News & Stories
Hamburg. The German City Partner Hotels hotel consortium, founded nine years ago, is increasingly moving towards Eastern Europe. However, expansion to other countries has been stopped. Managing Director Sabine Moeller explains the company's strategy.
Milan. In Italy, insiders were talking about it for several weeks, now it is official: Banca Intesa, Joker and NH Italia have signed a master agreement aimed at the creation of the largest Italian hotel chain. The three partners will control the majority at Italian Jolly Hotels. Together with Spanish NH Hoteles Grande Jolly will act as an international hotel chain with more than 70 hotels in Italy.
Paris. 50 further Courtyards in 5 years within Europe - that is the declared aim of the Marriott managers. Jean-Marc Grosfort, Regional Vice President Development, suspects an "enormous potential" in this part of the world. International travellers, however, should not expect any product clones: a Courtyard by Marriott in Europe looks considerably different compared to its Dubai or Asian counterpart.
Paris. Over the past few weeks, Marriott International has been introducing its new concept for its Courtyard by Marriott brand in Europe. However, the concept varies depending on the location. But the general rule is: with its lobbies resembling living rooms, Courtyard competes with full-service chains. The middle-class brand that classifies itself in the 3 to 4-star segments easily competes with 4-star products. It comes with everything pragmatic travellers are looking for, but the chain calculates strictly.
Augsburg. More and more international hotel groups are beginning to open their own in house boutiques, both in the hotel itself and online. The travellers` desire for lifestyle products significantly influences the merchandising concepts employed by the hotel chains. The "chocolate shop" of by-gone days has now developed into the gourmet corner, the house kiosk into a showroom for luxury products. And guests preferring not to leave the hotel with more baggage than they arrived with can always order online. "In-Room Shopping" is the newest hit trend.
Toronto. As reported this week, Four Seasons will change the owner structure. It's planned to take the listed company private. Atef Mankarios, the former President of Rosewood Hotels and from St. Regis working today as consultant for luxury hotels and luxury investors in the US says: "This move was right and we will see more of it. Perhaps one day again hoteliers will lead hotel companies!"
Toronto. In a surprising announcement today, Four Seasons founder Isadore Sharp made clear that he willing to sell the luxury hotel group. The two companies offering to take the listed company private are Kingdom Hotels International and Cascade Investment. The proposed transaction values Four Seasons at 3.7 billion USD.
Berlin. Park Plaza Europe with currently 23 hotels of the Park Plaza and art'otel brands in 56 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa wants to more than double the number of hotels within the next three years.
Geneva. The Global Hotel Alliance partners Kempinski, Omni, Pan Pacific and Rydges welcome three new members to the GHA from 1 January 2007, originating from the Asian Hotels Alliance. Two more groups have an option to join GHA during the next 12 months. Over the time a competitor for The Leading Hotels of the World could arise.