Hotel Reviews

The Albus Grand Hotel Amsterdam

2007-06-16T18:08:00.001-07:00

The Albus Grand Hotel Amsterdam is a modern property with grey façade built in 2000 and located in the historic Old City, 500 metres from Dam Square. This eight-storey Hotel features 74 guestrooms, all of which include a white modern decor with light wood furnishings. All rooms have cable TV with pay movies, designer toiletries, hypo- allergenic bedding and Internet connections.
The Get Together Drinks & Bites lounge bar offers snacks and drinks and room service is also available. Guests of the Albus Grand with laptops can check emails thanks to wireless Internet access (surcharge) and multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can help book any restaurants or shows. A limousine service is offered, as well as transport between Amsterdam proper and nearby Schiphol Airport (surcharge). Parking is available nearby.
The Albus Grand Hotel in Amsterdam is situated quiote close to local attractions such as the Flower Market, the shops of Kalverstraat, and the nightlife of Rembrandtsplein, all less than 100 metres from the Hotel Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is 20 minutes by car, 15 kilometres from the Hotel

Wine, tourism, casino give valley bright economic outlook

2007-06-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

By Nora K. Wallace Santa Barbara News-Press, Calif.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News

Jun. 7--Fueled by the economic triad of the wine industry, tourism and the Chumash Casino, the Santa Ynez Valley's economy is on track to fare better this year than much of the rest of Santa Barbara County.

That's the assessment from the UCSB Economic Forecast Project's 2007 economic outlook for the Santa Ynez Valley. The report was delivered to an audience of community members, business owners and elected officials Wednesday night at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School.

"The risks to the California economy are high costs resulting from high home prices, regulations, the state budget and energy and water supplies," the report indicated. "Santa Barbara's economy will be weaker than California's or the United States The South Coast's slow growth has been previously documented. Because of the wine industry, the Chumash Casino, and related tourism, the Santa Ynez Valley's economy will perform somewhat better than much of the rest of the county."

Those behind the forecast state that The Valley has its own "idiosyncratic economy," and the economic impact of the casino "has exceeded our expectations."

They also predict that the overall U.S. economy will grow at a modest pace for the remainder of this year, and that California's will even surpass that growth. "We expect the Santa Ynez Valley's economy to be relatively robust in comparison to its neighboring communities," the forecast summarized.

Some of that economic engine is driven by tourism, as visitors come to the area to do wine tasting in the dozens of valley tasting rooms or gamble at the Chumash Casino. Hotel and motel room sales grew in Buellton by 11 percent in 2006, a jump of 2 percent from the previous year. Solvang's room sales grew 20 percent in 2006, after a growth of just 5.9 percent in 2006.

Part of that increase is being attributed to the popularity of the movie "Sideways," which was filmed in The Valley and created a wave of fans wanting to visit the sites shown in the movie.

Though the wine industry tends to be cyclical, the report stated that the "tourism associated with it is likely to be less cyclical as the industry in the Santa Ynez Valley matures."

Hotel and motel visits and occupancy rates in The Valley have held steady at the 67 percent range reported in 2005 and 2006. That may drop a bit, the report noted, as newly approved Hotel rooms are added to the area.

Among the new Hotels in the works is the already approved Bach Hotel in Buellton which would add a four-story Hotel with 106 rooms on Avenue of the Flags.

Though the tourists are coming, it doesn't appear they're spending much at the area's retail offerings. Both Buellton and Solvang witnessed a retail sales decline in 2006 -- Buellton dropped 6.5 percent; Solvang 5 percent.

"We forecast a gradual resumption of retail sales growth in Buellton but continued softness in Solvang " the report noted. "Buellton's expected relative strength is due in part to the anticipated construction of new retail space in the Village Specific Plan that is currently in the planning process."

Previously called Oaks Springs Village, the Village Specific Plan is a 22-acre mixed-use Center proposed for the corner of McMurray Road and Highway 246, with 9 acres of retail. The plan has not yet been approved.

In the housing market, single-family sales volumes for the state were down 24 percent, and the valley's all-home sales volumes were down 29 percent, according to the report. The forecast predicts another 4 percent decline in The Valley with sales volumes recovering slowly in 2008 and beyond.

Despite the decline, the report noted that the valley's median home prices "have remained relatively resilient, with 2006 prices down only 1 percent.

The report forecasted a 2007 increase of 1.4 percent and an increase of 4.2 percent next year.

The assessment of the valley's top employers has not changed much from the previous year. The Chumash Casino Resort is on top, with an estimated 1,550 employees. Rounding out the top 10 are: Alisal Guest Ranch, 285; Santa Ynez Valley High School District, 145; Buellton Union School District, 134; MedSeek, 132; Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 129; Solvang Lutheran Home, 128; Firestone Vineyards, 125; El Rancho Market, 120 and Dunn Schools, 105.

The valley's job growth rate increased slightly in 2006: having seen a 0.6 percent decline in 2005, it increased the same amount in 2006. The job growth came in the areas of construction, non-durables manufacturing and services.

"The Santa Ynez Valley's job growth rate will increase gradually starting in 2007," the report noted.

Hilton Hotels Corporation Announces Three Major Development Alliances

2007-06-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT) today announced that the company will form three major development alliances with the intention to introduce more than 15 new Hotels in the Caribbean and Central America, 25 Hotels in Russia and at least 15 Hotels in the U.K. throughout the next five years.

HHC has agreed to work with Caribbean Property Group for development within Central America & the Caribbean; London & Regional Properties Limited in Russia; and Shiva Hotels Limited in the U.K. and Ireland The three development alliances follow the partnership deals recently announced in India and China which are expected to result in 100 new Hotels in those markets throughout the next five to seven years.

"These important alliances will reinforce our position as the premier global Hotel company and underscore our strategy to sign large deals with major investors to develop a significant number of Hotels in key growth markets around the world," said Matthew J. Hart, president and chief operating officer, Hilton Hotels Corporation. "We are well on our way to achieving our stated goal of at least 1,000 Hotels outside of North America over the next 10 years."

Caribbean & Central America

Through a strategic Alliance agreement with Caribbean Property Group (CPG), a New York-based, major property investment group, HHC will work actively with CPG to develop focused-service, franchised Hotels within certain defined markets in Central America and the Caribbean. Initially, targeted markets include major cities and destinations in Puerto Rico Costa Rica Panama the Republic hotels">Dominican Republic and Trinidad CPG will receive certain preferred development rights in return for meeting certain goals and timetables.

"This agreement ideally supports our international development strategy to bolster the Hilton Family of Hotels presence in growing markets where our brands are either underrepresented or absent," said Tom Keltner, Chief Executive Officer - Americas & Global Brands, Hilton Hotels Corporation. "CPG is a well respected developer with invaluable insight in these markets, and we are confident that they will help us achieve these goals."

The company initially will focus on the Hilton Garden Inn brand, with plans to develop additional projects under the Hampton by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton flags, eventually.

HHC began its business relationship with CPG with the recent signing of management agreements for two existing full-service Hotels in Costa Rica owned by a joint venture in which CPG holds an 85 percent ownership interest. Currently undergoing major renovations, the Hotels will be re-branded and re-opened in the 2008 first quarter as the Hilton Papagayo and the Doubletree by Hilton Puntarenas in Guanacaste and Puntarenas Costa Rica respectively.

"The region is ripe for focused service Hotel development," said Barry Breeman, vice chairman, Caribbean Properties Group. "The economies have strengthened in the region over the past five years. Today, there is a good base of first-class, full-service Hotels and resorts, but a very limited number of mid-market, focused service Hotels especially in the premium branded sector. In addition to these markets and this segment being significantly underserved, we believe developing under the established Hilton Family of Hotels will give instant credibility to the projects. And as these projects succeed, we believe they will act as catalysts to help further strengthen local economies and development of other real estate classes."

Russia

In Russia, which is a priority international development market for the company, HHC will enter into a 'Preferred Development Alliance' with London & Regional Properties Limited (L&R). This agreement is expected to result in the development of at least 25 new Hotels in an initial period of five years, encompassing selected brands within the Hilton Family of Hotels including Conrad Hilton, Doubletree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton Hotels all of which HHC will manage.

"Russia is an outstanding market in which to pursue Hotel development given the powerful combination of improving economics and favourable demographics," said Ian Carter, chief executive of Hilton's International Operations. "There is almost a total absence of internationally branded properties throughout the regional cities of Russia.

In London & Regional, we have a blue-chip owner; Hilton has enjoyed a long-standing trading relationship with this company that is comprised of highly experienced developers with a strong appetite for growth. With their support, we aim to become the market leading international Hotel company in Russia."

"The Hilton name is a powerfully strong brand and Russia offers tremendous potential as there are 11 major cities with a population of more than 1 million people," said Ian Livingston of London & Regional. "With the multi-brand approach that Hilton Hotels Corporation now has, the company is able to offer solutions in all travel sectors."

The development focus in Russia will be in Moscow and St. Petersburg as well as key regional cities. The first Hotel expected to be included in the deal will be in the centre of Novosibirsk (Russia's third largest city) where L&R currently is developing a mixed-use Hotel and office project that features a 186-room Doubletree by Hilton. This Hotel is expected to open in the second quarter of 2008.

In addition, and separate from this deal, HHC's first Hilton Hotel in Russia will be the 275-room Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya, which opens later this year.

U.K. & Ireland

In the U.K. and Ireland also is a priority development market for HHC, the company will enter into a preferred development Alliance with Shiva Hotels Limited, representing its first U.K. Hotel franchise deal with a major property partner. The agreement is expected to result in the addition of at least 15 new Hotels and will focus on the following Hilton Family of Hotels: Hilton, Doubletree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton.

Shiva, a privately owned company, is looking to expand its existing interests in the Hotel sector and has four Hotel sites under development that are expected to be included in this agreement. Two of the new sites will be Hampton by Hilton Hotels representing the brand's first introduction in the U.K.

Rishi Sachdev, managing director of Shiva Hotels said "I am excited by the opportunity to develop and grow the business in partnership with Hilton, which has a strong, international presence and an excellent reputation. I believe that combining the Hilton family of brands with our development experience and operational expertise is a winning formula."

The four sites under development are a 350-room Hilton near Heathrow Terminal 5, a 200-room Hilton and a 120-room Hampton Inn by Hilton in Leeds and a 120-room Hampton by Hilton in Derby

"The U.K. & Ireland is a very important market for Hilton, given the strength of the economy and our already strong presence with 75 properties," said Carter. "The introduction of additional brands within the Hilton Family of Hotels for the first time gives us the ability to attract new owners and operate across a number of market segments from luxury to mid-price, appealing to guests at different Price points.

"These significant alliances are indicative of how we would like to grow internationally. We aim to make a big impact in each of our core development markets and achieve market leadership across major Hotel segments through ventures with large ownership groups."

About London & Regional(L&R)

L&R is one of the largest private property companies in Europe with investments, developments and business interests exceeding Eur 10 billion in over 12 countries including the UK, Scandinavia, Germany Poland South Africa Russia and Panama Within their property investment portfolio, L&R own over 50 Hotels including London Hilton on Park Lane, The Trafalgar in London and the Hilton Frankfurt In Russia, L&R has invested over Eur 500 million in the commercial property market since 2005 including prime office buildings, retail centres, Hotels logistics facilities and pipeline development schemes.

About Shiva

Shiva is owned by Rishi Sachdev, Managing Director and Ramesh Sachdev, Director. Rishi graduated from Cambridge University and joined Lehman Brothers as a derivatives trader. He left in 2001 to pursue a more entrepreneurial career, initially focusing on mixed use commercial property developments. Having developed a number of successful schemes in the UK, he recognized the growth potential in the branded mid-market Hotel sector and started Shiva Hotels in 2003.

About Caribbean Property Group(CPG)

CPG is focused on making investments in primary real estate assets in the Caribbean and Central America. The company owns approximately $2 billion in real estate assets in Puerto Rico including 5.8 million square feet of retail space, 2.2 million square feet of warehouse space and 300,000 square feet of office space. CPG also owns two major hotel-casinos, both in San Juan CPG, along with joint venture partners, focuses on acquiring income-producing, fixed real estate assets in the Caribbean and Central America across four platforms-hotel, retail, office and industrial.

AboutHilton Hotels Corporation(HHC)

HHC is the leading global hospitality company, with more than 2,800 Hotels and 480,000 rooms in 76 countries and territories, including 100,000 team members worldwide.

The company owns, manages or franchises a Hotel portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton®, Conrad®Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations(TM), Homewood Suites by Hilton®and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection®.

The Hilton Family of Hotels adheres to founder Conrad Hilton's philosophy that, "It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality." The company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the best known and most highly regarded Hotel company:be hospitable®. The philosophy is shared by all brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels and is the inspiration for its overarching message of kindness and generosity.

Copyright 2007 Business Wire, Inc.

968-Room Marriott-Branded Hotel Planned for Sensational Macao Studio City Complex in Macao

2007-06-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- . An astonishing 68-room Marriott-branded Hotel will be part of the monumental Macao Studio City with entertainment, retail, gaming and studios complex taking shape in Macao China This Hotel will open under a management agreement reached with East Asia-Televisao Por Satellite Limitada as reported by Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) today.Scheduled to open in 2009, the Macao Studio City Marriott Hotel will be situated in a 30-story tower block as part of the 4-million-square-foot, mixed-use development known as Macao Studio City The complex is located on a 33-acre site along the "Cotai Strip," the main thoroughfare of Cotai, Macao with a direct link to the new Lotus Bridge immigration checkpoint. Close by is the Orient Golf Course In addition to the Macao Studio City Marriott Hotel phase one of the complex will include three more components; a 2,300-seat theater; a 200,000-square-foot casino, a 55,000-square-foot exhibition center; 1 million square feet of retail space; and a stand-alone, state-of-the-art television and film production facility."We are thrilled to be part of this exciting development which is bringing Las Vegas-style entertainment and tourism to Macao " said Ed Fuller, president & managing director, international lodging for Marriott International. "The range and scope of facilities the Macao Studio City complex will offer, coupled with our stellar reputation in the global MICE market, give the Macao Studio City Marriott Hotel enormous potential for success. We have no doubt that Macao will be the next hot destination for incentive and leisure travelers."David Friedman, co-chairman and co-chief executive officer of Macao Studio City said, "Macao Studio City is delighted to welcome one of the world's most celebrated Hotel brands to our complex. The Marriott brand is a deluxe, upscale performance-oriented brand that focuses on enabling the success of its guests."Ambrose Cheung, co-chief executive officer of Macao Studio City said, "The Marriott Hotel will be a key member of Macao Studio City It complements our vision of having only world-class operators to provide truly unique and memorable experiences for visitors in Macao "Accommodations at the Macao Studio City Marriott Hotel will feature over-sized guestrooms offering bathrooms with separate shower and tub; state-of-the-art, in-room technology; and Marriott's signature bed and bath linens.Among other amenities, the Hotel will have a private executive level lounge; access to a destination spa; a resort-style swimming pool; a 300-square meter health and fitness center; a kids' club and game room. Additionally, the Macao Studio City Marriott Hotel will offer the services of a business Center retail shopping and shuttle service to the Macao ferry terminal and Airport For dining and entertainment, the Hotel will have an all-day casual restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a lobby lounge and bar and a pool bar.The Macao Studio City Marriott Hotel will have 3,750-square meters of conference space for meetings and social events. Included will be a 2,200-square meter grand ballroom that will be divisible into 10 sections; a 600-square meter junior ballroom that will be divisible into five sections; six additional meeting rooms each capable of being divided into two or three sections; and two 75-square meter boardrooms.Currently, there are no Marriott International-branded Hotels in Macao