Hotel news from the USA including Hilton; a new Washingdon D.C. resort; Sheraton New Orleans refurb; Kimpton’s Phoenix hotel and Centerstone’s expansion.
Hilton expands in California
Hilton has opened a new property in California. The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa is located next to Ponto Beach near San Diego, offering views across the Pacific Ocean from its 215 rooms. Facilities include more than 2,300m² of indoor and outdoor event space, as well as a restaurant, 520m² Ocean Crest Spa, fitness centre, an outdoor saltwater swimming pool with ocean views and kids’ pool. The resort is also located five minutes’ drive from Legoland California.
Washington resort gets go-ahead
A new luxury resort is to be built just outside Washington D.C. with plans to open next summer. The 168-room Salamander Resort & Spa is due to open in August in Middleburg, Virginia, 30 minutes from Dulles International Airport. Set in the countryside, it will include an equestrian centre, spa, cooking studio, wine bar and culinary garden. Salamander is also the name behind the Grand Golf Resorts of Florida and Grand Resorts at Cap Cana.
Sheraton New Orleans undergoes major refurb
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has embarked on a major US$45 million renovation of the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. The work, which forms part of the US$6bn brand-wide refurbishment plan, will result in a complete transformation of the hotel’s 1,100 rooms, lounge, meeting facilities and lobby. The highlight of the refurbished lobby will be the introduction of the brand’s Link@Sheraton concept, which will feature a range of Microsoft computers and wireless connectivity.
Kimpton opens new Phoenix hotel
Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Phoenix opened earlier this month as part of the CityScape Phoenix development. The downtown opening marks the completion of the £319 million area, which also includes shops, bars, entertainment venues and offices. “We’re excited to introduce Kimpton’s signature hospitality to this new and vibrant downtown Phoenix,” said Jim Hollister, general manager of Hotel Palomar Phoenix. “We think it’s a perfect complement to the energy of the area and we know our guests will enjoy the warm welcome, modern amenities, and a sleek and artful aesthetic of the hotel, not to mention the easy access to incredible entertainment venues, restaurants and bars and shops”.
Centerstone expands US hotel portfolio
Centerstone Hotels has expanded its US portfolio recently with the opening of several hotels in Texas, Virginia and Alabama, and new agreements signed in Illinois, Ohio, Florida and California. This month, the company launched the Centerstone Inn in Tuscaloosa in Alabama, and in September 2012 the company expects to open its first new construction property in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Centerstone is also planning to expand into the international hotel market.
