After five years in the making, the Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe finally opened its doors to the public on wednesday. (Lucky first guests/skiers at the 170-room property were treated to a fresh snowfall.)

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, announces the Radisson Blu Hotel, Milan in Italy. The existing hotel – originally opened in 2007 as the Chedi Milan – features 250 rooms and will be rebranded in Q1 2010. “Milan is a key market for us. The city is one of the world’s fashion capitals, and we are delighted to be present in town with our chic, contemporary and design orientated core brand Radisson Blu”, says Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Milan is Rezidor’s second property in Italy – the company also manages the Radisson Blu es. Hotel, Rome (232 rooms).

Rotana, a leading hotel management company in the Middle East and North Africa, has opened the 5-star Park Rotana Abu Dhabi hotel. The new hotel is one of the key elements of the Park Rotana Complex – a multi-use business and residential development joint venture between Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), a master developer of major tourism destinations in Abu Dahbi, and Al Mada Tourism Investment Company.

There is a brand-new hotel coming to Berlin - The Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz, which recently celebrated it’s official topping out ceremony, marking an important day in the construction of the hotel that opens in autumn 2010.  “This hotel portrays Scandinavian safari with both visual and audio design, reminding guests of the soothing Scandinavian nature, and offers inspirational surprises! Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz is truly a flagship hotel”, says Frank Fiskers, President & CEO of Scandic, the leading Nordic hotel chain.

Banyan Tree Samui will be opening mid 2010 on the south eastern coast of Koh Samui island on Lamai Bay. Each of the 87 villas will reflect traditional Thai style architecture with incredible views over the ocean from its hilltop vantage point.

The all-new Verdanza Hotel, formerly Holiday Inn San Juan, officially opened doors today as the only independent full-service hotel in San Juan. Located steps from the beach in the Isla Verde tourism district, the boutique property has 222 rooms with 20 suites, three restaurants, a pastry shop, and more than 15,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space.