Waldorf Astoria Launches Unforgettable Experiences
Waldorf Astoria has recently announced the introduction of its new “Unforgettable Experiences” program at 25 properties worldwide. Unforgettable Experiences provides hotel guests exclusive access to activities such as a meet-and-greet with a Michelin-starred chef, a camel ride through Dubai and a tour of Maui by helicopter, among other once-in-a-lifetime experiences. These activities will be paired with other Waldorf Astoria amenities such as in-room spa treatments and luxury airport transfers.
www.waldorfastoria.com
Sheraton and Major League Baseball Team Up
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) have partnered with Major League Baseball (MLB), designating Sheraton as the “Official Hotel of Major League Baseball” and SPG as the “Official Hotel Loyalty Program of Major League Baseball.”
Starting with the 2016 season, Sheraton will provide access to MLB.TV, allowing guests to watch their favorite teams live outside their home market; feature MLB Network as an in-room entertainment channel; create a Starwood booking widget that lets guests book travel plans based on their team’s schedule for the season; and promote new packages, promotions and sweepstakes that will feature prizes such as tickets to a game.
www.sheraton.com
Hilton’s Latin America and Caribbean Portfolio to Surpass 100 Properties in 2015
Hilton Worldwide intends to reach 100 hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America by the end of 2015. This past year, the hotel brand has added almost 20 hotels and approximately 3,000 rooms to the Latin American and Caribbean market. Hilton plans to accelerate growth by 60 percent through 2017 by expanding across several brands, including DoubleTree by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton and Embassy Suites by Hilton.
Recent openings include Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro, Hilton Garden Inn Guatemala City and Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton. An additional 10 hotels and more than 1,200 rooms are expected to open by the end of 2015.
www.hiltonworldwide.com
New Karas Lifestyle Hotels Brand Launches
In late October, a new Newport Beach, Calif.-based hotel brand, Karas Hotels, was unveiled at the Boutique Lifestyle & Lodging Association Leadership Symposium in Santa Monica, Calif. The brand will replace Unique Hotels & Resorts, which develops and manages high-end lifestyle hotels. Karas will be headed by managing directors Eric Prevette, Carlos Lopes and Murray Holland. Karas will continue to manage developing lifestyle hotels in various U.S.-based urban markets.
According to Lopes, a typical property will have between 150 and 300 rooms and will emphasize personalized guest services and amenities. Design will be inspired by the surrounding area.
www.karashotels.com
