IHG continues to expand Holiday Inn portfolio with a signing in India

IHG continues to expand Holiday Inn portfolio with a signing in India

InterContinental Hotels Group® (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Riteway and Medha Projects to bring a Holiday Inn Resort to the state of Karnataka. Offering 126 well-appointed rooms, Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats is expected to open its doors to guests in Q1 2023.

Underscoring industry confidence despite challenging times, this is the second signing announced by IHG in India in last three months.

Located on the Western Ghats mountain range, in the state of Karnataka, Sakleshpur is in close proximity to Bengaluru, and is a great destination for leisure travellers looking to spend quality time amidst nature or explore various historic monuments and sites the city has to offer.

Located 6 kilometres from the main Bengaluru and Mangalore highway, on opening, Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats will offer varied dining options to guests with four F&B outlets, including an All-Day Dining, a bar, a speciality restaurant and a lobby lounge. The hotel will also feature 518 sqm of meetings space across three venues, including a 359 sqm ballroom well suited for various MICE events. The resort will feature a pool, a fitness centre and a spa for guests to relax and rejuvenate. For travellers driving down from the nearby cities, Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats will feature ample parking space. Additionally, positioned as a complete destination on its own, the resort will house a retail outlet, an indoor recreation centre and an outdoor recreation facility making it a perfect destination for vacationers or guests on corporate retreats.

Radisson Rewards extends pause on points expiry dates.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 situation and the many challenges it has caused regular travellers,  Radisson Rewards has decided to extend the benefits extension regarding points, the group has confirmed this week.

Point expiration suspension:
Radisson has extended the pause on the expiration of Radisson Rewards points. Any points that were set to expire between March 1, 2020, and March 30, 2021, will now expire on March 31, 2021, if the account remains inactive.

Elite status extension:
Radisson has extended members 2020 status – whether it’s Silver, Gold or Platinum - through February 2022, for those whose status would have expired in February 2021. This means you will continue to enjoy all the great Silver, Gold or Platinum member benefits you have access to today.

Elite earning roll over:
All eligible nights and stays earned in 2020 will roll over to 2021 and be applied toward maintaining or increasing your Elite status in 2022.



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Hotel JAL City Fukuoka Tenjin to open in 2021

Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co. will open Hotel JAL City Fukuoka Tenjin in 2021, the firm has announced this week.  The property will be located in the central Tenjin district of Fukuoka – one of Japan’s largest and busiest cities, located strategically close to the Asian mainland and is set to be complete it by January 2021.

Based on Hotel JAL City's brand concept “smart simplicity”, the new hotel will offer a smart and simple stay experience, providing check-in and check-out and room key functionality by means of guests’ smartphones. It will also address customer needs with a wide range of tailored services. The property will offer 280 guest rooms ranging from 25 square meters in size as well as all-day dining facilities.

Toshihiro Ogita, President, Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd., commented, “We are very pleased to be opening the third property of Okura Nikko Hotels in Fukuoka, a vibrant city that has become a gateway between Japan and Asia. We are confident that with our three hotel groups—Okura Hotels & Resorts, Nikko Hotels International and Hotel JAL City—we will be able to match all guests’ requirements in Fukuoka.”

JW Marriott, part of Marriott International will open JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort tomorrow

JW Marriott, part of Marriott International will open JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort on Wednesday, August 19, 2020. Located at the Anaheim GardenWalk, just steps from Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Centre, the Anaheim hotel is designed to provide travellers with a luxury, curated experience that exudes warmth and peace.

Whether you visit to work, learn, or play, be among the first guests to take part in a luxurious stay in one of the property’s 466 lavish guest rooms, including 19 suites with quiet floors. Boasting barn door entrances to closets and bathrooms and large walk-in showers with stand-alone bathtubs and vanities, each space emanates luxury and ease.

Infused with modern art and augmented reality technology, while inspired in its design by Orange County’s diverse agricultural history, JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort invites travellers to discover a kingdom all their own with enlightening moments found at every corner. Stunning architectural designs that bring an equestrian farming concept to life radiate throughout the property’s entirety, beginning at its entrance with a thin steel art installation—featuring a harvester planting a seed—that disappears depending on the angle of the onlooker. Guests will delight in eye-catching, modern décor featuring handpicked marble flooring, a glass-blown chandelier, and nature-inspired honeycomb concepts throughout, highlighting natural materials, rustic tones, and a warm colour palette.

Russia's S7 to launch dedicated cargo operation in November

Image GECAS

The Russia airline S7 is all set to launch its new cargo operation this November with a pair of Boeing 737-800 converted cargo aircraft on lease from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS).

S7’s air freight program currently utilizes belly capacity on passenger planes and these narrowbody freighters will mark the inauguration of dedicated air freighters for the Russian-based operator.

GECAS, has been Boeing’s launch customer for the 737-800BCF - BCF stands for Boeing Converted Freighter and while extending the useful life of the passenger 737-800NG, the 737-800BCF carries more payload – up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 lbs) – and has longer range – 2,000 nmi (3,750 km) than other standard-body freighters. The 737-800BCF freighter also offers operators newer technology, lower fuel consumption and better reliability than some other standard-body freighters. GRCAS expects the freighters to be delivered in November 2020 and January 2021 and the aircraft will fly medium and short-haul routes for S7.

New promotion from Marriott Bonvoy

For Marriott Bonvoy members planning a staycation or a getaway trip, the travel program and its participating hotel brands welcome you back with the launch of an exciting promotion. Beginning today through October 18, 2020, members who register for the promotion will receive 2,500 bonus points for their first and second upcoming paid stays, plus a one-time bonus of 5,000 additional points after their third paid stay. There is no limit to the number of bonus points members may earn with this promotion. This means members will continue to receive 2,500 bonus points for every paid stay thereafter throughout the promotional period.

Here are some additional helpful details:

It is important to register now (or as early as possible) because bonus points can only be earned on stays following registration
For a list of current participating hotels, visit www.marriott.com/loyalty/earn/hotels.mi
Only one room per hotel is counted toward a member’s nights or stay
There is no length of stay requirement
It is best to book directly on Marriott.com because rates available through most third-party online retailers and select travel agency rates do not qualify for this promotion
A “stay” is defined as consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/checkout activity on any points-eligible rate (“Qualifying Rate”).
Homes & Villas by Marriott International, ExecuStay®, Marriott Executive Apartments® and Marriott Vacation Club® owner-occupied weeks are not eligible for bonus points, and nights spent while redeeming an award are not eligible for bonus points.

The St. Joe Company and BRW MidGrove, LLC Announced a Joint Venture to Bring the Lodge 30A, a Boutique Hotel, to Seagrove Beach, Florida

The St. Joe Company and BRW MidGrove today announced the formation of a joint venture to construct The Lodge 30A, a planned boutique hotel in Seagrove Beach, Florida. Plans call for The Lodge 30A to be located on Scenic County Highway 30A adjacent to Greenway Station, a planned mixed-use development.

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Current plans for The Lodge 30A call for a picturesque three-story hotel with amenities such as a fitness center and outdoor pool. Architecture plans and interior design concepts employ the use of natural materials in a modern way, taking inspiration from the surrounding area. The planned Greenway Station development abuts the 15,000-acre Point Washington State Forest, providing a convenient trailhead to access the state forest’s expansive network of hiking and biking trails.

“This Seagrove Beach location will offer guests an opportunity to stay in the heart of the popular Scenic Highway 30A corridor, just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico and its white-sand beaches,” said Patrick Murphy, Senior Vice President of Hospitality for St. Joe. “Last year, more than four million travelers vacationed in the area, a number that has been on the rise for several years. This planned hotel provides another option for future travelers as they discover this incredible destination and explore the area’s natural beauty.”

Once complete, The Lodge 30A will be managed by St. Joe Resort Operations, LLC (“St. Joe Hospitality), a subsidiary of St. Joe. Currently, St. Joe Hospitality operates WaterColor Inn and WaterSound Inn and manages The Pearl Hotel℠ in Rosemary Beach®. The company has four additional hotels under construction in Northwest Florida that are expected to open in 2021 and 2022.

Adjacent to The Lodge 30A, Greenway Station has plans for multiple restaurants and shops. “We are very excited to announce this partnership with St. Joe and to see work begin soon on The Lodge 30A,” said Ricky Rookis, MidGrove Centre, LLC manager. “With leasing interest for a significant portion of the restaurant and retail space, we believe that Greenway Station will become a destination for gathering, shopping and dining in Seagrove Beach and that The Lodge 30A will appeal to visitors looking to experience the unique lifestyle that can only be found along Scenic Highway 30A.”

Site development on The Lodge 30A and Greenway Station is expected to begin immediately, and the parties anticipate the hotel being ready for guests in early 2022.

Wyndham Looks to Drive Corporate Travel with Newly Expanded Wyndham Direct Program

Wyndham’s booking, billing and business solution simplifies travel management and payment to help drive corporate business to its hotels                          

                                            With a focus on finding impactful ways to drive more corporate business for its hotels, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts – the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 9,000 hotels across 90 countries – today announced the expansion of Wyndham Direct, a unique booking, billing and business solution. The service, formerly unique to its La Quinta® by Wyndham brand, is now immediately available at Super 8® by Wyndham and Days Inn® by Wyndham hotels in the U.S., with plans to expand further across Wyndham’s portfolio of brands later this year.

Wyndham Direct is designed to help drive corporate bookings to hotels and simplify travel management for companies and their travelers. Using integrated virtual credit card technology from Corporate Spending Innovations (CSI), Wyndham Direct offers easier booking, faster billing and smarter business, supporting hotels as they work to attract small and medium-sized corporate business, grow market share and drive lower-cost reservations.  By expanding across the Wyndham’s three largest brands, the program now offers clients access to nearly 3,900 hotels across the economy through upper-midscale segments.

Hilton appoints Chris Carr to board of directors

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. today announced the appointment of Chris Carr, Chief Operations Officer of sweetgreen, to its board of directors, effective immediately. Mr. Carr will serve on the Nominating and ESG committee of the board.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris to Hilton," said Jon Gray, chairman of Hilton's board of directors. “When we began our board search process last year, we were looking to add world class executive leadership in global and consumer-facing organizations. Chris brings these highly relevant skills, as well as unmatched focus on customer experience and procurement. We look forward to his insights as we navigate Hilton's continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic."

Marshall Hotels & Resorts Assumes Management of Five Hotels

Marshall Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel management and services company that operates properties nationwide, today announced that it has taken over management of five hotels. The hotels include the 100-room Holiday Inn NW Houston Beltway 8 in Texas, the 96-suite SpringHill Suites Winchester in Va., the 74-room Hampton Inn Adel in Ga., the 114-room Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead and the 131-suite Residence Inn Long Island East End, both in N.Y.

Hyatt will require face masks for guests at all US and Canada hotels from Monday.

Hyatt Hotels has confirmed that from Monday, July 27 all Hyatt hotels in the U.S. and Canada will require face coverings within indoor public areas, which include meetings and events spaces, restaurants and bars, and fitness centers.  

The hotel giant says it is introducing the new requirements following advice from medical experts and will help reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Some guests may be exempt from this mandate, including but not limited to people with medical conditions, consuming food or beverages in restaurants, and children under the age of two years.

Guests who are not wearing face coverings indoors will be asked to wear one, and at all Hyatt hotels, face masks will be made available to guests who do not have one. Additionally, Hyatt hotels request all guests practice proper social distancing in indoor and outdoor public areas, and social distancing guidelines are prominently placed throughout all hotels.

Hyatt introduces the internationally acclaimed Miraval spa and wellness brand to Lenox......

The Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the introduction of the internationally acclaimed Miraval spa and wellness brand to Lenox, Mass., with the opening of Miraval Berkshires. This opening marks the Miraval brand’s third property, joining its original location in Tucson, Ariz. – celebrating its 25th anniversary this year – and second location in Austin, Texas, which opened in February 2019. On the same property as Miraval Berkshires, Hyatt simultaneously introduces Wyndhurst Manor & Club, a Destination Hotel, with a focus on the Berkshires’ rich culture and history. Both resorts sit atop 380 protected acres and offer a diverse range of year-round programming that encourages guests to celebrate the changing New England seasons.

“We are thrilled with the Miraval brand’s expansion to the East Coast with Miraval Berkshires and to welcome Wyndhurst Manor & Club to the Destinations Hotels family,” said Susan Santiago, Head of Lifestyle & Miraval Operations. “Wyndhurst Manor offers a step back into the Gilded Age and delivers a true-to-place experience for multigenerational families, golfers and those simply wanting to escape. The programming at Miraval Berkshires encourages guests to create a “Life in Balance” by focusing on mind, body and spirit. We look forward to welcoming guests on their transformative journey through spa, equine, fitness and nutrition experiences.”

New Hyatt hotel for Cyprus

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has confirmed, together with its partners, the plan to open the first Hyatt hotel on the island of Cyprus, Grand Hyatt Limassol. The 300-room luxury resort is expected to open in 2025 and signifies Hyatt’s continued growth into Europe’s leading travel destinations.

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The new-build beachfront resort will be situated at a Blue Flag beach east of Limassol, one of the island’s most cosmopolitan cities. With a prime beachfront location on the southern coast of the island and 300 bold, light-filled rooms offering sea views, Grand Hyatt Limassol will be a captivating destination within a destination featuring a stunning 43,000-square-foot (4,000-square-meter) beach club including premium spa and fitness facilities as well as an indoor pool and two outdoor pools. The resort will additionally offer five elevated food and beverage concepts as well as 15,000 square feet (1,400 square meters) of event space. Furthermore, Grand Hyatt Limassol will be a key element of Zaria Resort, a mixed-use luxury development, comprised of residential apartments and private villas totaling more than 861,100 square feet (80,000 square meters).

Hyatt to open Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas in 2021

Expected to open in early 2021, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas will bring the luxury brand’s dedication to sustainable tourism, innovative eco-design and authentic destination experiences to Southern California

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has confirmed plans for the first new-build Alila resort in the Americas, located in Encinitas, California. Encinitas is a quintessential beach town in San Diego’s North County Coastal region growing in popularity with locals and visitors alike.  The Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas will add to Hyatt’s growing Alila brand portfolio, joining Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, as the brand’s second hotel in California and the U.S., along with 14 other luxury properties worldwide.

The Alila brand features luxury hotels and resorts in unique locations, distinguished by innovative eco-design, a strong commitment to sustainable tourism as well as rare and intimate destination experiences.

With over 50 hotels in the pipeline, Accor intensifies the development of its lifestyle brands

TRIBE will arrive in Paris this fall, followed by Amsterdam, Warsaw and other launches planned for key gateway cities such as London, Berlin, Brussels, Lisbon, and Vienna in Europe to start...

Accor is stepping up its ambition in the lifestyle sector with TRIBE, a rapidly expanding midscale brand, which is exceeding initial expectations and planning to open more than 50 hotels globally... In Europe, in addition to Paris, Amsterdam or Warsaw where hotels have already been signed, projects in iconic locations such as Berlin, London Brussels, Lisbon and Vienna are currently being finalized. Over the next five years, the brand is planning to open a total of 150 hotels worldwide aimed at a new generation of travelers in search of refined yet affordable experiences.

 

“Accor is a global leader in the lifestyle segment, thanks to its 11 disruptive brands, including TRIBE and its 50 hotels in the pipeline. The brand is going from strength to strength and is continuing its international expansion with the development of numerous projects. In line with the Group’s growth targets, TRIBE has established itself as the new standard in the world of lifestyle hospitality” said Gaurav Bhushan, Chief Development Officer, Accor.

 

Hotel Indigo, opens first hotel in Cyprus

IHG Hotels & Resorts opens the first and only branded boutique hotel in Cyprus - Hotel Indigo Larnaca. Each of the hotel’s 40 bedrooms are all uniquely designed and inspired by Cyprus’s craft heritage with balconies overlooking the picturesque city of Larnaca. Just a five-minute drive from the airport, the hotel is centrally located in one of Larnaca’s most historic areas, near the church of St. Lazarus and close to Finikoudes and Mackenzie beaches.

Within walking distance to the beach, the hotel combined two traditional Cypriot beach homes into a new hotel, marrying design elements from both old and new. The bedrooms have a modern yet contemporary feel by merging raw concrete with locally - made, brightly - coloured traditional textiles and light wooden furnishings. The en-suite bathrooms have spa-like rain showers, with brushed concrete flooring and original Cypriot tiling. All the balconies are fitted with traditional Mediterranean yellow shutters, reminiscent of old Cyprus, and mimicking the sunset amongst the surrounding mountains.

First EVEN Hotels property in Greater China opens

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has opened the doors to its first EVEN Hotels property in Greater China. The unveiling of the hotel in the heart of Nanjing, China marks the first EVEN Hotel in Asia and outside of the Americas. Since the first EVEN Hotels opening in 2014, IHG’s lifestyle and wellness offering is designed to meet the large and growing demand for wellness-minded travellers and help them maintain their balance on the road.

The 172-room EVEN Hotel Nanjing Yangtze River, located near the National Green Bay Wetland Park and Youth Olympic Stadium, is equipped with wellness-savvy staff, best-in-class fitness experiences, an indoor tennis court, an indoor heated swimming pool, a bowling club, 7 meeting rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, balanced food choices and relaxing spaces. The hotel also boasts an impressive water fountain with spectacular light shows during the evening. Owned by Yangtze State-owned Investment Group, and managed by IHG, the property is the brand’s first location in Asia. The hotel is the result of a strong owner relationship of IHG in Greater China. Owned by Yangtze State-owned Investment Group, and managed by IHG, the property is the brand’s first location in Asia. The hotel is the result of a strong owner relationship of IHG in Greater China.

Sofitel Invites Guests to Live The French Way This June by Celebrating La Fête de la Musique

As many parts of the world begin to reopen and travellers think about heading out on summer escapes, Sofitel is paying homage to its roots by inviting passionate music lovers worldwide to celebrate Fête de la Musique through exclusive activations and a dedicated social media campaign throughout the week of June 21, 2020.

Much like Sofitel, a renowned global ambassador of French style and art-de-vivre, the all-day global music festival Fête de la Musique encourages participants to let loose, awaken the senses and indulge in the unexpected, through a celebration of all genres of music honoring the libertarian spirit of French street fêtes. Sofitel invites music lovers to ‘Live The French Way’ by participating in Fête de la Musique activations across the globe, either on location at a Sofitel property or digitally through the brand’s Sofitel Sounds playlists.

Four Seasons Orlando ready to welcome you.

A summer getaway is now even more enticing with a new offer from Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, Central Florida’s only Five Diamond Award rated resort, reopening its doors on July 1, 2020.  The new Experience More package includes a USD 200 nightly credit for stays in a guest room, or a USD 500 nightly credit for stays in a one or two-bedroom suite.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando boasts world-class resort amenities, including a 5-acre (2 hectares) Explorer Island water park, Tom Fazio golf course, three Har-Tru tennis courts, and the award-winning complimentary kids’ camp for children ages 4-12.  While the kids are fully entertained with different theme activities each day, parents are provided a much-needed break to relax and unwind at the Oasis adult-only pool. This summer, guests can also enjoy enhanced activities programming, including “Dive In” movies offered three days per week at the family pool, complimentary play on select days at the Par 3 golf course, daily supervised swim time for kids, and more.

Eldorado Resorts Announces Reopening Dates for Five Properties in Florida, Indiana, Colorado and Ohio

Eldorado Resorts, Inc. announced the planned resumption of operations at five properties in Florida, Indiana, Colorado and Ohio, pending receipt of final regulatory approvals.

Eldorado plans to reopen Isle Casino Racing Pompano in Florida on Saturday, June 13, Tropicana Evansville in Indiana on Monday, June 15, Isle Casino Hotel Blackhawk and Lady Luck Casino Blackhawk in Colorado on Wednesday, June 17, and Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs in Ohio on Friday, June 19.