News & Stories

Munich. Nowadays it is often the parking fees at the airport that are the most expensive factor about flying. It costs 26 Euro per day to park a car in one of the four car parks at Munich Airport. In the more distant "holiday parking spaces", the fee is 14 Euro per day. The special provider Holiday Extras promises to reduce the parking fees by up to 70% compared to the official fees at airports, and not only in Munich, but at many airports in eight European countries. The company offers not only parking spaces at its own "Airparks" or rented areas at airports, but also cooperates with airport hotels or hotels at river, lake and cruise ship harbours. At the moment, 121 hotels at 42 airports are participating. Holiday Extras CEO Martin Pundt wants to increase the number of hotels systematically: the hotels provide the car specialist with large profits despite favourable fixed rates for travellers. Driving and sleeping are a fruitful symbiosis in this global franchise model.

Innsbruck. In the opening of the Ramada Innsbruck shortly before the turn of the year, RIMC Austria Hotel Resort Management & Consulting sees the prelude to a quick expansion in the alpine republic. The contribution by the German RIMC offshoot to the international growth plans: They intend to operate a hotel in every Austrian federal province within two years. With this, the Viennese RIMC branches that have existed since 2008 will become one of the driving forces of the international growth. Up to now, the balance has been rather restrained.

Hong Kong. The comprehensive rejuvenating cure for the flagship, The Peninsula Hong Kong, will begin on the 8 January, 2012. A year later, an "absolutely new product" will be breaking ground once again, according to COO Peter C. Borer. Additionally, the first Peninsula in Europe will open in 2013 - in Paris.

Chicago. Following Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation will also come to continental Europe next year with its American mid-scale brand, Hyatt Place. There are already more than 163 properties of this brand in the USA with more than 20,000 rooms - thanks to the takeover of the former AmeriSuites. Meanwhile, the jump over the pond will consider regional peculiarities, announced Gary Dollens, global head of franchise and select brands, in a conversation with hospitalityInside.com. The first "Select Service Property" Hyatt Place will emerge in Amsterdam and shortly afterward, the second Andaz will follow - also in Amsterdam. A visit to the first European Andaz in London a few weeks ago proved that Hyatt has a fine feel for quality. Thus, it is likely that the team from Chicago has also placed Hyatt Place in a valued niche - even if at first, the basic data sounds similar to those of the big competitors.

Madrid. Chinese HNA Group will not take the 20% share of NH Hoteles as previously agreed. The decision made public on Wednesday may cause financial trouble to NH.

Vienna. Under the new CEO Dr. Andreas Karsten, Vienna International Hotels & Resorts is aiming at continuing its growth and tapping new markets. The focus will be on developing a new umbrella brand concept, and more strongly positioning itself as a restructuring specialist.

Bad Aibling. In Switzerland a new, international consortium has been founded. In addition, the Association of Alpine Gastgeber also promotes it members - small family businesses.

Hirschegg/Kleinwalsertal. Just recently, there has been a change in General Manager at the 1 year-old Travel Charme Ifen Hotel. In addition, there is a new person responsible for hotel openings and support in sales and marketing. The resort hotel group is expanding quickly.

Frankfurt/Eschborn. At eight locations in Germany, the first Best Western Plus hotels opened their doors. Up to 60 hotels of this new category are planned in Germany.

Berlin/White Plains. Dr. Klaus Naeve, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Schoerghuber Stiftung & Co. Holding, has validated his plans - and has sold the last hotel shares of its subsidiary Arabella Hospitality SE. Starwood Hotels & Resorts has taken over 49.8% of Design Hotels AG in Berlin. What Starwood wants with it is still entirely open at the moment.