Category: Hotels

Pune: Out of 89 Unauthorized Rooftop Hotels, Only Nine Face Legal Action

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Pune: Notices were sent to 76 of the 89 unauthorized rooftop hotels in Pune city. Of these, action was taken against 53 hotels. Six hotel owners have removed the unauthorized construction on their own. Seven hotels have ceased use. Seven hotel owners have secured a stay on the proceedings. The nine hotels have been booked under Section 52 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act.

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In different parts of the city, the hotel business is being done by setting up sheds on the terraces of buildings, as well as in common spaces. This creates a parking problem on the roads of the area, and the hotels remain open until late at night, causing inconvenience to the residents of the area. There are frequent complaints from citizens about parking and noise pollution. Taking cognizance of this, the PMC had started taking action against rooftop hotels.

After a builder’s son drove a speeding car in front of the Bowler Pub in Kalyaninagar which resulted in the deaths of two people, the PMC has ordered an inspection of illegal constructions in pubs, hotels, and restaurants and has sent a team to inspect the Bowler Pub.

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Hotel owners’ association moves HC against full day ban on sale of liquor on LS polls counting day

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An association of owners of hotels, restaurants and bars on Tuesday moved the Bombay High Court, challenging the orders passed by the Mumbai city and suburban Collectors, declaring the entire day of June 4, when the votes of the Lok Sabha elections will be counted, as a dry day.

A dry day means the purchase and consumption of alcohol are completely restricted at stores, restaurants and other places.

The Indian Hotel & Restaurant Association (AHAR) filed two separate petitions through advocates Veena Thadani and Vishal Thadani, claiming that it was arbitrary to ban the sale of liquor for the entire day as the counting of votes is likely to be completed and the election results would be declared by afternoon.

The plea is likely to be heard on Wednesday by a vacation bench.

As per the plea, the petitioner association had in April approached the Mumbai City Collector and the Mumbai District Suburban Collector, requesting them to review their decision declaring the entire day of June 4 as a dry day.

However, the collectors said no such review could be done as the orders were passed according to the directives from the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The petitions claimed that the association members pay huge amounts as license fees to the state government for carrying on business, whereas there are several illicit liquor manufacturers and bootleggers who have been manufacturing and selling illicit liquor as well as Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer in Mumbai.

Whenever the authorized outlets for sale of liquor are closed, for various reasons, such as illegal businesses thrive and bootleggers make huge profits through the illegal and illicit sale of liquor, taking advantage of the fact that liquor is not officially available.

The pleas sought for the collectors’ orders to be modified to state that the establishments which sell liquor be permitted to open up for business after the declaration of results instead of the whole day.

CHRAJ acknowledges receipt of Ablakwa’s petition

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CHRAJ acknowledges receipt of Ablakwa’s petition

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has received the petition filed by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, against the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) over the sale of some hotels to the Minister for Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.

Mr Ablakwa, on Thursday, May 16, petitioned CHRAJ to investigate and stop the sale of the hotel to the Abetifi MP.

The hotels include Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and the Trust Lodge Hotel.

In a statement on Monday, May 20, 2024, CHRAJ acknowledged receipt of the petition and assured that it would revert to Mr. Ablakwa at the appropriate time.

Meanwhile, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), which is responsible for the sale, has defended the move, stating that it was made to raise capital to invest in their hotels and assist in their management.

According to SSNIT, the process began in 2018 through International Competitive Tendering (ICT) processes, as prescribed by the Public Procurement Act.

Find below the statement by CHRAJ

CHRAJ acknowledges receipt of Ablakwa’s petition

Ablakwa to petition Bagbin over Bryan Acheampong’s bid

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The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says he will petition the Speaker of Parliament regarding the failure of the Abetifi Member of Parliament, Dr Bryan Acheampong, to seek permission from the Speaker’s office in his attempt to purchase SSNIT’s shares in four hotels.

Mr Ablakwa has already petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate and halt the sale of the hotels, which include Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, and Ridge Royal Hotel, to the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong.

In an interview with CitiNewsthe North Tongu MP expressed confidence that the Speaker will take the appropriate actions to halt the sale.

“I intend to bring this development to the attention of the Speaker, that a Member of Parliament and a Minister of State have violated Article 78 and Article 98 of the Constitution. Its authority has been undermined. And it is because of developments like this, where there will be a conflict of interest, the constitutional provision is very clear, because in that process you must prove that the business transaction you are going to engage in will not lead to a conflict of interest .

That is the same as what the Constitution provides. And yes, SSNIT did not check if Bryan Acheampong had the Speaker’s permission to engage in that transaction.

“Bryan Acheampong also violently violated those constitutional provisions. So I am going to bring this to the attention of the Speaker, and I hope that the Speaker will crack the whip in this matter.”

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Historic Hotel of America: The Biltmore Los Angeles inducted into famed organization | Business

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The Biltmore Los Angeles was inducted into Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels in the United States.

“Historic Hotels of America is delighted to induct The Biltmore Los Angeles, a Beaux-Arts style hotel built and opened on Oct. 2, 1923,” said Lawrence Horwitz, executive vice president of Historic Hotels of America.

“We commend The Biltmore Los Angeles team for its careful historic preservation work, stewardship and vision that will allow future generations of travelers to experience this unique historic destination.”

The Biltmore Los Angeles is managed by Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

To be selected for Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; Been designated by the US Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark, eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.

“This prestigious recognition is a testament to the rich history, timeless elegance and exceptional hospitality that has defined The Biltmore for a century,” said Jimmy Wu, general manager and owners representative.

“Since our doors opened in 1923, we have had the honor of hosting presidents, celebrities, and discerning travelers from around the world, each leaving with unforgettable memories of their time spent within our hallowed halls.

“Being welcomed into the Historic Hotels of America family further underscores our commitment to preserving and celebrating our heritage while continuing to provide unparalleled experiences for our cherished guests.”

170 Ukrainian residents of Leitrim hotel told to move by the end of the month

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Lough Allen Hotel, Drumshanbo, County Leitrim has been home to Ukrainian refugees for the past two years.

The hotel, which is housing around 170 people, is predominantly used by women and children.

However, the hotel’s contract is coming to an end and the residents must vacate the property by May 31, 2024.

It is believed the residents were informed of the move at a recent meeting and hotel management has attempted to have the contract extended to allow the residents to stay at the hotel.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) said it will provide residents with alternative options, however, it is unknown where they will be moved too.

The residents can also seek to find a private rental option.

A spokesperson for The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) said, “Temporary accommodation for those fleeing the war in Ukraine was provided at the Lough Allen Hotel, Drumshanbo, County Leitrim.

“This arrangement is due to come to an end shortly.

“All accommodation contracted by the Department is temporary in nature, moves occur frequently when contracts end.

“Those who are residing at the accommodation have been contacted by the Department to notify them of the change.

“Alternative offers of accommodation will be provided to the residents, and every effort will be made to ensure that the alternative accommodation will be in the general area.

“Beneficiaries of temporary protection are also entitled to make their own private arrangements, including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish or private accommodation, and can avail of some supports to do so.”

The ‘largest new resort’ in Cape May County set for grand opening – NBC10 Philadelphia

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The ‘largest new resort’ in Cape May County set for grand opening – NBC10 Philadelphia

Organizers, elected officials and other “guests and dignitaries” are set to gather in Wildwood Crest, NJ, on Thursday afternoon for the ribbon cutting of a property that is said to be the largest single resort in all of Cape May County.

On Thursday afternoon, Donald Cabrera, the mayor of Wildwood Crest will join Dan Alicea, president of Madison Resorts for the ribbon cutting on the $52 million Madison Resort Wildwood Crest — a property created after the company purchased The Oceanview Motel followed by the addition of the Royal Hawaiian in Wildwood Crest and to combine the two into one resort.

Organizers said, in a statement ahead of Thursday’s grand opening, that the new resort will “bring together the historic doo-wop stylings of the Oceanview Motel and combine it with the iconic Royal Hawaiian property next door, for one giant resort that will feature 200 guest rooms, three restaurants, two pools, cabana and poolside seating for 100+, two hot tubs, beachfront weddings, two fitness centers, five conference rooms, two rooftop event spaces and pet-friendly accommodations.”

The ‘largest new resort’ in Cape May County set for grand opening – NBC10 Philadelphia


Provided

A look at a pool at the Madison Resort Wildwood Crest in Wildwood Crest, NJ.

In a statement, Alicea said this was a project two years in the making.

“We’re thrilled to bring our Madison Resorts family to the Wildwood Crest community,” he said in a statement. “With this opening, we’re excited to help save and preserve an important piece of Wildwood Crest history, while bringing the Jersey shore its largest new resort. We’ve invested more than $52 [million] in this project as we’re feeling bullish about the future of Wildwood Crest, Cape May and the Jersey Shore.”

Organizers said that they performed “major top to bottom renovations at both former hotels – while celebrating and preserving the doo-wop style architecture that Oceanview Motel was famous for.”

The new resort will offer over 200 rooms, three restaurants, two pools, two hot hubs and a wealth of other amenities.

For those looking to visit the new property, organizers say that the first tower of rooms is immediately available for those who want to be the first guests to experience the resort, with all towers and rooms online by grand opening weekend starting May 16th.

For more details, visit the Madison Resort Wildwood Crest’s website: www.madisonresortwildwoodcrest.com.

Rock City Hotel presented best proposal for 60% stake in four hotels

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The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has explained its decision to sell a 60% stake in its hotel to Rock City Hotel owned by Dr Bryan Acheampong, the Minister for Food and Agriculture.

SSNIT’s response came after North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate and stop the sale of six hotels including Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and the Trust Lodge Hotel to the Abetifi MP.

Mr Ablakwa’s petition to CHRAJ seeks an investigation into various allegations, including conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.

“In my petition, I am inviting CHRAJ to investigate grave matters concerning conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.”

“I have also drawn attention to blatant violations of Article 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution as diligent checks from Parliament’s Committee on Office of Profit revealed that Hon. Bryan Acheampong has not applied and does not have the permission of the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit,” he said.

But SSNIT in a response explained that the decision to partner with an investor is to raise capital to invest in their hotels, and also assist in their management, started as far back as 2018 through International Competitive Tendering (ICT) processes as prescribed by the Public Procurement Act.

In a press release, the Trust stated that the process started in November 2018 after it had employed a Transaction Advisor, to guide the selection of a Strategic investor among others.

“The Trust commenced the process with the engagement of a Transaction Advisor through the ICT method of procurement, with publication of advertisements in the Daily Graphic on 14th November, 2018 and in the Ghanaian Times on 15th November, 2018.

“The advertisement was also published in an international magazine, The Economist in its January 5-11, 2019 edition.
As of the January 16th, 2019 deadline, fifteen (15) firms had expressed interest in submitting bids. Of these, six (6) were shortlisted and issued with Request for Proposal (RFP) documents.

“Approval was sought from the Central Tender Review Committee (CTRC) for the selection of a Transaction Advisor on 12th December 2019 and that was granted on 24th December 2019. Following the selection of the independent Transaction Advisor to guide the selection of a Strategic investor among others others, further advertisements for an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a Strategic Partner for the SSNIT Hotels were published in the Daily Graphic on 3rd February 2022 and in the Ghanaian Times on 7th February 2022. The advertisement was also published in The Economist Magazine on 26th February 2022.”

“Based on the criteria set out in the RFP, Rock City Hotel submitted the best and strongest technical and financial proposal among those received. consequently, it is in negotiation with SSNIT to buy a 60% stake in each of the four (4) hotels (Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel and Elmina Beach Resort).

“Bids for Busua Beach Resort and the Trust Lodge were considered to be unsuccessful so they are no longer part of the hotels covered in this process.”

Click HERE to read the full Media Release from SSNIT