Wyndham Rewards returned to Sedgefield Country Club this week as proud title sponsor of the 82nd annual Wyndham Championship.

Wyndham Rewards, 

the world’s most generous rewards program spanning more than 50,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals, returns to Sedgefield Country Club this week as proud title sponsor of the 82nd annual Wyndham Championship.

Regarded as one of the most fan-friendly stops on the PGA TOUR, this year’s tournament welcomes fans back to the Piedmont Triad for the first time since 2019. In celebration, Wyndham Rewards is making this year’s Championship even more rewarding, putting up to 100 million Wyndham Rewards points up for grabs and offering in-person attendees the chance to walk away with up to 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points each, enough for a weekend getaway at thousands of hotels coast to coast.

“Last year was a reminder for all of us of the important role that both travel and live events play in our everyday lives,” said Eliot Hamlisch, EVP of Loyalty and Wyndham Rewards program leader. “With that in mind, we couldn’t be more excited to be back with fans at Sedgefield. With fantastic food, incredible giveaways, live entertainment and of course, great championship golf, this year’s tournament is all about welcoming fans back and letting each attendee know—you’ve earned this.”

MCR opens Hilton Garden Inn in Minneapolis

MCR is the proud owner of the 141-room Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis University Area at the University of Minnesota’s main campus that’s home to more than 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Last fall, MCR acquired the DoubleTree from a lender who foreclosed on their borrower. MCR’s purchase price was more than a 40% discount to what the hotel previously sold for in 2018. In June 2021, MCR rebranded the hotel from a DoubleTree to a Hilton Garden Inn.

The Hilton Garden Inn is MCR’s second hotel in Minneapolis. MCR also purchased the 60-room Chambers Hotel downtown at a price that was nearly 50% below the prior owner’s cost basis.

Located on the University of Minnesota’s East Bank main campus, the Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis University Area is across from the M Health Clinics hospital and its recently opened $160 million surgery centre. The Stadium Village light rail station — with links to Minneapolis−Saint Paul Airport — is just two blocks away.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation opens the Thompson Hollywood, the luxury lifestyle hotel situated on Wilcox Avenue near Hollywood and Vine.

The 190-Room Property Expands Thompson Hotels’ West Coast Footprint with Interior Design by Tara Bernerd & Partners, Signature Dining Concepts from Acclaimed Chef Lincoln Carson, the Bar Lis Rooftop Lounge and Beyond

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is proud to announce the debut of Thompson Hollywood, the luxury lifestyle hotel situated on Wilcox Avenue near Hollywood and Vine. A dynamic mix of global sophistication, hyper-local immersion and intuitive service, the prime location embodies the Thompson Hotels brand’s promise to provide guests with the ultimate “in-the-know” experience at the refined edge of travel. The new 11-story hotel features 190 mid-century-inspired guestrooms, including 16 suites, a sophisticated feature dining concept from acclaimed LA-based chef Lincoln Carson and Bar Lis, a destination rooftop lounge and pool with unparalleled city views. Sure to be a gathering spot for tasteful travellers and the eclectic Hollywood community alike, the much-anticipated project is owned by Relevant Group in collaboration with Steinberg Hart for architecture and interior design by Tara Bernerd & Partners, with Ten Five Hospitality overseeing food and beverage.

Innovative Design and Enviable City Views

Thoughtfully designed by renowned London-based interior architecture studio Tara Bernerd & Partners, the 11-floor hotel innovatively combines the hallmarks of timeless elegance with a raw industrial edge to create a unique atmosphere that is relaxing and inspiring, familiar and new. The overall design is bold and confident, drawing upon the West Coast Modernist movement and a dash of Hollywood glamour as inspirations to seamlessly blend for a contemporary and elegant approach throughout.

Hilton's second quarter of 2021 results......

The worldwide hotel group, Hilton has released its latest figures this week for the second quarter of the year, which reflect the global downturn because of the continued impact of the coronavirus, yet the Adjusted EBITDA was still an impressive $400 million.    

During the quarter the hotel group managed to approved 25,900 new rooms for development during the second quarter, bringing Hilton's development pipeline to 401,000 rooms as of June 30, 2021.  It also added 19,800 rooms to Hilton's system in the second quarter, contributing to 17,800 net additional rooms during the period.

Cambria Hotels Makes Debut Outside Of Motor City

From left to right: Guy Gridley, regional vice president, franchise development – Cambria Hotels, Choice Hotels; Nicole Miller, director of hospitality operations, Koucar Management; Christopher Kouza, co-founder and principal, Koucar Management; Joseph Caradonna, co-founder and principal, Koucar Management; Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels; Mark Shalala, senior vice president, franchise development, upscale brands, Choice Hotels.

Cambria Hotels, an upscale brand franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc, made its official debut in the Detroit metropolitan area with the grand opening of the Cambria Hotel Shelby Township-Detroit. The celebration was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the property and a taste of the cuisine from the hotel's restaurant, Verona – Inspired Italian. The four-story, 98-room hotel is the brand's second hotel to open in Michigan, joining the Cambria Hotel Traverse City. Representatives from Choice Hotels and owner/developer Koucar Management attended the grand opening to commemorate the occasion.

"Michigan is known for outdoor adventure and city exploration, and the Cambria Hotel Shelby Township-Detroit puts guests at the doorstep of both with its prime location near Detroit," said Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. "With travellers more eager than ever to discover every corner of the United States, we're pleased to offer hotels like this one, where they will experience upscale delights and little luxuries in surprising places. At Cambria, we strive to help guests stay at their best, so they can maximize time away from home."

The Cambria Hotel Shelby Township-Detroit is located at 50741 Corporate Drive in Shelby Township, Michigan. Ideally situated for business and leisure travellers, the property is nearby Cherry Creek Corporate Park; the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site, an event venue hosting farmers markets, car shows and more; Cherry Creek Golf Course; Jimmy John's Field, home to four independent league baseball teams; Mae Stecker Park, which includes Heritage Garden; and the General Motors Technical Center. The hotel also offers convenient access to Michigan Highway, so guests can take a short drive to downtown Detroit where they can visit several national corporate headquarters, including Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and Quicken Loans, as well as take in events at the TCF Convention Center, Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park and Ford Field.

Commonwealth Hotels has announced the acquisition of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Southeast Hammond in Indiana.

In the U.S. Commonwealth Hotels has announced the acquisition of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Southeast Hammond in Indiana. The Fairfield by Marriott hotel offers guests varying amenities in a comfortable location just 30 miles southeast of Chicago.

"This Fairfield will provide the highest level of customer service," said Jennifer Porter, Chief Operations Officer for Commonwealth Hotels. "We believe with our dedicated on-property staff and our rapidly growing talent that this hotel will provide ample positive memories for travellers visiting this growing area."

The Fairfield sits just southeast of Chicago and is located at 7720 Corinne Drive in Hammond Indiana. With four floors and 94 rooms, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Southeast offers a warm and timeless design. Each room is designed with the modern traveller's need to stay productive on the road without overcomplicating the guestroom. Additional hotel amenities include an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as fax and copy services. A complimentary hot breakfast, featuring oatmeal, scrambled eggs, sausage, make-your-own waffles, and other healthy items are also available. Local attractions include Millennium Park Chicago, Indiana Dunes National Park, and Deep River Water Park.

Don't forget to visit our sister site Air101.co.uk to find out about all things aviation.

Hotel operator MCR confirmed that it has acquired the 725-room The Lexington Hotel in New York for $185 million

Hotel operator MCR confirmed that it has acquired the 725-room The Lexington Hotel in New York for $185 million, which equates to $255,000 per guestroom. 

Located along Lexington Avenue’s Hotel Alley at 48th Street, the iconic Lexington Hotel was landmarked in 2016 as one of the most architecturally significant properties in Manhattan. Since its opening in 1929, The Lexington Hotel has housed historic figures, international celebrities, world leaders and renowned sports icons. Speciality suites are inspired by residents including Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio and Ella Fitzgerald. The hotel has also held an array of famous entertainment venues, including the legendary Hawaiian Room, Chateau Madrid and Denim & Diamonds, in the past.

The Lexington’s Autograph Collection affiliation allows the hotel’s rich history to be reflected through unique design elements and a boutique feel. The hotel’s ambience captures Jazz Age Manhattan in a way that’s sure to inspire history buffs and trendy travel connoisseurs.

The hotel is well-positioned to reopen in August and, under MCR’s experienced management, will once again welcome guests from across the globe!

In addition to an onsite fitness centre, the hotel is connected to a brand new, state of the art, 15,000-square-foot Crunch gym featuring cardio equipment, weights, full-service locker rooms, Rituals beauty products and group fitness classes.

Get your morning started at the Starbucks on the lobby level with a beverage and a freshly baked pastry. And be sure to check out the hotel’s bar for a nightcap. The Prohibition era-inspired The Stayton Room boasts cocktails and artisanal bar fare.

The Lexington Hotel is located at 511 Lexington Avenue at 48th Street and features:

725 pet-friendly guestrooms and specialty suites

The Stayton Room, offering a craft cocktail menu and artisanal bar fare

A 15,000-square-foot state of the art Crunch gym, one of the largest in Manhattan

A Starbucks on the lobby level

3,713 square feet of event space across six rooms

Don't forget to visit our sister site Air101.co.uk to find out about all things aviation.

Zrou and hotel group ALL - Accor Live Limitless partner together for first-of-its-kind plant-based creative menu concept to bringing gastronomic modernization to the culinary scene across Greater China.

ALL – Accor Live Limitless and Zrou have announced their partnership to bring innovation to the dining arena in hospitality. This first-of-its-kind cooperation aims to launch a plant-based creative menu concept across Accor branded hotels as part of a substantial step toward the two parties’ commitment to bringing gastronomic modernization to the culinary scene across Greater China.

A private, gourmet launch event was held at the Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai to celebrate this unique partnership. On July 15, ALL and Zrou invited five celebrity chefs including chef, restauranteur, entrepreneur and social influencer David Laris, a pioneer in modern Chinese cuisine who famously brings together modern and traditional culinary concepts, Jereme Leung, award-winning creative chef, fashion and gourmet icon Lance Yu, Zrou Executive Chef, Director of Product Development with a focus on plant-based dining creative, Mark Sampson, and French Pastry Chef Sarah Ni and China’s most famous Masters of Wine, Fongyee Walker to curate a gourmet tasting experience “Table Number Zrou” for an exclusive set of VIP guests including key media and influencers.

This week the global Hyatt Hotels Corporation launched its "World of Care" – a global Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) platform

This week the global Hyatt Hotels Corporation launched its "World of Care" – a global Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) platform – designed to address the pressing challenges faced by Hyatt’s colleagues, guests, owners, and communities and enact meaningful change within the hospitality industry.

World of Care builds on Hyatt’s more than 60 years of efforts to care for the planet, people, and responsible business, and the launch of this platform provides an opportunity to support key milestones and initiatives for Hyatt – including:

Sharing, for the first time, detailed workforce diversity data;

Rolling out a new global human trafficking training, one of the most comprehensive in the hospitality industry;

Elevating wellbeing for global colleagues through a dedicated week of programming and new wellness assessment.

“Hyatt’s purpose – to care for people so they can be their best – guides every aspect of our business,” said Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO, Hyatt. “The events of the past year have underscored the urgency for the private sector to address societal issues with empathy, clarity, and accountability. World of Care deepens Hyatt’s commitment to caring for our people, planet, and communities.”

Caring for Responsible Business: Hyatt Elevates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Disclosures

Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle South/Renton purchased by MCR

MCR, one of the biggest U.S. hotel owner-operators has pulled off a big deal and purchased five premium-branded hotels for $94 million, in Texas and Washington, with a combinded total of almost 680 rooms.  These five hotels are situated in some of the highest growing metropolitan regions in the United States, including the aerospace hub of Renton, Washington - you know,  where Boeing is!  

Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle South/Renton

Located directly across from Boeing’s one-million-square-foot Renton aeroplane assembly plant, where the deeply flawed 737 MAX jets are made, the 146-room Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle South/Renton is just 20 minutes from downtown Seattle and 10 minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and King County International Airport-Boeing Field. 

The  waterfront hotel was built in 2019 and has sweeping views of Lake Washington and is designed to be an extended-stay type property that has a 'feels-like-home' ambiance as well as full amenities like free Wi-Fi and fully equipped kitchens in every suite. The property also has a fitness centre and an outdoor patio with a grill. It also offers a complimentary hot breakfast, plus an on-site market where you can pick up a snack.  

The Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle South/Renton is located at 1200 Lake Washington Boulevard North and features:

146 pet-friendly suites, each with a sofa bed and fully-equipped kitchen

Complimentary breakfast featuring classic American favorites

A barbecue and picnic area

A convenience store

A lobby bar offering locally crafted Pacific Northwest brews and wines

Free fast Wi-Fi

A 24-hour fitness center with free weights and cardio equipment

600 square feet of meeting space for up to 48 people

Check availability and prices

$60 Million Investment Sees Viva Wyndham Resorts Begin Construction of New 750-Room Oceanfront Hotel in Miches, Dominican Republic

Viva Wyndham Resorts, a collection of all-inclusive resorts located in the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Mexico, today announced the groundbreaking of a 750-room hotel in Miches, Dominican Republic, in an event that was attended by President Luis Abinader.

The resort, the first hotel to settle in the Miches area, was made possible by a $60 million investment to kick off the first stage of construction. It is expected to open its doors in 2023 and will generate 500 direct jobs and 1,500 indirect positions.

“For Viva Wyndham, this resort marks a new period of expansion in the tourism of our country and the region. It adds us to the development of Miches and opens the door to later participating in the Pedernales tourism project, as well as the international sector, in Jamaica,” said Ettore Colussi, President of Viva Wyndham Resorts. “Because we believe in the country and we trust the government that runs it, we are here today starting the first of the two hotels to be built in this tourist complex," added Colussi.

New offer for World of Hyatt members............

As the desire for travel and exploration continues to heat up, and with renewed travel activity in many parts of the world, World of Hyatt remains committed to caring for its members with more valuable experiences and rewarding offers that can help them reset their sights on the journeys ahead. Today, World of Hyatt announced the return of the global Bonus Journeys promotion, providing members the opportunity to continue accelerating point earnings with triple points on stays of two or more qualifying nights, so they can achieve the rewards they value most.

“We’re hearing from members that pent-up demand for travel is inspiring them to plan upcoming trips, both near and far, and they want to reward themselves with special experiences and memories as they get back to traveling,” said Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, World of Hyatt. “Whether it’s treating yourself to a luxurious weekend getaway to relax and recharge, breaking from routine with a new remote-work location, or reuniting with loved ones on a long-awaited family vacation, Bonus Journeys rewards our global members, making it easier to earn points to further inspire future travel and enjoy things like free nights, room upgrades, spa treatments, and delicious meals.”

Reset Your Sights with Bonus Journeys – Registration Now Live

World of Hyatt members can register now through August 20, 2021, to earn triple points on every stay of two or more qualifying nights after registration and completed from July 20 through September 15, 2021, at over 1,000 locations worldwide, including:

Participating Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide across 19 brands such as Thompson Hotels, Grand Hyatt, Andaz, JdV by Hyatt, and Hyatt House.

Participating M life Rewards destinations, Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH)hotels and Lindblad Expeditions.

Bonus Points earned through this global promotion are on top of the five Base Points members already earn for every eligible $1 USD spent on qualifying nights and more. Members must register before their stay in order to start earning triple points on qualifying stays during the promotion period and can earn a maximum of 120,000 Bonus Points under the promotion. Eligible stays must be completed between July 20 and September 15, 2021.

To register and for full promotion details including terms and conditions, please visit hyatt.com/bonusjourneys.

Rewarding offers combinable with Bonus Journeys