Sonesta International Hotels Corp. and Boyd Gaming Corp. have launched of an exclusive strategic affiliation between the two companies that will introduce Boyd’s nationwide portfolio of casino resorts to millions of Sonesta customers nationwide.

The first stage of the partnership will be the launch of the Boyd Collection—placing Boyd’s 9,700+ hotel rooms, 600,000 square feet of meeting and event space and 19 casino resorts nationwide onto Sonesta’s distribution platform.

With this launch, Sonesta travelers will receive direct access to Boyd resorts nationwide, gaining new options for both leisure and business travel in key regional markets. The Boyd Collection will also appear directly on the Sonesta signature list of brands as part of Sonesta’s brand portfolio presentation, providing exposure for Boyd properties to millions of visitors to Sonesta.com. Boyd properties will remain available on Boyd’s traditional distribution channels.

The affiliation brings together two companies with complementary strengths across hospitality, entertainment, gaming, loyalty and development. Through the exclusive relationship, Sonesta guests will gain access to a broader range of resort and casino-hotel destinations, while Boyd customers will benefit from Sonesta’s growing global distribution platform, expanding brand portfolio and award-winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.

“This affiliation represents an exciting next step in Sonesta’s asset-right, franchise-focused growth strategy,” Keith Pierce, co-chief executive officer of Sonesta International Hotels, said in a statement. “By aligning with Boyd, we are creating meaningful new ways to serve our guests and expand our distribution reach in markets where travelers are seeking full-service resort hospitality entertainment and casino gaming experiences.”

“Boyd’s nationwide portfolio of casino entertainment destinations is built upon over 50 years of best-in-class guest service, strong customer relationships and best-in-market amenities,” said Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming. “Our exclusive affiliation with Sonesta provides a compelling opportunity to broaden our customer base across the country by introducing Sonesta users to Boyd’s unique brand of hospitality and entertainment.”

Strategic Affiliation

In addition to the enhanced distribution element of the affiliation, Boyd and Sonesta plan to further expand their partnership in the future, including:

Enhanced Development Pipeline: Building on this exclusive affiliation, Sonesta and Boyd will explore hotel development opportunities connected to Boyd’s existing properties and future development projects, which may include Sonesta hard-brand conversions, rebrands or new-build hotel projects. The development element is designed to support Sonesta’s continued franchise growth while providing Boyd with additional optionality as part of its growth pipeline.
Linked Loyalty Programs: Future integration plans include Boyd and Sonesta linking their award-winning loyalty programs, Sonesta Travel Pass and Boyd Rewards.
“Our guests increasingly want more choices, more recognition and more ways to make travel rewarding,” said Phil Hugh, CDO of Sonesta International Hotels. “Our relationship with Boyd gives us a platform to connect hospitality and entertainment in a differentiated way, while creating new avenues for franchise and development growth.”

The 19 casino hotels that will be included in the Boyd Collection are: Aliante Casino Hotel and Spa; Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City; Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles; Belterra Casino Resort; Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa; California Hotel and Casino; Cannery Casino Hotel; Delta Downs Racetrack Hotel & Casino; Diamond Jo Worth; Fremont Hotel & Casino; Gold Coast Hotel and Casino; IP Casino Resort Spa; Main Street Station Hotel and Casino; The Orleans Hotel and Casino; Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino; Par-A-Dice Inn; Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall; Suncoast Hotel and Casino; and Valley Forge Casino Resort.

SOURCE: Hotel Management