Scandic and IKEA team up and other international hotel news

Scandic and IKEA team up
European hotel company Scandic is partnering with furniture company IKEA to develop a 300-room hotel in Moscow, ready to debut in 2010.The hotel, which will be built and owned by IKEA, but operated by Scandic, will also include conference facilities, restaurants and a fitness centre, and will be situated in Moscow's Khimki Business Park. Frank Fiskers, Scandic CEO, says that it is "extremely satisfying" to further the company's goal of expanding their business into Russia, particularly with "a prominent partner like IKEA".

Morgans Hotel Group announces new hotel in Palm SpringsMorgans Hotel Group (MHG) is set to develop a 200-room Mondrian hotel in California's Palm Springs for 2010. Located in downtown Palm Springs on Amado Road, the hotel will include a ballroom, board room and cinema. The resort will also boast a spa, fitness centre, pool, bar and restaurant. MHG is operating the hotel on a 10-year contract and is offering residences for sale at the resort.

JJW buy two properties in the Algarve for €180mJJW Hotels & Resorts have bought Le Meridien Penina Golf and Resort and Le Meridien Dona Filipa on Portugal's Algarve coast for circa €180m (£134m). At 154-room Meridien Dona Filipa, JJW intend to improve performance by developing an all-suites hotel or condo-hotel at San Lorenzo golf course and by adding an indoor swimming pool, spa, new rooms and suites. They also intend to restructure areas at 196-room Le Meridien Penina Golf Resort by adding a dedicated conference centre and new golf suites, as well as a new pool and spa.

Rotana set to launch new property in Abu Dhabi MarinaRotana Hotels and National Investment Corporation have signed a partnership agreement to manage a 600-room luxury property in Abu Dhabi Marina in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Located on the breakwater island development and overlooking the famed Abu Dhabi Corniche, it will include a restaurant, café, meeting rooms, fitness club and swimming pool.

Aldar Properties signs agreement with InterContinental Aldar Properties and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) are developing a number of new IHG branded hotels in Abu Dhabi. These hotels will include a Crowne Plaza with 430 rooms and apartments as well as a 165-suite Staybridge Suites hotel. Both are set to open in 2009 and will be in the heart of Aldar's YAS island development, near to the racetrack, links golf course and world class theme parks. A 300-room InterContinental hotel will also open in 2011 at Al Raha Beach.

By Joe Chapman

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