Cachet, Drai’s form JV nightlife management company: Cachet Hotel Group and Drai’s Enterprises announced the formation of a joint venture nightlife management company, Drai’s Asia, that will focus on the development and management of Drai’s nightclubs, supper clubs, bars, ultra lounges and beach clubs throughout Asia Pacific.
Hyatt exec joins Whitbread: Ratnesh Verma, who was heading development for Hyatt Hotels Corp. in Asia Pacific, has been appointed managing director of Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants International, according to a published report.
Apple Leisure Group enters Aruba: Apple Leisure Group subsidiary AMResorts announced the signing of the 126-room Zoëtry Isla Di Oro Aruba, which is scheduled to open in the summer of 2018.
Read more at Caribbean Journal
Park Inn to make Romania debut: Carlson Rezidor announced the first Park Inn by Radisson in Romania. The Park Inn by Radisson Bucharest Hotel & Residence featuring 210 keys is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2015.
HVMG acquires JV interest in Atlanta hotel: Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) announced it has acquired a joint venture interest in the 261-room Embassy Suites Atlanta – Galleria. HVMG also manages the hotel.
Swiss-Belhotel signs Georgia deal: Swiss-Belhotel International has signed the 182-room Grand Swiss-Belhotel Batumi, Georgia, in partnership with the Azerbaijan-based ADO-G Group of Companies. The hotel is slated to open in 2016.
Taj to add Dubai hotel: Taj Group said it would launch a 296-room luxury hotel project in Dubai near the Burj Khalifa.
Read more at Business Standard
Qatar hotels face legal action over rate hikes: Several hotels in Qatar have reportedly been threatened with legal action from the Qatar Tourism Authority for hikes in room rates of up to 1,200% earlier this month.
Read more at ArabianBusiness.com
Kuwait acquires full ownership of hotel company: The government of Kuwait has acquired full ownership of the Sudanese-Kuwaiti Hotels Co. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sudan previously had a 51% stake in the company.
The Lodging Conference pioneer dies: Morris Lasky, co-founder of The Lodging Conference, passed away after a long battle with cancer.
One Shot chosen to lease and develop Madrid hotel: One Shot Hotels, which already operates two hotels in Madrid, has been chosen to lease and develop a 78-room boutique hotel in Fortuny, 7.