taking over Europe?

It's certainly not a name on the tips of most Americans' tongues, but look out, NH Hotels is out to conquer the hotel universe, at least in Europe. Until two years ago, the Madrid-based hotel company was a leading chain for business travelers in Spain, where it manages 95 hotels in more than 45 cities, and a handful of Latin American properties, says Moria Dennert, director, international sales offices. Then, in 2000, with the aim to become “Pan-European” in the next five years, the company purchased Dutch-based Krasnapolsy, which included nearly 50 Golden Tulip hotels in The Netherlands and Belgium. All have been rebranded as NH strives to become a leader in Europe, says Dennert. NH Hotels also purchased the Krystal group of Mexican hotels, which have been rebranded, and the Astran hotel chain in Germany. NH now has 238 hotels worldwide. The hotels are known for their “eye for detail,” adds Dennert, from technology to cuisine to service.