La Zambra officially opens - the luxury Byblos Hotel hideaway in Costa del Sol has transformed from a historic hotel of the 80s and 90s into a relaxed, bohemian retreat

La Zambra, a reborn hotel destination in Málaga, Andalusia. The opening marks the completed transformation of the infamous Byblos hotel, an icon of late 20th-century celebrity and indulgence. Inspired by the celebrity and luxury of its past, La Zambra joins The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

Nestled in the Mijas mountains and just under 2 miles (3 km) from the coastline, La Zambra invites guests to experience a one-of-a-kind stay steps away from the charming “Pueblo Blanco” of Mijas, one of the white villages of Andalusia. Ideally located 20 minutes from Málaga airport, the hotel immerses guests into surrounding landscapes, offering easy access to world-class golf courses, lush natural greenery, and the stunning beaches of the Mediterranean. Guests can enjoy the relaxing lifestyle of the local culture on visits to nearby villages, or venture along the coastline to vibrant hotspots of Fuengirola, Puerto Banús and Málaga to sample the rich culture, gastronomy, and nightlife that the region is known for.

The character of the 197 rooms and suites include warm materials and soft tones, evoking longed-for Andalusian essence with an indulgent backdrop where relaxation and fun are blurred. Four distinct dining options feature the flavors of southern Spain, while the luxurious 26,909-square-foot (2,500-square-meter) Mood Spa, offering a Turkish bath, sauna, whirlpools and 12 personalized treatment cabins, will recalibrate body and soul according to the mood preferred by every guest. This commitment to laid-back indulgence ensures a stay at La Zambra is a true expression of its history and Spanish-Mediterranean roots.

“We are delighted to open La Zambra and bring The Unbound Collection by Hyatt to Costa del Sol,” said Joost Kruissen, General Manager of La Zambra. “The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is dedicated to inspiring its guests to create their own stories – and ours is one of relaxed, rebellious luxury, thanks to the legacy of the emblematic Byblos hotel. We can’t wait for our visitors to start their own La Zambra story.”

Voyager Space names Hilton as its official hotel partner to elevate the guest experience in space........................Hilton and Voyager Space to Partner on Improving Stays in Space — Designing Crew Lodging, Hospitality Suites for Starlab Space Station

Voyager Space names Hilton as its official hotel partner to elevate the guest experience in space

When you’re going into outer space for an extended period of time, Hilton and Voyager Space want astronauts and space tourists to know it matters where you stay. Voyager, a global leader in space exploration, today announced Hilton will be the official hotel partner of Starlab, Voyager’s planned free-flying commercial space station.

Dylan Taylor

Chairman and CEO, Voyager Space

“Starlab will be more than just a destination, it will be an experience made infinitely more unique and artful with the Hilton team’s infusion of innovation, expertise and global reach,” said Dylan Taylor, chairman and CEO, of Voyager Space. “Voyager and Hilton are acutely focused on creating innovative solutions for the future of humanity and this partnership opens new doors to what is possible for comfort-focused space exploration and habitation.”

Voyager, and its operating company Nanoracks, were awarded $160 million in NASA funding in 2021 for the Starlab space station, which is set to replace the International Space Station. Starlab is planned to have the capacity to continuously host up to four astronauts and house the George Washington Carver (GWC) Science Park, a state-of-the-art laboratory system and the first science park in space. Starlab leverages Voyager and Nanoracks' experience managing global customer experience and research operations on the International Space Station for over a decade.

Chris Nassetta

President and CEO, Hilton

“Hilton has been innovating to improve the guest experience and pioneering new destinations for travel for more than a century. We are thrilled to partner with Voyager to bring that expertise to Starlab,” said Chris Nassetta, president and CEO, of Hilton. “For decades, discoveries in space have been positively impacting life on Earth, and now Hilton will have an opportunity to use this unique environment to improve the guest experience wherever people travel. This landmark collaboration underscores our deep commitment to spreading the light and warmth of hospitality and providing a friendly, reliable stay – whether on the ground or in outer space.” 

This first-of-its-kind venture builds on Hilton’s effect in new and emerging markets, its storied history with space, and its global lodging and hospitality leadership, welcoming more than three billion guests across a portfolio of 18 brands comprising 7,000 properties in 122 countries and territories. In partnership with Voyager, Hilton will bring this unique scale and customer focus to Starlab as it continues to serve every traveller for every trip occasion. 

Five historic hotels in Lisbon, Portugal, have been inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide®

Five historic hotels in Lisbon, Portugal, have been inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (United States of America) for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels around the world. These historic hotels are Heritage Avenida Liberdade, As Janelas Verdes, Hotel Britania Art Deco, Hotel Lisboa Plaza, and Solar do Castelo. All five historic hotels are part of the Lisbon Heritage Hotels collection, which promotes the history and culture of Portugal’s capital city.

Historic Hotels Worldwide promotes heritage and cultural travel by featuring a prestigious collection of historic treasures including historically significant hotels and other iconic and legendary hotels spanning more than 10 centuries.

“We are delighted to induct the five historic hotels of Lisbon Heritage Hotels into Historic Hotels Worldwide.” said Lawrence P. Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “We commend Antonio and Manuel Fernandes, the founders of Lisbon Heritage Hotels nearly 25 years ago, for their vision and dedication to preserving and restoring these historically significant buildings and converting them to luxurious boutique historic hotels. As a result of their leadership, buildings important to the history, heritage, and culture of Lisbon have been preserved for future generations of travellers. The successful restoration of the hotels in this iconic collection of historically significant buildings in Lisbon demonstrates their commitment and leadership as stewards of history and historic preservation. As Lisbon Heritage Hotels continues to restore other historic buildings and convert them to iconic historic hotels, we look forward to inducting other historically significant hotels into Historic Hotels Worldwide.”

Historic Hotels Worldwide membership is exclusive to historically significant hotels and resorts that are in buildings at least 75 years old. As a diverse and prestigious collection, each inducted hotel is required to possess one or more of the following qualities: it served as the former home, or it is located on the grounds of the former home, of famous persons, or it is a significant location for an event in history; it is located in or within walking distance to a historic district, historically significant landmark, place of a historic event, or historic city centre; it has been recognized by a local preservation organization or national trust; and it displays historic memorabilia, artwork, photography, or other examples of its historic significance.

Grand Hyatt Kuwait Celebrates Official Opening.....................The iconic opening marks the first Grand Hyatt in Kuwait

Grand Hyatt Kuwait Celebrates Official Opening

The iconic opening marks the first Grand Hyatt in Kuwait

Grand Hyatt Kuwait – the first Grand Hyatt hotel in the country. The 302-room luxury hotel is situated at 360 Mall – one of the nation’s most immersive luxury, leisure and lifestyle complexes. Grand Hyatt Kuwait is the second Hyatt branded hotel in Kuwait, the sixth hotel under the Grand Hyatt brand in the Middle East, and the twenty-ninth Hyatt branded hotel in the region, all of which participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. Infusing regionally inspired art with modern interior design, the iconic hotel is the ideal destination for guests to discover the country's cultural, entertainment, and artistic offerings.

“Grand Hyatt Kuwait offers global travellers superior hospitality services against a backdrop of majestic architectural design coupled with world-class culinary, leisure and entertainment experiences under one roof; a truly distinctive proposition,” said Federico Mantoani, general manager at Grand Hyatt Kuwait. “We are thrilled to open the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Kuwait, and we look forward to welcoming guests seeking a memorable experience from this magnificent destination.”

Grand Hyatt Kuwait represents a new era of progression and innovation in luxury tied to the government’s Vision 2035, which aims to boost tourism through innovative and sustained investment in hospitality infrastructure. Offering business travellers, leisure guests and locals a superlative selection of world-class culinary and leisure experiences the hotel features four unique restaurants, a fitness centre, a premium spa and a variety of elegant event spaces.

Prime Location

The opening of the first Thompson Hotels branded property in Spain marks a significant milestone for Hyatt as it continues to grow its luxury and lifestyle portfolio

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces the opening of the highly anticipated Thompson Madrid, the first Thompson Hotels branded property in Spain. Setting an inspiring new standard for modern luxury stays, the 175-room hotel is a celebration of thoughtfully curated style and global sophistication with an authentic Madrilenian flair, delivering an exciting destination for culturally astute travellers looking to immerse themselves within the vibrant Spanish capital.

Featuring three signature dining venues, well-appointed spaces with curated design elements and architecture evocative of Madrid's rich heritage, Thompson Madrid truly embodies the identity of its location. Guests are invited to experience all that the city has to offer through creative spaces, unapologetically bold interiors and elevated gastronomy.

Located on Calle De La Montera, which connects the city’s famed main square, Puerta del Sol, to the theatres, cinemas, and boutiques of the lively Gran Via Street, Thompson Madrid is housed in two historic buildings and is a dynamic and refined home base for guests to explore the authentic character of the city. The buzzing neighbourhoods of Malasaña, Chueca, and Madrid’s historic city centre are within walking distance of the hotel, and a diverse selection of galleries, museums, culinary delights, and cultural landmarks are on every corner.

“We are excited to welcome guests to Thompson Madrid and invite them to immerse themselves into the culture of the city, which can be found inside and outside the walls of the hotel,” said Carlos Erburu Zazpe, general manager of Thompson Madrid. “Inspired by Madrid’s nearby “kilometre Zero,” which marks the spot all distances in Spain are measured from, all journeys start in Madrid and all authentic Madrilenian experiences for our guests begin in Thompson Madrid.”

Hyatt Place Nanchong Gaoping Celebrates Official Opening

Hyatt Place Nanchong Gaoping Celebrates Official Opening
The 276-room hotel is the first international hotel to open in the heart of Nanchong

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces the opening of Hyatt Place Nanchong Gaoping, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel is the first and currently only international hotel in Nanchong and features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, 24-hour food offerings and a 24-hour gym. The hotel is a joint venture led by Nanchong Yuxuan Hotel Management Co., Ltd, and operated by Minyoun Hospitality.

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 multitasking travellers. Hyatt Place Nanchong Gaoping is located on the 29th to 43rd floors of the Chuanbei Financial Center, the tallest landmark in Nanchong city. The hotel is adjacent to the Poly Mall commercial complex, Financial Square Commercial Pedestrian Street and Wangfujing Department Store, making it an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers.

The hotel sits by the Jialing River, only a minute’s walk from the wetland park on the banks of the river, about a 20-minute drive from Nanchong Airport and a 15-minute drive from the railway station. Set in an oasis of nature with convenient access to transportation, shopping and dining, Hyatt Place Nanchong Gaoping is well located for enjoying a leisure vacation.

“As Nanchong continues to grow and thrive economically, we are excited to welcome the first Hyatt Place hotel to the area,” said General Manager Zeke Xiao. “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.”    

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela Opens.

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela Opens....

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela has just opened and is the first of the hotel brand in Costa Rica. It is located in the Alajuela province and inspired by the beauty of simplicity, the 120-room hotel delivers an inviting and seamless experience, positioned to become the destination of choice for travelers to the greater metropolitan area of Costa Rica.

“We are thrilled to introduce Fairfield by Marriott to Costa Rica with the opening of Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela,” said Brian King, President of Marriott’s International Caribbean and Latin America region. “The arrival of this new hotel reinforces our commitment and vision for the region and will complement our existing offerings that encompass 11 of Marriott Bonvoy’s global brands now with a total of 16 hotels in Costa Rica, one of the most popular destinations in the region.”

Less than a five-minute drive from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, shops, restaurants, and the main corporate centres in the northwest of the metropolitan area, Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela is an ideal base for local entrepreneurs and international business travellers. Guests looking to explore the destination can easily access popular tourist hotspots including Poas Volcano National Park, Sarchí, and tour coffee plantations like Britt Coffee Tour, where they can taste and learn about the “golden grain” of the country.

The hotel features one signature restaurant, Fairfield Garden, serving international cuisine for breakfast and dinner. Throughout the morning, Fairfield Garden offers a complimentary traditional Costa Rican breakfast and American breakfast with a variety of options such as pancakes, waffles, cereals, oatmeal, and more. For dinner, a fresh take on local Costa Rican delicacies and international classics are offered through an à la carte menu.

Guests can maintain their daily routines at the 24/7 fitness centre and shop for daily essentials at The Corner Market, a 24-hour convenience store located in the hotel.

Twenty Four Seven Hotels Announces Grand Opening of 108-Room Hampton Inn & Suites Rancho Cucamonga

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 grand opening of the 108-room Hampton Inn & Suites Rancho Cucamonga in Calif. The new addition brings the company’s total portfolio to 26 hotels, 17 of which are in the Golden State.

Twenty-Four Seven Hotels remains geographically focused on the Western region as we work to expand our portfolio of upscale, select-service hotels,” said David Wani, CEO, of Twenty-Four Seven Hotels. “By prioritizing our relationships with our owners and brands, we are able to remain nimble and readily available to interact with any of our clients at a moment’s notice. Our goal is to make sure none of our hotels ever get lost in the shuffle as we pursue excellence as a third-party hotel operator.”

Located just off Interstates 10 and 15 at 11669 Foothill Blvd., the pet-friendly hotel is minutes away from the Ontario International Airport, Victoria Gardens, Ontario Mills Mall, Toyota Arena and many large corporations. Hotel amenities include a heated, outdoor pool, 24/7 marketplace with snacks and beverages, complimentary Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast, state-of-the-art fitness centre and a 600-square-foot meeting room. Guest rooms and suites feature microwaves and refrigerators.

“Following its ramp-up period, we fully expect the Hampton Inn & Suites Rancho Cucamonga to take its rightful place as the market and segment leader for business and leisure travellers to this unique foothill city in Southern California,” Wani added.

Portfolio - Twenty Four Seven Hotels (247hotels.com)

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Kasada, an independent real estate private equity platform dedicated to hospitality in Sub-Saharan Africa has announced this week that it acquired the former Crowne Plaza Upper Hill in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kasada, an independent real estate private equity platform dedicated to hospitality in Sub-Saharan Africa has announced this week that it acquired the former Crowne Plaza Upper Hill in Nairobi, Kenya. Having only recently purchased the Umubano Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda, this second East-African purchase reaffirms Kasada’s status as a pan-African hotel owner and investor. With its strategy of acquiring high-quality25 assets across metropolitan hubs in Sub-Saharan Africa, Kasada is now the most active investor with the initial portfolio of hotels doubling within 18 months thanks to a presence in eight countries.

Refurbishment of the 206-key hotel 

will begin before the end of the year

The Crowne Plaza, which opened in 2010, is located in Upper Hill, Nairobi's financial centre and a commercial hub that is home to the headquarters of several local businesses, international institutions and diplomatic delegations. With 206 rooms, a ballroom that can accommodate 300 people, and over 10 meeting rooms with a total capacity of 550 people, the hotel is one of the largest meeting and event spaces in Nairobi. Its prime location and array of amenities make it particularly attractive to local, regional, and international business travellers alike.

Park Hyatt Jakarta, located in the tranquil Menteng area in the heart of Jakarta’s bustling central business district opens for business

Hyatt Hotels have confirmed the opening of Park Hyatt Jakarta, located in the tranquil Menteng area in the heart of Jakarta’s bustling central business district.  

This hotel is said to offer a distinctive collection of culinary, leisure and wellness experiences.  

“With Hyatt hotels operating in Indonesia for over 40 years, we are delighted to share that the Park Hyatt brand has launched in the country, introducing its refined hospitality and personal service to local residents and visitors from near and far,” said David Udell, group president, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt. “As more countries reopen their borders and travel confidence grows, Park Hyatt Jakarta is an exciting addition to our Park Hyatt portfolio, complementing new hotels that have opened in recent years in Auckland, Kyoto, Niseko and Suzhou.”

Park Hyatt Jakarta occupies the top 17 floors of the 37-story Park Tower in the centre of the city’s financial and diplomatic district. The hotel’s surrounding area, Menteng, was originally conceived in the early 20th century as a garden city and is now known for its peaceful tree-lined streets, abundant greenery and elegant heritage architecture. Park Hyatt Jakarta offers easy access to idyllic parks and popular retail and entertainment venues as well as panoramic views of the nearby National Monument Park. The hotel’s location harkens back to the origins of the Park Hyatt brand with its first property overlooking a serene park in Chicago, its proximity to nature reflects how Park Hyatt hotels around the world offer an oasis of calm in the midst of the bustle of the city.

Contemporary Design, with Indonesia at its Core

Accor making major changes to its structure.....

Accor continues to transform and simplify its structure by leveraging its leadership positions in the most buoyant hospitality markets and segments.

 Accor, global hotel operator and leader in Luxury & Lifestyle hospitality, operates a unique portfolio of brands covering all segments, from economy to luxury, in 110 countries. The Group is evolving its structure to capitalize on the transformation undertaken in recent years, consolidate its leadership positions, focus its efforts, strengthen its know-how, accelerate its growth and continue to improve its profitability. As such, Accor will leverage two divisions comprising separate and distinctive expertise with the aim of further strengthening the excellence of each of these business lines, improving their operational and financial performance, offering their owners and guests ever more relevant products and services, and attracting the best talents. From October 1, 2022, Accor will be structured around two dedicated divisions:

* “Economy, Midscale & Premium Division”, comprising notably the Group’s brands ibis, Novotel, Mercure, Swissôtel, Mövenpick and Pullman, covering 4,816 hotels worldwide and 948 new properties in development. This division will incorporate leadership positions in Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, and will be structured around four regional headquarters based in Paris, Sao Paulo, Singapore and Shanghai. It will focus its strategy on accelerating its development notably through franchises, the rejuvenation of its brands and the industrialization of our operating model.

 

* “Luxury & Lifestyle Division”, bringing together Accor’s luxury brands as well as the Group’s lifestyle entity, Ennismore, and covering 488 hotels globally and 266 new properties in development. This division focused on Luxury and Lifestyle will be structured by brand around 4 pillars: Raffles & Orient Express, Fairmont, Sofitel & MGallery, and Ennismore. It will be committed to strengthening the identities of its iconic brands, investing in top talents, selecting the best locations and offering unique and innovative experiences.

Through these two business divisions incorporating growth strategies and trajectories that have been clearly defined and tailored to guest and owner expectations, Accor will offer its partners and investors a clear and transparent model for each of its business lines, which will be a factor in creating value and ramping up the development of its brands and segments.

According to Sébastien Bazin, Accor Chairman and CEO, “Changing our organizational structure is a natural step in the transformation initiated several years ago, which turned Accor into an asset-light group that is more agile and efficient, with a global profile and which has become a key player in Luxury and Lifestyle. By evolving from a generalist to a multi-specialist model, our aim is to further improve Accor’s appeal in the eyes of talents, owners, partners and investors. We capitalize on our leadership positions to accelerate our development, better focus talents and expertise, and improve our performance.”.

This organizational structure is submitted to the Group’s employee representative bodies. 

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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