Hotel Owner March 2019 | Page 5

MONTH IN REVIEW GO ONLINE www.hotelowner.co.uk START: THE MONTH’S NEWS BEGAN HERE ACCOLADES Hilton enters 100th year with ‘record growth’ Hilton announced that in 2018 it achieved a fourth consecutive year of “record-breaking growth” including deals signed, construction starts and new openings. During 2018 Hilton said it grew its development pipeline to 364,000 rooms across 15 brands, supported by almost 110,000 new rooms approved in 60 countries and territories, with construction starts on 83,000 rooms totaling 184,000 rooms under construction. It also achieved almost 7% net unit growth as it opened more than a hotel per day - adding more than 450 properties - to surpass 5,600 properties globally with nearly 913,000 rooms in 113 countries and territories. The hospitality giant created more than 28,000 new hospitality jobs globally Additionally Hilton launched its Motto by Hilton brand, an affordable lifestyle brand with hotels in London, Boston, Dublin and Washington, D.C. It also opened its first tri- branded Hilton property in Chicago at McCormick Place featuring Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites brands. Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO, said: “Hilton was founded on the noble premise that travel can make the world a better place, and 100 years into our journey, this premise still guides us today. We have big plans to continue to grow, innovate and positively impact the world around us, and we expect that 2019 will be our best and most dynamic year yet.” Kevin Jacobs, chief financial officer, Hilton, added: “During our first 100 years, we have served more than three billion guests and provided $1tn of economic impact through a phenomenon we call The Hilton Effect.” March 2019 1 HOTEL REFURBISHMENTS Bristol Marriott Royal undergoes ‘regal’ refurb Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel has undergone a refurbishment to “reaffirm her regal position in the premium hotel market”. The city’s oldest hotel features 13 different bedroom types and has its own royal wing, a seven-bedroomed suite complete with its own private dining for intimate events, all of which have had their decor “brought up to date”. Each room also has a variety of “premium additions” outfitted with plush bedding, large desks and chairs, four poster beds and room for entertaining. The Hotel also now features a Miller & Carter Steakhouse which opened in December 2018. The Marriott Group said it kept the hotel’s “iconic” Palm Court in keeping with its original style – Grade II-listed architecture and a stain glass roof. Niten Sobti, general manager at the Bristol Marriott Royal, said: “We are extremely proud to showcase our preciously restored hotel – the Grande Dame of the city. We hope our guests have a unique experience as they walk through the doors by enjoying its rich history but with the premium modern hotel touch. “It is only right to give a hotel of this stature the kind of restoration it deserves in order to elevate its position as a premium hotel in the city. As the Bristol hotel scene continues to grow and flourish, we know our hotel will continue to be a premium choice for overnight stays and weekend breaks, giving our guests the Royal Treatment on every visit.” 2 3 4 5 6 7 HOTEL OPENINGS Doubletree By Hilton to open new Birmingham hotel The former Royal Angus hotel in Birmingham is to be refurbished into a 186-bedroom four-star, DoubleTree by Hilton. Comprising an investment of £25m, the first DoubleTree by Hilton in Birmingham, will include two Marco Pierre White branded concepts including a Mr White’s English Chophouse restaurant and Marconi Coffee shop. Part of the refurbishment includes the addition of two extra floors as well as a roof top terrace and is, according to the team behind the work, “indicative of the city’s popularity for both business and leisure guests and demand for high-end hotel rooms and facilities”. Hilton said the hotel will create up to 100 new full and part-time jobs, the refurbished venue will also include four state-of-the-art meeting rooms for meetings and events. Once open the hotel will be run by Black and White Hospitality Management on behalf of Downing LLP while RPS Group plc is in charge of project managing the construction work which is being undertaken by Shaylor Group. Nick Taplin, chairman and CEO of Black and White Hospitality said: “The Royal Angus was one of Birmingham’s best-known hotels and was the epitome of style and sophistication in the 70s and 80s.For DoubleTree by Hilton to bring one of its flagship hotels to Birmingham shows that it places the city in high esteem as a business and leisure destination. “Its location, which is close to the business district, means it is perfect for business people needing somewhere for meetings and to have two Marco Pierre White venues also on site also gives the venue added kudos for those looking for somewhere to stay and eat when visiting the city.” www.hotelowner.co.uk 5