Cuba launches cultural hotel brand
Cuba has launched a new hotel chain designed to provide a cultural alternative to beach-bound accommodation. The Hoteles E brand is expected to eventually include 50 properties converted from restored vintage buildings in the country’s main historical squares. The first to open is the Hotel Encanto Palacio Azul, a rehabilitated 1920s mansion sited in the central city of Cienfuegos. The initiative forms part of the Cuban government’s recently announced investment plan and measures to combat a decline in visitors and revenue.

Raffles to manage Bali resort
Raffles Hotels & Resorts has signed a contract to manage a new luxury resort in Bali, Indonesia. Raffles Amartha, expected to open in 2010, is sited on the Jimbaran coast, 15 minutes from Denpasar International Airport. Encompassing 11 hectares, the resort will comprise 90 luxury villas and 25 Raffles Residences for private ownership. Built in the style of a water palace and incorporating Javanese-Hindu influences, it will feature an 18-hole golf course, 2,000sq m spa and a cliff-top wedding pavilion.

Jumeirah plans five in China
Jumeirah has announced plans for five hotels in China by the end of 2010. It is set to open a property in Shanghai in August and looking to manage properties in Guangzhou, Macau and Sanya, on the southern island province of Hainan. Jumeirah is also in talks regarding a potential property in Beijing.

Hotel le Parc joins Marriott International
Marriott International has signed a contract to manage the 116-room Hotel Le Parc Trocadero, Paris under its Renaissance brand portfolio. The hotel, sited near the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower and the famed Trocadero, will be refurbished and rebranded Renaissance Le Parc Trocadero Paris Hotel. Work will include updating all rooms, suites, meeting rooms and public areas, as well as its Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Relais du Parc, bar and fitness centre. The latest addition brings the Marriot International’s hotel portfolio in Paris to nine.

Crossroads to build $400m NY resort
US developer Crossroads Ventures is to build a “scaled back” $400m (£200m), 1,400-acre resort in New York’s Catskill Mountains. Sited in Shandaken, 130 miles north of the New York City, the resort will encompass two hotels, 250 timeshare units, a conference centre, spa and organic golf course. Crossroads recently agreed with the New York Government to shift the development – expected to create more than 2,000 jobs – away from the environmentally sensitive Ashokan Reservoir basin.

By Dee Rossi

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