IHG grows in France: IHG signed the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel in France. The 130-room hotel will operate under a management agreement with Financière Immobilière Bordelaise.
Hilton expands in Africa: Hilton Worldwide signed a franchise agreement with Reliance Hotels to open Hilton Garden Inn at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The hotel is expected to open in early 2016 and will be the 12th Hilton Garden Inn under development in Africa.
Condado Plaza Hilton closes casino: After 40 years of operation, the Condado Plana Hilton in Puerto Rico has closed its casino. The closure follows a 40% drop in the use of slot machines over the past decade.
Starwood Hotels adds in China: St. Regis Hotels & Resorts signed an agreement with Qingdao Conson Haitian Centre Co. to debut the brand in Qingdao, China.
Read more at Starwood’s website
County Inns & Suites to open in Virginia: Country Inns & Suites by Carlson will open in Dahlgren, Virginia. The property will open in 2016 and will include 60 guestrooms and suites. The St. Regis Qingdao is scheduled to open in 2020.
Macau Legend to develop resort complex: Macau Legend Development Limited has announced plans to develop an integrated resort and gaming complex in Praia. The investment will be no less than €250 million (US$275 million).
Underwater hotel hit rough seas: Plans for the Water Discus Hotel in Dubai have reportedly been stalled since Big Invest pulled out of its deal with Drydocks World to help finance the project. Another snag hit in March when Drydocks chairman Khamis Buamim, who had overseen the previous agreement with Deep Ocean Technology, resigned.
Metlife provides loan to Orlando portfolio: Metlife has loaned US$505 million to an investor group comprising of affiliates of Loews Hotels & Resorts, NBC Universal and Hard Rock International in Orlando. The fixed-rate loan, which was used to refinance existing debt, has a term of 10 years.