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HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION has signed franchise agreements with 3H Group and Presidio Hotel Development to open Hyatt Studios in two states. Led by founder Hiren Desai, 3H Group will introduce the studios in Mobile, Alabama, while Guneet Bajwa heads the effort for Presidio Hotel Development in Marysville, California, and both are expected to open by late 2024 to 2025. Following its April launch, Hyatt has garnered letters of interest for more than 100 Hyatt Studios, marking its inaugural upper-midscale extended-stay brand in the Americas, the company said in a statement. "Hyatt's expansion into these new markets through Hyatt Studios hotels underscores our dedication to developers, guests, and World of Hyatt members," said Dan Hansen, global head of Hyatt Studios. "We've learned that when Hyatt guests stay with a competing brand, they appear to do so for one of two reasons: the absence of a Hyatt hotel within five miles or the choice to stay at a lower chain scale. By offering Hyatt options in these fresh markets, we foster brand loyalty without internal competition and present developers with untapped opportunities."

THE UPCOMING SHOW "Grand Indian Hotel," premiering on BBC Player, a BBC Studios streaming service available on Prime Video Channel, on June 14, will depict the 90-year history of Oberoi Hotel & Resorts. The three-part series offers insights into The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and The Oberoi, New Delhi. The show provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes efforts of Oberoi's 90-year history of hospitality, according to BBC Studios. The show is developed by UK-based Voltage TV and distributed by BBC Studios. "Grand Indian Hotel is a first-hand account depicting India's Vibrant culture of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' through the lens of legendary Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, and reflects the great story-telling that is synonymous with BBC Studios," said Stanley Fernandes, BBC Studios' vice president of distribution, South Asia.

DHRUV MANAGEMENT IS to construct a HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof in Tampa, Florida, as well as a new HomeTowne Studios in Bradenton, Florida, with its affiliate Dhruv Development. Dhruv Management is led by Vijay Patel and Dhruv Development is led by Amit Patel. Dhruv Management owns and operates two Red Roof hotels in Alabama and Florida and has four more properties in various stages of development through Dhruv Development. "We are excited to partner with Red Roof on our latest extended-stay hotels with the HomeTowne Studios in Tampa and Bradenton," said Amit Patel. "Red Roof is not just a franchisor; they are heavily invested in any franchisee partnership from the moment they sign a deal. Their assistance has been invaluable, from securing approvals to moving dirt. Thanks to Red Roof's continued commitment to hospitality fundamentals, we are confident in the future of this hotel."

Studio 6 Katy, Texas, a new-build extended-stay hotel, is now open in the Houston suburb. It is owned by Sharin Patel and Ripan Modi. The 63-suite hotel was built under the new design parent company G6 Hospitality introduced last year. Nearby attractions include Rhodes Stadium and Legacy Stadium, Nelson Water Gardens and Nursery and Typhoon Texas Waterpark. The hotel also is pet friendly, and G6's recently implemented "Clean@6" cleaning and safety protocols are in effect at the new property. "Katy is a vibrant town and popular destination for business and tourism, and we are excited to partner with G6 Hospitality to bring more affordable lodging options to the area," said Modi, who also is the hotel's general manager. "We chose to open a Studio 6 because of the brand's longstanding commitment to leaving the light on for guests, which has been of even greater need for those required to continue travel during these times. Whether guests are looking to stay for an extended period or just a night or two, our goal is to make traveling affordable and accessible for all."

HomeTowne Studios Yuba City and Red Roof Inn Yuba City are now opened in Northern California's Yuba City. The properties are owned by Surendra and Hema Patel of Greenleaf Hospitality from the San Francisco Bay area, Red Roof said in a statement. The HomeTowne Studios offers 76 extended-stay rooms, while the adjacent Red Roof Inn features 43 rooms, according to Red Roof. "The dual-branded HomeTowne Studios and Red Roof Inn Yuba City are important pieces in Red Roof's strategy to expand its presence on the West Coast," said Matthew Hostetler, Red Roof's chief development officer. "Surendra and Hema Patel have been leaders in the California hospitality industry for three decades, and we're confident this partnership, along with these newly renovated properties, will propel the brand forward in the region." The property is near Sutter Buttes, Toyota Amphitheatre, Bonanza Convention Center, Beale Air Force Base, Rideout Memorial Hospital, and Thunder Valley Casino. Additionally, Yuba County Airport, Auburn Municipal Airport, and Sacramento International Airport are also nearby. Amenities include a fitness facility, an outdoor hot tub and a seasonal pool.

THREE LARGE HOTEL companies took advantage of last week's 2021 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas to announce new brand prototypes and refurbishments. They include two new extended-stay concepts and investments in existing midscale brands. Red Roof Inn introduced its new HomeTowne Studios prototype that the company said features a cost-effective development footprint, and a layout that offers improved operational efficiency. Also, G6 Hospitality, parent company for Motel 6 and Studio 6, introduced its Studio 6 Suites to meet what it sees as increased demand of extended-stay brands. Also, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced it would invest more than $40 million over the next three years in its Microtel and La Quinta by Wyndham brands. The company's Microtel Lift Incentive Program aims to encourage renovations that will bring existing properties parallel to the new build prototypes followed by the brands.

MAGNUSON HOTELS HAS added a new hotel to its Magnuson Independent Collection portfolio, the Studios & Suites 4 Less Charlotte, in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is the sixth hotel added to the Independent Collection by owner Ray Patel of Charlotte. The 126-room hotel is near Charlotte Douglas International Airport, The Billy Graham Library, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Levine Museum of the New South, according to Magnuson. The new hotel looks to draw a 52-week nonseasonal business base from the regional banking, finance, software, and biotech sectors. Charlotte is also home to the Research Triangle Park, a globally prominent research center with over 170 companies and federal agencies in the U.S. "When Ray Patel called us in 2005, he wanted to build his own brand called Studios & Suites 4 Less, and that is exactly what Ray did," said Thomas Magnuson, CEO of Magnuson Hotels. As Patel's team manages the Studios & Suites 4 Less brand and operations, Magnuson Hotels provides the technology, distribution, and marketing for the brand. "We appreciate our partnership with Magnuson Hotels, which is now entering its 17th year of consecutive increases," said Patel of Charlotte. "It is a pleasure and privilege to continually add new properties in our home market of Charlotte, North Carolina," he added.

From now till September, get ready to party at Universal Studios Singapore's Hollywood After Party every Saturday night! Check out the highlights here!

A NEW SURVEY finds that U.S. travelers are getting the urge to explore and acting on that spur-of-the-moment travel bug as temperatures begin to rise. Around 67 percent of Americans with travel plans this year say that the best trips are spontaneous and decided on a whim, a study by Motel 6 and Studio 6 found. The study, which surveyed more than 2,000 Americans who plan to travel this year, also found that almost three-quarters, or 73 percent, would be willing to visit a surprise destination. "Taking a last-minute getaway is a great way to add some joy into your life," said Julie Arrowsmith, president/interim CEO, G6 Hospitality, parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6. Traveling distances, with companions According to the survey, seven in 10 (70 percent) U.S. travelers say they are indulging in longer excursions by traveling more than three hours from their hometown. When asked about companions, more than three in four (78 percent) travelers prefer to journey with other people, while almost one in three (28 percent) are planning to explore with pets, it added. Off-season and longer trips With impromptu trips on the rise, more than two in five (44 percent) vacationers admit they are switching up their travel experiences this year. Most notably, the typical "travel season" may be a thing of the past, with almost half (47 percent) indicating that they are just as likely to get away during the off-season or weekdays as opposed to peak times like holidays and weekends. Another 32 percent are taking longer vacations than ever before, the study pointed out.

FRESH FROM SELLING off much of its portfolio, NewcrestImage recently agreed to purchase nine hotels in Arizona from G6 Hospitality, six branded Motel 6 and three branded Studio 6. The company expects to close the transaction in early March. The six Motel 6 properties Dallas-based NewcrestImage will purchase are: Mesa North, 152 rooms Phoenix West, 148 rooms Phoenix Tempe, 131 rooms Scottsdale South, 100 rooms Mesa South, 91 rooms Phoenix Airport, 61 rooms The three Studio 6 properties being acquired are: Tempe, 151 rooms Phoenix Deer Valley, 142 rooms Tucson East, 121 rooms "Acquiring properties, along with developing new hotels, are our two primary investment strategies for achieving growth in 2022," said Mehul Patel, chairman and CEO of NewcrestImage. "We look forward to creating fresh opportunities for these nine Arizona hotels in keeping with our operating philosophy, abilities, and track record." Arizona is an attractive market because its hotel occupancy is robust and above the national average," Patel said.

IN RECOGNITION OF National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, G6 Hospitality, the parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6, has intensified efforts to combat and raise awareness about human trafficking. This month, the company is introducing an updated mandatory training program, "The Room Next Door," to identify signs and response protocols for human trafficking within the lodging industry, G6 Hospitality said in a statement. "G6 Hospitality remains committed to combating human trafficking across the country and maintains a zero-tolerance policy against it," said Julie Arrowsmith, CEO of G6 Hospitality. "Our expanded anti-human trafficking program will ensure that our team members, franchisees, and hotel teams are educated advocates who can help the industry move toward eradicating human trafficking." The training is mandatory at every Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations, the statement said. The company is also renewing ongoing partnerships in 2024 with law enforcement agencies and survivor advocate organizations, including:

3H GROUP INC., led by Hiren Desai as president and CEO, broke ground on Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga, Hyatt Hotels Corp.'s inaugural launch of the brand in Tennessee. The upscale 123-room hotel, developed under a franchise agreement, is set to open in early 2026. The company is developing a Hyatt Studios hotel in Mobile, Alabama, slated to open in early 2025. "Our decision to continue our collaboration with Hyatt stems from their unwavering commitment to understanding the needs of both owners and guests," said Desai, also the owner of the Chattanooga property. "Caption by Hyatt is an innovative brand, and that approach, coupled with its flexible design and focus on guest experience makes it an attractive addition to our portfolio. We're excited to bring the vibrant energy of the first Caption by Hyatt hotel to our hometown of Chattanooga and look forward to enriching the local hospitality landscape."

NEARLY EIGHT IN 10 Americans plan to travel by car to their summer destination, with the majority citing the enjoyment of driving, according to a recent survey commissioned by G6 Hospitality, parent company of the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands. Most travelers prefer hotel stays, though they acknowledge that cost will influence their travel plans. The study, surveying 2,000 Americans with summer leisure plans, found that 80 percent distinguish between a "trip" and a "vacation". "There's nothing better than cruising on the highway with the windows down, sun shining and music playing, especially when you're surrounded by your loved ones - even those on four legs," said Julie Arrowsmith, G6 Hospitality's president and CEO. "Whether you're the planner or just along for the ride, Motel 6 and Studio 6 provide pet-friendly and affordable lodging so you can relax, enjoy the journey and focus on creating memories."

Catch a sneak peek at the terror in store at Universal Studios Singapore's Halloween Horror Nights 2 - if you dare!

It's the weekend and you're out at the same old place with your friends. Maybe it's pub-crawling with your best mates, or maybe it's having a quick round of office gossip with your colleagues at a café. But one thing's for sure - Hollywood After Hours at Universal Studios Singapore is giving you a new place and new reasons to celebrate.

Racking your brain for the perfect birthday present this October? Here's something for your consideration. WARNING: It's to die for.

We got up close and personal with the business mogul, talk-show host, TV star, author and most recently, Harvard graduate - and find out how amusements parks inspired the creation of America's Next Top Model.

What price would you pay to look fabulous? Here are some freaky moments captured from the Halloween Horror Nights 2 auditions!

Stonehill CRE, the real estate arm of Stonehill, has finalized a $52 million senior loan agreement with Starpoint Properties to fund the construction of Lotus Point Apartments, a 245-unit multifamily development in Mesa, Arizona, within the Phoenix Metropolitan Statistical Area. The construction of this four-story building is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2025, Stonehill said in a statement. "This investment mirrors our sought-after strategy - a quality property with an experienced sponsor in a growing market," said Taylor Pike, senior vice president at Stonehill CRE. "Phoenix stands as a strong job growth market due to diverse employment opportunities. Single-family home development has not kept pace, and with rising mortgage rates, well-located multifamily projects will remain in high demand." This 6-acre site, adjacent to a retail center and within walking distance of the metro light rail, will provide studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, along with amenities such as a fitness center, clubhouse, co-working area, pool, and parking options, Stonehill said.

TEXAS-BASED G6 HOSPITALITY launched 'Light Her Way' program to empower women seeking hotel ownership opportunities with tools and resources, a statement said. The company announced the program during AAHOA's inaugural HerOwnership Conference & Retreat in October. The Carrollton, Texas-based G6 owns Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands in the U.S. and Canada. "We have always promoted the belief that everyone has the right to travel, but it is just as important that everyone have the right to ownership," said Tina Burnett, chief development officer, G6 Hospitality. "The launch of 'Light Her Way' will empower women on the path to ownership and is an example of how we live up to our values."