SANDALS OPENS EAST CARIBBEAN RESORT: Sandals Resorts has debuted in the Eastern Caribbean destination of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with the opening of Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Set against mountains, the property marks the brand’s 18th all-inclusive resort. Spanning 50 acres, Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines features 301 rooms and suites, including two-story overwater and beachfront villas. Amenities at the resort include a 300-foot linear pool which connects the lobby terrace to the horizon, 11 dining concepts, a spa, media room, fitness center and the brand’s signature butler service.
AHLA SEEKS H-2B VISA EXPANSION: The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President and CEO Kevin Carey has thanked President Biden’s decision for approving the legislation allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand the number of H-2B visas. AHLA also called on DHS to urgently exercise its authority so that hotels can hire adequate staff to maintain and grow their operations amid the ongoing labor shortage. DHS can help hoteliers fill thousands of vacancies in the U.S. by making available around 65,000 additional H-2B visas, Carey said in a statement.
HUNTER SELLS MARRIOTT HOTELS IN ROANOKE: Hunter Hotel Advisors have sold the Courtyard and Residence Inn Roanoke Airport. The hotels were acquired by Kalyan Hospitality on March 12, with Hunter’s Senior Vice President, David Perrin, representing the seller. Offering a total of 214 keys, the Courtyard and Residence Inn properties are located near several demand drivers in the Roanoke area. The new owners plan to renovate both the properties.
AIMBRIDGE EMEA ADDS TO U.K. PORTFOLIO: Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA has been selected as the new third-party operator of the Residence Inn by Marriott in Manchester, adding to its portfolio in the U.K. and Europe. Owned by Park Hotels Holding and asset managed by Ciel Capital, the 155-key aparthotel transitioned to Aimbridge EMEA, a vertical of Aimbridge Hospitality, in March. Located in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the hotel underwent extensive renovations to reopen as a Residence Inn in 2023. The 12-story hotel features studios and one-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, along with a bar and restaurant, a grab-and-go kiosk, lounge areas, gym and laundry facilities.
APRIROSE ACQUIRES GROUND RENT OF 3 U.K. HOTELS: Aprirose, the London-based real estate investment company, has completed the acquisition of the ground rents of three hotels in the U.K., which were part of the QHotels portfolio, from Lloyds Pension Fund. The hotels are Oulton Hall in Leeds, Slaley Hall in Northumberland and Crewe Hall in Cheshire. Owned by a joint venture between Aprirose and Beijing-based Cindat Capital Management, the QHotels portfolio comprises 20 branded and individual hotel and resorts in prime city centers and countryside locations in the U.K.