From D.C. to Doha, we've rounded up the latest in hot hotel news. If you're looking for the latest, it's all right here.
While Trump is busy transforming the D.C.’s Old Post Office Pavilion, Capella is putting the finishing touches on a plush new hotel in Georgetown. The brainchild of former Ritz-Carlton President Horst Schulze, the Capella brand has made waves for its personalized service at properties like Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas. Originally slated to open in December 2012, the Capella Georgetown has pushed back its debut until January 2013. A former office building located near the historic C & O Canal will morph into a 48-room hotel that’s sure to give the established D.C. frontrunners a run for their money. Think spa, canal-facing restaurant, and a rooftop bar and pool that’s bound to attract the city’s “it” crowd. There will be lots of Capella signatures- like personal assistants for every guest. The hotel will be located at 1050 31st Street in Georgetown. Stay tuned for more details.
Back in March, we reported that the Dubai owners of the Jumeirah Essex House had put the luxury hotel on the auction block. Big news out of Manhattan: Strategic Hotels & Resorts has snapped up the Central Park South property for $362.3 million- which translates to $685,000 per unit for the 509 hotel rooms and nine condominiums, according to Bloomberg. After the deal closes on September 7, the hotel will get a $18.3 million makeover before joining the Marriott family as the JW Marriott Essex House New York. The USA Today quotes Marriott International CEO Arne Sorenson: "It feels like we've spent the last 10 years trying to get this (hotel) back.” The prestigious property was run by Marriott from 1969 to 1985.
Also in New York, the Peninsula New York has unveiled its newly renovated Peninsula Suite, and it looks pretty spectacular. Taking up most of the 19th floor, the suite has top views of Fifth Avenue and includes a full six rooms, including a master bedroom and bath, a dining room with adjoining kitchen, a living room, study and a second bedroom. Designed by New York-based designer Bill Rooney, the Peninsula Suite has a grand piano and Murano glass chandeliers, and the living room has bio-fuel fireplace and a huge 80-inch TV with a 3D Blu-Ray player. There is more for tech fans to love as well: The living room also has automated drapery, and the library has a Wii and Playstation. (The library also has a wet bar with complimentary premium drinks.) The master bedroom has a bedside control panel that lets guests control all features of the suite including the draperies, lighting, and temperature.
And over in Europe, the InterContinental Carlton Cannes-- a landmark on the fabled Croisette-- was purchased by a Qatari investor for €450 million last December. And a renovation was immediately announced for August 2012. A Hollywood favorite during the annual Cannes Film Festival, the hotel was looking a little worn around the edges. When Luxury Travel Advisor visited last year, we fell in love with the 7th floor suites- each named for a Hollywood screen legend, and designed accordingly. (Here’s our take on the Grace Kelly Suite.) But we found the hotel facilities in need of a refresh. As standards rise at hotels around the world, facilities like spas have become de rigueur hotel amenities. The planned renovation-- which has been pushed back until 2013-- will shutter the hotel for at least a year. The top-to-bottom overhaul will revamp the existing hotel while also extending the two current wings. New facilities will include a spa, rooftop swimming pool, and a conference center. Along with the guest rooms, the public spaces-- like the Carlton Bar and restaurant-- will get a redo. Of course Carlton regulars during the Film Festival have already booked a stay elsewhere for 2013. Stay tuned for more details.
Finally, in Doha, Hotelier Middle East is reporting that Trans Orient Establishment and IHG launched Crowne Plaza Doha-The Business Park last week. The hotel is the first Crowne Plaza in Qatar and the first property in the region to use the new Crowne Plaza branding. Located in Doha’s banking district, close to Doha International Airport, the hotel is part of the new business park area in Doha and has 288 hotel rooms and suites and 90 one- to two-bedroom resident suites. IHG has 390 Crowne Plaza hotels across the globe, with 22 in the Middle East and Africa specifically. The company has another 130 Crowne Plaza hotels in the development pipeline due to open over the next three to five years, seven of which will open in the region.