International Impact
By Dennis Nessler | March 10, 2022
The importance of the international markets to U.S. hotel companies can not be understated, particularly as travel restrictions are slowly lifted throughout the globe. A number of major brands have recently bolstered their hotel presence outside the U.S. with openings announced in global locations such as London, Singapore, Grenada and Peru.
In addition, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) recently announced it has welcomed the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA) as a new member, continuing to grow the association’s reach at a critical time for the hotel industry.
Meanwhile, Marriott International, Inc. has signed a management agreement with Cola Holdings and The Westbury Hotel Limited to bring the St. Regis brand to the area of Mayfair, London. The St. Regis London is expected to welcome its first guests in 2023.
Plans call for an extensive $122 million redevelopment and transformation of the former Westbury Mayfair Hotel, with the addition of an eighth floor. The hotel, which is expected to open with 196 rooms and suites, will be designed by Peter Newman-Earp of Morrison Design with interiors by Richmond International.
Meanwhile, Hilton has opened its largest hotel in Asia Pacific with the debut of Hilton Singapore Orchard. Located at the heart of Orchard Road, the 1,080-room property sets a new benchmark of hospitality for the city’s renowned shopping district with a vibrant blend of contemporary design, innovative dining experiences and extensive meeting spaces, according to the company.
Hilton Singapore Orchard features modern contemporary design that pays homage to Singapore’s rich colonial history and agricultural heritage. Botanical references are reflected throughout the hotel’s artwork and interiors while embracing a seamless and eco-friendly guest experience. The hotel features more than 25,000 square feet of event facilities for meetings, conferences and events of all sizes.
Hilton also marked its first entry into Trujillo, Peru with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Trujillo. The hotel, which is owned by Inmobiliaria Maris Isabel Sac, represents the company’s eighth property in Peru.
Originally the Casa Andina Premium Trujillo, as part of the hotel’s conversion to DoubleTree by Hilton the property has undergone renovations to update the guestrooms, on-site restaurant and public areas while infusing local culture throughout. The hotel will be operated by Inmobiliaria Maria Isabel Sac with architecture and design led by 361°Arquitectos.
In addition, IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of the InterContinental Grenada Resort. The 150-room Caribbean hotel will be built on La Sagesse Beach, approximately 30 minutes from the Maurice Bishop International Airport and the town of St. George’s.
The InterContinental Grenada Resort will feature more than 30 private suites, an array of restaurants and bars, a luxurious spa and pool with bar and grill, fitness center, approximately 6,000 square feet of meeting space and a business center. The property is expected to open in 2025.
InterContinental Grenada Resort will be adjacent to Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada, another Range Developments property and brand in IHG’s luxury portfolio, which is expected to open in 2023.
Finally, YOTEL, a global hospitality brand, has announced the addition of YOTEL London Shoreditch. The former East London Hotel will be re-branded as a YOTEL opening this April. This property marks the group’s fifth city center hotel in the UK, the fourth franchise property, the second UK hotel conversion, and the 19th hotel in operation globally.
The 161-room hotel, located in the heart of East London, on Cambridge Heath Road, already incorporates some of YOTEL’s minimalistic design features and facilities. The property will receive a light refurbishment to incorporate YOTEL’s signature design and technology features as part of the conversion.
