global travel news

Amy Pezzicara

Element Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands, today unveils an innovative collaboration with Lettuce Grow, a nationally recognized leader of hydroponic gardening. Together, they are providing travelers with direct access to free, farm-fresh produce while on the road. Element Hotels is driven by a wellness-first mindset that is deeply rooted in its commitment to sustainability and providing a balanced stay while redefining the longer stay experience. Designed for the healthy, active traveler, Element’s signature fully equipped kitchens make eating nutritiously a little bit easier while away from home.

This first-of-its-kind hospitality collaboration brings all the perks of mindful eating to travelers, no matter how long they stay or how far they’re away from home. Starting in November 2022, travelers staying in select Element Hotels can wake up to Element’s signature Rise^® breakfast, garnished with fresh herbs and greens sourced from a Lettuce Grow Farmstand on-property. During their stay, guests will also have the opportunity to harvest their own produce directly from the Farmstand to bring up to their private studio kitchens, embracing clean eating by giving their bodies the fuel they need for whatever adventure they have in store.

“Element Hotels has always believed that everyone deserves to be well, no matter who they are or where they’re coming from, which is why we’ve made it a top priority to provide locally grown options and sensible choices for our guests,” said Marlon Whyte, Global Brand Leader, Element Hotels. “Lettuce Grow helps us achieve this in a way that is environmentally friendly, while also creating a fun, unique, and complimentary experience for groups to come together and reconnect over a nutritious meal.”

For Element Guests, Access to Fresh Produce is Always in Season
Travelers are often uniquely challenged by a lack of healthy food options, at times being forced to opt for the nearest or quickest meal available. This collaboration solves a common travel problem by not only offering fresh ingredients, but also fully equipped kitchens and recipes that are tasty and easy to follow, because eating well should never be compromised. The range of delicious herbs and greens is sure to be a great addition to any meal, or the perfect complement to a refreshing craft cocktail, and can be harvested right in the Element hotel lobbies.

Lettuce Grow Farmstands yield the same amount of produce as a 40-square-foot farm, all within a one four-foot-square footprint. They’re also sustainable, eliminating waste and reducing CO2 emissions and water use by more than 98 percent. Each Element Farmstand will be equipped with six to eight varieties of leafy greens and herbs inspired by ingredients found in Element’s Rise^® breakfast. All varieties are sustainably grown, non-GMO, unprocessed, and packed with flavor. The offerings will range from: classic butter lettuce, arugula, rainbow Swiss chard, bok choy, and popular herbs like parsley, dill, cilantro, and green onion.

“I’m proud to be a part of Lettuce Grow’s ongoing journey to make healthy eating fun and easy,” said Zooey Deschanel, Co-Founder, Lettuce Grow. “I know first-hand how difficult it can be to eat well while traveling and I’m excited our partnership with Element Hotels will allow people to prioritize their health while on the go.

The Farmstands are growing at select Element locations across the U.S., including:

• Element Bend
• Element Tampa Midtown
• Element Atlanta Buckhead

Amy Pezzicara

Each Element location also features Studio Commons, an industry-first room concept that blends a hotel room with a home rental, providing a flexible living space anchored by four private guest rooms, complete with a fully equipped kitchen for groups to spend time together privately.

Exclusive, Locally Inspired Chef-Curated Recipes
In addition to complimentary greens at the above locations, Element guests will also have access to exclusive recipes curated by Michelin award-winning Chef, Sammy Monsour. He will create one-of-a-kind recipes inspired by the unique regions of each hotel with locally sourced ingredients. Chef Sammy is passionate about the environment and dedicated to increasing access to healthy and nutritious protein for all while improving biodiversity in kitchens throughout the globe for a more diverse, sustainable, and delicious future.

“At Lettuce Grow, we believe cultivating community partnerships furthers our mission to help people reconnect with their food and lead healthier lives,” said Jacob Pechenik, Founder and CEO, Lettuce Grow. “Now, Element Hotels’ guests will experience the joys of harvesting their own fresh, vibrant herbs and vegetables, grown right in front of their eyes.”

Marriott Bonvoy Members Can Access Produce That Keeps on Giving
Marriott Bonvoy – Marriott International’s award-winning travel program – provides members with endless benefits and the chance to earn points for hotel stays, exclusive rates, room upgrades, late checkout and more taking them everywhere they want to go. More travel means more points, offering unlimited travel possibilities. Members will receive special offers on Lettuce Grow products, so they can eat healthfully any time of year.

Additionally, members will have the opportunity to bid on and redeem an exclusive Lettuce Grow experience in early 2023 through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform, which provides access to amazing once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The Moments experience will include a stay at one of the participating Element Hotels and a private cooking demonstration with Chef Sammy Monsour in Element’s Studio Commons. To continue eating mindfully, the member will also receive a Lettuce Grow Farmstand for their own home.

To book an Element Hotels stay, visit www.ElementHotels.com. To learn more about Element and Lettuce Grow, visit www.LettuceGrow.com/Element-Hotels.

About Element by Westin^®
With more than 90 hotels across North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific, Element Hotels is designed for today’s healthy, active traveler who wants to maintain the balance of daily routines while on the road. Offering many of the comforts of home, Element caters to those looking to stay both short and long-term. All hotels have an outdoor-inspired, sustainability-focused design philosophy and feature spacious and airy guest rooms with in-room kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, and signature Heavenly^® Beds. The brand’s signature amenities include a complimentary healthful Rise breakfast and a Relax evening reception. Always prioritizing guest wellness, all hotels are equipped with 24/7 Motion Fitness centers, all-natural saline pools, and a Bikes to Borrow program. Further increasing flexibility and convenience for small groups, Element now offers Studio Commons, a one-of-a-kind room concept with private communal space to cook, convene, or relax together. For more information, visit, www.ElementHotels.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram. Element is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy^®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com.

About Lettuce Grow
Lettuce Grow is a mission-driven organization with the goal of empowering consumers to lead the transition to a sustainable food system. Lettuce Grow’s hydroponic gardening system, the Farmstand, helps people grow and harvest 20% of their own fresh produce, eliminating food waste and reducing water and carbon impact by more than 98%. Designed for home growers regardless of time, space, or growing experience, Lettuce Grow provides living starter plants that mature into nutritious food easily in the Farmstand, bringing joy and simplicity to harvesting your own produce. With its commitment to improving access to fresh, healthy food for everyone, Lettuce Grow established the Lettuce Give program which donates 1 Farmstand to a school or other non-profit organization for every 10 sold. For additional information visit www.LettuceGrow.com or @lettucegrow.

Media Contacts
Christine Lin
Senior Manager, Global Communications, Select Brands
Marriott International
Christine.Lin@Marriott.com

Caroline Chau
Jack Taylor PR
Lettucegrow@JackTaylorPR.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

• Third quarter 2022 comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR increased 36.3 percent worldwide, 28.5 percent in the U.S. & Canada, and 66.1 percent in international markets, compared to the 2021 third quarter;
• Third quarter 2022 comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR increased 1.8 percent worldwide and 3.5 percent in the U.S. & Canada, while RevPAR declined 2.4 percent in international markets, compared to the 2019 third quarter;
• Third quarter reported diluted EPS totaled $1.94, compared to reported diluted EPS of $0.67 in the year-ago quarter. Third quarter adjusted diluted EPS totaled $1.69, compared to third quarter 2021 adjusted diluted EPS of $0.99;
• Third quarter reported net income totaled $630 million, compared to reported net income of $220 million in the year-ago quarter. Third quarter adjusted net income totaled $551 million, compared to third quarter 2021 adjusted net income of $327 million;
• Adjusted EBITDA totaled $985 million in the 2022 third quarter, compared to third quarter 2021 adjusted EBITDA of $683 million;
• The company added roughly 14,000 rooms globally during the third quarter, including approximately 8,700 rooms in international markets and nearly 3,900 conversion rooms;
• At quarter end, Marriott’s worldwide development pipeline totaled over 3,000 properties and more than 502,000 rooms, including roughly 33,300 rooms approved, but not yet subject to signed contracts. Approximately 204,800 rooms in the pipeline were under construction as of the end of the 2022 third quarter;
• During the third quarter, Marriott repurchased 6.2 million shares of common stock for $950 million. Year-to-date through October 31, the company has returned $1.9 billion to shareholders.

Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) today reported third quarter 2022 results.

Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are very pleased to report another quarter of outstanding results. Global RevPAR¹ more than fully recovered, rising nearly 2 percent above 2019. In the third quarter, RevPAR compared to 2019 improved sequentially from the second quarter in every region around the world.

“In the U.S. & Canada, our largest region, RevPAR exceeded 2019 levels by 3.5 percent in the third quarter. Occupancy in the region has been rising throughout the year, reaching 72 percent in September, just 2 percentage points below the same month in 2019. Leisure transient demand remained very robust, and group RevPAR more than fully recovered to 2019 levels in the quarter. Business transient demand, though still lagging in recovery, continued to improve.

“Our EMEA and CALA regions posted nearly 10 percent and 18 percent third quarter RevPAR growth over 2019, respectively. Demand in these regions was boosted by the strong U.S. dollar and the ramping of cross-border travel.

“In mid-October, we announced that we signed an agreement to acquire the City Express brand portfolio, marking our entry into the affordable midscale segment. We see meaningful opportunities to further expand the brand in the CALA region and globally, as we have successfully done with other brand acquisitions. Upon closing, we look forward to offering our guests more stay options and our owners and franchisees new opportunities to grow their portfolios.

“Our award-winning loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, hit 173 million members at the end of September. During the quarter, Bonvoy member penetration achieved record highs, reaching 60 percent in the U.S. & Canada and 53 percent globally. Co-brand cardholder acquisitions and total card spending worldwide have continued to grow meaningfully, increasing our third quarter co-brand card fees more than 20 percent compared to the year-ago quarter.

“While we are carefully monitoring macroeconomic trends, bookings across all our customer segments remain strong, contributing to the ongoing momentum in our business. We expect continued demand growth around the world in the fourth quarter and anticipate that global RevPAR could increase 2 percent to 4 percent compared to 2019.

“With our solid financial results and strong cash generation, we have already returned $1.9 billion to shareholders year-to-date through October 31. For full year 2022, we now expect to return more than $2.7 billion to our shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.”

Third Quarter 2022 Results
Marriott’s reported operating income totaled $958 million in the 2022 third quarter, compared to 2021 third quarter reported operating income of $545 million. Reported net income totaled $630 million in the 2022 third quarter, compared to 2021 third quarter reported net income of $220 million. Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) totaled $1.94 in the quarter, compared to reported diluted EPS of $0.67 in the year-ago quarter.

Adjusted operating income in the 2022 third quarter totaled $815 million, compared to 2021 third quarter adjusted operating income of $527 million. Adjusted operating income in the 2021 third quarter excluded impairment charges of $11 million.

Third quarter 2022 adjusted net income totaled $551 million, compared to 2021 third quarter adjusted net income of $327 million. Adjusted diluted EPS in the 2022 third quarter totaled $1.69, compared to adjusted diluted EPS of $0.99 in the year-ago quarter. The 2022 third quarter adjusted results excluded special tax items of $30 million ($0.09 per share) and a $2 million ($0.01 per share) gain on an investee’s property sale. The 2021 third quarter adjusted results excluded a $122 million after-tax ($0.37 per share) loss on the extinguishment of debt and $8 million after-tax ($0.02 per share) of impairment charges.

Adjusted results also excluded cost reimbursement revenue, reimbursed expenses and restructuring, merger-related charges, and other expenses. See pages A-3 and A-12 for the calculation of adjusted results and the manner in which the adjusted measures are determined in this press release.

Base management and franchise fees totaled $953 million in the 2022 third quarter, compared to base management and franchise fees of $723 million in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year increase in these fees is primarily attributable to RevPAR increases due to the ongoing recovery in lodging demand, as well as unit growth. Other non-RevPAR related franchise fees in the 2022 third quarter totaled $192 million, compared to $173 million in the year-ago quarter, largely driven by higher credit card branding fees.

Incentive management fees totaled $106 million in the 2022 third quarter, compared to $53 million in the 2021 third quarter. Roughly two-thirds of the incentive management fees recognized in the quarter were earned at hotels in international markets.

Owned, leased, and other revenue, net of direct expenses, totaled $44 million in the 2022 third quarter, compared to $37 million in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year increase in revenue net of expenses largely reflects the ongoing recovery in lodging demand, partially offset by $23 million of lower termination fees and a $19 million accrual related to a portfolio of 12 leased hotels in the U.S. & Canada.

Depreciation, amortization, and other expenses for the 2022 third quarter totaled $50 million, compared to $64 million in the year-ago quarter. Expenses in the 2021 third quarter included an $11 million impairment charge.

General, administrative, and other expenses for the 2022 third quarter totaled $216 million, compared to $212 million in the year-ago quarter.

Interest expense, net, totaled $93 million in the third quarter compared to $99 million in the year-ago quarter. The decrease is largely due to lower interest expense associated with lower debt balances.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) totaled $985 million in the 2022 third quarter, compared to third quarter 2021 adjusted EBITDA of $683 million. See page A-12 for the adjusted EBITDA calculation.

Selected Performance Information
The company added 77 properties (14,071 rooms) to its worldwide lodging portfolio during the 2022 third quarter, including nearly 3,900 rooms converted from competitor brands and approximately 8,700 rooms in international markets. Thirty-five properties (7,440 rooms) exited the system during the quarter, including roughly 5,200 rooms in Russia. At quarter end, Marriott’s global lodging system totaled nearly 8,200 properties, with over 1,507,000 rooms.

At quarter end, the company’s worldwide development pipeline totaled 3,024 properties with more than 502,000 rooms, including 1,039 properties with approximately 204,800 rooms under construction, or 41 percent of the pipeline, and 233 properties with roughly 33,300 rooms approved for development, but not yet subject to signed contracts.

In the 2022 third quarter, worldwide RevPAR increased 36.3 percent (a 33.4 percent increase using actual dollars) compared to the 2021 third quarter. RevPAR in the U.S. & Canada increased 28.5 percent (a 28.3 percent increase using actual dollars), and RevPAR in international markets increased 66.1 percent (a 51.0 percent increase using actual dollars).

Balance Sheet
At quarter end, Marriott’s net debt was $8.4 billion, representing total debt of $9.4 billion less cash and cash equivalents of $1.0 billion. At year-end 2021, the company’s net debt was $8.7 billion, representing total debt of $10.1 billion less cash and cash equivalents of $1.4 billion.

In the third quarter, the company issued $1.0 billion of Series JJ Senior Notes due in 2027 with a 5.00 percent interest rate coupon.

Marriott Common Stock
Year-to-date through October 31, the company has repurchased 11.1 million shares for $1.7 billion at an average price of $153.21 per share.

2022 Outlook¹

The change in expected gross rooms growth compared to the company’s prior guidance primarily reflects lengthened construction timelines in Greater China resulting from extended lockdowns.

Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) will conduct its quarterly earnings review for the investment community and news media on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The conference call will be webcast simultaneously via Marriott’s investor relations website at http://www.Marriott.com/Investor, click on “Events & Presentations” and click on the quarterly conference call link. A replay will be available at that same website until November 2, 2023.

The telephone dial-in number for the conference call is US Toll Free: +1 (888) 632-3384, or Global: +1 (785) 830-7975. The conference ID is MAR3Q22. A telephone replay of the conference call will be available from 1:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, November 3, 2022, until 8:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, November 10, 2022. To access the replay, call US Toll Free: +1 (800) 695-2533 or Global: +1 (402) 530-9029.

[1] The outlook provided above assumes that the $100 million City Express transaction does not close before year-end 2022.

[2] The anticipated deletions rate includes 50bps related to the company’s suspension of its operations in Russia.

[3] See pages A-13 & A-14 for the adjusted EBITDA calculation.

[4] Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS – diluted for fourth quarter and full year 2022 do not include cost reimbursement revenue, reimbursed expenses, or restructuring, merger-related charges, and other expenses, each of which the company cannot forecast with sufficient accuracy, and which may be significant, and do not reflect any asset sales that may occur during the remainder of the year. Adjusted EPS – diluted for full year 2022 excludes impairments, gains on investees’ property sales, gains on asset dispositions, and special tax items reported in the first three quarters of 2022. See page A-3 for the Adjusted EPS – diluted calculation for the first three quarters of 2022.

[5] Assumes the level of capital return to shareholders noted above.

[6] Investment spending includes capital and technology expenditures, loan advances, contract acquisition costs, and other investing activities.

[7] Assumes the level of investment spending noted above and no asset sales that may occur during the remainder of the year.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release and the accompanying schedules are made as of November 3, 2022. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release and the accompanying schedules contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements related to the possible effects on our business of the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID-19); our RevPAR, rooms growth and other financial metric estimates, outlook and assumptions; travel and lodging demand trends and expectations; occupancy, ADR and RevPAR recovery trends and expectations; our development pipeline, signings, rooms growth, deletions and conversions; our investment spending and capital return expectations; our expectations regarding the addition of the City Express brand portfolio to our system; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,200 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy^®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.MarriottNewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Marriott encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review and subscribe to the information Marriott posts on its investor relations website at www.Marriott.com/Investor or Marriott’s news center website at www.MarriottNewsCenter.com, which may be material. The contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release or any report or document Marriott files with the SEC, and any references to the websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.

Media Contacts
Melissa Froehlich Flood
Corporate Relations
Marriott International
+1 (301) 380-4839
Newsroom@Marriott.com

Jackie Burka McConagha
Investor Relations
Marriott International
+1 (301) 380-5126
Jackie.McConagha@Marriott.com

Betsy Dahm
Investor Relations
Marriott International
+1 (301) 380-3372
Betsy.Dahm@Marriott.com

Download MAR Q3 2022 Press Release Schedules or visit http://Marriott.com/Investor.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Lobby

Highlight Room Rooftop Bar

King Executive Room, City View

Silver Linings Piano Lounge

Inspired by the neighborhood’s history as a crossroads of entertainment and culture, and its present-day role as an incubator of innovation, the new 303-bedroom Moxy Lower East Side entices with endless amusements enlivened with the spirit of the absurd. Among them are Sake No Hana, a Japanese restaurant; Silver Lining, a piano lounge; The Highlight Room, a rooftop bar; The Fix, an all-day café and lobby bar; and Loosie’s, a subterranean club. Moxy Lower East Side is for adventure seekers who crave a multitude of New York experiences — and want affordability without sacrificing style or substance.

Located where the Lower East Side meets SoHo, Moxy Lower East Side is the fourth Moxy hotel in New York City developed by Lightstone and is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands including the experiential Moxy Hotels. Guests will discover a melting pot of the city’s cosmopolitanism on every floor, from the catwalk entrance on the corner of Bowery and Broome Street, to five new dining and drinking venues by Tao Group Hospitality.

With interiors by Michaelis Boyd and Rockwell Group and architecture by Stonehill Taylor, the hotel’s design feeds the curiosity and dazzles the eye, layering references to the Lower East Side’s eclectic social history with the vibrancy of today. Cleverly designed bedrooms with tech-savvy amenities provide playful havens, while co-working spaces and flexible meeting studios that seamlessly transition from business to pleasure meet the needs of today’s plugged-in travelers.

“The Lower East Side has always been iconically cool. We saw it as the next logical frontier for Moxy,” says Mitchell Hochberg, President of Lightstone. “By providing a stunning variety of venues and concepts under a single roof, the hotel really embodies the diversity of the Lower East Side. People come to the neighborhood to indulge their thirst for discovery, and they’ll get that at the Moxy too — and we’ve made it accessible rather than exclusive.”

Interior Design
The architecture and design of Moxy Lower East Side embody the neighborhood’s devotion to the pursuit of pleasure and innovation. Michaelis Boyd and Rockwell Group took inspiration from the Bowery’s history as a hub of entertainment — from the eye-dazzling Vauxhall Gardens and German Winter Garden of the 1800s, to the vaudeville theaters and burlesque houses of last century — while channeling the neighborhood’s present-day DNA and maintaining Moxy’s trademark whimsy. Layer upon layer of cultural references reflect the melting-pot cosmopolitanism of New York City and create a funhouse vibe for guests who won’t know what to expect next. The flow of the building, from the catwalk entrance to venues tucked away on the roof and below ground, prods further exploration — catnip for adventure seekers.

Inspired by the circuses and old-time menageries that once lined the Bowery, the 303 bold, playful bedrooms at Moxy Lower East Side are spirited havens designed by Michaelis Boyd, with symmetrical shapes, bright hues, and clever space-saving solutions. Rooms range from 165-195 square-feet, including Kings, Executive Kings, Double Doubles, and Quads. Bathrooms feature rain showers with colored glass doors, lava stone sinks, and a mirror lined with Hollywood-style lighting — the perfect spot to get ready for action. In the hotel’s interior courtyard hangs a large, provocative work by English urban artist D*Face, acclaimed for his vivid, subversive murals inspired by the Pop Art movement.

The Factory Loft, a hospitality suite, is the ultimate spot for parties, events, meetings, and social gatherings. Named for Andy Warhol’s legendary Factory studio, the suite features double-height windows and a huge outdoor terrace.

Michaelis Boyd designed the first-floor lobby as a multipurpose work and amusement space with a relaxed ambience. The lobby area is centered around The Fix, a bar and all-day café where a variety of seating arrangements — sofas and armchairs, high-tops and café tables — foster socializing, co-working, and everything in between. In one corner, a hanging birdcage seat invites playful poses. In the café area, marble-topped tables have brass tic tac toe inserts so guests can play a game while they sip cappuccinos. Anthropomorphic tables feature sculptures of hipster animals, like a rock & roll sloth in a leather vest, while nearby a seven-foot bear holds a hula hoop. An adjacent table-height shuffleboard game uses pucks shaped like illicit pills. Overhead, 3D-printed pinup girls dangle from the chandeliers in cheeky, burlesque-inspired poses. Contactless check-in is available at self-service kiosks, while a staffed reception desk accommodates travelers who prefer more assistance.

Drinking + Dining
Inspired by the pleasure gardens and entertainment palaces that populated the Bowery in centuries past, Moxy Lower East Side’s five drinking and dining establishments were developed by Tao Group Hospitality, New York’s leading dining and nightlife operator, in partnership with Lightstone. “New York City is experiencing a huge renaissance right now, with locals and visitors coming to experience the city in waves,” says Noah Tepperberg, Co-CEO of Tao Group Hospitality. “With a sophisticated but approachable piano lounge, a pulsating subterranean club, a modern Japanese restaurant with a festive atmosphere, and a rooftop bar with a big glam factor, Moxy Lower East Side will be ready to rock.”

The lobby-adjacent, Silver Lining is a subdued and sultry piano lounge whose sensuous décor invites chance encounters. The intimate and dreamlike space designed by Michaelis Boyd, features blue velvet banquettes, creative cocktails, and live performances by a rotating mix of piano players and vocalists. A shimmering wallcovering depicts objects associated with the history of the Bowery and specifically with Warhol’s life and career — the banana from the Velvet Underground & Nico album cover, the face of one of his muses, and lines from a poem he wrote.

One flight down, beneath the dramatic entry catwalk, guests enter modern Japanese restaurant Sake No Hana via two dramatically curved staircases of metal, glass, and leather flanked by large kimono-inspired tapestries. Rockwell Group took inspiration from New York’s 1980s punk scene and Japanese street culture for the design, invigorating traditional izakaya comfort dishes with a New York attitude. With a shareable menu of grilled teppanyaki dishes, yakitori skewers, Wagyu beef, and creative sushi rolls, paired with a curated list of sakes, beers, and cocktails highlighting Japanese spirits, the space buzzes with alluring energy.

Subterranean in both location and spirit, Rockwell Group-designed Loosie’s is an edgy club beneath Moxy Lower East Side with a killer sound system and no-attitude dance floor. Guests reach Loosie’s by heading down a mysterious alley behind the hotel, lined with graffiti by the late New York street artist, Lance de los Reyes (aka Rambo), then descending several flights on a staircase. Inside, tufted banquettes, an “exploded” disco ball chandelier, and a cage-like bar cast a decadent spell. Tepperberg partnered with Dylan Hales and Ronnie Flynn, the co-founders of Lower East Side hot spot The Flower Shop, as creative directors for both Loosie’s and Silver Lining. “The Flower Shop has become a neighborhood fixture, and Dylan and Ronnie are really plugged into the local nightlife culture. At both venues, they’ll help curate the music and the atmosphere to appeal to the downtown crowd.”

Up on the 16th floor and a world away, The Highlight Room, designed by Michaelis Boyd, is a glamorous rooftop bar that evokes a 19th-century pleasure garden with foliage swaying from the ceiling and a majestic palm tree spreading its branches across the room. The real showstopper is the spectacular view of the city through a glass wall that spans the entire width of the room and folds back to allow access to the planted, Eden-like, outdoor terrace. From there, guests can lift a cocktail to the expansive views — north to the Empire State Building, south to the Freedom Tower.

Moxy Lower East Side features over 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, becoming one of downtown’s most coveted destinations for events, social gatherings, and meetings. The hotel’s three flexible Meeting Studios feature versatile and modular furniture that can be easily reconfigured to transform the space into a lounge by night. The large studio offers a big communal table that can be used for co-working or closed off as a meeting room. Then at night, as the DJ spins and the lights dim, it becomes a place for socializing, with lounge seating and a fun dueling Ms. Pac-Man game table.

Programming
Thoughtfully curated cultural and wellness programming integrates Moxy Lower East Side into the broader community, introducing guests and locals to the neighborhood’s creators, tastemakers, and independent businesses. A stand curated by LES institution Economy Candy sells treats for just 5¢ per piece — just like the old days! — while a custom vending machine offers toys from Babeland, a local erotic toy store. Programming includes DJ and live music performances, art installations, pop-ups, and more. The #SweatatMoxy series taps fitness and wellness experts from the area to create custom classes for guests and locals.

“People flock to the Lower East Side to discover what’s new and interesting,” says Hochberg. “We’ve not only created a base camp for visitors to explore the Lower East Side, but we’ve brought the neighborhood, and all its dazzling moments of discovery, into the hotel.”

Located at 145 Bowery at the corner of Bowery and Broome, Moxy Lower East Side is offering introductory rates starting at $199 per night. For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.MoxyLowerEastSide.com.

About Moxy Lower East Side
The 303-room Moxy Lower East Side hotel is an eclectic and stylish pleasure garden in the neighborhood that defines New York cool. Inspired by the Lower East Side’s history as a crossroads of entertainment and culture, and its present-day role as an incubator of innovation, the downtown New York hotel, located where the Lower East Side meets SoHo, entices with endless amusements enlivened with the spirit of the absurd. Five new drinking and dining establishments created in collaboration with Tao Group Hospitality bring the area’s dynamic restaurant and nightlife scenes under one roof. The options include modern Japanese restaurant Sake No Hana; piano lounge Silver Lining; subterranean nightclub Loosie’s; rooftop bar The Highlight Room; and The Fix, a day-into-night café and bar in the lobby. Interior design by Michaelis Boyd and Rockwell Group and architecture by Stonehill Taylor feed the curiosity and dazzle the eye, layering references to the Lower East Side’s eclectic social history with the vibrancy of today. Cleverly designed bedrooms provide playful havens, while tech-savvy amenities, co-working spaces, and flexible meeting studios meet the needs of the plugged-in modern traveler. Moxy Lower East Side is for adventure seekers who crave a multitude of New York experiences — and want affordability without sacrificing style or substance. Moxy Lower East Side is Lightstone’s fourth Moxy hotel opening in New York City, following the successful launches of Moxy Times Square, Moxy Chelsea, and Moxy East Village — all three of which are consistently included in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice list of the Top 25 Hotels in NYC. Lightstone opened Moxy South Beach in Miami in 2021; Moxy Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York, and Moxy Downtown Los Angeles and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles are opening in the coming months.

About Moxy Hotels
Moxy offers a playful hotel experience for the young at heart. With more than 110 properties open across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, Moxy boldly breaks the rules of a conventional hotel stay across the globe. The nontraditional experience starts with check-in at Bar Moxy and comes to life throughout its social public spaces, like the Lounge and Library, and the small but smart bedrooms. Moxy provides stylish, industrial design and sociable service at an attractive price point, so that guests can splurge on the experiences that matter most to them during their travels. Moxy celebrates nonconformity, open-mindedness, and originality above all – forever giving its guests permission to Play On #atthemoxy. For more information, visit www.MoxyHotels.com and join the fun #atthemoxy on Instagram. Moxy is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com.

About Lightstone
Lightstone, founded by David Lichtenstein, is one of the most diversified privately held real estate companies in the United States. Headquartered in New York City, Lightstone is active in 26 states across the country, developing, managing, and investing in all sectors of the real estate market, including residential, hospitality, commercial, and retail. With 174 existing properties, Lightstone’s over $7.5 billion portfolio currently includes over 10 million square feet of industrial, logistics, life sciences, and commercial properties, over 22,700 residential units, and over 4,300 hotel keys. Lightstone’s development portfolio includes over $3.5 billion currently under development in the residential and hospitality sectors spread across New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Following the award-winning openings of Moxy Times Square, Moxy Chelsea, and Moxy East Village, Lightstone opened Moxy Miami South Beach in 2021. Following the recent opening of Moxy Lower East Side, Moxy Downtown Los Angeles, and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, as well as New York’s Moxy Williamsburg, are opening in the coming months.

Media Contact
Christine Lin
Senior Manager, Global Communications, Select Brands
Marriott International
Christine.lin@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Le Mersenne, Zanzibar, an Autograph Collection Hotel

laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

From the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum in Taghazout Bay, Morocco, Marriott International, Inc., today announced plans to expand its operations in Africa with the anticipated addition of over 30 hotels, and more than 5,000 rooms by the end of 2024. The company’s growth across Africa is largely driven by its select-service brands which represent half of the company’s current development pipeline in the continent. The company is also expected to introduce its Delta Hotels by Marriott brand in the region.

“Marriott International’s expansion plans reinforce its commitment to Africa and highlight the growth of the travel and tourism sector across the continent,” said Karim Cheltout, Regional Vice President – Development, Africa, Marriott International. “We continue to see opportunities to expand in major gateway cities, commercial centers, and resort destinations across Africa, while catering to the region’s ever-changing and evolving markets through our diverse range of extraordinary brands.”

Select-Service Accommodations Fuel Growth
Marriott International’s select-service brands in the region, led by Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton, make up more than 50 percent of the company’s property additions in Africa through 2024. Protea Hotels by Marriott remains the most recognizable hospitality brand in Africa, with over 60 hotels across nine countries. Offering a taste of the local flavor in an authentic way, Protea Hotels by Marriott expects to further expand its footprint across the continent with 10 anticipated additions by the end of 2024. Plans include the brand’s first properties in Kenya, Malawi, and Angola, and further expansion in South Africa where it is expected to open five new hotels.

With its authentic and timeless design, paired with stylish comfort, Four Points by Sheraton continues to build on its momentum in Africa with five anticipated additions by the end of 2024. These expansion plans for Four Points by Sheraton include the brand’s entry into Uganda, Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cape Verde. The brand also expects to open its second property in Nigeria, Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene.

Demand for Premium and Luxury Brands Remains Strong
Marriott International also continues to see growth opportunities across Africa for its unparalleled premium and luxury brands. The company’s expansion plans for its premium brands across the continent include the anticipated launch of Delta Hotels in 2023. Delta Hotels, which provides guests with exactly what they need for a seamless travel experience, is expected to make its entry into Africa with the opening of Delta Hotels by Marriott Dar es Salaam Oyster Bay in Tanzania.

Plans for Tribute Portfolio, a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and vibrant social scenes, include the expected opening of laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort. The company is also slated to introduce the Westin Hotels & Resorts brand in Ethiopia with the anticipated opening of The Westin Addis Ababa. Additionally, Marriott International plans to grow its iconic collection of independent properties under the Autograph Collection Hotels brand with new properties in expected Tanzania and Algeria.

Marriott International also plans to expand its portfolio of luxury brands with five anticipated openings in Africa by the end of 2024. The company is expected to introduce The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis brands in Morocco with the anticipated openings of The Ritz-Carlton, Rabat Dar Es Salam, and The St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort, Tamuda. JW Marriott is expected to enter Kenya with the openings of JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi and JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, which will mark the company’s first property in the luxury safari space.

Marriott International’s current portfolio in Africa encompasses nearly 130 properties and more than 23,000 rooms across 20 countries.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to expected unit and rooms growth; expected hotel openings and brand debuts in certain markets; our growth pipeline; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy^®, its highly awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contact
Chandan Belani
Senior Area Director, Communications – Middle East & Africa
Marriott International
Chandan.Belani@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott International, Inc., today announced it has signed an agreement with AB Living to bring the legendary St. Regis brand to Costa Mujeres. Solidifying the brand’s position as a global leader in luxury leisure hospitality, The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort is expected to welcome its first guests in early 2025.

“The signing of The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort represents a pivotal moment for St. Regis, as the brand continues its dynamic resort growth in the world’s most glamorous leisure destinations,” said George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “We are thrilled to expand St. Regis’ footprint in Mexico and look forward to bringing the brand’s celebrated rituals and traditions to this vibrant and sought-after destination for future guests.”

Building on the brand’s existing portfolio of 15 resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has plans to expand its resort portfolio to include some of the world’s most coveted leisure destinations, including within the Caribbean, North America, North Africa, Middle East, and Asia Pacific. The signing of The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort underscores this commitment to its strong global expansion in the world’s most compelling markets.

“We are thrilled to work with AB Living to introduce The St. Regis brand to Costa Mujeres, Cancun’s exciting new side of town,” said Laurent De Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer, Marriott International. “This signing showcases both the continuous growth in one of Mexico’s top destinations and the strong interest in our portfolio of sought-after luxury brands.”

The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort is ideally located on a 3.5-hectare site along the scenic Costa Mujeres beach. Situated north of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula, Costa Mujeres is a vibrant travel destination, known for its tranquil atmosphere, lush natural surroundings, and pristine beaches on the Mexican Caribbean. The resort is only a 35-minute drive from Cancun’s International Airport and a quick boat ride from the magical Island of Isla Mujeres.

“Our choice of St. Regis is based on a shared vision of luxury hospitality, standards of service, tradition and excellence. St Regis. is also a leader in the luxury branded residential segment, a component that plays a major role in this project,” said Alejandro Bataller, Vice President of AB Living Group.

Envisioned by Sordo Madaleno Architects, an internationally renowned architectural firm based in Mexico City, The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort is expected to feature 158 guest rooms and 80 branded residential units, which will boast spectacular views of the Island of Isla Mujeres to the east and Cancun to the Southeast. Plans for the resort also include three distinct food and beverage venues, several swimming pools, a glamorous beach club, approximately 470 square meters of meeting space, and the signature St. Regis Butler Service. Comprised of 22,584 square meters, the branded residences will enjoy private elevator access, a residential concierge, a fitness center, and full access to the resort’s amenities and services.

Marriott International currently operates two St. Regis properties in Mexico; The St. Regis Mexico City and The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. Additionally, the brand is slated to make its debut in Riviera Maya later this year and in Los Cabos in 2023.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy^®, its highly awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
Combining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering exquisite experiences at nearly 50 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Beginning with the debut of The St. Regis hotel in New York by John Jacob Astor IV at the dawn of the twentieth century, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. St. Regis is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com.

About AB Living
AB Living is a business group with more than 30 years of experience creating unique projects on the Mediterranean coast. It currently has three business divisions, AB Wellness, responsible for the SHA Wellness Clinic brand, AB Properties, focused on the residential real estate sector, and AB Hospitality, which aims to develop unique hotel projects with high added value with leading international brands in the premium and luxury segment.

To make this visión a reality, the AB Living Group has invested in recent years in different locations in search of the perfect environments with large areas of surrounding nature, warm climates and easy accessibility. In addition, it has created a solid regional structure of human capital with extensive experience in the sector.

After nearly 15 years of building the SHA Wellness concept, its flagship brand, AB Living is working in parallel to expand the brand with planned openings in Mexico in 2023 and the Emirates in 2024.

Media Contacts
Erica Flint
Director, Global Communications, Marriott International Luxury Brands
Marriott International
Erica.Flint@Marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News