CANCUN Regent International has plans to expand its European portfolio with two new management contracts, one in Rocquebrune, France, and the other in the island country of Malta.
Combined with the recently announced plan to manage a domestic new-build in Boston, the three hotel additions market the single largest development move in the history of the Regent brand, which is currently comprised of 13 hotels and resorts.
The news of the expansion was made at Carlson Hotels Worldwide 2001 Annual Business Conference being held here at the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach March 31 to April 5. Minneapolis-based Carlson is Regents parent company.
The Regent Malta and Residences is expected to open next year in the form of a 200-room hotel located in the center of Malta. The property is being carved out of the existing Grand Hotel Verdalla, which will undergo a $30 million renovation to bring it to Regent standards. Upon opening, the hotel will feature a spa, meeting and exhibition space, and several restaurants. It will also include 30 extended-stay villas, marking the first mixed-use luxury product in Regents system.
The Rocquebrune, France property will be dubbed The Regent Cote dAzur, and will be located in the village of Rocquebrune, 10 miles from Saint Tropez and a half an hours drive from Canne. The 160-room hotel, set to open in 2003, will have a 27-hole golf course, spa and meeting and exhibition space. The project is being developed by the Amann Group of Zug, Switzerland.
Regent last week announced plans to open The Regent Boston at Battery Wharf Hotel and Residences in Bostons historic North End. (4/2/01) Ruthanne Terrero