Host announces transactions in Miami, Berlin: Host Hotels & Resorts announced it acquired the 242-room b2 Miami Downtown for US$57.5 million and will relaunch the hotel under a new independent identity late this year. Meanwhile, the company’s joint venture in Europe,acquired a 90% ownership interest in the entity that owns the 394-room Grand Hotel Esplanade in Berlin. The hotel was acquired for a gross purchase price of €81 million (US$102 million).
CWI acquires Sawgrass Marriott in Florida: Carey Watermark Investors said it acquired the 511-unit Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, from an affiliate of Goldman Sachs and Petra Capital Management for an undisclosed price.
New TripAdvisor to honor hospitality industry stars: TripAdvisor launched its inaugural Exceptional Service Awards, a program to recognize remarkable hospitality professionals at hotels, restaurants and attractions across the globe.
Radisson signed in Phoenix: Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group announced the signing of the 284-4oom Radisson Hotel Phoenix North adjacent to the Metrocenter Mall. It will open under the Radisson brand in January 2015.