New Hotel Brand News
Ikea prepares to move into hotel market
Reports this morning suggest Swedish furniture giant Ikea is set to move into the hospitality sector, with plans in place to open at least 100 new hotels. The Financial Times reports the budget retailer will consider sites across the European market for the new ‘budget design’ hotels.
Ahn Luh brand launch formalised in China
The Beijing Tourism Group and international hotel management group GHM have formalised a joint venture partnership and announced plans to launch an upscale resort concept branded Ahn Luh. The partners, together with a third investor, the Great Ocean Group, confirmed earlier the first properties operated by the group will debut in the next two-to-three years.
Puma Hotels launches in UK
Puma Hotels’ Collection has launched in the UK, encompassing 21 four star properties from Edinburgh in Scotland to Torquay in Devon. Jane Rawlinson, head of marketing for the brand said: “In such an exciting year for British tourism, we are delighted to have successfully launched new British hotel group Puma Hotels’ Collection, following the smooth handover from Barceló UK.”
Low-cost hotel chain marks London launch with £35 rooms
A Malaysian hospitality group is aiming to revolutionise the European hotel market by applying Ryanair tactics to room pricing. Tune Hotels will charge just £35 per night for a room at its first property in central London, which opens this month, but guests will have to pay extra for everything from towels to room cleaning.
Marriott expands aggressively into China
Marriott International has laid out plans for an aggressive expansion programme in China that aims to double its number of brand hotels in the country within five years, and includes inking management agreements for seven high-end hotels.
Alan Vels, Signature Hospitality Ltd @ INDABA 2010
Alan Vels, Signature Hospitality Ltd
HotelCorp brings Hotel Solo Brand to Bangkok
Hotel Solo, a new boutique hotel, has opened in Bangkok, Thailand. Hotel Solo is located on Sukhumvit Soi 2, with the nearby Skytrain Ploenchit or Nana stations offering convenient access to all key destinations in downtown Bangkok. Convenient road access to the expressway system also provides an easy reach of Don Mueang and Suvarnarbhumi airports, and other provinces.
The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Annika Sorenstam Announce New Partnership
The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, an equity-based, luxury destination club, and Hall of Fame golfer, Annika Sorenstam, have entered a new partnership where Annika will serve as an ambassador for the brand. For the benefit of Club Members, this partnership presents the opportunity for elite experiences that mirror Annika’s passions and growing lifestyle brand.
St. Augustine’s Historic Casa Monica Hotel First To Join Marriott’s Autograph Collection
The Kessler Hotel Group and Marriott International, Inc. announced today the Casa Monica Hotel is the first property to become part of the Autograph Collection, Marriott’s newest brand featuring independent iconic hotels and resorts. The 138 room Casa Monica Hotel is located in St. Augustine, Florida and one of seven Kessler hotels joining the Autograph Collection.
Westgor Sells Franchised Hotel in Central Wisconsin
Hotel Brokers International Westgor & Associates, Inc., charter member of Hotel Brokers International, announces the sale of the 60 unit Americas Best Value Inn located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to Shree Laxmi Naryam. Jeff Westgor, CHB, President of Westgor & Associates Inc., represented the seller – US Assets. Financing was an SBA 7A loan.
Dar One, New Arteh Hotel in Morocco
Arteh Hotels and Resorts The elegant Dar One, located at the heart of the Medina, in Marrakesh, is now an Arteh Hotel.