Global Holdings buys Mondrian Park Avenue....

Global Holdings, the international real estate development and investment firm has snapped up the Mondrian Park Avenue, a 190-key boutique hotel in Manhattan’s NoMad neighbourhood.

“Mondrian Park Avenue is an extraordinary asset, perfectly located in the heart of Manhattan at a time when tourists and local visitors are flooding back into the city,” said Jonathan Ofer, Chief Executive Officer of Global Holdings Management Group. “Moin Development did an incredible job converting this property into one of Park Avenue’s best hotels.”

Global Holdings previously held a senior mortgage loan on the property and completed the acquisition as part of a prior agreement with Moin Development.

Global Holdings’ portfolio includes more than 120 properties globally, totalling 10 million square feet across residential, hotel and commercial assets, including more than 1,500 hotel rooms. Global Holdings is an active player in the New York market, over the past month launching leasing for Anagram Columbus Circle, a first-of-its-kind luxury rental tower located next to the highly acclaimed 15 Central Park West, between Manhattan’s famed Billionaire’s Row and Central Park, and acquiring 51 Irving Place, a mixed-use apartment building located near Gramercy Park.

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Life in plastic is fantastic...... stay at Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse

If you fancy a stay with a difference, definitely something to share on Instagram or your favourite other social media network then why stay in a doll's house.  Yes, you too can be like Barbie or Ken or one of their plastic friends at a life-sized Barbie dreamhouse which is opening its doors for overnight stays prior to the "Barbie" movie being released.

Apparently,  the three-floor mansion in Malibu mansion is an exact replica of the movie set and is available to book for the night on Airbnb and Ken is hosting.   So, maybe while Barbie is away,  the boys come out to play!

Whilst, so termed "Kenergy" is on show here, Barbie’s signature pink remains ever-present throughout the life-size, toy-inspired home, as she’s done her own redecorating since the last time the Malibu DreamHouse was available for guests.

“We all have dreams, and Barbie is lucky enough to have a house full of them,” said Ken. “But now, it’s my turn, and I can’t wait to host guests inside this one-of-a-kind – dare I say, one-of-a-Ken? – digs.”

Ken is adding hosting to one of his passions in celebration of the release of the highly anticipated BARBIE film, directed by Greta Gerwig, written by Gerwig & Noah Baumbach, and starring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrara, Kate McKinnnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell. 

Located in sunny Malibu, the oceanfront mansion features panoramic views and serves as the perfect backdrop for Ken’s picture-plastic paradise. Fans will be able to request to book Ken’s bedroom in the Malibu DreamHouse for two individual one-night stays** for up to two guests each on July 21 and July 22, 2023. All stays will be free of charge – because Ken couldn’t figure out how to put a price on Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse – after all, Ken’s thing is beach, not math!

Everyone in Barbie Land can request to book Ken’s room in Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse beginning July 17 at 10:00 AM PT at airbnb.com/kendreamhouse. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Malibu.

In celebration of BARBIE hitting theatres on July 21, and to honour girls’ empowerment, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to Save the Children. Save the Children provides learning resources and support to children, families, and communities in 100+ countries to build girls’ confidence and help them excel in school – ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve success.

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Hotel JAL City Bangkok, the 16th property to operate under the Hotel JAL City brand, opens 3rd July

Hotel JAL City Bangkok, the 16th property to operate under the Hotel JAL City brand, which is one of the most renowned hotel brands in Japan, is all set to open on 3rd July.

The official opening had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is the first of the brand to open outside of Japan and is located on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok’s Thonglor tourist and business district. 

Hotel JAL City Bangkok is situated adjacent to Hotel Nikko Bangkok, which opened in January 2019. Thonglor BTS Skytrain station is just a three-minute walk away. Thonglor is an area extending north and south from Soi Sukhumvit 55, commonly known as Thonglor Road, in the Wattana district of central Bangkok. The area has long been home to many Japanese and other expatriates as well as wealthy Thais. The Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) and Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), along with multinational restaurants, bars, community malls and international hospitals, are all nearby, making it a prime location for both business and leisure.

“We are delighted to be able to announce the opening of the first Hotel JAL City property outside Japan,” said Mr Tadashi Kitahara, General Manager of Hotel Nikko Bangkok and Hotel JAL City Bangkok. “We are expecting this to bring broader recognition of our hotel brand in Thailand and we aim to provide the renowned Japanese style omotenashi service, taking full advantage of the convenient and strategic location of the new hotel.”

MCR acquires three hotels in Florida.........The Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt properties are in the Sunshine State’s fastest-growing markets

MCR — the 3rd-largest hotel owner-operator in the U.S. has acquired three hotels in Florida. Totalling 384 rooms, the portfolio includes a Hampton Inn by Hilton, a Courtyard by Marriott and a Hyatt Place in Orlando and Daytona Beach — both among Florida’s fastest-growing markets. With this portfolio acquisition, MCR now has 13 hotels in Florida.

How magical! The 169-room Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista is located a few miles from Walt Disney World Resort and in walking distance of the world-class shopping, dining and entertainment offered in the Disney Springs district. It’s also a short drive from iconic destinations like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Studios.

Race to the beach! Located just off State Road A1A and directly on the water, the 111-room Hampton Inn Daytona Shores features a sunny pool deck and direct access to the beach. It’s also conveniently located near numerous dining and golfing options. The Ocean Center convention arena and Daytona Beach Golf Club are both five miles away and the famous Daytona International Speedway is less than 20 minutes from the hotel!

Go, Hatters, go! The newly built, 104-room Courtyard Marriott DeLand Historic Downtown is the only hotel located downtown next to Stetson University, a private university with more than 4,000 students. The hotel is also within walking distance of top local attractions including SkyDive DeLand, Downtown DeLand and the Athens Theatre, as well as plenty of local shops and restaurants.

Hyatt to open a Thompson branded hotel in Palm Springs.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has confirmed it will be bringing its Thompson brand to Palm Springs in California with a 168-room property scheduled to open in late 2023.

Thompson Palm Springs will offer panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the city of Palm Springs and will feature a modern, groundbreaking design in the heart of the city. Unique guestroom bungalows will be surrounded by two outdoor pools, gardens, lounge areas and winding walking paths, immersing visitors in the natural landscape of Palm Springs. 

Additional amenities including a signature restaurant helmed by a world-class chef, sought-after indoor and outdoor bar and lounges, a well-appointed spa and fitness concept, and approximately 8,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.

Thompson Palm Springs will also offer over 20,000 square feet of ground-level retail and restaurant space along Downtown’s iconic Palm Canyon Drive which will include HALL Napa Valley, a 3,400 square foot tasting room from owners Craig & Kathryn Hall showcasing selections from their family of wines: HALL, WALT and BACA.

Thompson Palm Springs will be led by general manager Jeffrey Miller said:  “We are excited to welcome guests and locals to Thompson Palm Springs, which will bring-to-life the iconic spirit of the destination through striking design, innovative culinary offerings and locally inspired guest experiences.”

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