LOS ANGELES – The Conde Nast Traveler Annual Readers’ Choice Awards 2019 named Los Angeles-based SLS Beverly Hills as its #1 Hotel in the World. SLS Beverly Hills being named #1 Hotel in the World, in the US and in Los Angeles. Six properties in the sbe portfolio were recognized among the top 25 properties of all hotels nominated this year. SLS Beverly Hills, sbe’s first SLS hotel, was designed by Philippe Starck, with food and beverage offerings by José Andrés.
Sam Nazarian, Founder & CEO of sbe brands states: “I cannot express how overwhelming the feeling is to be recognized by Conde Nast Readers globally, with SLS Beverly Hills being named the number one hotel in the world. The journey began in 2005 when we bought the property, and continued into early 2009 when we opened and introduced SLS to the world.”
In addition to SLS Beverly Hills, sbe brands earned five additional seats on Conde Nast’s lists, including “Top 25 Resorts in the Atlantic Islands” with SLS Baha Mar (#24), “Top 20 Hotels in Miami” with SLS South Beach (#17) and Shore Club South Beach (#18).
MGM Resorts Announces Agreement to Sell Circus Circus Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS – MGM Resorts International has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Circus Circus Las Vegas for $825 million to an affiliate of Treasure Island owner Phil Ruffin. For the 12 months ending June 30, 2019, the property reported Adjusted Property EBITDA of $62 million.
“MGM Resorts has engaged in an exhaustive process to evaluate its owned real estate and remains committed to executing its asset-light strategy in a measured way that maximizes value for its shareholders,” said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts. “The Company expects to utilize the proceeds from this transaction to enhance its capital allocation strategy and complement its strategic and operational flexibility.”
Mr. Ruffin added, “Circus Circus has anchored the north end of the Las Vegas Strip for over 50 years, and I am excited to add it to my casino portfolio. I have tremendous respect for Jim Murren and the MGM team, and my relationship with them goes back to my friendship with Kirk Kerkorian and continues to this day.”
The Company acquired Circus Circus Las Vegas in connection with its acquisition of Mandalay Resort Group in 2005. Originally opened in 1968, today the property has 2,300 employees and is home to the Adventuredome (a five-acre indoor amusement park), a 10-acre RV park, and 37-acre festival grounds. The $825 million purchase price will comprise $662.5 million paid in cash and a $162.5 million note due 2024.
Photo credit: JuliaRachelPhotography.com
One Hotel Per Week Strategy Continues for Comfort Hotels
ROCKVILLE, MD – Comfort hotels, franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc., welcomed a newly constructed Comfort Inn & Suites in Sarasota, Fla., as the brand continued its strategy of opening more than one hotel per week this year. The hotel is opening adjacent to a recently built Sleep Inn and MainStay Suites dual-brand property on the same lot.
The six-story, 107-room Comfort Inn & Suites in Sarasota is the latest to open as part of the brand’s multiyear transformation, featuring rooms and public spaces with a modern design, as well as the new Comfort logo.
The Comfort brand has more than 300 properties in its pipeline, 80 percent of which are new construction. More than 25 additional Comfort hotels are expected to open this year in major markets such as Dallas, Nashville, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, and San Diego.
Wynn Las Vegas Unveils New Spa Design
LAS VEGAS – The Spa at Wynn debuted a 45,000-square-foot retreat. “Every element of the Spa at Wynn has evolved, providing our guests with a totally new experience,” said Marilyn Spiegel, president of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore. “The striking new look is both modern and timeless, providing the perfect backdrop to the five-star service and exclusive treatments that can only be found at Wynn.”
The new design concept is rooted in a dusky color palette evoking nightfall, a visual experience heightened by accents of textured stone, sculptural metal, and organic natural elements. “We have created a space of great possibilities,” said Roger Thomas, executive vice president of Design of Wynn Design and Development. “As the guest journey unfolds, there is a sense of mystery met with uniquely personal contemplative moments.”
New furniture, fixtures, and artwork throughout were either custom designed by Thomas or commissioned from artisans to revamp each of the 44 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy areas, and dressing rooms. The treatment room corridors are lined with 28 five-foot onyx pillars topped with hand-blown Murano glass vases.