News & Stories
Berlin. They represent a growth segment, and not only on the German market. And above that, they offer chances for founders - hostels. The new hospitality type is expanding because terms like "youth hostel" and "backpacker" hotel are protected. Due to their low requirements in terms of real estate and architecture, they are in high demand among investors. However, most of them are still operated by their owners. Despite that, a few chains have formed so far. Berlin has the highest number of hostels.
Frankfurt/M. At the first press conference after many years, InterContinental Hotels Group's managers for Germany have announced their plans for the local market. With 13,645 rooms, Germany is the most important market in Europe - after England, the company's mother country. Further growth has been planned. The joint venture with the former Dorint chain is over once and for all.
Wiesbaden. All over the world, about five million people have cast a glance at the second life, the new virtual world of "Second Life" or are among the frequent visitors. While major manufacturers of branded articles have been selling their products there for many months, most hotel companies still refrain from participating. Only Starwood and its aloft brand, the Austrian private hotel Uebergossene Alm and the Dutch holiday home provider Euro Relais have dared to enter the experiment with the virtual parallel world.
Augsburg. aloft, element, 1, Indigo, Reserve… This is the new alphabet of hotel brands. Hardly a month goes by without new hotel types being created by the international hotel giants. What is it good for? Confusion. Taxi drivers swear about it and even hotel insiders are confused. The industry's problem: There are a lot of brands, but almost none of them fulfil the promises they make, says Prof. Dr. Marco Gardini of the International University of Applied Sciences in Bad Honnef. Less would therefore be more. Kurt Ritter of Rezidor recently announced that the company's range of brands will be consolidated in future. A thumbnail description of an ongoing discussion.
Berlin. In the 80th year of its company history, Marriott International shows itself to be as solid as a rock. At the traditional press talk at the ITB, the company's management was full of confidence and optimism. Last year's figures emphasised the role of the mega player. In addition to further expansion, it will invest millions in faded hotels as competition continues to be fierce.
Berlin. The definition always leads to confusion, for sure is only that designer hotels show a significant higher performance than brands of other sectors. The chains' ongoing passion for designer and lifestyle brands leads to a new "massclusivity". A discussion at the International Hotel Investment Forum, hold in Berlin two weeks ago.
Madrid. The hotel group Hesperia based in Barcelona once again puts the wind up its main competitor NH Hoteles. A takeover bid cannot be ruled out, Javier Illa, Hesperia Board Speaker said last week. With 23.6 percent, Hesperia is the largest NH shareholder - contrary to the express wish of NH boss Gabriele Burgio. Hesperia has already heavily criticised the acquisition of the Italian Jolly Hotels. NH now start 2007 with new capital and the region "Germany" is set to grab a large chunk of the benefit.
London. Hilton Hotels Corporation announced the exchange of contracts to sell its Scandic Hotel chain to the private Equity Group EQT for approximately 833 million Euro. Net proceeds after transaction costs and taxes are expected to be approximately 1.04 billion USD.