Wynn starts searches: Following Sunday’s the mass shooting connected to the Mandalay Bay, the New York Daily News reports that two uniformed security guards and a police officer at the Wynn Las Vegas casino were scanning visitors with metal-detecting wands, at random, and checking bags.
More from the New York Daily News
Nobu in South America: Nobu Hospitality is expanding into South America. Nobu Hotel São Paulo will feature a rooftop bar and pool, event space, fitness and health center and 15,000 square meters of exclusive residences. This will be the second exclusive Nobu Residences project following the launch of Nobu Residences Toronto.
Hotelbeds strategy: Hotelbeds Group, a global bedbank and B2B provider of services to the travel industry large enough to provide hoteliers with an alternative to the likes of Expedia and Priceline, has confirmed that a strategic plan is now underway to integrate GTA and recently acquired Tourico Holidays into the group. In the future, both hotel and ancillary partners, as well as travel intermediary clients, of all three companies will have access to an integrated and enhanced range of services, products and technology solutions drawn from the combination of all three.
Access Point Financial recapitalization: Access Point Financial (APF), a direct full-service lender servicing the hospitality industry, on Thursday announced the recapitalization of the company in a transaction led by WCP Investments (WCPI), having been arranged by Wells Fargo and KBW as buy-side and sell-side advisors, respectively. The recapitalization saw the successful exit of Stone Point Capital from the business and represented a US$350 million-plus transaction, including commitments from WCPI and APF management to facilitate the continued expansion of the platform.
Oetker Irma update: Oetker Collection’s Eden Rock – St Barths will reopen by summer following repairs to damage caused by Hurricane Irma. The hotel will undergo extensive rebuilding and plans to renovate its 34 rooms, suites and houses and interiors throughout to welcome back guests as soon as possible. More details to come at the beginning of the year.
Xenia acquires Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City: Xenia Hotels & Resorts acquired The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, a 365-room luxury hotel located in Arlington, Virginia, for a purchase price of US$105 million, or approximately US$287,670 per key.
Ayana in Flores: Ayana is launching a new resort on the undeveloped eastern Indonesian island of Flores, set to open in summer. The 201-room property will have a rooftop wedding and function suite, Japanese restaurant, private beach, and two main swimming pools, among other amenities.
The new “American”: Atlanta’s DoubleTree Hotel will soon be rebranded as “The American” hotel. Decor will be midcentury with features like fluorescent Igloo refrigerators and vintage pictures in guest rooms. Near the pool, a repurposed Airstream will serve as a restaurant.
Avani in Tunisia: Avani Hotels & Resorts will debut the brand in Tunisia with the addition of two future properties: the 41-key Avani Les Berges Du Lac Tunis Suites is scheduled to open in the coming months in the central business and diplomatic area of Tunis, and the 250-key Avani Gammarth Tunis Resort & Spa is expected to open in 2021.
RLH selling: RLH Corporation’s board of directors approved the listing for sale of 11 of the company’s remaining 18 owned hotels. Hotels not being listed at this time are generally newer joint venture acquisitions (Baltimore, Washington DC and Atlanta) in which additional time will help stabilize to higher revenues and profitability before marketing those properties. The remaining hotels are leasehold interests with no near-term plan for disposal.
W moves into Italy: W Hotels Worldwide will expand into Italy for the first time with W Rome. The hotel will be developed by Omnam Group through a real estate fund managed by Kryalos SGR and will be set across two historic buildings in the Via Veneto neighborhood with a 2021 opening.