(SAN FRANCISCO, CA; January 27, 2016) – Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:HST) proudly announces the eagerly-awaited opening of the new Axiom Hotel™ (28 Cyril Magnin St.) in San Francisco. Opening at the famed Cable Car turnaround at the nexus of historic Union Square and innovative Mid-Market, the boutique hotel offers 152 rooms and tech-forward amenities. Axiom Hotel™ is managed by Kokua Hospitality with design from New York City-based Stonehill & Taylor.

“We are thrilled to open our doors to the streets of San Francisco,” says General Manager Garry Cox. “Our team has worked tirelessly to transform this historic building into a cutting-edge property that’s literally at the axiom of history and the digital revolution.”

A LEED-certified project, Axiom™ welcomes those who desire a digital lifestyle delivered through seamless technology and thoughtful service. In addition to iPad-assisted check-in, complimentary fiber optic Wi-Fi, and easy access plug-ins to mobile devices, Axiom™ unveils high-tech elements that put the hotel at the forefront of the hospitality-meets-technology revolution. Each room presents a distinctive configuration based on size and floorplan, as the hotel is located in a historical building, with four room choices named after tech bytes including Nano & Mono Queen, Meta Queen, Mono King, and E-King. As a pet-friendly property, Axiom™ also welcomes pets of any size and breed at no additional cost.

Guest Amenities
Catering to both business and leisure travelers, state-of-the-art amenities include 48-inch Samsung Smart TVs; smartphone docking stations; Kube Bluetooth clock radios; complimentary Internet access via lightning-fast fiber optic cabling; and an optimal green technology that requires less energy to operate while delivering speeds five to 10 times faster than an average hotel’s Wi-Fi. The televisions are equipped with Apple TV for seamless Internet access and streaming for iOS devices, hotel and area informational guides, a mobile app for guest information, and room service ordering. In addition, guest rooms provide convenient USB outlets at the tabletop level for easy access without a limitation on the number of devices that can be connected to Wi-Fi. Axiom™’s guest rooms also include mini refrigerators, tiled showers with glass doors, signature Axiom™ robes, convenient task desks that can be moved to any location, and high-end LATHER guest room amenities. The basement level offers CORE fitness center, open 24 hours a day and complete with Life Fitness equipment and cardio machines with integrated HD monitors.

Green Initiatives
As a LEED-certified boutique hotel, Axiom™ has sustainability efforts that coincide with the green city of San Francisco. Convenient filtered ice and water stations on every guest floor are not only eco-friendly, but also allow guests unlimited and complimentary fresh water in lieu of purchasing bottled water. To limit paper waste, in-room dining can be ordered through the television, and every room features a recycling bin. The hotel’s guest rooms also feature a whisper quiet, high efficiency HVAC system with integrated energy management; LED lighting throughout; a high efficiency instantaneous hot water system; and dual-flush toilets.

The Turn Cafe
The Turn Cafe is a cafe bar designed for those on the go where people meet, interact, and recharge. Guests and locals are offered a variety of dishes prepared with fresh, local, and organic ingredients throughout breakfast, lunch, and dinner for both sit down and takeaway. Menu items include organic juices, local micro-roast coffee, artisan sandwiches, and the signature Axiom™ Burger made with 100% grass-fed Niman Ranch beef. For those unwinding in the evening from their digital lifestyles, guests can enjoy shared plates alongside a full bar with hand-crafted specialty cocktails and a variety of local wines.

Lobby

Design
Inspired by San Francisco’s iconic cable car system and catering to the modern digital lifestyle, Axiom Hotel™ draws architectural and technological inspiration from the Bay Area and from the inventor of the steel ropes that pull the iconic cable cars, Andrew Hallidie. Stonehill & Taylor have created distinctive lighting, technological advancements, and innovative artwork throughout the property to bring Axiom’s™ vision of contemporary and edgy design to life. Guests enter the hotel through a hidden tunnel of light in the hallway and are greeted with a one-of-a-kind chandelier. Supporting Axiom’s™ visualization as a high-tech and design-forward property, the hotel features custom murals from local street artists, 1AM. Inspired by the visual representation of the word “Axiom” and the angular typeface, the hotel’s murals, located in the property’s light wells, mimic the word’s lines and angles by using a grid of triangles to form a geometric composition. The palette of colors contrasts against the gray of the building’s exterior and aims to create a surprise for guests as they peer out of guestroom windows. Glitch art, or works that depict intentional digitized glitches over historic-style photography, can be found throughout the public spaces.

The mezzanine level—named the Cloud, a nod to the hotel’s digital influence—features classic arcade games that further fuse vintage entertainment with present-day gadgets. Offering a destination with exciting design and a variety of social settings, the Cloud will feature an iPad station for easy food and beverage ordering, seating areas including a communal table with easily accessible outlets for device charging,  and a unique “selfie station” with a live social media feed.

The first level and lobby area—dubbed the Hallidie Library as homage to Hallidie Square, located next to the hotel—features a harmonious mix of old and new with vintage photographs and a collection of books interspersed among decidedly modern furnishings and other pieces. In addition, the Golden Gate Bridge is abstractedly displayed in a new light—deconstructed to show the many elements that make up the city’s majestic centerpiece.

Meetings and Events
Axiom Hotel™ offers a modern meeting and event space ideal for small corporate gatherings and conferences. With nearly 1,000 total square feet, the space includes convenient technology amenities such as a power outlet at every seat, as well as distinctive lounges and hot-spot areas for inspiring collaboration outside of the meeting room. Dubbed the Hub, the flexible room can be divided in two and accommodates 12-18 people in each side or 36 for the full space. As with the rest of the hotel, the Hub offers fiber optic cabling throughout for seamless wireless connectivity, and wall-mounted flat-panel 70” television displays feature HDMI and VGA capabilities built-in. The wireless presentation connectivity accommodates both PC and Mac computers, and touchscreen control panels allow presenters to easily change display modes. The space also features an integrated sound system for microphones and audio from laptops, and up to 32 attendees can connect to displays simultaneously for robust, dynamic audience participation. Suitable for networking events, the Cloud can also accommodate up to 25-30 people.

For reservations or more information, please visit www.axiomhotel.com or call 415.39AXIOM.

Winners will be recognized at the HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala Feb. 16, 2016, in New York City

Boca Raton, Fla. – Jan. 28^th, 2016 – The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) will honor Cendyn/ONE and Hotel del Coronado with the Gold Adrian Award for digital marketing excellence for its winning entries in the 59th annual Adrian Awards, the largest and most prestigious global travel marketing competition.

This year’s contest was one of the most competitive in history, garnering more than 1,300 entries from around the world, with entries judged by distinguished executives from all sectors of the industry. 

In 2015, Cendyn/ONE launched a series of data-driven digital advertising campaigns that positioned the majestic Hotel del Coronado as the ultimate romantic Southern California destination and "the world's choice for creating inDELible moments and connections.” Following a strategy shift in 2014, Hotel del Coronado moved away from discounts to promote value added packages. Cendyn/ONE worked with the hotel to design dynamic, engaging, digital display ads which focused on experience rather than price, which resulted in a 32% uplift in bookings and revenue and a 7% increase in average daily rates.

Cendyn/ONE leveraged eInsight®, their fully Integrated Cloud-based CRM + Data-driven Digital Marketing Platform, to profile Hotel del Coronado’s high yield guests, learn from past campaign performance, and generate actionable insights for audience segmentation and   geographic targeting to build a sophisticated look alike model. The integration of first party CRM data with programmatic advertising and real-time bidding (RTB) allowed the campaign to prospect, find and convert consumers that closely matched the profile of Hotel del Coronado’s best guests across their digital marketing channels. As a result, the campaign reached an affluent, in-market audience that booked at a higher rate. 

“We are very proud to be part of Cendyn/ONE’s success. The Hotel del Coronado campaigns epitomize what digital advertising can do for hoteliers. It not only captured the essence of the resort, but also reached our ideal audience, leading to increased digital bookings and guest engagement,” said Sara Harper, Hotel del Coronado’s director of marketing.

“We are truly happy to share our success with Hotel del Coronado, said Charles Deyo, CEO & Founder of Cendyn. They have fully embraced our Data Intelligence platform and they always come to us with a clear strategic vision. Hotel Del challenges us every year with new ideas and inspires us to push the boundaries of digital marketing even further.”

Cendyn/ONE will receive the Gold award during the annual HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala, a black-tie affair attended by more than 1,000 hospitality, travel and tourism marketing executives at the New York Marriott Marquis on Feb. 16.

In addition to commending Cendyn/ONE’s award-winning work, the Gala and dinner reception honors lifetime achievements in travel/hospitality marketing, as well as The HSMAI Top 25: Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization. All winning entries will be accessible in the Adrian Awards Winners Gallery online following the gala at www.adrianawards.com.    

By Fig Cakar, Managing Director – the Americas, SiteMinder

The beginning of a calendar year is always a great time for reflection and assessing your hotel's success and achievements. It's the ideal time to set goals and plan your hotel's business and promotional activity for the next 12 months.

It's also a good time to look at any industry trends that might affect the way your guests plan to travel over the coming year.

Are travelers planning to dedicate more time to vacations? Which destinations are on must-visit lists? And, what technology trends are impacting the way they behave from initial search through to actual experience?

SiteMinder recently partnered with the California Hotel and Lodging Association to answer some of these questions with hoteliers joining a webinar to learn more about the top travel trends they should be planning for in 2016.

Here are the five key US trends we identified:

1.  The rise of unlimited, paid vacations for Americans

Americans are notorious for having a limited vacation allowance compared to their European counterparts – with no guaranteed right to time off in the States versus four or five weeks of annual leave in Europe. It’s estimated that 40% of Americans do not use all of their vacation time, and 13% say they take no paid vacations at all. As a result, 54% of Americans feel “vacation-deprived”.

But the tide is changing with innovators such as Netflix, Evernote, and Virgin Group leading the way by offering staff unmonitored and/or unlimited vacations. And it’s a trend that’s on the rise. More vacations would be a win-win for the hotel and travel industry and employers, with benefits for both being seen, coupled with an improved work/life balance for employees.

2.  The rise of all things mobile and small screen

Mobile was big in 2015, and it’s going to be even bigger in 2016. Small screen devices offer convenient access to prospective guests that hotels haven’t had before. Connected guests are sharing more of their trips with family and friends – creating influencers and brand ambassadors for your property.

According to new research from industry analysts Phocuswright, co-sponsored by SiteMinder, mobile bookings for lodging in the US are expected to grow to 29% of all 2016 direct bookings.

The exclusive study also found that a mobile website is the most implemented technology among independent lodging providers in the US – proving that savvy hoteliers are already making mobile a priority for their future bookings.

A seamless booking experience is going to be key in 2016 – from pre- to post-stay as on-the-go guests continue to expect a comprehensive mobile experience.

3.  The rise of sharing hotel facilities with Airbnb guests

There are signs in the US of hotels acting like startups by making facilities such as the spa or golf course open to non-guests in order to compete with the likes of Airbnb. One great example of this trend is Marriott Hotels which is turning its properties into a place to work, rather than just sleep.

The Marriott ‘Workspace on Demand’ program offers short-term working environments that can be booked by the hour or the day. The hotel group is attracting younger people by responding to the shift in the approach to flexible working attitudes – and generates an alternative revenue stream for those hotels challenged by the phenomenal uptake and success of the sharing economy.

4.  The rise of more accessible, global travel

Easing political tensions in 2015 will spillover into 2016 resulting in more Americans on the move. Travelers in the US will be eager to visit destinations that were previously restricted due to international politics. Travel in particular to Cuba will double in 2016 as restrictions are lifted and educational tourism takes off in this area.

Key destinations within the American domestic travel market (as ranked by travel bloggers) that can expect to gain in 2016 include:

Another shift in the rise of more accessible travel is the blurring of lines between business and leisure travel. The increasing importance of work-life balance will lead business travelers to factor in leisure activities during their travels. They are always connected thanks to WiFi, and they aren’t stuck in a nondescript hotel business center. While on the road, travelers are getting work done in a café, at a restaurant, in a park – anywhere with reliable access.

Hotels should expect to experience a rise in the number of business travelers extending their stays into the weekend – and even bringing the family along as ‘Bleisure Travel’ takes off.

5.  The (continued) rise of online room distribution

Online room distribution will continue to play a vital role in helping hoteliers boost and secure revenue from global guests. The Phocuswright research into the independent lodging market, co-sponsored by SiteMinder, reveals that online hotel bookings in the US will rise to 44% by 2017, from 42% today. Despite efforts by properties to drive reservations directly, OTAs will continue to grow market share in the short term and represent more than 52% of online gross bookings by 2017.

And while many independent lodging operators in the US acknowledge the importance of effective online distribution, some say they lacked the ability, systems, budget and time to exploit these opportunities effectively throughout 2015.

Despite OTA volume, nearly three quarters (72%) of independent properties in the US believe their direct website to be their most important distribution channel, and two thirds (67%) expect to increase direct online distribution over the next two years.

How is your hotel planning for these trends this year?

Targetvue Budgeting and Execuvue BI Implementation Expands to Hundreds of New Properties

Pittsburgh, PA – January 28, 2016 – Aptech Computer Systems announced that it added new office space and increased staff to support the growing number of hotel companies that implemented its Targetvue Budgeting and Forecasting, Execuvue® Business Intelligence, and Profitvue® and PVNG Enterprise Accounting systems. Aptech is the leading provider of hospitality software for business intelligence, budgeting, and enterprise financial accounting. Click here for more on Aptech’s products and services. 

“The economic recovery has been beneficial for all segments of the hospitality industry,” said Cam Troutman, Aptech vice president. Troutman noted Aptech’s solution licenses grew by 42% while it increased its staff 30% and added new office space. “A large number of hotel companies expanded their portfolios. This expansion often requires new enterprise accounting, BI and budgeting systems to manage growth. Many of the most successful operators implemented Aptech’s Targetvue, Execuvue and Profitvue systems to maintain the profitability of their larger operations.”   

Privately-held Aptech Computer Systems was founded in 1970 to provide technology solutions to automate operations and financial processes for hotel companies. Today, Aptech is an IBM Business Partner and Prophix Independent Software Vendor that develops and supports web-enabled business intelligence, budgeting, and back office systems that are 100% hospitality specific. The company’s systems are used by more than 3,500 properties operated by hundreds of hospitality companies.

Aptech’s Execuvue® business intelligence system enables large or small hotel companies to dynamically analyze their data with drag and click simplicity.  Profitvue® and PVNG are widely used thin-client, web-enabled hospitality back office solutions for single or multi-property accounting. Targetvue is a hospitality-driven budgeting and forecasting solution. Aptech’s solutions enable hotel companies to be proactive operationally and financially.

Next-generation IP data and voice network gateway safeguards hotel and guest data with unrivaled security protocols that prevent online security breaches. 

Palm Harbor, Florida — January 28, 2016 — Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of Internet services and solutions for the hospitality industry, continues to strengthen the ability of hotel properties and companies to protect sensitive online data, thanks to its secure and reliable FUSION Gateway solution. FUSION is a proprietary and proven IP and voice network gateway that continuously evolves its encryption and other security protocols, in order to fend off the latest threats to online security.

As news of online security vulnerabilities and data theft continues to resurface time and again throughout the hospitality industry, FUSION serves as a vital line of defense against the increasing scale of network attacks. Engineered by programmers with decades of experience in the security industry, FUSION is unique in its capabilities to shield customers during the most sensitive of data transactions, such as when guests provide personal credit or banking data to hotels. For instance, FUSION receives continuous software updates to ensure that every aspect of the system is as up-to-date on the latest known vulnerabilities as possible. This is accomplished by the platform’s ability to analyze which weaknesses have been exploited by hackers in the past, and revising its programming accordingly. FUSION also goes a step further by anticipating potential factors and vulnerabilities that may lead to a future online attack, and taking steps to prevent them.

“The FUSION Gateway really raises the bar on what hotels should demand and expect from their IP and voice network providers, when it comes to effective security,” said Trevor Dowswell, Chief Technology Officer at Hotel Internet Services. “Not only is the solution PCI compliant, it is an application layer, transport layer and IP layer firewall, allowing finite control of every packet and its destination. Combined with exact, and security conscious, installation standards, the FUSION Gateway was designed to ensure that each network segment is strictly segregated and off-limits to all other traffic. For example, hotels that use our solution are confident that administrative data is kept completely separate from guest data traffic, and therefore the risk of sensitive information being unintentionally shared or falling into the wrong hands is eliminated.”

As a result of not relying on open-source SSL, FUSION customers were fortunately immune to any negative fallout from 2014’s catastrophic “Heartbleed” security bug that resulted in consumer data being breached at companies around the world. FUSION is also specifically formulated to withstand commonly used hacking tactics, such as a “brute force dictionary attack.” This is a scenario where hackers use software to input a multitude of different word combinations to penetrate the security of a system. Under such an attack, FUSION can resist an onslaught of 100,000 word attempts an hour for an entire year. It is also invulnerable to “denial of service” attacks, where hackers initiate so many requests for service that a system cannot recognize legitimate requests, and subsequently fails.  

“For an added layer of security, FUSION can also create a private network for each hotel guest, if desired,” said Rafael van deb Berg, Operations Director at Hotel Internet Services. “This feature allows guests to log in, enter passwords and use personal devices with complete peace-of-mind.”

Also serving to enhance convenience, FUSION’s “at home experience” feature provides guests with a virtual network that allows them to securely access their devices from anywhere throughout a property. Guests visiting the pool area for instance, are able to print documents remotely by sending a request to their printer located in their guestroom and connected to their personal network. A guest that inadvertently left a device behind in their guestroom may also be able to retrieve vital documents by initiating a secure file transfer. The service can also shield properties from unauthorized guest activities, such as illegal downloads. Instead of running the risk of having online access turned off by an Internet Service Provider, hoteliers can automatically prevent illegal activity in a manner that is both highly effective and considerate of guest privacy.   

For more information about the full range of technology solutions available from Hotel Internet Services, please contact Lawrence George Jaffe at 866-265-7575 Ext. 720 or email marketing@hotelwifi.com. 

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2016 -- U.S. News & World Report, a nationally recognized publisher of consumer advice and information, today announced the 2016 Best Hotels. The rankings are based on thousands of independent reviews from individuals and travel industry experts worldwide and evaluate over 2,500 hotels across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

"A great hotel can make your vacation, but travelers don't have to waste time searching for the perfect accommodations," said Erin Shields, travel editor for U.S. News. "The hotels on our list are adored by both travelers and expert reviewers for their high-quality amenities, comfortable rooms and exceptional services."

The Lodge at Sea Island in Sea Island, Georgia, is named the No. 1 Best Hotel in the USA, followed by The Jefferson, Washington, DC, and ARIA Sky Suites in Las Vegas, a new addition to the top 10 Best Hotels in the USA. Other new additions to the top 10 list are Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu in Hawaii; The Peninsula Beverly Hills; Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas; Waldorf Astoria Chicago; and Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley, California.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is the No. 1 Best Hotel in the Caribbean. Rosewood Mayakoba takes the top spot in the Best Hotels in Mexico rankings. For the third year in a row, the Ritz-Carlton, Montreal is the No. 1 Best Hotel in Canada.

The 2016 Best Hotels includes destination-specific rankings for hundreds of popular cities and vacation spots, from Las Vegas and Maui to Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico. New York City has the most highly ranked hotels among U.S. cities, followed by Las Vegas and Chicago. New content and detailed hotel profiles allow travelers to search for hotels in the U.S. based on specific preferences, such as a pool, a fitness center or pet-friendly accommodations. A Best Hotels by Brand list is also available for travelers seeking brand-backed hotels.

The Best Hotels methodology combines a hotel's industry accolades with expert and guest reviews and hotel class ratings. U.S. News scored luxury hotels, identifying the top 10 percent in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean with Gold badges and the top 30 percent within specific markets with Silver badges.

IRVING, Texas--(January 29, 2016)--FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated (NYSE: FCH) today announced that it is in negotiations to sell its Morgans and Royalton hotels in New York. Proceeds from these opportunistic asset sales will be used to fund initiatives intended to create significant stockholder value.

FelCor and Morgans Hotel Group, which operates the hotels, have agreed that FelCor may sell the hotels unencumbered by management. Morgans will continue to manage the properties for FelCor until they are sold. 

Newton, MA (January 29, 2016) – Sonesta has announced the completion of the renovation to the iconic Royal Sonesta New Orleans. Long a favored hotel in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, Royal Sonesta New Orleans is a hub of authentic jazz, vibrant night life and refined southern design all under one roof. And now, the guest experience is even more refined with 483 newly reimagined rooms, including 36 suites, welcoming guests with charm and luxury on the famed Bourbon Street.

In addition to guest rooms, other public spaces also underwent renovation. Upon entrance to the hotel, guests will find that while it maintains the same grandeur as before, it is now adorned throughout with elegant furnishings, warm colors and delightful artwork. A new fitness center is well equipped with free weights and state of the art equipment. Guests looking for an added level of luxury will find just that in the hotel’s R Club Level, which has been expanded from 29 to 58 rooms and features a new R Club lounge, for the guest that is looking for an elevated level of personalized service and amenities. 

In 2015, Sonesta announced details of an over $250 million investment made in upgrades and redesigns to the U.S. collection – across the extended stay and full service brands – which aim to deliver a reimagined guest experience that is centered on a commitment to provide more than just a place to stay. The completion of the reimagined Royal Sonesta New Orleans, one of the brand’s flagship hotels, expands on this Sonesta dedication to providing a diverse and distinctive portfolio; just as individual as its guests.

“We’re thrilled to unveil our reimagined Royal Sonesta New Orleans,” said Carlos Flores, President and CEO, Sonesta International Hotels Corporation. “This is an iconic Sonesta property with its prime location in the French Quarter, and we know our guests will enjoy an even higher level of comfort and service as a result of these upgrades which truly bring the spirit of New Orleans to the forefront of the experience.”

These hotel renovations are the culmination of enhancements that began with the re-imagining of Desire Oyster Bar, the hotel’s casual restaurant on world-famous Bourbon Street. The interior redesign tastefully blends the property’s original, iconic aesthetics with modern elements, including decorative iron grillwork, oversized windows, an antique mirror, tin ceiling and black and white checkered floors.

The Royal Sonesta New Orleans features other exciting local venues all under its roof which also complement these new additions, including: Restaurant R’evolution, the award-winning innovative eatery of modern-style Cajun and Creole cuisine under the guidance of Chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto; Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, where the city’s and the nation’s legendary musicians jam daily; and  Le Booze, “the” whiskey destination on Bourbon Street.

There is no typical Sonesta. Each full service property is generously appointed with locally inspired design, food and beverage. At Royal Sonesta New Orleans, traditional gabled windows, rich colors and linens accented with fresh flowers, wrought-iron balconies, and a lush courtyard combine to create more than just a place to stay in New Orleans. Indeed, any guest of this landmark hotel will tell you that staying here is truly an experience unlike any other.

The winter months are the ideal time to experience New Orleans’s hot jazz and warm climate. To learn more, or to plan an upcoming trip to stay at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, visit sonesta.com/royalneworleans. 

29 January 2016 - The InterCityHotel Braunschweig is celebrating its topping-out ceremony today. Located within the direct vicinity of the main railway station and the BraWoPark, a shopping and business centre which opened in November last year, the hotel will offer 174 rooms, a conference area, a bistro and a bar. Interior architecture is by the star Italian designer Matteo Thun, a multi-award winning artist who studied under Oskar Kokoschka before going on to hold a professorship at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna.

Thun’s work motto “eco – non ego!” (ecology, not ego) is a perfect match for Steigenberger’s Corporate Responsibility philosophy, and the company is set to embark upon a long-term cooperation agreement with him.

The Hamburg-based B&L Group, with which the InterCityHotel GmbH has successfully and closely collaborated on several hotels in the past, is in charge of the overall implementation of the project.

The architectural firms of Reichel+Stauth from Braunschweig and php prasch buken und partner from Hamburg are responsible for the design of the hotel.

The general contractor is W. Markgraf GmbH & Co KG of Bayreuth.

In his introductory address, InterCityHotel GmbH Managing Director Joachim Marusczyk emphasised: “The InterCityHotel Braunschweig means that we will establish a presence in a region which has the greatest concentration of scientific researchers in the whole of Europe. This is a perfect match for the highly successful product we offer. We are the only European hotel group to provide free use of local public transport via a “FreeCityTicket” included in the room price. It goes without saying that this scheme will be rolled out to what will be our 39th hotel. There is nowhere where this makes more sense than in a city which is considered to be the safest in all of Germany.”

The InterCityHotel will join the Steigenberger Parkhotel to become the company’s second representative in Braunschweig. Opening is scheduled for the autumn of 2016.

Villas of Grand Cypress and Hotel Contessa

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, January 29, 2016 … Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has announced that the Villas of Grand Cypress, a Personal Luxury Resort, and Hotel Contessa, a Benchmark Hotel, have received recognition on the prestigious U.S. News & World Report “2016 Best Hotels in the United States” list.

The Villas of Grand Cypress, located in Orlando, Florida, received the Gold Badge Award as a “Best Hotel within the USA”.  Hotel Contessa, situated on the famed Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, received the Silver Badge Award as a “Best Hotel Within Its Market”.

“It is an honor to have two of our properties recognized in this way by U.S. News & World Report,” said Greg Champion, President & COO of Benchmark Hospitality International.  “Not only is this an endorsement, it is a reflection of our customers’ experience as guests at these remarkable properties.  We are so grateful and very proud of our hospitality teams that strive every day to Be The Difference in each of our guest’s travel experience.”

U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotels methodology combines hotel industry accolades with expert and guest reviews and hotel class ratings. U.S. News scored luxury hotels, identifying the top 10 percent in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean with Gold badges and the top 30 percent within specific markets with Silver badges. The rankings feature over 2,500 hotels across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

“Travelers don’t have to waste time searching for a great hotel,” said Erin Shields, travel editor for U.S. News. “The 2016 Best Hotels are adored by industry experts and travelers alike for their great amenities, comfortable rooms and exemplary service.”

For more information about the U.S. News & World Report 2016 Best Hotels, visit http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (January 29, 2016) — Executives from Omni Hotels & Resorts along with Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, the Metro Council, leaders from the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Louisville Downtown Partnership broke ground today on the Omni Louisville Hotel. The 30-story luxurious property will reflect Louisville’s warmth and hospitality, while embracing and celebrating the city’s authentic quality and charm. The hotel will be the luxury brand’s first property in Kentucky.

Set to open in early 2018, the Omni Louisville will be a catalyst to the city’s growth and urban development. Considered the tallest hotel in Louisville and located at Liberty and 2nd Street, one block from the Kentucky International Convention Center, the hotel will be the cornerstone in the city’s most exclusive entertainment, retail and office district, “Fourth Street Live!” The hotel will feature 612 finely appointed guestrooms and suites topped by 225 luxury apartments. Other hotel highlights include:

Food & Beverage: The culinary experiences at Omni Louisville will include an all-day dining venue, lobby lounge, rooftop pool bar and grill, as well as an iconic Bob’s Steak & Chop House as the hotel’s fine-dining establishment serving traditional, American prime cut steaks.

Meetings & Events: The hotel will offer approximately 70,000 square-feet of flexible meeting and event space. Meeting and convention attendees will have access to an additional 300,000 square-feet of meeting and exhibit space at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

Lifestyle: Guests will have access to an urban rooftop pool deck, fitness center, a Mokara signature spa, lobby art gallery and a Speakeasy with a bowling alley.

Grocer: A dynamic, modern urban lifestyle market will connect to the hotel’s lobby. Transforming Liberty Street into a pedestrian thoroughfare, the market will serve as a community gateway for hotel guests, residents and locals alike.

“Louisville is a premier destination and we are incredibly excited to be a part of the city’s continued evolution - we look forward to building upon the great successes that Louisville has already achieved,” said Mike Deitemeyer, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “Louisville embodies everything we look for when selecting a new Omni location – it is a global city, home to a vibrant and growing business community, diverse neighborhoods, a healthy infrastructure and a dynamic city center. Working together with Mayor Greg Fischer, the Metro Council and a host of other Louisville leaders, we are eager to establish the Omni Louisville Hotel as an economic development catalyst for the city and help make Louisville an unforgettable destination for years to come.”

The $289 million public/private project is estimated to create 765 construction jobs — with 20 percent minority and five percent woman-owned business participation — and 320 permanent jobs. Omni is paying 52 percent of the development costs ($150 million) and the city and state providing 48 percent ($139 million), which includes a rebate of taxes generated by the project, $17 million for a parking garage to be constructed and owned by the Parking Authority of River City (PARC) and $17 million, the value of the land.

“Today was much more than just breaking ground on the Omni Louisville Hotel,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “Today’s groundbreaking is symbolic of the future transformation of our city and the prosperity yet to come. This hotel will not only help bolster our reputation as a leading meetings and leisure destination, but will serve as a cornerstone where our downtown community can connect. We look forward to a very prosperous relationship with Omni.”

The Omni Louisville Hotel will become a part of Omni’s robust, and growing, Convention Collection, which features signature properties in Atlanta, Dallas, Fort Worth, Nashville, Providence, San Diego and Washington D.C.

For additional information or to book a group meeting or convention, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni. Planners may also contact Michele Ramsey, Director, Global Sales, directly at mramsey@omnihotels.com or (404) 818-4410. 

NEW ORLEANS – January 29, 2016 – HRI Lodging LLC recently announced that Chef Malia Hamilton has been promoted as Executive Chef of the Hyatt French Quarter property. Chef Hamilton has served as the hotel’s Sous Chef since 2013. Notably, she has been responsible for the preparation, presentation, quality, and execution of food production for all banquet events. Prior to joining the Hyatt French Quarter, Chef Hamilton served as the Sous Chef for the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. Chef Hamilton’s responsibilities will now include the oversight of all culinary operations, including Powdered Sugar, Batch Bar and banquet catering.

“I am thrilled to be able to promote Chef Hamilton into this executive position. She excelled in her tenure as Sous Chef and certainly proved to us that she is capable of handling the increased responsibilities that come with being Executive Chef. It is exciting to anticipate the culinary offerings to come with Chef Hamilton at the helm,” said the hotel’s general manager, Travis Tague.

Food and beverage options at the Hyatt French Quarter include Powdered Sugar, the hotel’s charming dining solution for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Guests enjoy regional dishes as well as grab-and-go selections. Batch Bar is the hotel’s upscale lounge featuring high-quality spirits, creative infused liquors made in-house, and custom barrel and flask service. Artisan whiskey is the specialty, but the mixologists offer a full line of handcrafted cocktails and local spirits. Additionally, the hotel offers seasonal menus, inspired by local flavors and created with the freshest ingredients, which are perfect for any conference, banquet or celebratory event. The culinary team also provides extensive customized menus for any size wedding, suited to the betrothed couple’s unique taste and budget.

Renowned as one of the landmark luxury hotels of the French Quarter, the fully restored and completely renovated Hyatt French Quarter is located adjacent to famed Bourbon Street and within walking distance of New Orleans’ most popular attractions.

Barcelona, 29 January 2016. – Eurostars Hotels strengthens its presence in Portugal with the recent opening of the 4* Eurostars Heroismo, the third establishment of the brand in the city of Porto, where it already manages the 4* Eurostars Oporto and the 4* Eurostars Das Artes. With the opening of the Portuguese hotel, the chain enhances its portfolio in 2016 with three new hotels, following the two recent additions in Palermo(4* Eurostars Centrale Palace) and Zaragoza (4* Eurostars Boston)and reaches 82 establishments.

The 4* Eurostars Heroismo is a newly built establishment with 153 rooms, including 12 suites, themed with pictures of some of the most emblematic and iconic areas of the city. It is located a few minutes from Porto's historic and commercial centre. The hotel is also equipped with 7 divisible meeting rooms of up to 250 m2 to host all kinds of events and business meetings. The hotel's facilities also include a gym, a café, a naturally lit business centre and a garden area.

According to the President of the Grupo Hotusa, Amancio López Seijas “Portugal, and Oporto in particular, has been a prominent destination in our company's expansion plans for its appeal to leisure clients and culture vultures, as well as those visiting for business”. López states that “we currently have two projects underway in Portugal, fundamentally in Lisbon, and we are open to analysing other operations".

Out of these projects underway, of particular note is a five-star museum hotel with 89 rooms that will occupy the historic Palácio dos Condes de Coculim in Lisbon, which is in its final stages of restoration. It is located in Campo das Cebolas on the street Cais de Santarem, and will be part of the Eurostars Hotels chain. The company is also working on a 4-star hotel and 101 rooms in Cascais, which will be part of the Exe Hotels chain.

After this latest addition, the Grupo Hotusa currently manages 8 establishments in Portugal, 6 of them under Eurostars Hotels and the other two under the Exe Hotels logo: The 5* Eurostars Das Letras and the 4* Exe Lisboa Parque (Lisbon); 4* Eurostars Rio Douro Hotel And Spa (Castelo de Paiva), 4* Eurostars Oasis Plaza (Figueira da Foz), 4* Eurostars Das Artes, 4* Eurostars Oporto, 4* Eurostars Heroismo and 4* Exe Penafiel Park Hotel & Spa (Porto-Penafiel). 

ATLANTA – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the opening of the newly-renovated 148-room Holiday Inn Resort^® The Lodge at Big Bear Lake hotel in Big Bear Lake, Calif. This hotel is the first Holiday Inn Resort location in California.

Eric Lent, Vice President, Holiday Inn^® Brand, The Americas, IHG said:  “With locations around the world, the Holiday Inn brand plays an important role in the journeys of guests wherever they travel – from the boardroom to the mountains. As part of that iconic brand family, this Holiday Inn Resort location provides the warm hospitality our guests expect and helps them create lasting memories on unforgettable family vacations.”

Located in the scenic town of Big Bear Lake, the resort is within walking distance of The Village, the downtown district of the resort town, and Big Bear Lake. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor pool with Jacuzzi^® and sauna, arcade, complimentary Wi-Fi and full service restaurant, Stillwell’s, serving classic American dishes. They can also enjoy additional nearby local attractions, including Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, and can experience the resort town’s seasonal outdoor adventures such as skiing, snowboarding, fishing, golf and more. After exploring the nearby sites and activities, guests get to relax in the resort’s beautifully renovated rooms and suites, offering a tranquil mountain cabin atmosphere.

Ray Reyes, General Manager, said: "We are thrilled to welcome guests to our newly-renovated property. With our close proximity to so many local attractions, shopping and entertainment options, we anticipate our hotel will quickly become a favorite choice of leisure travelers visiting the area.”

The hotel, located at 40650 Village Drive, is owned by Pacific Enterprises and managed by Avion Management. The Holiday Inn Resort brand is part of IHG’s diverse family of brands in nearly 100 countries and territories. The scale and diversity of the IHG family of brands means that its hotels can meet guests’ needs whatever the occasion – whether an overnight getaway, a business trip, a family celebration or a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Holiday Inn Resort brand participates in IHG^® Rewards Club. The industry’s first and largest hotel rewards program is free, and guests can enroll at IHGRewardsClub.com, by downloading the IHG^® App, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of any of IHG’s more than 5,000 hotels worldwide. The hotel also participates in IHG Green Engage^® and offers unique programs to ensure sustainability.

Plano, Texas – January 29, 2016 – The 109-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Plano, Texas opened yesterday with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 3415 Premier Drive, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Plano North will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Savoy Hospitality. This is the newest Fairfield Inn & Suites in the area to feature the brand’s new design and décor, which enhance the guest experience through flexible features, and a warm and welcoming environment.

Located two miles from downtown Plano, the hotel offers guests convenient access to the Plano Centre, Watters Creek and Allen Premium Outlets.

“Delivering both function and comfort, our new design and décor elevate the Fairfield brand, setting a new standard in the moderate tier category,” said Shruti Buckley, vice president and global brand manager, Fairfield Inn & Suites. “At Fairfield Inn & Suites, we provide an easy, positive and productive travel experience, as well as the promise of consistent and reliable service at an exceptional value. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Plano North is a truly stunning example of the brand’s contemporary new look and feel, and we are pleased with the continued growth of Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in the Plano area.”

From the moment they arrive, guests are welcomed by the hotel’s modern, bright new design features, including an updated exterior with a signature tower, a curved porte-cochere and an inviting glass entrance that ushers them into the hotel. Once inside, guests experience the hotel’s open public space featuring natural light and views throughout the lobby to connect the indoors with the outdoors. Consistent with the Fairfield brand’s heritage of great service and a warm welcome, guests are greeted by associates who can easily move from behind the angled front desk to interact and answer questions.

In the lobby area, guests can choose to be productive, relax or enjoy breakfast or a snack in a modern and flexible environment featuring a vibrant, natural color palette of greens, blues and oranges. The spacious lobby gives guests ample connectivity options, as well as a “connect and print” area that offers both standing and seated Internet stations. Guests can also unwind in the lobby’s inviting living area ― whose focal points include a natural stone hearth, organic-shaped sofa and lounge chair, and unique local features — or they can grab a drink or snack item from the 24/7 Corner Market.

The breakfast area’s signature farm table provides a central gathering place where guests can watch television, meet up with colleagues or get work done. In the morning, guests can enjoy complimentary hot breakfast, choosing from oatmeal, scrambled eggs, sausage, make-your-own waffles and other healthy items, such as fruit, yogurt, and whole grain cereals and breads.

The signature “smart” room décor warmly welcomes guests into a comfortable, productive and restful environment. Flexible and functional, the guest room includes a well-designed work area, an ergonomic chair, task lighting and electrical outlets where guests need them. A curved, mobile desk enables guests to create their own work space, while also optimizing their television viewing.

Inspired by nature, the hotel’s thoughtfully designed rooms and suites place the living and working area near the window to allow for more natural light and views. Building on this natural design, the room décor features organic patterns and fresh colors, blending wood tones with bright pops of color. The new design also places the sleeping area toward the middle of the room, helping to give guests a better night’s sleep on plush mattresses, as well as easier access to the bathroom and wardrobe. The bright, spacious living area also offers a comfortable couch, refrigerator, coffeemaker and microwave.

Additional hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, an exercise room, valet laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as fax and copy services. The hotel also offers 520 square feet of space to accommodate functions of up to 40 people.

UNIONTOWN, Pa. and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Worldwide's (NYSE: HLT) upscale global brand of hotels, today announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Uniontown. The property owned by Synergy Hospitality Uniontown, LLC and managed by Prospera Hospitality brings 119 new rooms to the Hilton Garden Inn brand of more than 650 hotels worldwide.

"We are excited to welcome guests to beautiful Fayette County," said Kathi Suprek, general manager. "The history of Uniontown dates back to the very day the Declaration of Independence was signed, the same day Uniontown was founded, and we've had many famous visitors to the city since. Our accommodating staff and versatile meeting spaces are ideal for business or leisure guests to explore the incredible history of the city."

Hilton Garden Inn Uniontown is located near several of Pennsylvania's notable historic sites including Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water, the Downtown Historic District, Laurel Caverns and Ohiopyle State Park. Guests can rely on additional suggestions from community-oriented Hilton Garden Inn Team Members on things to do and places to eat.

Guests can dine on-property at The Garden Grille and Bar^®, which offers a full cooked-to-order breakfast and dinner, cocktails*, and evening room service. The Pavilion Pantry^® is open 24 hours and features a complete selection of salty snacks, sweet treats, cold beverages, and frozen, microwaveable packaged items.

The hotel also features four meeting rooms offering more than 2,600 square feet of flexible meeting space. Hilton Garden Inn guests will see why Life's Better at the Garden^TM through amenities offered at each location, including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, 24-hour business center with Print Spots^TM remote printing, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an indoor pool.

All 119 guest rooms boast the brand's signature bedding featuring fresh, white duvets and crisp linens; a spacious and clutter-free work desk with an ergonomic desk chair; and an in-room "hospitality center" with a mini fridge, microwave oven as well as a Keurig coffee maker.

Hilton Garden Inn Uniontown participates in Hilton HHonors^®, the only hotel loyalty program that allows members to earn Points & Miles^® on the same stay and No Blackout Dates on reward stays. HHonors members always get our lowest price with our Best Price Guarantee, along with HHonors Points, digital check-in and no booking fees only when they book directly through Hilton.

For more information or to make reservations, please visit Hilton Garden Inn Uniontown, or call +1 724 434 7200.

Read more about Hilton Garden Inn at www.hgi.com and news.hgi.com.

*Service of alcohol subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age.

Renamed Hotel 1620, the year-round property will remain open and undergo $5.7 million renovation.
 
(HANOVER, MA) February 1, 2016 - Linchris Hotel Corporation, a hotel management company located in Hanover, MA, today announced the acquisition of the Radisson Hotel Plymouth Harbor in Plymouth, MA for an undisclosed amount.  Renamed Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor, after the year the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock aboard the Mayflower.  The 175-room full-service hotel will remain open year round.  
Linchris took over operation of the hotel and is overseeing a $5.7 million renovation. 
 
 "We are excited to breathe new life into this property which has great potential," said Christopher Gistis, CEO of Linchris Hotel Corporation and longtime local resident. "The hotel's ideal location provides the perfect vantage point from which to explore Plymouth's picturesque harbor, rich history, cultural attractions, incredible shopping, and bustling downtown."
 
According to Gistis, he is thrilled to own a hotel so close to his home in Plymouth and just 20 minutes away from Linchris Corporate headquarters.  Significant improvements are planned under the new ownership  that include transforming the hotel's interior and exterior design. Upon completion, Hotel 1620 will reemerge as an anchor of the harbor and Plymouth's premiere full-service hotel with first-class accommodations, exemplary guest services and contemporary amenities.  
 
Hotel 1620 offers a desirable location in the heart of "America's Hometown," across the street from Plymouth's harbor and within walking distance to all popular attractions.  The hotel offers comfortable accommodations, restaurant and bar, an indoor pool, business and fitness centers, complimentary WIFI and ample parking. Featuring 15,000 sq. ft. of banquet and meeting space for groups, corporate events and weddings up to 350 people, the hotel's function facilities are the largest in the area. 
 
Brian Anderson has been named General Manager of the hotel.  CIII served as the brokers for the sale.  Financing was provided by Washington Trust.
 
Founded in 1985, Linchris Hotel Corporation currently owns and manages 36 hotels and has a significant regional presence.  Among its 10 properties in Massachusetts are the Hilton Garden Inn in Plymouth, Holiday Inn in nearby Rockland, and three hotels on Cape Cod. 
 
For more information about Hotel 1620 at Plymouth Harbor and to make a reservation, visit www.hotel1620.com or call 508.747.4900.  Hotel 1620 is located at 180 Water Street, Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The 90-suite hotel is owned and managed by Lodging Dynamics Hospitality of Provo, Utah.

Dickinson, North Dakota - February 1, 2016 - The 90-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Dickinson, North Dakota is scheduled to open on Thursday, February 4, 2016. Located at 240 29th Street West, the TownePlace Suites Dickinson will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Lodging Dynamics Hospitality of Provo, Utah. 

Located in the heart of the industrial business district, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Enchanted Highway, Patterson Lake and Dickinson State University. Rates vary depending on length of stay.

"We are pleased to introduce the TownePlace Suites brand to the Dickinson area," said Loren Nalewanski, vice president and global brand manager, TownePlace Suites. "Providing an upscale residential atmosphere, this TownePlace Suites hotel offers an appealing alternative to more standard hotel rooms designed for shorter stays."

The TownePlace Suites Dickinson's friendly "hello" signage welcomes guests to the check-in area. Designed to feel like a community coffeehouse, the warm and inviting lobby includes a variety of seating options designed to meet different needs - whether guests want to work quietly on their own or socialize as a group. The lobby also features a floor-to-ceiling TowneMap® that helps guests settle into the local area by featuring great places to eat, popular night spots, recreation areas, shopping and other services, such as dry cleaners and local car wash outlets. 

Guests can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast every morning in the lobby area, as well as 24-hour On Us® coffee service. For those who want a quick snack, guests can also select food and beverage items from the 24-hour In a Pinch® market. 

Ideal for travelers who need accommodations for longer stays, this property offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens that have stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, as well as separate living/working and sleeping areas. Guests can work and relax on their terms in modern suites that feature a fun, yet sophisticated sofa and task chair, a large flat screen television, as well as luxurious new bedding. Most rooms also feature the Home OfficeTM Suite, designed to provide guests with plenty of storage and flexible space to spread out and make it their own. 

Other hotel amenities include an indoor swimming pool, an exercise room open 24 hours per day, 1,680 square feet of meeting space, complimentary wireless Internet throughout the hotel and on-site business services, including copying, faxing and printing. The TownePlace Suites Dickinson is pet-friendly (fees may apply) and also provides laundry facilities for guests' convenience.

The hotel is owned by Dali Shine Xiadu Real Estate Co., Ltd. and managed by Hilton Worldwide.
  
February 01, 2016 - DALI, YUNNAN, China and McLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) and Hilton Hotels & Resorts today announced the opening of Hilton Dali Resort & Spa, which marks Hilton's debut in Dali and the fourth property in the Hilton portfolio in Yunnan province after Hilton Fuxian Lake, DoubleTree by Hilton Xishuangbanna and Hilton Garden Inn Lijiang. Hilton Dali Resort & Spa is owned by Dali Shine Xiadu Real Estate Co., Ltd. and managed by Hilton Worldwide.

"Hilton Hotels & Resorts is ready to set the standard for world class hospitality in Dali. With the hotel situated at the crossroads of Dali's Ancient Town and the Xia Guan commercial district, Hilton Dali Resort & Spa provides international and domestic travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves into this special region steeped in culture and civilization for centuries," said Rob Palleschi, global head, full service brands, Hilton Worldwide.

Hilton Worldwide currently has 64 hotels operating in Greater China, including 31 Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in key cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu and Shenzhen. In addition, there are 180 more Hilton Worldwide hotels in the pipeline for planned for development in China.

Hilton Dali Resort & Spa is located in stunning Dali, halfway up Cangshan Mountain, facing Erhai Lake. The hotel is close to Zhang's Garden, Cangshan National Geopark, Cangshan Cable Car and The Three Pagodas of Chengsheng Temple. The shopping districts of Dali Ancient City and Xiaguan Commercial District are also nearby, as is the Dali Museum of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Hilton Dali Resort & Spa provides easy access to many forms of transportation including Dali Airport, located 23 kilometers from the hotel, and the Dali Train Station, 15 kilometers from the hotel.

Designed by HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates, Hilton Dali Resort & Spa blends Bai style into its architecture, offering 375 tastefully-decorated rooms, each with a private balcony where guests can enjoy scenic panoramic views. In addition, guests who opt for executive rooms and suites will be granted exclusive access to the Executive Lounge.

With a range of flexible meeting spaces, as well as courtyards and lush open areas, Hilton Dali Resort & Spa is a premier venue for events such as product launches, car shows, business meetings, cocktail events, social gatherings and weddings. The main Cangshan Ballroom spans 1,100 square meters and can be divided into three separate function rooms. There is also a 300-square meter junior Erhai Ballroom, as well as 12 other multifunction meeting rooms ranging from 60 to 100 square meters in size. All spaces are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and the latest audio-visual technology. The business center provides access to secretarial and business services, and a dedicated hotel team is available to accommodate any request.

Hilton Dali Resort & Spa has three innovative restaurants and two bars:

• Spices is an all-day dining restaurant ideal for families and casual gatherings. Guests can enjoy authentic Yunnan and Western cuisines, as well as other Chinese specialties at the restaurant, or grab a quick bite from its Pantry or Juice & Coffee Bar.
• La Bella Luna is a traditional Italian trattoria where guests may indulge in authentic pasta and breads made from scratch daily. Guests may dine near the warm glow of the pizza oven or al fresco on the terrace overlooking the lake.
• Yuxi is a sophisticated Chinese restaurant open for fine dining lunch or dinner reservations. There are 18 private dining rooms, and the cuisine artfully combines Chinese specialties with regional culinary traditions.
• Lobby Lounge is a relaxed and sophisticated space for guests to unwind over a cup of tea or a signature cocktail.
• The Brew Bar, with its post-industrial décor, is the perfect place to catch up with friends over a game of billiards and a few rounds of specially brewed beer. There are 60 varieties from around the world to choose from, as well as a menu of appetizers.

Recreational facilities at Hilton Dali Resort & Spa include a 160-square meter fitness center that is open around the clock, spa facilities that include a sauna, 25-meter indoor swimming pool, Kids' pool, a Kids' Club, Mahjong rooms and a rooftop mini golf course.

"We are well on our way to quadrupling our portfolio of operational hotels in China within the next few years and are proud to add Dali to the growing list of top destinations where we have established a presence," said Bruce McKenzie, senior vice president, operations, Greater China & Mongolia, Hilton Worldwide.

As part of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio, Hilton Dali Resort & Spa offers Hilton HHonors® guest loyalty program members the opportunity to earn and redeem HHonors Points for their stays. To celebrate the hotel's opening, Hilton HHonors members who stay at the hotel between February 1, 2016 and March 31, 2016 will enjoy double HHonors points. Along with HHonors Points, Hilton HHonors members always get Hilton's lowest price with its Best Price Guarantee, free Wi-Fi, digital check-in and no booking fees only when they book directly through Hilton.

Hilton Dali Resort & Spa is located at Qili Bridge, Gantong Temple, Dali, 671003, China. For reservations, please call the hotel directly at +86 872 668 8888 or visit the hotel's website at daliresortandspa.hilton.com.

More information on recent and upcoming Hilton Hotels & Resorts openings is available at news.hilton.com/openings. To view an interactive map featuring the Hilton Hotels & Resorts development pipeline, visit http://news.hilton.com/map.

MCLEAN, Va. - February 1, 2016 - Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) today announced that Vintro Hotel South Beach will join Curio - A Collection by Hilton™, a global set of remarkable upscale and luxury hotels hand-picked for their distinctive character and personality, appealing to passionate travelers seeking local discovery. Vintro Hotel South Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton is expected to open in March.

A high-design update of a classic Art Deco building, the 50-room Vintro Hotel South Beach is in the heart of the "new" South Beach emerging cultural center just two blocks from the beach, and steps away from the Bass Museum, Miami City Ballet, The New World Symphony, and the Miami Beach Convention Center, home of Art Basel.

"It's no coincidence that this will be our second property in South Florida in such short order since we launched the brand just over a year ago," said Matt Wehling, senior vice president, development - North America, Hilton Worldwide. "Travelers are looking for new ways to experience their favorite destinations, and we're more than happy to oblige by welcoming remarkable properties like Vintro Hotel South Beach to the Curio collection."

At the heart of the Vintro Hotel South Beach is a mosaic wall in the lobby that embodies the relaxed vintage personality of the hotel and restaurant that has been rated among the Top 25 Hotels in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards.

The Mediterranean and Latin-inspired Vintro Kitchen Restaurant and Scorpion Bar are committed to ingredient-based, craft food and drinks, and serve artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, tapas, small plates, salads, wild-caught fish, and responsibly-sourced meats. And, of course, a wine selection from across the globe that underscores Vintro's personality.

"Every single project has its own character, its own life, its own style - which inevitably comes from its location," said Enrique Colmenares, owner and president of Vintro Hotel. "We succeeded in capturing that Miami Beach essence in the Vintro Hotel South Beach, and Curio will allow us to reach the independent-minded travelers looking for just such an experience."

Alongside the Collins Canal, the hotel's terrace, rooftop lounge and pool are the perfect places for either a quiet nightcap or private events for up to 50 guests. Guest rooms are designed with contemplative comfort in mind, featuring a custom-designed citrus palette with king beds, rain showers, natural bath amenities, plush robes and towels, 50" LED monitors and complimentary Wi-Fi.

"This property offers an authentic Miami experience, and we look forward to giving guests exactly that when the hotel joins the Curio collection in a few short months," said Dianna Vaughan, global head, Curio - A Collection by Hilton. "From its emphasis on fine wine to its artful design, the Vintro Hotel South Beach represents the allure of the South Beach neighborhood and reflects the individuality Curio is known for." 

As members of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio, all Curio hotels, including Vintro Hotel South Beach participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only hotel loyalty program that allows members to earn both Points and Miles on the same stay and no blackout dates on reward stays. In addition, HHonors members can use Points to purchase unique experience rewards, premium merchandise, make charitable contributions and more.

For more information on Vintro Hotel South Beach, visit curiocollection.com. Media may access high resolution images and more information by visiting news.curiocollection.com.