Hotels

LOS ANGELES-Hotel giant signs sweeping affiliation agreement with Mexican chain, one of Hilton's most ambitious steps yet to expand into the lucrative market.

RICHARDSON, TX-The Renaissance Richardson, under construction since November 1999, has reached a milestone in its construction schedule, which is on track for a May 2001 opening. The hotel, John Q. Hammon's first Renaissance in Texas, has decided to start its 2001 dance card

WHITE PLAINS-Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. has joined with Mexico developer Grupo Plan Planificacion SA de CV, to build a W Hotel property in Mexico City.

ARLINGTON, VA-Hilton affiliate looks for places to expand operations in Washington metro area.

ORLANDO-The host of TV's Bill Nye the Science Guy charged the theme park company illegally used his likeness on attractions at Epcot at Lake Buena Vista, FL. Disney denied the allegations. The suit sought $500,000. Settlement terms weren't disclosed.

MIAMI-Operational shock waves continue to rumble through the movie theater business. Regal Cinemas, both South Florida's and the nation's largest operator, is reported to be shelving plans for new locations and trying to cancel leases on existing properties.