Swasti Sharma

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts and ALAND inked a deal to launch Staybridge Suites in Australia. ALAND will build at least 15 hotels, totaling 2,000 rooms. Initial locations: Parramatta (130 rooms) and Leppington (112 rooms) in Greater Western Sydney. Managed by Signature Hotel Management Group, these are the first of a national expansion. Staybridge Suites boasts 355 hotels and 152 more planned globally. This long-term partnership aims to strengthen IHG's Australian presence in the extended-stay market.

🏠 Strategic Property Partners appointed Hoar Construction as the general contractor for the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences in Charleston, South Carolina. Groundbreaking is planned for late 2023, with completion aimed for 2030. The project will include 139 guestrooms and 36 private residences. Hoar Construction, with over 85 years of experience, will collaborate with local firm Iskagna. This initiative is anticipated to boost Charleston’s economy, create jobs, and enhance local business opportunities.

🏝️ Tamarind, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, reopens on Barbados' Platinum West Coast, marking the end of a two-year, multi-million-dollar renovation of seven resorts. The resort now features 111 refreshed rooms, enhanced public spaces, and new dining venues like Sugar Cane Restaurant. The renovation introduces several resorts as Autograph Collection and Tribute Portfolio properties. Tamarind offers two event spaces for up to 400 guests and various amenities, emphasizing authentic Barbadian experiences.

🏨 Mountain Shore Properties opened the 40-room Hill Hall Hotel in Fayetteville, WV, part of Marriott's Design Hotels. The hotel occupies restored historic school buildings with rooms ranging from 240 to 660 sq ft. Dining includes Patsy’s restaurant. The project involved designer Mae Pate, architect Aric Margolis, and general contractor David E. Looper & Company. Artistic contributions include a mural by Nichole Westfall and a custom map by Stephen Wendell's grandmother, Patsy.

🏨 Madison County, Mississippi, received final approval for a $120 million hotel and conference center in Ridgeland, near Jackson. The development includes a 250-room Dolce by Wyndham and a 50,000-square-foot conference center for 1,800 attendees. Around $18.9 million of tourism rebate proceeds will aid in debt repayment. This public-private partnership aims to enhance local tourism and economic opportunities, financed by an urban-renewal bond and PraCon's private funds.

🏨 Pacifica Hotels, in collaboration with Marriott International, is set to open the Westin Hokkaido Furano Resort in summer 2029. Located near Kitanomine Gondola Station, this 195-room hotel will feature diverse dining options and a spa. Construction began in August 2026. CEO Seth Sulkin aims to enhance Furano's appeal for international visitors, highlighting its seasonal attractions like lavender fields and powder snow. This venture marks Pacifica’s foray into upper upscale hotel operations.

🛑 Hilton Garden Inn New York/Manhattan-Midtown East has renovated its 207 rooms and public spaces, adding amenities like microwaves, mini-fridges, and 55-inch HDTVs. Located in Midtown East, the hotel offers convertible room types, a redesigned lobby, and The Back Room Restaurant & Bar. The renovation emphasizes sustainable materials and features a fitness center with a Peloton Bike. The hotel also offers a package with a walking map of music destinations and Drink Passes.

📍 Crowne Plaza opened its Manhattan Times Square hotel, a new flagship by IHG, just steps from Times Square. Developed by ARTIC and managed by Highgate, this 22-story hotel features 685 guestrooms and a new bar and restaurant. Signature offerings include Weekly Socials and Daily Rituals. The Manhattan Level offers skyline views, while the Broadway Suite on the 22nd floor includes a terrace. Crowne Plaza has over 400 hotels globally, with nearly 150 more in the pipeline.