to our portfolio of award-winning brands accelerates our expansion in the lifestyle space by pairing an existing much-loved brand with the power of Hilton’s strong commercial engine to drive growth,” said Chris Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton. “We have long had a high bar for adding brands to our portfolio, whether organically or through acquisition, and Graduate will be another driver of growth for us, presenting a unique opportunity to serve more guests in more sought-after destinations. With thousands of colleges and universities around the world, we believe the addressable market for the Graduate brand is 400-500 hotels globally.”

2022 Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence Winners Announced

Historic Hotels of America is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence. The Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence recognize and celebrate the finest historic hotels and hoteliers from across the United States of America and around the world.

Recipients were announced and honoured at a special evening Ceremony and Gala at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection in Point Clear, Alabama, on Thursday, November 17, 2022. The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (1847) has been known as The Queen of Southern Resorts for 175 years and is set on 550 acres next to Mobile Bay. Awards were presented before an audience of more than 200 industry leaders, owners, senior management, and representatives of the world’s finest historic hotels.

Seventeen Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence were given in multiple categories ranging from Historic Hotels of America Historic Hotelier of the Year, Historic Hotels of America Hotel Historian of the Year, Historic Hotels of America Best Historic Resort, Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award, and others.

Winners were selected from nominations by historic hotels, preservation supporters, prior award recipients, community leaders, and leadership from Historic Hotels of America. As an official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels of America provides the recognition to travellers, civic leaders, and the global cultural, heritage, and historic travel market that member hotels are among the finest historic hotels from across the United States of America. The Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence program recognizes the pinnacle of this distinct group of nominees in a range of categories.

From over 350 nominations, the awards committee evaluated the nominee finalists and, after careful consideration, selected the 2022 Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence award winners:

Twenty Four Seven Hotels Adds Four California Hotels to Ever Expanding West Coast Portfolio

Twenty Four Seven Hotels, a third-party hospitality management company for premium-branded, select-service and lifestyle hotel segments in the western U.S., today announced the addition of four California hotels to its ever-expanding West Coast portfolio. The hotels include the 128-room Hyatt House Sacramento/Midtown, the 112-room Hyatt Place Newark/Silicon Valley, the 90-room Hampton Inn & Suites Marina and the 119-room Holiday Inn Express Chino Hills. The company is currently providing pre-opening services for the soon-to-open hotels, which expect to be fully operational by December 2022.

“We continue to expand our management footprint throughout California, with these four additions bringing our total Golden State portfolio to twenty,” said David Wani, CEO, Twenty Four Seven Hotels. “By focusing exclusively on the West Coast, our area operational expertise is unparalleled. This also allows for the ability to more readily share best practices and enact economies of scale.”

Independently owned, Twenty-Four Seven Hotels is an approved operator for such premium hospitality brands as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG and Choice. The company is uniquely California-focused, granting it greater market and labour environment understanding.

“Twenty Four Seven Hotels provides a full suite of services, starting at the earliest phases of the pre-construction process to create advantages over companies acquiring or assuming operations at a later stage,” Wani added. “We pride ourselves on having the size to remain well-resourced and effective while staying nimble and responsive to our owners’ needs. Our tailored methods allow for a quicker ramp-up period and greater market share.”

Hyatt House Sacramento/Midtown

MCR Acquires the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Downtown Tallahassee

The 4th-largest hotel owner-operator in the U.S. MCR,  purchases the real estate-owned DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel from a special servicer in Florida’s vibrant state capital.

MCR has acquired the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tallahassee, a 17-story, 242-room hotel in Florida’s state capital. The hotel was purchased as a real estate-owned asset from a special servicer and is the company’s seventh hotel in The Sunshine State.

Selected as Florida’s state capital due to its ideal location between Pensacola to the west and Jacksonville to the east, Tallahassee — lovingly known as “Tally” to locals — is a hub for politics, sports and education. In the heart of downtown just two blocks from the State Capitol, the DoubleTree Tallahassee is within five blocks of 30 state agency headquarters, including the Florida Supreme Court and Governor’s Mansion. It’s also less than five minutes from Florida State University and Florida A&M University.

The closest hotel to the State Capitol, the DoubleTree is the perfect gathering place for visitors from both sides of the aisle. If you’re coming to town for the legislative session, take advantage of our complimentary, fast Wi-Fi and expansive guestrooms. Each room is equipped with ample outlets, ergonomic chairs and sleek desks with city views. Prefer to collaborate with colleagues? Book a boardroom (we have eight!).

Tallahassee isn’t just the capital of Florida government, it’s also the capital of Florida football! Bleed garnet and gold with 45,000 Florida State University students at Doak S. Campbell Stadium, where coach Mike Norvell will make his famed game-time calls at seven home matches this season. Be sure to snag a junior suite (big enough for the whole family) for the annual Fresh from Florida Sunshine Showdown on November 25th, when the Seminoles host the University of Florida Gators. Each suite is decked out with a wet bar, mini-refrigerator and a spacious bathroom.

Not a Seminoles fan? Join the 9,600 Florida A&M University attendees to root for the green and orange at nearby Bragg Memorial Stadium.

After a day of cheering, unwind with unrivalled views from the tallest hotel in the city. Cool off with a beer from our on-site restaurant and bar, Jacob’s on the Plaza, then head to the pool deck for a dip. With an average of 237 days of rays per year, it’s no wonder Florida is known as The Sunshine State.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tallahassee is located at 101 South Adams Street and features:

242 guestrooms and suites

Jacob’s on the Plaza Restaurant and Bar

A rooftop bar and lounge with indoor and outdoor seating

An on-site Starbucks offering speciality beverages and bites

A lobby lounge

Free, fast Wi-Fi

A fitness centre

An outdoor pool

A business centre

A three-story parking garage

5,394 square feet of event space across eight meeting rooms

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Planet Hollywood, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, Costa Rica ready for business.

Lights, camera, ACTION! Located at the base of the Papagayo Peninsula in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, Planet Hollywood, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, offers an upscale all-inclusive vacation experience, surrounded by natural wonders, exotic jungles, and unique experiences to explore. Guests at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica can feel like they are in Isla Nublar, the fictional island that is part of Michael Crichton’s novel Jurassic Park and featured in the movie of the same name.

Costa Rica’s unique rainforest ecosystem surrounds the resort and guests can venture out to visit the largest active volcano in Guanacaste, the Rincon de la Vieja, which stands 6,286 feet tall and 9 miles wide. This is, without a doubt, one of the best national parks in Costa Rica, here you have all the options that you do not have in other volcanoes, such as the Cangreja waterfall, the fumaroles, the mud pots, the underground rivers, as well as the hot springs, and diverse wildlife; the place truly resembles the dinosaurs’ habitat. Guests can also visit the Dino Park Blue River and interact with animatronic dinosaurs and reenact their favourite scenes from Jurassic Park, surrounded by the gorgeous natural wonders of Costa Rica.

In Planet Hollywood you can vacation Like a Star. Families can dine in eight restaurants, enjoy the PUMPED Fitness Center, PH Spa & Beauty Bar ($), and two serene swimming pools for a nice relaxing experience as well as a splash zone for kids. The Resort offers panoramic views of the breathtaking Papagayo Peninsula. Nestled in the skirts of the exotic tropical rainforest, this beachfront resort offers authentic Hollywood memorabilia from the timeless movie Jurassic Park and other blockbusters. Enjoy a night in the resort’s movie theatre and rewatch the classic with your favourite snacks. Take advantage of the local activities and let the resort concierge team organize your ideal vacation in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened the Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis, marking the launch of Hyatt’s new lifestyle brand, Caption by Hyatt.

 

Located in the heart of the Memphis Entertainment District, Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis is expected to remix hospitality with a fresh take on food and beverage and thoughtfully designed stay experiences fostering connection and community.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened the Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis, marking the launch of Hyatt’s new lifestyle brand, Caption by Hyatt. Located on the corner of world-famous Beale Street and Front Street, the 136-room hotel offers guests a select-service neighbourhood experience that sparks conversation and grounded by the people and place of one of Memphis’ most sought-after areas.

With spectacular views of the Mississippi River and city skyline, the hotel is a centrally located hub near signature Memphis experiences like the Orpheum Theater, the Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum, FedEx Forum, and Sun Studios. Using upcycled and community-inspired design, the property weaves eclectic contemporary aesthetics into the urban industrial history of the area. The hotel is integrated into the historic William C Ellis & Sons Ironworks and Machine Shop as part of the One Beale mixed-use development, preserving the existing riverside brick and cast-iron façade that dates back to 1879. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in the property’s layering of colors, textures, recycled materials, and emphasis on community. The hotel highlights the culturally resonant artwork of local artists with an intriguing and inspiring interior mural by Frances Berry and a momentous exterior mural by Juan Rojo.

“Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis is a first-of-its-kind property that offers conscientious travelers a true Memphian lifestyle experience,” said Sarah Titus, area general manager, Hyatt. “By creating a welcoming space for both locals and travelers to be themselves and feel connected to the community, we are proud to create a space that shares a taste of all the local culture and cuisine there is to savor.”

Community Connections: Talk Shop at Ellis & Beer Garden

A signature marquee on Front Street welcomes guests into Talk Shop at Ellis, serving as the Caption by Hyatt brand’s remixed and reimagined hotel lobby experience. The inviting space with floor-to-ceiling windows creates a lively, bright and versatile all-day lounge and workspace for locals and guests to enjoy craft coffee or cocktails, work remotely, or casually meet up for an impromptu hangout with friends. This intentional culinary and social space highlights regional favourites through an all-day menu, the Hearth Bar’s assortment of freshly baked breads and tasty spreads, and the locally sourced 24-hour grab-and-go market.

The indoor lounge area spills out into a 1,500-square-foot patio and beer garden adorned with open fire pits and exposed brick. A living plant wall with bench seating offer picturesque hangout moments. Exclusively at the beer garden, guests can get a taste of the Wm C. Pilsner, an exclusive beer locally crafted in collaboration with Grind City Brewing. Together with other Memphian beverage purveyors like Mempops, Wrapzody, Muddys and Raw Girls, Talk Shop at Ellis delivers an unmistakably Memphian neighbourhood experience to both travellers and local Memphians.

A rotating events calendar at the welcome area serves as a space for travellers and locals alike to discover and share their own experiences be it a gallery opening, open-mic night, book clubs, or spoken word happening in the area. Guests can connect with the emcee, who is the all-encompassing host and guide to the Caption by Hyatt experience.

Vibrant Design and Accommodations

The functionally designed guestrooms at Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis display bold, irreverent interiors that reflect the culture of urban street-art with soothing hues of blues and bold yellows, bringing to life the spirit of Memphis. Guests enter thoughtfully designed living spaces with repurposed materials, unpretentious comforts, and an in-room work/play lounge with a worktable, task lighting, and power outlets that is separated from the sleeping area. Industrial barn-inspired doors slide open to reveal the spacious, well-lit bathrooms treated with custom Memphis-themed wallcoverings, enclosed walk-in rain showers, large vanities, and plenty of counter space. Eight riverfront suites present guests with double vanities and offer a large living area with a pullout couch that lead to step-out balconies with expansive views of the Mississippi River and iconic M Bridge.

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The Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman........

The Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, in the heart of Jordan’s vibrant capital. Rising elegantly above the West Amman skyline, and centrally situated on the prestigious Fifth Circle, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman welcomes guests to enjoy thoughtfully tailored experiences that capture the spirit of Jordan’s beauty and hospitality.

“We are thrilled to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Amman, embodying our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences and creating meaningful memories in the world’s most exciting markets,” said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “From exquisite culinary craftmanship to treasured family moments, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman will embrace guests with its legendary service, and offer a unique lens on this charming capital city.”

Delux room

Soaring 20-stories high, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman features 228 guest rooms - the most spacious of any hotel accommodations in Jordan - including 34 opulent suites, spread across seven different categories. All guestrooms and suites have been intricately designed and elegantly furnished, with a sophisticated ambience felt throughout the property.

Led by Wimberly Interiors London, the hotel’s design is inspired by the culture and history of Jordan, which is reflected in the hotel’s bold interior architecture, tailored lighting, Art Deco touches and contemporary artistry. Artistic elements within the hotel draw inspiration from the landscape of the Kingdom, from natural rifts of the sea and saturated colours of the earth to the deep crevices of caves and mountains. The breathtaking structures of Petra are reflected in a series of vignettes, while Roman and Nabatean architectural features are given modern reinterpretations throughout the hotel. The floor finishes in the guest corridors pay homage to Jordan’s desert landscape, and the guestrooms take inspiration from the destination’s natural elements, sand and sea.

Kingdom Suite

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman offers an expansive array of distinctive dining options. Rising over the Amman skyline on the hotel’s 20th floor is the property’s signature restaurant, Roberto’s. Already a much-loved fixture on Dubai’s culinary scene, the arrival of Roberto’s will redefine the concept of authentic Italian fine dining in Jordan, with the venue set to become one of the capital’s most exciting new lifestyle hotspots for residents and visitors alike.

Along with the lively, elevated atmosphere at Roberto’s, guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman can indulge at Ambros, the property’s relaxed dining option in the lobby serving unique seasonal produce and reimagined classics. Located in the hotel lobby, Iris is a stylish tea lounge and pâtisserie featuring a selection of signature eclairs, and high tea experiences. At Sarab Garden, visitors can enjoy a sophisticated shisha lounge featuring upscale regional cuisine. For cigar connoisseurs, The Founders Room is a timeless cigar and whiskey lounge delivering a highly exclusive atmosphere and an elevated menu offering sophisticated bites. Opening this summer, Soleil will appeal to guests looking for healthy dining with its focus on vegetarian dishes and a distinctive coffee roastery. Legends, a distinctive sports lounge with American-style culinary fare, is set to open later this year.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman is home to a wide array of facilities for corporate and leisure guests, including a 1,050 square-meter Grand Ballroom, five meeting rooms, one boardroom, and a luxurious Club Lounge, all delivered with unparalleled service and genuine care. The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a full-service spa and wellness centre offering ESPA products, indoor and outdoor temperature-controlled pools, six treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge and the largest jacuzzi in Amman.

“The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman marks an incredible milestone for the entire Kingdom,” said Tareq Derbas, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman. “The property delivers an exceptional standard of luxury and refinement - one that redefines elegance and hospitality in Jordan and the wider region. We are thrilled to unveil this stunning property and look forward to welcoming guests with a level of care and passion that will be sure to delight and exceed expectations.”

The Ritz-Carlton lobby 

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