Dusit Devarana New Delhi

Ending the year on a strong note, leading Asian hospitality group Dusit International has announce the launch of a new premium hotel brand, Dusit Devarana, fulfilling the needs of a new segment for the group. Catering to the discerning, high-powered sophisticate looking for a more experiential stay, Dusit Devarana leverages on Dusit International’s rich cultural heritage and history of gracious hospitality to offer an intimate sanctuary experience. The brand aims to provide one-of-a-kind resorts that provide an escape from the everyday world – a sense of renewal; a renaissance of the mind.

“The Dusit Devarana brand caters to those looking for a truly multisensory experience across all touch points; design that goes beyond the visual and service that goes beyond the extra mile,” said Gerrit Kruger, director of branding and loyalty marketing, Dusit International.

“The brand is highly localised and service-driven. In fact, this is the common theme across all the Dusit brands: gracious hospitality rooted in Thai traditions.”

Alongside its Indian joint venture company Dusit Bird Group, Dusit hosted the soft launch of its inaugural resort, Dusit Devarana New Delhi earlier this year. Nestled among a thousand mature trees, Dusit Devarana New Delhi offers guests an urban oasis in the heart of Gurgaon. Designed by renowned architect Khun Lek Bunnag, Dusit Devarana New Delhi integrates art, architecture and nature into one unique space.

Key to the Dusit Devarana New Delhi experience is the Lifestyle Executive, akin to a personal butler. These highly knowledgeable individuals act at once as concierge and executive assistant, ensuring the guest receives personalised yet unobtrusive service during their stay.

Earlier in December, the company announced the Dusit Devarana Dianchi Lake, Kunming resort in China, alongside its Chinese joint venture partners Dusit Fudu Hotels & Resorts. Located in the most biodiverse area of the country, Dusit Devarana Dianchi Lake, Kunming will be set on the picturesque bank of Dianchi Lake and offer an extensive hot springs experience.

This will include a nano hydro revitalising pool, aromatic pools, therapeutic pools, jade and volcanic stone pools, splash pools, a foot reflexology pool and hot stone relaxation room, all complemented by Thai-inspired massage treatments of Dusit’s famed Devarana Spa.

Additional locations planned for the Devarana brand include Hainan, China and Jaipur, India.

Hotel Equities Signs a Definitive Agreement with Hilton on a Hampton Inn and Suites in the Perimeter Center Sterling Pointe Development Project with JV Partner HDP

Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (www.hotelequities.com) signed a definitive agreement with Hilton Hotels to develop an upscale Hampton Inn & Suites in the Sterling Pointe development with its joint venture partner, Hotel Development Partners (HDP). The project will include four outparcels targeted for high-end restaurants and retail. Hotel Equities will manage the hotel and assist with the development. Opening is projected for early 2015.

“We have seen pent-up demand for quality lodging assets in Atlanta’s Perimeter Center area, making the location and timing for this project ideal.” said Brad Rahinsky, Chief Operating Officer of Hotel Equities. “We are confident that this unique, one-of-a-kind hotel project in Sterling Pointe will appeal to both corporate and leisure travelers.”

The project features a seven-story, 132-room Hampton Inn & Suites at the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road and Perimeter Center North. In addition to hosting the largest office market in the Southeast, the Perimeter area also is home to Perimeter Mall, which receives 18.5 million visitors each year, and it provides numerous dining options. It stands at the junction of Georgia 400 and Interstate 285 and is served by four MARTA stations.

“There has been no new hotel construction in the Perimeter market for 14 years,” said Steven Smith, a partner in Hotel Development Partners. “As a result, much of the product in the market is older and has not been renovated. As a result of the improving office market and economy, demand has increased.”

Fred Cerrone, CEO of Hotel Equities, joined with Allen O’Brien and Steven Smith, both of IRE Capital, as principals of HDP. The JV partnership firm made its first acquisition in November 2012 with the purchase of the 102-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Charleston Airport, located on I-26 in North Charleston, South Carolina. Since being acquired, this hotel has increased its net income by 18%.

“We are delighted to expand our presence in Atlanta’s Perimeter Center market with the popular and successful Hampton Inn and Suites brand,” said Fred Cerrone. “The hotel site is ideally located in the heart of one of Atlanta’s busiest and most successful business and retail hubs. As a 31-year resident of Dunwoody, I have passed by this site on numerous occasions and have often thought how under-served it was. It helps that the project is located very close to our corporate headquarters.”

Hotel Equities (HE) is an Atlanta-based full-scale hotel management, development and consulting firm. Frederick W. Cerrone, CHA, serves as President and CEO. HE owns and or manages more than 50 properties in its portfolio. For more information, visit www.hotelequities.com.

Hotel Development Partners (HDP) is an Atlanta- based joint venture formed by Hotel Equities and IRE Capital for the purpose of acquiring and developing premier-branded, select service hotels. HDP Investment Fund I, LLC is the investment vehicle which allows private investors to participate in institutional-quality hospitality properties. Principals are Frederick W. Cerrone, Allen O’Brien and Steven Smith.

MCLEAN, Va. — Hilton Worldwide today announced plans to open the first Hilton Garden Inn in Brazil. The company signed a management license agreement with HDauff Empreendimentos Imobiliarios Ltda to operate the new Hilton Garden Inn hotel in São Jose do Rio Preto, São Paulo. The hotel will be built in Georgina Business Park, a business epicenter with an innovating concept that unites high technology and nature preservation, located in a strategic point in the south of the city, considered the most valued and distinguished region of São José do Rio Preto.

“Bringing Hilton Garden Inn to Brazil is a tremendous milestone for our brand,â€

Expanding economies and major events driving demand for hotels in Colombia and Brazil

Best Western International has announced plans for rapid expansion in Mexico, Central and South America with 29 hotels in the 2014 to 2015 pipeline. Though growth is strong throughout the region, South America is the hottest area for hotel development thanks to improving economies and Brazil hosting both the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Best Western is doing its part to meet the growing hospitality demands in Brazil. The brand currently has 16 hotels operating in the country and is working with a development partner Incortel to add 30 new properties in the next five years. All of these projects will be new construction and fifty percent will be the BEST WESTERN PLUS hotel type. The first of the new Incortel properties, the BEST WESTERN PLUS Pampulha Design Hotel in Belo Horizonte, is set to open in March of 2014 and construction has just begun on an innovative new fashion-themed property that will feature design from leading South American fashion icon Gloria Coelho.

“Brazil is still about 12,000 rooms short to meet the growing demand created by the major upcoming sporting events. You couple that need with an improving economy in Colombia and you have a recipe for rapid hotel growth across the region,” said Best Western’s Vice President of International Operations Suzi Yoder. “We’re seeing a natural fit between the demands of developers and travelers in South America, and the modern, upscale amenities we offer with our BEST WESTERN PLUS and BEST WESTERN PREMIER hotel types.”

Best Western currently has two hotels in operation in Colombia and a third, the BEST WESTERN PLUS Mocawa Hotel, will open in late December. The brand anticipates adding between two and four new construction projects annually through 2019. Hotel demand in the country has been spurred by increased political stability and the growth of the coffee, tourism and oil industries. Gastronomy and foodie travel also is a growing trend in Colombia and throughout all of Latin America.

Other hot spots for the brand’s Latin American development efforts include Chile and Peru. Best Western currently operates five hotels in Chile and is focused on development in the northern portion of the country. In Peru, hotel growth has been fueled by an increase in tourism dollars and a reduction in sales tax. Best Western has responded with the recent opening of the BEST WESTERN PLUS Vista Pacifico, a 115-room resort property located south of Lima on scenic Sarampampa Beach. The brand plans to have four hotels in its Peruvian portfolio by the end of 2014.

Best Western opened its first hotel in South America in Brazil in 1992 and has since grown to operate more than 37 hotels in seven South American countries – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. For more information on global development opportunities with Best Western International, please visit bestwesterndevelopers.com.

To learn more about a specific hotel or discover other Best Western hotels across the world, visit www.bestwestern.com.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world’s largest hotel companies, today announces the expansion of its Holiday Inn Express® brand in Germany with the signing of two more hotels: Holiday Inn Express Hamburg – City Hauptbahnhof and Holiday Inn Express Freiburg – City. These franchised hotels are part of a multiple development agreement (MDA) with IHG’s long standing lessee partner Foremost Hospitality HIEX GmbH.

Holiday Inn Express Hamburg – City Hauptbahnhof will join its sister properties Holiday Inn Express Hamburg – City Centre and Holiday Inn Express Hamburg – St. Pauli Messe in one of Germany’s most iconic cities. The 117- room, newly constructed property will be the first of the two to open next year. The hotel will be located close to Hamburg Central Station which links the city centre to the airport, neighbouring museums, the central square and new residential and office development HafenCity. The hotel is set to attract both leisure and business clientele.

Meanwhile the 120-room Holiday Inn Express Freiburg – City, due to open in 2015, will be the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Freiburg. The city’s accessible location close to the borders with France and Switzerland, coupled with its close proximity to Germany’s Black Forest region, is expected to provide the hotel with a steady influx of leisure travellers.

Martin Bowen, Associate Vice President of Development, Germany, IHG said: “MDA agreements are a major part of our growth strategy for Germany so we’re delighted to see the next two properties under this agreement come to fruition. We know that hotels developed by Foremost always deliver outstanding quality and performance and are great representations of the Holiday Inn Express brand. â€

CHEVY CHASE, Md. — The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. unveiled its first hotel in Israel today, with the much anticipated official opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya. Spectacularly located overlooking the Mediterranean, the property is a first-of-its-kind industry leader for Israel’s luxury hotel market and the country’s first true 21st century “Urban Resort”.

“It is a privilege to bring The Ritz-Carlton legendary service to Israel at this beautiful seafront location in the greater Tel Aviv area,” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton. “The Ritz-Carlton service philosophy will be brought to life by a committed team of Israeli Ladies and Gentlemen at our 85th hotel.”

Herzliya is Tel Aviv’s water-front leisure destination, with pristine beaches and an exclusive residential area. Adjacent to Israel’s “Silicon Valley”, Herzliya is a destination for both business and leisure travellers close to the historic cultural sights, Bauhaus architecture and the dynamic cafe and restaurant culture of Tel Aviv.

The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya is a contemporary resort situated above the Marina with accommodations including 115 rooms and 82 suites and residences. Contemporary interiors inspired by the colours of the Mediterranean coastline combine with the sweeping sea views to create a spacious relaxed ambience in each of the rooms and suites. An exciting collection of artwork throughout the hotel is centred on an original video-art piece by Ayal Landseman, specially commissioned for the lobby area.

Celebrated Israeli Chef Yonathan Roshfeld has partnered with the hotel to create the kosher Samuel Herbert Restaurant at the hotel. Chef Roshfeld, renowned for fresh Mediterranean cuisine, brings his creative talent to kosher cuisine for the first time, using local produce to deliver a memorable dining experience at The Ritz-Carlton.

The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya introduces two new bars and lounges to the city with a Lobby Lounge and rooftop al fresco cocktail lounge for the evening. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Fitness Centre and rooftop pool bring an unrivalled array of leisure facilities to complement the resort’s beachfront location.

Located atop the hotel is the pool, enveloped by a 360 degree view of the Mediterranean coast and the sandy beaches of Herzliya. The rooftop location transforms into a sophisticated cocktail lounge bar as the sun goes down and becomes the summer venue for evening drinks. The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers a haven for pampering with an outdoor terrace for relaxation, couples treatment rooms and a Turkish Hammam. This urban oasis has a full range of beauty and body therapies including Ritz-Carlton signature therapies and Shiseido treatments created exclusively for the hotel.

Perfectly suited for intimate business meetings, grand celebrations and gatherings of every kind, business facilities at the hotel include the ballroom, located at the lobby level, with natural light and views out over the Mediterranean and two boardrooms.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 85 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award that originated in 1987. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of quality excellence, recognize quality achievements of companies and publicize successful quality strategies. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company won the award in 1992 and 1999. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.K. 0800 234 000, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR).

Iconic Hotel in Midtown Manhattan Announces it is Now Accepting Reservations

Loews Regency Hotel Set To Open on Manhattan, January 2014

Loews Regency Hotel Set To Open on Manhattan, January 2014

Loews Regency Hotel Set To Open on Manhattan, January 2014

NEW YORK — Loews Hotels & Resorts today announced that Loews Regency Hotel in New York is now accepting reservations for stays beginning on January 16, 2014. The highly-anticipated reopening of the flagship property follows a comprehensive $100 million renovation, and the landmark hotel once again combines the best of design with thoughtful service, including a new restaurant and a state-of-the-art salon and spa. The redesign of the 379-room hotel represents the dynamic vision of Jonathan Tisch, Chairman of Loews Hotels & Resorts, and will feature luxury guestrooms, 58 suites and four new private meeting spaces. Guests will be able to enjoy unprecedented amenities and experiences in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, all from an unparalleled Park Avenue address.

Conveniently located for business and leisure travelers alike, and just steps away from Central Park, Madison Avenue, and Museum Mile, Loews Regency Hotel has defined Park Avenue hospitality since it opened its doors in 1963. The renovation will blend modern design with classic style, and the building’s expansive 24-foot high ceiling will provide a grand entrance for guests’ arrival, while the lobby will invite and energize guests, bringing New York’s unmistakable Midtown vibe to life.

“We are thrilled to reopen this New York institution and greatly look forward to welcoming our guests back to the Loews Regency in January,” says Jim McPartlin, Managing Director, Loews Regency. “Visitors in town for both business and leisure want to stay in Midtown Manhattan, and the hotel’s comprehensive re-imagination puts everything at our guests’ fingertips. Every detail of Loews Regency is focused on enticing today’s sophisticated, urban traveler, by offering them warm, personalized service and the benefit of the perfect Park Avenue location for a true New York experience.”

Loews Regency will also offer a new restaurant and dining concept, managed by famed New York restaurateurs Gherardo Guarducci and Dimitri Pauli of the Sant Ambroeus Hospitality Group. Together with culinary heavy hitter, Executive Chef Dan Silverman, they will oversee a menu with an emphasis on market-fresh ingredients and sophisticated, modern interpretations of classic dishes that combine local New York produce with international flavors and palates. Combining the old and the new, the hotel’s signature restaurant will also once again reclaim its place as the pinnacle for the New York ‘Power Breakfast,’ having introduced the concept in 1975.

Acclaimed celebrity hairstylist Julien Farel will debut a 10,000-square-foot beauty flagship complete with salon, spa and fitness at Loews Regency. The Julien Farel Salon will feature 30 custom-designed stations and private rooms for VIP clients. The Julien Farel Anti-Aging Spa will feature derm-focused, anti-aging science with traditional French techniques for a transformative spa experience. Adjacent to the legendary Regency Power Breakfast, Julien Farel will launch JF Men, which will cater to every man’s grooming needs and more.

The 1,700-square-foot fitness facility will feature state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strengthening equipment and a medley of spin bikes and elliptical machines. The fitness center is open 24 hours a day for all hotel guests, and a private health assessment or personal trainer can be arranged through the hotel concierge.

About Loews Regency Hotel
The iconic Loews Regency Hotel is currently closed as the property undergoes an extensive revitalization. Scheduled to reopen in early 2014, the transformed property will feature 379 guest rooms including 58 suites; a bar and signature restaurant which will host the “Power Breakfast” by the Sant Ambroeus Hospitality Group and the new flagship salon of the famed hairstylist Julien Farel which will incorporate a premiere spa. Located in the heart of Manhattan on Park Avenue, the Loews Regency Hotel has exceptional service and world-class amenities optimal for conducting business or taking advantage of the city’s best shopping, cultural experiences, and dining. For reservations or more information about Loews Regency Hotel, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit: www.loewshotels.com.

About Loews Hotels & Resorts
Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels & Resorts owns and/or operates 19 hotels and resorts in the U.S. and Canada including the newly acquired Loews Madison Hotel located in the heart of Washington at the epicenter of legendary D.C. landmarks and the Loews Boston Hotel, one of Boston’s preeminent historic buildings, situated on the corner of Berkeley and Stuart Streets. Located in major city centers and resort destinations in North America from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with a supremely comfortable, uniquely local and vibrant travel experience. For reservations or more information about Loews Hotels & Resorts, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit: www.loewshotels.com.