GLOBAL UPDATE
THE GOSTELOW REPORT
Halekulani Corp . is now in development mode , says Honolulu-based COO Peter Shaindlin . He is selectively searching for opportunities elsewhere in Hawaii , on the mainland in the United States — primarily West Coast — and international destinations led by Japan and elsewhere in Asia .
Berlin ’ s Brandenberg Airport still has no definite opening date . Do not expect it to be operating in time for ITB 2014 , says Steigenberger Hotels EVP Claus-Dieter Jandel ( the 322-room Steigenberger Airport Berlin is mothballed ).
Throughout Germany , says Matthias Lowin , managing director of Feuring , the budget sector is becoming increasingly interesting , but it is a challenge to find local banks to lend money . Ulf Tmli , managing director of PKF hotelexperts , says Germany ’ s overall hotel growth in 2012 was 5 %, led by the budget sector . Through July 2013 , room yield was up 1 % with , surprisingly , 5-stars leading at 2 %.
Angela Brav , CEO of Europe for IHG , says Germany , the U . K . and Russia form the main focus
MARY GOSTELOW of expansion for IHG in her area . Robert Shepherd , CDO Europe , IHG , notes Holiday Inn Express could well be providing additional volume in Brav ’ s three strategic areas .
Michael Wale , president EMEA , Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide , says he sees the most growth in franchising the nine Starwood brands , although St . Regis and W Hotels will not be franchised . Currently only 18 % of Starwood ’ s properties in Europe are franchised , whereas worldwide the average is 40 %.
And what about the story in the U . K .? Robert Cook , now CEO , De Vere Group , admits his portfolio is considerably golf-led , but July and August 2013 were the best in three years . Bob Silk , relationship director , Barclays Bank , says outside London everything just bumps along . He cannot see where value now lies in London — and , interestingly , an entire panel at September ’ s Hotel Investment Conference Europe , Hot . E agreed sovereign wealth funds might have bought all they want in London and are now moving on to regional U . K . purchases .
HIGHLAND REPAST
Sir Rocco Forte ’ s The Balmoral in Edinburgh has unveiled Scotch , a whisky bar featuring an extensive local collection of purely Scottish whiskies with prices ranging from US $ 6 to US $ 132 . To further authenticate the experience , the bar is overseen by three Whisky Ambassadors wearing contemporary highland attire designed by Kinloch Anderson , kilt maker to the Queen . Design elements curated by Sir Rocco ’ s sister Olga Polizzi include a handcrafted oakpaneled whisky cabinet and a brushed brass and black granite bar as well as gold and chocolate velvet armchairs and tweed sofas . Bar snacks selected to complement the whisky flavors include smoked almonds , wild boar salami and dark Swiss chocolate . Additionally , enthusiasts can “ open up ” their whisky with a selection of waters from the three main regions of Scotland .
18 HOTELS November 2013 www . hotelsmag . com