Hilton’s journey to space, Hyatt’s new Japanese hotel brand, and other hotel news you might have missed

Every month when I sit down to write my monthly hotel news column, I ask: How is it (insert new month here)?

I know that time is an unstoppable force, but here I am wondering how October has come.

It seems like just yesterday we were lounging by the pool in our swimsuits, reaching for sunscreen and watching the sun go down into the evening. But now, I’ve pulled my sweater out of storage and I’m reporting on the best hotels to see the beautiful fall foliage.

At the beginning of the month, I had to do the best task of my life: TPG sent me to Tennessee to sleep two nights on Dolly Parton’s retired tour bus at her resort in Dollywood. So really, I can’t complain at all. I had a perfect summer.

In the hotel world, a lot happened in September, and while we do our best to work it all out, sometimes there are stories we save to share with you, such as Hyatt launches a new brand in Japan (that is is finally expected to reopen to tourists in October) and Marriott’s expansion in the Asia Pacific region.

Here are all the exciting hotel news you might have missed in September.

Hyatt’s New Japanese Hotel Brand

This month, Hyatt teamed up with Japanese brand Kiraku to launch a new series of “modern-style hot spring ryokans,” essentially Japanese-style inns, called Atona. While specifics about the cottages have yet to be announced, Hyatt said the ryokans will be scattered throughout different parts of Japan and centered around hot springs. Each will reflect “the unique charm of each region’s architecture, design, cuisine, activities and hospitality.”

It is currently unclear whether Atona (whose name means “me and you” in Japanese) will participate Hyatt’s World. Our prediction is that the brand will eventually join the program, as Hyatt owns 50% of the joint venture.

In September, Japan announced plans to reopen to tourists starting October 11, and visitors from 68 countries – including the US, UK and Canada – will be able to enter without need a visa. We are still awaiting news on what COVID-19 claims, if any, will be made.

For now, it looks like it will be a while before we can test Atona for ourselves, but as we know more about the upcoming brand, we’ll share all the details.

Version headed to Lake Como

Edition is my favorite brand in the Marriott portfolio thanks to its pleasant cool feel, Le Labo scent, and chic, modern yet unfussy design. Although I didn’t get a chance to spend the night, Madrid version Probably the most beautiful hotel lobby I’ve witnessed this year.

Now, Marriott (along with Bain Capital Credit and Omnam Group) has announced the brand will set up shop in Lake Como, Italy. Set in 2025, Lake Como Edition will feature 145 guest rooms and two penthouses as well as a lounge bar, multiple restaurants and a floating pool in a 19th-century building on the lake’s west side.

Earlier this year, Ian Schrager, the man behind Edition and the boutique hotel movement, signaled that he was leaving the Edition brand. However, that hasn’t stopped Edition from announcing upcoming locations, such as the recently opened Tampa outpost and a healthy system of projects around the world.

Marriott’s rapid expansion in Asia Pacific

Much of the Asia Pacific region remained closed to tourists until recently, so it’s exciting that many destinations – including Australia, New Zealand and Japan – have reopened or are doing so. plans to reopen to tourists. Behind the scenes, major hotel companies have been expanding rapidly in the region. They are also fighting to win over high-spending travelers who frequent luxury hotels. Marriott is no exception.

In September, the company announced that, by the end of next year, it would open 14 new luxury properties in the Asia Pacific region, which currently operates more than 150 hotels and resorts. Spanning 13 different countries, some of the upcoming openings include new properties from brands like the Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, Edition, JW Marriott and Bulgari.

A few places I particularly enjoyed include the W Sydney in Darling Harbour, the third W hotel in Australia; The Tokyo version, Ginza (yes, I really love the franchise), is the second outpost in Japan; and the sleek Bulgari Hotel Tokyo for sure.

Hilton will work with Voyager “to develop Space Hospitality’s crew headquarters on Starlab, including common areas, hotel suites, and sleeping arrangements for the astronauts,” according to a statement. statement from the company. The partners will also work together to find “more enduring efforts that include ground-to-space space travel experiences, global marketing and branding collaborations, and end-to-end efforts.” tourism, education and other trade.”