Choice Hotels’ Ascend Hotel Collection Expands In Caribbean

Ascend Hotel Collection from Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today announced its Caribbean growth with the addition of the charming ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas on the island of Curacao to its rapidly expanding and impressive list of distinctive hotels in key destinations.

Ascend Hotel Collection is an international portfolio of independent hotels that uniquely reflect the character of their host cities. For guests, Ascend hotels deliver a richly local experience. For hoteliers, the great appeal of Ascend is that the Collection allows operators to maintain their individuality while giving them access to Choice Hotels International’s robust distribution system and industry leading Choice Privileges® loyalty rewards program along with support from a vast network of other member hotels around the globe.

“Ascend Hotel Collection is extremely pleased to welcome the ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas to our distinctive portfolio of hotels and to be able to offer guests a truly elegant island stay,” said Michael Murphy, senior vice president of upscale brands at Choice Hotels International. “With its commitment to delivering a uniquely authentic Caribbean experience through a high level of service, ACOYA represents the essence of Ascend Hotel Collection.”

Deep in the southern Caribbean and near the islands of Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao offers world-class diving, gorgeous golden sand beaches, invigorating outdoor adventure and a rich history dating back to 1499 and the exploration days ofChristopher Columbus. ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas embodies the history, style and culture travelers would expect from a Caribbean resort with gracious hospitality that truly embraces the Ascend Hotel Collection motto – let the destination reach you.

The Hotel

ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas is an upscale, charming island vacation resort located on 10 pristine tropical acres. The property surrounds a magnificent natural lake, formed by water from all over the island naturally flowing to this central location, providing unparalleled water views for guests. Located in the center of Willemstad near Mambo Beach, approximately 15 minutes from Curacao International Airport, the hotel offers easy access to local beaches and other area attractions.

At ACOYA, guests can choose from spacious studios, suites and villas that are fully equipped with upscale amenities such as LCD TV, fully equipped kitchen, 220 and 110 volt electric outlets, coffee makers and in-room safe. Additional hotel amenities include laundry service, beach towel service, daily housekeeping, car rental, shuttle service to neighboring beaches, and free Wi-Fi.

“At ACOYA we pride ourselves on delivering impeccable service through a personal approach,” said Ghatim Kabbara, head of business development for ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas. “We go above and beyond to ensure we satisfy our guests’ needs and provide an unforgettable Caribbean experience. We are excited for this partnership with Ascend Hotel Collection and know that membership with a valued company such as Choice Hotels International is a sign of our top quality and conveys our service guarantee to guests.”

A Destination for the Thrill Seeker

This tranquil, family-oriented resort is conveniently located near some of the most beautiful beaches and exciting tourist attractions in Curacao. The island is renowned for its coral reefs which make for excellent scuba diving. ACOYA’s Dive Center provides guests with a fully-certified diving school that provides courses led by experienced instructors. The Dive Center also has a private pool for lessons and practice before guides take guests out to the beautiful coast.

Also located near the hotel is the Hato Cave. This historic attraction is said to be over 200,000 years old and originally housed Amerindian Arawaks before serving as the hiding place for escaped slaves during the slave trade. And no visit toCuracao would be complete without a trip over to Handelskade, Curacao’s famous Old Dutch waterfront. Visitors can shop, grab a quick meal and watch the ships come in.

Healthy Dining

Visitors to ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas don’t have to leave the property to experience the taste of the Caribbean. Seasons Restaurant offers authentic, homemade Caribbean “comfort food” available everyday of the week. Guests and non-guests can choose to dine in or grab a fresh salad or sandwich from the shop. In the evenings, Seasons also offers fine dining that is unmatched anywhere on the island. Sumptuous cuisine is brought to life through innovative fusions prepared by a talented culinary team. The restaurant is located near the pool and offers stunning views any time of the day.

Health and Wellness

The Kintjan Center for Health and Wellness is the place to take care of all things mind, body and soul. Guests can enjoy an intense workout in the gym, alone or with the guidance of the on-site personal trainer, indulge in a relaxing massage or participate in a meditating yoga session. Spa treatments such as facials, manicures and pedicures are available, as well as treatments such as Osteopathy and Physiotherapy.

Conduct a Meeting Caribbean-Style

ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas is also serves as an ideal location for meetings and celebrations of all kinds. The Celebration Building, perfectly situated by the lake, offers two floors and a deck that provide space for up to 250 people. Guests may ask for include catering and bartending services provided by Seasons Restaurant.

Additionally, the Reading Room is ideal for business travelers to host business meetings or conduct workshops or training sessions.

An Oasis for Everyone

By providing a diverse selection of rental home types, ACOYA is the perfect Caribbean location for a family getaway. The ACOYA Kids Club & Playground provides a variety of activities for kids and professional supervision allows parents some time to relax. The entire family can enjoy the beautiful three level pool area which includes a pool for children, Jacuzzi, man-made beach area and plenty of lounge chairs. Guests can also choose to relax in cabanas, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoy service from Seasons Restaurant. The pool is the perfect place to enjoy the pleasant Caribbean weather and take a refreshing dip.

ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas is now accepting reservations.

The Choice Hotels International Caribbean portfolio currently includes hotels in the Caribbean islands of the Bahamas,Cayman Islands, Aruba, Curacao and Puerto Rico. For further information, visit www.choicecaribbean.com.

About Ascend Hotel Collection
The Ascend Hotel Collection membership program made its debut in late 2008 and now has 128 hotels open throughoutthe United States, Canada, Europe, Central America, Australia and the Caribbean.  The eclectic portfolio of upscale, independent hotels appeals to the growing number of people who like to immerse themselves in the destination and live like the locals when they travel.  For more information, visit www.ascendcollection.com.

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,300 hotels, representing more than 500,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 35 other countries and territories.  As of June 30, 2014, 423 hotels, representing more than 32,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States.  Additionally, 93 hotels, representing approximately 8,300 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 other countries and territories.  The company’s Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria hotel & suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands, as well as its Ascend Hotel Collection membership program, serve guests worldwide.

Flora Hospitality Expands UAE Presence with 4 New Hotels and Hotel Apartments

One of the leading non alcoholic hospitality brands in the UAE and India, Flora Hospitality has unveiled plans for an extensive expansion with 4 new properties expected to open between 2014 and 2016 in Dubai.

With currently seven hotels and hotel apartments open in the UAE, it is one of the region’s fastest growing hospitality industry players that caters for discerning travelers with a mix of modernity and a unique sense of Arabian hospitality.

With an investment of more than AED 750 million, Flora Hospitality has selected prestigious locations in Dubai for its new hotel projects and expects to be able to offer a portfolio in Dubai of at least 11 hotels by 2016, increasing its total inventory from over 780 rooms to more than 1700.

The expansion plan includes an AED 400 million investment on a luxury property project at the Dubai downtown in Burj Khalifa Master Community, offering fully serviced apartments with world-class facilities and will be a premium accommodation choice for both business and leisure travelers. Construction begins on the site this year and the hotel is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2016.

Furthermore, 2 other 4-star properties of 186 and 272 rooms will take place in strategic locations; at Al Barsha close to the Mall of the Emirates and in Al Garhoud close to Dubai International Airport. Both projects are, respectively, engaging an investment of AED 150 million and AED 200million and are expected to open by end of 2016.The premium locations will be making these new properties an ideal choice for both leisure and business visitors to the City.

The Flora Hospitality network continues to grow covering the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and hotel apartments as well as mid-priced hotels and will include another brand new property of 90 rooms well set to cater to Dubai’s fast growing business travel, situated in the main business and shopping area of the city, Al Baniyas district in Deira.

“Dubai’s hospitality sector has been recording a strong growth rate and promises continued expansion thanks to the decision to award the city the right to host the Expo 2020, and We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate His Highness SheikhKhalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on this remarkable achievement for the UAE.” Said Mr. V.A. Hassan Chairman & CEO of Flora Hospitality. “Thanks to Dubai’s leadership support to the Tourism industry, the city continues to offer great opportunities for investment.”

“With our properties reaching above-market average occupancy rates of 87%, it is our aim to aggressively expand our portfolio over the next three years.  We aim to become a leading local hotel chain in the region, based on our unique sense of traditional Arabian hospitality, culture and values combined with outstanding customer service.” said Mr. Firosh Kalam, Group Managing Director, Flora Hospitality.

By building a presence throughout Dubai, a unique destination that is both a dynamic business centre and a premier tourist destination in the Middle East, Flora Hospitality is able to offer more choices to guests as they travel within the region.

Source: http://www.prnewswire.com

Hyatt Continues Expanding Brand Presence in China with Plans for Hyatt Regency Beijing, Wangjing

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that aHyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Beijing Lixing Property Development Co., Ltd for a new Hyatt Regency hotel in Beijing. Expected to open in 2017, Hyatt Regency Beijing, Wangjing will be the first Hyatt Regency in this key gateway city, joining the two existing Hyatt-branded hotels, Park Hyatt Beijing and Grand Hyatt Beijing.

“We are excited to bring the Hyatt Regency brand to one of the most sought-after cities in the world and further expand Hyatt’s brand presence in the capital city of China,” said Larry Tchou, Group President, Asia Pacific, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “We are delighted to work with Beijing Lixing Property Development Co., Ltd to introduce world-class facilities and we look forward to bringing Hyatt’s authentic hospitality to the Wangjing community.”

Located in northeastern Beijing, Hyatt Regency Beijing, Wangjing will be part of a mixed use development, comprised of the hotel, three high-end office buildings, retail spaces, and a central park area. Designed by the world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the hotel will be integrated into the adjacent park with a sunken garden and green elements throughout the premises, providing a perfect communal space for relaxation or business in the surrounding community.

Hyatt Regency Beijing, Wangjing will feature 349 guestrooms, an array of restaurants and bars, multi-functional event spaces, a fitness center, a spa, and a swimming pool.

Source: http://www.hospitalitynet.org

Dubai’s Al Habtoor Eyes Hotels in London, Paris

Al Habtoor Group has revealed plans to further expand its hotel portfolio overseas, with the Dubai conglomerate eyeing acquisitions in key European markets London and Paris.

As it gears up to open its latest offering on Christmas Eve, the luxury Waldorf Astoria Dubai on the Palm Jumeirah, vice-chairman and CEO Mohammed Al Habtoor said it was always looking to expand.

Al Habtoor, the son of the Al Habtoor Group founder Khalaf Al Habtoor, said the company now had four hotels in Dubai, two in Lebanon, one in Budapest in Hungary and another three under construction in Dubai.

It had no immediate plans for further hotels in the Middle East, but he confirmed it was looking for further opportunities in Europe.

“We are also looking for hotels in Europe,” he told Arabian Business on the sidelines of the Waldorf Astoria Dubai media launch.

“We keep looking until we find the right one with the right investment and also the right return on investment at the same time.”

He said the European markets it was interested in were “mainly London and Paris”, with any deals needing to be acquisitions as new builds in those established cities were “a headache”.

The company on Monday offered an exclusive sneak peak of the Waldorf Astoria Dubai.

Featuring 319 guest rooms, two swimming pools and six bars and restaurants, including a specialty European restaurant with a soon-to-be-announced “top-rated European chef”, it marks the fourth Dubai hotel in Al Habtoor’s accommodation portfolio.

Al Habtoor said the hotel had an excellent management team in Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, the luxury brand of Hilton Worldwid, which also runs the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, and was in an excellent location.

Room prices started from AED1,800 ($490) to AED3,000 a night, he said.

“We have the right name, the right brand and the right location on the Palm,” he said.

Al Habtoor said with average hotel occupancy of 85 percent in Dubai, the city could easily absorb the extra capacity. Al Habtoor had three more hotels under construction in the city – St Regis, W and Western – which are expected to be completed in 24 months.

“There is still quite a bit of room (for new hotel developments),” he said. “As far as I know there is another 20,000 rooms coming from now until the next three, four years. Out of that 2,000 is our hotels.

“The demand is there. You can see also Emirates Airline, they have purchased new aircraft for new destinations and that means more people coming to Dubai.”

Source: http://www.arabianbusiness.com

Holiday Inn Mauritius Airport Opens

Pascal Gauvin, COO – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG, commented, “We’ve been looking forward to bringing Holiday Inn to Mauritius and today we welcome guests through the hotel’s doors. As the island’s popularity amongst holidaymakers and business travellers continues to increase, this Holiday Inn will provide an affordable, quality option on Mauritius’ scenic south east coast.”

This hotel is IHG’s second hotel in Mauritius, joining InterContinental Resort Mauritius at the Bay of Balaclava.  There are more than 1,200 Holiday Inn hotels around the world, with another 250 in the global development pipeline.

Source: http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com

Disneyland Hotel Receives Best Hospitality Award

The Disneyland Hotel, flagship establishment at Disneyland Paris, recently took top honours during the annual Trophées de la Clientèle des hôtels 4 à 5 étoiles [4- and 5-star hotel guest awards]. Now in its seventh year, the ceremony was presented by the Colloque National des Directeurs d’Hôtels [national meeting of hotel general managers].
The prestigious Victorian-style hotel led the field of 850 competing establishments to win the Best Hospitality Award. One of five different awards presented by the organisation, this distinction provides recognition for the company’s efforts to create unique experiences for each guest and to uphold Disney’s hospitality legacy.
‘We’re really proud to receive this award because it recognises the quality of the welcome we offer guests. Ensuring guest satisfaction is extremely important for us because we aim to create a relationship with each visitor. We work hard every day to create new and innovative experiences to which only our Cast Members1 have the secret,’ explains Joe Schott, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.
Disneyland Paris has France’s fifth largest hotel capacity, with 5,800 rooms and an occupancy level higher than the industry average (79.3% occupancy for 2013). Over the last four years the company has undertaken an ambitious renovation plan to further improve guest comfort and services. More than 2,000 rooms and 500 bungalows have already been renovated and modernised. From 2014 onward the 1,100 rooms at Disney’s Newport Bay Club will also be progressively renovated and reimagined. Guest satisfaction at the relevant hotels has increased by an average of 10 points2 thanks to the significant investments involved.
The Best Hospitality Award is only the most recent award presented to Disneyland Paris. In late 2012 the resort’s new Disney Dreams! show was recognised as Best Live Production during the Brass Ring Award ceremony hosted by the prestigious International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. In 2013 the World Travel Awards also recognised Disneyland Paris at Europe’s Leading Themed Resort.

Source: http://www.4-traders.com

Hotel Cremorne Re-launches as Minksys Hotel

The landmark late night venue Hotel Cremorne on Military Road was recently re-launched as the Minskys Hotel, a renovated and refurbished venue that combines a traditional pub atmosphere with a modern edge.

The Minskys Hotel has been one of the only late night trading venues on the North Shore, offering diners a new menu that will run until 1 a.m., making it the only venue on the North Shore to offer alcohol as well as a full meals after midnight.

Anthony Brady, Minskys Hotel publican said that Minksys sets itself apart from the recent boom of small cares and restaurants that have come to populate Military Road and the surrounding area.

“There is an abundance of small bars and restaurants in the area and we wanted to provide the excellence in food and beverage consistent with these establishments in the traditional pub surrounds,” Brady said. “Our focus is on our local community through our sports sponsorship program and service excellence is what helps us retain our traditional pub values of unpretentious staff engagement with exceptional food.”

The kitchen is headed up by former Est. junior sous chef Robert Oey who brings his background in gastronomy to Minskys.

Oey said he tried to create a menu of “quality pub food done exceptionally well”. Signature dishes include Minskys beef burger with house-smoked ham as well as the caramelised pork belly served with an Asian herb salad and crispy crackling.

Source: http://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au

Marriott Continues Asia Expansion With First Hotel In Vietnam

The property is the JW Marriott brand’s third to open in Asia within the past two months (others in Bengaluru and New Delhi), reflective of a significant investment in the region by the rapidly growing luxury hotel brand.

“Hanoi has earned itself a coveted spot as a must-visit destination for travelers and we are thrilled to join the city in this exciting time,” said Mitzi Gaskins, Vice President & Global Brand Manager for JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts. “Of the 30+ hotels in our current pipeline, 50 percent are in Asia, which speaks to our commitment to investing in dynamic markets like Vietnam.”

The 450-room, 75,000 square meter (800,000 square foot) JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is a ‘reverse skyscraper’ designed by acclaimed architecture practice Carlos Zapata Studio. The impressive structure was inspired by the country’s magnificent coastline and evokes characteristics of a dragon – a modern interpretation of a symbol from Vietnam’s past.

Located in Hanoi’s new central business district and adjacent to the National Convention Center, the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is poised to become a key player for leisure and business within the city’s growing and dynamic hotel industry.

“It gives us great pleasure to introduce the JW Marriott luxury brand to Vietnam,” said Bob Fabiano, General Manager of JW Marriott Hanoi. “Vietnam is a hugely appealing market, and we see great growth potential here. It is an honor to lead the first JW Marriott hotel in Vietnam and I am looking forward to providing the best in five star services to our domestic and international guests.”

JW Marriott Hanoi is set to impress with a wide array of culinary and nightlife experiences. A total of six restaurant and bar outlets will cater to travelers with a passion for exceptional food, wine and crafted cocktails. Dining venues include the French Grill, a French inspired outlet serving fresh seafood and prime cuts of steaks along with a variety of premium wines and spirits; and a Chinese restaurant specializing in Cantonese fare (open in January 2014). Guests are also invited to sample fare from across the globe throughout the day at JW Cafe. Meanwhile, Antidote Bar is set to become one of the most sought after nightspots in the city.

With over 3,600 sqm (38,750 sq ft) of flexible meeting space built for large corporate and association events, JW Marriott Hanoi is well placed to cater to the flourishing market for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) in Vietnam. The hotel has a total of 17 meeting rooms including two Ballrooms of 1,000 sqm (10,763 sq ft) and 480 sqm (5,166 sq ft) with extensive public foyers. All meeting facilities are conveniently located on the ground floor with a dedicated entrance and parking.

Bob Fabiano expressed his hope that the new hotel would set a new standard for hospitality in Hanoi and Vietnam as a whole. “Our goal is to offer consumers the world-class luxury choice of accommodation in Hanoi. In doing so, we want to be part of a growing contingent of hotel options helping to leverage hospitality standards in the city.”

Marriott International has more than 3,700 properties in 74 countries and territories worldwide. The company expects to more than double in size in Asia – from 144 open hotels today to more than 330 by 2017 – with room growth from 47,318 to 96,684 and doubling its total number of associates to more than 80,000.

JW Marriott Hanoi is an iconic landmark developed by Bitexco Group following the success of Bitexco Financial Tower skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City. Established in 1985, Bitexco engages in diverse fields including property, road and hydropower plant development, and financial investment, among others.

Source: http://www.travelio.net

Marriott International Unveils JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi

Marriott International recently unveiled JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi. The property is the JW Marriott brand’s third to open in Asia within the past two months (others in Bengaluru and New Delhi).

“Hanoi has earned itself a coveted spot as a must-visit destination for travellers and we are thrilled to join the city in this exciting time,” said Mitzi Gaskins, Vice President and Global Brand Manager, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts. “Of the over 30 hotels in our current pipeline, 50 per cent are in Asia, which speaks to our commitment to investing in dynamic markets like Vietnam,” Gaskins added.

The 450-room, 75,000 sq mtr JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is a ‘reverse skyscraper’ designed by acclaimed architecture practice Carlos Zapata Studio.  The impressive structure was inspired by the country’s magnificent coastline and evokes characteristics of a dragon – a modern interpretation of a symbol from Vietnam’s past.

“It gives us great pleasure to introduce the JW Marriott luxury brand to Vietnam,” said Bob Fabiano, General Manager of JW Marriott Hanoi. “Vietnam is a hugely appealing market, and we see great growth potential here. It is an honor to lead the first JW Marriott hotel in Vietnam and I am looking forward to providing the best in five star services to our domestic and international guests,” Fabiano added.

JW Marriott Hanoi features a total of six restaurant and bar outlets. Dining venues include the French Grill, a French inspired outlet serving fresh seafood and prime cuts of steaks along with a variety of premium wines and spirits; and a Chinese restaurant specialising in Cantonese fare (open in January 2014). Guests are also invited to sample fare from across the globe throughout the day at JW Café. Meanwhile, Antidote Bar is set to become one of the most sought after nightspots in the city.

With over 3,600 sq mts of flexible meeting space built for large corporate and association events, JW Marriott Hanoi is well placed to cater to the flourishing market for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) in Vietnam. The hotel has a total of 17 meeting rooms including two Ballrooms of 1,000 sq mtr  and 480 sq mtr with extensive public foyers. All meeting facilities are conveniently located on the ground floor with a dedicated entrance and parking.

Marriott International has more than 3,700 properties in 74 countries and territories worldwide.  The company expects to more than double in size in Asia – from 144 open hotels today to more than 330 by 2017 – with room growth from 47,318 to 96,684 and doubling its total number of associates to more than 80,000.

Source: http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com

Katara Hospitality Signs MoU with Sphinex Hotels

Katara Hospitality has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for managing a new hotel in Doha under the umbrella of Merweb brand.
Saeed Abdulla al-Amer al-Kaabi, president of Sphinex Hotels & Resorts and Hamad Abdulla al-Mulla, CEO, Katara Hospitality were the signatories.
The Merweb Plaza Hotel, on Jawaan street in Al Sadd District, is expected to open in late 2014. The hotel will have 175 rooms and suites equipped with the latest technologies and amenities required by business travellers.
“We are proud to be associated with Katara Hospitality, the national owner, manager and developer of iconic hotels that has become one of the most reputable international hospitality organisations,” al-Kaabi said.
Al-Mulla observed that the addition of Merweb Plaza Hotel to the portfolio of managed hotels under the Merweb brand fits perfectly with Katara Hospitality’s strategic expansion plans.

Source: http://www.gulf-times.com