Hotel News In Brief

Feb 07, 13 | 12:00 am

Some current conversation starters…

Renaissance Hotels has designed a hotel suite for Valentine’s Day that features 27,000 flower blossoms.

The “Love Blossoms” suite is available now at participating Renaissance properties throughout the United States. The Marriott International brand promises a botanical wonderland representing flowers ranging from hydrangeas, tulips and peonies to roses. The experience also includes breakfast in bed, daily “love potion” cocktails, an aromatic bubble bath with deluxe bath salts and a range of chocolates, fruits and cheeses.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts today announced that Kathleen Taylor will be leaving her role as Chief Executive Officer.

The privately held Company, with the backing of its long-term shareholders Kingdom Holding Company, Cascade Investment and Triples Holdings, is focused on building on Four Seasons leadership position by accelerating execution of its existing strategy to drive global growth and expansion of its iconic brand. Ms. Taylor assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer from Isadore Sharp, the founder of Four Seasons in 2010. During her almost 25 year tenure at Four Seasons she was integral to the expansion of the business which quadrupled its size, increased its global footprint from three countries to operations in 37 countries, and resulted in strategic partnerships with more than 100 hotel owners and developers across the globe. Mr. Sharp continues as Chairman and a shareholder and is closely involved in developing and advancing relationships with partners, employees and customers around the world.

2013 is Shaping Up to Be a Banner Year for Thailand's Hotel Industry with an Estimated 3,919 New Rooms Projected by Year-End.

This year is expected to be a golden one for the hotel industry, with a parade of new openings in major tourism provinces thanks to improved political stability, which has created a better investment climate, and the upcoming Asean Economic Community (AEC) single market in 2015. According to data released by the Thai Hotels Association (THA), an estimated 3,919 new rooms, mainly four- and five-stars, will be added to the market during the course of the year. Meanwhile, Jones Lang LaSalle's Hotels and Hospitality Group projects that there are some 8,000 new rooms in all Bangkok hotel segments in the pipeline between now and 2015. The company's research has found that here are major negotiations under way in Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya, Samui and Chiang Mai this year as well. In the capital, Hilton, Radisson Blu, Marriott, Centara and Indigo hotels are all scheduled to be opened this year, mainly in the Sukhumvit area. In Phuket, Accor Group will open the Pullman Phuket Arcadia and the Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach, while Centara, the country's leading chain, will strengthen its portfolio with seven openings nationwide.

Key Appointments in the Industry

Congratulations to these new appointments…

Balcones del Atlántico announced today that Maxaida Marte has joined the luxury resort in the Samaná Peninsula as General Manager. Marte, who has more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently served as Director of Rooms at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, where she oversaw a team of more than 100 employees. Previously, she served as Assistant General Manager at Balcones del Atlántico in 2011. She has also held positions with Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resorts and Catalonia Hotels. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and holds a master’s degree in hotel management from the Catholic University of Santo Domingo.

The culinary capital of the Caribbean is pleased to welcome Chef Michael Farrell to the island as Executive Chef of the award-winning Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa. Drawing on 25 years of experience leading restaurants across the United States, Farrell looks forward to working closely with the Resort's Food & Beverage Director Carl Goldner to oversee all culinary outlets including the AAA Three Diamond-rated Casa Havana, Ferdinand's Caribbean Café, Tortuga Beach Grill & Bar, Café Soleil and the Catering Department. Farrell's resort cuisine will be inspired by his Southern Coastal style. His arrival is well-timed, as the resort unveiled a multi-million dollar renewal project in January 2013.

The Latest in Hotel Openings

Hyatt Regency Chicago, the city's largest hotel, is finally set to unveil the $168 million renovation that has enhanced the entire property. From a chic new lobby, re-vamped guestrooms, meeting spaces and an array of exciting new and re-concepted dining experiences, the hotel will officially complete the process in April 2013. Under the careful guidance of renowned architects and planners at Bentel & Bentel, the three-phase project broke ground in 2010. Phase I, completed in 2010, overhauled all of the guestrooms in the West Tower of the property. Phase II, completed in 2011, renovated all of the rooms in the East Tower of the property. Phase III, set to conclude the project, completely renovated the East Tower Lobby, as well as all of the meeting/event space, and dining outlets.

Travelers in pursuit of a luxurious tropical getaway are veering off the beaten path to stay at a new private island eco-resort in Panama's Chiriqui Gulf, The Resort at Isla Palenque, opening February 14. The Panama resort on 400-acre Isla Palenque combines sustainability initiatives with high-end amenities and services for a luxury travel experience never before realized in Central America. Guests of the resort can choose from an intimate collection of sixteen immersed-in-nature rooms and luxury camping suites that provide comfortable living in the tropics through the use of passive cooling techniques. The resort's sophisticated design, which has earned recognition by both the ASLA and IUCN for its eco-sensitivity, immerses guests into the old-growth jungle for wildlife-spotting opportunities and access to over ten miles of trails.

Sofitel accelerates its development with the signature of three new management contracts in Wellington (New Zealand), Bali (Indonesia) and Shenyang (China) bringing the network in the Asia Pacific region to a total of 43 properties by mid-2014.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and HHM announced today that Hyatt Union Square New York is now taking reservations for stays beginning April 2013. The newly built, 178-room hotel will feature urban style guestrooms and new dining and bar concepts by local, highly rated restaurateurs. Guests will be able to enjoy unprecedented services and experiences in the heart of Union Square, one of Manhattan’s most beloved neighbourhoods. Located at 13th Street and Fourth Avenue, Hyatt Union Square will blend modern design with classic style. The building’s historic façade and expansive 23-foot high entryway ceiling will provide a grand entrance for guests’ arrival, while the lobby, designed by acclaimed interior designer Paul Vega, will feature custom made contemporary pieces that bring New York’s downtown vibe to life.