AMResorts, provider of sales, marketing and resort brand management services, will officially debut Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana (formerly NH Royal Beach) and Now Larimar Punta Cana (formerly NH Real Arena) in the Dominican Republic on May 1, 2011.

Hilton Worldwide has signed a franchise development deal with GS Consorcio Hotelero S.A. de C.V. for the DoubleTree by Hilton Queretaro. The four-story, new-build property, scheduled to open in Q2 2011, is anticipated to be the first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel to open in Mexico, followed by additional locations opening later this year in Merida and Mexico City.

After many years of successful operation in Old San Juan, Hard Rock International will close its San Juan cafe, located at 253 Recinto Sur Street, effective April 22, 2011. Since opening its doors in Puerto Rico in 1993, Hard Rock has enjoyed a rich history and appreciated the opportunity to serve the local community.

The Caribbean/Mexico hotel development pipeline comprises 129 hotels totaling 19,593 rooms, according to the February 2011 STR Construction Pipeline Report. “There has been a modest increase in rooms under construction in the Caribbean/Mexico region compared to the same period last year,” said Lana Yoshii, vice president of content management at STR.

The Red Carpet package from select Hilton and Doubletree by Hilton hotels and resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America includes three-night suite accommodations, airport pickup, daily spa treatments, a facial, on-property photo shoot and a gourmet dinner for two.

Hilton Hotels and Resorts unveiled a new lobby design at its Hilton McLean Virginia Tysons Corner Hotel, steps away from its corporate headquarters. The new lobby design is part of a first step toward a "transformation of the brand over the next three years," according to Dave Horton, global head of Hilton Hotels & Resorts.