Starwood Hotels & Resorts Accelerates Growth in Mexico with the Signing of Sheraton Cozumel Resort

Slated to Open in 2018, the Premier Caribbean Resort Will Offer Travelers Access to One of the Top Diving Destinations in the World

Stamford, Connecticut, USA – 01 May 2015 – Gaining momentum in markets across Latin America, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced it has signed an agreement with Inmobiliaria Punta Tormentos S.A. de C.V. to introduce its world-renowned Sheraton ® brand to Cozumel, Mexico . Sheraton Cozumel Resort , slated to open in early 2018, will be located on an idyllic island in the Yucatan Peninsula , with sweeping views of the Caribbean . The new resort will increase the Sheraton brand’s portfolio to six hotels in Mexico and 37 in the region.

“Sheraton Cozumel Resort, a terrific addition to the brand’s global resorts portfolio, will serve as a gathering place for travelers in one of Mexico’s most sought-after leisure destinations,” said Jorge Giannattasio , Senior Vice President and Chief of Operations for Starwood Latin America and the Caribbean . “And as the second Starwood property in Cozumel , the resort further strengthens the company’s presence in Mexico , one of the most attractive tourism markets in the Americas.”

Sheraton Cozumel Resort will boast a prime beachfront location with direct access to the island’s spectacular coral reefs, a leading destination for divers from around the world. The resort will feature all of the Sheraton brand’s signature brand amenities and services. The 120 stylish, comfortable and oversized guestrooms—including six suites—will offer unobstructed ocean views, as well as the all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ bed, high-speed Internet, an LCD flat-panel television and MP3 docking station. In addition to direct beach access, the resort will also offer two pools with breathtaking views, a poolside bar serving light bites and drinks, three restaurants, a lobby lounge and the Link@Sheraton ® experience.

Additional facilities will consist of the state-of-the-art Sheraton Fitness®, a Shine Spa and 8,500 square feet of meeting space for special events, meetings and conventions. Located approximately 10 miles from the city center, the resort is convenient for traveling to and from the Cozumel Airport and the ferry port that provides access to Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya.

Starwood Aggressively Expands Portfolio in Mexico
Sheraton Cozumel Resort is the fifth Starwood hotel signing in Mexico within the first quarter of 2015, reflecting the strength of the company’s lifestyle brands in this dynamic market. Mexico is the largest market for Starwood in Latin America and its seventh largest market worldwide. Currently, Starwood boasts a total portfolio of 29 hotels in Mexico across eight of its nine brands: St. Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Le Méridien, Four Points by Sheraton and Aloft.

“We are excited to continue our rapid expansion in Mexico , one of our fastest-growing markets in Latin America , and we are well-positioned for further growth across our portfolio of world-class brands,” added Victor Vazquez , Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts , Latin America . “Our global pioneer Sheraton is an icon in Latin America and continues to generate interest from investors and guests alike.”

The Sheraton footprint in the country encompasses the Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel & Towers , Sheraton Santa Fe in the financial hub of Mexico City , Sheraton Ambassador Hotel in the northern city of Monterrey , and resort properties—including Sheraton Buganvillas Resort and Convention Center in Puerto Vallarta and Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar Golf & Spa Resort in Los Cabos .

Starwood has an extensive pipeline of hotels in Mexico , with nine new openings planned by 2018. Sheraton Chihuahua Hotel is scheduled to open this year, followed by Westin Cozumel in 2016. Solaz, A Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos opening in 2017 will mark the entrance of the Starwood luxury portfolio in this world-class destination. Additionally, the specialty select service category will continue to expand its footprint with the opening of Four Points by Sheraton in Puebla , Aloft Hermosillo, Aloft Cotzacoalcos, Aloft Tijuana and Aloft Poza Rica also planned for 2017.

StateView Hotel Breaks Ground – Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel on North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus

Atlanta – 22 April 2015 – Noble Investment Group today announced they have broken ground on the StateView Hotel, which is centrally located on North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. Designed to LEED Silver sustainability standards, the hotel will sit on the shore of Lake Raleigh, adjacent to the N.C. State University Alumni Center and across from the Lonnie Poole Golf Course.

Scheduled to open in the fall of 2016, the StateView Hotel will feature 164 guestrooms and suites, a signature restaurant and bar with private dining, fully-equipped business and fitness centers as well as an outdoor pool and reception area. The hotel will also offer more than 22,000 square feet of first class, high-tech meeting and function space as well as outdoor event terraces.

The StateView Hotel was designed to deliver exceptional experiences which incorporate innovative technology and interactive spaces. The hotel will feature unique collaborative hubs and a sustainable living and learning environment which will allow guests unique access to each other and the world.

The StateView Hotel will be a part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, which is comprised of independent, luxury hotels and resorts, each with their own distinct personalities. Concord Eastridge is serving as development partner along with general contractor, W.M. Jordan, and architectural firm, Cooper Carry.

Westin Hotels Makes Debut on Jekyll Island, Georgia’s Acclaimed Barrier Reef Island

The Westin Jekyll Island is the Cornerstone of the Island Beach Village Project, including the 128,000 square-foot Jekyll Island Convention Center

Jekyll Island, Georgia – 22 April 2015 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced the opening of The Westin Jekyll Island, a 200-room, convention-class, beachfront hotel on Georgia’s acclaimed barrier island. It is one of six new Westin hotels opening in North America this year and follows the brand’s 200th opening worldwide in 2014.

Westin Jekyll Island

“The Westin Jekyll Island is a terrific new addition to the Westin brand’s growing portfolio and provides a restful retreat for travelers on one of the most beautiful barrier islands in the United States,” said Bob Jacobs, Vice President of Brand Management for Sheraton and Westin. “This spectacular new Westin hotel showcases all of the brand’s services and amenities designed to inspire wellbeing within close proximity of the area’s premier convention facility, as well as a variety of attractions.”

The Westin Jekyll Island is the cornerstone of Jekyll Island’s Beach Village project, which includes an oceanfront promenade, village green, restaurants, upscale boutiques, Great Dunes Park and the 128,000-square-foot Jekyll Island Convention Center – the only beachfront convention center in the southeast. The hotel is owned by Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel, LLC (JOFH), a joint venture comprised of several investors including Leon N. Weiner & Associates, Inc, a nationally recognized real estate development company, and New Castle Hotels & Resorts, an award- winning, independent third-party hotel manager.

“This hotel was purpose built to be a catalyst in the revitalization of Jekyll Island,” said Dave Curtis, president of Leon N. Weiner and Associates. “Coupled with the convention center, The Westin Jekyll Island makes this cherished barrier island a best-in-class destination and a first-choice option for meeting planners who prefer to keep their meetings in state, or within the region.”

“Jekyll Island is known for its thoughtful stewardship of the island’s environment and its storied past,” said David Buffam, CEO of New Castle Hotels and Resorts. “That’s why the Westin brand, with its emphasis on well-being and careful handling of natural resources was the only choice for this one-of-a-kind project. I know that this combination of location, premium convention facilities and well-chosen hotel brand will resonate with leisure travelers and meeting planners in search of a destination that satisfies the mind, body and soul.”

Offering breathtaking ocean views and direct beach access, The Westin Jekyll Island provides a sensory-rich environment and all of the brand’s signature amenities and services designed to inspire wellbeing. All 200 guestrooms are outfitted with the world-renowned Westin Heavenly Bed featuring lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. Another industry first, the Heavenly® Bath creates an invigorating spa-like experience, enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and exclusive White Tea Aloe bath amenities. In-room, high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space will offer travelers convenience and productivity in a tranquil setting.

Dining options at The Westin Jekyll Island include The Reserve, an upscale, casual restaurant serving the freshest local seafood and Salty’s poolside bar and café for cocktails and lighter fare. At Harry’s @The Reserve, the hotel’s outdoor rooftop bar, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the beach and ocean. Westin SuperFoodsRX™ options are on the menu at all three restaurants.

The Westin Jekyll Island is an ideal choice for small groups, weddings and reunions in search of a premier location, offering 5,260 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and banquet facilities, as well as outdoor venues. Additional facilities include a resort-style outdoor pool, the flexible, Tangent™ at Westin workspace where groups of four or more can collaborate, and the brand’s signature WestinWORKOUT® gym experience, including loaner gear and a running concierge.

The five-story, U-shaped, beachfront hotel was designed by LLW Architects of Memphis, Tenn., to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, (LEED) Silver specifications and minimize the hotel’s impact on the barrier island’s sensitive surroundings. The 8,750 cubic yards of concrete used in the construction were sourced from a plant in Brunswick, Ga., only 15 miles from the site. Westin brand room design specifications also are 60 percent more sustainable than conventionally built guest rooms, providing a more healthful guest environment.

The Westin Jekyll Island is just minutes from the island’s National Historic Landmark District and close to the island’s four golf courses, 10 miles of barrier island beaches and a variety of outdoor recreation, including marsh eco-tours, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and more than 20 miles of bike paths and kayaking waterways.

Hilton Worldwide Brings Hilton Garden Inn to all 50 States with New Signing in Hawaii

Full Conversion to Open in Kauai on Wailua Bay in Early 2016

Kauai/Wailua Bay, Hawaii – 22 April 2015 – Hilton Worldwide announced the signing of a franchise license agreement to operate the first Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Hawaii, bringing the brand to all 50 U.S. states. Once opened, the Hilton Garden Inn Kauai/Wailua Bay will be the only Hilton branded hotel on the island of Kauai. Owned by a partnership led by DiNapoli Capital Partners and managed by Aston Hotels & Resorts, the 216-room beachfront hotel is expected to be renovated and open early in 2016.

“Hilton Worldwide continues to experience a period of incredible growth both domestically and internationally-as one of the industry’s largest and fastest growing hospitality companies,” said Bill Fortier, SVP, development – Americas, Hilton Worldwide. “Hilton Garden Inn is the ideal mid-market brand for developers and consumers alike, and we look forward to bringing the brand to life in Kauai, a key market with potential for development.”

Next to the Wailua River on the scenic east coast of Kauai, Hilton Garden Inn Kauai/Wailua Bay will be located at 3-5920 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa, Hawaii and situated on one of the area’s only swimmable beaches. The new Kauai hotel is close to tropical rain forests, jagged emerald cliffs, cascading waterfalls and sparkling golden sand beaches. Visitors to the island enjoy the timeless natural beauty of the destination by hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and through zipline adventures.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Hilton Worldwide to become the only Hilton branded hotel on the beautiful Garden Island of Kauai. Once our extensive renovation of the entire hotel is completed, we believe that the Hilton Garden Inn Kauai/Wailua Bay will offer guests a fantastic experience through a high quality hotel product, wonderful service, great Kauai location and a beautiful setting with spectacular ocean views,” said Heather Turner, Managing Director of DiNapoli Capital Partners.

Ownership will be implementing an extensive refurbishment including a complete room, lobby, meeting space and exterior renovation that will completely transform the property.

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai/Wailua Bay will offer guests a combination of best-in-class customer service together with affordable comfort and convenience of the Hilton Garden Inn brand’s signature features, like its pressure-reducing Garden Sleep System bed, ergonomic desk chair, LCD high-definition, flat-screen television, a spacious work desk, a “hospitality center” that features a mini refrigerator and Keurig single-cup coffee brewer in every guest room, and complimentary Internet access.

“This signing marks a significant milestone for the Hilton Garden Inn brand as we round out our portfolio to all 50 states,” said Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn. “We’re so pleased to be working with DiNapoli Capital Partners and Aston Hotels & Resorts to bring Hilton Garden Inn to the island of Kauai, home to sparkling blue waters, protected coral and lush landscapes along the island’s east coast.”

This hotel, like all in the Hilton Garden Inn portfolio, will offer the high-end amenities and services for travelers to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart while on the road. All Hilton Garden Inn guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, 24-hour business center with Print SpotsTM remote printing, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an indoor pool. The hotel will also feature approximately 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

The Garden Grille and Bar will offer a full cooked-to-order breakfast and dinner, cocktails, and evening room service. The Pavilion Pantry will be open 24 hours and feature a complete selection of salty snacks, sweet treats, cold beverages, and frozen, microwaveable packaged items.

The World’s Best New Hotels – Conde Nast Traveler Announces The 2015 Hot List

New York City – 21 April 2015 – Today, the editors of Conde Nast Traveler announce the definitive guide to the best new hotels and resorts in the world, the 2015 Hot List. A select 60 properties made the 2015 Hot List, after being vetted by editors and contributors who visited hundreds of recently opened properties around the world, from West Africa to Miami.

This year, an invisible and seemingly effortless attention to detail was appreciated more than over-the-top gestures. Conde Nast Traveler Editor-in-Chief Pilar Guzman says, “The standout properties were those that understood the intuitive needs of the modern traveler. The sweet spot for a Hot List hotel is a combination of old-school extravagance and service with just the right measure of modernity.”

The result is a list that takes you around the world – from London to French Polynesia, Milan to Uruguay – and speaks to the passions of the modern traveler.

The 2015 Hot List Hotels are:

Best Bargains (Under $200 a Night)
21 Broad, Nantucket, Massachusetts
Alma Historica Boutique Hotel, Montevideo, Uruguay
Delano Las Vegas, Nevada
Hotel Sahrai, Fez, Morocco
The Rose Hotel, Venice Beach, California
Tribal Hotel, Granada, Nicaragua

Beachside Escapes
Cape Weligama, Galle, Sri Lanka
Malliouhana (An Auberge Resort), Anguilla
Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, Turkey
The Miami Beach EDITION, Florida
One&Only Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Sanchaya, Bintan Island, Indonesia

Urbanist Standouts
The Beaumont, London, England
Chiltern Firehouse, London, England
The Dean Hotel, Dublin, Ireland
Ham Yard Hotel, London, England
Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris, France
The Ludlow, New York, New York
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei, Taiwan
Palazzo Parigi, Milan, Italy
Park Hyatt New York, New York
The Peninsula, Paris, France
Portrait Firenze, Italy
The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel, Chile
URSO Hotel & Spa, Madrid, Spain

Design Stars
Aman Tokyo, Japan
Bahia Vik Jose Ignacio, Uruguay
Casas del XVI, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
El Blok, Vieques, Puerto Rico
Fontevraud L’Hotel, Loire Valley, France
Hotel SP34, Copenhagen, Denmark
Iconic Santorini, Greece
Mondrian London at Sea Containers, England
The Norman Tel Aviv, Israel
Park Hyatt Vienna, Austria
Riad Mena & Beyond, Marrakech, Morocco
SUJAN Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur, India
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, Netherlands

Family-Friendly
Edson Hill, Stowe, Vermont
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida
Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, California
Watch Hill Inn, Rhode Island

Good Food
Belle Mont Farm on Kittian Hill, St. Kitts
Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort, Mendoza, Argentina
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg, South Africa
La Grande Maison, Bordeaux, France
THE PIG – on the beach, Dorset, England
Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard, Franschhoek, South Africa
Soho House Chicago, Illinois
Vina Vik, Millahue Valley, Chile

Over-the-Top Luxury
ITC Grand Bharat, Gurgaon, India
La Reserve, Paris, France
Raffles Istanbul, Turkey
Rosewood Beijing, China

Remote and Wild
Alila Jabal Akhdar, Nizwa, Oman
Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Namibia
Maalifushi by COMO, Maldives

For the full list of 2015 Hot List hotels, visit: www.cntraveler.com

Hyatt Place Boulder Opens

Boulder, Colorado – 21 April 2015 – Noble Investment Group announced the opening of Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street. The hotel is located in the city center of Boulder, Colorado in the Depot Square at Boulder Junction.

Hyatt Place Boulder – Pearl Street

Hyatt Place Boulder/ Pearl Street is located within the Depot Square at Boulder Junction, a 160-acre, pedestrian friendly mixed-use development for people to live, work and shop, in addition to regional transit access. The hotel’s prime location provides guests with a wide variety of attractions in Boulder, including the University of Colorado-Boulder campus, Chautauqua Park and Pearl Street Mall. At Depot Square, guests will also have easy access to eGo CarShare, Boulder B-cycle and RTD’s award winning transportation network.

“We are excited to be a part of the Boulder community, amongst leading company headquarters, vibrant restaurants and shops and countless entertainment attractions,” said Susi Keating, General Manager of Hyatt Place Boulder | Pearl Street. “The Hyatt Place Boulder | Pearl Street was purposefully developed to exceed the expectations of both our business and leisure travelers with an open, innovative design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities.”

Marriott Hotels Celebrates Newest Hotel Opening in Georgetown, Guyana

The Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown opens its doors and invites guests to Travel Brilliantly, Guyanese style.

Georgetown, Guyana – 17 April 2015 – Marriott Hotels celebrates the grand opening of Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown, the first Marriott International property for the country. Surrounded by the high-tech features and iconic glamour of the all-new Marriott Hotel, the 500 VIP guests, enjoyed the live music of the National Steel Orchestra, sipped on the Guyana Marriott Signature cocktail and dined from a specially curated menu by our executive chef of international and local Guyanese delights.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The night of celebration offered the perfect opportunity to showcase the iconic brand’s belief that travel should be brilliant to attract the next generation of travelers. In attendance was the President of The Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Donald Ramotar along with Guyanese celebrities, local influencers and Marriott executives.

“This is a very exciting time for Marriott across Latin America – we plan to reach 150 hotels open and under development in the Caribbean and Latin America by end of 2017 and are thrilled to now be expanding into Guyana with our new partners,” said Rahul Vir,Area Vice President of South America at Marriott International. “With this project, not only are we bringing more hotel rooms to the Guyanese market, but also elevating the standards of hospitality in Georgetown which is experiencing a large growth in tourism.”

“We are confident that this beautiful hotel will be highly successful and open doors of opportunity for the local Guyanese workforce,” said Roberto Grisi, General Manager at the Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown. This hotel has over 200 wonderful Guyanese associates who have been through over 300 hours of Marriott’s world-class training to prepare them to receive our valued guests with open arms.”

The Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown debuts technology throughout the property starting with offering the fastest wireless internet available on the market making easier for travelers to stay connected through email, social media and video streaming. Recognizing that guests are dependent on their mobile devices, the hotel will offer the company’s innovative mobile check-in service for a seamless arrival process for guests. The property will also feature Red Coat Direct, a first-of-its-kind app that lets meeting planners input and adjust meeting requests with a swipe of a screen. Business travelers will appreciate the state-of-the-art fitness center, complimentary for hotel guests only. Built for the athletic guest in mind, the fitness facility features the latest equipment and tech for cardio, strength and core training.

The 197-room Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown creates a striking new visual in the city both inside and out and is equipped to enable guests to Travel Brilliantly. Located in the heart of Georgetown where the Demerara River meets the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel features the brand’s signature interactive Greatroom concept.

The Greatroom lobby provides a destination where guests and locals can gather, by themselves or with friends or colleagues, to relax, socialize and work. With free Wi-Fi and USB ports and outlets throughout the lobby, hotel guests and locals can work on their laptops and relax with their own tablets.

The hotel’s custom designed guestrooms feature a soothing neutral palate, Wi-Fi, luxury bedding, LCD TV’S, alarm clocks with iPhone 5 and iPad docking station, and Marriott Hotels’ signature bath amenities by THANN, a natural Thai skincare line.

For the local and visiting foodies, the property features the long awaited Terra Mare restaurant that boasts a complete culinary experience from land and sea with a full wine list that pairs beautifully with the featured dishes. The hotel also has an outdoor modern pool deck with a sleek bar & grill, and more than 8,900 square feet of meeting space, including a beautiful, modern grand ballroom.

Hilton Worldwide Furthers Expansion Plans in Argentina with Signing of Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Neuquén

New Hotel to Open in Patagonia’s Largest City and Leading Agricultural and Industrial Center

McLean, Virgina – 17 April 2015 – Hilton Worldwide announced the signing of a management agreement with Aspa Desarrollos Patagonia, a prominent real estate developer in the Patagonia region, to operate a new build 130-room Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Neuquén, Argentina – capital of Neuquén province and Patagonia’s largest city. Scheduled to open in 2018, this new Hilton Garden Inn hotel in one of Argentina’s primary agricultural and industrial centers furthers the company’s plans to introduce its leading brands throughout the country.

Scheduled to open in 2018, this new Hilton Garden Inn hotel in one of Argentina’s primary agricultural and industrial centers furthers the company’s plans to introduce its leading brands throughout the country

“As we continue our growth throughout Latin America, Argentina plays a key role in our expansion as it serves as one of the top three most visited countries of the region,” said Tom Potter, senior vice president, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, Hilton Worldwide. “The signing of Hilton Garden Inn Neuquén is a welcome addition to our portfolio and will service an area of the country where further growth is imminent.”

Forming part of the award-winning, mid-priced brand that delivers high quality and value, Hilton Garden Inn Neuquén will be strategically located within a mixed-use complex offering offices and residences. The hotel, to be developed as part of the project’s phase one under a condo-hotel finance structure, will occupy the first 13 of the building’s 28 floors and find itself adjacent to IRSA’s Alto Comahue Shopping center, within walking distance to the city’s financial and entertainment district, and less than five miles to Presidente Perón International Airport. Additionally, the city of Neuquén is the closest major city to Vaca Muerta, tight oil and shale gas reservoir, as well as home to Argentina’s main energy providers.

“We’re excited to bring the Hilton Garden Inn brand to the largest city in Patagonia and welcome another Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Argentina,” said Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn. “Hilton Garden Inn offers an array of excellent amenities and services that meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers.”

With an architectural presence created by ASPA’s in-house architects combined with the interior design expertise of Caparra-Entelman Architects, Hilton Garden Inn Neuquén will bring a striking look and feel to the city. Its 130 guest rooms and suites will invite travelers to sleep deep on comfortable beds with fresh, white, cozy duvets, and crisp linens. Rooms will also be outfitted with an ergonomic desk chair and oversized work desk, high-definition flat-screen television, and a “hospitality center” that features a mini refrigerator and coffee maker.

Dining options will include a full service restaurant offering freshly prepared full, cooked-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner, and lobby bar. The hotel will also feature the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® shop with a selection of readymade meals, beverages and snacks. Recreational facilities will boast an indoor swimming pool and a complimentary fitness center featuring premium cardio and strength training equipment.

Travelers to Hilton Garden Inn Neuquén will also have access to nearly 6,500 square feet of comfortable and efficient meeting space including four flexible meeting rooms and ballroom, as well as signature Hilton Garden Inn brand attributes such as complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center. A parking area with 75 spaces completes the facilities.

“We are privileged to be working with ASPA and their consultants – PKF hotelexperts – on the development of this important project for both the city and province,” said Ted Middleton, senior vice president, development, Latin America, Hilton Worldwide. “The excellent collaboration between our teams and the mutual commitment to this project paves the way to establishing Hilton Garden Inn Neuquen as one of the best hotels in the city and its surroundings.”

The hotel will participate in Hilton HHonors, the only guest-loyalty program to offer ‘No Blackout Dates’ and ‘Points & Miles’ for the same stay at its properties worldwide.

Hilton Worldwide currently has two hotels open and welcoming travelers in Argentina: Hilton Buenos Aires and Hilton Garden Inn Tucuman. The company is actively pursuing additional growth opportunities in the country and currently has a development pipeline that includes five projects in Argentina.

Starwood Hotels Introduces Tribute Portfolio – Starwood’s 10th Brand Sets Sights on World’s Most Distinct Independent Hotels

Launches with Five Diverse Hotels, including Famed Royal Palm South Beach Miami

Stamford, Connecticut – 17 April 2015 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide introduced Tribute Portfolio, the company’s 10th brand and second collection of independent hotels. Promising owners, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) members and guests the ability to “Stay Independent,” the Tribute Portfolio brand will be comprised of outstanding independent hotels and resorts. With a firm focus on four star, upper upscale hotels, Tribute Portfolio will complement Starwood’s The Luxury Collection brand and further solidify Starwood as the world’s most global high-end hotel company. The brand will make its debut today with its first featured hotel, the iconic Royal Palm South Beach Miami and will soon open new hotels in Asheville, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts – Tribute Portfolio – Savannah – Lobby Rotunda – Rendering

“With Starwood’s history of brand innovation, design leadership and our leading global high-end footprint, we believe Tribute Portfolio will be an exciting solution for hotel owners of distinct properties who wish to maintain their independent spirit, yet benefit from Starwood’s powerful distribution, loyalty and sales platforms,” said Adam Aron, Starwood’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our mission with Tribute Portfolio is very simple: bring great hotels in great destinations to our loyal SPG members, who make up more than half of all Starwood stays.”

Aron continued, “We recognize that independent hotels also attract guests who are not already affiliated with SPG. Tribute Portfolio will provide a clear opportunity for us to grow our SPG member base and deliver more loyal guests across all of our Starwood hotels worldwide.”

With a long runway to grow, Starwood expects 100 Tribute Portfolio hotels by 2020

Aron said Starwood’s goal is to have 100 Tribute Portfolio hotels and resorts over the next five years. Initial focus on growth of this new brand will be in North America and Europe, and travelers can expect to see Tribute Portfolio properties in global markets within the first year.

“Nearly 50% of upper upscale hotels in the U.S. are independent, and likewise, 60% of four star hotels globally are not affiliated with a brand flag. This provides Starwood with a vast landscape to grow Tribute Portfolio,” said Dave Marr, Senior Vice President of Brand Management, North America and Global Brand Leader for Tribute Portfolio. “In speaking with many owners, it is clear that they welcome the opportunity to partner with Starwood to enhance the performance of their independent hotels. They are attracted to the benefits that will come from the power of SPG and our high-end Starwood sales customers coupled with the flexibility of minimal brand specific standards.”

Starwood’s The Luxury Collection, the hotel industry’s original “collection brand,” featuring some of the world’s most iconic independent luxury hotels, is in the midst of its most prolific growth spurt in its 21-year history. In the last decade, The Luxury Collection brand has tripled its footprint, growing more than 60% in the last five years alone. Marr continued, “Starwood has meticulously handpicked the luxury hotels featured in The Luxury Collection, and we will just as carefully select independent, upper upscale properties for Tribute Portfolio, ensuring a consistent high-end experience that meets guest and SPG member expectations around the world.”

Tribute Portfolio Answers SPG Members’ Demand for More Hotels in More Destinations, Plus Offers 10,000 Point Bonus
Tribute Portfolio properties will be located in high-demand destinations and markets where SPG members travel but today Starwood has little or no footprint.

“Our SPG members constantly tell us they want more choices in more destinations, and we see Tribute Portfolio as a nod to our members who have been front and center as we developed this brand,” said Mark Vondrasek, Starwood’s Senior Vice President, Distribution, Loyalty and Partnership Marketing. “They have told us they would like to stay with us whenever and wherever they can, and now we can reward them as they ‘Stay Independent.’”

According to a recent survey of SPG members conducted by Communispace in the SPG Advisory Community, 89% said they are interested in staying in independent hotels, particularly for leisure travel and special occasion trips to unique destinations. Additionally, nearly 70% of members said they have already stayed at an un-branded hotel property, representing a strong opportunity for the company. SPG members identified a diverse North American hotel wish-list that includes more Florida and Caribbean resorts as well as locations in California wine country, Las Vegas, and boutique markets like Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina. The list of “most wanted” global destinations features Alpine ski markets, African safari retreats, Southeast Asia resorts and Northern Europe, especially the Nordic countries. Demand is also on the rise for more hotels in South America, led by Rio, São Paulo and Buenos Aires as well as across Asia in primary markets such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Vondrasek continued, “SPG is the world’s richest hotel loyalty program. Our concentration of high-end hotel brands plus partnerships with companies like Delta, Uber, American Express, and Emirates Airline continue to raise the stakes in loyalty and make it very compelling for mega travelers to choose to stay with Starwood. With Tribute Portfolio, we are thrilled to offer members access to some of the world’s most exciting independent hotels.”

As with Starwood’s other nine brands, SPG members will be able to earn and redeem Starpoints® at Tribute Portfolio hotels and enjoy in-hotel elite tier benefits, such as upgrades, welcome amenities, late check-out and more. In celebration of Starwood’s 10th brand, SPG is offering members up to 10,000 bonus points for stays at Tribute Portfolio hotels through July 15, 2015. For more information and to register, visit http://www.spg.com/tributeportfolio.

From Miami to Nashville, Tribute Portfolio on Track to Reach 10 Hotels in First Year
The Tribute Portfolio brand’s debut property, the iconic Royal Palm South Beach Miami, boasts direct beach access to world famous South Beach and is ideally located on Collins Avenue, steps from Ocean Drive and the area’s luxury retail shopping and entertainment district. Owned by Chesapeake Lodging Trust and managed by HEI Hotels & Resorts, the Royal Palm South Beach, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, has been recently restored by Lauren Rottet of Rottet Studio as a modern homage to the hotel’s rich history. Dating back to 1939, the Royal Palm features 393 guestrooms, including more than 100 suites, two swimming pools surrounded by contemporary cabanas, a fully equipped gym, and more than 10,000 square feet of modern meeting and event space. Signature dining options include Florida Cookery Patio, an outdoor dining experience with approachable, local fare; South Shore bar and lounge, featuring a small plates menu and extensive cocktail list; and The Coffee Bar, providing all day coffee, juices, teas and pastries set in the hotel’s original green glass reception desk. A new destination restaurant, Byblos, will open this summer and feature Eastern Mediterranean fare by Executive Chef Stuart Cameron. Designed by Canadian design firm Munge Leung, this will be the first US outpost of the Toronto favorite.

Tribute Portfolio also launches with four soon-to-open hotel properties. In Asheville, North Carolina, the well-known BB&T Bank building, which draws inspiration from renowned modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, will open in 2017 as the Vandre Nouveau Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. The property is a partnership between McKibbon Hotel Group and Tower Associates and will include 150 guest rooms and suites, a destination restaurant and lobby bar, and more than 4,000 square feet of modern meeting and event space.

Starwood is also working with Rockbridge to open three Tribute Portfolio hotels. Debuting in 2016, the historically significant Noel Place Hotel in the Printers Alley area of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, will undergo a comprehensive renovation and feature 166 guestrooms and suites, a destination restaurant, rooftop bar and speakeasy. Also slated to open in 2016, a new build hotel in Savannah, Georgia, will be perfectly situated on River Street in the city’s Historic District and include 173 guestrooms and suites, an 11,000 square foot indoor/outdoor rooftop bar, outdoor swimming pool, and destination restaurant. In 2017, Tribute Portfolio will debut in the Historic District of Charleston, South Carolina, with a 100 guestroom hotel featuring a rooftop pool and bar, signature restaurant, and 11,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space.

Hotels are Hero in New Marketing Campaign Launching Tribute Portfolio
In connection with today’s Tribute Portfolio announcement, Starwood will run full-page advertisements that prominently feature the brand’s tagline of “Stay Independent” in the Wall Street Journal and USA Today, showcasing the first hotel to join the brand. Simultaneously, the company will launch an extensive global campaign to promote Tribute Portfolio in digital, social and traditional media channels, including advertising in both consumer and B2B print and digital outlets and event activations in key global markets. Starwood has also partnered with Instagram, the most engaged channel for SPG members, as one of the first brands to utilize the photo sharing platform’s new ad carousel format. As new hotels and resorts join the Tribute Portfolio brand, the campaign will continue to expand to further fuel excitement around the brand.

Tribute Portfolio will also launch with a digital initiative that will zero in on extraordinary independent moments found at hotels throughout the brand. Dubbed #OurLikes, the campaign will celebrate the captivating features and experiences that travelers love about staying independent. Going beyond the typical hotel brochure, these socially sourced vignettes from guests will unveil the secret spots, must-sees and can’t miss experiences of Tribute Portfolio hotels, such as the dimly-lit Edison bulbs that lead the way to an underground whiskey bar, the off-the-menu cocktail with ingredients the bartender will never disclose, or the undiscovered corner of the rooftop lounge that offers an uninterrupted view of the sunset.

“What makes Tribute Portfolio stand out is its simple focus on great independent hotels in exciting places that we know will absolutely delight our SPG members and guests,” concluded Marr.

Four Points Launches in Las Vegas, Just Minutes from “The Strip”

Las Vegas – 15 April 2015 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide today announced the opening of its first Four Points hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Located just minutes from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) and the legendary “Las Vegas Strip,” Four Points by Sheraton Las Vegas East offers approachable design and stylish comfort for the smart, independent traveler.

Four Points by Sheraton Las Vegas East Flamingo Guest Room

Owned and managed by JP Sethi Enterprises, Inc., the five-story hotel offers 129 spacious guest rooms, 1,625 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, full-service dining, an outdoor pool and fitness center. Guests will enjoy all of the brand’s popular amenities including fast and free WiFi, complimentary bottled water, and a wide selection of craft and imported beer as part of the signature Best Brews program.

“We are delighted to introduce our fast-growing Four Points brand to the lively city of Las Vegas,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “Four Points Las Vegas East Flamingo will resonate with global travelers seeking an honest value, great rates and genuine service while staying in ‘the Entertainment Capital of the World.’”

Four Points is experiencing incredible growth momentum. With 50 new hotel deals signed in 2014, the most in Starwood’s company history, the brand will surpass 200 hotels in 2015, with more than 25 planned hotel openings this year. The Four Points brand boasts Starwood’s second largest and fastest growing development pipeline, fueled by its widespread, global appeal to guests and flexible development options.