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PM Hotel Group to manage new TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Austin, Texas

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PM Hotel Group, one of the industry’s leading hotel management companies, has been selected to operate the new TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Austin, Texas. This new hotel represents the first TownePlace by Marriott property in the PM Hotel Group portfolio and further expands the company’s relationship with Marriott International.

“We are thrilled to have been selected to manage the TownePlace Suites- Austin, which expands our footprint in Texas,” said Joseph Bojanowski, President of PM Hotel Group. “Austin is a rich and exciting city, and with this new project we are thrilled to be broadening our relationship with another valued ownership group, Scenic Capital Advisors.”

Currently under construction and scheduled to open in October, the 103-room hotel is conveniently located minutes from the Austin International Airport and downtown attractions.

“The south Austin corridor is growing rapidly, and we are excited to bring a new extended-stay Marriott product to a location that is conveniently located to all that Austin has to offer,” said Thomas Chen, Principal of Scenic Capital Advisors. “Expanding our partnership with PM Hotel Group has been tremendously rewarding, and we eagerly anticipate future opportunities.”

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Tallest modular hotel in the world will be built in New York City

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The world’s tallest modular hotel – which will carry a brand of Marriott International – is on track to be stacked in late fall in New York City with prefabricated and pre-furnished guestrooms. Once erected over a 90-day period, the 360-foot-tall tower will represent a milestone for Marriott’s ongoing initiative to encourage hotel developers in North America to embrace modular for new construction projects. To be topped with a modular roof and modular rooftop bar, the world’s tallest modular hotel is expected to open in late 2020 as the AC Hotel New York NoMad.

“In North America, the construction process hasn’t changed significantly in 150 years and it’s ripe for innovation,” said Eric Jacobs, Marriott International, Chief Development Officer, North America, Select and Extended Stay Brands. “The world’s tallest modular hotel in one of the world’s greatest destinations will act as a game-changing symbol to ignite even greater interest in modular among the real estate and lending industries.”

Fully finished guest rooms

The 168-room, 26-story AC Hotel New York NoMad is scheduled to rise at 842 Sixth Avenue with prefabricated guestrooms arriving at the hotel site fully constructed, inside and out. Besides finished, painted walls, each “module” will contain a fully outfitted guest room – with beds, sheets, pillows, flooring and even toiletries. The hotel’s roof and rooftop bar are expected to be produced using modular construction, and its more customized public areas such as the restaurant and lobby are expected to be constructed using traditional methods.

Prefabrication is a process that Marriott has found typically reduces the construction timeline, curbs site waste and noise, and results in a higher-quality product produced with factory level precision. The time savings comes from the ability to perform two crucial functions simultaneously – building the public spaces on site while manufacturing the guest rooms offsite.

“This is the moment where modular construction takes center stage,” says Danny Forster, a leading modular building advocate whose firm, Danny Forster & Architecture, designed the project. As he explains it, “This hotel takes every advantage of off-site manufacturing, as you might expect. But it does so in a way that defies expectation. We wanted to demonstrate that modular building can do more than just harness the efficiencies of the factory. It can produce a graceful and iconic tower. And yes, it can do so at the rate of an entire floor a day.”

Marriott sees a modular future

Marriott, which has the largest pipeline of hotels in North America, began researching modular construction in 2014 to offset lengthening hotel construction times – a trend attributed to the nation’s building boom and resulting labor shortages. Since 2011, Marriott has seen the average time to build and open a hotel in North America increase by as much 50 percent, depending on factors such as location and size of property.

Since 2015, Marriott has been educating owners, franchisees, architects, lenders, consultants, general contractors and other stakeholders across the industry about the benefits of modular by hosting town halls, factory tours and stacking events. The company also worked with leading modular manufacturers to help them better understand the untapped demand that hotel development companies represent.

Since the launch of Marriott’s initiative, the company’s development partners in North America have opened 31 Marriott-brand hotels – all low-rise structures – that incorporate prefabricated guestrooms and/or bathrooms, including a Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites in Folsom, Calif.; a Courtyard by Marriott in Pullman, Wash., and three AC Hotels in Oklahoma City, Louisville, Ky., and Chapel Hill, N.C. To date, the largest Marriott-branded modular-built to open is the 354-room, dual-brand Courtyard and TownePlace Suites by Marriott property in Hawthorne, Calif., while the first to also incorporate a prefabricated elevator bank was the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites in Prairie, Wisc. Later this year, a developer will start stacking the first modular-built Moxy hotel in the United States in downtown Oakland, Calif.

The company continues efforts to support developers interested in leveraging prefabrication, most recently launching modular versions of its prototypes for four of its higher-volume brands: Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Underscoring its commitment to igniting demand for modular construction, Marriott this year is offering an incentive to development companies that leverage prefabrication for guestroom construction.

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Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive featured at third Esquire Podcast and Seychelles x Esquire Middle East Gentleman’s Evening

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Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis, came aboard to the Esquire Q&A Studio at Dubai Media City for the third Esquire podcast last April 11, 2019 to speak about the tropical destination-Seychelles.

The podcast centered about the Middle East tourism market’s relevance, destination wedding in Seychelles and Seychelles as a sustainable tourism destination. It was followed by media interviews with journalists from Esquire, Rake, CEO and Arabian Business.

The STB Office in Dubai was in collaboration with Esquire Middle East, the leading men’s magazine in the Middle East and local partner Six Senses Zil Pasyon hosted a networking event last weekend at the Palace Downtown outdoor viewing deck under the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa and with the views over the Dubai Fountain.

The event saw the presence of STB Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis and Esquire Middle East Editor Matthew Baxter-Priest along with dapper Esquire readers and the leading names in travel industry.

The astonishing location at The Palace Downtown’s Viewing Deck let guests enjoy stellar views while discussing their favorite travel destinations.

During the evening, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, an all-villa hideaway on a pristine private island, gifted two nights stay at the luxury boutique Indian Ocean Beach Resort.

Mrs. Sherin Francis mentioned her satisfaction to have featured on the third Esquire Podcast to talk about the destination, she further stated that the UAE and the Middle East is an important market for Seychelles and a constant presence on the territories is important for the destination.

“As a small destination it is important that we keep in touch with our clients, we constantly need to find innovative ways to push the Seychelles product. The UAE is only four hours away from the Seychelles and present a great opportunity for quick weekend breaks given we are well connected with double daily flights and we have no visa requirements which provides a great advantage for our visitors,” said Mrs. Francis.

Present at the event, Esquire Editor Baxter-Priest admitted that while he is constantly on the go, “the Seychelles is one of my favorite places. Sun, sea, sand and a whole lot more – it is a delightful place.”

The representative of the STB office in Dubai Ahmed Fathallah, who was present at the event, mentioned, “We are truly elated on the response for Seychelles from this region. The steady growth of interest and knowledge of the people from this region for the destination will not be possible without the help of our trade and media partners. In return and in line with the vision, Seychelles Tourism Board Office in Dubai will continue to implement activities that can gain continuous support and further the awareness for the destination in the region.”

The Palace Downtown regaled the invitees to the finest canapés and drinks, while some of the city’s finest DJs entertained them.

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Myanmar’s Thingyan water festival kicks off Saturday morning

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Traditional Thingyan water festival has kicked off in Myanmar’s regions and states in full swing.

Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein on Friday extended wishes to the people for a happy water festival and prosperous new year.

Thingyan water festival will last until April 16 and the new year will fall on April 17, in which Myanmar people decide to turn over a new leaf and leave misfortunes from old year.

Yangon region’s water throwing pavilion was unveiled Friday by the chief minister in front of the region’s City Hall located in downtown area of Yangon city.

The opening ceremony was followed by the performances by the Myanmar traditional dancer troupes in colorful dresses with Thingyan music.

Special celebrations featuring “Walking Thingyan Festival” was also being celebrated by people roaming around the city to receive the water-throwing from pandals where people throw water using hoses.

Meanwhile, Mandalay Region Chief Minister Dr. Zaw Myint Maung also ceremonially inaugurated a water-throwing pandal in the country’s second largest city Mandalay, calling for peace and socio-economic development across the country starting from the new year.

Among Myanmar’s 12 seasonal festivals throughout the year, the Thingyan water festival represents the grandest which is believed to bring peace and prosperity to everyone.

Myanmar people annually celebrate traditional Thingyan water festival to welcome new year as other Southeast Asian countries such as Songkran in Laos and Thailand as well as Chaul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia.

As part of celebration of the festival, people throw and douse water onto one another to wash sins and to make clear the moral impurities from old year.

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Four Seasons Hotel Montreal opens May 8, 2019

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The new luxury centrepiece of Montreal’s Golden Square Mile, Four Seasons Hotel Montreal will officially open on May 8, 2019.

In this update, Four Seasons Hotel Montreal and the onsite MARCUS – the debut Canadian restaurant by visionary Chef Marcus Samuelsson – are confirming reservations for dates beginning May 8, 2019.

“We can’t wait to receive our local community, as well as world travelers, into our luxury ecosystem for the full Four Seasons experience, right in downtown Montreal,” says Four Seasons General Manager Gonçalo Monteiro. “With summer and all its great festivals and events just around the corner, spring is the perfect time for us all to enjoy Montreal’s trendsetting style and culture.”

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Korean Air and the Hanjin Group Chairman and founder of Skyteam died in Los Angeles

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Yang Ho Cho, 70, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air and the Hanjin Group, died peacefully April 7 in a Los Angeles hospital after a brief illness.  He was considered to be an Air transport pioneer.

Mr. Cho’s reach extended far beyond Asia.  He was a founder of the Skyteam international airline alliance and led the bid committee that took the 2018 Winter Olympics to Korea.  He recently completed development of the iconic Wilshire Grand complex in downtown Los Angeles, the tallest building west of the Mississippi.

He served on the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA); the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, University of Southern California; and has received honorary doctorate degrees from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (Florida) and the Ukraine National Aviation University.

Under his guidance, Korean Air became a global powerhouse flying to 124 cities and 44 countries, emerging as America’s largest Asian airline with 15 North American gateways. He recently negotiated a joint venture with Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, that created the industry’s most comprehensive transpacific network. The airlines are scheduled to launch a new non-stop route between Boston and Seoul on April 12.

Mr. Cho was in the airline industry all his life, as his father, Choong-Hoon Cho, had acquired and privatized Korean Air 50 years ago.  The younger Cho was named the airline’s Chairman and CEO in 1999 having served as President and CEO four years earlier. Mr. Cho began working for Korean Air as a manager in the Americas Regional Headquarters in Los Angeles in 1974 after graduating from the University of Southern California.

Three weeks ago Korean Air investors removed him from the board in a victory for shareholder activism.

Mr. Cho’s leadership has been widely recognized over the years. He was awarded the title of `Grand Officier’ in France’s Légion d’Honneur, ‘Polaris’ in Mongolia and also the `Mugunghwa Medal’ in Korea – all of which are the highest order of civil merit awarded in these countries.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Mr. Cho was vice chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries, co-chairman of the Korea-U.S. Business Council, and served as the co-president of l’Année France-Corée 2015-2016’, celebrating 130 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and France.

Mr. Cho is survived by his wife, Myung-hee Lee, son Walter, daughters Heather and Emily and five grandsons.  Services are pending in South Korea.

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Disney Parks: Just say no to ice… and smoking and large strollers

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As of May 1, 2019, no ice, no smoking, and no large strollers will be allowed at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and Downtown Disney District in California. Currently all of these locations have designated smoking areas, which will be removed “to provide a more enjoyable experience for everyone who visits,” according to Disney World’s updated FAQ. (And yes, vaping is banned, too.) Smoking will now be limited to specific areas outside park entrances and at Disney resort hotels.

The smoking ban as announced on the Disney Parks blog yesterday and is bound to elicit some strong reactions, but it’s actually one of four new rules applying to Disney park guests. The second and third rules involve strollers: Guests will no longer be allowed to bring stroller wagons (essentially luxury rides for the toddler set) and stroller size will be limited to 31″ by 52,” the intention being “to ease guest flow and reduce congestion.” The FAQ notes that “many strollers, including many double jogging strollers, fit within these guidelines.” Guests who own strollers that are too roomy will have the option of renting downsized strollers at the park.

Last, Disney parks are cracking down on ice. Yes, the frozen-water kind. Specifically, they’re taking issue with “loose and dry ice,” which guests will no longer be allowed to bring into the parks. The ice ban will “improve guest flow, ease congestion and streamline the bag-check and entry processes,” the guidelines state. Reusable ice packs are allowed and “cups of ice are available at no charge” from any park location that sells beverages.

Disney notes that guests with disabilities will still be accommodated, as their policies have not changed in that regard.

The new rules will take effect prior the opening of Disney’s Star Wars-themed attraction Galaxy’s Edge. Galaxy’s Edge opens May 31 at Disneyland and August 29 at Walt Disney World.

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Nicolas Chammaa as General Manager of Vida Downtown Dubai

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Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties PJSC, has appointed seasoned strategic and results-driven leader, Nicolas Chammaa, as the General Manager of Vida Downtown.

Overseeing all aspects of the hotel, Nicolas will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and in driving the hotel’s strategic growth. He has almost two decades of experience in the hotel business, including at well-known properties in Bahrain, Oman, UAE, and the Philippines. Nicolas graduated from Notre Dame University with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism.

Olivier Harnisch, CEO of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Nicolas’s appointment aims at further strengthening the growth of Vida Downtown. With rich knowledge gained from some of the finest hotels in the world, his industry insights and passion will ensure that the hotel delivers the highest standards of guest service.”

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Singapore Grand Hyatt Hotel ablaze: 500 evacuated

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A fire broke out at the luxury Grand Hyatt Hotel in downtown Singapore today forcing the evacuation of around 500 hotel guests.

In TV footage, thick black smoke could be seen billowing from the hotel that is located close to the Orchard Road shopping district. The fire started from a kitchen stove and exhaust duct in a restaurant on the second floor of the hotel. Water sprinklers put out the fire before firefighters arrived.

According to the Singapore Civil Defense Force, the fire was put out quickly, and emergency responders said nobody was injured.

Guests were still checking in to the Singapore hotel around 2 hours as the smell of the fire lingered in the lobby. The fire likely caused an electrical short on the second floor, as it was in darkness.

“The smoke was really terrible … it got into my throat. I think it was quite thick,” said Nadiah Yayoh, 40, who works at a boutique in the hotel. “Usually we have fire drills and normal evacuations, as well as fire practice … This is a lesson learned not to take it lightly.”

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World’s largest Residence Inn by Marriott opens in Calgary

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Marriott International, Inc. has announced the opening of Residence Inn Calgary Downtown/Beltline District, the largest property in the brand’s global portfolio. The Residence Inn Calgary marks the 800th hotel for the brand.

Located in one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods, the Residence Inn Calgary Downtown/Beltline District was thoughtfully-designed to capture the unconventional charm of the city. Standing 33 stories high, the property features 390 well-appointed spacious suites, offering unbeatable views of the city, all while blending comfort and style. Built where the historic Alberta Boot Company once stood, the property stands out within Calgary’s iconic skyline and boasts unique design elements from floor-to-ceiling murals to cowboy boot stitching incorporated into all guestroom bed headboards, paying homage to Calgary’s western history. Steps away from the center of downtown Calgary, the property’s prime location offers guests close access to some of the city’s main attractions, including the Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary Tower, and Studio Bell.

“Residence Inn Calgary Downtown/Beltline District has been one of our most highly-anticipated launches in Canada as it marks the brand’s largest in the world,” said Janis Milham Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader Classic Select Brands at Marriott International. “Canada has become a key market for the brand’s continued expansion and we look forward to Residence Inn’s continued growth in the country.”

“Stampede City is the perfect place for Marriott International to debut its 800th Residence Inn hotel, the largest Residence Inn in the world, and a flagship property for the brand, said Don Cleary, President of Marriott International in Canada. “Calgary is a key market for extended-stay travel and we are delighted to launch the city’s third Residence Inn, widening the accommodation options available to business travelers whilst also putting Calgary’s most popular cultural attractions within easy reach of our long-stay leisure guests.”

“We are thrilled to be opening a spectacular new addition to Calgary’s Beltline District,” says Gordon Johnson, Vice-President, Operations for Atlific Hotels, the hotel’s operator. “The Residence Inn Calgary Downtown/Beltline District was envisioned for today’s leisure and business traveler, who is looking to spend quality time in one of Canada’s most vibrant entrepreneurial cities, whether for work or play.”

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