Luxury Hotels: News From Four Seasons

Four Seasons New York  

Owner Ty Warner has notified Four Seasons that an unidentified buyer has offered $900 million for the 368-room Four Seasons New York, which would rank among the most expensive hotel sales in New York's history. The buyer is rumored to be affiliated with the government of Brunei. According to Bloomberg, Four Seasons now has a month to either match the bid or decline, in which case the buyer would most likely terminate the management contract. The Brunei Investment Agency owns the Dorchester Collection, which includes the Hotel Bel-Air and the Beverly Hills Hotel, while Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts currently owns the San Ysidro Ranch and Las Ventanas al Paraiso. Mr. Warner purchased the Four Seasons New York in 1999 for $275 million.

In other Four Seasons news, the company opened its property in Beijing last week, shortly after the debut of its new flagship in Toronto. The former Bilila Lodge in Tanzania is expected to open as Four Seasons Lodge Serengeti later this year, and Four Seasons Lion Palace in St. Petersburg is expected to open in 2013. The company is also working with longtime Andrew Harper travel partner TCS & StarQuest Expeditions to offer around-the-world private jet tours.