Marriott triples its presence in Mexico and other international news

Marriott triples its presence in Mexico
Marriott International has signed four agreements that will triple its presence in Mexico over the next five years. The agreements involve plans to add 29 branded Marriott hotels in Mexico in a deal which will involve a total investment of more than $1b (£502m). It includes 20 Courtyard hotels in agreement with Caribe Hospitality, a management agreement with Grupo Questro for the 250-room Puerto Penasco Marriott Resort on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, a management contract of the JW Marriott Milla De Oro Resort and Spa and a development agreement with Grupo Diestra for 10 franchised hotels.

French hotel operator Accor announces new chief operating officer
French hotel chain Accor has appointed a new chief operating officer of Hotels France. Christophe Alaux will join the group from August 11 and will supervise the general managers of the hotel F1, Etap, Ibis, All Seasons, Suitehotel, Mercure, Novotel and Pullman brands, in addition to overseeing the franchise department and supports functions in France. Alaux previously worked as the regional operating officer of supermarket chain Carrefour in Shanghai and Zhejiang province.

Mandarin Oriental to manage hotel in Moscow
Mandarin Oriental Group has announced that it will manage another hotel in Moscow owned by real estate developer Unicor Management Company. The Mandarin Oriental Moscow will be located five minutes from Red Square and is located in the financial and commercial district. The 237-bedoom hotel will be housed in a 19th century historic building and will also feature a spa, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a variety of restaurants and bars serving up contemporary cuisine.

Hyatt expands across China
Hyatt hotels is opening several properties across China in 2008 in the run up to and aftermath of the Olympics. They include the Grand Hyatt Guangzhou which opens in April, and the 837-room Hyatt Regency Jing Jin City Resort and Spa which opens in July. The Park Hyatt Beijing, which is part of the Beijing Yintai Centre the tallest skyscraper on Chang’an Avenue, will open in Autumn this year. The Park Hyatt Shanghai, which will occupy the 79-93rd floors of the Shanghai World Financial Centre-making it the highest hotel in the world, also opens in Autumn. Hyatt currently operates 11 hotels in Greater China including Grand Hyatt Beijing, Grand Hyatt Guangzhou and Grand Hyatt Hong Kong with an additional 15 hotels under development.    

By Gemma Sharkey

E-mail your comments to Gemma Sharkey here.