Marriott on the ‘road’ in Japan: Marriott International and Japanese housing developer Sekisui House are teaming up to open hotels in fall 2020 on land plots next to roadside rest areas across Japan. The two companies said they are banking on demand from inbound travelers who will be visiting provincial areas. Initially, the companies plan to operate 15 hotels in five prefectures, and increase total numbers of guest rooms by about 1,000 annually by opening additional hotels in subsequent years. The hotels will be operated under the “Fairfield by Marriott” brand, the first to carry that name in Japan. The rates are expected to be set at approximately ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 (US$88 to US$133) per room per night.
A big deal in Orlando: The Grande Lakes Orlando Resort, one of Central Florida’s most luxurious, was sold to an investment group for a reported amount of nearly US$900 million just four years after a hedge fund bought it. The sale of the resort, which includes both a 582-room Ritz Carlton and a 998-room JW Marriott, means renovations are on the way, according to its new owners, which include Fort Worth, Texas-based Trinity Real Estate Investments and New York’s Elliott Management Corporation. The 409-acre complex, which opened in 2003, includes a Greg Norman-designed, 18-hole golf course, along with 15 restaurants and a full-service spa.
More from the Orlando Sentinel
Arotel gets a boost: Jakarta, Indonesia-based Arotel Group has received an undisclosed investment from sole investor Intudo Ventures. The company will utilize the proceeds from the financing to expand its business offerings throughout Southeast Asia and strengthen its leading position in Indonesia.
MCR purchasing in Denver: U.S. owner-operator MCR acquired the 157-room Hilton Garden Inn Denver South Park Meadows Area. Located just 12 minutes from Centennial Airport, the nation’s second-busiest general aviation airport, the hotel is a 20-minute drive from Denver’s National Western Complex, home of the National Western Stock Show.
In tune to emotions: Crowne Plaza has launched a new training program to help hotel team members become more attuned to guests’ needs through a heightened awareness of the skills of emotional intelligence. The program, “Dare to Connect” was developed in part by emotional intelligence experts at The School of Life and focuses on developing six core emotional intelligence skills: vulnerability, self-belief, connection, anticipation, authenticity, and perseverance. Those who participate in the training will learn ways to alleviate guests’ anxiety by responding to, and anticipating the particular emotional needs people can experience when travelling for work.