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By Author
Published on February 2, 2024
The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in the Orlando-Disney Springs® Area just went through a jaw-dropping transformation, and it's all kinds of amazing. Located at the heart of all the fun at 2305 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, this 236 all-suite spot is not just a stone's throw away from the Orlando International Airport, but it's also super close to the Orange County Convention Center and, of course, the magical world of Orlando's theme parks.
Here's the scoop: This place is now an official Walt Disney World® hotel. Yep, you heard that right! It's within a hop, skip, and a jump to Disney Springs, thanks to a pedestrian sky bridge. Shop till you drop, eat to your heart's content, and soak in all the entertainment you can handle. Plus, hotel guests get some sweet perks like a free daily bus shuttle to all Walt Disney World Theme Parks, a 30-minute head start for early park entry, and a 'Passport to Savings' booklet loaded with exclusive discounts and special offers.
Now, let's talk about the renovation. It's all part of a big plan to spruce up the brand, and boy, did they go all out! POK Construction, SCNZ Architects, and Studio Partnership Interior Design worked their magic on this project. Everything from the meeting spaces to the guest rooms got a makeover. There's the Evergreen Café, a cozy Lounge, a Pool Bar, and the Made Market for grab-and-go goodies. Not to mention the splashy pool, a fun splash pad for the kiddos, a tennis court, and a fitness centre for the health buffs.
The décor? Think Florida vibes with a twist of sophistication. Limestone and coral as the main elements, rope accents for that beachy feel, and some seriously cool lighting to show off the local art and designer walls. The colour scheme? A mix of deep, rich colours balanced by soothing blues and crisp whites.
Craig Williams, the general manager, is over the moon about the renovations. "We're all about giving our guests an unforgettable stay, loaded with the latest and greatest in design and amenities," he says. "This upgrade shows just how much we care about our guests' happiness and staying top-notch in the hospitality game."
Owned by RLJ Lodging Trust and managed by Hilton, this revamped gem offers suites that are more like mini homes. Think living area with a sofa bed, dining area, separate bedroom, and a sliding barn door for that extra touch of privacy. All the home comforts are there: microwave, fridge, Wi-Fi, LCD HDTVs, a safe, and a modern bathroom.
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 5, 2025
Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.
As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.
Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.
Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.
Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.
Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.
Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”
The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.
As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality player, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta property in Anjuna, Goa. This greenfield project marks another step in IHCL’s strategy to grow its presence across key leisure destinations in India.
Strategically located in Anjuna, celebrated for its vibrant culture and beaches, the upcoming Vivanta Anjuna, Goa will feature 110 well-appointed rooms. Guests can look forward to an array of facilities including an all-day diner, a bar, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and modern conference spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers.
Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, shared, “IHCL has been at the forefront of pioneering destinations and has played a defining role in putting Goa on the global tourism map for over five decades. This signing is in line with our strategy to expand IHCL’s presence across segments in key leisure markets. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Fiesta Hotels with this new project.”
The hotel is being developed by Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., led by directors Ravinder Kumar, Manju Vardhan, Raj Vardhan, Harsh Vardhan, Gagan Garg, and Gaurav Garg, who have deep investments in real estate and hospitality. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are proud to collaborate with IHCL through the addition of our second hotel in Goa. It stands as a testament to our shared vision to deliver exceptional experiences in one of India’s most cherished destinations.”
Goa continues to attract travellers with its sun-soaked beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, thriving culinary and music scene, and vibrant local communities. With this signing, IHCL’s Goa portfolio grows to 18 hotels, including five under development, underscoring its long-standing commitment to shaping Goa’s tourism landscape.
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