California Dreamin’...................MCR Acquires the Staybridge Suites Cathedral City Palm Springs

Going once, going twice, sold! MCR — the country’s 4th-largest hotel owner-operator — won the foreclosure auction for the 197-room Staybridge Suites Cathedral City Palm Springs, an IHG Hotel, on the Corona City Hall steps on April 7, 2021, at 9:30 AM. The acquisition marks MCR’s expansion into the California market as the Staybridge Suites joins MCR’s portfolio of 110 hotels across 33 states.

In the heart of the Coachella Valley, the all-suite hotel is just 10 minutes from Palm Springs Airport, 15 minutes from downtown Palm Springs and a two-hour drive to star-studded Los Angeles. If you’re searching for desert feels this summer, look no further! Next year, festival vibes will be in the air as Coachella and Stagecoach get rolling again.

Newly redesigned, the Palm Springs downtown plaza is renowned for its locally-owned restaurants, one-of-a-kind boutiques, art galleries and antique shops. A popular home to movie stars and Presidents (Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan both settled in the city) since the 1930s, the area is full of old Hollywood glamour. Stroll along Palm Canyon Drive and Museum Way to glimpse the Walk of the Stars, which honours more than 440 famous residents, including Elvis Presley, Lena Horne and Marilyn Monroe.

Take advantage of sunshiny SoCal’s annual 300-plus days of rays: Hike nearby Tahquitz Canyon or drive through the valley to Joshua Tree National Park, which is visited by more than 3 million travellers each year.

Hyatt Announces Return of Hyatt Loves Local

Building on the success of Hyatt’s global initiative in 2020, Hyatt hotels are teaming up with even more minority and female-owned businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen the communities in which they operate in.

The Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced Hyatt hotels across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Southwest Asia regions have launched more than 160 Hyatt Loves Local collaborations in a continued effort to help revitalize and advance care to communities and small businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Following the success of the 2020 community-driven initiative, which provides complimentary resources and exposure to select local businesses that have struggled during the pandemic, Hyatt Loves Local has evolved to further meet the current needs of Hyatt communities and guests, including collaborating with more minority-owned and female-owned businesses and delivering reimagined experiences inspired by the new travel landscape. In turn, Hyatt Loves Local connects those in need directly with Hyatt guests and locals through distinctly local offerings, including wellbeing, arts and entertainment, “voluntourism,” travelling with pets and culinary experiences.

Aligned with Hyatt’s Change Starts Here commitment to accelerate Hyatt’s longstanding diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, nearly half of the 100 participating hotels are teaming up with more than 65 minority-owned and female-owned businesses, two groups that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Participating hotels are also working with new businesses that were born out of the pandemic. For example, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in San Diego is collaborating with Seaside Cinema to offer personalized, mobile outdoor movie experiences on the shores of Mission Bay. Seaside Cinema founders, Brian and Krystil Hofmann, were inspired to start the company as an alternative to movie theatres and indoor gatherings after Krystil lost her corporate job due to COVID-19.

Blue Flag Acquires 6 Historic Properties in Nantucket, Expands Relationship With Life House for Management

Local real estate firm Blue Flag Partners announced the acquisition of six additional properties in Nantucket, MA. With three existing hotel properties on Nantucket and the purchase of the historic Kelley House Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard in October 2020, these acquisitions further expand Blue Flag’s partnership with the Life House hotel group.

The portfolio, which comprises 6 properties spread across 3 transactions, includes the Summer House at 27 Fair Street, Summer House at 29 Fair Street, Pineapple Inn on Hussey Street, India Street Inn on India Street, Hawthorn House on Chestnut Street, and a property on Federal Street that previously operated as a seasonal vacation rental.

Hilton has released its 2020 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report

Hilton has released its 2020 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, which highlights the company’s continued commitment to redefining sustainable travel and driving a positive impact on people and the planet. Through Hilton’s Travel with Purpose program, the company continues to take important steps to integrate positive social impact and environmental stewardship throughout its operations, communities and supply chain.

“As we weathered this unpredictable year, Hilton has remained focused on our Team Members and the communities we serve around the world,” said Kristin Campbell, general counsel and chief ESG officer, Hilton. “We took a nimble approach during this difficult period to deliver meaningful support, while remaining focused on our bold Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals. Now more than ever, we are committed to our leadership in environmental, social and governance so travellers can enjoy our planet for years to come.”

Hilton’s 2020 ESG Report highlights the company’s environmental and social performance during a tumultuous year. Despite the challenges of 2020, Hilton was proud to receive several significant ESG honours in 2020, including:

Named the 2020 Global Industry Leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, the most prestigious ranking for corporate responsibility and sustainability performance, for the second consecutive year;

Recognized just last week as one of the Best Companies to Work For in the U.S. by Great Place to Work and Fortune for the sixth consecutive year, including earning the #1 spot in 2020 and #3 in 2021 – as well as being ranked the #3 World’s Best Workplace and achieving a #1 ranking in seven countries around the world in 2020;

Ranked #2 on DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity list; and

Named to the 100 Best Corporate Citizens of 2020 list, the only global hotel brand recognized.

An Unprecedented Year for Social Impact

Coming soon, a new Hyatt Ziva all inclusive resort in Cancun, Mexico.................438-room Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Playa Hotels & Resorts have announced plans for a new Hyatt Ziva all-inclusive resort in Mexico’s Riviera Cancun region. Slated to open later this year, the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun will be the latest resort to join the award-winning Hyatt Ziva portfolio, which is designed for travellers seeking an effortless, all-inclusive experience.

Situated between Playa del Carmen and the world-famous Cancun Hotel Zone approximately 30 minutes from Cancun International Airport, the 438-room Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun plans to provide travellers with the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, enjoy time away from their busy lives, and experience the most unique aspects of Riviera Cancun.