Local Attraction At Virginia Beach|"Fashola Unveils West Africa’s Tallest Hotel"

Source              :    osundefender.org
Category         :    Local Attraction At Virginia Beach
By                   :    osundefender
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Local Attraction At Virginia Beach

The hotel located at Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria is a 23-storey building containing 358 rooms and 37 suites and a Presidential suite. The Intercontinental Lagos, a subsidiary of the Intercontinental Hotel Group, IHG, is owned by the Milan Group. Unveiling the 5-star hotel, Fashola said the edifice would surely boost the hospitality and tourism industry in the state, while urging other entrepreneurs to look inward and invest their money in hotels and public utilities such as roads. According to him, the unveiling of the hotel represented the increasing brands of hotels making Nigeria their choice destinations, saying that the tourism industry would be boosted by the new edifice.

“The tourism business is the major sector that creates jobs but sadly, this sector faces lots of challenges across the continent. The Lagos State Government is committed to providing the enabling environment,” he said. Fashola harped on collection of consumption tax and urged hotels and other in the hospitality business to help the government to collect the tax for developmental purpose. “Consumption taxes are not levied on hotels but on consumers. The role of hotel is to collect the tax and give it to us. It is by collecting this taxes that you empower us to provide schools, public utilities and others,” he stated. Chairman, Milan Group, Ramesh Valechha said the hotel would change the landscape of Lagos and boost the hospitality industry in the state. He disclosed that Memorandum of Understanding for the project was signed on 31 March, 2004 while it took two years to complete the design work before the conceptualisation of the project began. He stated that the Lagos State Government, Skye Bank and Wema Bank were supportive of the project.

Valechha disclosed the building of the hotel cost over N30 billion while 650 jobs were created for Nigerians.

Regional General Manager, IHG, Africa, Karl Hala said the hotel is the leading hotel in Nigeria, saying the group had 170 Intercontinental Hotels in 60 countries of the world. He described the unveiling of the hotel in Lagos as a significant milestone in the hospitality industry, adding that the group also had 20 Intercontinental Hotels in Africa and that the hotel was the only 5-star hotel in Nigeria. Chief Executive Officer, Design Group, Bayo Odunlami said it took lots of challenging moment in the design and conceptualization of the project, saying he was happy that the group overcame the hurdles.

Source : osundefender.org/?p=124067

Local Attraction At Virginia Beach|"Boston Hotel Nixes Drinks Named for Mayor Hopefuls"

Source              :    abcnews.go.com
Category         :    Local Attraction At Virginia Beach
By                   :    BOSTON 
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Local Attraction At Virginia Beach

There was only one problem with a Boston hotel's plan to offer alcoholic drinks named after two city mayoral candidates: one of them is a recovering alcoholic. Officials at the Loews Boston Hotel canceled the promotion after being questioned recently by a Boston Herald reporter. The hotel had planned to sell $8 drinks named after Democratic mayoral candidates John R. Connolly and Martin J. Walsh, and offer $4 nonalcoholic alternatives to them, in its bar, Cuffs. Walsh, a state representative, has openly discussed his past troubles with alcohol during his campaign.

Loews Boston had planned to keep a tab on sales of the drinks — dubbed the J.R. Connelly and M.J. Walsh — as an unofficial, pre-election indicator of who was winning the race, the Herald reported Sunday ( http://bit.ly/19Oudnn ). "Loews Boston Hotel acknowledges the insensitivity of this recent promotion and have canceled it effective immediately," the hotel said in a statement after being questioned by the reporter. Walsh's campaign declined to comment. Walsh and Connolly, a city councilor and former teacher, were the top vote-getters in a recent preliminary election before the Nov. 5 general election. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is stepping down in January after 20 years in office.

Source : abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/boston-hotel-nixes-drinks-named-mayor-hopefuls-20412927

Business Retreat In Virginia Beach|"Luxury Cairo Hotel Celebrates Its Success With Spectacular Anniversary Party"

Source              :    marketwired.com
Category         :    Business Retreat In Virginia Beach
By                   :    marketwired
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Business Retreat In Virginia Beach

Celebrating a 10-year milestone in July, the JW Marriott Cairo did what it does best by entertaining guests to a grand evening of hospitality in hosting its 10th anniversary party on the driving range of its pristine Mirage City Golf Club. Successfully serving world travelers with first-class accommodations for a decade, the corporate resort's management and staff threw a remarkable party that was perfectly orchestrated in true JW Marriott fashion. Surrounding its guests with enchanting lake views, a grand fountain and the scenic vistas of its lush green golf course, this magnificent outdoor ballroom in Cairo was laden with Egypt's elite community, including media, top corporate account representatives, travel agents and JW Ladies Society Club members. As hosts of this spectacular event, Mr. Mounir Ghabbour, the CEO of Mirage Hotels Corporation, along with his wife, and Mr. Magdy Naguib, multi-property general manager of JW Marriott Cairo and Renaissance, welcomed guests upon arrival. 

Tantalizing those attending with a diverse and artistically presented menu of international flare the luxury Cairo hotel's culinary team displayed its superb catering services with an expansive lay of hors d' oeuvres and entrées that were as pleasing to the eyes as they were to the palate. Guests were also entertained by the rhythms of Egyptian superstar Mohamed Hamaki and surprised with a breathtaking fireworks show that ignited the summer sky. As Cairo's only corporate resort, the JW Marriott Cairo has excelled as a unique destination for world business and leisure travelers and as a result has been honored with numerous awards during its 10 years of service. Steadfast in maintaining a high level of excellence, the property has been recognized as best convention center and corporate resort, while its golf club and popular JW Steakhouse have also garnered accolades for superior quality and fine service.

Conveniently located just seven minutes from Cairo International Airport, the property welcomes its guests with exceptional value, offering a host of impressive hotel deals in Cairo along with impeccable accommodations and state-of-the-art amenities.The JW Marriott Hotel Cairo is an impressive five-star luxury resort offering travelers elegant surroundings and personalized service. Boasting 12 restaurants, guests can choose from a variety of international menus and enjoy full access to a host of on-site amenities including "The Beach," an outdoor water park, an indoor pool and health center, championship golf at its Mirage City Golf Club and relaxing spa services at the Mandara Spa. Featuring 43,000 square feet of high tech event space and a professional staff of event managers and culinary artists, the JW Marriott is a distinctive Cairo destination ideal for both business and leisure travel. JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to today's sophisticated, self-assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense. 

JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that are reflective of their locale so that their guests have the time to focus on what is most important to them. Currently, there are 45 JW Marriott hotels in 19 countries; by 2013 the portfolio will encompass 73 properties in 28 countries.Marriott International is a leading lodging company with more than 3,400 lodging properties in 68 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites Inn and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, The Ritz-Carlton Residences and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland USA, and had approximately 137,000 employees at 2009 yearend. It is recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the best companies to work for, and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2009, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $11 billion.

Source:marketwired.com/press-release/luxury-cairo-hotel-celebrates-its-success-with-spectacular-anniversary-party-1835356.htm

Hotels With Ocean Views VA|"Longmont Hotels Pick Up Business From The Flood"

Source              :    timescall.com
Category         :    Hotels With Ocean Views VA
By                   :    Tony Kindelspire
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Hotels With Ocean Views VA

Hotel rooms in Longmont have filled up the past couple of weeks as people displaced by the flood and those coming in from out of town to help rebuild are needing a place to stay. "We have 40 rooms of the Army National Guard," said Thomas Goodwill, general manager of the Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. "They checked in Sunday and they'll be here through Monday. They're here to work on the roads." While that bunch will be leaving soon, another 100 rooms -- at least -- will be occupied by more soldiers helping with the rebuild starting Oct. 2 and running through the day before Thanksgiving, Goodwill said. "The Utah National Guard and the Colorado National have been mobilized," he said. Sure, it is good for business, Goodwill said, but it's also encouraging to see the proactive approach being taken by government to rebuild the infrastructure in places such as Lyons, which was devastated. "We're very pleased to be able to host them," Goodwill said. "It's nice that the federal government is taking this very seriously." It was a year ago that the Plaza became affiliated with the Best Western chain of hotels, the first time in two years the hotel had a nationally known brand attached to it. Not only did it help keep the hotel more than 90 percent booked all summer, but it also helped land the federal government contract to house the National Guard, according to Alan Linton, president of the Plaza Hotel Corp. and chief financial officer for Pratt Management Co., owner of the hotel.

Kyle Sherwood, front desk manager at the Hampton Inn, said the hotel was busy with refugees from Lyons the days immediately following the flood, but most of them have moved on by now. "Looks like we've got all our evacuees out," Sherwood said. "But we had them here for a little bit -- I'd say at least a week, week and a half." He said the Hampton also saw some business from out-of-towners who came in to comfort family members or friends affected by the flood. At Longmont's Marriott complex, the Residence Inn has been busiest of the three hotels with flood victims, mostly Lyons residents, according to Bill Weiberg, the Marriotts' general manager. The Residence Inn is built for longer-term stays, with kitchenettes and work spaces. "It's been a guessing game for them and us because they don't know when they're going to be able to get back to their homes, to their community," Weiberg said. In the meantime, the hotel has been throwing barbecues for them and doing everything it can to make them feel at home while they're displaced. Last Friday night, the Fireball Run crews that were in Longmont held a rally for their race that turned into a fundraiser for the flood victims; more than 600 people showed up and more than $1,300 was raised for the Left Hand Brewing Foundation.

Weiberg wanted to single out Intrado and the ColoRODans for helping out with the fundraiser. Dealing with the Lyons' folks has been inspiring to him, Weiberg said. "My faith in the human spirit has been rekindled because not a one of them are feeling sorry for themselves, even though they have a right to," he said. Lyons' residents are also occupying the Super 8 Hotel at Main Street and Colo. Highway 66, according to Dennis Posa, front desk manager. "In those first days (after the flood) it was mostly people affected in Longmont," said Posa. "We're helping the firefighters in Lyons," he said. "They've got some rooms for the people who are working 24 hours a day, so they can shower and rest." He said about half of the Super 8's 64 rooms are taken up by people who are there because of the flood.

Source:timescall.com/news/colorado-flood/ci_24176919/longmont-hotels-pick-up-business-from-flood

Courtyard Virginia Hotels|"Dalata Plans Hotel Expansion After Sales Boost"

Source              :    irishtimes.com
Category         :    Courtyard Virginia Hotels
By                   :    Mark Paul
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Courtyard Virginia Hotels

The largest chain in the country, the Dalata hotel group which operates 34 properties, is planning further expansion following strong sales growth in 2012, as the recovery in the country’s hotel market gathers pace. Dalata, founded in 2007 by the former Jurys Doyle chief executive Pat McCann, saw its revenues climb last year by 55 per cent to €54.1 million, according to accounts obtained by The Irish Times. It added five new properties in 2012. Dalata’s operating profit more than doubled to €3.2 million but it still made a loss of €2 million after charging interest and tax. About €4.1 million of the interest charges, however, were paid out on loan notes held by the company’s shareholders, including McCann. Dalata owns the 12-strong Maldron chain of three and four-star hotels, which includes one property in Cardiff. It also operates a further 22 unbranded hotels in Ireland under management contracts, mostly on behalf of banks and receivers. It is backed by TVC Holdings and private clients of Davy stockbrokers.

“Trading conditions in the sector improved in 2012 with increased demand growth in Dublin. As the year progressed there was evidence of stabilization in the rest of the country,” Dalata’s directors said, before adding it is continuing to look for expansion opportunities. The five-star segment of the market is leading a rebound of hotels in the capital, according to a recent study by Crowe Horwath consultants, which also found that Dublin properties had occupancy of 74 per cent last year while rates at luxury hotels climbed 10 per cent. The Dalata directors continued: “The outlook for 2013 is positive with further growth expected in earnings, driven by gathering and conferences and events, particularly in Dublin.” The capital’s conference market is expected to receive a 15 per cent boost next year following the launch of Google’s Foundry research centre, which will bring an extra 15,000 overseas delegates to the city each year. Dalata highlighted the special 9 per cent VAT rate for tourism related services, and said it has boosted its trade. “The rate has ensured the group remains competitive in a difficult marketplace and has increased employment,” it said. Michael Noonan, the Minister for Finance, has hinted he is likely to increase the rate in next month’s budget, however, as it was only ever a “temporary measure” that costs taxpayers €360 million annually.

Dalata is examining further expansion opportunities in the UK, and is believed to have held talks with institutions about obtaining finance for any expansion. The group has bank debts of just €8 million, but owes its shareholders about €31.5 million in loan notes, which pay out interest of 9 per cent each year. The accounts state, however, that the loan notes must only be paid back if Dalata is sold, lists on the stock exchange, or sells some of its assets. The shareholders have shared almost €19 million in interest payments since 2007. McCann invested €1 million of his own cash in the notes, according to the accounts. The financial statements show that Dalata employed about 645 staff directly last year, up from 413 in 2011. Overall, however, about 2,500 people are employed by the hotels Dalata operates, including staff employed at the hotels it runs for other owners under management contracts. Its most high-profile properties are the Clyde Court and Ballsbridge hotels in Dublin, which formerly operated as Jurys and the Berkeley Court. They are now owned by a consortium of banks that seized them from the developer Sean Dunne, who bought them during the boom for €380 million. Dalata also last month bought out a loan attached to its Limerick Maldron hotel from Bank of Scotland (Ireland) at a discount of 78 per cent. It is expected to assume ownership of the property at the end of the year.

Source:irishtimes.com/business/sectors/transport-and-tourism/dalata-plans-hotel-expansion-after-sales-boost-1.1538919