Booking.com taxes: French tax authorities are seeking €356 million (US$397.0 million) in unpaid taxes from Priceline Group unit Booking.com. The tax authorities had recently concluded an audit of Booking.com accounts from 2003 to 2012, according to a filing by Priceline to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Viceroy sale closed: Pebblebrook Hotel Trust closed on three sales – the Viceroy Miami, for US$64.5 million; the Redbury Hotel in Los Angeles, for US$40.9 million, and a parcel next to the Revere Hotel Boston Common for US$6.0 million. The Viceroy was purchased by a Qatari company and will be rebranded the W Miami. The Redbury was purchased by 1717 Vine LLC, an entity related to Seattle-based Vulcan Inc.
Ashford completes sale: Ashford Hospitality Trust completed its previously announced sale of a portfolio of five select-service hotels totaling 1,396 rooms for US$142 million in cash ($102,000 per key) to Noble Investment Group. The hotels are in New Jersey, Georgia and Florida.
Four Seasons in Maldives: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts’ Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll, will open later this year. It’s the first private island in the company’s portfolio.
Sheraton adds in Latin America: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts added the Sheraton Grand Panama and Sheraton Grand Los Cabos, Hacienda Del Mar to its portfolio.
Kimpton in Tampa: Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced a hotel to be built in Tampa, Florida, opening in early 2018. Italian Michelin-starred chef Silvia Baracchi will head the restaurant on the 150-room property, which will be designed by architect Albert Alfonso as a modern interpretation of an Italian piazza.
Hilton in Bahrain: Hilton Worldwide announced a management agreement with United Tower Real Estate to open DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bahrain Dilmunia Island. The island is off the off the coast of Bahrain. The hotel will offer 237 serviced apartments, five dining outlets and a spa.