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.
Benchmark acquires Westroc Hotels & Resorts
Benchmark announced on 19 May it acquired Arizona-based management company Westroc Hotels & Resorts. Two of Westroc’s hotels, Hotel Valley Ho and Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, will join Benchmark’s brand, Benchmark Hotels & Resorts, according to the news release.
“This transition provides the properties and their associates with several benefits, including stronger financial planning tools, more employment and transfer opportunities, added sales and marketing communications, reporting capabilities and more channels of commerce,” the release states.
The Lyon family will still own Hotel Valley Ho and co-own Mountain Shadows Resort alongside Dallas-based Woodbine Development Corporation.
RAR acquisition positions Hostmark for future growth
Schaumburg, Illinois-based Hostmark Hospitality Group recently acquired San Diego-based hotel management company RAR Hospitality, giving Hostmark a West Coast footprint as well as limited-service and boutique hotels, reports Hotel News Now’s Robert McCune. The deal was negotiated and finalized between late February and early March, just as COVID-19 news and impact began to spread in the U.S.
“We have more limited-service; they have more full-service … to show strong knowledge in each of those categories complements nicely,” said RAR President Cameron Lamming. “From an independent perspective, we now have a pretty big portfolio, seeing some expansion on that boutique side with operators that think differently. But we still have that branded experience to bring those staples of operations.”
Seagate Hotel & Spa reopens
The Seagate Hotel & Spa in Delray Beach, Florida, reopened 22 May after being closed due to COVID-19. It also launched a new property-wide sanitation plan for the safety of its guests and staff, called SeagateSafe. The initiative is in partnership with Ecolab and will consist of updated hygienic measures and procedures, according to a news release.
Upgrades and changes include implementation of social-distancing floor markers at the front desk and dining venues, less dining tables and bar stools, complimentary masks for guests upon check-in, temperature checks for all employees and much more.
Deals, development, people on the move
- Karl Bublitz has been appointed the GM of the Seagate Country Club, Seagate Beach Club and Seagate Residences at the Seagate Hotel & Spa in Delray Beach, Florida.
- Keller City Council approved $280,650 in economic incentives for the development of the Harmonson Boutique Hotel in Old Town Keller District in Keller, Texas.
- An agreement between Cupertino City Council in California and hotel project developer De Anza Properties has been approved to move into the pre-construction phase of a 155-key boutique hotel.