Marriott statement on coronavirus: Marriott International released the following statement on coronavirus on Wednesday morning: “We are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization’s statements regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and following the guidelines from these agencies and the local health departments. The wellbeing of our guests and associates is of paramount importance. We have extended the date that we are waiving cancellation fees through March 15, 2020 for guests with reservations at our hotels in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan and guests from mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan traveling outbound to other Marriott destinations globally.”
Struggling Hong Kong seeks aid: Hong Kong’s hospitality sector faces “a critical period of life or death” in February and March as tourist arrivals crumble during the coronavirus outbreak, the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners said in a plea for government aid. The federation, which has 86 members running about 200 hotels and employing some 80,000 workers, said occupancy as a percentage now averaged in the single digits, according to the South China Morning Post. It’s seeking to ease the burden on the industry by exempting owners from paying rates and government rent for one year.
1 Hotels in San Francisco: The hotel currently operating as Hotel Vitale, in California’s Bay Area, will undergo a US$25 million renovation and re-open as the 1 Hotel San Francisco in 2021 by Pebblebrook Hotel Trust and SH Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Starwood Capital Group. The 200-room hotel will have farm-to-table F&B concepts, a spa and fitness center with a wellness program.
Radisson in India: Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of 17 new hotels in India as part of its Destination 2022 expansion and transformation strategy. The signings boost the company’s portfolio in South Asia to more than 150 hotels and 17,000 rooms, both in operation and under development. The new hotels will add approximately 1,880 hotel rooms across India.
Radisson in Riyadh: Radisson Hotel Group also announced the signing of Radisson Riyadh Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. That brings the group’s portfolio to over 45 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments in operation and under development. The 471-room hotel, including serviced apartments, is scheduled to open in Q4 2020.
Banyan Tree in Bahamas: Island Developers and Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts announced a partnership to bring the Banyan Tree’s first property to the Bahamas. The Banyan Tree illa Bahamas, designed by architect Chad Oppenheim, will include 50 rooms and 54 residences with Maldives-style overwater bungalows. A planned opening date was not given.
Crestline to manager four: Crestline Hotels & Resorts added four hotels to its growing portfolio: The 123-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton San Antonio-Northwest, San Antonio, Texas; the 124-room Hampton Inn Memphis-Poplar, Memphis, Tennessee; the 119-room Hampton Inn State College, State College, Pennsylvania; and the 123-room Hampton Inn Detroit/Madison Heights/South Troy, Madison Heights, Michigan.