Radisson Hotels Franchise News

March 12, 2012 // Franchising.com // Fresno, Calif.  - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the further expansion of the Park Inn by Radisson brand in North America with the opening of the Park Inn by Radisson, Fresno, Calif.
“The opening of the first Park Inn by Radisson in California represents the continued momentum of our Ambition 2015 growth strategy and is aligned with plans to grow Park Inn by Radisson as a winning midscale brand in North America,” said Thorsten Kirschke, president, Americas.
The brand has grown to more than 125 hotels in operation globally with 65 hotels currently in development.
“We look forward to offering a bright, bold and fresh, uncomplicated, friendly and fun environment that provides both business and leisure travelers with the affordable hotel experience they desire,” said Lori Lascola, chief executive officer, Global Hospitality Management, Inc...

Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts has revealed it will open a Radisson Blu Hotel in Conakry, Guinea in 2014.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, March 03, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts, part of the Rezidor Hotel Group, has announced its plans to open the Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry in Guinea. The property, which will feature 249 rooms, is scheduled to open in 2014.
Guinea is rich in minerals and other natural resources. Its mining sector and refinery industry are the driving forces behind the Western African country's economic growth, and the port and capital city of Conakry is the country's trade hub and the first stop for most international tourists visiting the country.
"We are proud to arrive in the Republic of Guinea, the 68th country where Rezidor is present," said Kurt Ritter, president & CEO of Rezidor...

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam has won Carlson Rezidor's "Global Hotel of the Year" award, beating more than 420 other Radisson hotels worldwide.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, March 02, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam has been awarded the title of "Global Hotel of the Year 2011" by the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. The property, located in the heart of Amsterdam, has been named the best of more than 420 Radisson hotels worldwide, and the leading player within the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group with regards to guest satisfaction, employee engagement, business performance, and market positioning.
"The Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam has delivered an outstanding result - not only in 2011, but over the last three years...

The Radisson Blu Hotel in Berlin has announced it is to provide Apple AirPlay in its DomLounge, introducing innovative technology and interactive communication to conferences.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, February 18, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Radisson Blu Hotel in Berlin has announced it is to offer its business guests a new dimension of conference equipment.
The first class hotel in Berlin, located right next to the magnificent Cathedral, is now offering business guests using the hotels' DomLounge the opportunity to hold conferences that benefit from innovative technology and interactive communication, as well as a breathtaking view.
"Nikolai 1", the largest conference room in the DomLounge, which offers a stunning view of the Berlin skyline, was completely redesigned within a period of four weeks and is now equipped with two movable screens, two projectors, seven 52" LCD monitors and state-of-the art Apple AirPlay technology...

Rezidor has announced the opening of a new Radisson Blu hotel located in England's East Midlands.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, November 11, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Rezidor, a rapidly expanding global hotel company, has revealed a new edition to its hotel portfolio with the opening of the brand new Radisson Blu East Midlands hotel. The hotel's general manager, Daniel Keane, said that the event came early thanks to hard work from everyone involved in the project.
The GBP22 million luxury property development is located in the England's East Midlands and offers an upscale hotel experience for both business travellers and tourists alike. For those in need of East Midlands Airport accommodation, the hotel offers a private on-site car park for 'Park and Fly' guests who require a home-base for their business travels...

October 14, 2011 // Franchising.com // Brussels - The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide and the leading international hotel operator in Russia/CIS announce the Park Inn by Radisson Donestsk. It is the very first Park Inn by Radisson hotel in Ukraine and a common project with Esta Holding, the country’s largest investor in the real estate sector. The mid-market property is being developed on the basis of the “Kiev” hotel located on Pushkin Boulevard in the center of Donetsk.
“Ukraine is a key market in Eastern Europe for us. We are already successfully operating our upper upscale brand Radisson Blu in the country, and are delighted to follow with our young and dynamic mid market brand Park Inn for which we see a considerable growth potential”, said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor...

Carlson Brings Fast-Growing Radisson Brand to Pattaya, Thailand

September 15, 2010 // Franchising.com // SINGAPORE - Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, today announced the further expansion of its vibrant Radisson® brand in one of the world's top beach resort destinations, Pattaya, Thailand. A hotel management agreement has been signed for the conversion of the Garden Cliff Resort & Spa to the upscale, full-service Radisson Resort & Spa Pattaya Bay property. The hotel will undergo a meaningful renovation and repositioning, and is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2011. The resort located in North Pattaya is within a short drive to downtown Pattaya and about 90 minutes from Bangkok.

"Carlson currently has two Radisson hotels in Thailand - one in Bangkok, the Thai capital, and another in Phuket, the country's largest island destination...

July 06, 2010 // Franchising.com // Brussels, Belgium - The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, announces the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nantes in France: The famous Palais de Justice in Nantes, capital of the Pays de la Loire region, will be converted into a magnificent 142-rooms property which will welcome the first guests in 2013. "We are delighted to announce one of the most high-profile hotel projects in Western France and to further strengthen our young and stylish Radisson Blu portfolio in the country", says Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. This new development with a strong real estate component corresponds well to AXA Real Estate's hotel investment strategy. On behalf of its clients, AXA Real Estate is currently managing 80 hotels and 12 000 rooms in Europe representing a total investment of around € 1,4 billion...

Hotel Features $5 Million in RenovationsORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson(R) Hotels & Resorts today announced the addition of the Radisson Hotel Orlando - International Drive, a 223-room hotel located at 8444 International Drive in Orlando, Fla. The hotel has recently completed a $5 million renovation affecting all guestrooms, public areas, restaurants and technology infrastructure.

The hotel will be offering special $89 introductory rates for September and October that include free breakfast buffet for both Deluxe King and Deluxe Double Queen guestrooms.

"We are proud to have the new Radisson Hotel Orlando - International Drive in our portfolio of hotels," said Domien Takx, managing director of Metropolitan Hotel Group, the parent company and owner of the hotel...

Hotel Features $8.5 Million in Renovations
BATON ROUGE, La., June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson(R) Hotels & Resorts today announced the addition of the Radisson Hotel Baton Rouge, a 132-room hotel located at 2445 S. Acadian Thruway in Baton Rouge, La., which will officially open under its new name on July 1. The hotel was converted to the Radisson brand as part of a plan to reposition the property following an $8.5 million renovation project including all guestrooms, the hotel's restaurant, Bistro 225, the Tiger Pub, the pool and tropical courtyard, and the building exterior.

"This hotel represents the vibrant new identity we're building for the Radisson brand, combining a contemporary, dynamic atmosphere with our distinctive 'Yes I Can!' service that guests will experience from the moment they walk through our doors," said Fredrik Korallus, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Radisson Hotels & Resorts...

Hotel Features $6.5 Million in Renovations
ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson(R) Hotels & Resorts today announced the addition of a 460-room hotel located at 120 East Main Street in Rochester, N.Y., as the Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside. The hotel will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2:30 p.m. this afternoon. The hotel was converted to the Radisson brand as part of a plan to reposition the property following a $6.5 million renovation project including all guestrooms, three ballrooms, 12 meeting rooms and Legends Sports Bar & Grille, Rochester's newest restaurant.

"We are delighted that the Radisson brand now includes Rochester's largest conference center and hotel, which has the distinction of hosting many of the city's top events," said Fredrik Korallus, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Radisson Hotels & Resorts...

February 18, 2009 // Franchising.com // Yuma, Ariz. --– Radisson Hotels & Resorts today announced the February 19 grand opening of the Radisson Hotel Yuma, a $17 million, 154-room property located at 1501 South Redondo Center Drive.

"This new Radisson represents our brand commitment to deliver contemporary, upscale hospitality products and services for today's travelers," said Fredrik Korallus, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Radisson Hotels & Resorts. "With full service offerings including a wine bar and bistro, fitness facilities, business center, complimentary high speed Internet and swimming pools, our guests will enjoy the distinctive 'Yes, I Can!' service that distinguishes Radisson Hotels & Resorts," Korallus stated...

February 05, 2009 // Franchising.com // Minneapolis, Minn. ---- Radisson Hotels & Resorts® today announced that 170 Radisson SAS locations operated by The Rezidor Hotel Group in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) will be changing their name to Radisson Blu.

The change is taking place because the SAS Group, former owner of Rezidor, sold the company in a public offering in November 2006, and no longer has a formal connection with the Radisson brand. Rezidor is the master franchisor of the Radisson brand in EMEA.

The new name was announced today by Kurt Ritter, president and CEO of The Rezidor Hotel Group, at the grand opening of the first Radisson Blu, the stunning new Radisson Blu Hotel at Zurich Airport in Switzerland...

MINNEAPOLIS, June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R) today announced the launch of two new Bed & Breakfast packages designed for both couples and families seeking convenience and added value this summer. The Bed & Breakfast packages include special breakfast vouchers for families and couples, along with 2,000 bonus Gold Points(R) from the company's goldpoints plus(SM) loyalty program. The packages are available at all Radisson properties throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean from July 1 through Sept. 15, 2008.

"The Bed & Breakfast packages we're offering Radisson guests this summer combine a high quality breakfast featuring selections from our Tasteful Choices menu available at most hotels and a great night's sleep, including the option of a Sleep Number(R) bed that enables guests to adjust the firmness of their mattress to suit their comfort," said Baron Carr, vice president of Brand Marketing for Carlson Hotels Worldwide, parent company of Radisson Hotels & Resorts...

Property Invests $4 million, Adds 52 New Suites

DALLAS, June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Harrell Hospitality Group LLC today announced the Radisson Hotel Dallas Love Field has been renamed as the Radisson Hotel & Suites Dallas Love Field. The 297-room hotel, located on 1241 West Mockingbird Lane, near Love Field Airport and less than 12 miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, just completed more than $4 million in renovations including the addition of 52 new suites.

"With the addition of these suites, our hotel has established itself as a premier lodging destination in the greater Dallas area," said Mark Hamner, director of Operations at the Radisson Hotel & Suites Dallas Love Field...

May 23, 2008 // Franchising.com // Nashua, NH — Carlson Hotels Worldwide today announced the 330-room Radisson Hotel Nashua located at 11 Tara Boulevard in Nashua, NH, is undergoing an $8 million renovation. Expected to be complete by November 2008, upgrades to the seven story "castle" style hotel will include the creation of 14 unique suites and renovations to the guest rooms, spa facilities, and all meeting space including New Hampshire's largest Ballroom.

"Radisson is focused on delivering the highest quality product and service for today's travelers," said Steve Lambert, General Manager of the hotel. "The hotel's renovation supports our brand commitment to be the best in class and provide guests with an unforgettable lodging experience...

But Boomers and Gen X/Y Both Vote for Comfort and Connectivity When on the Road

MINNEAPOLIS, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent survey* of business travelers reveals that, despite differing opinions on the upcoming presidential race, both Boomers and Generation X/Y agree on how to stay happy on the road. Nearly half of Boomers (44 percent) surveyed intend to back John McCain in November's election and a majority (32 percent) of Gen X/Y plan to vote for Hillary Clinton, but there's a clear consensus on what is most important to them to stay productive on business trips. Half of Boomers and nearly that many Gen X/Y (48 percent) think a comfortable bed is the most important hotel feature when traveling for business, and more than one third of both groups indicated the quickest way to get stressed during their business trip was through a slow or nonexistent hotel Internet connection...

PHILADELPHIA, May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R) today announced the hiring of James Riker as the new general manager of one of its marquee properties, the Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel Philadelphia located at 1701 Locust Street just off the world-renowned Rittenhouse Square, the city's most prestigious residential, commercial and business district. Riker brings more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry to the position.

Most recently, Riker was with the Waterford Hotel Group serving as general manager at the Hilton Hartford Hotel in Connecticut. Prior to that role, Riker was with Waterford serving as regional hotel director with responsibility for multiple brands. Riker was previously general manager at the Radisson Greystone Castle in Denver and assistant general manager at the Radisson Hotel Pontchartrain in Detroit...

Campaign Focuses on Evolution of 'Stay Your Own Way' Philosophy

MINNEAPOLIS, April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R), the upscale brand from Carlson Hotels Worldwide, today announced the launch of a new advertising campaign in North America focusing on the fundamentals of what travelers want from a hotel. The new campaign extends Radisson's "Stay Your Own Way" philosophy. Beginning in April, the multi-million dollar campaign will be featured throughout 2008 with print ads, online media, customer relationship management (CRM) communications and placement with signage in several key gateway airports in the United States.

"Frequent travelers tell us that they're primarily interested in the amenities and services that can help them save time and be more productive," said Baron Carr, vice president of Brand Marketing for Carlson Hotels Worldwide...

Radisson Suites Hotel Tucson Aiport Features Nearly 12,000 Square Feet of Function Space

TUCSON, Ariz., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson Hotels & Resorts today announced the 204-room hotel located at 7051 South Tucson Boulevard in Tucson, Ariz., has been renamed as the Radisson Suites Hotel Tucson Airport. The hotel was recently converted as part of a plan to reposition the property and includes a renovation to all guestrooms and public areas that began in October 2007.

"Bringing the Radisson Suites Hotel Tucson Airport property under the Radisson brand greatly enhances our presence in the market and enables guests traveling to Tucson the opportunity to take advantage of innovative services the brand offers such as Express Yourself online check-in and share their stay preferences so they can stay their own way" said Nancy Johnson, executive vice president of Franchise Operations for Radisson Hotels & Resorts...