Hyatt Introduces New Zero Proof Beverage Program in Response to Travelers’ Increased Focus on Wellbeing and Growing Interest in Alcohol Alternatives

Hyatt’s new Zero Proof, Zero Judgment program offers sophisticated spirit-free beverage options using Ritual Zero Proof and Fever-Tree products at many Hyatt hotels around the U.S.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has confirmed the introduction of Zero Proof, Zero Judgment – a beverage program that will bring dedicated zero proof beverage options to several U.S. hotels across Hyatt’s Alila, Andaz, Destination by Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, JdV by Hyatt, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt and Thompson Hotels brands. In response to travelers’ changing alcohol consumption habits and increased focus on their wellbeing, Zero Proof, Zero Judgment launched in August 2021 with many beverages featuring products from leading liquor replacement Ritual Zero Proof and carbonated mixer supplier Fever-Tree. Hyatt’s creative beverage approach comes as 52% of Americans are actively trying to drink less alcohol (Source: Beverage Daily, Circle Up Growth Partners, Oct. 2020) and nearly 50% of travelers surveyed in October 2021 said they’re likely to choose a non-alcoholic beverage over a beer or cocktail (Source: Hyatt Travel Pulse). Zero Proof, Zero Judgment aims to meet a growing demand from consumers to enjoy imbibing regardless of alcohol consumption preference.

Newbond Holdings Acquires Waterstone Resort & Marina Boca Raton

Newbold Holdings, a vertically integrated real estate investment and operating platform founded by Neil Luthra and Vann Avedisian, announced the acquisition of the Waterstone Resort & Marina Boca Raton. This transaction marks Newbond’s second Florida hotel investment following the firm’s official launch earlier in the year.

Newbond acquired the 139-key hotel through an off-market transaction. The Waterstone Resort & Marina is located in the heart of Boca Raton, offering picturesque views of the Intercoastal and the Atlantic Ocean as well as immediate access to the city’s world-class beaches and many high-end attractions. With over 8,000 square feet of meeting space, two waterfront restaurants, and a marina, the Waterstone Resort & Marina is uniquely positioned to benefit from the diverse demand drivers within the Boca market, including leisure transient travellers and business guests.

“The Waterstone checks a lot of boxes for our platform as an opportunity to acquire a waterfront hotel in a supply-constrained market where growing corporate demand will complement the already existing strong leisure demand,” said Mr Avedisian.

“We were drawn to Boca Raton, and South Florida in general, by the unabated flow of families and businesses relocating to this market,” Mr. Luthra added. “The Waterstone is particularly well-positioned within its competitive set in the Boca Raton market. We are making a few select improvements to ensure that the Waterstone will be able to capture a disproportionate share of the future market growth.”

The recently upgraded Waterstone Resort & Marina will also benefit from its close proximity to the world class Boca Resort, currently undergoing a $200 million complete transformation, which is expected to strengthen the overall performance of the market.

Palm Beach County and South Florida have experienced extraordinary growth in leisure travel and corporate office locations that have only accelerated as a result of the Pandemic. South Florida has been one of the main beneficiaries from inbound migration of residents from northern and midwestern states. Recent corporate announcements have come from prominent firms such as Blackstone Group, Citadel, Digital Bridge Realty Trust, Microsoft, JP Morgan, Payless, Nucleus Research, Boston Private as well as numerous hedge funds, venture capital firms, and money managers.

In September, a Newbond partnership acquired the Westin Tampa Waterside hotel, a 309-key waterfront property located in Downtown Tampa. Newbond also recently announced a $500 million lending platform with Madison Realty Capital that will focus on originating and purchasing hospitality loans in all major US markets.

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Winners of the 2021 Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence and Winners of the Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence Announced.

Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide are pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 Historic Hotels 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 from around the world.

Recipients were honoured at a special evening Ceremony and Gala at The American Club Resort Hotel on Thursday, November 11. Awards were presented before an audience of more than 200 industry leaders, owners, senior management, and representatives of the finest historic hotels. Nineteen Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence were given in multiple categories ranging from Historic Hotels of America 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, and others. Three Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence were presented for Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Historic Hotel in Europe, Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Historic Hotel in Asia and the Pacific, and Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Historic Hotel in the Americas.

The winners were selected from nominee finalists representing many of the most legendary and iconic historic hotels. The 2021 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Nominee Finalists were nominated by historic hotels, preservation supporters, prior award recipients, community leaders, and leadership from Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. As official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (in the United States), Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide provide the recognition to travellers, civic leaders, and the global cultural, heritage, and historic travel market that member hotels are among the finest historic hotels across the United States of America and around the world. The Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence program recognizes the pinnacle of this distinct group of nominees in a range of categories.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Announces Five New Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Hotels In Oregon

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across nearly 95 countries – announced today an agreement with developer Matt Braun of Braun Hospitality, LLC for five new Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham hotels in Oregon. These hotels join the approximately 300 Microtel hotels across the United States, and over 80 Microtel properties in the company’s U.S. pipeline.

The agreement provides for new Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham properties in the exciting  Oregon growth markets of Florence, Ashland, Salem, Bend and Hood River. Braun Hospitality, the hotels’ ownership, will provide the development oversight and expertise for the planning, design, entitlement, and construction management of the five new properties.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ashland

• Will offer 86 rooms in a popular four-season recreational and arts-centric destination nestled at the base of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges. Home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland is a cultural hotspot with award-winning galleries, theatres, and restaurants.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Florence

• Located near Oregon’s coastal playground of miles of beaches and rolling sand dunes and just one hour west of Eugene-Springfield, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Florence will feature 81 rooms in this go-to getaway destination for rest, relaxation, and recreation.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salem

• Set in Oregon’s capital city, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salem will feature 74 rooms in this city known for its vibrant downtown, museums, and historic sites, surrounded by green pastures and scenic vistas.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hood River

• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hood River will provide the perfect location for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Guests of the 86-room hotel can enjoy nearby hiking, mountain biking, skiing, windsurfing, kite boarding and rafting, as well as an eclectic mix of downtown restaurants, bakeries, breweries, wineries, shops, and galleries.

Microtel Inn & Suites Bend

• With both outdoor pursuits and pristine beauty, Bend, Ore. offers everything from award-winning restaurants to alpine sports and ancient lava tubes. Microtel Inn & Suites Bend will feature 86 rooms conveniently located for travellers visiting the city’s art galleries, the High Desert Museum, or trekking the legendary Bend Ale Trail, the largest beer trail in the west.

The new Thompson Central Park New York, offers contemporary luxury stays with sophisticated flair steps from Midtown’s main attractions.

The new Thompson Central Park New York, offers contemporary luxury stays with sophisticated flair steps from Midtown’s main attractions.

Hyatt Hotels announced the opening of Thompson Central Park New York from award-winning lifestyle hospitality brand, Thompson Hotels. Located steps from the southern edge of Central Park on West 56th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, Thompson Central Park New York opens in the former space of the Parker New York.

Thompson Central Park New York welcomes hotel guests to newly designed interiors, including a redesigned lobby, public spaces and 587 sophisticated, contemporary guestrooms and suites including the 174-room highly anticipated Upper Stories, a collection of luxurious accommodations offering expansive views, high-end amenities and exclusive offerings and programming, including access to the private Upper Stories Lounge. Today’s opening also includes the return of beloved culinary hotspot, Burger Joint, and the introduction of new cocktail bar, Standing Room Only. The hotel’s grand opening will culminate in Spring 2022, with the arrival of more soon-to-be announced dining destinations, intimate event space and the opening of Upper Stories.

Thompson Central Park New York features stunning public spaces designed by architect Thomas Juul-Hansen and guestrooms designed by Stonehill Taylor. The property is poised to redefine the New York City experience for sophisticated, contemporary travelers. Guestroom artwork and programming will be music-centric as a nod to the hotel’s history as a home to many musicians and actors who played at New York City top music venues.

“We’re honored to introduce the world to Thompson Central Park New York and welcome travelers to a stunning new hotel in the heart of New York City,” said Matt Slippoy, general manager, Thompson Central Park New York. “Together with our partners across design, culinary, retail and more, we’re thrilled to provide New Yorkers and travelers with an unparalleled hospitality experience steps from Central Park and iconic cultural institutions, performing arts theaters, Broadway and more of what makes New York City a world-class destination.”