Making Moves in Management: Azul, Hogan, Key Management; More…

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Management companies in the U.S. and abroad are making strategic moves in the industry. Here’s a look at what’s new:

Azul Hospitality Group to Manage Eight Pinnacle-Owned Hotels

Azul Hospitality Group and Pinnacle Hotels USA entered into an agreement for Azul to manage eight Pinnacle properties under a long-term contract.

The eight Pinnacle properties, totaling more than 1,600 rooms, are strategically located throughout the western U.S. and include:

  • Hyatt Regency North Dallas – Dallas
  • Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center – Riverside, CA
  • Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Downtown – San Diego
  • Courtyard by Marriott Del Mar/Solana Beach – Solana Beach, CA
  • Doubletree by Hilton Austin University/Downtown Area – Austin, TX
  • Doubletree by Hilton Austin Northwest Arboretum – Austin, TX
  • Comfort Inn & Suites San Diego – Zoo/ SeaWorld Area – San Diego
  • Days Inn Encinitas Moonlight Beach – Encinitas, CA

“Azul uses a hands-on and passionate operating approach very similar to Pinnacle and will work with us as partners ensuring the success of the hotels. They provide significant expertise particularly in the areas of sales and food & beverage and will add great value to areas of operations that need improvement,” said Dr. Barry Lall, president/CEO of Pinnacle Hotels USA. “We have had a remarkable journey all of these years as an operator, but it is time for me to step aside and put our hotels in the most capable hands.”

Hogan Hospitality Group Acquires Marin Management

Hogan Hospitality Group (HHG), a hotel management company with flagship properties in the state of Hawaii, has obtained a majority interest in Marin Management Inc. (MMI), a California-based hospitality group managing properties in California, Arizona and Texas. With the acquisition, HHG adds 17 hotels, restaurants and spas to its diverse portfolio, with the majority of properties located in California.

John Manderfeld, founder and president of Marin Management Inc., will remain president following the acquisition. HHG will work closely with MMI leadership to continue providing exceptional support and management to hotel owners, while developing strategies for growth into new markets.

Key Management Group Moves to The Netherlands

Expanding its hotel & resort management and marketing presence to Europe, Key Management Group LLC has relocated its corporate headquarters from Absecon, NJ to the city of Hilversum in North Holland, The Netherlands, near Amsterdam. The international hospitality management company specializes in the development, operation and marketing of independent, branded, boutique and condo-hotels, including several properties in the Dutch Caribbean.

“With nearly two decades of industry experience and a growing presence in Aruba, Curacao and Suriname, we saw new sales and operational opportunities in establishing a strong presence in Holland and in Europe,” said Managing Partner Albert Laclé. “The Netherlands Antilles are a top destination market for European travelers and especially the Dutch. Relocating to a commercial hub such as North Holland will open many new business opportunities for Key Management Group and for our properties.”

Davidson Hotels & Resorts Welcomes The Camby Hotel

Davidson Hotels & Resorts has expanded its Pivot Hotels & Resorts portfolio with the addition of The Camby Hotel, a luxury boutique 277-room property in Phoenix. This is Pivot’s third property managed for Host Hotels & Resorts, as well as its second in Marriott’s Autograph Collection.

HMC to Manage Four Points by Sheraton in Little Rock, AR

Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) has added the 263-room Four Points by Sheraton in Little Rock, AR, to its portfolio of managed hotels. HMC continues its ongoing business expansion which is made up of full-service, conference center, select-service and limited-service hotels.

Crescent Hotels & Resorts adds Hilton Greenville

The 256 room Hilton Greenville Hotel in Greenville, SC is now being managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts. The property is a short distance from the city’s downtown area and proximate to a shopping and business district.

Bellstar Hotels & Resorts Adds Kelowna to Portfolio

The Calgary, Alberta-based hotel and resort management company has added Kelowna’s The Royal Private Residences Club to its expanding portfolio of western Canadian resorts. As of Sept. 29, Bellstar will be overseeing the management of the 70-unit hotel currently managed by Marriott International’s Delta Hotels brand.