August 27-2 September: Top stories of the week…

W Punta de Mita
1000 562 Daniel Fountain
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The Marriott-Starwood merger was back in the news this week – we look at potential hurdles to the deal. We’re just over a week away from the Hotel Designs as we welcome a speaker from trivago, Aly Thompson, who joins a fantastic seminar line-up for the two-day event at Radisson Blu London Stansted…

1. Opinion: Spanner in the works for Marriott-Starwood deal?
Recent reports – albeit very liberally-sourced ones – seemed to suggest that Marriott was feeling a sense of ‘remorse’ about the deal and was looking for a way out to back out

2. Hotel Designs Summit welcomes trivago’s Aly Thompson as speaker
As part of this year’s speaker programme, we’re delighted to announce the attendance of Aly Thompson, Industry Manager for UK and Ireland for trivago

3. Sneak Peek: W Punta De Mita Hotel Opens in Mexico
W Hotels Worldwide expands its Latin American portfolio with the opening of W Punta de Mita in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit

4. Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market opens its doors
Hyatt Hotels has officially opened the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market, marking the brand’s official entry into Canada

5. Aloft Hotels unveils its voice-activated room technology
Imagine asking a hotel room to turn up the air conditioning when it gets too hot or to turn on the lights before getting out of bed. Well, the future is here

6. Four Seasons Hotels announces first Four Seasons in Vietnam
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, alongside Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) and ASB Development Limited, has announced that the renowned luxury resort – The Nam Hai Hoi An

7. ‘Pretty in Pink’ – Trends at Decorex 2016
Decorex International is the UK’s leading design show and the only one of its kind in the UK for the luxury interiors market

8. Banyan Tree launches first ever project in Australia
Last month, Banyan Tree Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping and Lord Mayor of Brisbane Graham Quirk officially launched the Banyan group’s first ever Banyan Tree project in Australia

9. Soho House and Sydell Group reveal plans for The Ned
London’s Soho House & Co and New York’s Sydell Group will join forces to create The Ned – a hotel, club and collection of restaurants in the former Midland Bank building City of London

10. AccorHotels reveals 2016 openings, future projects in Asia Pacific
Last year AccorHotels opened more than 70 hotels across Asia Pacific, meaning the group launched at least one new hotel per week in the region

Daniel Fountain / 02.09.2016

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.