“We are delighted to further strengthen our presence in the key market of Saudi Arabia and honored to be the chosen operator for this distinguished development. This is already our 4th project signed in the country this year, and underlines the importance the Kingdom has for our group”, said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor.

This unique development is undertaken by Prince Salman Disability Research Centre and is under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, the newly appointed Crowne Prince of the Kingdom. The proposed hotel residence is one of several initiatives undertaken by His Highness for charitable purposes. The proceeds of the hotel will support the Disabled Children Association of Saudi Arabia – excellently in line with Rezidor’s industry leading Responsible Business Programme.

A spokesman from Prince Salman Disability Research Centre said: “We are proud to contribute to our people and community through our developments and initiatives and are committed to doing more similar projects. We are pleased to have Rezidor working with us on this project and look forward to a successful long term relationship”.

The Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence will offer an exclusive location, as the only hotel located within the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh. Besides 110 stylish apartments & studios with Radisson Blu signature services such as free high speed internet access, the property will comprise one all-day dining restaurant, one lobby lounge, a fitness centre and 150sqm of meeting space. The project is specifically designed to allow for short-term hotel stays as well as medium and long-term demand. With this prominent location, the Radisson Blu will serve the diplomats, high net worth individuals and other influential guests visiting the upscale diplomatic quarter of the city.

via THE REZIDOR HOTEL GROUP – Press Releases.

Powering ahead in key international markets, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced it has returned to the Dominican Republic with the landmark debut of its Four Points by Sheraton brand in Punta Cana. Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village opens today in a prime location, just steps from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). It is the first of two hotels Starwood will open this year in the Dominican Republic with its partner Grupo PUNTACANA, and will be followed by The Westin Puntacana Resort in late 2013.

“We are thrilled to introduce our fast-growing Four Points by Sheraton brand to the Dominican Republic, right at the heart of the bustling PUNTACANA Village development,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “Four Points Puntacana Village offers travelers a relaxed atmosphere in a stylish setting along with all the amenities they love in one of the world’s most popular island destinations.”

The newly constructed hotel features 124 stylish and comfortable guest rooms, an outdoor pool and access to five miles of private beach. Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village also provides 1,614 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting facilities, a 24-hour business center, a fully equipped fitness facility and full-service dining. Guests can stroll to the shops, restaurants and salons of Galerias PUNTACANA within the Village, and hop on the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to visit Six Senses Spa, the PUNTACANA Ecological Reserve and a choice of world-class golf courses located at PUNTACANA Resort & Club.

“Grupo PUNTACANA is proud to partner with Starwood Hotels to open the first Four Points in theDominican Republic, soon to be followed by the island’s first Westin resort,” said Alberto Abreu, Executive Director of Hospitality for Grupo PUNTACANA. “Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Villageoffers travelers the opportunity to enjoy style, comfort and affordability in a terrific location on the island.”

Marriott International today announced the opening of the 220 unit-apartment The Imperial Mansion, Beijing – Marriott Executive Apartments. This is Marriott International’s fifth extended stay property in China, showing great support and commitment for the brand, and is located within the capital city’s busy central business and leisure district, next door of the Forbidden City, the world’s largest imperial palace.

“Designed for extended stay travellers, Marriott Executive Apartments offers the convenience of a five-star, full-service hotel with the space, ambience and privacy of residential living to enable a comfortable stay while living away from home,” said Simon Cooper, president and managing director of Marriott International Asia Pacific. “We are pleased that the popularity of the Marriott Executive Apartments brand in China continues to grow, and we are delighted to be opening this flagship apartment in Beijing with our great partner Beijing Tourism Group, in this iconic location.”

Speaking at the opening, Rui Zong Li, board director of Beijing Tourism Group, and board director and general manager of Beijing Zi jin Century Real Estate Co., Ltd. said: “Marriott International is a world-renowned hotel management company with numerous hotel brands and exceptional management teams. Beijing Tourism Group is one of China’s largest tourism service enterprises, leveraging rich local resources. It boasts a mature industrial chain connecting the six major elements of tourism, including dining and cuisines, accommodation, transporting, touring, shopping and entertainment.

“The cooperation between Marriott International and Beijing Tourism Group is set to become a model of success in China’s hospitality industry. This cooperation also will instill new energy into the tourism market for future development. By further developing hotel management specialization, enhancing creativity of service and realizing the optimal combination of resources, we will provide world-class service for our guests and jointly create a strong platform for our further cooperation.”

Ideally located in the center of Wangfujing district, the prestigious business, entertainment, and shopping area of Beijing, The Imperial Mansion, Beijing MEA Apartments is just a few minutes’ walk from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Wangfujing subway station, offering easy accessible to business, commercial and cultural attractions.

The property offers 220 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 64 to 228 square meters.  Each spacious apartment is stylishly designed with clean lines, accentuated by hardwood floors, contemporary furniture and modern technology. Internet is available in apartments as well as in common areas. Walk-in closets in the master bedrooms provide guests with ample space to spread out, and a professional workspace and full kitchen give each unit a residential, home-like feel. Most apartments have private balconies and all are equipped with an entertainment system with 42” inch LED satellite television, iPod docking stations and DVD player.

A western and local delicacy gourmet breakfast is served daily at the residents lounge. Guests have 24-hour access to the fitness center, complete with a spacious playroom for children and heated 25-meter indoor infinity pool, overseeing the imperial landscape of the Forbidden City. Laundry and personalized concierge services provide guests the advantages of a five star hotel.

Additional amenities at the apartments include a multifunctional meeting space with natural daylight measuring a combined total of 180 square meters.

In addition to The Imperial Mansion, Beijing, MEA, Marriott International’s portfolio in China consists of four other extended stay properties, namely the 237-unit Shanghai Tomorrow Square Marriott Executive Apartments, the 223-unit Union Square, Shanghai Pudong Marriott Executive Apartments, the 96-unit The Lakeview, Tianjin- Marriott Executive Apartments and the 168-unit The Sandalwood, Beijing – Marriott Executive Apartments. A sixth MEA property in China is slated to open by 2013 in Shenzhen.

The Imperial Mansion, Beijing, MEA, along with more than 3,700 Marriott-affiliated hotels worldwide, participate in Marriott Rewards, the guest reward programme that allows members to earn their choice of points or airline miles for each dollar spent during each stay.

via Marriott Executive Apartments strengthens position in China | News | Breaking Travel News.

Hilton Worldwide has announced that it has signed a management agreement with Carvalho Hosken Hotelaria Ltda. for the 298-room new-build Hilton Barra, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil – Hilton Worldwide’s first hotel in Rio de Janeiro.  The project, currently under construction, is expected to open in June 2014 and will provide travelers a new place to stay during the 2016 Summer Olympics.

“Hilton Hotels & Resorts is experiencing a period of tremendous global growth and this project brings our name to one of the most important cities in Latin America,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “As one of the most visited cities in South America and the upcoming 2016 Summer Games, Rio is a major market for international travel and key to our presence in South America.”

Forming part of the Metropolitan Center, Hilton Barra, Rio de Janeiro will welcome travelers to one of the city’s most economically dynamic and fastest growing areas, between Barra de Tijuca Beach and Jacarepagua. For those visiting the city in 2016 to experience the thrill and excitement of the Summer Olympic games, the hotel will be located within walking distance to the future Olympic Park and less than three miles from both the future Olympic Village and Barra de Tijuca Beach.

“Hilton Worldwide currently has the largest Latin America development pipeline in our history, and we are thrilled to add Rio de Janeiro to this growing list,” said Danny Hughes, senior vice president, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, Hilton Worldwide. “Brazil has always been a major focus in our development efforts and Hilton Barra is a pivotal piece of our growth strategy in the country. We are delighted to be working with Carvalho Hosken Hotelaria Ltda. on this exciting project; they are one of the most visionary developers in the country.”

Ideal for both business and leisure travelers, Hilton Barra, Rio de Janeiro will feature 298 rooms, all outfitted with the Hilton Serenity CollectionTM of amenities. Guests staying in an executive room or suite will enjoy the added benefit of the hotel’s executive floor service and executive lounge, which will offer light snacks and beverages throughout the day.

The hotel will provide a great base for events and business travelers, with nearly 14,000 square feet of meeting space and a business center, as well as a strategic location approximately two and a half miles from the Riocentro Convention Center – the largest convention space in South America. Guests will also enjoy a full service restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, bar, and recreational amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.

Dr. Carlos Fernando de Carvalho, owner, Carvalho Hosken Hotelaria Ltda said, “Faithful to our tradition of pioneering development in the region, and realizing the future heart of Barra, we are bringing the first luxury hotel to the Metropolitan Center and doing so with Hilton Worldwide as a partner – a recognized and respected global hospitality company known for its excellence in service.”

Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as “Rio” and nicknamed the Cidade Maravilhosa – Marvelous City, is Brazil’s second largest city and welcomed 1.7 million visitors in 2011. Similar to other large urban centers, the city offers many options in gastronomy, business, culture and entertainment, as well as some of the most famous beaches in South America. Given the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, the region is expected to receive significant investment in transportation and infrastructure, making it even more attractive to travelers.

Hilton Barra, Rio de Janeiro will participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 3,800 hotels worldwide.

Hilton Worldwide currently has a portfolio of 51 hotels and resorts open and welcoming travelers in Latin America, including two hotels in Brazil: Hilton Belem and Hilton São Paulo Morumbi. The company is actively pursuing additional Latin American growth opportunities with a robust development pipeline that includes properties in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Uruguay.

via Hilton Worldwide expands with new development in Rio de Janeiro | News | Breaking Travel News.

Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in CapeTown, South Africa with local operator, Upper Eastside Hotel (Pty) Ltd.  The hotel will be Hilton Worldwide’s fifth property in South Africa and its second in the ‘Mother City’ of Cape Town.

The 183-room hotel, currently known as Upper Eastside, will re-brand over the coming months and is expected to open as DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside by end of 2012.

The property is ideally located in the redeveloped, bustling district of Woodstock in the North of the city.  A former industrial area of Cape Town, Woodstock has undergone a radical transformation in recent years to become an attractive and popular metropolis of trendy boutiques, art galleries, music bars and upcoming restaurants.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Hilton Worldwide Europe & Africa said: “We are excited to extend our presence in a city with such a strong business and tourism culture and with a hotel which perfectly complements our first Cape Town property.

Today’s signing represents Hilton Worldwide’s 20th pipeline property in Africa and contributes perfectly to our multi-brand growth strategy dedicated to providing our guests with a range of choices in the most important cities in Africa.”

The newly branded hotel will boast a range of amenities including a business centre, fitness centre, eight meeting rooms and a 300-capacity function room.  The property will also feature a bar, a restaurant and a coffee shop.  Accommodation includes executive rooms and suites as well as a number of two-storey duplex loft rooms located on the top floor offering stunning views of some of the city’s best known landmarks.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton said: “The signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside marks the brand’s sixth hotel in Africa and is another important step in our growing global footprint.  We are proud to welcome this premium property into the DoubleTree brand family and delighted we can help meet the city’s growing international and domestic demand for first-class accommodation.”

Positioned at the Southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travellers to the Continent.  Known as the ‘Mother City’, Cape Town is a celebrated wine-making region and boasts world famous landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point.  The city also plays host to numerous festivals and events, including the upcoming World Design Capital exhibition due to take place in 2014.  Cape Town was also honoured with Africa’s Leading Beach Destination award during the 19th World Travel Awards held September 2012.

The converted hotel will operate as a franchise with owners Upper Eastside Hotel (Pty) Ltd, Chairman Mike Flax said: “We are thrilled to bring one of the world’s most recognised hotel brands to this area of Cape Town and look forward to introducing DoubleTree’s key success factors of exceptional service and distinctive style standards.”

via Hilton Worldwide launches Doubletree by Hilton in South Africa | News | Breaking Travel News.

Cheval Blanc, the high-end hospitality brand developed by luxury giant Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH), will open a resort hotel in the Maldives in 2013, adding another world-class accommodation option to the island nation.

Currently under construction on the island of Randheli in Noonu Atoll, the resort will feature 46 luxury villas, each with private infinity pool, and a Guerlain spa offering exclusive signature treatments.

Directing all of Cheval Blanc’s cuisine across its global resorts will be the multiple award-winning chef Yannick Alléno.

The resort will be positioned to make optimum use of the surrounding reef and lagoon for snorkelling and watersports.

via Louis Vuitton Maldives property set for 2013 opening | News | Breaking Travel News.

German group Maritim Hotels is spending almost €1 million on the refurbishment of its Frankfurt property.

Renovations to the decor and facilities of the conference and banqueting spaces have taken place already, while the renovation will continue until 2015, as all 543 guest bathrooms are set to be improved.

The investment comes after €4 million was spent throughout Germany by the company in 2011, which saw improvements to its Cologne, Berlin and Strandhotel Travemunde hotels.

Maritim Hotels’ director of international sales, Mark Spivey, says: “Frankfurt is a leading destination for conference and events in Germany so it is imperative that we continue to offer the best facilities. We have made some large-scale improvements but even small touches like new carpets and re-painting parts of the conference areas will markedly improve the experience of guests and visitors.”

Maritim Hotels is Germany’s largest privately owned hotel operator.

via Maritim Hotels invests €1 million in Frankfurt hotel – Business Traveller.

Steigenberger is expanding its activities abroad, and will take over the operation of a landmark hotel building, part of the Wiltcher’s complex, located Avenue Louise in Brussels with effect from 1 January 2013. The hotel will continue to be managed under the Conrad brand until the end of 2012. Following the Steigenberger Hotel at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in September this year, this is the second international acquisition within just a few weeks. It is the logical continuation of Steigenberger’s strategic expansion into major European cities and capitals; alongside Brussels and Amsterdam, Steigenberger’s locations include Vienna, Berlin, Frankfurt and Zurich.

The future Steigenberger Grand Hotel Brussels is ideally located right at the centre of the city, in the elegant Avenue Louise very close to the Royal Palace, Grand Place, the European Parliament, the Exhibition and Convention Centre, and the most important tourist sights of Brussels.

An investment programme for the coming years has been agreed with the owner, AG Real Estate, in order to give guests the best possible quality and service, in line with the international Steigenberger standards. “We are delighted at the chance to realize our first Steigenberger Hotel in Belgium, together with our partner AG Real Estate. The Steigenberger Grand Hotel Brussels will be one of Belgium’s top hotels, and an excellent addition to our portfolio,” said Matthias Heck, Management Board of Steigenberger Hotels AG.

This luxury hotel behind a historic façade has 269 guest rooms, including 32 suites and a Royal Suite, plus the restaurant “Café Wiltcher’s” and the “Loui Lounge and Bar”. It has conference facilities for up to 600 people in 16 conference rooms. The hotel also has the city’s largest column-free ballroom with 550 sqm, and there is underneath the hotel a 3,200 sqm fitness center and spa complete with pool operated by Aspria.

via Steigenberger Grand Hotel in Brussels to open January 2013.

Over fifty years after the first Four Seasons hotel was built, the luxury brand is set to open its much anticipated flagship property in its hometown city of Toronto on October 5, 2012.  Four Seasons Hotel Toronto has been designed with business visitors, including corporate incentive and meeting attendees in mind, with an entire building connected to the hotel dedicated to event space. It offers 17 flexible function spaces, across 14,300 sq ft, including two large event rooms with breathtaking views of Toronto. The spaces are ideal for events of all types – from professional meetings and conferences to high end dinners and social function during incentive trips.

Soaring 55 storeys high in the heart of Yorkville, one of the most glamorous restaurant and shopping areas of Toronto, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto perfectly combines business and pleasure, boasting 259 personalised rooms and 42 individual suites each containing luxury amenities, climate control, interactive tablets and contemporary bathrooms. The state-of-the-art spa – the largest in the city – will allow incentive and business visitors the opportunity to relax whilst enjoying all the city has to offer.

Mark Crawford, Tourism Toronto’s account director, comments: “Four Seasons was born in Toronto, and this new hotel will provide business visitors with a true experience of what this famous hotel brand and city has to offer. The new Four Seasons Hotel Toronto will blend playful sophistication with stylish design in this vibrant international city. The city already has great infrastructure and high class hotels so we are delighted Four Seasons is cementing its place as a leading international brand with roots in Toronto. Four Seasons Hotel Toronto will elevate this city’s reputation as a leading business destination, and we expect it to increase the number of high end corporate events and incentives, whilst providing the city with additional options for international conference and meetings.”

“We are quite literally at the intersection where business and pleasure come together in Toronto,” says Regional Vice President and General Manager Dimitrios Zarikos, referring to the Hotel’s coveted address at the corner of Bay Street and Yorkville Avenue.  “Toronto is increasingly becoming the destination of choice for meetings and incentive travel and we are pleased to offer a world-class hotel that truly represents this dynamic city.”

via Four Seasons set to open flagship hotel in Toronto | News | Breaking Travel News.

DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of its second property in Romania, in the historic city of Oradea. The upscale and full-service DoubleTree by Hilton brand, which now features more than 300 hotels globally, brings internationally branded accommodation to Oradea for the first time.

Guests of the newly built 147-bedroom hotel will be able to enjoy local visitor attractions, including Canon’s Row, the Moon Church, and the Queen Mary Theatre.  For business travelers, DoubleTree by Hilton Oradea will offer some of the best corporate facilities in the area, including four meeting rooms and the Varadinium Ballroom, hosting from 10 and 350 delegates; as well as a business centre, state-of-the-art technology and high speed internet access.

Simon Vincent, president, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Growing our presence in Eastern Europe has been a major focus for Hilton Worldwide and I am delighted that we have added a second hotel to our DoubleTree by Hilton portfolio in Romania.  Travellers visiting Oradea will now be able to enjoy a warm DoubleTree by Hilton welcome including a cookie on check-in, as well as the significant benefits of staying within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio.  We look forward to welcoming guests to our new DoubleTree by Hilton Oradea.”

Guests will be greeted with a welcoming and modern lobby, and benefit from characteristic qualities found at every DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, including a delicious warm chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in, an array of upscale amenities and guest services, the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.

DoubleTree by Hilton Oradea has a variety of contemporary-style guestrooms and suites that meet the needs of every kind of traveller.  Accommodation offers guests a comfortable and modern retreat complete with a sitting area; high-speed internet access; flat-screen, satellite TV; ironing board; mini-bar; refreshing Crabtree & Evelyn Citron® bath and body products; and in-room tea and coffee making service.

DoubleTree by Hilton Oradea opens following a major investment by owner SIF Banat Crisana and SC Calipso SA.

“Across Europe we are expanding our presence to meet the demand of travellers wanting to experience DoubleTree by Hilton on their next business trip or vacation.” said, Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton.  “I had the pleasure of visiting Oradea in the early stages of the hotel’s construction and I am delighted that our team has begun welcoming guests with the warm welcome of DoubleTree by Hilton.”

The hotel also introduces Romania’s first eforea: spa at Hilton. This innovative global spa concept features some of the world’s finest spa brands on both the treatment menu and in the retail area.  Kerstin Florian offers a progressive range of results-orientated European facial, body and bath products and treatments all sourced from natural resources.  VitaMan provides a comprehensive line of Australian-made natural spa grooming products formulated specifically for men.  Guests can enjoy three customized spa journeys; the essentials journey, the escape journey, the men’s journey – providing choices of technologically advanced, holistic or tailored men’s treatments.  The extensive eforea spa offers seven treatment rooms with private shower, a transition lounge for relaxation, an indoor swimming pool with spa tub, as well as sauna and steam bath, and emotion showers with 24 hour Precor fitness room. Membership will be offered to local residents.

DoubleTree by Hilton Oradea also features Laurus, a contemporary restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes in elegant surroundings, and Cafe Cris, where guests can enjoy a light snack, morning coffee or a glass of wine in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Oradea is located at 9 Aleea Strandului, Oradea, Romania.

via DoubleTree by Hilton welcomes Romanian City of Oradea | News | Breaking Travel News.