Accor has acquired Australian hotel management company Mirvac Hotels and Resorts for €149 million. Mirvac has 48 hotels (including two owned hotels) across Australia and New Zealand, and the deal brings Accor’s portfolio in these two countries up to a staggering 241 hotels (32,500 rooms). Accor has also paid €46 million for a 21.6% stake in investment vehicle Mirvac Wholesale Hotel Fund (MWHF), which owns seven of the 48 hotels. Additionally, it is also reported that Accor and Singapore-based real estate developer Ascendas plan to jointly acquire Mirvac’s 49.2% stake in MWHF. The deal is expected to be completed in the first half of 2012 and most of the hotels are to be rebranded as Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel or Mercure properties. “This operation is a major success in a high growth market,” said Accor’s chairman and chief executive officer, Denis Hennequin. “With our growth strategy which includes both organic growth and targeted acquisitions such as this one, enabled by our excellent financial situation, I am confident in our capacity to reach our objectives,” he added.

The pop-up phenomenon may be old news in retail and restaurants, but temporary hotels is a concept just gaining ground (makeshift bedrooms in Kreuzberg or Nakameguro art galleries excepted). Today the Berlin-based Design Hotels group is staking the first big claim to the trend on the beach in Tulum, Mexico. The company’s founder, Claus Sendlinger, who moved with his family to Tulum last year, is spearheading the opening of Papaya Playa, a spiffed-up campus of cabanas once belonging to three now-shuttered resorts on about a half mile of beachfront land.

He brought in his creative team from Berlin to make simple stylish improvements to the 99 structures — “make it a bit more comfortable but keep the rawness,” he says — leaving about half of them with shared bathrooms, including a clutch of jungle huts with communal bunk beds that rent for $25 a night to the many backpackers, yogis and spiritual nomads who regularly drift through town. But Occupy Tulum this isn’t. There are 40 ocean-facing cabanas with private decks and hammocks, a spa, a boutique, raw food to go from 42°Raw, and a restaurant run by the folks behind Bar 25 andKaterHolzig in Berlin. An international network of D.J.’s and artists will provide weekly entertainment and contribute to monthly full-moon events dreamed up by the Berlin creative agency Mamapapcola. “The fun part is that we brought our friends,” says Sendlinger, who adds that no one’s arm had to be twisted; most of them were already fans of Tulum.

Sendlinger himself is a longtime blow-in to the area, and he’d had his eye on this piece of land for six years before finally making a deal with its owner. Five years ago, he says, such an arrangement wouldn’t have been possible, but the financial crisis has created more opportunities in the hotel business for those who are “good at moving into a temporary space and creating something. I see this happening more and more.” And if it works this winter, it may become permanent — with some further construction and the help of solar and wind power. What won’t happen is a 500-room tower or luxury condos. “That would kill Tulum,” he says. “We want our kids to have as much as possible the same Tulum as we have.”

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced  that it has signed an agreement to acquire 49.8% of the shares of Design Hotels AG from Arabella Hospitality, Starwood’s longtime partner in Germany. Berlin-based Design Hotels, a publicly traded company and provider of distribution, sales, marketing and consulting services for hotels boasts a portfolio of over 200 member hotels in 40 countries. Design Hotels’ collection of hotels are independently owned, but united by a passion for thought-provoking design, aesthetic and service-driven experiences.

The opportunity to acquire a stake in Design Hotels came through Starwood’s relationship with Arabella Hospitality, which recently re-focused its hotel strategy mainly on ownership and asset management and as a result chose to divest its shares in Design Hotels. Starwood continues to manage or franchise 20 of Arabella Hospitality hotels in Europe.

“This is an investment presented to us by a longtime partner,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “With our own passion for design and innovation, we have long admired Design Hotels, its founder, CEO Claus Sendlinger, and his executive team, who have worked closely with some of the world’s most exciting independent hotel owners to curate a unique collection of hotels around the globe. As a shareholder, we are delighted to have a seat at the table of this dynamic company.”

“Arabella Hospitality has been an enthusiastic shareholder of Design Hotels for a decade. We are extremely pleased to transfer our shares to our long-term partner Starwood, an international player with extensive experience in lifestyle and design-led branding,” said Dr. Klaus N. Naeve, Chairman of the Administrative Board of Arabella Hospitality.

“Having Starwood with its leading global footprint and lifestyle brands as an investor is a further validation that Design Hotels is a strong brand of global relevance as we continue to grow and focus on our niche in the New Luxury hotel segment,” said Claus Sendlinger. “Furthermore, Starwood has a keen appreciation for what makes Design Hotels distinct and special, the creative spirit of our visionary hoteliers.”

According to van Paasschen and Sendlinger, Starwood will not be involved in the day-to-day operations of Design Hotels, nor will Design Hotels participate in any of Starwood’s centralized delivery systems including reservations and Starwood Preferred Guest.

The transaction, which is subject to anti-trust approval in Germany, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2012.

Middle Eastern investor Capital Hill has acquired Morgans Hotel Group London properties The Sanderson (150 rooms) and St Martins Lane (204 rooms) for £ 192 million (£ 542.000 per room). As well as operating the two hotels, Morgans Hotel Group held a 50% stake in the joint venture that owned both hotels. The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of 2011. Morgans will continue to operate the hotels, which are to undergo a £ 20 million renovation, under long-term management contracts.

Meanwhile in Shoreditch, Morgans Hotel Group has got together with Invesco Real Estate  to purchase the 208-room Hoxton Hotel for around £ 70 million. It is reported that the duo have been picked as the preferred bidder for the hotel.

Powerful Multi-Brand Lifestyle Hotel Group Poised for Global Growth

Thompson Hotels, an international collection of 12 luxury lifestyle hotels, and Joie de Vivre Hospitality, the most influential boutique brand in the West, announced they have merged. It is the first step in the creation of a multi-brand lifestyle hotel group with a global footprint. The new group, provisionally called JT Hospitality, will be formally renamed early next year in concert with the completion of a comprehensive joint branding exercise that is currently underway.

“Fifteen months ago we said we would leverage our hospitality platform to nearly double Joie de Vivre’s annual revenues and the number of hotels in the collection within five years”

Thompson Hotels and Joie de Vivre Hospitality are equal partners in the merger, which took effect Oct. 1, 2011, and encompasses hotel-management operations and brands but not real estate assets. With the consolidation, the new hotel group manages 45 properties under the distinctive Thompson and Joie de Vivre brands with combined annual hotel revenues of approximately $500 million. The company will be based in New York City and Thompson Hotels CEO and Co-owner Stephen Brandman has been named CEO. Hospitality veteran John Pritzker, whose private equity firm Geolo Capital acquired a majority stake in Joie de Vivre in June of last year, will serve as co-chairman alongside Jason Pomeranc, the creative vision behind Thompson Hotels and one of its co-owners.

JT Hospitality plans to further expand the two brands domestically and internationally through management contracts, acquisitions and joint ventures. The company, which manages Carmel Valley Ranch and Ventana Inn & Spa, will also add additional luxury resorts and introduce a resort brand. With the merger, the Thompson brand gains access to Geolo Capital’s earlier commitment of a $150 million fund dedicated to hotel acquisitions and co-investments. As a result of the fund, Joie de Vivre has made significant headway on its expansion, acquiring two hotels and a development site in Manhattan, as well as signing up several new management contracts, including hotels in Scottsdale and Chicago, which represent the company’s first forays outside of California.

“Fifteen months ago we said we would leverage our hospitality platform to nearly double Joie de Vivre’s annual revenues and the number of hotels in the collection within five years,” said Pritzker. “By merging with Thompson Hotels we are on track to reach that goal well ahead of schedule. More importantly, the merger will accelerate the growth of both brands, which will benefit from significant capital resources, greater distribution, economies of scale, and collective expertise.”

“It’s exciting to take on the challenge with John of formulating the strategic vision and direction for the new company,” said Pomeranc. “We will be able to take the sensibilities and cultures of the two brands and spread them across different sectors and offer more accessibility with the various price points. Our owners will get the benefits of working with a bigger brand but still get the individuality of an independent.”

Thompson benefits from Joie de Vivre’s dominant West Coast presence and Geolo Capital’s significant investments in Joie de Vivre’s infrastructure and its hospitality investment expertise. Joie de Vivre gains wider exposure and distribution through Thompson’s international expansion in London and Toronto and its strong presence on the East Coast, where the company has five hotels in Manhattan, one in Washington, D.C., and one in Miami.

In addition to geographic diversity, the two brands complement each other in positioning. Joie de Vivre operates 33 properties and is known for casual, eclectic boutique hotels and resorts with inventive design that span the price spectrum from budget to luxury and Thompson operates luxury lifestyle hotels in major urban centers that are design-driven. Both brands are focused on providing guests an immersive experience rooted in each hotel’s unique location.

The new parent company will be formally introduced in the first quarter of 2012 when the global branding strategy is rolled out. JT Hospitality CEO and Co-owner Brandman will oversee the operations and integration of the two companies and split his time between the company’s New York and San Francisco offices. “I look forward to working with the Joie de Vivre team. We will be bringing the two businesses together and intend to be fully integrated within the next three to six months,” said Brandman.

Gary Beasley, who has been serving as interim CEO of Joie de Vivre since September 2010, will return to Geolo Capital to focus on business development for JT Hospitality. The Joie de Vivre brand will continue to be run day-to-day out of San Francisco by Joie de Vivre President and COO Ingrid Summerfield.

Chip Conley, Joie de Vivre’s founder, will retain a significant equity stake in the new company and remain involved as a strategic advisor. “I’m thrilled that with the marriage of JdV and Thompson Hotels the spirit of the Joie de Vivre brand will be growing on a global scale and that the investors and owners who have been the mainstays of our company will enjoy the benefits of the distribution this growth will bring. I look forward to helping in any way that benefits JT Hospitality,” said Conley.

Thompson Hotels Co-founders Michael and Lawrence Pomeranc will each be significant owners in JT Hospitality and continue to develop properties for JT Hospitality as well as sit on the company’s Advisory Board.

“We are extremely excited at the unique opportunities that this merger presents for potential global expansion,” said Lawrence Pomeranc. That sentiment was echoed by Michael Pomeranc, who said “We look forward to continuing the family’s long history of real estate development with lodging projects in exciting new markets.”

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA (LVMH) is reported to be among the companies interested in acquiring Amanresorts International, according to a Bloomberg story today that cites two people with knowledge of the matter. Spokespeople for Paris-based LVMH, the world’s largest luxury-goods maker, and DLF declined to comment on the deal, according to the report.

Indian real estate developer DLF Ltd., which has owned the 25-unit Amanresorts since 2007, has received at least five non-binding bids, including those from private-equity firms, between US$400 million and US$450 million, one of the sources said.

New Delhi-based DLF is seeking to raise as much as 100 billion rupees (US$2.2 billion) through asset sales to repay debt, according to its latest annual report. It may sell part of its stake in the Amanresorts to a “strategic partner,” Executive Director Saurabh Chawla said in late July. The company plans to keep the Amanresort in New Delhi, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

LVMH said in April 2010 it plans to open two luxury property developments on islands in Oman and Egypt under the Cheval Blanc brand. The first Maison Cheval Blanc hotel was built by LVMH Chairman Bernard Arnault at the French ski resort of Courchevel in 2006.

While the official website from Mandarin Oriental states that its Riviera Maya property is “currently closed in order to complete necessary improvements to its facilities. Our re-opening date will be announced in due course.” rumor has it that it will be closed untill a new operator has been found. Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico was running at a 20% occupancy making it unprofitable. Shame as the hotel got some good reviews lately and was featured on Conde Nast Traveller’s 2008 Hot List.

What was to be the (delayed) Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is now going to be a Taj Hotel. Entering into a management contract with JK Hotels, a private Moroccan company, the Taj Group will now manage the hotel which will be known as Taj Palace Marrakech. The hotel is set to launch in autumn 2011 and will increase Taj’s international portfolio to 17 hotels.

With 161 guestrooms, including 25 Grand Suites and 1 Royal Suite, the majestic palace hotel will offer unsurpassed luxury and panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and palm gardens of the lush Palmeraie district.

American artist, designer and renowned ‘Orientalist’ Stuart Church has created the interiors and architecture with exquisite attention to detail and splendor of local artistry. The rooms take on a diverse style, drawing inspiration from the noble Berber Kasbahs of Morocco, the splendor of Ottoman architecture, exotic Oriental influences and the richness of Indian pageantry.

Le Méridien Transforms Its Lobbies to Offer a Gathering Place for Creative Minds that Promotes Dialogue, Awakens Curiosity and Stimulates Thinking.

Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts today introduced its lobby concept, “Le Méridien Hub,” which re-interprets the hotel brand’s lobbies as social gathering places for creative people to converse, debate and exchange. The Hub concept further builds on Le Méridien brand’s award-winning Arrival experience and coffee culture, which have both been implemented successfully worldwide. The Hub offers both guests and locals a creative atmosphere where contemporary, curated artwork sets the environment. Members of LM100, a group of cultural innovators of mixed generations and interdisciplinary artistic fields, identified by Le Méridien Cultural Curator Jerome Sans, have contributed their creativity to enhance the Hub experience.

“Starwood has long been an innovator in the transformation of the traditional hotel lobby,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and W Hotels Worldwide. “More than 12 years ago when Starwood launched the W brand, our lobbies became Living Rooms, and soon after, Sheraton brought people together with the Link@Sheraton. Most recently, the Aloft brand’s lobbies have been designed to draw people out of their rooms through open floor plans and modular, flexible seating. Today, we are proud to reveal Le Méridien brand’s Hub concept, which will further evolve our new brand direction, designed to appeal to the creative class.”

Le Meridien Barcelona is the first hotel to fully execute the Hub experience, while other Hubs will launch throughout the year in Le Méridien hotels globally. Designed to promote dialogue, awaken curiosity and stimulate thinking, the Hub can be divided into three experience zones:

Arrival Experience:
Proprietary customer research shows that the first ten minutes of arrival define the guests’ entire experience and establishes their mindset. Beginning with the hotel entryway, high impact arrival art immerses guests into the world of Le Méridien. This transformation can be accomplished through a visual work of art, a projection or a unique soundscape – all created by Le Meridien LM100 members. This experience starts the moment the guest arrives at Le Méridien hotel, steps out of the car, steps inside the hotel, checks-in or asks for advice at the concierge.

Interaction Zone:
From communal seating to coffeehouse style seating this zone features unique styling of our hotel lobbies to stimulate dialogue, contemplation and interaction. Also in the lounge, guests will find a curated library of books with topics reflecting the cultural aspects of each Le Méridien location. Le Méridien brand’s signature “A New Perspective” event series, created to engage guests, local opinion leaders, media and associates into conversations around “culture,” will also take place in this space.

Latitude Bar:
Latitude Bar, with the quintessential espresso machine, supports the creative atmosphere of the Hub by drawing guests to the sights, sounds, and smells of the coffee bar, with a skilled barista crafting signature coffees. Guests can enjoy local culinary offerings and experiences inspired by a coffeehouse environment by day and a wine-inspired setting by night.

Sofitel So Bangkok, scheduled to open by early 2012, will be Asia’s first hotel to offer a fully connected lifestyle, with complete Apple-based digital solutions to what guests want to know, see, hear and do for leisure or work.

From hotel service directory to the most comprehensive in-room entertainment system available today, it’s literally all at one’s fingertips. Linking up with DirectStreams, one of the world’s top software solutions providers, and using leading-edge Apple Mac mini and iPad, Sofitel So Bangkok provides completely integrated connectivity that is custom-designed for a hotel environment to meet guests’ lifestyle expectations in the digital age.

All of the hotel’s 238 rooms will be technologically equipped with an Apple Mac mini computer, together with high-definition 40″ LCD TV, wireless keyboard, trackpad, free high-speed Internet access, and a full range of Office software. Additionally, guests staying in any of the hotel’s suites will also have the complimentary use of an Apple iPad.

With the ultimate in integrated technology, each Mac mini will function as a multimedia centre, giving guests access to digital TV and radio channels, movies and music library, DVD and CD player, as well as the ability to play each personal iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

For work purposes, the Mac mini enables guests to load files via a USB port, work on them in the normal way, and save them to a memory stick safe in the knowledge that every time the Mac mini is shut down DirectStreams software will clean away any new information on the computer and restore it to its original state at check-in/check-out.

Other applications in this groundbreaking system range from the prosaic, such as browsing the hotel directory and in-room service menu, to the sublime with webcam screening of the Bangkok skyline and panoramic views over Lumpini Park.

Beyond guestrooms, the technology platform extends across the entire property to provide a whole range of multimedia applications in public areas, business centre, meeting rooms, and ballroom via 11 LCD digital signage.

Commenting on Sofitel So Bangkok’s amazing digital world hotel general manager Mr. Gilles Cretallaz said, “Today, the personal computer is integral to an evolving lifestyle, the digital lifestyle, and people are coming to expect that what is central to their lives at home and in the office should also be available when they travel. This is what we are providing, meeting needs in a way that guests are now coming to expect.

“It’s all part of what the Sofitel So brand represents – the recognition of a new generation of urban hotels that are technologically innovative and design oriented. It is also a very ‘green’ concept as with more on screen, the less paper used and the less waste.”

Located on the corner of Rama IV and Sathorn roads, with a commanding site overlooking Lumpini Park and skycrapers, the 30-storey Sofitel So Bangkok has an interior design created around the Five Elements (Water, Earth, Wood, Metal and Fire) which, combined, frame and form a refuge of sense and balance energy at the heart of vibrant Bangkok. Indeed, here is a truly innovative hotel that promises visitors and locals alike with a new focal point, a place to stay, eat, meet and be entertained in stylish fashion and totally connected.

Famed fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger’s plan to convert Manhattan’s landmark Metropolitan Life Tower into a luxury hotel may have hit a snag.

Hilfiger last month reportedly had a contract in place to buy the 112-year-old tower that overlooks Madison Square Park from owner Africa Israel USA for US$170 million. But Hilfiger and his partner in the deal, JSR Capital, still have not closed on a loan to pay for conversion of the 700-ft. building, now known locally as the Clock Tower.

An Africa Israel spokeswoman tells the Wall Street Journal that talks are ongoing to sell the property, “including with the party that has signed the contract.” But Manhattan real estate observers expected the deal to have proceeded further by now, and the reasons for the slow movement remain unknown publicly.

If the project does move forward, it would be Hilfiger’s first foray into hotelkeeping as a principal. His fashion company, which was recently acquired by Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. for about US$3 billion, would not be involved in the hotel project.