Worldwide briefing

Golden Tulip takes over five German and Austrian hotels
Golden Tulip Hospitality has announced the takeover of five hotels in Germany and Austria from 1 April. Three hotels, the Golden Tulip Lubecker Hof, the Golden Tulip Wolfenbuttel, and the Golden Tulip President Wien have been with Golden Tulip for a number of years under a franchise agreement. But the Golden Tulip Hamburg Aviation, which is due to open in autumn this year, and the Tulip Inn Munich Airport are new additions. The company now has 32 hotels and inns in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Oberoi appoints new general manager for Bali
Pierre Berclaz has been appointed general manager for the Oberoi Bali. Berclaz, who began his career in Switzerland, had been general manager at the American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem, Israel for the past five years where he was responsible for the property winning numerous awards. Berclaz said he wanted to make the Oberoi synonymous with luxury and the first choice for the discerning customer. The Oberoi Rajvilas, in Jaipur, India was voted the top hotel for delivering the best experience at the best value by the Travel and Leisure Awards recently.

Mandarin Oriental San Francisco to be refurbished
The Mandarin Oriental San Francisco has said the total redesign of its 158 rooms and suites will be completed by spring 2006. The beds are oversized and have been installed to enable city views to be seen even when lying in bed and the headboard has a glowing circular motif. Designer Susan Caruso said: "I took into account everything a guest could possibly need. I felt the rooms needed to be bold to complement the incredible views."

Maroma Resort reopens in Mexico
The Maroma resort and spa on Mexico's Riviera Maya re-opened this week with eight new beach front spa villas. The 64-room boutique hotel had been closed for repairs following Hurricane Wilma, which hit the coast in October last year. The property, which is owned by Orient-Express Hotels has developed individual spa spaces for each suite, as well as private plunge pools and wellness areas.

NH hotels sees profits rise by 13%
Spanish hotel company NH Hotels announced a 13% rise in net profit to €62.2m (£43.2m) in 2005. Hotel revenues rose 4.9% to €897.5m (£623.2m), with revenue per available room increases of 4.3%. Occupancy rate was 66.8% for the year but average price fell by 0.8% to €71.20 (£49.40). A statement from NH Hotels said: "In the fourth quarter the ratios improved, with an average occupation in comparable hotels of 68.3% and an average price of €72.20 (£50.10).

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts launches new green initiative Concierge staff at Fairmont properties in North America will soon be checking in guests using wind-powered front desk computers. The Eco-Logo certified wind power for 249 check-in computers will result in a greenhouse gas reduction of nearly 100 tonnes over the next year. Michelle White, Fairmont's manager of environmental affairs said: "It's important for Fairmont to take this logical step and continue to support sustainable technology.

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