Tokyo-based commercial real estate developer Pacifica Capital KK has been appointed as asset manager for the conversion of an office building in central Tokyo to an internationally-branded three-star hotel.

“The market for internationally-branded limited service hotels is virtually untapped in Japan, so we have high expectations for this project”

The property, Kinshicho Mark Building, is a short walk from one of Tokyo’s busiest train stations and near some of the capital’s major tourist attractions such as Asakusa and Tokyo Sky Tree. It is also within a block of an expressway onramp making the property convenient to Haneda and Narita airports as well as Tokyo Disneyland.

The hotel is scheduled to open in summer 2017 with more than 200 rooms ranging 18-28 m2 and will target Japan’s fast-growing inbound visitors. In addition to modern, attractive and comfortable rooms suitable for single and multiple travelers, the hotel will offer food & beverage and fitness facilities.

In 2015, international visitors to Japan grew by almost 50% to a record of almost 20 million, about 2/3 of which came from Asia. With the Tokyo Olympics approaching in four years, the Japanese government recently doubled its 2020 inbound visitor target to 40 million people. Tokyo hotels are already running at close to 90% occupancy, while new supply is limited, so Pacifica expects strong demand for this property soon after opening.

“The market for internationally-branded limited service hotels is virtually untapped in Japan, so we have high expectations for this project,” said Seth Sulkin, President & CEO of Pacifica Capital K.K. “With a huge shortage of land ready for development, we believe conversion of existing buildings such as offices is an attractive way to open more hotels faster to serve the needs of this growing market.”

Source: 4hotelier

Marriott Hotels welcomed Madrid Marriott Auditorium Hotel & Conference Center to its portfolio in November 2015, conveniently located for Madrid-Barajas Airport, the hotel is the third Marriott Hotel in Spain and is the flagship brand’s largest hotel in Europe.

Formerly known as Hotel Auditorium Madrid, the 869-room property has undergone an extensive renovation to present a contemporary and welcoming design to excite both business and leisure travelers. The renovation includes a new façade which transforms the hotel’s exterior from day to night.

Guests can enjoy flexible, innovative and spacious public areas to meet, connect, socialise and relax, while guest rooms are luxuriously appointed with amenities such as spacious work desks and Nespresso Coffee machines to ensure a comfortable and productive stay.

The hotel offers a selection of diverse dining options: Champions Bar provides an American sports bar style experience whilst Kalma offers à la carte dining, specialising in Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel’s signature Greatroom and Atrium Bar are open throughout the day to welcome guests for drinks and light bites.

For business travellers and event planners, the conference centre features 15,500 square metres of event space including an impressive auditorium that can accommodate up to 2,000 guests. Those looking to make the most of the hotel’s fitness facilities will find indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, solarium, tennis courts and a fitness centre.

Complimentary high-speed internet access is also available throughout the hotel including public areas and guest rooms, and guests may also choose to make the most of free airport shuttles and mobile check-in.  In addition, Marriott’s Meetings Imagined program provides new opportunities and inspiration for event coordinators and meeting planners along with an online service that keeps guests in touch with guest relation managers 24/7.

In addition to mobile check-in, checkout, room ready alerts and Mobile Requests, Marriott Hotels is piloting keyless entry with mobile devices at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.

Hilton Worldwide announced the opening of the newly-built Hilton Panama, a 347-room Hilton property in Panama City, Panama and with a location in the heart of this booming city that offers panoramic ocean views, this newest hotel in Panama City opens its doors just in time to celebrate the Panama Canal's Centennial.  

To commemorate the occasion, Hilton Panama welcomes guests with special introductory rates starting at $129* per night.

Forming part of a 70-story mixed-use complex with offices, shopping and entertainment, the 16-story Hilton Panama boasts one of the most desired locations in the city on a prominent intersection on the Panama Bay.  Just 20 minutes from Tocumen International Airport and minutes from Casco Viejo - the historic city, Hilton Panama is within walking distance of the financial district and many of the city's finest restaurants, cafés and hotspots.  Guests can go for stroll or bicycle ride along the Cinta Costera, along the bay right outside the hotel.

Designed by BA-HAUS / KNF, guests are introduced to a décor inspired by the spectacular views that serve as an effortless backdrop.  A pleasant and upscale atmosphere combined with chic furnishings, intricate patterns and local elements create the perfect setting for fast-paced urban executives and global travelers.  All aspects of this new hotel were carefully designed to ensure guests enjoy a world-class experience throughout their stay. This includes everything from upscale accommodations and delectable dining to flexible meeting space and the indulgent eforea: Spa at Hilton.

For those seeking pampering relaxation after a busy day, Hilton Panama introduces the first eforea: Spa at Hilton in Latin America.  Featuring 5,000 square feet, eforea: Spa at Hilton offers an exclusive treatment menu, innovative design features and carefully selected product partners that appeal to today's global travelers.  As the spa experience becomes more important to business and leisure guests, the new eforea: Spa at Hilton located at Hilton Panama enhances the travel experience. A 24-hour, 5,000 square foot fitness center and an outdoor terrace swimming pool complete the facilities.

Source: 4hoteliers.com