Hotel News In Brief

Jan 25, 07 | 8:46 am

Interstate Hotels & Resorts to Manage Two Boston-Area Hotels   Acquired by CapStar Interstate Hotels & Resorts, one of the nation's largest independent hotel management companies, today announced that the company has been selected to manage two Boston-area hotels recently acquired by affiliates of CapStar Hotel Company LLC, a newly formed hotel investment company: the 143-room Copley Square Hotel in Boston and the 148-room Hilton Garden Inn in Waltham. Interstate also will oversee a major renovation of the Copley Square property to bring it to four-star status.Paul Whetsell, founder and CEO of CapStar, is chairman of the board of Interstate Hotels & Resorts. "We are delighted to be working with Paul and his new company," said Thomas F. Hewitt, Interstate's chief executive officer. "Paul has more than 30 years of experience investing in hotel real estate and is a savvy buyer with a proven record of success. We are very optimistic about the future operating potential of both of these hotels. We look forward to the opportunity to further build on our relationship with CapStar."

Marriott International, Inc. announced today that the Radisson Hotel Visalia has been officially re-branded as the Visalia Marriott. The 195-room hotel recently completed an $8.5 million renovation of all public spaces, meeting rooms, and guest rooms and is located at 300 South Court Street -- across from the Kaweah Delta Regional Medical Center. The property is co-owned by Presidian of San Antonio, Texas and NDC of New York, and is managed by Presidian. "We are very excited to bring the first full service Marriott hotel to the Visalia area," said Joe Kuhn, general manager, Visalia Marriott. "We believe that the joint operation of the hotel with the Visalia Convention Center will bring about a great revitalization and cause business to thrive in this area." Ideally situated two blocks from Visalia's historic entertainment district, the hotel is only minutes away from a wide variety of restaurants, boutique shopping, and entertainment options, including the historic Fox Theater. Guests of the hotel will enjoy easy access to some of California's most famous attractions, notably the Giant Sequoias of Sequoia National Park, which is less than 30 miles away, as well as Kings Canyon National Park. In addition, the hotel is located nearby the International Agricultural Center, which hosts the largest agricultural show of its kind worldwide every February.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide today announced the promotion of Sharon Wendland to vice president, Omaha Facilities & Franchise Services-Carlson Hotels Worldwide. This newly created position reports directly to Nancy Johnson, executive vice president of Full Service Hotels, Carlson Hotels Worldwide, and Steve Mogck, executive vice president of Select Service Hotels, Carlson Hotels Worldwide. "This new appointment recognizes Sharon's wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and her commitment to Carlson Hotels Worldwide," Johnson said. In her new role, Wendland will optimize CHW revenues, owner/operator satisfaction, as well as guest satisfaction, through the delivery of effective hospitality business services and the Revenue Optimization Program. She will champion and oversee the operationalization of the new Revenue Optimization program for the Americas, including establishing and managing the transition of the e-Consultant program to the new program, which will launch in March. Wendland will direct the ongoing maintenance of the physical plant for the CHW Omaha campus and will be responsible for all capital improvements, office allocations, budgets, and acquisitions. She will also retain her current responsibilities overseeing the Hospitality Support Services Center.

Epoque Hotels is proud to announce its partnership with Hôtel C zanne, Cannes. The new, totally renovated boutique hotel is part of a fashionable, fresh line: Avantgarde Hotels. Hôtel C zanne, its sister boutique hotel, Hôtel le Renoir, and The Eden Hotel comprise our hotels in Cannes. It is also the fifth hotel located on the fashionable Côte d'Azur. Hôtel C zanne is a four-star, Avantgarde Superior Hotel, in all respects, welcoming those travelers in search, or in need, of a get-away along with the panache of Cannes. Conveniently located just 10 minutes away from the seaside promenade, Croisette, and Palais des Festivals, this small and exceptionally sleek and superbly serene boutique hotel is an intimate and contemporary find in Cannes. Upon arrival, the sight of the surrounding green gardens reassures a relaxing retreat. The posh lobby, has a glowing sophistication that calls for a brief sit down before or after checking in during the day, and provides an equally chic ambiance with warm lights and sexy centerpieces that tempt you to a drink by the bar in the evening. To add to your stay, the friendly, poised staff offers first-rate service within the hotel and assistance for your stay in Cannes. Hôtel C zanne is outfitted with the latest in hospitality technology, including high speed internet and flat screen TVs in every room, and a Turkish Hammam and fitness room are conveniently available for your discretion.

Grand City Hotels & Resorts announces management take over, as of December 1^st 2007. Berlin based Grand City Hotels & Resorts Hotel Management Company is managing the four-star Quality Hotel & Suites Berlin City-East. With this additional hotel in the management portfolio a total of 401 guestrooms have been added to the hotel group portfolio. The Quality Hotel is one of the most modern and multifunctional hotels in the German capital. With its 401 guest rooms, apartments & suits, as well as the conference centre it offers the facilities for each and every guest, regardless visiting Berlin on business or leisure purposes. The property is located in the northeast of Berlin, near the historical centre (Berlin-Mitte). The city centre and airport Berlin-Tegel are easily accessible with public or private transportation. More than 200 free parking slots and complimentary bus parking are available on site. All the 401 spacious guestrooms are equipped with bath, hair-dryer, working desk, satellite TV, Pay-TV, Wireless Lan as well as minibar and telephone. Our business rooms additionally provide fax-machine and trouser press. The Hotel apartments are family-friendly and also provide any kind of service for long-term guests. The restaurant "Landsberger 203" serves regional and international cuisine. More casual the Irish Pub offers specialities from the island at the "Jeffrey`s Pub" and its garden.

Hard Rock International and Melco Hotels and Resorts Limited (Macau), a subsidiary of Melco PBL Entertainment (Macau) Limited ("Melco PBL Entertainment"), have signed definitive agreements for the development of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Macau at the City of Dreams Casino and Entertainment Resort Complex, currently under construction in Macau, a special administrative region of China, on the Cotai Strip.Melco PBL Entertainment, which is a NASDAQ-listed company, is developing the City of Dreams to be a "must-see" integrated casino and entertainment resort . The City of Dreams development is planned to feature an underwater- themed casino and four luxurious hotels , including Hard Rock Hotel , Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency and the Crown Towers, among other features. The development is planned to open in two phases, with the first phase (which is planned to include the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Macau), expected to be opened late 2008. "We are delighted with the prospective opening of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Macau in the City of Dreams Resort and also to work closely with Melco PBL Entertainment," said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock International. "Macau is the entertainment gateway to Asia and one of the world's premier gaming destinations, and Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Macau will be among its most unique properties. This development will chart the path for many more exciting Hard Rock leisure developments in Asia and a great new strategic relationship with Melco PBL Entertainment."