DUBAI, UAE — Marriott International Inc. celebrated the opening of the Courtyard Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter. Courtyard by Marriott a lready has a strong footprint in the region with properties in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Meqbel, Mayor of Riyadh, participated in the official opening celebrations which included associates, VIP customers, and a number of dignitaries from the diplomatic corps stationed nearby. The new hotel appeals to travelers looking for a pr... More...

ATLANTA—InterContinental Hotels Group announced the opening of the new Candlewood Suites Atlanta West I-20 hotel. “We’re excited to expand the Candlewood Suites hotel brand in the Atlanta area,” said Robert Radomski, vice president, brand leadership, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites, IHG. “We know our guests will be pleased with the independence and comfort the hotel offers. From 24-hour access to the Candlewood Gym and the Candlewood Cupboard® to free high-speed Internet and our new Lending Lock... More...

LAS VEGAS—Diamond Resorts International announced that it has formed a strategic alliance with Dorsett Hospitality International and now offers its members, owners, and guests new destination choices in Asia. Dorsett owns and manages 20 hotels in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. Dorsett Tsuen Wan is scheduled to open within the third quarter of 2013. Future initiatives for Dorsett include Silka Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, Dorsett Grand Zhuji and Dorsett Zhongshan, and are expected to launch in 2014.... More...

CUMBERLAND, Md.—Rocky Gap Casino Resort announced today that it has opened to the public after receiving approval from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. In addition to the new casino, the resort also unveiled renovations to its lobby, hotel rooms, restaurants, and Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. A new event and conference center is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2013. There are now four restaurants at the resort, including Lakeside Restaurant, the updated Signatures Bar and ... More...

PHOENIX, Ariz.—The debut of the Best Western Premier Herald Square in Manhattan marks the first Premier-branded hotel to open downtown in a major gateway city. The 17-story, 94-room, new-build hotel was designed with a high-end boutique look and feel and upscale amenities. “When we decided to build in midtown Manhattan, we knew we wanted to build a high-end boutique hotel," said Jaz Patel, president of LeTap Group, the hotel’s development and management group. "Best Western was the only brand that offer... More...

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach announced the completion of its comprehensive $15 million renovation, which began in November 2012. The hotel received a complete upgrade that encompassed all aspects of the property. “With this complete renovation, the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach brings an exciting ‘new’ resort-style offering to the world-class destination of Newport Beach, California,” said Daniel Kuperschmid, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. “No other property o... More...

Best Western International has announced plans to launch its brand in the emerging market of Myanmar. The company has sealed an agreement to take over the management of the Green Hill Hotel, a new property located in the heart of Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon. The six-month-old Green Hill Hotel, which features 189 rooms and suites, will now be operated by Best Western International under its midscale Best Western brand. And the company’s Vice President of International Operations for Asia and the Middl... More...

ATLANTA—The Omni Hotel at CNN Center in Atlanta has been named the official hotel and caterer of the new College Football Hall of Fame, which is set to open in the fall 2014. Omni will manage the meeting, event, and function space, as well as concessions for the Hall, which is expected to attract half-a-million visitors per year. The hotel is now booking groups, associations and events interested in utilizing the space. The College Football Hall of Fame is located adjacent to the hotel in the Centennial... More...

MIAMI—SBE, a real estate, hospitality and entertainment company announced plans to launch The Redbury Hotel South Beach. The partnership heralds the first hotel collaboration between hospitality industry innovators, Sam Nazarian, founder, chairman and CEO of SBE, and restaurateurs/developers Larry Levy and Bob Heyat. Located on Collins Ave. and 18th, The Redbury South Beach represents the encore to the Redbury Hotel at Hollywood and Vine in Los Angels, Calif. Formerly the Fairfax Hotel, re-developm... More...

ATLANTA—InterContinental Hotels Group announced the opening of the new Holiday Inn Express Manhattan West Side, conveniently located near the Broadway Theater District, Times Square, and a short walk from the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The new 177-room hotel in the midtown west Manhattan area, offers guests a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary high-speed Internet acces,s and a business center with both Macintosh and PC computers. Business travelers will find large desks with ergonomic chairs,... More...