budget hotels https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/tag/budget-hotels/ Informing, connecting and developing the world’s travel industry professionals. Wed, 11 Jan 2023 09:06:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 B&B owners across the UK worry about ‘Airbnb effect’ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/airbnb-effect-uk/ Tue, 26 Nov 2019 01:50:32 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=528809 The post B&B owners across the UK worry about ‘Airbnb effect’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

New research has revealed nearly half (47%) of B&B owners across the UK are nervous about oversupply in the market due to Airbnb and budget hotels.

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Bed and breakfast - Airbnb effect

New research from Direct Line for Business has revealed nearly half (47%) of B&B owners across the UK are nervous about oversupply in the market due to Airbnb and budget hotels.

Direct Line for Business has revealed B&B and guest house owners across the UK are worried about the impact Airbnb and budget hotels are having on their business. Nearly half (47%) are nervous about oversupply in the market in the next 12 months as a result of more Airbnb options and the growth of the budget hotel sector.

B&B owners are also concerned about the impact of regulation, with nearly a quarter (22%) believing B&Bs are stifled by over-regulation. All B&B owners need to ensure that their business follows strict regulations, whether it be for obvious things such as fire safety, food standards and alcohol licences or ones you might not expect including television and music licences.

“Level the playing-field of enforcement”

David Weston, chairman of the Bed & Breakfast Association said: “B&B owners are dedicated to their businesses and go above and beyond to provide an outstanding service to their guests. The B&B Association welcomes competition but is working with the government to level the playing-field of enforcement so all our guests are protected. Owning and operating a traditional B&B remains an ambition for many Brits looking to move into the hospitality industry.”

On average, B&B owners are anticipating a 55% occupancy rate over the next 12 months.

For their business to continue to be financially viable, B&B owners need occupancy of 49%. This means B&B owners are expecting to be very close to the mark in financial viability, with one major event or emergency likely to have a significant negative impact. In fact, one in six (16%) B&B owners are anticipating a shortfall in occupancy over the next 12 months.

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Bed and breakfast – Airbnb effect
Opening Asia to branded budget stays, one RedDoorz at a time https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/opening-asia-branded-budget-stays-one-reddoorz-time/ Mon, 15 Jan 2018 05:24:19 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=442660 The post Opening Asia to branded budget stays, one RedDoorz at a time appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

RedDoorz founder Amit Saberwal

RedDoorz aims to be the Uber of budget accommodation: its ecosystem allows owners of unbranded spaces to showcase their properties & reach out to travellers who want to avail of quality services with affordable lodging.

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RedDoorz founder Amit Saberwal

Budget travel and sharing economies have really taken off in Asia, where students, young professionals and bucket list-ers have a desire to take on the world by day while enjoying comforts at night like clean bedrooms, clean and well-stocked bathrooms, and (most importantly!) free wifi.

This makes them the perfect market for RedDoorz, a platform helmed by Make My Trip alumni Amit Saberwal and Kunwar Asheesh Saxena. Singapore-based RedDoorz aims to be the Uber of budget accommodation: its ecosystem allows owners of unbranded spaces to showcase their properties and reach out to travellers who want to avail of quality services with affordable lodging.

The startup uses its own proprietary data analytics technology to forecast demand on areas that could have more properties to drive more traveller footfall, while it processes bookings from either the RedDoorz app or website using software by fellow hospitality startup RateGain.

“Our country markets define ‘budget stays’ very differently”
– Amit Saberwal

Saberwal, who became a hotelier through sales and marketing positions in the 1990s, uses his practical savvy and learnings as chief business officer of the Indian booking startup Make My Trip to match RedDoorz with each market it enters.

‘Our platform offers hotels, resorts, inns, serviced apartments, guesthouses and hostels. But our country markets define ‘budget stays’ very differently,’ he shared through a phone interview. ‘All of Singapore’s visitors come from abroad, so we went the hostel route. But in Indonesia, our core market, ‘budget’ for them is a tidy one-bedroom upgrade from a shoebox studio-type space.’

Then what is their secret to success? ‘We get a high repeat rate because while we don’t own any of the properties on our site, we make sure to give all our partner-owners standardised technology and training on how to run their businesses,’ Saberwal explained. ‘That’s a continuous process of guidance on branding and day-to-day management, so that guests like the experiences they have with our partners well enough to keep coming back.’

The RedDoorz roadmap for 2018

Metro Manila, the Philippines

Key among plans for 2018 is the opening of RedDoorz properties in the central business district of Metro Manila. ‘We’ve received really positive feedback from Filipino customers and travellers who book us in the city,’ he said. While he did not share when the team would formally announce its presence in the country, he added, ‘We look forward to growing our Manila business at a rate of five to six times.’

Any chance of taking the RedDoorz brand to Cebu, the Philippines’ Queen City of the South? ‘We have found that the best way to grow the business is to stay focused on one city before moving on to the next, and not just skimming through it like other chains would do,’ he replied – so it looks like they’ll leave that on the pipeline for now.

Of course, RedDoorz promises to expand business in Indonesia, where it has served more than half a million customers. It’s been busy for the team, adding more properties in cities where it currently operates: Bali, Bandung, Bogor, Jakarta, Semarang, Surabaya and Yogyakarta.

Then, it has simultaneously opened new properties in the cities of Aceh, Balikpapan, Batam, Lombok, Makassar, Manado, Medan, Palembang and Solo. To date, its overall Indonesian business is projected to grow in terms of both inventory and room nights at a rate of four times ahead of last year. 

Staff, funding and the future

Another announcement by Saberwal was the recent entry of RateGain founder Bhanu Chopra and Phocuswright founder Philip Wolf into the RedDoorz board as Independent Director and Board Advisor respectively. Bhanu remains CEO of RateGain, where he is responsible for spearheading overall business strategy and leads the innovation efforts in the hospitality space; Wolf is currently retired from an executive role in the think tank he founded, but remains a leading authority figure on travel, tourism and hospitality.

New boardmembers Bhanu Chopra and Philip Wolf
New board members (L-R) Bhanu Chopra of RateGain and Philip Wolf of Phocuswright

‘It is with great honour that RedDoorz welcomes Bhanu Chopra and Philip Wolf as our brand grows. Both are recognised thought leaders in various aspects of the travel and hospitality industry and come with a wealth of experience,’ he shared. ‘Sitting on the board, both their experience will prove vital in helping us shape our city-to-city strategy we are taking with the brand as we continue growing in Indonesia and the Philippines,’ he added.

Finally, the startup was able to raise US$1 million in venture debt from InnoVen Capital, a venture lending firm owned by Temasek Holdings and United Overseas Bank. This fresh capital was in addition to the Series A funding it raised from Jungle Ventures, Asia Investment Fund of Sushquehanna International Group and International Finance Corporation (the private investment arm of World Bank Group) earlier in 2017.

To be quite frank, all these indicators – plus the ease with which the good Mr Saberwal conducted the interview – have us looking forward to seeing more RedDoorz open near us!

* This is part of a series called the Crush List, featuring the hottest startups in travel tech. Watch this space for more startups that are killing it this 2018!

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Crush List Series 01_ RedDoorz 02
Where to Stay: the latest hotels in KL, Nagoya, Colombo and more https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/stay-latest-hotels-kl-nagoya-colombo/ Fri, 18 Aug 2017 06:41:40 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=385433 The post Where to Stay: the latest hotels in KL, Nagoya, Colombo and more appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Favehotel Tuban Location: On Basuki Rachmad Road in Tuban, the seaport in East Java, three hours’ drive from Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport Grade: Economy Keys: 105 Facilities: Coffee shop Meeting space: Three meeting rooms They say: “Style, functionality and great value are the keys to a comfortable and pleasing stay at Favehotels” We say: Favehotel […]

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Favehotel Tuban
Favehotel Tuban

Favehotel Tuban

Location: On Basuki Rachmad Road in Tuban, the seaport in East Java, three hours’ drive from Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport
Grade: Economy
Keys: 105
Facilities: Coffee shop
Meeting space: Three meeting rooms
They say: “Style, functionality and great value are the keys to a comfortable and pleasing stay at Favehotels”
We say: Favehotel is growing a strong reputation in Indonesia for high-quality affordable accommodation. Free Wi-Fi, in-room tea and coffee and cable TV will attract business travellers on a budget
Opening: Already open

Innside by Meliá Zhengzhou
Innside by Meliá Zhengzhou

Innside by Meliá Zhengzhou

Location: In the Zhengdong New District of Zhengzhou, the capital of China’s Henan province, close to Zhengzhou East Railway Station
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 335
Facilities: Restaurant, bar and 24-hour fitness centre
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “Our vision is an exciting one: to create a more authentic experience for today’s “bleisure” travellers, or work trippers”
We say: This is the fourth location for Innside, Melia’s lifestyle brand, in China. Modern design and convenient amenities such as free Wi-Fi should appeal to guests
Opening: Already open

Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara
Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

Location: Within the Damansara Heights, midway between Kuala Lumpur and Petalingjaya
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 312
Facilities: Five restaurants and bars, an executive lounge, outdoor pool, fitness centre and a spa with five treatment rooms and a Moroccan hamman
Meeting space: Six meeting rooms, including a 1,100m² ballroom
They say: “The hotel’s interior blends local heritage with a sophisticated feature wall depicting the country’s Wau Bulan… with French art vivre through an Eiffel Tower artwork”
We say: This stylish luxury hotel has excellent facilities, especially for the MICE market, but the location isn’t ideal for leisure breaks in Kuala Lumpur
Opening: Already open

Mercure Dwarka
Mercure Dwarka

Mercure Dwarka

Location: The holy city of Dwarka in India’s Gujarat state, a short drive holy temple of Jagat Mandir
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 99
Facilities: Restaurant, fitness centre and free shuttle service to local temple
Meeting space: One meeting room catering for up to 60 people
They say: “Gujarat is an important market for us as it enjoys the unique positioning of being a business hub with a rich cultural heritage”
We say: As the first international hotel in Dwarka, the Mercure is in a strong position to benefit from the city’s strong pilgrimage traffic
Opening: Already open

Red Planet Nishiki
Red Planet Nishiki

Red Planet Nishiki, Nagoya

Location: In downtown Nagoya, close to the train station and Sakuraten Shrine
Grade: Economy
Keys: 211
Facilities: Social lobby area with free Wi-Fi
Meeting space: Unavailable
They say: “The opening of the third Red Planet hotel in Japan, a market which needs product innovation and quality upgrading in the economy hotel sector, solidifies Red Planet’s position as the largest and fastest-growing pan-Asian value hotel company”
We say: With its strong downtown location, Red Planet’s third budget hotel in Japan will cater for the surging numbers of international visitors to the country
Opening: 1 November 2017

Shangri-La Hotel Colombo
Shangri-La Hotel Colombo

Shangri-La Hotel Colombo

Location: On the Galle Face Green promenade, overlooking the Indian Ocean, 40 minutes’ drive from Colombo airport
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 500, plus 41 serviced apartments
Facilities: Five F&B outlets, daily live entertainment, a spa with nine treatment rooms, 24-hour fitness centre and swimming pool
Meeting space: More than 4,500m² of space including two ballrooms and an outdoor event lawn
They say: “Shangri-La Hotel Colombo will allow travellers who are beginning their Sri Lankan holidays or in town for meetings to experience a mix of Shangri-La’s Asian elegance and a contemporary style”
We say: This will be a major new destination for Colombo, especially enhancing its MICE sector. Likely to be popular with Sri Lanka’s rising number of Chinese business travellers
Opening: December 2017

 

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Favehotel Tuban Favehotel Tuban Innside Innside by Meliá Zhengzhou Sofitel KL Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara Mercure Dwarka_ Facade Mercure Dwarka Red Planet Nishiki Red Planet Nishiki Shangri-La Hotel Colombo Shangri-La Hotel Colombo
Red Planet selects SiteMinder to drive expansion https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/red-planet-selects-siteminder-drive-expansion/ Wed, 26 Jul 2017 07:12:29 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=316240 The post Red Planet selects SiteMinder to drive expansion appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Red Planet Hotels has formed a new partnership with SiteMinder as it embarks on a major expansion plan. The company, which operates 24 hotels in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan, will utilise SiteMinder’s cloud-based distribution technology to boost reservations at these existing properties, plus the 12 additional hotels it is planning to launch by […]

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Red Planet is planning to launch 12 more hotels by the end of 2018
Red Planet is planning to launch 12 more hotels by the end of 2018

Red Planet Hotels has formed a new partnership with SiteMinder as it embarks on a major expansion plan.

The company, which operates 24 hotels in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan, will utilise SiteMinder’s cloud-based distribution technology to boost reservations at these existing properties, plus the 12 additional hotels it is planning to launch by the end of 2018. These new properties will add more than 4,000 rooms to Red Planet’s total inventory.

“Red Planet Hotels has become a recognised brand for travellers who visit Asia and are in search of value. So, it’s important we aren’t expanding for expansion sake, but are creating greater options for accommodation that are not only appealing to value-driven travellers, but that can be found and booked,” said Red Planet’s regional director of revenue management, Leah Teresa de los Santos.

“We knew early in the process that we would need technology to compete in the complex channel distribution landscape that exists within today’s travel industry, and SiteMinder has solved that challenge for us. Without their platform, our strategy for room distribution would be inefficient and therefore very costly in terms of lost revenue and occupancy. However, since this partnership, our overall revenue has clearly increased,” she added.

SiteMinder connects Red Planet’s property management system, RoomKey PMS, to multiple online booking sites, allowing the company to set its availability, rates and reservation data across various distribution channels.

“SiteMinder is proud to be helping hotel businesses like Red Planet Hotels to achieve optimum success, and to be part of their growth journey. We have supported Red Planet Hotels’ existing properties for many years and we are delighted to provide this same support to all the exciting new properties to come,” said SiteMinder’s managing director for Asia, Glenn Andrews.

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Red Planet Red Planet is planning to launch 12 more hotels by the end of 2018
Hobart’s biggest hotel to become an ibis https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/hobarts-biggest-hotel-to-become-an-ibis/ Mon, 05 Jun 2017 05:50:16 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=251514 The post Hobart’s biggest hotel to become an ibis appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The largest hotel in the Australian city of Hobart is scheduled to open next month, and it has now been confirmed that the property will be branded as an ibis Styles. AccorHotels has penned a deal with the hotel’s Singaporean developer, Fragrance Group, to operate the new-build budget hotel on Macquarie Street, overlooking the River […]

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The largest hotel in the Australian city of Hobart is scheduled to open next month, and it has now been confirmed that the property will be branded as an ibis Styles.

AccorHotels has penned a deal with the hotel’s Singaporean developer, Fragrance Group, to operate the new-build budget hotel on Macquarie Street, overlooking the River Derwent.

The ibis Styles Hobart, which seen an investment of AU$50 million (US$36m), will feature 296 rooms across 10 floors. Facilities will include a restaurant and bar, an indoor rooftop pool, two saunas, a gym and meeting room. Guests will also be offered free Wi-Fi.

This is the first of three hotels Fragrance Group plans to develop in Hobart, Tasmania’s capital. Once open, the hotel will become join AccorHotels’ existing hotels in Tasmania: The Sebel Launceston and Mercure Launceston.

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Red Planet upgrades Philippine hotels https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/red-planet-upgrades-philippine-hotels/ Wed, 17 May 2017 04:49:41 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=250680 The post Red Planet upgrades Philippine hotels appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Red Planet, the Asian budget hotel operator, is investing PHP80 million (US$1.6m) in the upgrade of multiple properties in the Philippines. The project includes the revamp of the façades and lobbies at all Red Planet hotels in Manila and Cebu. This will include a new colour scheme, signage, Mac workstations in the lobbies and remodelled […]

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The redesigned Red Planet lobby
The redesigned Red Planet lobby

Red Planet, the Asian budget hotel operator, is investing PHP80 million (US$1.6m) in the upgrade of multiple properties in the Philippines.

The project includes the revamp of the façades and lobbies at all Red Planet hotels in Manila and Cebu. This will include a new colour scheme, signage, Mac workstations in the lobbies and remodelled front desks aimed at reducing waiting times. In addition, the hotels’ Wi-Fi speed has been increased.

“With this investment into the physical product… Red Planet has clearly positioned itself as the leading hotel chain in the Philippines. We want our hotel guests to realise that, when staying at Red Planet, it is the best experience and value proposition available in the market,” said Red Planet’s country head for the Philippines, Sahlee Zaldivia.

Having opened its first hotels in the Philippines in 2012, Red Planet now owns and operates 10 hotels in the country, including five in Manila and one in Cebu. The company also has a further eight properties under development across the Philippine archipelago.

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TravMedia_Asia_1220098_RP Lobby 2 – lowres The redesigned Red Planet lobby
Best Western confirms Asia’s first SureStay hotel https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/best-western-confirms-asias-first-surestay-hotel/ Mon, 08 May 2017 13:27:42 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=250271 The post Best Western confirms Asia’s first SureStay hotel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Best Western has confirmed that Asia’s first ever SureStay hotel will open in downtown Bangkok in the fourth quarter of 2017. SureStay Plus Sukhumvit 2 is a brand new “premium economy” hotel currently under construction in the centre of the Thai capital. Managed and operated by SureStay Hotel Group, a subsidiary of Best Western, the […]

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Best Western has confirmed that Asia’s first ever SureStay hotel will open in downtown Bangkok in the fourth quarter of 2017.

SureStay Plus Sukhumvit 2 is a brand new “premium economy” hotel currently under construction in the centre of the Thai capital. Managed and operated by SureStay Hotel Group, a subsidiary of Best Western, the hotel will offer 85 rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and a “business corner” area.

SureStay Hotel Group was launched in 2016 as a new global concept for budget hotels. Its aim is to standardise the economy sector and allow owners to tap into Best Western’s global support and sales network.

“Asia is an incredibly diverse and dynamic hotel market, but one common trend we are seeing is the demand for branded economy and lower-midscale accommodation in key cities across the region. SureStay Hotel Group is perfectly positioned to fill this gap in the market,” said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western’s managing director of international operations – Asia.

Best Western’s Olivier Berrivin (centre) signs the management deal for the new hotel
Best Western’s Olivier Berrivin (centre) signs the management deal for the new hotel

“We are delighted to announce the opening of SureStay Plus Sukhumvit 2 – Asia’s first SureStay Hotel. Its modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, and prime position in the heart of Sukhumvit… will ensure that guests are well connected in every sense.

“We are equally excited to have agreed a management contract for the hotel; this will enable SureStay Hotel Group to create a true flagship for the brand in Asia.

“I look forward to welcoming the first guests to this exciting new hotel in the fourth quarter of 2017, and ushering in a new era of high-quality, affordable accommodation in Bangkok, Thailand and the whole of Asia,” Berrivin added.

SureStay Hotel Group features three different brand tiers: economy SureStay hotel, premium economy SureStay Plus hotel (which includes SureStay Plus Sukhumvit 2), and lower-midscale SureStay Signature Collection. These three brands deliver gradually increasing levels of quality and facilities, which should be consistent in all locations around the world. All SureStay hotels must achieve a TripAdvisor score of 3.5 and above.

SureStay Hotel Group has already approved more than 30 properties, mainly in North America. But by the end of 2017, the group expects to have expanded its global portfolio to 100 hotels.

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Best Western’s Olivier Berrivin (centre) signs the management deal for the new hotel
AccorHotels opens first ibis Styles in India https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/accorhotels-opens-first-ibis-styles-in-india/ Wed, 03 May 2017 08:42:40 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=250076 The post AccorHotels opens first ibis Styles in India appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

AccorHotels has opened its first ibis Styles hotel in India, located in Goa. The 197-room ibis Styles Goa Calangute is located within walking distance from Tivai Beach and provides semi-all-inclusive packages, including breakfast and internet access in its room rates. All guest rooms at the budget hotel are pool facing and offer private balconies, while […]

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ibis Styles Goa Calangute
ibis Styles Goa Calangute

AccorHotels has opened its first ibis Styles hotel in India, located in Goa.

The 197-room ibis Styles Goa Calangute is located within walking distance from Tivai Beach and provides semi-all-inclusive packages, including breakfast and internet access in its room rates.

All guest rooms at the budget hotel are pool facing and offer private balconies, while facilities include a “Kids’ Corner”, gym, restaurant and bar. There are also a series of recreational activities including table tennis, foosball and bicycles, while corporate guests can make use of two meeting rooms.

“ibis Styles Goa Calangute offers a resort feel experience at an affordable price, making it the perfect destination for family vacations, leisure retreats or corporate team bonding sessions,” said Nikheel Shirodkar, general manager of ibis Styles Goa Calangute.

AccorHotels now has a portfolio of 43 hotels across 10 brands in India. It also has the largest hotel operator in Goa.

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Exterier ibis Styles Goa Calangute
Where to Stay: New hotels in Melbourne, St Petersburg, Marbella and more https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/where-to-stay-new-hotels-in-melbourne-st-petersburg-marbella-and-more/ Wed, 29 Mar 2017 09:24:19 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=248756 The post Where to Stay: New hotels in Melbourne, St Petersburg, Marbella and more appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands (pictured above) Location: Part of the Marina Tower complex on Pearl River Road, in Melbourne’s Docklands area Grade: Midscale Keys: 273 Facilities: Restaurant, bar, 25-metre outdoor heated swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre, spa, steam room Meeting space: Five function rooms with space for up to 450 guests They say: […]

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Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands (pictured above)

Location: Part of the Marina Tower complex on Pearl River Road, in Melbourne’s Docklands area
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 273
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, 25-metre outdoor heated swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre, spa, steam room
Meeting space: Five function rooms with space for up to 450 guests
They say: “Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands will bring stylish design and modern comfort at an affordable price to Australia’s most cultural and creative city”
We say: Architecturally impressive, this property belies its midscale status with a range of upscale amenities. Good choice for leisure travellers, and proximity to exhibition centre should also be a strong selling point
Opening: Already open

Hilton Saint Petersburg ExpoForum
Hilton Saint Petersburg ExpoForum

Hilton Saint Petersburg ExpoForum

Location: Part of the ExpoForum MICE complex in the southern part of the Russian city
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 169
Facilities: Two restaurants, bar, two-level spa, indoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre
Meeting space: Eight function rooms and one ballroom for up to 550 guests, plus large pre-function area. Attached to ExpoForum complex which hosts 400 events per year
They say: “Business and leisure guests alike can experience the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage city, outstanding architecture, and long summer… while enjoying unparalleled access to one of the world’s largest exhibition centres”
We say: Clearly designed for the MICE market, this hotel is set away from the city’s main tourist areas. Will complement Hilton’s existing Hampton Inn property at the ExpoForum
Opening: Already open

ibis Styles Makassar Sam Ratulangi
ibis Styles Makassar Sam Ratulangi

ibis Styles Makassar Sam Ratulangi

Location: In the centre of Makassar, the largest city on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi
Grade: Economy
Keys: 117
Facilities: Restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, gym, spa
Meeting space: Four meeting rooms for up to 180 delegates
They say: “ibis Styles Makassar Sam Ratulangi offers a strong proposition for both leisure and business travellers with its generous all-inclusive room package offering an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, broadband internet, plus a host of little extras”
We say: Downtown location and good selection of amenities for its price point should make this hotel popular with travellers on a budget
Opening: Already open

Marbella
Marbella

W Marbella

Location: On the beach at Playa Real de Zaragoza, a short drive from downtown Marbella on Spain’s Costa del Sol
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 200, plus 100 apartments and villas
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, spa, beauty salon, fitness centre, two swimming pools, beach club
Meeting space: Five meeting rooms and covered outdoor terrace
They say: “We believe that the W brand is the perfect fit for this landmark location and look forward to seeing W Marbella emerge as the most sought after and admired resort in Spain”
We say: W Hotels should be a good fit for this market, which is fashionable and upmarket. The beach club (which is opening earlier than the hotel in 2018) will no doubt become a popular social spot
Opening: 2021

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Hilton SP Hilton Saint Petersburg ExpoForum ibis Styles Makassar Sam Ratulangi ibis Styles Makassar Sam Ratulangi shutterstock_606306350-1 Marbella
Chinese group opened 700+ hotels in 2016 https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/chinese-hotel-group-opened-700-hotels-in-2016/ Wed, 15 Mar 2017 07:19:57 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=248223 The post Chinese group opened 700+ hotels in 2016 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Huazhu Hotels Group, a major budget chain and AccorHotels’ partner in China, opened more than 700 hotels in 2016. The Shanghai-based company revealed this week that it added a total of 737 hotels to its Chinese portfolio last year, while removing 231. This net increase of 506 hotels left the company with a total collection […]

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Hanting Hotel Guangzhou Tianhe (image courtesy of AccorHotels)
Hanting Hotel Guangzhou Tianhe (image courtesy of AccorHotels)

Huazhu Hotels Group, a major budget chain and AccorHotels’ partner in China, opened more than 700 hotels in 2016.

The Shanghai-based company revealed this week that it added a total of 737 hotels to its Chinese portfolio last year, while removing 231. This net increase of 506 hotels left the company with a total collection of 3,269 hotels across 367 Chinese cities, and a total inventory of 331,347 rooms. It also has a pipeline of more than 440 new properties.

Huazhu operates hotels under several AccorHotels brands in China, including ibis, ibis Styles, Mercure, Grand Mercure and Novotel. But its largest brand is in the economy sector; HanTing Hotels now features a nationwide collection of 2,181 properties comprising 221,157 rooms.

And this core brand is now being upgraded, with Huazhu having started introducing a new “HanTing 2.0” concept.

“We will continue the upgrade programme of economy hotels in the next three years, so as to revitalise our flagship brand to attract more customers and franchisees,” said Jenny Zhang, Huazhu’s CEO.

“In 2017, our focus remains on product quality. In addition to our economy hotels upgrade programme, we have also strengthened the brand and operating standards for our existing hotels by removing a number of hotels that failed to comply with our standards. We have also increased the proportion of midscale and upscale hotels in the portfolio,” she added.

Previously known as the China Lodging Group, Huazhu also operates the Hi Inn, Elan, JI Hotels, Starway, Joya and Manxin Hotels brands.

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Hanting Hanting Hotel Guangzhou Tianhe (image courtesy of AccorHotels)
Best Western’s Sure bet for 2017 https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/best-westerns-sure-bet-for-2017/ Wed, 01 Feb 2017 06:03:59 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=246582 The post Best Western’s Sure bet for 2017 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Best Western says it has high hopes for its new ‘white label’ franchise model, SureStay Hotel Group, in 2017, including the launch of the new concept in Asia. Since launching the concept in late 2016, Best Western has already approved 30 SureStay hotels in North America and one in Bangkok, and it expects to have […]

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Best Western's white label its targeted at economy and lower midscale hotels
Best Western’s white label its targeted at economy and lower midscale hotels

Best Western says it has high hopes for its new ‘white label’ franchise model, SureStay Hotel Group, in 2017, including the launch of the new concept in Asia.

Since launching the concept in late 2016, Best Western has already approved 30 SureStay hotels in North America and one in Bangkok, and it expects to have a portfolio of 100 properties by the end of 2017.

SureStay is designed for budget and lower-midscale hotels that do not conform to Best Western’s regular brands. The white label concept, according to Best Western, will enable it to expand in the vast economy sector, “without compromising the company’s established position”.

SureStay logo“We are thrilled with the enthusiastic response we are receiving from hoteliers interested in opening a SureStay hotel,” said David Kong, Best Western’s president & CEO.

“The introduction of SureStay has not only brought an innovative solution to franchisees in the economy and midscale segments, but with Best Western as its backbone and driving force, SureStay will play an integral role in shaping the future of hospitality.”

As well as North America and Asia, Best Western says there is interest in the SureStay concept in Europe.

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White hotel sign Best Western's white label its targeted at economy and lower midscale hotels SureStay logo
US budget hotel group moves into India https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/us-budget-hotel-group-moves-in-india/ Wed, 25 Jan 2017 01:29:49 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=246358 The post US budget hotel group moves into India appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

G6 Hospitality, the US-based budget hotel group, has taken its first steps into India’s fast-growing hotel sector. The company, which operates the Motel 6, Studio 6 and Hotel 6 brands among others, has signed an “area development agreement” with Chennai-based Auromatrix Holdings to roll out the three aforementioned brands across India. The partnership has scope […]

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G6 Hospitality agrees the partnership with Auromatrix Holdings
G6 Hospitality agrees the partnership with Auromatrix Holdings

G6 Hospitality, the US-based budget hotel group, has taken its first steps into India’s fast-growing hotel sector.

The company, which operates the Motel 6, Studio 6 and Hotel 6 brands among others, has signed an “area development agreement” with Chennai-based Auromatrix Holdings to roll out the three aforementioned brands across India. The partnership has scope for a total of 40 properties to be launched in the country by the end of 2022.

“Our mission is to… become the universally recognised leader in economy lodging, and expanding our portfolio to such an important market like India marks a significant milestone for G6 Hospitality,” said Jim Amorosia, president & CEO of the Dallas-based hotel group. “Motel 6, Studio 6 and Hotel 6 operations in India are designed to suit the specific needs of travellers in the area.

“Combined with the expertise of our partners at Auromatrix, we are uniquely positioned to successfully launch a compelling new lodging option to both leisure and business travellers,” he added.

Motel 6 Dallas Fair Park
Motel 6 Dallas Fair Park

Features of the new Indian properties’ guest rooms will include wood-effect flooring, platform beds and flat-screen TVs. G6 also said that the rooms would be “highly functional [and] space-efficient”, but with “unique amenities to respond to the needs of the diverse market”.

Kumar Sitaraman, CEO of Auromatrix, commented; “We are very excited about our new alliance with G6 Hospitality, and the opportunities it will create for the growth, economy and future of the Indian subcontinent. We look forward to working closely with the G6 team, who have created a wonderful array of brands in the niche segments and have been topping the growth charts in the last few years, which we hope to replicate in India.”

G6 currently operates more than 1,350 properties across the Americas. As well as Motel 6, Studio 6 and Hotel 6, it also operates the Estudio 6 brand in Latin America.

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G6 G6 Hospitality agrees the partnership with Auromatrix Holdings Hotel 6 Motel 6 Dallas Fair Park
AccorHotels brings new budget hotel to Bogor https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/accorhotels-brings-new-budget-hotel-to-bogor/ Thu, 17 Nov 2016 07:41:04 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=243858 The post AccorHotels brings new budget hotel to Bogor appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

ibis Styles Bogor Raya

Travellers to Bogor, the satellite city near Jakarta, now have a new budget accommodation option. AccorHotels has opened the ibis Styles Bogor Raya in the West Java city, next to its existing Novotel and close to the 18-hole Bogor Raya Golf Course. The hotel features 205 rooms, a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool with pool bar, […]

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ibis Styles Bogor Raya
ibis Styles Bogor Raya
ibis Styles Bogor Raya

Travellers to Bogor, the satellite city near Jakarta, now have a new budget accommodation option.

AccorHotels has opened the ibis Styles Bogor Raya in the West Java city, next to its existing Novotel and close to the 18-hole Bogor Raya Golf Course.

The hotel features 205 rooms, a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool with pool bar, fitness centre, spa, kids’ club and six function rooms able to accommodate up to 300 guests. All ibis Styles properties offer rooms rates that include breakfast and Wi-Fi.

The hotel is located adjacent to the Novotel Bogor Golf Resort & Convention Centre, enabling AccorHotels to offer both budget and midscale hotel options for MICE delegates and leisure travellers.

Indonesia is a major market for AccorHotels’ budget brands; the company now operates 50 ibis, ibis Budget, ibis Styles and All Seasons hotels across the country.

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Ibis Styles Bogor Raya_facade ibis Styles Bogor Raya
Red Planet Hotels secures funds for Asian expansion https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/red-planet-hotels-secures-funds-for-asian-expansion/ Thu, 29 Sep 2016 04:41:43 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=241725 The post Red Planet Hotels secures funds for Asian expansion appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Tim Hansing

Red Planet, the Asian budget hotel chain, has secured US$70 million of funding from Goldman Sachs, enabling it to move ahead with its regional expansion plans. The company currently owns and operates a portfolio of 26 economy hotels in Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, and the new funding will see it add a further […]

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Tim Hansing

Red Planet, the Asian budget hotel chain, has secured US$70 million of funding from Goldman Sachs, enabling it to move ahead with its regional expansion plans.

The company currently owns and operates a portfolio of 26 economy hotels in Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, and the new funding will see it add a further 10 hotels over the next 24 months.

Red Planet’s CEO, Tim Hansing, said the investment would also help to close a final round of private investor equity, which will in turn support the future growth of the brand.

Tim Hansing
Tim Hansing

“We have a well-diversified portfolio over four countries and have developed a highly systemised brand,” Hansing said. “We now have substantial growth opportunities not only in our existing markets but also in additional countries where we are confident our brand and product will excel.

“To have our company, our people, our product, and our brand be funded by Goldman Sachs indeed gives us the confidence that we are on the right track to our stated goal of a 2018 IPO.”

Since 2011, Red Planet Hotels has raised US$240m of capital and funds. Jonathan Vanica, a managing director at Goldman Sachs, said he is happy to support “entrepreneurial companies in Asia”. “We anticipate our capital will help Red Planet Hotels accelerate its expansion throughout the region,” he added.

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Tim Hansing Tim Hansing
Best Western targets unbranded hotels with white label concept https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/best-western-targets-unbranded-hotels-with-white-label-concept/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 09:34:48 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=241657 The post Best Western targets unbranded hotels with white label concept appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Best Western's white label its targeted at economy and lower midscale hotels

Best Western has unveiled a new white label franchise model through which is aiming to tap the potential of unbranded lower tier hotels. SureStay Hotels, which comes in three separate brand tiers – SureStay Hotel (premium economy), SureStay Plus Hotel (lower midscale) and SureStay Signature Collection (a midscale “soft” brand) – is targeted at hotel […]

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Best Western's white label its targeted at economy and lower midscale hotels
Best Western's white label its targeted at economy and lower midscale hotels
Best Western’s white label its targeted at economy and lower midscale hotels

Best Western has unveiled a new white label franchise model through which is aiming to tap the potential of unbranded lower tier hotels.

SureStay Hotels, which comes in three separate brand tiers – SureStay Hotel (premium economy), SureStay Plus Hotel (lower midscale) and SureStay Signature Collection (a midscale “soft” brand) – is targeted at hotel owners who want to operate independently while also accessing Best Western’s support structure and distribution channels.

“In North America there are currently 17,000 branded hotels, and another 12,000 unbranded, in the economy and midscale segments. The white label approach allows Best Western to tap into this tremendous potential without compromising its brand image,” said David Kong, president & CEO of Best Western.

“Currently, many of these hotels have little to no consumer relevance. Their brands have very little potential to drive superior revenue, and the owners are incurring high franchise fees from brands that don’t provide the necessary support, service or value,” he added.

All three brands will be marketed under the SureStay umbrella, with no consumer reference to Best Western. This, according to the company, will allow it to tap a new revenue stream, taking advantage of the “vast opportunities that exist in the economy space”, without compromising the company’s reputation in the midscale an upscale tiers.

SureStay logoOwners will be provided a cloud-based PMS and a digital platform featuring Google 360 virtual reality tours. They will also be offered advice on how to manage their online reviews and social media platforms, as well as property-level sales coaching.

To ensure quality, hotels included in the SureStay programme must have achieved a TripAdvisor rating of 3.5 or higher. They will also be bound by a ‘SureStay Service Promise’.

“With SureStay, we are seeking to create a core group of hotels that will differentiate themselves from others in the market, focusing on delivering high quality and outstanding service,” said Kong.

Best Western revealed that it has already signed nearly 20 letters of intent for the SureStay programme since a soft-launch earlier this month. It expects to build a portfolio of 150 SureStay hotels within three years and 800 by 2026.

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White hotel sign Best Western's white label its targeted at economy and lower midscale hotels SureStay logo
India’s first ibis Styles opens in Goa https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/indias-first-ibis-styles-opens-in-goa/ Wed, 21 Sep 2016 05:53:35 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=241415 The post India’s first ibis Styles opens in Goa appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

ibis Styles Goa Calangute

AccorHotels has opened its first ever ibis Styles in India. Located in northern Goa, the 197-room ibis Styles Goa Calangute is a short drive from Calangute and Candolim beaches. Under the ibis Styles brand, the property is a design-focused budget hotel, with room rates including breakfast and Wi-Fi. All guest rooms are pool-facing and offer […]

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ibis Styles Goa Calangute
ibis Styles Goa Calangute
ibis Styles Goa Calangute

AccorHotels has opened its first ever ibis Styles in India.

Located in northern Goa, the 197-room ibis Styles Goa Calangute is a short drive from Calangute and Candolim beaches. Under the ibis Styles brand, the property is a design-focused budget hotel, with room rates including breakfast and Wi-Fi.

All guest rooms are pool-facing and offer private balconies, while the interiors feature contemporary furnishings and the brand’s signature ‘Sweet Bed’. Property facilities include an all-day restaurant, bar, fitness centre and kids’ club.

“The opening of the ibis Styles Goa Calangute marks a strategic growth milestone for the group as we now have 43 hotels operating across a well-rounded portfolio of 10 distinct brands in the country,” said Jean-Michel Cassé, AccorHotels’ senior vice president of operations for India.

“Not only are we excited to introduce the ibis Styles brand to our guests in India, but we are also proud to share that we are now the largest hotel operator in Goa with a growing collection of midscale and in-demand economy brands present.”

In total, AccorHotels now has three properties in Goa, including two Novotels and one ibis Styles.

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ibis Styles Goa ibis Styles Goa Calangute
New look for ibis budget Sydney https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/new-look-for-ibis-budget-sydney/ Mon, 05 Sep 2016 03:50:59 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=240683 The post New look for ibis budget Sydney appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The 115-room ibis budget Sydney East

The results of a AU$2.5 million (US$1.9m) revamp of the ibis budget Sydney East hotel have been unveiled, with a new look for the property’s rooms and communal areas. All 115 rooms feature new flooring, black-out blinds, 42-inch TVs and rain showers. Some rooms offer views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, and […]

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The 115-room ibis budget Sydney East
The 115-room ibis budget Sydney East
The 115-room ibis budget Sydney East

The results of a AU$2.5 million (US$1.9m) revamp of the ibis budget Sydney East hotel have been unveiled, with a new look for the property’s rooms and communal areas.

All 115 rooms feature new flooring, black-out blinds, 42-inch TVs and rain showers. Some rooms offer views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, and the king, twin and family rooms can accommodate up to four people.

The economy hotel’s cafe has now been updated, and guests are now offered a new all-you-can-eat breakfast with freshly brewed coffee.

“This refurbishment lifts the perceived standard of economy accommodation, improving not only the look and feel of the rooms, but also the comfort level, allowing our guests to relax and unwind in between exploring the city,” said Ajith Ratwatte, GM of the ibis budget Sydney East.

ibis budget Sydney East is one of 20 hotels in the ibis budget network in Australia.

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ibis budget sydney The 115-room ibis budget Sydney East
Archipelago brings new budget option to Kuta https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/archipelago-brings-new-budget-option-to-kuta/ Thu, 25 Aug 2016 05:04:43 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=240320 The post Archipelago brings new budget option to Kuta appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

favehotel Kuta Kartika Plaza opened in August 2016

Indonesia’s Archipelago International has continued to expand its favehotel brand with the opening of another new budget hotel in Kuta, Bali’s main tourist area. Opening this month, favehotel Kuta Kartika Plaza is located next to the Discovery Mall and within walking distance of the area’s main dining and entertainment venues, as well as Kuta Beach. […]

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favehotel Kuta Kartika Plaza opened in August 2016
favehotel Kuta Kartika Plaza opened in August 2016
favehotel Kuta Kartika Plaza opened in August 2016

Indonesia’s Archipelago International has continued to expand its favehotel brand with the opening of another new budget hotel in Kuta, Bali’s main tourist area.

Opening this month, favehotel Kuta Kartika Plaza is located next to the Discovery Mall and within walking distance of the area’s main dining and entertainment venues, as well as Kuta Beach.

It offers 108 air-conditioned rooms, all featuring 32-inch LED TVs, fast and free Wi-Fi and power showers. There are also swimming pools for adults and children, a rooftop cafe and three meeting rooms.

“favehotel Kuta Kartika Plaza is another great example of our most successful budget brand,” said Winston Hanes, Archipelago’s director of operations.

“The rooms are bright and comfortable, giving the budget traveller everything they need including a great sleep experience. Add to that the great location next to Discovery Mall, the rooftop pool, meeting rooms and a great street-front restaurant and we have a super property which we are sure will be successful for both the owner and Archipelago International.”

It becomes the fifth favehotel in Bali, following existing properties in the Kuta, Denpasar and Seminyak areas of the island. In total, Archipelago now has more than 46 favehotels operating across Indonesia and Malaysia, with another 40 in the pipeline including its first hotels in the Philippines.

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favehotel favehotel Kuta Kartika Plaza opened in August 2016
First ibis hotel opens in Hyderabad https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/first-ibis-hotel-opens-in-hyderabad/ Thu, 18 Aug 2016 06:01:52 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=240040 The post First ibis hotel opens in Hyderabad appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

ibis Hyderabad HITEC City111

AccorHotels has introduced its ibis brand to the Indian city of Hyderabad. The new ibis Hyderabad HITEC City takes the hotel group’s presence in the city to five hotels, making AccorHotels the largest hotel operator in Hyderabad with an inventory of more than 1,000 rooms. “The opening of the ibis Hyderabad HITEC City marks a […]

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ibis Hyderabad HITEC City111
ibis Hyderabad HITEC City111
ibis Hyderabad HITEC City

AccorHotels has introduced its ibis brand to the Indian city of Hyderabad.

The new ibis Hyderabad HITEC City takes the hotel group’s presence in the city to five hotels, making AccorHotels the largest hotel operator in Hyderabad with an inventory of more than 1,000 rooms.

“The opening of the ibis Hyderabad HITEC City marks a strategic milestone growth for group. With 42 hotels now operating in the country, ibis Hyderabad HITEC City is our fifth hotel in the city and our second hotel to open in Hyderabad this year,” said Jean-Michel Cassé, AccorHotels’ senior vice president of operations for India.

“We have the largest growing collection of midscale and in-demand economy brands presence in the city.”

ibis Hyderabad HITEC City, which is located in the HITEC City IT park, features 178 rooms, a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and two meeting rooms. It joins AccorHotels’ existing Novotel, Mercure and Formule1 properties in the city.

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ibis Hyderabad HITEC City111 ibis Hyderabad HITEC City
Chinese hotel group adds 730 properties in 12 months https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/chinese-hotel-group-adds-730-properties-in-12-months/ Wed, 17 Aug 2016 05:36:56 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=239981 The post Chinese hotel group adds 730 properties in 12 months appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

A typical HanTing hotel room

One of China’s biggest hotel groups has increased its portfolio by 730 properties in the last 12 months, at an average rate of two new openings per day. Shanghai-based China Lodging Group, which is also known as Huazhu Hotels, increased its Chinese portfolio from 2,384 hotels to 3,114 hotels in the 12 months to 30 […]

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A typical HanTing hotel room
A typical HanTing hotel room
A typical HanTing hotel room

One of China’s biggest hotel groups has increased its portfolio by 730 properties in the last 12 months, at an average rate of two new openings per day.

Shanghai-based China Lodging Group, which is also known as Huazhu Hotels, increased its Chinese portfolio from 2,384 hotels to 3,114 hotels in the 12 months to 30 June 2016. Its total inventory increased by more than 68,000 rooms during this period, to a total of 314,811.

The company now has a presence in 357 Chinese towns and cities and achieves an average occupancy rate of approximately 87%.

Huazhu is the Chinese franchise partner for AccorHotels’ budget and midscale hotel brands, including ibis, Novotel and Mercure. But the vast majority of its properties operate under its own HanTing Hotel brand, which now features 2,726 budget properties across China.

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brand_hanting_1 A typical HanTing hotel room
Swiss-Belhotel opens first Zest Hotel in Bali https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/swiss-belhotel-opens-first-zest-hotel-in-bali/ Thu, 11 Aug 2016 02:58:24 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=239746 The post Swiss-Belhotel opens first Zest Hotel in Bali appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The launch party was attended by senior Swiss-Belhotel executives and the hotel's owners

Swiss-Belhotel International recently celebrated the opening of its first Zest Hotel in Bali. The new Zest Hotel Legian becomes the budget hotel brand’s seventh property in Indonesia, following existing locations in Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Bogor, Batam and Tangerang, close to Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The brand is billed as offering “modern budget hotels with international […]

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The launch party was attended by senior Swiss-Belhotel executives and the hotel's owners

Swiss-Belhotel International recently celebrated the opening of its first Zest Hotel in Bali.

The new Zest Hotel Legian becomes the budget hotel brand’s seventh property in Indonesia, following existing locations in Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Bogor, Batam and Tangerang, close to Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The brand is billed as offering “modern budget hotels with international standards”.

The new Zest in Bali is located in the island’s Legian area and features 51 rooms, some with balconies overlooking the town. There are also internet stations, a fitness room, a vending machine dispensing cold drinks, a restaurant, the Jaen Bar & Kitchen, and a rooftop pool deck which recently hosted the hotel’s sunset launch party.

The launch party was attended by senior Swiss-Belhotel executives and the hotel's owners
The launch party was attended by senior Swiss-Belhotel executives and the hotel’s owners

Attending the rooftop launch party were a number of senior representatives from Swiss-Belhotel International, including the group’s chairman & president, Gavin M. Faull. Also in attendance were Zest Hotel International’s CEO, Emmanuel Guillard, and the owners of Zest Hotel Legian, Ichsan Hidajat, Budi Hidajat and Suyoga Ayub from PT Tri-Asih-Sejahtera.

“As the first Zest-branded hotel managed by Swiss-Belhotel International in Bali, the successful launch of the Zest Hotel Legian is a significant step in the continued development of the group, and also the growth of the Zest brand,” said Faull.

Five more Zest Hotels are scheduled to open in 2016, including two city centre properties in Jakarta, a second Balinese hotel in Kuta, and debut properties in the island locations of Belitung and Ambon.

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Zest launch] The launch party was attended by senior Swiss-Belhotel executives and the hotel's owners
AccorHotels boosts budget portfolio in Korea https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/accorhotels-boosts-budget-portfolio-in-korea/ Wed, 03 Aug 2016 03:34:50 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=239465 The post AccorHotels boosts budget portfolio in Korea appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The new ibis Seoul Dongdaemun

AccorHotels has expanded its budget portfolio in South Korea with the launch of two new ibis hotels in Seoul and Busan. Under its Korean joint venture, Accor Ambassador Korea, the European hotelier has now opened the 242-room ibis Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun and 237-room ibis Ambassador Busan Haeundae. These properties form part of a major expansion […]

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The new ibis Seoul Dongdaemun
The new ibis Seoul Dongdaemun
The new ibis Seoul Dongdaemun

AccorHotels has expanded its budget portfolio in South Korea with the launch of two new ibis hotels in Seoul and Busan.

Under its Korean joint venture, Accor Ambassador Korea, the European hotelier has now opened the 242-room ibis Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun and 237-room ibis Ambassador Busan Haeundae.

These properties form part of a major expansion plan for the company, which will raise its portfolio from 19 to 27 hotels in Korea by the end of 2019.

“The two openings reflect the successful partnership between AccorHotels and Ambassador Hotel Group. The ibis brand was first introduced to South Korea 10 years ago, the dual openings of ibis Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun and ibis Busan Haeundae will give corporate and leisure guests added hotel choices when they travel to the country,” said Patrick Basset, AccorHotels’ chief operating officer for Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia.

ibis Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun is located in the centre of the Korean capital, close to Jung-Gu and Gwangjang markets and next door to the Euljiro 4-ga subway station. All 242 rooms feature mini-fridges, rain showers and free Wi-Fi, and hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and two function rooms capable of accommodating up to 70 people.

ibis Ambassador Busan Haeundae meanwhile, is positioned close to the Busan Exhibition & Convention Center and features a Mexican restaurant, bar, spa and gym, plus two meeting that can hold up to 80 people.

AccorHotels now operates 19 across six South Korean cities.

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ibis Seoul Dongdaemun – Exterior The new ibis Seoul Dongdaemun
New Pop budget hotel opens in Jakarta https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/new-pop-budget-hotel-opens-in-jakarta/ Thu, 28 Jul 2016 04:24:06 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=239252 The post New Pop budget hotel opens in Jakarta appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The hotel was officially launched this week

Indonesia’s Tauzia Hotel Management has expanded its budget brand, Pop, in Jakarta. The new Pop Hotel Pasar Baru Jakarta officially opened this week in central Jakarta, close to the Pasar Baru shopping arcade and National Monument. It offers 105 colourful rooms, all equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and flatscreen TVs with international cable channels. The […]

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The hotel was officially launched this week
The hotel was officially launched this week
The hotel was officially launched this week

Indonesia’s Tauzia Hotel Management has expanded its budget brand, Pop, in Jakarta.

The new Pop Hotel Pasar Baru Jakarta officially opened this week in central Jakarta, close to the Pasar Baru shopping arcade and National Monument.

It offers 105 colourful rooms, all equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and flatscreen TVs with international cable channels.

The hotel will also feature the Pop brand’s new social lobby concept, called ‘PitStop’. This 24-hour area will combine traditional lobby services with a cafe, lounge and convenience store.

“PitStop will showcase a new and warmer interior atmosphere,” stated Irene Janti, Tauzia’s chief brands & product officer. “No longer dedicated to hotel guests only, it is designed to also become an interactive social hub for young business professionals and millennial communities around.”

Pop Hotel Pasar Baru Jakarta becomes the budget brand’s sixth location in the Indonesian capital.

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Pop launch The hotel was officially launched this week
Archipelago opens new-build favehotel in Central Java https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/archipelago-opens-new-build-favehotel-in-central-java/ Wed, 08 Jun 2016 08:47:45 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=237394 The post Archipelago opens new-build favehotel in Central Java appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The opening of the new favehotel Cilacap

Archipelago International has continued the expansion of its favehotel brand across Indonesia with the launch of brand new property in Cilacap, a port city in Central Java. The new favehotel Cilacap is a budget hotel but offers a range of facilities that belie its price point, including a rooftop bar with views of the Indian […]

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The opening of the new favehotel Cilacap
The opening of the new favehotel Cilacap
The opening of the new favehotel Cilacap

Archipelago International has continued the expansion of its favehotel brand across Indonesia with the launch of brand new property in Cilacap, a port city in Central Java.

The new favehotel Cilacap is a budget hotel but offers a range of facilities that belie its price point, including a rooftop bar with views of the Indian Ocean, a swimming pool and a large ballroom for events of up to 800 people.

The hotel offers 108 rooms, all of which feature free Wi-Fi, LED TVs, desks with universal power outlets, and coffee and tea making facilities. The hotel also has its own mini-market.

“We see the opportunity when we decide to manage a favehotel brand in Cilacap. It has both leisure and business markets that compatible with all the facilities provided by the hotel,” said Heru Purwono, Archipelago’s vice president of finance. “With a biggest ballroom in Cilacap and lot of rooms, favehotel Cilacap [is] targeted on MICE for all aspect of business such as conference, meetings and weddings.”

The new favehotel is located in the centre of Cilacap, close to the railway station and airport.

Archipelago now operates almost 50 favehotels across Indonesia.

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fave opening The opening of the new favehotel Cilacap
Holiday Inn Express makes Malaysian debut https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/holiday-inn-express-makes-malaysian-debut/ Thu, 02 Jun 2016 02:15:44 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=237087 The post Holiday Inn Express makes Malaysian debut appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has opened its first ever Holiday Inn Express hotel in Malaysia. The launch of the new Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre marks the latest stage in the budget brand’s Southeast Asian expansion, which has already seen it debut in Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore in recent years. The new 383-room […]

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Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has opened its first ever Holiday Inn Express hotel in Malaysia.

The launch of the new Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre marks the latest stage in the budget brand’s Southeast Asian expansion, which has already seen it debut in Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore in recent years.

The new 383-room hotel is located on Jalan Raja Chulan, close to Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle district, which houses many of the city’s main commercial, retail and entertainment venues.

All guests will be offered free Wi-Fi and breakfast, plus power showers and a choice of pillows. Facilities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness room, self-service business centre, internet stations and a laundry area.

“Holiday Inn Express is one of our fastest growing hotel brands in the world and its growth is fuelled by a rising demand from value-conscious travellers who are seeking affordable accommodation in convenient locations,” said Leanne Harwood, IHG’s vice president of operations for Southeast Asia & Korea.

A queen room at the new hotel
A queen room at the new hotel

“Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre is the first of five Holiday Inn Express hotels that we are opening in Malaysia in the coming years and we will be in a great position to cater to the projected 36 million tourist arrivals expected in Malaysia by 2020,” she added.

The new hotel becomes IHG’s fifth property in Malaysia, joining the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie, Holiday Inn Melaka and Holiday Inn Penang. The company also has a further four hotels in the pipeline.

There are now 15 Holiday Inn Express hotels in Southeast Asia, including two in Singapore, eight in Indonesia and four in Thailand. And the company is planning a major expansion of the brand in the coming years, with 18 more hotels under development across the region.

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Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre Queen Bed Room A queen room at the new hotel
Chototel chooses India for launch of “super-budget” hotels https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/chototel-chooses-india-for-launch-of-super-budget-hotels/ Wed, 11 May 2016 04:18:30 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=236259 The post Chototel chooses India for launch of “super-budget” hotels appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Chototel is planning to open 100,000 rooms in India

Chototel has chosen India to set up its pilot “super-budget” hotel concept. The hotel is being constructed in Nagothane, an industrial town 70km south of Mumbai and situated on the new Mumbai-Goa expressway. The 240-room development is spread across 6070m² of land, and the project is estimated to cost INR175 million (US$2.6m) to build. Room […]

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Chototel is planning to open 100,000 rooms in India

Chototel has chosen India to set up its pilot “super-budget” hotel concept.

The hotel is being constructed in Nagothane, an industrial town 70km south of Mumbai and situated on the new Mumbai-Goa expressway. The 240-room development is spread across 6070m² of land, and the project is estimated to cost INR175 million (US$2.6m) to build. Room rates will start at INR100 (approx. US$1.50) per night.

Chototel is planning to open 100,000 rooms in India
Chototel is planning to open 100,000 rooms in India

Chototel is also acquiring land in Chakan, Goa and Gujarat for its next round of projects in India. The company aims to build 100,000 rooms in the next five years along the Mumbai-Pune-Goa corridor.

Chris Phillips, Chototel’s chairman, said; “India’s diversified economy and robust growth prospects make it the most attractive location globally to set up our first project. We believe that policy-makers will take effective action to enhance the country’s economic strength and, in turn, the financial strength over coming years.”

Chototel states that its mission is to provide “budget-friendly accommodation with uninterrupted utilities, clean, potable water and social infrastructure… to create unparalleled economic, social and environmental impact”.

“The Chototel project is a technological super machine. We use innovative technologies to build, operate and manage in a way that helps us keep costs low and efficiencies high,” explained Rhea Silva, the company’s managing director.

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Mission Chototel is planning to open 100,000 rooms in India
Premier Inn adds second location in Indonesia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/premier-inn-adds-second-location-in-indonesia/ Thu, 05 May 2016 02:07:49 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=236022 The post Premier Inn adds second location in Indonesia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The lobby at the new Premier Inn Yogyakarta Adisucipto

Premier Inn, the UK-based budget hotel group, has continued its push into Southeast Asia with the launch of its second property in Indonesia. The new Premier Inn Yogyakarta Adisucipto is a 144-room hotel located just five minute’ drive from the city’s Adisucipto International Airport, which Premier Inn says makes it “an ideal stop for business […]

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The lobby at the new Premier Inn Yogyakarta Adisucipto
The lobby at the new Premier Inn Yogyakarta Adisucipto
The lobby at the new Premier Inn Yogyakarta Adisucipto

Premier Inn, the UK-based budget hotel group, has continued its push into Southeast Asia with the launch of its second property in Indonesia.

The new Premier Inn Yogyakarta Adisucipto is a 144-room hotel located just five minute’ drive from the city’s Adisucipto International Airport, which Premier Inn says makes it “an ideal stop for business or leisure travellers… transiting between flights”.

All rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi and the hotel also features a rooftop swimming pool and bar, a restaurant and five meetings rooms.

“Indonesia is an important high-growth market for us and we are confident that our new hotel will raise expectations and complement Yogyakarta’s already fast growing hospitality sector,” said Premier Inn International’s chief operations officer, Adam Nicholls.

The new hotel becomes the second Premier Inn in Indonesia, following an existing property close to Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport. The company also operates a Thai hotel in Pattaya and is planning to launch in Singapore.

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PI Yogya The lobby at the new Premier Inn Yogyakarta Adisucipto
Holiday Inn Express debuts in Australia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/holiday-inn-express-debuts-in-australia/ Fri, 08 Apr 2016 08:09:55 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=234932 The post Holiday Inn Express debuts in Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

IHG’s Richard Solomons unveils the new hotel

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) will open its first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Australia on Monday 11 April. The new Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park is the first of 15 Holiday Inn Express hotels to be developed in the country, as part of a franchise agreement between IHG and Pro-invest. Additional locations have already […]

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IHG’s Richard Solomons unveils the new hotel
IHG’s Richard Solomons unveils the new hotel
IHG’s Richard Solomons unveils the new hotel

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) will open its first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Australia on Monday 11 April.

The new Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park is the first of 15 Holiday Inn Express hotels to be developed in the country, as part of a franchise agreement between IHG and Pro-invest. Additional locations have already been secured in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.

“This is an important milestone for the Holiday Inn Express brand globally, this year celebrating its 25th anniversary. I’m delighted to be here for the occasion, and to celebrate with our partners from Pro-invest,” said Richard Solomons, IHG’s chief executive.

“IHG’s global strategy is to align the right market with the right brand at the right time – and with the right partner.  With a strong tourism economy in place, coupled with a receptiveness to a select service accommodation brand in this market and a dynamic partner in Pro-invest, Australia presented as an ideal opportunity to continue the growth of Holiday Inn Express.

The new Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park
The new Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park

“A brand synonymous with offering guests a great experience and ‘everything they need but nothing they don’t’, coupled with friendly service, Holiday Inn Express will no-doubt prove popular among smart, discerning Australian travellers” he added.

The 192-room Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park offers all of the economy hotel brand’s standard amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and breakfast, a choice of pillows, self-service business centre and laundry room, and a social area called the ‘Great Room’.

Following the opening of the Sydney hotel, a 226-room Holiday Inn Express will open in Spring Hill, Brisbane, later this year. A 245-room property will then launch in the centre of Adelaide in 2017, and in 2018 a 345-rooms Holiday Inn Express will open in the Southbank area of Melbourne.

IHG currently has 25 hotels operating under three brands in Australia – InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn – so Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park marks the launch of the company’s fourth brand and 26th hotel in the country.

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HIEX Aus IHG’s Richard Solomons unveils the new hotel Great Room The new Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park
Spike in searches for Indian budget hotels https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/spike-in-searches-for-indian-budget-hotels/ Mon, 28 Mar 2016 03:54:10 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=234364 The post Spike in searches for Indian budget hotels appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

ibis Chennai is part of a new generation of Indian branded budget hotels

Online searches for branded budget hotels in India are rising sharply, according to Google. A report by Google India, reported the Times of India, revealed that search queries for branded budget hotels have jumped 179% year-on-year, while overall budget hotel searches increased 36%. The number of search queries for ‘accommodations’ increased 37%. “Newer players in […]

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ibis Chennai is part of a new generation of Indian branded budget hotels
ibis Chennai is part of a new generation of Indian branded budget hotels
ibis Chennai is part of a new generation of Indian branded budget hotels

Online searches for branded budget hotels in India are rising sharply, according to Google.

A report by Google India, reported the Times of India, revealed that search queries for branded budget hotels have jumped 179% year-on-year, while overall budget hotel searches increased 36%. The number of search queries for ‘accommodations’ increased 37%.

“Newer players in the segment have energised the travel vertical by unlocking a brand new inventory online. They have been quick to capitalise on the online demand with aggressive advertising spends in building their brands, which is leading to overall category growth for the Industry,” Google India’s director sales of sales, Vikas Agnihotri, was quoted saying.

During March-June 2015 period, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Delhi-NCR were the most searched destinations for accommodation. In terms of international searches, the UAE, USA and Thailand were the top destinations.

Between January and September 2015, searches for international air tickets increased 43% year-on-year while international holiday searches grew 30%.

Search queries also reveal that the Indian travellers are increasingly looking for niche destinations, such as the Seychelles, Hungary, Czech Republic, Russia, Greece and Norway.

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ibis Chennai City Centre ibis Chennai is part of a new generation of Indian branded budget hotels
Rezidor enters budget sector with Prizeotel stake https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/rezidor-enters-budget-sector-with-prizeotel-stake/ Wed, 09 Mar 2016 05:48:01 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=233662 The post Rezidor enters budget sector with Prizeotel stake appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Prizeotel currently operates three "budget designer hotels" in Germany

The Rezidor Hotel Group has made its first move into the budget sector with the acquisition of stake of Prizeotel, the German start-up. The deal will initially see Rezidor take a 49% stake in Prizeotel for EUR14.7 million (US$16.1m), but the agreement gives Rezidor the right to acquire the remaining 51% four years from now. […]

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Prizeotel currently operates three "budget designer hotels" in Germany
Prizeotel currently operates three "budget designer hotels" in Germany
Prizeotel currently operates three “budget designer hotels” in Germany

The Rezidor Hotel Group has made its first move into the budget sector with the acquisition of stake of Prizeotel, the German start-up.

The deal will initially see Rezidor take a 49% stake in Prizeotel for EUR14.7 million (US$16.1m), but the agreement gives Rezidor the right to acquire the remaining 51% four years from now.

Prizeotel currently operates three “budget designer hotels” in Germany and has one more under development.

“[Prizeotel] ideally complements our compelling brand portfolio currently ranging from midscale to luxury, and facilitates our responsiveness to the evolving needs of our guests. With this transaction, we now offer additional choices and opportunities to both our customers and owners,” said Wolfgang M. Neumann, president & CEO of Rezidor.

“The acquisition allows us a fast-paced entry to the economy segment – an increasingly attractive sector due to its rapid development opportunities and resilience to the economic cycles. Prizeotel is a commercial success story and has differentiated itself through innovative urban design, tech-savvy focus, personal touch and unique team culture – a total fit to Rezidor,” he added.

Marco Nussbaum, founder & CEO of Prizeotel, commented; “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. I am glad to partner with Rezidor to transform Prizeotel from a local player to an international economy brand. Having started our journey back in 2009, we will now write the next chapter of our unconventional success story.”

Following the purchase, which will be closed in the next few weeks, Rezidor and Prizeotel plan to integrate their business development, sales, marketing and distribution. Prizeotel will continue to be led by Nussbaum, while Rezidor will “steer key strategic aspects”.

The companies said they now expect to accelerate Prizeotel’s expansion plans across Germany, as well as moving into “key cities in Austria, Switzerland and Benelux”. Prizeotel’s three hotels are located in Hamburg, Hannover and Bremen and feature a total of 555 rooms.

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prizeotel Hamburg-City – design by Karim Rashid Inc. & Photo by Eric Laignel Prizeotel currently operates three "budget designer hotels" in Germany
AccorHotels opens second ibis in Chennai https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/accorhotels-opens-second-ibis-in-chennai/ Thu, 14 Jan 2016 08:22:10 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=231481 The post AccorHotels opens second ibis in Chennai appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

ibis Chennai City Centre

AccorHotels has continued to expand its budget hotel portfolio in India, with the opening of its second ibis in Chennai. Located on Mount Road in the centre of the city, ibis Chennai City Centre offers 155 rooms, a restaurant, a lounge and bar area, two meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi. “The opening of the ibis […]

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ibis Chennai City Centre
ibis Chennai City Centre
ibis Chennai City Centre

AccorHotels has continued to expand its budget hotel portfolio in India, with the opening of its second ibis in Chennai.

Located on Mount Road in the centre of the city, ibis Chennai City Centre offers 155 rooms, a restaurant, a lounge and bar area, two meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi.

“The opening of the ibis Chennai City Centre is a strategic milestone for the ibis brand in India,” said Jean-Michel Cassé, senior vice president of operations for AccorHotels India.

“The brand combines the ultimate comfort of modern and well-equipped rooms with the highest level of service for business and leisure travellers. The opening of ibis Chennai City strengthens our brand presence in Chennai and adds to the growing ibis network of 12 hotels in the region.”

The new hotel becomes AccorHotels’ third property in Chennai, following the ibis Chennai SIPCOT and Novotel Chennai SIPCOT in 2014, which launched as dual-branded property in 2014.

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ibis Chennai ibis Chennai City Centre
New-build ibis rises in Brisbane https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/new-build-ibis-rises-in-brisbane/ Tue, 12 Jan 2016 05:46:51 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=231359 The post New-build ibis rises in Brisbane appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

ibis Styles Brisbane

Construction work has been completed on a brand new ibis hotel in Brisbane. The new 368-room new-build ibis Styles Brisbane, which is on track to open by the end of Q1 2016, becomes the largest ibis-branded hotel in Australasia and AccorHotels’ first new-build ibis Styles hotel in Australia. The budget hotel, which was developed by […]

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ibis Styles Brisbane
ibis Styles Brisbane
ibis Styles Brisbane

Construction work has been completed on a brand new ibis hotel in Brisbane.

The new 368-room new-build ibis Styles Brisbane, which is on track to open by the end of Q1 2016, becomes the largest ibis-branded hotel in Australasia and AccorHotels’ first new-build ibis Styles hotel in Australia.

The budget hotel, which was developed by Action Hotels, is attached to the Queen Street Mall.

“We are excited to be part of this key development for Brisbane’s hotel sector in partnership with Action Hotels, and we congratulate them on reaching completion of the hotel build,” said AccorHotels’ chief operating officer for the Pacific, Simon McGrath.

“The ibis Styles brand has kept up with the changing expectations of consumers through design-led affordable quality hotels in the economy space and AccorHotels will continue to expand the ibis Styles portfolio.”

AccorHotels currently operates 60 economy hotels in Australia under its ibis, ibis Budget and ibis Styles brands. All properties provide free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Eight of these are operated in partnership with Action Hotels and the two companies plan to launch a further three hotels by the end of 2016.

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ibis Styles Brisbane ibis Styles Brisbane
Red Planet Hotels expands in Bangkok https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/red-planet-hotels-expands-in-bangkok/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 02:52:53 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=230547 The post Red Planet Hotels expands in Bangkok appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

A room at the new Red Planet Surawong hotel

Red Planet Hotels, the Asian budget hotel operator, has added second property in Bangkok. The Red Planet Surawong hotel is located close to the Thai capital’s Silom district and offers 201 rooms, all equipped with free Wi-Fi, desks and fridges. There are also Apple computer workstations in the lobby. It joins the Red Planet Asoke […]

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A room at the new Red Planet Surawong hotel
A room at the new Red Planet Surawong hotel
A room at the new Red Planet Surawong hotel

Red Planet Hotels, the Asian budget hotel operator, has added second property in Bangkok.

The Red Planet Surawong hotel is located close to the Thai capital’s Silom district and offers 201 rooms, all equipped with free Wi-Fi, desks and fridges. There are also Apple computer workstations in the lobby.

It joins the Red Planet Asoke hotel in Bangkok, plus other Thai properties in Phuket, Pattaya and Hat Yai. These form part of a regional portfolio that now comprises 4,118 rooms in 26 hotels across Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.

And Red Planet’s CEO, Tim Hansing, said there is potential to “double this number in the coming years”.

“It is quite clear since we launched our new brand in July that we have given the value hotel sector the significant shake-up it needed to raise standards and service in this sector of the market. In the rush by developers to cater to the five-star end of the market this sector has, sadly, been left behind at times, and we are changing this,” Hansing said.

“In addition, we always offer a clean and well-serviced stay and have developed a ‘best in class’ product for the value sector in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan.”

More than 70% of Red Planet’s guests are under 30 years-old, and the company has developed a series of online and mobile services to cater for this younger demographic.

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Red Planet room A room at the new Red Planet Surawong hotel
China’s Homeinns to merge in US$1.7bn deal https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/chinas-homeinns-to-merge-in-us1-7bn-deal/ Wed, 09 Dec 2015 03:55:35 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=230334 The post China’s Homeinns to merge in US$1.7bn deal appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Homeinns has suffered declining profits in 2015

Homeinns Hotel Group, which operates more than 2,700 properties in China, has confirmed plans to merge with BTG Hotels Group in a deal worth US$11 billion (US$1.7bn). In a statement released this week, Shanghai-based Homeinns said that the agreement had been “unanimously approved” by the company’s board of directors and is expected to close in […]

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Homeinns has suffered declining profits in 2015
Homeinns has suffered declining profits in 2015
Homeinns has suffered declining profits in 2015

Homeinns Hotel Group, which operates more than 2,700 properties in China, has confirmed plans to merge with BTG Hotels Group in a deal worth US$11 billion (US$1.7bn).

In a statement released this week, Shanghai-based Homeinns said that the agreement had been “unanimously approved” by the company’s board of directors and is expected to close in the first half of 2016.

Shanghai-listed BTG Hotels currently operates approximately 100 hotels ranging from budget properties to five-star hotels under its BTG Jianguo, BTG Jinglun and Shindom brands. Its portfolio also includes the BTG International Travel & Tours Group and the Hainan Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone.

The merger is timely for Homeinns, which has been struggling in 2015. The company experienced an 8.4% year-on-year drop in net profits for the third quarter of 2015, following declines of 15.1% and 37.7% in the first and second quarters respectively. And the company’s CEO, David Sun, said he expects “market conditions to stay difficult” for the remainder of the year.

Homeinns, which mainly operates in the budget sector, is one of the biggest hotel groups in China – and the world – with an operating portfolio of 2,787 hotels in 346 Chinese cities (as of 30 September 2015), under its Homeinn, Homeinn Plus, Yitel, Motel 168 and Fairyland brands. It also has a strong pipeline of more than 200 new hotels.

The agreement marks the second major Chinese hospitality merger in recent months, following Jin Jiang’s recent acquisition of the Plateno Hotels Group.

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Homeinn Plus Homeinns has suffered declining profits in 2015
Absolute to roll out Travelodge hotels in Thailand https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/absolute-to-roll-out-travelodge-hotels-in-thailand/ Mon, 28 Sep 2015 05:44:57 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=227233 The post Absolute to roll out Travelodge hotels in Thailand appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Aw Cheok Huat, chairman of Travelodge Hotels Asia, signs the joint venture with Jonathan Wigley, CEO of AHS

Absolute Hotel Services Group (AHS) has agreed to form a joint venture with Travelodge Hotels Asia for the launch of the hotel brand in Thailand. Following the deal, AHS will form Travelodge (Thailand) Company Limited, with a view to rolling out three new Travelodge brands in the kingdom: Nano by Travelodge, One by Travelodge and […]

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Aw Cheok Huat, chairman of Travelodge Hotels Asia, signs the joint venture with Jonathan Wigley, CEO of AHS
Aw Cheok Huat, chairman of Travelodge Hotels Asia, signs the joint venture with Jonathan Wigley, CEO of AHS
Aw Cheok Huat, chairman of Travelodge Hotels Asia, signs the joint venture with Jonathan Wigley, CEO of AHS

Absolute Hotel Services Group (AHS) has agreed to form a joint venture with Travelodge Hotels Asia for the launch of the hotel brand in Thailand.

Following the deal, AHS will form Travelodge (Thailand) Company Limited, with a view to rolling out three new Travelodge brands in the kingdom: Nano by Travelodge, One by Travelodge and Skye by Travelodge. This will allow Travelodge to proceed with what it calls its “aggressive expansion plans for Asia”.

Ranging from lower to upper midscale, the three brands will have varying design concepts and price points, to target different types of consumer.

“Thailand continues to be one of Asia’s most popular holiday and business destinations. Travel and tourism is a key contributor to the Thai economy and the country’s GDP,” said Jonathan Wigley, CEO of AHS.

“Specifically, the midscale hotel segment that Travelodge and its three sub-brands operate in is expected to fit in well with the travel demographics of Thailand. We are excited to bring in a new international brand to Thailand and we target over 4,000 keys in Thailand for Travelodge by 2020.”

Travelodge has ambitious Asian expansion plans, with the aim of launching its brands in multiple countries including Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan. Currently, there are close to 1,000 Travelodge-branded hotels worldwide.

AHS operates the Eastin Grand Hotels, Eastin Hotels & Residences, Eastin Easy and U Hotels & Resorts brands, with a portfolio of more than 60 hotels currently operating or under development in Thailand, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, the Middle East and Europe.

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AHS JV Aw Cheok Huat, chairman of Travelodge Hotels Asia, signs the joint venture with Jonathan Wigley, CEO of AHS
Red Roof to open multiple economy hotels in Thailand https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/red-roof-to-bring-economy-hotels-to-thailand/ Tue, 22 Sep 2015 04:31:33 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=227086 The post Red Roof to open multiple economy hotels in Thailand appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Red Roof currently operates more than 400 hotels in the US, including this property at Miami Airport

Red Roof, the US-based budget hotel group, has unveiled plans to open multiple properties in Thailand. The company has penned a deal with Bangkok-based Paragon Hotels to launch a series of new-build Red Roof hotels in the country, with the first project expected to break ground in 2016. The companies then plan to expand the […]

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Red Roof currently operates more than 400 hotels in the US, including this property at Miami Airport
Red Roof currently operates more than 400 hotels in the US, including this property at Miami Airport
Red Roof currently operates more than 400 hotels in the US, including this property at Miami Airport

Red Roof, the US-based budget hotel group, has unveiled plans to open multiple properties in Thailand.

The company has penned a deal with Bangkok-based Paragon Hotels to launch a series of new-build Red Roof hotels in the country, with the first project expected to break ground in 2016.

The companies then plan to expand the brand across the country, with several new hotels earmarked to open between 2017 and 2020, in “all major tourist locations”.

“Red Roof is quality at a comfortable price and that’s exactly what the Thai travel market needed,” said Rajinder S. Sidhu of Paragon Hotels. “We see Red Roof as a global brand that’s expanding rapidly, not just the best US brand, and we knew this was the right time to bring Red Roof’s value and quality to the market that’s not being serviced correctly.

“Rolling out multiple international brand-specific hotels at the same time has never been done before in Southeast Asia but with Red Roof that’s the right choice and we know we will see a robust return on investment once the brand is established.”

Andrew Alexander, president of Red Roof, said the new “upscale economy hotels” would provide “great amenities in safe, clean, quiet rooms”. “This is a win-win for both companies and the foreign and domestic tourists who travel throughout Thailand,” he added.

Following the Thai roll-out, the two companies said they intend to expand the Red Roof concept into other Asian markets, including Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Bangladesh.

“With the first series of locations strategically selected by Paragon Hotels expected to roll out throughout Thailand, Red Roof will have immediate brand density and exposure across the country,” said Phil Hugh, chief development officer of Red Roof.

“This is one of the most aggressive implementations of Red Roofs we’ve ever attempted and we partnered with Paragon Hotels because we were more than confident that they could undertake this venture.”

Red Roof currently operates a portfolio of more than 400 hotels in the US under its Red Roof Inn and Red Roof Plus brands. It has also signed deals to open up to 80 properties in Brazil and Canada.

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Red Roof Miami Airport Red Roof currently operates more than 400 hotels in the US, including this property at Miami Airport
China’s HomeInns sees profits slide 33% https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/chinas-homeinns-sees-profits-slide-33/ Wed, 12 Aug 2015 01:16:19 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=225467 The post China’s HomeInns sees profits slide 33% appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

HomeInns, one of China’s biggest hotel groups, experienced a sharp decline in profits in the second quarter of 2015. The company, which says it has endured “sustained difficult market conditions” in 2015, saw its net profits slide 33.4% to CNY72.1 million (US$11.6m) in the three months to 30 June, as revenues decreased 1.8% year-on-year to […]

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Homeinns operates more than 2,600 hotels in China
HomeInns operates 2,750 hotels in China

HomeInns, one of China’s biggest hotel groups, experienced a sharp decline in profits in the second quarter of 2015.

The company, which says it has endured “sustained difficult market conditions” in 2015, saw its net profits slide 33.4% to CNY72.1 million (US$11.6m) in the three months to 30 June, as revenues decreased 1.8% year-on-year to CNY1.67 billion.

This followed a net loss of CNY37.6m in the first quarter of the year.

“Revenue growth and revPAR remained under pressure given the surrounding economic climate,” said David Sun, HomeInns’ CEO. “This, coupled with higher pre-opening costs, impacted our overall financial performance.

“However, we believe that our strategy to accelerate the development of midscale hotel offerings serves our overall best interest, given its encouraging performance to date.”

He added that rising mobile sales and stricter cost controls are “keeping our operating foundation strong”.

HomeInns now operates a total portfolio of 2,750 hotels in mainland China, under its five brands: HomeInn, HomeInn Plus, Motel, Fairyland and Yitel. It also has a strong pipeline of 184 hotels. And occupancy remains high, averaging 83.3% in Q2 2015. Unfortunately the group’s revPAR declined 4.2% in the quarter.

Moving forward, Sun said he expects market conditions to remain “quite challenging”.

“However, as we have stated before, we believe that the long-term prospects of the travel and lodging market in China are and will stay very strong and HomeInns is set to remain one of the strongest players in the industry,” he added.

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HomeInns Homeinns operates 2,750 hotels in China
China’s HomeInns suffers loss in “most difficult” quarter https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/chinas-homeinns-suffers-loss-in-most-difficult-quarter/ Wed, 13 May 2015 10:33:42 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=221734 The post China’s HomeInns suffers loss in “most difficult” quarter appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Homeinns operates more than 2,600 hotels in China

China’s largest hotel group, Homeinns, suffered a loss in the first quarter of 2015, following what it called the “most difficult” operating period in its 13-year history. The Shanghai-based company, which mainly operates budget hotels, posted a net loss of CNY37.6 million (US$6.1m) for the first three months of the year, compared to a net […]

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The post China’s HomeInns suffers loss in “most difficult” quarter appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Homeinns operates more than 2,600 hotels in China

China’s largest hotel group, Homeinns, suffered a loss in the first quarter of 2015, following what it called the “most difficult” operating period in its 13-year history.

The Shanghai-based company, which mainly operates budget hotels, posted a net loss of CNY37.6 million (US$6.1m) for the first three months of the year, compared to a net profit of CNY74.9m in the same period in 2014. The company’s revenues dipped 0.1% to CNY1.47 billion.

Homeinns operates more than 2,600 hotels in China
Homeinns operates more than 2,600 hotels in China

David Sun, Homeinns’ CEO, said the result was not unexpected.

“We achieved revenue in line with our previously provided guidance, which reflected our expectations for a challenging start to the year in very difficult market conditions,” he said.

“While we continued to make meaningful progress in rolling out new business initiatives, controlling costs, and driving beneficial efficiencies in our business, the first quarter was one of the most difficult periods for our business since Homeinns was established in 2002.”

Sun added that this was due to “deepened economic slowdown” in China, and the fact that the first quarter is usually its slowest period.

The pace of Homeinns portfolio expansion also slowed in Q1. Having opened 486 new hotels in 2014, including 129 in the final quarter of the year, the company only added 70 hotels in Q1 2015. By the end of the quarter, the company’s total portfolio stood at 2,661 hotels.

For the rest of the year, Sun said he “remains confident about the long-term prospects of the overall travel and lodging market in China”. Although he admitted that “we are not seeing immediate signs of a market rebound”.

In an effort to diversify, the company is also planning to expand its midscale Homeinns Plus brand this year.

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HomeInns Homeinns operates 2,750 hotels in China
Premier Inn to debut in Phuket https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/premier-inn-to-debut-in-phuket/ Thu, 07 May 2015 03:28:41 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=221490 The post Premier Inn to debut in Phuket appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Premier Inn Phuket will open in early 2017

Premier Inn, UK-based budget hotel group, has continued its expansion in Southeast Asia with the announcement of its first hotel in Phuket. Due to open its doors in early 2017, the 350-room Premier Inn Phuket will be located close to Patong Beach. The “affordable” hotel will feature a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness centre and […]

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Premier Inn Phuket will open in early 2017

Premier Inn, UK-based budget hotel group, has continued its expansion in Southeast Asia with the announcement of its first hotel in Phuket.

Due to open its doors in early 2017, the 350-room Premier Inn Phuket will be located close to Patong Beach. The “affordable” hotel will feature a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness centre and meeting facilities.

Premier Inn Phuket will open in early 2017
Premier Inn Phuket will open in early 2017

“Premier Inn Phuket is an important addition to our fast expanding Asia property portfolio and marks a significant milestone for the Premier Inn brand,” said Erik van Keulen, senior vice president of development for Premier Inn Asia Pacific. “We are confident that the hotel will set a new benchmark in Phuket’s hospitality sector, becoming the preferred choice for value conscious travellers.”

Premier Inn said that Phuket is a “key focus” market for its Asian expansion plans. The company intends to open five hotels in partnership with Thailand’s Rayaburi Group Co Ltd, giving it an inventory of around 1,250 rooms by 2020.

The Phuket property will join the 224-room Premier Inn Bangkok Soi 11, which is scheduled to open in mid-2016, and the company has also identified Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Pattaya as future destinations.

Premier Inn also has 14 hotels in the pipeline in Indonesia and will launch its first property in Singapore next year.

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Premier Inn Phuket (2) Premier Inn Phuket will open in early 2017
Profits and portfolio grow at China’s biggest hotel group https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/profits-and-portfolio-grow-at-chinas-biggest-hotel-group/ Thu, 12 Mar 2015 09:32:13 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=219280 The post Profits and portfolio grow at China’s biggest hotel group appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Homeinns has suffered declining profits in 2015

Homeinns, the biggest hotel group in China by portfolio size, has posted a strong rise in its full-year profits, as it opened more than one hotel per day in 2014. The Shanghai-based company, which operates more than 2,600 hotels – more than Starwood and Hyatt combined – saw its adjusted net profits jump 26.7% to […]

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The post Profits and portfolio grow at China’s biggest hotel group appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Homeinns has suffered declining profits in 2015

Homeinns, the biggest hotel group in China by portfolio size, has posted a strong rise in its full-year profits, as it opened more than one hotel per day in 2014.

The Shanghai-based company, which operates more than 2,600 hotels – more than Starwood and Hyatt combined – saw its adjusted net profits jump 26.7% to CNY535.8 million (US$86.4m) last year, following a 5.2% increase in revenues.

Homeinns added 486 hotels to its collection in 2014
Homeinns added 486 hotels to its collection in 2014

“We are very gratified that despite sustained market challenges, we met our previously provided revenue expectations,” said David Sun, the company’s CEO.

“Performance of our mature economy hotels remained relatively resilient despite the market softness. Our franchise-focused strategy, effective cost control and productivity enhancement initiatives did a great deal to help protect our margin and bottom line. We are also very pleased with the positive development and performance of our midscale Yitel hotels.”

Homeinns added 486 hotels to its collection in 2014, or an average of 1.33 new openings per day. In the fourth quarter alone it added 129 new hotels. This brought the company’s total portfolio to 2,609 hotels, including 2,135 under the Homeinn brand, plus 402 Motels, 41 Yitels and 31 Fairyland hotels.

And this rapid growth is likely to continue in 2015; Homeinns said it is aiming “to open no fewer than 400 new hotels in 2015”. These will include the first members of its new upscale brand, Homeinns Plus.

But Sun warned that the company must “be careful in balancing the speed of new hotel development with profitability”.

“The success of our multi-branded platform has given us the confidence to devote more resources to the midscale hotel segment by further accelerating Yitel development and rolling out our new brand, Homeinn Plus,” the CEO said. “We believe that… [we will be] well placed in 2015 to navigate the market and take full advantage of the market recovery when it arrives.

“We remain confident about the long-term prospects of the travel and lodging market in China,” he added.

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Homeinn entrance Homeinns has suffered declining profits in 2015
Premier Inn signs four hotels in Indonesia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/premier-inn-signs-four-hotels-in-indonesia/ Mon, 16 Feb 2015 05:08:28 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=218197 The post Premier Inn signs four hotels in Indonesia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Premier Inn plans to operate 50 hotels in Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East by 2018 (photo by Tupungato)

Premier Inn, UK-based budget hotel group, has signed another four hotels in Indonesia, as its regional expansion strategy continues. The new signings will see Premier Inn hotels rise in Bali, Bandung, Jakarta and Sentul, and bring the company’s total Indonesian pipeline to 14 properties comprising more than 1,900 rooms. “We have started 2015 with a […]

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Premier Inn plans to operate 50 hotels in Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East by 2018 (photo by Tupungato)

Premier Inn, UK-based budget hotel group, has signed another four hotels in Indonesia, as its regional expansion strategy continues.

The new signings will see Premier Inn hotels rise in Bali, Bandung, Jakarta and Sentul, and bring the company’s total Indonesian pipeline to 14 properties comprising more than 1,900 rooms.

“We have started 2015 with a bang by entering into development agreements for another four hotels throughout Indonesia,” said Erik van Keulen, senior vice president of development for Premier Inn Asia Pacific. “We believe Asia Pacific has strong economic growth potential, and we are excited to see these four hotels added to our already strong pipeline”

Premier Inn plans to operate 50 hotels in Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East by 2018 (photo by Tupungato)
Premier Inn plans to operate 50 hotels in Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East by 2018 (photo by Tupungato)

Premier Inn’s first Indonesian hotel, Premier Inn Bandung, is expected to open in the second half of 2015. The hotel will offer 115 rooms and a 500-pax capacity ballroom.

Then in late 2016 the company will launch the 153-room Premier Inn Sentul in West Java, and 2017 will see the launch of the 120-room Premier Inn Bali Legian and 84-room Premier Inn Jakarta Gajah Mada.

All Premier Inn rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

The company has already unveiled plans to open the 300-room Premier Inn Singapore Beach Road in 2016, which will mark the company’s debut in Singapore. In total, Premier Inn expects to expand its collection of hotels in Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East from eight to 50 by 2018.

Currently more than 670 Premier Inn hotels operate globally, mostly in the UK.

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shutterstock_153116576 Premier Inn plans to operate 50 hotels in Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East by 2018 (photo by Tupungato)
Travelodge writes to councils for funding support https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/travelodge-writes-to-councils-for-funding-support/ Mon, 07 Oct 2013 14:54:21 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=198539 The post Travelodge writes to councils for funding support appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Travelodge is turning to councils across the country to help it build new hotels. The budget hotel brand has written to 124 councils in the UK in an attempt to get funding for future hotel projects, after previously working with authorities in Aylesbury and Eastleigh with new-builds. The letters encourage local councils to borrow government […]

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Travelodge is looking to build across England and Wales
Travelodge is looking to build across England and Wales

Travelodge is turning to councils across the country to help it build new hotels.

The budget hotel brand has written to 124 councils in the UK in an attempt to get funding for future hotel projects, after previously working with authorities in Aylesbury and Eastleigh with new-builds.

The letters encourage local councils to borrow government money from the Public Works Loan to build a hotel that will create jobs and give money back to the council through charging rent to the Travelodge.

The scheme has already seen successes in the aforementioned towns with another five councils thought to be interested in using assets in a similar way.

“We are the first UK budget hotel brand to work with local councils on co-partnership developments.  The deals we have done so far have provided a great investment opportunity for both parties and as a result of this innovative calibration, we have today written to 124 other local authorities across England & Wales to see if we can work with them on a similar scheme,” said Paul Harvey, Travelodge’s managing director for property.

Travelodge has been battling with its own debts in the last few years, although managed to halve its pre-tax loss in 2012 under new owners. Companies House figures reported by City AM found the chain had reduced loss from GBP148.1 million in 2011 to GBP71.1m in 2012, while its debts are thought to have reduced GBP1bn to GBP431.7m.

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Travelodge Cambridge B Travelodge is set to open three new hotels under regeneration projects
Travelodge opens 60th London hotel https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/travelodge-opens-60th-london-hotel/ Thu, 20 Jun 2013 14:19:00 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=193250 The post Travelodge opens 60th London hotel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Travelodge room

Travelodge opened its 60th hotel in London today alongside a new scheme to get young people into employment.  The hotel chain, which first opened a hotel in London in 1988, unveiled its latest in Vauxhall with 148 rooms under a GBP15 million investment. Half of the brands’ development in the capital has been opened since […]

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Travelodge room
Travelodge room
Travelodge Vauxhall includes its new room

Travelodge opened its 60th hotel in London today alongside a new scheme to get young people into employment. 

The hotel chain, which first opened a hotel in London in 1988, unveiled its latest in Vauxhall with 148 rooms under a GBP15 million investment.

Half of the brands’ development in the capital has been opened since 2007, with CEO Grant Hearn outlining its continued growth strategy at today’s opening.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “London’s hotel market, we believe, is still the strongest in the world but the branded budget sector is less than 20% of the market compared to other UK cities where the share sits at 30%. It is clear there are other suppliers or B&Bs that do not provide a standard service or offer poor value so there is demand for branded budget accommodation in the capital.”

The hotel chain has plans to open another 145 hotels in London’s 33 boroughs and has previously made it clear this will include non-central areas.

Deputy Mayor for Business & Enterprise Kit Malthouse joined the opening and thanked the chain for its job creation in the capital and support to tourism.

“On top of the problems with visas, transportation and airports we know that one of the things that is critical is a good spread of hotels from top-end right through the price range,” he said. “We don’t want London to appear expensive but a destination that people will visit again and again.”

Travelodge’s youth employment programme will enable young people to progress through the company into managerial roles. The chain already works with Job Centre Plus to fill its hotels with local unemployed people.

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Travelodge room Travelodge has been rolling out a new room design
Travelodge confirms restructuring https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/travelodge-confirms-restructuring/ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/travelodge-confirms-restructuring/#comments Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:42:03 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=135420 The post Travelodge confirms restructuring appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Travelodge has confirmed a financial restricting and deal that will see it lose 49 hotels. The hotel chain is working with investors GoldenTree Asset Management, Avenue Capital Group and Goldman Sachs to inject £75 million (Us$117m)of new money into the company. Despite rising profits, Travelodge has been hit with debts, £235m (US$369m) of which will […]

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Travelodge has confirmed a financial restricting and deal that will see it lose 49 hotels.

The hotel chain is working with investors GoldenTree Asset Management, Avenue Capital Group and Goldman Sachs to inject £75 million (Us$117m)of new money into the company.

Despite rising profits, Travelodge has been hit with debts, £235m (US$369m) of which will be written off and £71m (US$121m) to be repaid, leaving £329m (US$517m). The majority of the cash injection (£55m/US$86m) will be used to fund refurbishments, due to start in early 2013.

The hotel chain’s statement also confirmed it will lose 49 hotels to other operators although said it envisages no closures or job losses. Some 109 hotels will be subject to a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) to reduce rent by 45%.

Grant Hearn, CEO of Travelodge said the business should “emerge in excellent shape from the process”.

“The financial restructuring, including the CVA, will leave Travelodge in a much stronger position going forward and will ensure a long-term, sustainable future for the business,” he added. “Once this joint process is completed, Travelodge’s debt, interest costs and lease liabilities will be significantly reduced.”

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Tune Hotels eyes UK, Asia Pacific, Middle East additions https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/tune-hotels-eyes-uk-asia-pacific-middle-east-additions/ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/tune-hotels-eyes-uk-asia-pacific-middle-east-additions/#comments Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:16:26 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=131613 The post Tune Hotels eyes UK, Asia Pacific, Middle East additions appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Tune Hotels is plotting an expansion throughout the UK, Asia Pacific and Middle East as part of its global plans. Speaking to Travel Daily on Friday, Mark Lankester, CEO of Tune Hotels revealed the company will opened a hotel in Edinburgh this December, with locations in Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Leeds also under consideration. […]

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Mark Lankester
Mark Lankester

Tune Hotels is plotting an expansion throughout the UK, Asia Pacific and Middle East as part of its global plans.

Speaking to Travel Daily on Friday, Mark Lankester, CEO of Tune Hotels revealed the company will opened a hotel in Edinburgh this December, with locations in Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Leeds also under consideration. Tune opened its fourth hotel in London today but has previously announced it wants 10-15 hotels in London.

In other markets, Tune has signed an agreement to develop 30 hotels in India. The first of these will open in Ahmedabad in the first quarter of 2013, with further Tunes planned for destinations including Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi and Trivandrum.

“We play at the base of the pyramid, addressing the needs of the larger market,” Lankester said. “Don’t be fooled by the stories of Indian airlines going bust; there are some really strong low-cost airlines expanding in India. Corporate business is expected to be the key, and we will cater to domestic and regional business travellers. The friends and family market is also an important, as are uni students. Indians are very price sensitive”.

The brand will also roll out in Australia, with a 250-room hotel currently under construction at Sydney airport and a 235-room in Melbourne city centre and discussions over one in Perth.

The CEO also revealed that Tune’s first Bangkok property, which will be located on the Thai capital’s Sukhumvit Soi 14, is likely to open earlier than expected on 14 September this year.

Tune Hat Yai
Tune Hat Yai

“Hat Yai was a great entry point for us, due to the strong traffic from Malaysia. But as we understand the needs of Thai domestic travellers more, we become braver,” he said. Lankester added that developing properties in Thailand’s regional hubs such as Chiang Mai, Khon, Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima and Udon Thani “makes an awful lot of sense”, and that Tune could also “do another six or seven hotels in Bangkok”.

In the Middle East meanwhile, Tune has signed a joint venture agreement in Qatar, and is planning to roll-out the Tune brand in Doha, as well as locations in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE. “Now is the time to be more aggressive,” Lankester said. 

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https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/tune-hotels-eyes-uk-asia-pacific-middle-east-additions/feed/ 15 Tune Hotels CEO (Mark Lankester) 1 Mark Lankester Tune Hat Yai Tune Hat Yai