Hotel News Now’s Independent Insights newsletter each month features a news roundup from the independent hotel sector. Subscribe to the free monthly newsletter here.
Independents post positive November results
Hotels in the independent chain scale in the United States posted positive results in the three key performance metrics during the month of November, according to STR, parent company of Hotel News Now.
When compared to November 2013, occupancy for the segment rose 3.2% to 54.4%, while average daily rate increased 4.9% to $108. Revenue per available room was up 8.3% to $58.72.
National Geographic to market independents
The National Geographic brand has long been affiliated with travel, but the company is aligning more closely with specific hotels for marketing and distribution through its Unique Lodges of the World program, according to a report from HNN’s Stephanie Ricca.
The initial class comprises 24 properties on six continents that range in size from eight to 45 guestrooms, said Lynn Cutter, executive VP, travel and licensing at National Geographic. Member properties will receive marketing and distribution assistance from National Geographic and will be able to display signage on property.
Marriott adds Dubai property to Autograph Collection
Marriott International on 16 December announced the signing of Dubai’s Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa to its Autograph Collection. The signing of the 446-room hotel represents the debut of the collection in the Middle East and Africa.
"We are delighted to announce the exciting entry of the Autograph Collection portfolio into our continent, through the beautiful city of Dubai (United Arab Emirates)," said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Marriott International Middle East and Africa, in a news release. "Autograph Collection is known for creating authentic experiences that are centered in rich personality and the spirit of independence. We feel that essence is fully represented in Dubai, which with its courageous inventiveness makes it a perfect fit for the collection."
Iconic Providence Biltmore hotel joins Curio
The Providence Biltmore hotel on 16 December joined Hilton Worldwide Holdings’ Curio–A Collection by Hilton. The property, which is a member of the Historic Hotels of America program under the National Trust for Historic Preservation, offers 294 guestrooms and suites.
According to a news release, the hotel will finish a $13-million renovation plan in early 2015 with updates to the three-story atrium lobby and functions rooms.
Pebblebrook acquires Revere Hotel in Boston
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust acquired the 356-room Revere Hotel in Boston, along with an attached 826-space parking garage and an adjacent 3,181-square-foot parcel of land, for $260.4 million. The hotel is located in the heart of the historic Theater District of downtown Boston.
The Revere Hotel is an upper-upscale, full-service hotel built in 1972 and converted to its independent status following an extensive $29-million ($81,000 per key) renovation in 2012, according to a news release.
LaSalle buys Portland’s Heathman Hotel
LaSalle Hotel Properties purchased the 150-room Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon, for $64.3 million. The name of the seller was not released, according to a news release.
The Heathman Hotel, constructed in 1927, has been well maintained with $6 million invested from 2008 to present. LaSalle has underwritten approximately $3 million of capital investment in 2017 for a soft goods renovation.
Pacifica Hotels debuts revitalized Redondo Beach Hotel
Pacifica Hotels announced the opening of the 112-room Redondo Beach Hotel in Redondo Beach, California. The owner and operator of boutique hotels along the Pacific Coast completed a $13-million renovation to the former Sunrise Hotel, which closed at the beginning of 2014.
According to a news release, the comprehensive renovation included new guestrooms and meeting spaces, the addition of balconies on the ocean-facing guestrooms, a second level outdoor lounge with views of the ocean and marina, a completely remodeled lobby and an expansive portico that ties in architectural elements from the city’s cultural history.
Host to reposition Four Seasons Philadelphia
Host Hotels & Resorts announced plans to reposition the Four Seasons Philadelphia hotel to a third-party managed independent luxury hotel. The company has selected Sage Hospitality to manage the hotel starting in June, according to a news release.
Sage will be an integral partner in transforming the current Four Seasons to a new luxury hotel with a unique identity. Extensive multimillion-dollar renovations, including numerous value enhancement projects, are expected to begin at the time of the management transition in June.
Compiled by Samantha Worgull.