INTERNATIONAL REPORT—International deals are keeping overseas hoteliers in the mix and U.S. hoteliers on their toes. Owner, operator and investor Minor Hotels has signed a management agreement with Safari International Group for a new Avani hotel to be developed in Muscat, the Oman capital.
Scheduled to open in two phases, the $50 million, 250-key hotel will be located in Seeb, 15 minutes’ drive from Muscat International Airport. It will be connected via a sky bridge to the upcoming Al Araimi Blvd. Mall, which is currently being developed and is scheduled to open in 2018 with more than 250 retail and dining outlets, a medical center and a 10-screen cinema complex.
The launch of the brand in Oman represents a strategic addition to Minor Hotels’ portfolio in the country, following the launch of the group’s luxury Anantara brand in Oman in late 2016 with two new openings: Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar Resort located on the Saiq Plateau in the north of the country and Al Baleed Salalah Resort by Anantara in the Dhofar region in the south.
Hyatt Brings Centric Brand to Spain
Meanwhile, Hyatt Hotels Corp. opened the 159-room Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid on Gran Vía, a first for the brand in Spain.
General Manager Gonzalo Maggi said, “We are confident that our hotel will serve as a terrific launch pad for guests. Located in a historic landmark building originally built in the 1920s, guests will be able to easily explore all that is vibrant, exciting and memorable about Madrid.”
The hotel has a rooftop terrace, seven junior suites; five executive suites; two terrace suites; a Presidential Suite and several dining options.
Anguilla Opening a Decade in the Making
On Long Bay in Anguilla, owner Geoffrey Fieger after 10 years of development will open Quintessence Hotel on Jan. 1, 2018.
The hotel will feature nine suites and villas, a five-star restaurant, spa, bars, an infinity pool, fitness center, yoga pavilion, boutique, business suite, butler and concierge services.
“My wife, Keenie, and I have lived on Anguilla for more than 30 years, and we have built The Q to make guests feel as if they are being hosted in our grand tropical home,” Fieger said. “We are eager to show visitors that Anguilla is as strong and beautiful as ever,” following Hurricane Irma.
The hotel is designed with handcrafted fixtures and custom artwork throughout, a collection of Haitian paintings and sculpture, a tennis court, life-size chess board, outdoor massage pagoda, meeting space and a variety of restaurants.