The Westin Austin at The Domain – Opening June 10, 2010

From White Lodging’s web site:

WESTIN MAKES IT’S DEBUT IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Austin, TX (December 3, 2008) – A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled today to officially kickoff the beginning of construction on the Westin Austin at The Domain in Austin, Texas – an eye-catching, modern landmark and sophisticated lifestyle center. The property, which is owned by affiliation of Merrillville, IN-based White Lodging and Indianapolis, IN-based Simon Property Group, marks the introduction of the Westin brand to Austin, Texas. Expected to open in early Summer 2010, The Westin Austin at the Domain will offer luxurious accommodations and a sensory-rich environment designed to create an oasis of effortless style, efficient service and complete serenity.

[...]

We are excited to announce the ground breaking of this iconic project,” said White Lodging’s Deno Yiankes, president and ceo of investments and development. “The Westin Austin at The Domain brings to the area tremendous, luxury and prestige – qualities that are synonymous with the Westin name. The amenity-driven brand has an international vision for high quality, and that concept will be reflected in this hotel.”

Then again, maybe the Simon family has deeper pockets than White Lodging? Simon Property Group failed to respond to Fort Wayne’s RFP for the hotel at HS. Maybe they’re smart enough to know a losing proposition when they see one?

We were buffaloed when they said they’d give us a full-service Marriott Renaissance. They claimed they could do it for $47 million, yet Marriott testified before the Federal Trade Commission in December of 1999 “The cost to develop a first class Marriott or Renaissance Resort could often exceed $100 million in the aggregate.” More on that here.

We then got stuck with what might as well be a Motel 6. Now, they cannot obtain a construction loan. Funny how they managed to get one in the same time period in Austin, TX.

Something stinks.

AWB

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