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Welcome to Hotel101 A new bloig and news site dedicated to bringing you news of hotel opennings and developments around the world. Look out for special reports and destination guides as well as discount rates and exclusive events.

Saturday 16 May 2020

Statement on Corporate Layoffs at Hyatt in Response to COVID-19

Statement on Corporate Layoffs at Hyatt in Response to COVID-19
Due to the historic drop in travel demand and the expected slow pace of recovery, Hyatt has made the extremely difficult decision to implement layoffs and restructure roles across its global corporate functions, beginning June 1, 2020. These actions will impact around 1,300 colleagues around the world.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hyatt has taken numerous actions in an effort to meet the challenges our industry is facing including reductions of company-wide expenditures, extended salary reductions for the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors, and temporary work and/or pay reductions for all corporate colleagues. Unfortunately, with increased visibility into the effect that the pandemic is having on the hospitality industry, it has become apparent that additional measures are necessary to meet this unprecedented challenge.

NH Hotel Group implements contingency plans, strengthens its liquidity up to €675 million and prepares for a progressive reopening with maximum health guarantees


NH Hotel Group implements contingency plans, strengthens its liquidity up to €675 million and prepares for a progressive reopening with maximum health guarantees.

The uncertainty generated by COVID-19 at the beginning of the year accelerated the implementation of strict contingency plans to minimize operating expenses through temporary adjustments of personnel, reduction of supply costs, suspension of investments in marketing and renegotiation of rents
In addition, NH Hotel Group has activated various measures aimed at preserving and strengthening its liquidity to meet operational needs in the coming months, most notably the reduction of investment in hotel maintenance and repositioning, the drawdown of credit lines, the cancellation of the proposed dividend from 2019 profits and the signing in May of a syndicated loan of €225 million with maturity in 2023. As a result, the Group has a liquidity of over €675 million
Since the beginning of May, the Group has reopened its sales channels and reservation systems, and plans a progressive reopening of hotels in the main cities, initially concentrating the demand of each destination in those establishments that allow the optimisation of resources and profitability
The Company has completely redesigned the customer experience to ensure that safety and social distancing requirements are met at its facilities and is collaborating with SGS in the implementation of a protocol of measures and assessments that will allow the reopening of hotels with maximum guarantees of hygiene and disinfection

Friday 1 May 2020

Hyatt's global commitment on Care & Cleanliness Commitment

                              Focusing on the safety and wellbeing of colleagues and guests during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, Hyatt’s commitment includes Global Biorisk Advisory Council accreditation, hotel-level sanitisation specialists, and a working group of trusted medical and industry advisors
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch Photo courtesy of Christopher Taber


Guided by its purpose of care and experience delivering world-class hospitality for more than 60 years, Hyatt today announced a Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment to further enhance its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. The multi-layered commitment builds on Hyatt’s existing rigorous protocols and will include an accreditation process by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) at all hotels around the world, colleague training and support resources, and a cross-functional working group of medical experts and industry professionals that will contribute to various aspects of the hotel experience.

Thursday 23 April 2020

How would you like to join The Queen, Princess Margaret, Margaret Thatcher & Lady Diana for tea?

How would you like to join The Queen (Olivia Colman), Princess Margaret (Helena Bonham Carter), Margaret Thatcher (Gillian Anderson) & Lady Diana (Emma Corrin) from the hit TV series 'The Crown' for afternoon tea at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel, near Trafalgar Square? Well now is your chance. Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, Gillian Anderson and Emma Corrin are hosting an alternative Royal Family tea party for Bonhams BLUE Auction, in aid of NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal.

Olivia Colman said: "When I was approached to support the auction, I really wanted to help out, so I phoned round a few of my co-stars from the television show 'The Crown' and the result was the creation of 'The Alternative Royal Family Tea Party'.

This is just one of the pledges in Bonhams' not-for-profit digital auction that have been generously donated by the UK's leading actors, musicians, artists and sportspeople.

The auction being hosted at bonhams.com and runs until Wednesday 29 April. Bids can be made by going to bids@bonhams.com or calling us on +44 (0) 20 7447 7447. All lots will be available to view online at bonhams.com/theblueauction.

More details on the Great Scotland Yard Hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is available here. 
Great Scotland Yard Hotel                                                                                             Photo Hyatt

Great Scotland Yard Hotel                                                                                                    Photo Hyatt




Sunday 12 April 2020

Silver Lake, Sixth Street Partners Invest $1 Billion in Airbnb

Silver Lake, Sixth Street Partners Invest $1 Billion in Airbnb

Strategic investment will help strengthen Airbnb’s global community of hosts and guests who deliver unique, local, and authentic experiences in over 220 countries and regions.


News Report
 
The desire to explore, connect, have new experiences, and have a comfortable place to call home are universal and enduring. And our commitment to create a greater sense of belonging—for everyone, everywhere—will never change. Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-Founder, CEO and Head of Community
Airbnb announced today that Silver Lake and Sixth Street Partners will invest $1 billion in Airbnb in a combination of debt and equity securities. The new resources will support Airbnb’s ongoing work to invest over the long term in its community of hosts who share their homes and experiences, as well as the work to serve all stakeholders in the Airbnb community.
The desire to explore, connect, have new experiences, and have a comfortable place to call home are universal and enduring. And our commitment to create a greater sense of belonging—for everyone, everywhere—will never change. Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-Founder, CEO and Head of Community
Started in the midst of the Great Recession in 2008, Airbnb has rapidly grown into a trusted two-sided marketplace that generates real money for millions of regular people who share their homes and host Experiences. People who share their homes keep up to 97 percent of what they charge for their listings, while guests have easy access to a wide range of places to stay—from budget to luxury—in nearly every country and region in the world.

Saturday 11 April 2020

Marriott CEO sends a letter to its customers

Our Continued Efforts: We Will Travel Again

Arne M. Sorenson the President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott has sent a letter to its customers.....


It’s been three weeks since I last communicated with you about the dramatic impact of COVID-19 on our business. Sadly, since that time, we’ve all borne witness to how this insidious virus is impacting our families, our communities and our very way of life. What we’re facing is daunting, but I am heartened by the moments of triumph in everyday acts of courage, humanity and love. Although these are trying times for us all, I remain optimistic that our world will thrive once again.

Today, I want to let you know how we’re focused on supporting the communities where our associates live and work. I also want to provide you with an update on our room cancellation policy and Marriott Bonvoy status and points expiration dates.

Friday 10 April 2020

#FirstRespondersFirst Partners with Marriott International to Provide Free Accommodations to Healthcare Workers on the Frontlines of the COVID-19 Pandemic


As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have devastating impact, #FirstRespondersFirst announced today a partnership with Marriott International to support frontline healthcare workers with essential protective equipment, accommodations, child care, food, mental health support and other essential resources.

As people are being asked to serve the public health by stepping back, frontline healthcare workers are being tasked with stepping forward, putting their own health -- and that of their families -- at risk. Beginning this week, Marriott and #FirstRespondersFirst will provide healthcare workers in New York City with accommodations starting with The Renaissance New York Times Square and The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection which are both in close proximity to hospitals. Accommodations will be provided at no cost to the healthcare workers.