Latest news with #ResidenceInn
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Boise to welcome ‘crown jewel' of hotels on Grove Street. What's coming?
The newest hotel in downtown Boise is edging closer to opening in an area that has seen a wild transformation since the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction crews, city officials, businessmen and developers celebrated a 'topping off' ceremony Wednesday for the incoming 15-story, dual-branded AC and Element Marriott hotel at 1011 W. Grove St. Attendees signed the final structural beam before a crane lifted it atop the building. The AC Hotel will offer a 'sleek, modern experience' with a European style, while the Element Hotel will focus on 'wellness, sustainability and extended-stay comfort,' said Mike Webster, the president of Eagle's Pennbridge Hospitality, which is building the hotels. The two hotels will be within the same building with a shared lobby. The 175-room AC will offer a minimalist experience, while all rooms in the 121-room Element will have kitchens and complimentary breakfasts. 'We think we're bringing something truly unique to the Boise market,' Webster said. The estimated $100 million hotel will include 296 rooms with 10 suites, 9,000 square feet of meeting space, a fitness center and an outdoor roof deck with a spa, barbecues and fire pits on the fifth floor. On the 16th floor, the hotel will include a full-service restaurant and bar called the Boise Post flanked by two rooftop decks. According to Tom Whitney, vice president of development at Pennbridge, the restaurant will use local ingredients in global dishes — such as a Thai larb salad with smoked Idaho trout or churros with Idaho potato flour. The restaurant will be open to the public, too. 'This will really be a crown jewel of the Boise hotel scene,' Whitney said. 'This property will be a landmark.' The building has been under construction for 17 months, and it still has about nine months until crews finish, Whitney said. The hotel is Pennbridge's 14th and its fifth in Idaho. The company's portfolio includes two hotels in Twin Falls, two Marriott hotels in Boise and the 10-story Residence Inn that opened on Capitol Boulevard in October 2017. The new hotel will 'be a great compliment' to the Residence Inn, said Tom Lewis, one of two principals and cofounders of Pennbridge along with Jared Smith. The building has been a long-time coming. The company bought the parking lot that filled the site in January 2020, according to Smith. Then the pandemic hit two months later, parking revenue went to zero, and the duo questioned what they were doing. 'The sun is much brighter in June of 2025 than it was in June of 2020,' Smith said. In that period, a wave of new hotels and redevelopment swept through downtown Boise — focusing heavily on properties surrounding the 11th and Grove street intersection where the AC and Element Hotel is going up. The 122-room Hotel Renegade opened on the northwest corner in May 2024, followed two months later by the boutique Sparrow hotel with 66 rooms on the northeast corner. Both Hotel Renegade and the AC and Element hotels filled former parking lots. Mayor Lauren McLean said the new hotels are helping link the core of downtown to other parts of downtown along Grove Street. 'We have seen so much progress and development right here in an area that was pretty quiet just a couple years ago at the beginning of COVID,' McLean said at the event. 'And it has come to life.' Cody Lund, the executive director of the Boise Centre, told the Idaho Statesman after the Sparrow opened that the city continues to see more demand than hotels have room for. The new Pennbridge hotel could make a dent in that demand, but local hoteliers say the city is still lacking a large-scale hotel with 600 rooms or more that could help bring in bigger conventions or events. The 296 rooms of the new hotel would get close, but not surpass, the largest hotel in the Greater Boise Auditorium District's boundaries: the Riverside Hotel in Garden City, with 300 rooms. But it would dethrone the largest in Boise: the Grove Hotel on Boulevard, with 250 rooms. Thought shopping malls were dead? This developer wants to bring one back to life As Boise area grapples with change, more homes get OK for busy transit corridor Harris Ranch could soon add businesses, shopping & food carts. What's the plan? A historic Boise home could be demolished over safety concerns. What happened?
Los Angeles Times
14-05-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Trial begins for woman accused of masterminding fatal shooting in Fountain Valley
A 29-year-old woman recruited a 'killer with a smile' to gun down a friend in Fountain Valley she suspected of leaking her hiding place from an ex-boyfriend, a prosecutor told jurors Wednesday, while the defendant's attorney argued the shooter 'went rogue' and said her client had nothing to do with it. Mary Diedra Chavez is charged with murder with special circumstances of lying in wait for the victim and conspiracy to commit murder. Co-defendant Oliver Reynaldo Leon, who is facing the death penalty, is set to go on trial separately. Chavez, known as Mumbles, had been convicted on drug dealing and forcing currency and was on probation when she was accused of 'masterminding' the July 19, 2021, execution-style killing of 26-year-old Phia Marie Albanese, Senior Deputy Dist. Atty. Nick Thomo said in court papers. In July of 2021, Chavez was 'dating' Gustavo Alvarezmoreno, whose nickname was Clumsy, while he was in prison for carjacking, Thomo said. Previously, she had been dating 'J.J.' and was the getaway driver in an attack on her ex-boyfriend, Thomo J.J. survived the attack, she feared retaliation and began 'bouncing around from Airbnb to Airbnb to hide from J.J.,' Thomo said in his opening statement of the trial. Her friend, Albanese, was also dating someone behind bars, so the two agreed to hang out, Thomo said. 'Guess who shows up at her door? Thomo said. 'J.J.' Chavez figured Albanese told J.J. where to find the defendant, Thomo said. 'Consumed by her rage over a friend's betrayal,' she 'invited' Leon and other associates to get together for a meeting to plan revenge, Thomo alleged. 'They all decided Phia has to die,' Thomo said. Police were called at 6:11 p.m. July 19, 2021, to 10372 Amberwood Circle regarding a traffic collision and found the victim's body in a Volkswagen Jetta, which was still in drive and on a front lawn, Thomo said. She was still buckled in the driver's seat and sustained three gunshot wounds to the back of her head and one to her left hand, Thomo said. Police found a receipt for the Residence Inn in Tustin in the vehicle and when they went to the room the victim rented they talked to Lisa Bergstrom, who told investigators Albanese had received a phone call alerting her that someone was vandalizing her car, Thomo said. The prosecutor alleged this was part of the plan to 'lure' the victim out of the hotel to kill her. When the two went out to check the Jetta, Chavez drove up in a Mercedes Benz with Leon and another man, Thomo said. Albanese left with Chavez and the others, Thomo said. Video surveillance from the hotel showed the Mercedes entering the parking lot at 4:44 p.m. the day of the killing, Thomo said. Albanese's vehicle left the hotel at 5:40 p.m. with Chavez in the front passenger seat, while one of her friends trailed in Chavez's Mercedes, Thomo said. 'This is not a whodunnit,' Thomo said. 'The shooter is Mr. Leon. The mastermind is the defendant.' Chavez drove her friends back to Los Angeles and dropped them off after the fatal shooting, Thomo said. Some of the evidence in the case will come from jailhouse phone calls, Thomo said. Chavez and her boyfriend discussed the hit on the victim, he alleged. Leon 'is the guy you bring around when you want someone killed,' Thomo said. After the shooting, Chavez called her boyfriend in jail and 'tried to be a sophisticated crook,' feigning surprise at Albanese's killing, Thomo said. 'She pretends like she didn't know what happened to Phia,' Thomo said. 'She tries to set up her alibi, but [her boyfriend] doesn't catch on,' so she changes the subject, Thomo said. Leon is 'a killer with a smile... Those are his words, not mine,' Thomo said. At one point in a jailhouse call, Leon expressed disappointment that his photo wasn't included in a newspaper account of the killing and referred to himself as a killer with a smile,' Thomo said. Chavez's attorney, Jessica Ann Sweeney of the Orange County public defender's office, said Leon 'went rogue,' and said the 'situation was out of Mary's control.' Chavez 'never wanted Oliver to kill Phia. She's not guilty of murder or lying in wait,' Sweeney said. 'The truth is this was a chaotic, drug-fueled series of events,' Sweeney said. Chavez had survived childhood sexual abuse, and her ex-boyfriend had beaten her while she was pregnant, Sweeney said. At the time she was trying to pull her life back together, the defense attorney said. Chavez was staying with Jennifer Jacobs in a rented Airbnb at the time, Sweeney said. Jacobs told investigators Chavez admitted directing the killing of the victim, Thomo said, but Sweeney told jurors that the witness hada motive to lie as she cut a plea deal. Chavez 'was hiding from' her ex-boyfriend, Sweeney said. She called Leon for protection, Sweeney said. 'Her main concern was getting out of that Airbnb alive,' Sweeney said. Chavez even left behind a letter for her godmother in case she was killed, Sweeney said. Chavez never told Leon to kill the victim, and 'she did consider Phia her friend,' Sweeney said. 'She just wanted Oliver there for protection,' Sweeney said. 'She didn't want Oliver to hurt Phia. There was no plan. There was no agreement.' Leon ingested methamphetamine before the shooting and 'got angry and impatient,' Sweeney said. Before the shooting, Leon told Chavez 'to get out of the car,' Sweeney said. Chavez 'thought she would be next' to get killed, Sweeney said. In the past, Chavez told Leon not to beat someone up, and he honored that, so the defendant thought he wouldn't kill Albanese, Sweeney said. 'She thought she could trust him on his word and obviously she couldn't,' Sweeney said. 'Oliver promised not to do anything.'
Hospitality Net
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Huntington Hotel Group Opens New Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites by Marriott in San Luis Obispo, CA
Huntington Hotel Group proudly announces the grand opening of the new, dual-branded Residence Inn by Marriott San Luis Obispo and SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Luis Obispo, California. Located at 701 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, this modern property offers travelers a vibrant, comfortable experience with easy access to everything the California Central Coast has to offer. Perfectly situated next to the newly developed SLO Ranch Farms & Marketplace, the hotel gives guests immediate access to local produce, artisan shops and community events. Just minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly, and top destinations like Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and Edna Valley Wine Country, the location offers a convenient home base for both leisure and business travelers. A Blend of Comfort and Style The property features two unique brands under one roof, catering to a variety of traveler needs: Residence Inn by Marriott Extended-stay suites with full kitchens and comfortable living spaces - Ideal for longer stays, relocations, and corporate assignments SpringHill Suites by Marriott Contemporary all-suite accommodations with separate living and sleeping areas - Stylish design perfect for weekend getaways and business travel Shared Amenities Include: Complimentary hot breakfast served daily - Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel - Outdoor pool with lounge seating - Modern fitness center with cardio and weight equipment - On-site bar and grill - Pet-friendly accommodations The hotel is led by General Manager Golda Escalante, whose hospitality expertise ensures a guest experience defined by comfort, convenience, and exceptional service. Strategic Investment Partnership The project was developed in partnership with EB5 Capital and Somera Capital Management. Hotel website
Edinburgh Live
05-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh hotel guest fumes as 'smirking' manager 'smiles' at dire complaint
The manager of a hotel in the Quartermile area of Edinburgh has apologised to a guest who left them a one-star review on TripAdvisor, claiming that the hotel was "pathetic" with "rude" staff. The customer was staying at the Residence Inn on Simpson Loan and was left unsatisfied by the standard of his room and the customer service he received when he complained about the state of the facilities. Sharing their thoughts on the hotel, which boasts 1,516 reviews with an average of 4.2-star rating on the platform, the guest said: "Pathetic property and even more rude staff. The complete room was falling apart, dishwasher broken, wardrobe doors not closing, bathroom everything was coming apart. Bed was horrible as well. "When I complained at the reception, they say, they are aware that the hotel need "renovation". So why the hell you guys are even taking reservations." When they went to complain about the issues with their room, they weren't happy with the treatment that they received from the front desk staff. The reviewer continued: "There front office manager lady was smirking and smiling when I was complaining about the issue and had no interest to resolve the issue. "They claimed to offer 15% discount on my booking but never shared any proof if they have refunded the same or not. Its already more than 10 days and no refund yet. "STAY AWAY from this property and very rude staff." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Management at the hotel, which is owned by Marriott International, have since apologised to the guest for "failing to meet their expectations." The manager said: "We're truly sorry to hear that your stay didn't meet your expectations. You will know from your travels and if you have stayed with Marriott before that guest satisfaction is a proud focus for us, so I want to thank you for your feedback and we appreciate you bringing the issues to our attention. "So, we can better address the issues you experienced, we kindly ask that you email our reception team at riedinburgh@ with your room number and/or reservation name – unfortunately we cannot locate your room number with your Trip Advisor alias name. This will also help us investigate the progress of your refund. "Providing the highest level of hospitality is our number one priority and we sincerely apologise again for failing to meet your expectations." While this guest didn't enjoy his experience at the Residence Inn Edinburgh, many others have loved their stay there. The hotel has a total of 744 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. One pleased customer praised the 'fabulous staff', they said: "The Quartermile development on the edge of the University of Edinburgh campus is a good location. The hotel is in a newer building that handsomely sits between historic buildings... "But best of all are the amazingly friendly and supportive staff. Special thanks to Abbie and to Cal at the front desk who provided assistance far beyond my expectations. Well done!" Another added: "The Residence Inn was in a great location in Scotland. A short walk up to catch the on/off bus and a walk to get up to the Royal Mile. Such a magical place with so much history to explore. All the hotel staff were kind and willing to help with suggestions."
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Woman accused of hosting sister's Sweet 16 hotel party with guns, drugs, nearly 30 teens
A woman is facing felony charges after police say they found guns and drugs inside a Buckhead hotel room where she was hosting her sister's sweet 16 birthday party. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Atlanta police told Channel 2's Michael Seiden it happened at the Residence Inn on Piedmont Road. When officers responded to the hotel Sunday night, they said they knocked on a guest's door and met 27-year-old Keona Presley. According to an arrest affidavit, the officers smelled marijuana coming from the room. Once inside, officers counted 27 teenagers, some as young as 14, partying in a room with no adults except for Presley. Officers also found three guns, one in the bathroom and two others hidden under a mattress. Police say one of those guns was reported stolen, and both were equipped with switches that can turn the guns fully automatic. Presley bonded out of jail Tuesday. When asked for comment, she said she was busy at work and would prefer to discuss the allegations in person. TRENDING STORIES: STORY 1 STORY 2 STORY 3 [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
