CUBA: Tourism Cash Flowing To Cubans' Pockets

In Havana, hotels are near capacity, providing an opportunity for locals to rent rooms through Airbnb for $250 per booking, on average.

The crowd-sourced housing site, based in San Francisco, is offering more than 4,000 rental properties across the island nation of Cuba. That will provide a windfall for people with an average salary of $20 a month. Today, Airbnb is going door-to-door recruiting rooms for rent outside of Havana in a town that has no hotels.

Just this week, Starwood Hotels, based in Connecticut, announced it will renovate and operate three hotels in Cuba, the first American hotel company to do so in almost 60 years.

U.S. airlines are competing to bring Americans to Cuba. Later this year, there will be 110 daily commercial flights to Cuba, 20 of those to Havana. And just today, Carnival announced they will be beginning cruises to Cuba from Miami in May.

BRAZIL: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Signs Up Sheraton Santos Hotel In Brazil

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced its long-established presence in Brazil will expand with the signing of Sheraton Santos Hotel, owned by local real estate developer Grupo Mendes, marking the company’s 10th hotel in the country.

The signing comes on the heels of the recent reopening of Sheraton Barra Rio de Janeiro Hotel in May and, fitting for the Sheraton brand, will be the first international upper-upscale hotel in Santos in the state of Sao Paulo. “Brazil continues to be a key growth market for us and we’re seeing strong momentum in the region,” said Jorge Giannattasio, Senior Vice President and Chief of Operations, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Latin America. “When the hotel opens in 2017, we will once again be the first international hotel chain to enter an important and emerging city, reinforcing the global power of the Sheraton brand.”

The new-build Sheraton Santos Hotel is part of a mixed used development that includes residences, offices and retail space. Located in an upscale residential area and within walking distance to the beach, the hotel is adjacent to Shopping Praiamar, the city’s high-end mall, and will include 213 guestrooms featuring the Sheraton brand’s contemporary design.

The property will offer all of the Sheraton brand’s signature amenities, including an ultramodern Sheraton Club Lounge, a lobby bar serving the brand’s latest food and beverage program Paired, a signature restaurant, the Shine Spa for Sheraton, a pool and state-of-the-art fitness facilities. Santos is one of the main cities in the state of Sao Paulo in the South-East of Brazil, and an important hub for oil and gas companies.

It is also the busiest container port in Latin America, and is home to various multinational firms. Sheraton Santos Hotel will cater to the increased demand from international and national business travelers, boasting some of the largest meetings and events space in the city with more than 15,000 square feet of meeting space, including a Grand Ballroom measuring almost 5,000 square feet and various banquet rooms. “Brazil, with its sheer size and potential, offers many opportunities for us to expand our brands in both primary and secondary cities,” said Victor Vazquez, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions & Development, Latin America.

“The signing of Sheraton Santos is a testament to our strong brand recognition in the country and demand for our brands from guests, customers and development partners.” Sheraton Santos Hotel will be the 10th Starwood hotel in Brazil, joining Sheraton WTC Sao Paulo and Sheraton Porto Alegre in the South of the country, Sheraton Barra Rio de Janeiro Hotel, Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort (the brand’s flagship hotel in Brazil), Sheraton Vitoria Hotel in the state of Espirito Santo, Sheraton Reserva do Paiva Hotel & Convention Center, Sheraton da Bahia Salvador, and two Four Points by Sheraton hotels in the cities of Macae and Curitiba.

NETHERLANDS: 12 New Hotels For Amsterdam

Every month, we tell you which hotel openings you need to know about (and which, inevitably, miss their deadlines). While we have a healthy list of arrivals around the world, there are a few places that are either consistently popular or having a bit of a hotel moment, so “new hotels for…” gives you a rundown of the openings you will want to know about for a particular destination.

Even on our Master List of Hotel Openings we highlighted Amsterdam as enjoying a bit of a renaissance – and so much has happened since then. Last year, Waldorf Astoria was the talk of the town, which followed the likes of Andaz and the Conservatorium. But in 2015, and the next few years, the Dutch capital is picking up steam, adding a range of interesting hotels. Tallying them up quickly took us to 12, and there will be more:

The Hoxton Amsterdam: It’s only fair we start with what is around the corner. About six weeks from now, the first international venture of Hoxton Hotels is here, with 111 rooms we have repeatedly called seriously good-looking, and rates that start at an excellent €89 ($100). We’re waiting for Hoxton to knock it out of the park with this one.


W Amsterdam: Having lost the Pulitzer, Starwood regains a city center property with the W, arriving in September in not one, but two buildings behind Dam Square. We encourage you to revisit the renderings as the last few months tick away before we can all explore the 238 rooms, not to mention the rooftop public spaces. Rates will start at a considerable €450 ($478) a night. While it’s at it, Starwood is bringing extended-stay concept Element a little further out of town – but not until February 2016.


Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol: Also due in September, we’ve looked at this hotel since it began its journey to replace its predecessor (a tipster just alerted us to a short video you can watch here). We will vote yes on anything that takes the experience of staying at an airport hotel away from that particular shade of gloom that for too long was par for the course. Reservations are open from September 10, with rates starting at a steep €279 ($306) for an atrium-facing room.

Jaz in the City Amsterdam: A new concept from German Steigenberger Hotels, we find the idea of building something around music intriguing, but on the long list of lifestyle brands this name is up there for “most questionable”. Combine that with quotes like “vibey environs” and we are a little on edge. The 247-room hotel (the first for Jaz) is in the southeast of Amsterdam, next to the Ziggo Dome concert hall and Arena sports stadium, which means a 10-minute public transport ride into the city. Opening is listed for October 1, but reservations are only possible from November 1, with an “In-Tune” room starting at €169 ($185) a night.

Generator Hostel: Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities around for hostels, and given what Generator pulled off in London and elsewhere, we’re hopeful that it will do the same here – clean, contemporary, and affordable accommodation with a friendly and upbeat environment. There will be 168 twin and quad rooms, a basement dining room and secret bar in a 1917 former university building near Oosterpark. If all goes well, this should open before the year is out.

ZOKU Hotel: Not just a hotel, but an entirely new concept, ZOKU is the next Dutch brand after citizenM that wants to make waves in the hotel industry. We loved the first visuals, showing a groovy living / working-focused space that in some ways doesn’t look like a hotel room at all (though the bed situation we had some practical concerns about). Best of all, the first Zoku should arrive in November already, and reservations will open in July. London, Paris, Berlin, Hamburg, Barcelona, Vienna and more are all on the future ZOKU list.

Pestana Amsterdam: Mixing the circa 1890 town hall and county seat of Nieuwer-Amstel with two modern wings, there is a lot of lovely architecture and detailing for the Portuguese group – and the architects it has hired – to work with. By next year, it should house 157 rooms and suites, restaurant and bar, spa with indoor pool (a rarity in Amsterdam) and winter garden.


Hyatt Regency Amsterdam: To say that Hyatt is reimagining the former children’s hospital on Sarphatistraat is an understatement – virtually nothing was left standing during demolition, save for bits of the façade. The 211-room hotel should be ready by next year, but given the work that needs to be done we’ll peg that for second half at least.


Sir Adam: The second Sir Hotel (we already introduced you to Albert), Sir Adam will open in the A’dam (formerly Shell) Tower in 2016. Easiest access to this north of central station location is by ferry, where the hotel will occupy four floors in the multi-purpose building.

Soho House, Amsterdam: This summer it’s Soho House Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, but in a few years’ time Soho House will go Dutch and open a bicycle storage with 79 rooms, library, roof terrace, gym, screening room, Cecconi’s restaurant, and spa. Above the 1930s Bungehuis which the hotel / members club will take over – a future neighbour of the W.


NH nhow RAI: Easily taking the cake for most ambitious architecture, the NH nhow RAI won’t be ready before 2018, but with 650 rooms over 25 cubist-style floors, it will be the largest hotel in Benelux when it is. The RAI is the city’s exhibition center, which puts the hotel just outside the historic core near lots of corporate offices and (if traffic-free) a short ride down the highway from the airport.


Palace of Justice: No, this particular project does not have a brand attached to it just yet, but we are including it anyway for a number of reasons. History, location, and architecture all come together here, in what is said to be the last major hotel conversion along Amsterdam’s beautiful canals. We are hopeful that someone does this justice (forgive us) – when it’s all formally announced, we’ll let you know.

Having assembled this list, very much like trawling through the 10 hotels we told you about for Bali, we are a little amazed at everything that’s making its way to Amsterdam. Is this a temporary spurt before hotel development will come to a complete halt, particularly in the city’s historic core? Or will we see yet more big brand names and new concepts find their way to the Dutch capital? Needless to say, expect more from us out of Amsterdam over the next years.

Starwood’s Newest Brand Continues Global Expansion With Japanese Ski Resort

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced the debut of the hospitality company's recently introduced Tribute Portfolio brand in Asia Pacific with the signing of The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hokkaido. Owned by Kiroro Resort Holdings Co., Ltd., the hotel is located at the Kiroro Resort in Western Hokkaido, Japan – one of the world's best powder skiing destinations. Bringing the brand's Stay Independent vision to Japan's second largest island, The Kiroro is part of a dual signing with the Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort, both of which are scheduled to open in December 2015.

"We are thrilled to continue Starwood's expansion in Asia Pacific with not only our newest brand, Tribute Portfolio, but also our most global brand, Sheraton," said Dave Marr, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Tribute Portfolio. "The Kiroro Resort is a magnificent ski destination, and we look forward to working closely with Mr. Adhyanasakul and his team to create memorable experiences for our guests over many seasons to come."

Located at the base of the ski mountain, The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hokkaido features 282 spacious guest rooms and suites, and offers travellers on-site recreational facilities, including a gym and swimming pool. In addition to a wide number of nearby dining options, the hotel features four different restaurant and bar destinations where guests can savour a variety of international cuisines, from authentic Italian dishes at the hotel's signature restaurant, to casual buffet and a la carte dining at the hotel's cafe. The hotel also has more than 1,400 square meters of function space, including a grand ballroom and four meeting rooms.

"We are pleased to forge this dynamic partnership with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, combining our local market expertise with Starwood's formidable brand equity and its powerful guest loyalty program," said Chainid Adhyanasakul, CEO of Kiroro Resort Holdings Co., Ltd. "We are confident that our synergy is poised for long term success, and we look forward to starting the new ski season together."

The Kiroro is situated in the heart of the Kiroro integrated mountain resort area, only a few minutes away from the Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort, approximately 90 minutes from New Chitose Airport, the largest airport in Hokkaido, or a 40 minute ride from the city of Otaru via a free shuttle service. Known for its superb powder skiing with 21 well-groomed trails suitable for all levels, the Kiroro Resort features mogul courses, a children's snow park, a ski academy, snow shoe tours and snow cat tours. The Kiroro Resort also boasts modern facilities, relatively uncrowded pistes and a wealth of year-round amenities, including hot springs and a gaming centre.

"We are excited to premiere Starwood's 10th brand in Asia Pacific, only months after its launch," said Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President, Acquisition & Development at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. "The Kiroro exemplifies the Tribute Portfolio brand's independent spirit, geared for all travellers who value unexpected experiences and destinations."

An answer to both guests' and owners' desire to Stay Independent, Tribute Portfolio debuted in April 2015 with its first hotel, the Royal Palm South Beach Miami, and recently announced two new future locations including Coral Gables, FLand Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Firmly anchored in the four-star, upper upscale category, Tribute Portfolio allows owners of distinct properties to maintain their independent spirit, while benefiting from Starwood's powerful distribution, loyalty and sales platforms.

Starwood aims to grow the brand to 100 hotels by 2020, with locations in high-demand destinations and markets where SPG members travel. For more information and to follow along, please visit www.tributeportfolio.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 1,200 properties in some 100 countries and over 180,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, element® and the recently introduced Tribute Portfolio™. The Company boasts one of the industry"s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood recently announced plans to spin off its Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc. business, a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands, into a standalone public company by the end of 2015. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Tribute Portfolio™
In April 2015, Starwood introduced Tribute Portfolio™, the company’s 10th brand and second collection of independent hotels. Promising owners, Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG®) members and guests the ability to “Stay Independent,” the Tribute Portfolio brand will be comprised of outstanding independent hotels and resorts. With a firm focus on four star, upper upscale hotels, Tribute Portfolio will complement Starwood’s The Luxury Collection brand and further solidify Starwood as the world’s most global high-end hotel company. The brand will make its debut today with its first featured hotel, the iconic Royal Palm South Beach Miami and will soon open new hotels in Asheville, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina.

THAILAND: Villa Zolitude Phuket Appoints New General Manager

Jitsak Lim-Pakornkul leads the team at Villa Zolitude Resort & Spa, Phuket as the new General Manager

Villa Zolitude Resort & Spa, a new latitude of hideaway, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jitsak Lim-Pakornkul as General Manager. Jitsak Lim-Pakornkul is an innovative, inspiring and driven hotelier with over 17 years of hospitality experience spanning the globe. Jitsak will lead the brand refresh initiative for Villa Zolitude Resort & Spa and chart a new and exciting direction for this all-pool villas resort.


From a short stint in the Caribbean in 1998, Jitsak contributed and worked across the region, notably in Rayavadee Krabi, Hilton Phuket Arcadia and both Sheraton Phuket and Pattaya, before supervising the overall brand management in Asia Pacific for four Starwood hotel brands; aloft, Four Points by Sheraton, Sheraton and Westin Hotels & Resorts. Jitsak was part of the opening team for W Retreat Koh Samui and was Resort Manager for Anantara Maldives. Jitsak was also hotel manager for Le-Meridien Chiangmai prior to a trip back to the south that saw Jitsak opening the first resort in Thailand under the GLOW by Zinc brand in Phang Nga before yet another relocation up to Chiangmai to oversee the development and opening of Sireeampan Boutique Resort & Spa.


"Missing the unspoiled natural side of Phuket from my childhood memories, I want to bring back an escape, a rural retreat for myself, my staff and other hideaway seekers. I am so glad to have found Villa
Zolitude, a place to hide, to work and to live laid-back in lush tropical landscapes on my island home, enthused Jitsak.



"Much like anyone, I found the pace of city life, the pollution, the stress, debilitating. I wish to transform the hotel stay into an energising environment where guests and my team can stay whole. With space to eat right, sleep well, exercise and relax at their pace and on their schedule, balance is a way of life!"

To Live life sensationally, the Zolitude way, the main pool will be enhanced and several new dining concepts will be introduced so guests can look forward to a refreshing approach in a hideaway experience.