Kyriad coming to India. Louvre Hotels Group has agreed with Indian operator Orange Tiger to open and operate eight hotels under the Kyriad brand by mid-October, grow to 15 by the end of this financial year and the plans to add at least another 10 new hotels every year. The agreement encompasses opportunities for development in Nepal, Sri-Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, The Maldives, Pakistan and Mauritius. Louvre Hotels Group operates in India through brands like Sarovar Hotels, which it acquired in January 2017, Golden Tulip, Tulip Inn and Royal Tulip and now has 126 operational hotels.
Another Taj for Dubai. Tata group’s Indian Hotels Co. (IHCL) said it has inked a partnership with Ithra Dubai for a new Taj hotel at the Deira Creek in Dubai. Ithra Dubai LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Investment Corp. of Dubai (ICD). The new Taj hotel is a greenfield project slated to open in early 2022 and would be part of Deira Waterfront Development.
McNeill wants to double size. McNeill Hotel Investors, Germantown, Tennessee, has entered into an agreement with an investment fund managed by Almanac Realty Investors to provide up to US$150 million of capital to allow McNeill to double the size of its portfolio through the acquisition, development, and management of select-service hotels. McNeill will use premium-branded flags from the major U.S. franchisors for deals in secondary and select tertiary markets across the United States. Almanac’s investment in McNeill is the first out of its most recent fund, Almanac Realty Securities VIII.
Choice’s grows virtual payment. Choice Hotels International has launched a virtual payment option on ChoiceHotels.com to create a seamless booking experience for corporate travelers. With one click during the checkout process, corporate travel managers now have the option to book reservations using a centralized form of payment, and without having to supply each traveler with a physical card or provide an authorization form. Choice is currently rolling out this program to its corporate clients in a phased approach. This feature is in addition to Choice’s current Virtual Pay capabilities for bookings via GDS channels.
Viceroy to manage SF boutique. Viceroy Hotel Group has announced its new San Francisco boutique hotel, Hotel Emblem, will open in early 2019. The 96-room property, formerly Hotel Rex, is undergoing an extensive renovation and rebranding inspired by the Beat Generation. The hotel is owned by DiamondRock Hospitality and is a new member of The Viceroy Urban Retreats.