Hilton to debut in Congo: Hilton Worldwide signed a franchise agreement with Africa Hospitality to open its first hotel in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 96-room, full-service DoubleTree by Hilton Kinshasa – The Stanley is expected to open in 2016.
Largest Hampton to open in Berlin: Hilton Worldwide has announced that it will open its largest Hampton by Hilton hotel to date in Berlin. The 344-room Hampton by Hilton Berlin Alexanderplatz is scheduled to open in 2018.
Jumeirah grows in Turkey: Jumeirah Group signed a management agreement with Targets Investment Turizm Isletmeleri AS to operate a hotel in Bodrum, Turkey. Jumeirah Bodrum Palace Hotel’s official opening is May 1.
Read more at Hotelier Middle East
Louvre Hotels sale complete: Starwood Capital Group and Jin Jian International Holdings Co. have confirmed the sale of Groupe du Louvre and its 100% indirect subsidiary Louvre Hotels Group has been completed. Through Starwood affiliate Star SDL Investment Co., Groupe du Louvre was sold to the Luxemburg-based subsidiary of Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels Development Co. for €1.3 billion (US$1.46 billion).
Starwood Capital refinances InTown Suites: On behalf of Starwood Capital Group Global, JLL secured US$500 million for the refinancing of the InTown Suites portfolio. The portfolio consists of 85 properties located across 18 states nationwide. Credit Suisse provided the five-year, floating-rate loan.
Hotel Leelaventure to sell two properties: Hotel Leelaventure plans to sell its properties in Goa and Chennai in order to cut debt.
Read more at Business Standard
Equity Inns acquired: American Realty Capital Hospitality Trust has completed its acquisition of the Equity Inns Lodging Portfolio for US$1.8 billion. The portfolio consists of 116 hotels totaling 13,744 rooms across 31 states, all franchised by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels and IHG.
Malibu Beach Inn acquired: David Geffen sold the Malibu Beach Inn near Los Angeles to Mani Brothers Real Estate Group for an undisclosed amount.
Dusit to launch hospitality school: Dusit International will launch one of Thailand’s first distance-learning hospitality schools this year. The Dusit Thani Hotel School will provide theoretical instructions, on-the-job training and communication skills under a paperless-school concept. The school’s technology infrastructure has been provided by Microsoft and all distance-learning students will receive a Windows tablet.
Hotel Waterpark Resorts grows: Eleven Hotel Waterpark Resorts will open in 2015. The resorts will be located across the U.S.