Two global companies have announced plans for notable new hotels to open in North America over the next two years.
Hyatt to Open Casino Hotel in New York City
Resort operator Genting Americas has announced plans for a new hotel located at Resorts World Casino New York City.
When it opens in the first quarter of 2021, the Hyatt Regency JFK at Resorts World New York, will have 400 guestrooms, new restaurants, 5,000 square feet of conference and meeting spaces, retail options and additional gaming areas. RWNYC is the only casino in New York City, with more than 6,000 slots and electronic table games.
“Hyatt’s global brand recognition will give Resorts World an even greater opportunity to tap into the travel and tourism market worldwide and showcase our unparalleled hospitality, gaming, dining and entertainment offerings,” said Bob DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East. “We are proud to work with such an iconic brand as we move N.Y. forward, and we are excited that guests will soon be able to enjoy an integrated casino resort experience right here in Queens.”
“We are pleased to collaborate with Genting on this exciting new property and deliver on the Hyatt Regency brand promise of making travel free from stress and filled with success,” said Pete Sears, Americas group president, Hyatt Hotels Corp. “This new hotel will be a testament to Hyatt’s commitment to growing with intent in markets that matter most to our loyal members and global guests.”
The $400 million hotel and amenities investment has been part of Genting’s vision of bringing an integrated resort to New York City. This development will bring the total investment of RWNYC to over $1.1 billion since opening in October 2011, after Genting spent more than $700 million to enhance the existing Aqueduct grandstand to become an entertainment destination. The hotel addition is estimated to create more than 500 good-paying careers for New Yorkers and provide additional revenue for New York State’s Lottery Education Fund. RWNYC has already generated nearly $3 billion for New York’s public schools.
“Resorts World Casino New York City’s partnership with Hyatt is a welcome addition to the 5th District, further adding to the thriving economic development in southeast Queens,” said Congressman Gregory Meeks. “Hyatt’s hospitality will help service the substantial tourism that comes through JFK, which serves as not just a hub to New York City, but the world. I congratulate Resorts World New York and Hyatt and look forward to seeing the jobs created in the community as a result of this partnership.”
“The hospitality industry plays a vital role in the vibrance of New York City and it is important that employment opportunities continue to thrive through them,” said Queens City Councilwoman Adrienne Adams, co-chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus. “I celebrate this milestone partnership between Resorts World and Hyatt in Queens and welcome its addition to our community.”
IHG brings Avid to Canada
IHG has broken ground on the first Canadian Avid hotel. The property, located in the Toronto suburb of Vaughan, is owned by PI Cap and is part of a pipeline of new Avid hotels currently under development across Canada.
Expected to open by spring 2022, the new Avid hotel in Vaughan will have 119 rooms across six floors. The hotel is minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport and is close to neighboring Brampton, Etobicoke and Bolton.
“On behalf of IHG and our thousands of colleagues, I congratulate PI Cap on this milestone for the Avid hotels brand in Canada,” said Karen Gilbride, VP, Avid hotels and Atwell Suites, IHG. “There are great things on the horizon as travelers continue to visit newly opened hotels and discover the Avid hotels’ experience, which is all about the basics done exceptionally well and delivered at a fair price. We believe this mainstream brand will continue to resonate strongly with hotel owners due to the lower cost to build, efficient staffing model and overall operating economics in the current environment and for years to come.”
“While we have deep roots throughout Canada [in] personal and business insurance, this property marks our first venture into the hospitality industry, and we are excited to partner with IHG to introduce the Avid brand to Canadian consumers,” said Sandeep Ahuja, co-owner of PI Cap. “We look forward to welcoming our first guests at this new property soon.”
There are more than a dozen Avid hotels now open, including the first property in Mexico, and 90 properties under construction or with plans approved for construction across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.