Choice Hotels continues to increase its presence in the Caribbean with eight hotels already open and three more under development in the region. “The opening of the Clarion International hotel in Curacao marks the continuation of a corporate initiative to expand the presence of Choice branded hotels in the Caribbean,” said Ron Burgett, national vice president of Franchise Sales and Development. “Our focused sales and development efforts have really paid off.” Current Choice properties open in the Caribbean include: Quality Inn Governors Harbour, Bahamas; Comfort Suites Paradise Island, Bahamas; Quality Inn Nassau, Bahamas; Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands; Quality Hotel Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Clarion Hotel Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Comfort Suites, Turks & Caicos Islands Providenciales; and the Comfort Inn San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino has broken ground on its highly-anticipated $5.2 million, stand-alone oceanfront spa, scheduled to open in November 2006. The 15,000-sq.-ft. Spa, designed by Miami-based Spillis Candela, will feature two Swiss shower rooms, one couples suite, one wet-room with Vichy shower, three treatment rooms and two facial rooms.

The Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid will soon rock onto the European scene, bringing renewed vitality to the historic Gran Hotel Reina Victoria, deep in the heart of Spain´s capital. The joint venture, managed by Spanish hotel group, Sol Meliá and the U.S.-based Hard Rock, brings the Hard Rock Hotel brand to Europe for the first time ever. “We are thrilled to bring Hard Rock hotel to Europe for the very first time,” says Trevor Horwell, Vice President of Hard Rock Hotels. “The Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid will epitomize the ideal of urban luxury and is guaranteed to deliver to our guests the unique and dynamic experience for which Hard Rock has become famous.”

Following the impact of Hurricane Wilma, the Ritz-Carlton, Cancun is undergoing an extensive renovation program. Highlights include an impressive Culinary Center and the new tennis club. The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun is temporarily closed through April 30, 2006. The renovation will center around the demands of the modern sophisticated traveler. “This particular situation has brought us the opportunity to envision extra measures of comfort and expand the services that we offer.

A flurry of activity will take place across Hyatt Resorts Caribbean during 2006, with major renovations planned. Renovations include the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino. Similarly, Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club has completed its new $6.5 million golf clubhouse and golf pavilion, as well as the total renovation of all four Trent Jones, Sr. designed golf courses.

Grenada welcomes a new property. Jenny´s Place has recently debuted on the northern end of the island´s world-famous Grand Anse Beach. At Jenny´s Place, guests can choose six appointed studio apartments facing the beach.