Choice to expand in China: Choice Hotels Australasia announced plans for 30 new-build hotels in Greater China over the next five years. Choice Hotels has signed a development agreement with Hangzhou-based Boli Hotel Management Co., which will be responsible for the development and operations of the anticipated 30 hotels, likely to be a mix of Clarion and Quality properties.
Kimpton plans Chicago hotel: Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants purchased a historic building in Chicago’s Central Loop o be converted into a 281-room hotel slated to open in the first quarter of 2016. The 14-story building, which was originally constructed in 1894 and currently serves as commercial office space, was acquired through the company’s proprietary KHP III fund.
Read more at the Chicago Tribune
Driftwood enters Alabama: Driftwood Hospitality Management acquired its first Alabama property, the Courtyard Gulf Shores. Driftwood will operate the 90-room hotel, which also features a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, function space for small meetings, free parking, free Wi-Fi and F&B outlet The Bistro.
Ireland hotel sold: Killashee House Hotel, a 141-room property near Naas, County Kildare, has been sold for €13 million (US$17.3 million) as a going concern to Brehon Capital Partners and Midwest Holding.