Hotel Designs

October Highlights
• Abu Dhabi witnesses strong hotel performance due to high-profile events
• Negative hotel performance in Cairo is caused by political strife

The St. Regis New York is proud to announce the hotel is concluding an extensive renovation to culminate in a striking reveal this month. With renovated and redesigned guestrooms, suites and public spaces and the debut of the new King Cole Bar & Salon under renowned New York chef and restaurateur, John DeLucie, The St. Regis New York will unveil a bold new era of glamour at Manhattan’s best address. The renovation will reflect the hotel’s enduring legacy while infusing the timeless allure which has defined the Fifth Avenue icon since its founding by John Jacob Astor IV over a century ago. The multi-million dollar, comprehensive renovation at The St. Regis New York culminated this November 2013, with redesigned guest rooms, suites, hallways and public spaces. HDC, the renowned interior design firm that transformed The St. Regis Florence, has created an aesthetic based on a “timeless is modern” philosophy, embracing the design legacy of the hotel while infusing contemporary style. This fresh and sophisticated approach will marry original design elements, such as the crystal Waterford chandeliers and elegant crown moldings, with beautiful, large-format photographic artwork, vibrant-hued fabrics and stunning beveled mirrors.

The treasured King Cole Bar, Manhattan’s most storied meeting place, will see expansion into the King Cole Bar & Salon, where an extensive lounge will feature a dramatic open fireplace. Uptown sophistication meets downtown chic in this reimagined space where The St. Regis New York will also debut a new culinary partnership with renowned New York chef and restaurateur, John DeLucie. With the debut of John DeLucie at The King Cole Bar & Salon, the hotel will offer an unrivaled dining experience that is quintessentially Manhattan. The new restaurant will feature modern American cuisine with an international twist, reflecting the rich cultural mix that is New York City. The menu will offer a tailored selection of small plates including new creations, DeLucie’s celebrated specialties and reimagined classics from the hotel’s early days. Infusing contemporary glamour into the landmark hotel’s rich culinary heritage, John DeLucie will create a dynamic epicurean experience for New York’s social elite and a new generation of luxury travelers.

The Fifth Avenue landmark will reveal a new vision for its public spaces as well. In the iconic lobby of The St. Regis New York, the renovation will reincorporate lost architectural elements, including opening up oval windows above the front desk which were part of the original design of the hotel, while simultaneously infusing fresh touches through updated furnishings and amenities. Following the 2013 renovation, the beloved classic elements of the lobby and salon spaces will shine brighter in a contemporary context.

The guestroom floors will feature chic, black-lacquer painted doors, textured fabric walls and five distinct color palettes in the entryway on each floor. Guestrooms will be updated to include marble tiled entryways, rich color schemes with bold accent colors, sumptuous fabrics and luxe leather details, custom furnishings and state of the art technologies. An extensive art program, with emphasis on New York City photography by Janet Arsdale and Hampton Hall, will be integrated into every guestroom and suite. Additionally, every bathroom in the entire hotel will be renovated, refurbished, and updated to create a spa-like atmosphere paired with the latest technology.

The St. Regis’ master suites will undergo remarkable redesign and extensive renovation complementing the reimagined guestrooms. The dramatic Imperial Suite will feature European Chinoiserie and East Asian furnishings set against alluring red tones with crystal and gold leaf accents. Mixed stylistic influences and a reinvented open floor plan will lend a residential flow to the space, while plush new window seats will offer both stunning views of Manhattan to Central Park, and serve as cozy havens for retreat. The Royal Suite will embody the perfect mix of European style and American spirit. The suite will feature a rich color palette, gilded moldings, exotic prints and an eclectic art collection. The Presidential Suite has been reimagined as a sumptuous collector’s suite where sophisticated global luxury travelers will surround themselves with the art and treasures of their travels. Furniture styles range from contemporary to classic and blend seamlessly with chic accents, making it the ideal locale for both stylish entertaining and relaxation. The renovation will bring new luster to the hotel’s exclusive collection of designer suites: Bentley, Tiffany and Dior Suites while maintaining their unique and beloved bespoke décor.

The St. Regis brand’s ongoing legacy comes to life through continued traditions including jazz, signature Bloody Mary cocktails and Maxfield Parrish’s “Old King Cole” mural casting its watchful eye as New York society meets, entertains and celebrates in the beloved space. Throughout the renovation, the hotel has remained committed not only to the preservation of the St. Regis’ legacy, but to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service, delivered flawlessly by the brand’s signature St. Regis Butlers, who have traded in their silver trays for smartphones and are as adept formatting spreadsheets as they are shining shoes.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced the newest addition to its Latin America portfolio with the opening of the 196-room Holiday Inn Express® Panama Distrito Financiero hotel located in Panama City, Panama. The new-build hotel is a franchise agreement that is owned by Latin American Hospitality Group, and is the first Holiday Inn Express in the city. The new hotel features complimentary high-speed Internet access, an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck, business center, fitness center and more than 2,500 sq ft of meeting space, equipped with the latest technology and audiovisual equipment. The new hotel offers guests a comfortable, yet affordable, stay to ensure a pleasurable experience. All guestrooms offer a spacious, modern and well equipped interior, work desk with ergonomic chair, 37-inch flat screen TV, iPhone® and iPod® dock alarm clock, free local calls, in-room complimentary coffee, safe deposit facilities and choice of soft or firm pillows.

The Holiday Inn Express Panama Distrito Financiero hotel is located within walking distance from a variety of restaurants, international companies and the Punta Pacifica Hospital – the first hospital in Latin America affiliated with the prestigious Johns Hopkins Medicine International. Costa del Este Business Park and shopping malls, such as Multiplaza Pacific and Multicentro are also close by.

“Panama City is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama,” said Gerardo Murray, vice president, Marketing Strategic Services for Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean, IHG. “It is a very strategic fit as we continue to grow the Holiday Inn Express brand in Central America. The hotel’s location within the city’s financial district and near the airport also makes it conveniently accessible to travelers.”

Discover the World, the world’s leading ICEHOTEL specialist, has unveiled a new MINI themed suite – the largest at this year’s ICEHOTEL currently under construction in Swedish Lapland. The new suite will be available from 20th December 2013 and throughout the 2013/4 winter season until it melts away next spring (from April 2014) and will be one of the most luxurious the hotel has offered guests. It has been designed through a unique collaboration between car manufacturer, MINI, and the architects of ICEHOTEL.

The new suite, which will measure almost 50m², will be called Deluxe by MINI. The MINI design team, through DesignworksUSA and the architects of ICEHOTEL are currently working on the suite which is made entirely of ice, snow and snice. The suite contains 20 tonnes more ice than other rooms and the ceilings are a metre higher. It also includes an en-suite sauna and heated relaxation area with shower, washbasin and toilet.

The design of the new suite is called MINI Evolution and offers visitors a dreamlike world where MINI-relatable design forms are given a life of their own. The result is an upscale hotel and design experience, which combines MINI’s familiar forms, the ICEHOTEL environment and the evolutionary transformation of housing from ancient cave to modern rooms.

In addition to this new Deluxe by MINI suite, there will be a selection of other individual art-suites which feature designs such as a London Underground inspired tube-carriage, a Frankenstein-esque science lab, a rooftop Montmartre setting and pole dancing polar bears, as well as Northern Lights suites (with special light installations), or the more simple snow* or ice rooms.

Details on how to book the experience can be discovered here.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is set to open in the former Chinese capital of Nanjing in the first quarter of 2015, marking the luxury hospitality operator’s continued drive to bring its brand of iconic luxury experiences to China’s vibrant and important cities, in addition to current locations throughout Asia PacificNanjing, in Jiangsu Province, sits astride the Yangtze River basin and has enjoyed a reputation as a vital commerce center for Eastern China. The city of eight million people is home to many UNESCO heritage sites, including tombs from the Ming dynasty. The name Nanjing means “southern capital,” (Beijing means northern capital) and gave the city pre-eminent status until 1927 when the capital of the country moved.

The agreement with Nanjing New Universe Real Estate Development Co, Limited will see The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing open in the heart of a designated central business district called Xiejiekou, just 30 minutes from the airport. The district also enjoys a reputation as the region’s cosmopolitan powerhouse and is home to several department stores and luxury fashion houses.

Featuring 297 rooms and 32 suites, the grand property will also enjoy extensive meeting spaces including a ballroom and seven function rooms. Four restaurants and bars will include a Chinese restaurant serving renowned local Nanjing cuisine. A luxury Spa by ESPA will also form a central part of the well-being experience, alongside the indoor pool and fitness center.

I like to drive everywhere on the Continent. This time I’d been to Dusseldorf, and whilst it is possible to get there in one go, I always try to take it in a relaxed way and find places to stay along the road. It is possible to drive to, for example, Brussels, including the Channel crossing, from the south of England faster than getting to Manchester, and with considerably more pleasure in the driving experience. The travel time too is less than the time to fly, as there is no hanging around for hours in a shopping centre – err airport terminal, nor is there any need to strip to your knickers to get through security.Coming back to catch a ferry we decided to stay in the Hotel Meurice in Calais. Picked with a pin – and assistance from TripAdvisor – it was going to be a simple French hotel after two nights in the gorgeous luxury of the Steinberger Park in Dusseldorf, which will be a Review soon. So we drew up outside this unremarkable, typically French post war building. The hotel has an underground garage but there was plenty of parking in the very quiet rue, so we left the car on the road. The front door was unpromising with a cracked pane of glass, but the interior – well the interior was straight out of a Maigret story from the 1950’s, probably 1953 I think.

There is a great deal of rubbish talked about the origins of ‘boutique’ hotels, especially from uninformed industry commentators who follow the self publicising hype of some designers, but much of the origins of ‘boutique’ can be traced back to the pre-chain post war years when many hotels in Europe were being redeveloped after WW2. In the States bland ruled as the chains dominated the market but in Europe small owners recovering from the total destruction of their properties and rebuilt. Using supply chains only slowly recovering from wartime manufacturing programmes where furniture manufacturers for example switch to producing plywood aeroplanes like the Mosquito or the Hamilcar creativity and invention drove the creation of often very individual properties.

Meurice was rebuilt in a Calais where British and French troops fought the invaders to a standstill until they ran out ammunition and were evacuated or captured. In the process much of the town was damaged. Meurice was no exception. As a major entry point for British tourists to the continent by car, coach and in the 1950’s by rail, Calais is still a stopping off point for Brits. No longer the destination for masses of ‘booze cruisers’ since the European Union has removed the differences in prices on most wines it is still a good place to overnight before onward journey especially if combating the awful overcrowded and poorly planned British road system. Meurice is a popular small hotel, and retains an idiosyncratic sense of style.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced the opening of the Holiday Inn® Orizaba hotel. The hotel is located at Avenue Oriente 6 No. 892 Col. Centro, near local attractions such as the Iron Palace and the Mier y Pesado Castle. Decorated in a contemporary style, the hotel conversion, overseen by Constructora Guraieb and Associates, generated more than 370 employment opportunities.

Holiday Inn hotels feature a residential atmosphere that is warm, trend forward and comfortable. Guest beds are made using crisp, white bedding with pillows that come in two comfort levels: “soft” and “firm.” The residential design includes business-focused necessities such as an ergonomic workstation and data ports with the bathrooms including a multifunctional showerhead, as well as a signature shower curtain with curved rod, and Bath & Body Works bath products. Additionally, each room features comfortable double, queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair, hairdryer, micro fridge, coffee maker, iron and ironing board. The 103-room property which also includes a junior suite has one floor exclusively reserved for Platinum Elite IHG Rewards® Club members – IHG’s award-winning loyalty program.

Other amenities include three meeting rooms that can hold up to 180 people, a fully equipped fitness centre, a heated swimming pool and covered parking with valet service. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s restaurant Los Ameyales which features a variety of cuisines and dining options from breakfast to dinner. Room Service Right … On Time™, at all Holiday Inn hotels, ensures that guests’ room service orders are accurate and delivered on time, every time.

Owned and managed by Operadora Decori Orizaba SA de CV., the Holiday Inn Orizaba hotel is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

A total remodelling of the lobby area at Centara Villas Samui has now been completed. The new design uses lighter tones that complement the natural setting and the traditional Thai design of the resort. The remodelling is part of ongoing upgrades designed to enhance the guest’s holiday experience with the new lobby providing a warm and welcoming arrival.“As our lobby faces out over the landscaped gardens to the ocean we selected a lighter look to enhance the vibrant colours of the sea, sky and tropical surroundings. The new custom-built furniture and feature lighting now make our lobby and bar area a beautiful place to gather and relax at any time of the day or night” says Scott Bowen, General Manager of Centara Villas Samui.

Centara Villas Samui is set on the southern tip of the island, near the traditional fishing village of Hua Tanon, and has its own frontage on Natien Beach. There are 102 Southern Thai style villas, of which 60 have were renovated in late 2011. Each villa has its own private terrace, and many offering private swimming pools or outdoor Jacuzzis.

The resort is just 15 minutes from Lamai Beach, and 30 minutes from Chaweng Beach.
Other than relaxing on the beach, the resort’s leisure activities include three freshwater swimming pools, and a Spa Cenvaree tucked away in a rainforest setting.

Alila Hotels & Resorts, a leading Asian boutique hotelier, is to add three new properties to its lifestyle collection in 2014. Marking the group’s entry into the Middle East, Alila Jabal Akhdar Oman will open in March, followed by Alila Seminyak Bali and Alila Fort Bishangarh Jaipur- India in late 2014.ALILA JABAL AKHDAR – ALILA’S FIRST RESORT IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Alila Jabal Akhdar will be the first luxury resort in the stunning mountainous region of Jabal Akhdar in Oman. Set 2000 metres above sea level, under two hours’ drive from Muscat, the resort will provide access to one of Oman’s most spectacular and untapped areas.

Overlooking a dramatic gorge with views of the Al Hajar Mountains, Alila Jabal Akhdar, which means ‘Green Mountain’ in Arabic, will be a haven for the adventurous, nature lovers and those seeking an escape from the desert heat. The resort will feature 78 rooms, six loft suites, a cliff-side restaurant, pool, Spa Alila, fitness centre and two Jabal Villas, with two bedrooms, its own pool, Jacuzzi and steam room.

The design of the resort is richly inspired by the Omani culture, evident in its traditional artisanal craftsmanship and the use of locally sourced materials. The Rose is the inspiration for much of the interior design, as the Jabal Akhdar region is famous for its fragrant pink roses that blanket the mountainside in springtime. The area is also renowned for its fresh fruits, in particular pomegranates, which during September and October transform the area into a fruit paradise. The fruit will feature as a staple ingredient in Spa Alila Jabal Akhdar signature treatments.

New ‘Alila Experiences’ will be crafted especially for the resort, centred upon five themes covering cultural learning, conscious living, active spirits, culinary arts and couple celebration, enticing guests to discover the history and culture of the region. The Alila Experience strives to create ‘surprisingly different’ authentic destination experiences – from palm-shadowed picnics in remote Wadis to 1001 Stars-lit-dinners at the edge of the mountains.

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The interiors of one of the Capital’s best located luxury hotels, London Marriott Hotel Park Lane, are to undergo a complete transformation with a new interior design scheme for all 151 guestrooms including five new suites, by RPW Design.RPW’s role in the complete repositioning of the five-star hotel which is housed within a Grade II listed property right in the heart of London’s Mayfair will also include the redesign of the lobby, executive lounge and meeting rooms. Work is due to begin next March and be completed by September 2014.

The London Marriott Park Lane’s sensitive makeover will bring out the historic building’s more intimate character, with ‘townhouse’ inspired spaces which will offer a more residential feel and interventions such as replacing the traditional ‘counter’ style reception desk with two seated desks enabling the delivery of a more personal service. The two sets of stairs leading from the main entrance to the reception area will also be replaced with a single central stairway and additional informal but far more luxurious seating.

The new guestroom concept marks a departure from the traditional corporate hotel room design towards something that feels more like a high end ‘home from home’. The new guestroom layouts all have entrance lobbies, thus improving the sense of arrival and the sense of space will be enhanced by a soft pastel colour palette of white, dove grey and shades of lavender. Materials such as leather, taupe silk, solid wood and marble have been used throughout so that the room exudes luxury and comfort.

The new design has been trialled as a mock-up room and warmly received by brand representatives and guests from around the world including the Middle East, Russia and China, with their feedback suggesting minor design tweaks to be made which enhance the overall guest experience.

“The redesign of the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane will return the interiors back in line with the exterior architecture, in some ways giving the building back to itself,” says RPW Design’s Managing Director Jan Wilson. “We will be bringing out the hotel’s inherent townhouse ambience with elegantly designed rooms and public spaces which have all the facilities expected in a traditional five-star hotel, and create a far warmer and more intimate atmosphere than what exists at the moment.”

Mamounia Lounge in Mayfair has reopened its doors to a new space that transforms the heart of Mayfair into a Middle Eastern world of exotic cocktails, authentic Lebanese and Moroccan dishes and Middle Eastern live entertainment.Completely redesigned, the space consists of 200 square metres over two floors. The refurbishment included the ground floor and basement bars and restaurants, WC’s and outdoor terrace area as well as a complete overhaul of the kitchens.

The ground floor features a centralised feature bar with soft zonal seating and modern furnishings to provide a warm, contemporary Arabic dining experience whilst a paneled, églomisé mirrored ceiling creates a sense of volume by way of reflections and redirect light.

The space also benefits from the relocation of the original dark narrow stairs which have been completely transformed into a feature staircase, borrowing light from the full height glazing to the external elevation.

Meanwhile downstairs, feature timber floors are elevated upwards to provide the wall cladding behind sumptuous banquette seating and handmade crystal chandeliers, which compliment copper covered walls and traditional Middle Eastern plaster work.

Aedas Interiors has designed an environment to both entice a new generation of guests whilst paying homage to an already established clientele by creating a traditional, warm, spiced-colour palette on beautifully detailed modern furniture and fittings.

Whisking you away from the bustle of central London to a Middle Eastern sanctuary of elegance and sophistication, Mamounia pulls out all the stops with an array of entertainment from belly dancers to live singers.

Mott MacDonald has completed the design for the refurbishment and expansion of Harlech Castle Hotel in Wales, UK on behalf of Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. The development is one of 24 schemes to benefit from Cadw’s £19 million Heritage Tourism Project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.The project includes a new state-of-the-art visitor centre, café and interpretation and presentation areas, as well as luxury apartments on the upper floors of the hotel and a landmark pedestrian bridge link to the castle.

Mott MacDonald carried out the full civil and structural detailed design of the hotel refurbishment and developed the footbridge design. Building information modelling (BIM) was used to plan the design of the complicated split level building profile and associated interconnections between the new building and the existing historic structural remains.

Hycinth Hettiarachchi, Mott MacDonald’s project manager, said: “We have worked closely and collaboratively with Cadw over a number of months to reach this stage of the project. The use of BIM was helpful in developing the various design iterations during the development stage and seamlessly integrating the designs from the various disciplines involved.”

The hotel is located in the Harlech conservation area adjacent to the Grade I listed Harlech Castle, a scheduled ancient monument which forms part of the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd World Heritage Site. The castle is recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation as one of the finest examples of late 13th to early 14th century military architecture in Europe.

Construction has begun on site and works are expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

February 2014 will see the opening of BLOC Gatwick, a 245 room hotel which marks a step change in contemporary affordable accommodation and features a level of technological innovation never seen before in a UK hotel. BLOC rooms fuse the design values of a boutique hotel with honest pricing, as rooms lead in at £59 per night, negating the need for a costly early morning taxi to make that flight or have a comfortable bed for the night. BLOC hotels are based on fresh thinking to solve the equation of form, function and price in hotels. There are four key areas of where they differ from any of their competitors:

Technology. For the first time ever in the UK, booking a room and door entry can be achieved by guests using their own NFC-enabled smart phone. Once in the room, BLOC’s mobile app will allow smart phone users to control room features such as multi layered lighting, Samsung air conditioning, electric blackout blinds, Samsung Smart LED TV. Alternatively they can use the Samsung Galaxy 2 10.1 tablet present in every room to do the same. This integrated technology offering is the most advanced of any hotel in the UK. A super fast broadband connection and free WiFi complete the picture.

Design. BLOC hotels combine British brains with the pick of international design partners. All rooms feature the highest specification finishes; king-sized beds with luxurious Egyptian cotton bed-linen, Spanish Roca monsoon drench showers, Missoni-designed Swedish Bolon flooring, Italian lighting by Artemide, wet rooms with Italian tiles and with Roca fittings. A Premium Floor and a Business Floor in turn provide addition design features and optimized conditions for the frequent international traveller.

Location. BLOC Gatwick hotel could not be more convenient. The building sits on top of the South Terminal and its reception area and lifts are steps from the departure security gates. Travellers will now waste no time going from the comfort of their bed to through to Departures. BLOC rooms offer the shortest distance available from bed through to departure gate of any European airport hotel.

Price. Ground breaking technology, engineered comfort, and sleek design do not mean elevated prices with BLOC hotels. Rooms start at BLOC Gatwick start from £59 per room, per night – and this price is available every night of the year. BLOC has also negotiated special rates for its guests in all sorts of aspects of the airport such as parking, restaurants, airport lounges and duty free goods.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) is thrilled to announce that it has opened Hotel Indigo® Düsseldorf – Victoriaplatz at the centre of this fashion-forward German city, renowned for its style credentials. Hotel Indigo Düsseldorf-Victoriaplatz will operate under a franchise agreement with LFPI Hotels Management Germany GmbH. The hotel will be the third Hotel Indigo property in Germany, alongside Hotel Indigo Berlin – Alexanderplatz and Hotel Indigo Berlin – Ku’Damm.

As IHG’s boutique brand, every Hotel Indigo property is designed to reflect the local neighbourhood. From the building design to the hotel’s artwork and locally-inspired menus, each Hotel Indigo hotel is unique to its surroundings.

Hotel Indigo Düsseldorf – Victoriaplatz’s 126 individually designed bedrooms take inspiration from the local area with statement furniture, luxurious bedding and vibrant colours. Each floor pays tribute to a different decade of fashion from the 50s through to the 2000s, illustrated through the fabrics and patterns used. Murals, shot by fashion photographer and stylist Armin Morbach, are visible throughout the hotel, showcasing iconic designs from the relevant decades, depicting the fashion industry’s growth from the 50s to present day.

Guests can enjoy the city’s glamorous lifestyle lounging in the hotel’s idyllic garden terrace or enjoy a famous Altbier (a local ale and a must-try in Düsseldorf) in the sumptuous cocktail lounge. A dress kitchen and bar uses seasonal ingredients to create their fashion-focused menu with dishes from the Rhine region and an eclectic wine and cocktail list. Guests can make use of the free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and enjoy their own selection of music through the iPod docking station in their bedroom. All bedrooms will be provided with a minibar, 32 inch LCD TV and high comfort mattress.

Located amongst the glamour and charm of the fashion capital, Hotel Indigo Düsseldorf – Victoriaplatz provides an ideal base for exploring this stylish city. The hotel is situated amongst some of the city’s most iconic fashion exhibitions including the NRW Forum, where the first Igedo fashion fair was launched in the 50s, just a short walk away from two of the biggest fashion trade shows and The Gallery which showcases the latest fashion-related products and designs.

Hilton Worldwide has recently signed an agreement with Pekah Hotels Sdn. Bhd. to manage Hilton Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. The ninth Hilton Worldwide property in Malaysia, the 313-room Hilton Kota Kinabalu will also be the fifth Hilton Hotels & Resorts branded hotel in the country, scheduled to open in 2015.The 12-story Hilton Kota Kinabalu is strategically located in the central business district of Kota Kinabalu along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and boasts 313 spacious guest rooms, including 17 suites with views overlooking lush greenery and city views of Kota Kinabalu. “We have been operating in Malaysia for more than 30 years, and Hilton Kota Kinabalu will be our ninth property in this great country. As the capital city of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu acts as the main industrial and commercial center for the state. With a strong partner like Pekah Hotels Sdn. Bhd., we are confident that Hilton Kota Kinabalu will set the benchmark for quality hospitality experiences catering to both domestic and international travelers,” said Andrew Clough, senior vice president, development, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

Hilton Kota Kinabalu will offer an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty rooftop restaurant adjacent to the rooftop pool and a lounge bar. Offering a total of 2,500 square meters of event space including a 1,000-square meter ballroom, the hotel will have an 8-story car park, which offers convenient parking for patrons. It will also have a business center, a health club and a spa.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced the opening of the 187-room Holiday Inn® hotel in the northeastern city of Bucaramanga, Colombia. The 18-story new-build property is located in one of the most upscale areas of Bucaramanga and just minutes from the city’s financial district of Cabecera, private and public sports venues, as well as ecological parks offering adventure sports like rafting, mountain climbing, mountain biking and motocross, among others.

The Holiday Inn Bucaramanga Cacique, owned by Hoteles Cacique Internacional S.A.S., a division of MARVAL, S.A., is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

Hotel Nikol’skaya Kempinski Moscow is located at the corner of Nikol’skaya Street and Lubyanka Square in the very centre of Russia’s capital. Built in the 1870s, the building has a wonderfully rich history: until the early years of the 20th century it was the residence of Count Orlov-Davydov. The exclusive retail frontage was well known for the Koeller perfumery business, and the many fine chocolate shops it hosted. Six years of careful restoration and interior construction by Leo International Design Group unveiled the historical façade in its original glory.On seven floors, Nikol’skaya Kempinski accommodates 211 spacious rooms and suites including two Presidential suites, as well as six restaurants and bars, L. Raphael Spa, a fitness centre and five conference halls.

The hotel is offering views of the capital’s historical downtown area, including major landmarks such as the Red Square and the Kremlin. In addition, guests are only a few minutes’ walk from the Bolshoi Theatre, Duma and the famous GUM department store.

An abundance of light meets guests when they first step inside and palatial chandeliers feature prominently throughout the Nikol’skaya Kempinski. Like an old-world ocean liner with an upper deck and curved staircases, the lobby area welcomes guests with a multi-coloured stained glass dome and art deco furniture.

The 157 Deluxe and Superior rooms, many of them with their original high ceilings, are decorated in pale brown and muted beige, giving them a contemporary feel. All the technical facilities are cutting edge: each room offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a 42-inch flat-screen interactive TV and a smart control pad. A number of rooms will have a view of the interior courtyard patio, which offers natural light, peace and quiet.

Junior suites (55 sqm) are laid out in a studio style, with both city and courtyard views. Executive suites (55 sqm to 75 sqm) have two spacious rooms – a bedroom and a living room – and great views of the city. The unique Orlov Suite (83 sqm) has a view of Lubyanka Square and is decorated in a style reminiscent of the Belle Époque. The two Presidential Suites, decorated in a palette of gold, white and beige, each measure 250 sqm in size and have panoramic views over Lubyanka Square and the Historical Museum.

One of the main discoveries awaiting the guests of Hotel Nikol’skaya Kempinski Moscow is the hotel’s overall passion to provide an exquisite and innovative culinary experience. Executive Chef Marco Alban atMosaiK creates a culinary medley in an open kitchen. Guests are invited to enjoy seafood and grill as well as dishes from traditional Russian cuisine.

Italian Bistro A Tavola offers guests a comfortable and lively atmosphere with cosy seating arrangements. Acknowledging the principle that ‘simplicity is the new elegance’, A Tavola presents a seasonal menu inspired by different Italian regions.

Orlov Lobby Lounge and Bar bears the name of the first owner of the building. Day and night, Orlov is the beating heart of Hotel Nikol’skaya Kempinski. Relaxed and casual, this bar is a tempting showcase of the good things in life: chocolate fountains, freshly made cakes, Blue Peak tea and Masala Chai.

At Robusto Cigar Club, connoisseurs will enjoy after-dinner spirits in a contemporary club. Soft background jazz music, high-quality robusto cigars and a sophisticated environment make for an experience to remember.

The Parisien Café Vendome which will open its doors at the end of this year, brings the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore to Moscow, featuring tempting home-made cakes, mousses, tarts and eclairs. Café Vendome will also sell selected cheeses, as well as home-made baguettes and other breads for customized sandwiches

The laidback Latin Mojito Lounge boasts a rooftop terrace with a panoramic 180-degree view of downtown Moscow. This venue which will welcome its first guests at the beginning of December, blends delicate cocktails with a genuine city vibe. The bar’s outdoor summer terrace and cosy indoor lounge make the breath-taking views of Moscow available year-round.

The hotel’s conference facilities accommodate up to 180 people and feature an abundance of natural light and contemporary chandeliers. Highlights include Kandinsky grand ballroom, with an area of 200 sq m, designed for receptions, cocktail events and important celebrations, as well as Malevich boardroom, which overlooks Lubyanka Square.

The Spa at the Nikol’skaya is operated by L.RAPHAEL, coming from Geneva, Switzerland to Russia for the first time. Facilities include an indoor 10 sqm swimming pool and a fitness centre.

Today Marriott International has announced plans to operate 20 hotels expected to be developed by FibraHotel, the largest and first publicly traded Mexican lodging REIT, across key Mexican cities by 2016. The first six hotels, whose development contracts were signed this week, will add approximately 800 rooms to the Mexican market and create well over 400 jobs for Mexican nationals.FibraHotel is one of the largest hotel owners in Mexico, with a portfolio of 49 business hotels representing more than 6,500 rooms in 22 states, and with plans to develop 100 hotels in the next few years.

Marriott’s strong focus on hotel development in Mexico prompted the company to open a development office in Mexico City, spearheaded by Alonso Burgos, Director of Development for Mexico.

Marriott is currently represented in Mexico with The Ritz-Carlton Cancun, JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City, JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Santa Fe, JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, Marriott Puebla Real Hotel, Torreon Marriott Hotel, Ixtapan de la Sal Marriott Hotel, Tijuana Marriott Hotel, Mexico City Marriott Hotel Reforma, Aguascalientes Marriott Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Monterrey, Courtyard by Marriott Toluca Airport, Courtyard by Marriott Monterrey San Jeronimo, Courtyard by Marriott Cancun Airport Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott San Luis Potosi, Courtyard by Marriott Puebla, Courtyard by Marriott Mexico City Airport, Courtyard by Marriott Toluca Tollocan, Courtyard by Marriott Leon at The Poliforum, Fairfield Inn Los Cabos and Fairfield Inn Monterrey Airport.

The pipeline of properties for Mexico includes the 124-room Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; the 300-room JW Marriott Cabo San Lucas Resort; the 130-room Courtyard by Marriott Hermosillo; the 130-room Courtyard by Marriott Los Cabos; the 120-room Fairfield Inn Queretaro; the 140-room Courtyard by Marriott Queretaro; and the 160-room AC Hotel Mexico City.

Radisson Blu® proudly announces the completion of a US$20 million renovation and conversion of the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia. The hotel marks the third Radisson Blu hotel in the United States, joining the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago and the Radisson Blu Mall of America near Minneapolis. The 301-room historic hotel, situated in the prestigious Rittenhouse Square district of Philadelphia, has completed a renovation that includes a redesign of all guestrooms and corridors, a new Business Class floor with a private lounge, as well as the hotel’s grand lobby to reflect the signature, contemporary style of Radisson Blu, while maintaining the charm and heritage of the landmark hotel.

Radisson Blu again called upon Graven Images’ Jim Hamilton, the international designer who conceived the interior plans for the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago and the Radisson Blu Mall of America. With the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia, Hamilton looked to create a design that speaks to the landscape, history and culture of the city, ensuring it is relevant while keeping in mind the brand’s edgy and upper upscale characteristics.

Ideal for business and leisure travel alike, the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia offers rooms catering to all types of travellers. The 189 Superior Rooms feature an “Urban” style – a colour-splashed edgy and modern atmosphere. The 46 Deluxe Rooms offer additional seating areas and a more spacious layout. The 31 Executive Rooms have upgraded features including a Nespresso® machine, complimentary bottled water, bathrobe, slippers and added bathroom amenities.

Sleep Concept Hotel, part of Sleep, invited designers to plan and build a life sized hotel room following the brief composed by our influential judging panel. This year’s brief was inspired by the nostalgia for the 1960s: transforming our catwalk of hotel design into a radical contemporary Pop Art experience.

The winning design by Cullinan Interior & Infinite Architecture, whose room featured inspiration from Ken Adams’ set design for Kubrick’s Dr Strangelove, and included elements of surprise such as interstellar fractal-inspired artwork.

Baulmann Leuchten from Sundern supplied several custom made luminaires according to the design given by Cullinan Interior and Infinite Architecture.

Accor Vacation Club has announced that their prestigious apartment hotel in Flinders Lane Melbourne is now to be known as The Sebel Melbourne Flinders Lane, part of a group of properties that offer superb facilities and individual service in the most desirable locations.Two years ago the hotel underwent a $4.3 million makeover, of the hotels suites and public areas, to bring the property back to its glamorous glory, so well known by stars of stage and screen over the past two decades.

Now, staff trained in discretion and top flight service, and will be dressed in new uniforms designed by David Lawrence, Country Road and Sportscraft will host guests in Sebel style – sophisticated elegance.

The all suite apartment hotel is a market leading boutique product, consistently rating highly on Trip Advisor and other forums, popular with Accor Vacation Club Members and the general public due to its central location in the heart of the CBD.

Suite sizes vary from 46sqm to 64sqm and all are generously appointed, including a designer urban kitchenette, a dining area with stone top dining table, a leather chaise lounge with sofa bed, a work desk with cow hide chair, large screen LCD TVs in both the lounge and bedroom, media hub connectivity, iPod docking station and a luxurious bedroom with oversized fully upholstered bed head. All courtyard view rooms have faux European styled balconies that overlook the Parisian styled, private green oasis.

The Signature Suites offer an increased level of luxury. Providing 95sqm of pure opulence, the Signature Suites provide all standard suite features with the addition of a cocktail bar with glass fronted wine fridge, 55” LED TV, separate office area, large bathroom with free standing bath tub and the ability to interconnect to a second bedroom.

The Sebel Melbourne Flinders Lane’s location is set perfectly amongst the blocks of department stores, boutiques, outlet shopping and rag-traders, five star restaurants & bars and cafes.

The Hotel is ideally located between Elizabeth and Queen Street, in close proximity to all of Melbourne’s shopping, and entertainment district, with the added benefit of being in the heart of Melbourne’s famous laneway culture and the bonus of the iconic Flinders Street Station only one block away.

The building, which is located at 321 Flinders Lane, was built in 1921 on the former Dr. Jaeger’s Sanitary Woollen System Co. Ltd site, the company later evolving in to the internationally renowned Jaeger fashion House. The building was first tenanted in 1923 and housed various textile and fashion retailers including Wallace Buck & Goodes Pty Ltd, the founder of Henry Bucks & Co Pty Ltd.

Multi-disciplinary construction consultancy, Edmond Shipway, have reached a key milestone with the delivery of the final timber frame wall panel to the site of the new Center Parcs resort, Woburn Forest, which is currently under construction. As quantity surveyors for the scheme the company has overseen the construction of 625 lodges at Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire, due to open spring 2014. The scale of the project has been equated to the building of a large village.The construction of the lodges, coupled with a new hotel, is a big part of the new Center Parcs Village. As overall Project Managers of what will be the fifth Center Parcs in the UK, the construction company have also overseen the building of 40,000m2 of central facilities including a state of the art Subtropical Swimming Paradise. The ongoing development of Woburn Forest illustrates the successful partnership formed between the construction company and Center Parcs with the multi-disciplinary firm recently completing the successful construction of the Tropical Cyclone and Venture Cove attraction at the Elveden Forest Village.

The £61 million lodge development sees the construction of three types of accommodation, Woodland Lodges, Executive Lodges and the Exclusive Lodges. The project is being created with guests at the heart of the design and will see the accommodation in the Executive (split level) Lodges designed in an inverted style, with the living room on the first floor to allow for a panoramic view of the forest.

A large part of Edmond Shipway’s role in the project involves them commercially managing the manufacture and construction of the lodge timber frames, one of the major sub-contractor packages on the 365 acre site. As part of this process the final timber frame wall panel was delivered in August 2013, whilst the final roof truss was constructed in September 2013, midway through the 59 week development. Tuesday September 17th saw a topping out ceremony take place on site for reaching the milestone. Edmond Shipway joined timber frame suppliers Kingspan Timber Solutions and main contractors ISG PLC for the celebrations.

Designed by The Gallery HBA London

Alpina Gstaad has been awarded European Hotel Design of the Year following awards for Interior Design of the Year: Lobby, Lounge and Public Areas and Interior Design of the Year: Bedrooms and Bathrooms.The Alpina Gstaad is the first new luxury hotel in Gstaad for over 100 years. The objective was to create an authentic, captivating and luxurious alpine experience – celebrating the beauty of all the seasons in this region.

As part of the interior design, Vaughan Designs were asked to supply the Penthouse Suite with various products from their lighting collection including the Rock Table Lamp in Bronze, Twig Wall lights in Bronze, Long Arm Long Wall Lights in Bronze and Zaragoza Table Lamps.

Vaughan, who exhibited at The Sleep Event in November, are delighted to have been involved with the project and that it has been awarded Interior Design of the Year.

Anantara is once again welcoming story collecting travellers back to the white sands of Bophut Bay, as one of Koh Samui’s favourite resorts, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort & Spa reopens after an extensive refurbishment programme which saw the resort’s arched doorway closed for the last six months. The ever popular resort is quite unlike any other, from Bill Bensley designed tropical gardens which complement the charms of Fisherman’s Cove, to southern Thai architecture which reflects the local cultural heritage, and world class amenities enhanced by Anantara’s unique design touches.

Of the 106 guest rooms, the wide ranging overhaul has seen the previous six room and suite categories increased to eight, and most categories changed. The Deluxe Garden View and Deluxe Sea View rooms have been expanded from 32 to 36 square metres, thereby affording sufficient space for extra guest bed requests. With direct access to the beautifully landscaped indigenous gardens, the revamped 44 square metre Junior Garden View Suites are ideal for family holidays, accommodating up to three adults and a child. The suite categories are now increased to five, with two new Garden View and Royal Garden View suite types offering spacious accommodation at 70 and 75 square metres respectively. The popular 80 square metre Anantara Beachfront Pool Suites’ facelift includes a new 20 square metre private pool with superb beach and sea views and, as the name suggests, allows guests to step directly onto soft golden sands that are lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf of Siam.

Guests arriving prior to check-in time or who need somewhere to relax and refresh before departing to the airport for an evening flight, are well looked after in a brand new hospitality room with shower facilities and offering complimentary beverages and light snacks.

The restaurants and bars have also received a facelift, with the al fresco Full Moon restaurant switching Italian fare for contemporary Koh Samuian style char grill fusion cuisine, and Eclipse Bar taking on a more open, pub like ambience. Casual Asian fusion snacks and sushi are served poolside at a new cocktail bar, complete with bean bags, shisha pipes and sweeping views across to Phangan Island.

The “catch of the day” gets a whole new personalised meaning at the refurbished Anantara Bophut Resort, as guests are invited to meet local fishermen on Bophut Beach at the end of a day of harvesting the ocean, to choose their favourite fish from the catch. From here the culinary team takes over to prepare the catch to perfection in a variety of ways, for the guests to savour at dinner.

Koh Samui is a paradise for kids and the new purpose built Baan Ling Noi (Thai for little monkey) Children’s Club offers a terrific range of unforgettably fun activities designed to motivate, develop skills and make new friends. Here pizza cooking classes, building sandcastles, playing mini garden soccer, hunting for treasures, trampoline jumping or making coconut paintings all keep the little treasures safely entertained for hours on end, leaving parents free to unwind.

At the award winning Anantara Spa, world-class health and beauty treatments are delivered in private pavilions set in their own walled courtyard. Set within 3,100 square metres of landscaped grounds, the six treatment suites are individually encased in glass with a mirrored back wall, designed to accentuate the feeling of floating. Ambient lighting and funky butterfly-style roofs lend an emphatic dimension to the design. These sensual suites feature alfresco showers and terrazzo bathtubs, all made for two. The Anantara Spa is also home to a separate beauty salon and herbal steam room.

The resort’s impressive lobby, ballroom, meeting facilities and public spaces were also refreshed and updated to meet the needs of today’s sophisticated travellers in a fast-paced world.

With its winning combination of luxurious surroundings, contemporary facilities and warmly welcoming Thai hospitality, the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui experience is not to be missed.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the groundbreaking of The St. Regis Jakarta in Indonesia’s dynamic capital. Set to open in 2016, the all-suite hotel brings the St. Regis brand’s enduring legacy of uncompromising luxury and sophisticated service to Jakarta, elevating the city’s ultra-luxury hospitality offerings in a mixed-use development.Located in Jakarta’s central business district along Jalan Gatot Subroto, near Jakarta’s Sudirman Central Business District and the Mega Kuningan area, the integrated 141,000 square metre development encompasses a 124 room hotel, a premium 47-story office tower, and a food and beverage and retail component. Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, who also designed The St. Regis Mexico City, the development joins the architecture firm’s distinguished portfolio, which includes some of the tallest buildings and major urban landmarks around the world. The development will also feature the work of renowned New York interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, and tropical urban landscape designer Bill Bensley, named by TIME Magazine as one of the top five hospitality designers worldwide.

The announcement is in partnership with the Rajawali Group, one of the largest investment companies in Indonesia. The agreement strengthens a 20-year strategic partnership between Rajawali and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide with The St. Regis Bali Resort, which has been named among the world’s best hotels by International Hotel Awards and named Asia’s Leading Luxury Resort by World Travel Awards 2011.

Adding to the hotel’s highly anticipated debut, the commercial office tower is poised to become the premium address for multi-national corporations, local conglomerates, and financial institutions, filling the void in international standard and grade-A commercial facilities. Upon completion, the office tower will be acquired by Singapore-based GIC as part of its real estate portfolio.

The opening of the St. Regis Jakarta will be the St. Regis brand’s second hotel in Indonesia, joining The St. Regis Bali Resort in Nusa Dua. The St. Regis will be Starwood’s fourth brand to open in Jakarta alongside Le Méridien, Sheraton and Luxury Collection and is part of an aggressive expansion plan in the city that will see the Aloft, W and Westin brands all debuting properties by 2016.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the opening of The Westin Singapore, marking the brand’s return to Southeast Asia’s financial and lifestyle hub. As Singapore’s first-ever integrated hotel located within an office building, The Westin Singapore occupies levels 32 to 46 of the brand new Asia Square Tower 2 commercial development in Marina Bay, the heart of Singapore’s bustling financial district. The hotel enjoys a high profile status with the highest lobby in Singapore, while providing the premium Westin experience with signature amenities and services designed to inspire balance and well-being.

Located on the 32nd floor, the lobby features 11 meter tall floor-to-ceiling windows with plenty of natural light and expansive views of Marina Bay – a renewal experience for the senses. Guests are also greeted to a palette of harmonious nature-inspired colors, streamlined décor, and distinctive pendant lights designed to complement the cityscape, leaving guests feeling “on top of the world.”

Each of the hotel’s 305 guestrooms and suites, including Executive Club rooms, Sea View Suites, Harbor View Suites and a Presidential Suite, feature floor-to-ceiling windows, soothing tones and signature amenities that are designed to create an intuitive feeling of home, with all the conveniences and comfort to maintain a healthy balance of work and pleasure.

To further inspire well-being, The Westin Singapore offers an infinity pool with a stunning view over Singapore’s south coast; a WestinWORKOUT® fitness studio; the New Balance Gear Lending program, which provides guests with athletic shoes and apparel during their stay; and RunWESTIN™ with maps that feature 5-kilometer and 8-kilometer jogging/walking routes from the hotel.

Additionally, the Heavenly Spa by Westin™ provides six private treatment rooms and a range of facilities including a whirlpool and Steam Room, designed to indulge guests with rejuvenating treatments. The hotel also features the brand’s signature SuperFoodsRx™ menu, which includes nutrient-rich and delicious options made from ingredients that provide guests with the focused energy they need to meet the challenges of their day.

To help guests stay productive on the road, The Westin Singapore features thoughtful spaces designed especially for work. In addition to ergonomic in-room workspaces, the Westin Executive Club Lounge offers Executive Club guests an exclusive space to organize meetings with wireless high-speed Internet access and private meeting rooms.

Exuding a rich yet relaxed environment, the hotel’s state-of-the-art function facilities encompass 1,350 square meters of versatile meeting rooms, a pre-function area and a ballroom. The entire space is fitted with the latest in-meeting technology and high-speed Internet access for more productive off-site sessions. The space is also ideal for weddings, social galas and other business functions.

The Westin Singapore presents a variety of compelling epicurean experiences. On the 33rd floor, gastro-bar Cook & Brew offers classic bar favorites alongside local comfort food, and a meticulously curated list of fine wines and over 100 different types of beer from 17 countries. An Enomatic® wine system allows guests to sample their wines using a convenient stored-value card.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Seasonal Tastes, maintains five interactive kitchens for a truly personalized dining experience, complete with panoramic views of Singapore’s garden city. From breakfast to dinner, the buffets encompass a generous selection of classic international dishes, local favorites and wholesome choices. Additionally, the Lobby Lounge provides a cozy environment for afternoon tea or after-work business discussions, while Daily Treats, a gourmet market located on the ground floor, showcase unique food and beverages from around the world.

Ascend Hotel Collection from Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s largest hotel companies, adds Downtown Grand Las Vegas to its impressive list of upscale hotels. On October 27, a small group of guests wined, dined and gambled at the new hotel and casino. Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn and his wife Andrea showed their support by placing the first bets. On November 12, 2013, the hotel’s two towers and casino hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mayor of Las Vegas and other local dignitaries, and on November 16, local residents and visitors continued the celebration with a street party “Downtown 3rd presents: Rock the Block” which included five diverse musical acts on 3rd street and inside the hotel.

This 634-room hotel is the largest member in the Ascend Hotel Collection, a network of one-of-a-kind upscale properties. Each Ascend hotel is a unique reflection of the distinct character of its host city, yet all offer the same high standards of hospitality and comfort. Downtown Grand Las Vegas Hotel and Casino does all that and more.

The guest rooms at Downtown Grand Las Vegas set an entirely new standard. All five room types – Deluxe, Premium, One-Bedroom Suite, City Suite and Grand Suite – offer spacious accommodations, high-definition flat screen televisions, presidential pillow top mattresses, luxurious bed linens, plush lounge chairs and stylish custom furnishings.

Should guests feel the need to wind up for a big day or wind down from a busy night, Downtown Grand Las Vegas has the perfect place for everyone, from the barfly to the cocktail connoisseur. At Art Bar, the staff invites guests to stay a little longer and enjoy craft drinks and light eats while exploring mini-art exhibits and collections from local artists. MOB Bar allows guests to enjoy a modern-day speakeasy featuring handcrafted cocktails and live music, while Ninth Island lets them embrace their inner child with a convenient indoor/outdoor counter serving authentic Hawaiian shave ice or grown-up daiquiris. Furnace, Downtown Grand Las Vegas’ casino bar, is perfect for guests who want to see and be seen in the center of the action.

Unlike the majority of Las Vegas hotels, Downtown Grand offers a wide variety of small, intimate dining options. Guests are sure to please their palate at one of many comfortable dining options including such notables as, Stewart + Ogden diner bistro, a three-meal restaurant featuring a menu designed by award-winning restaurateurs Elizabeth Blau and Kim Canteenwalla, Red Mansion Chinese Restaurant and Triple George Grill, an award-winning San Francisco-style steakhouse. For business travelers and special occasions, Downtown Grand Las Vegas also offers 2,500 square feet of indoor meeting space and 35,000 square feet of space at PICNIC, the urban rooftop pool retreat, to host perfectly executed corporate meetings, dazzling events and memorable weddings.

© 2013 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.

HVS London, in association with Zolfo Cooper and AM:PM, has published its quarterly Hotel Bulletin, outlining the performance of the UK’s hotel sector.Findings show that regional performance in Q3 has been particularly strong, with all but two cities reviewed showing RevPAR (rooms revenue per available room) gains, with an average of 8% increases. This converts to a profit rise of 3% year-on-year.

“We are now confident enough to say that the recession in the UK’s hotel sector is effectively now over based on year on year growth to both revenue and profitability. Performance has been strong in the regions, with hotels in Aberdeen, Bath, Belfast and Edinburgh recording double digit RevPAR increases in Q3,” commented HVS London director Tim Smith.

“The most encouraging fact about regional performance is that improvements have been quite broad based, in contrast with pockets of good performance recorded in recent years.

“Performance in London is also positive, as while hotels have recorded a 3% decline in RevPAR, demand has grown at a greater rate than supply and it is only average rates that have failed to match the one-off levels seen during the Olympics.

“The key issue is that confidence has returned to the market, because trading and profits have risen. That confidence is shown by more bank debt available, more transactions and an improved trading situation at the hotels. Therefore, we are definitely out of the worst and in a period of recovery,” added Smith.

Rather than seeing tourist volume slump post Olympics, as other host cities have done, early signs are that the UK has benefitted from the worldwide exposure created by the Games with the number of overseas visitors stabilising, and then accelerating this summer.

In terms of new hotel openings in the UK, it is still budget hotels and limited service operations that are being favoured by developers, accounting for 67% of total new openings in Q3.

Another urban five-star hotel, designed by WATG, has opened its doors. Luxury hotel operator The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has chosen Bangalore as its first location in India for many reasons. Bangalore is a significant and dynamic economic and cultural hub and the second-fastest growing major metropolis in India, boasting the highest concentration of IT companies in the country, alongside a mix of gardens, museums, temples, and palaces. With its pleasant year-round climate and growing economic base, the operator believes that Bangalore is a strategic destination to Iaunch India’s first Ritz-Carlton hotel. Luxury property developer Nitesh Estates owns the hotel.The luxury hotel has 281 rooms, including one Presidential Suite and 26 executive suites. Guests can enjoy three restaurants; an ultra-luxury spa and a techno gym-equipped fitness centre, a club lounge and an extravagant roof top terrace with panoramic views, and a spectacular open-air hotel pool deck on top of the building.

Located on an L-shaped plot in the heart of the central business district, the 16-storey property also features a helicopter-landing pad on the rooftop.

“The Ritz-Carlton was a remarkable design opportunity to conceive a modern luxurious hotel located in an urban city neighbourhood that exemplifies both the extraordinary past and promising future of Bangalore,” said Bradford McNamee, Senior Vice President at WATG.

Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, may be the first of its brand in India, but not the first Ritz-Carlton designed by WATG.

Jean Michel-Gathy of Denniston Architects has unveiled his latest design creation, Cheval Blanc Randheli, one of the most anticipated new hotel openings in the Maldives. Cheval Blanc Randheli is an intimate and contemporary 45-villa haven on the unspoiled Noonu Atoll, a 40 minute journey north of Malé, which guests will enjoy in the Maison’s own bespoke seaplane for an exceptional holiday start.

The property offers stylish design and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, in the serene setting of the Maldivian archipelago. Cheval Blanc Randheli provides a setting that caters to guests’ every desire; a sanctuary in which to relax and enjoy a rare and inspired variety of services and facilities. This will be combined with an exceptionally personal service approach, expertly delivered to carefully craft memorable experiences for guests – from couples and honeymooners to families and groups of friends.

The Maison has been conceived in synergy with the island’s natural surroundings, lush vegetation and lagoon views. Contemporary yet indigenous, graceful and understated, it is the perfect balance of modern architecture and traditional inspirations. The flow of the resort creates a residential feel that is full of surprises and variety. An abundance of settings have been designed for guests to use as per their disposition – for relaxation, for contemplation, for invigoration, for conversation or simply to enjoy a stunning view. The property will feature some spectacular dining options, which Jean-Michel admits was a challenge, with the need to create both high-spec and casual restaurants and bars on an island.

Great attention has been given to the privacy of guests and ensuring a feeling of space. This is reflected in the sleek design of each villa. Large glass doors, on both sides of the villa, open fully onto the idyllic landscape or can be closed to create a warm and cosy atmosphere. The sheer volume of space in the buildings and the doors in the villa bedrooms are the aspects the designer believes really have the wow-factor.

The graphic architecture is complemented by stylish interior design furnished with a mix of materials from the Indian Ocean and Europe but with natural textures being the essence – teak, rattan, bamboo, leather, bronze, thatch and coconut and shell. This is in turn enhanced by a vivid palette of colours; white, taupe and oyster grey with splashes of pop yellow and green, bespoke design elements and a residential-style medley of artwork throughout. A collection of 45 sculptural colour “spots” by artist Vincent Beaurin also makes each villa truly individual.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world’s largest hotel companies, is delivering more growth across Russia and the CIS with the signing of three more hotels in the region: Holiday Inn Express® Naberezhnye- Chelny, Holiday Inn Express® Samara and Staybridge Suites® Baku.Holiday Inn Express Naberezhnye- Chelny is the third hotel to be signed as part of the multiple development franchise agreement signed in March 2013 with Regional Hotel Chain (RHC), a portfolio company of VIY Management (VIYM), to develop 15 new hotels in Russia by 2019. The 145-room new-build property is due to open in the second quarter of 2015 and is not only the first IHG hotel to be built in Naberezhnye Chelny, but also the first internationally branded hotel in the local area.

Similarly, the newly built 115 room Staybridge Suites hotel will be the first branded extended-stay hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan. Operating under a franchise agreement with Asnaf Alkon Group, Staybridge Suites Baku will be located in an area showing high demand for extended stay due to the city’s booming energy industry and an influx of tourism from neighbouring countries.

Holiday Inn Express Samara will operate under a franchise agreement with Rosa Mira Group, a first time owner with IHG. The 145-room hotel is to be newly constructed following a conversion from an office building and is due to open towards the end of 2015. The hotel will occupy a central location in the city of Samara which will be a host city for the 2018 FIFA Football World Cup.

IHG has made a firm commitment to growth in Russia and the CIS with plans to have 100 hotels open or in the pipeline by 2020. This expansion will be primarily driven by IHG’s Holiday Inn® and Holiday Inn Express® brands in primary and secondary cities across the region.

During an opening ceremony attended by his Highness Prince Mohammad Bin Nasser Bin Abdel Aziz Al Saud the Emir (Prince) of Jizan Region and Alex Kyriakidis President and Managing Director Marriott International, Middle East & Africa – Marriott International announced the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Jazan, owned by Abdulrahman bin Saad Al Rashid. This is Marriott International’s first hotel in Jazan, the economic city in the Southwest of Saudi Arabia., and it is the second Courtyard by Marriott property in Saudi Arabia, as Courtyard by Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter opened last year.Courtyard by Marriott Jazan is connected to Al Rashid Mall, located in the heart of the city nearby major shopping malls and downtown districts with easy access to and from the King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz airport. It has 129 spacious guest rooms, including 86 king size rooms, 27 double / double rooms, 14 junior suite, 2 royal suite, two food and beverage outlets, Olea café and the lobby lounge, 24 hour room service, a fitness center including an indoor pool and seven executive meeting rooms that can accommodate a combined number or 565 guests.

Courtyard by Marriott Jazan openingAdel Jubran, General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Jazan said: “We are excited that our new Courtyard is the first in our region following the global celebration of Courtyard by Marriott’s 30th anniversary which took place last month. This is a dynamic brand that is popular in Saudi Arabia, and we are excited to see its expansion in the Kingdom.”

Courtyard understands business travelers, and, through extensive research, the brand continues to evolve to meet guests’ changing needs. Combining innovative technology with style and comfort, the adaptable lobby space offers options so guests can make the most of their time on the road. Intuitive services accommodate guests’ desire for choice and control and allow them to use the public space and guest rooms to meet all of their needs while on the road.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced its newest hotel development for downtown Brooklyn, minutes from the famed Barclay’s Center, the Brooklyn Academy of Music and a variety of shopping and entertainment venues. In partnership with 300 Schermerhorn Realty LLC, the new-build $80 million Holiday Inn® hotel will join the neighborhood at 300 Schermerhorn Street. Construction is expected to complete by the end of 2014, with an anticipated opening in early 2015. The interiors were designed by Andres Escobar and Associates.Owned by K.K. Mehta and his son Sanjeev Mehta, the Holiday Inn Brooklyn Nevins Station is their second IHG property in the metro New York area. The Mehta’s opened the first Staybridge Suites hotel for New York City in Times Square six years ago and the property continues to outpace its competitors.

The contemporary 90,000-square-foot, 246-room hotel will have 15 floors with more than 3,000 square feet of meeting space including three meeting rooms and a ballroom. A sauna, steam room, indoor pool and a Jacuzzi and will be among the guest amenities.

The Holiday Inn Brooklyn Nevins Station hotel, owned by 300 Schermerhorn Realty LLC and managed by New York Hotel Management LLC, is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

All interior images are copyright Andres Escobar and Associates.

Marriott International, Inc. has recently announced plans to open its first hotel in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 75-suite Residence Inn Sarajevo is expected to open in late 2014 and will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by SEIC Hospitality and managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts. The only internationally branded hotel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Residence Inn Sarajevo will fill a gap in the extended stay segment and offer a blend of modern style and functionality that allows guests to thrive on long stays. Ideally located just 20 minutes from the airport and near the old city, the Residence Inn Sarajevo will provide convenient access to the city’s historical and cultural attractions as well as restaurants, cafes and shops. An attractive year-round destination, Sarajevo is known for its variety of summer festivals and skiing throughout the winter months.

Residence Inn properties are designed as all-suite hotels that offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. Well-designed rooms with large, well-lit work desks, ergonomic chairs and complimentary high-speed Internet enable guests to maintain productivity, while plush mattresses and crisp linens promote restorative sleep. Designed for stays of five nights or more, each suite has a fully-equipped kitchen, separate dining area and flat screen television.

A pioneer in extended stay, Residence Inn offers guests inviting and functional public spaces to relax or collaborate with 24-hour access to food and beverage. Other features include a fitness room and onsite guest laundry.

International management and construction consultancy, Gleeds, has recently begun work as cost planners for the latest luxury Ritz Carlton hotel in the Yerwada district of Pune, India, after appointment by local real estate developers. The value of the project is confidential.Due for completion in 2016, the 44,284m2 venue will provide accommodation for business and leisure guests in established five star surroundings for both an international and domestic based market. It will follow on from the launch of a new Ritz Carlton hotel in Bangalore which is due to be opened later this year.

Gleeds will act as cost planners for the project utilising their experience of working on luxury segment hotel projects in the past. Furthermore, it will also be Gleeds’ second venture into the Pune hospitality sector, where they are also working as Cost Management Consultants for the new Hilton Conrad. This hotel also aims to offer luxury accommodation in a city currently experiencing great economic expansion.

Commenting on the project, Stuart Senior, Main Board Director at Gleeds Nottingham, who is responsible for Gleeds operations in India, said, “It is a privilege for our team to be engaged on the Ritz-Carlton hotel. Our experience in the hospitality sector, together with our local knowledge and ongoing work in Pune means that we are well placed to assist in the development of this hotel. We see the region’s tourism sector experiencing steady growth in addition to the booming business activity that is already occurring here.”

International value hotel group Tune Hotels has stamped its first footprint in Australia with the official opening of Tune Hotel Melbourne. The group has plans to expand its footprint within the Australasia region, with Melbourne its first operational hub.The 225-room property was officially launched on the 8th November during a ceremony attended by Premier of Victoria Dr Denis Napthine, Malaysia’s Consul-General in Melbourne Datuk Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya and Group CEO of Tune Hotels Mark Lankester.

Located at 609 Swanston Street, Carlton, Tune Hotel Melbourne is conveniently situated next to the University of Melbourne. It is also just two streets away from the popular eateries of Lygon Street, around the corner from Queen Victoria Market and minutes to Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) via the trams which stop outside the hotel.

The hotel features an indoor open air courtyard, a recreational lounge, a restaurant, café, luggage storage, self-service launderette and free internet desks on the ground floor. In addition the hotel is equipped with a basement car park – something unusual for a city centre hotel in Australia.

Exclusive new waterside penthouses boasting glorious views of Northern England’s largest inland marina will be welcoming their first guests from January 2014. Part of a £3.5million investment in Windermere Marina Village, the newly unveiled properties are nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park on a quiet inlet just off England’s longest lake.The thirteen individually-styled properties, which suit groups of between two and ten people, are now taking bookings for the New Year. All have spacious, southerly-facing balconies or terraces looking out across the marina. So, as well as enjoying a light airy outlook, guests can watch a unique selection of luxury yachts and sports boats gently glide across the water against an iconic Lakeland backdrop.

The shining star of the new development is an impressive 2,250sq foot penthouse, which comes complete with an additional 1,000sq foot den / games room on the top floor.
To give all the properties added personality, they’ve been carefully styled around three themes: funky’, ‘contemporary’ and ‘traditional’. The décor in each strikes a balance between relaxed luxury and practical home comforts, with plush interiors and the highest quality fixture and fittings – sourced locally wherever possible. Take the sleek kitchen worktops, which are made from Broughton Moor Slate, natural stone laid down in the Lakes 450 million years ago.

That means there are plenty of options to suit couples and small groups, as well as catering for the emerging trend of extended family and groups of friends coming away together.

Each new apartment has its own parking space, and guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the nearby Old England Leisure Club for the ultimate in pampering and relaxation.
Windermere Marina Village has previously invested £3million in modernising its existing 54 lakeside self-catering cottages and apartments to four star standards. Unlike the majority of self-catering properties, the Marina offers the flexibility for guests to choose two night weekend stays, instead of the traditional three. Alternatively they can opt for four-day mid-week breaks or full week getaways.

Holidaymakers don’t have to own a boat to stay or visit the Marina, but with 400 moorings providing a safe and secure environment for motor cruisers and sailing boats all year round, it’s an ideal destination for the nautically-minded. The Marina can accommodate sports boats, leisure cruisers and yachts up to a maximum length of 50 feet and maximum draft of 3’ 6.

Marriott International, Inc. has recently said it has signed a letter of intent with Protea Hospitality Holdings of Cape Town, South Africa to acquire Protea Hotels’ brands and its management business that operates or franchises 116 hotels across three brands with 10,184 rooms in South Africa and six other Sub-Saharan African countries. The transaction would nearly double Marriott’s distribution in Africa to more than 23,000 rooms, and would also provide Marriott with a proven operational platform and leadership team to accelerate Marriott’s expansion plans and solidify its leadership position in the dynamic and growing African hotel market. Protea Hotels, founded in 1984, manages, franchises and leases hotels across the Protea Hotels brand (104 hotels), comprising a full and diverse range of outstanding hotels and resorts; the award-winning lifestyle boutique Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! brand (2 hotels); and the superior deluxe African Pride Hotels collection (10 hotels). In addition to its industry-leading 80 hotels in South Africa, Protea Hotels has a significant presence in Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria,Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

As part of the transaction, Protea Hospitality Holdings would create a property ownership company to retain ownership of the hotels it currently owns (and enter into long-term management and lease agreements with Marriott for these hotels). It would also retain a number of minority interests in other Protea managed hotels. At closing Marriott would manage approximately 46 percent of the rooms, franchise approximately 40 percent of the rooms, and lease approximately 14 percent of the rooms.

Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive officer of Marriott International, said, “Africa has significant untapped potential for travel and tourism, both as a destination and source of new global travellers. The continent’s GDP is anticipated to grow at over five percent annually over the next several years which we expect will raise more people into the emerging middle class. With the Protea Hotels acquisition, our expanded footprint should allow us to become the first choice of Africa’s rapidly growing population of young, sophisticated travelers, and drive loyalty to our Marriott Rewards program both within Africa and globally. Protea Hotels enjoys unparalleled brand recognition in Africa, and our combined portfolio of Protea Hotels and current Marriott International brands would create a platform for accelerated growth and new job growth in South Africa and across the continent.”

Alex Kyriakidis, president of Marriott International for the Middle East and Africa, said, “The development cycle for opening new hotels in Africa is typically long due to the challenges posed by emerging infrastructure, so joining forces with Protea Hotels and their highly respected management team is the strongest way to jumpstart Marriott’s footprint in Africa. The Marriott Middle East and Africa management team can deliver value and greater growth for Protea’s hotel owners by leveraging these terrific brands, represented by 116 hotels and more than 10,000 rooms in seven countries, with Marriott’s global sales, marketing and development infrastructure. We believe this would also result in more job creation in South Africa and across the continent.”

Arthur Gillis, chief executive officer of Protea Hospitality Group, said “Protea Hotels has grown organically to become the largest and leading hotel group in Sub-Saharan Africa. Aligning with a global giant such as Marriott ensures we can realise the Group’s full potential for all of our stakeholders. In Marriott we have found a perfect fit across culture, values and commitment to industry leadership which will ensure that we remain at the forefront of African hospitality.”

The otherwise non-binding letter of intent includes provisions that the parties will negotiate exclusively with each other. The transaction is subject to completion of due diligence, negotiation and execution of definitive documents, receipt of customary third party and governmental consents and approvals and satisfaction of other customary conditions for transactions of this kind that the parties expect will be included in the definitive transaction documents.

The proposed terms of the transaction are not being disclosed at this time. The parties stated that they plan to sign definitive agreements by year-end 2013 and the transaction could close in the first three months of 2014. In any event, Marriott does not expect the transaction would have a material impact on its 2014 results.

Great Hotels of the World, the London-based hotel sales and marketing alliance, has acquired five new member properties to its collection.Shamana Hotel & Spa Bodrum, Mugla Turkey
Shamana Hotel & Spa is located in Torba Bay in the beautiful region of Bodrum.

Café de Oliva serves modern Mediterranean cuisine in an authentic and casual atmosphere where guests can enjoy the Turkish and international wines and liqueurs. The Beach Club offers drink and a light menu to enjoy on the seaside, with entertaining music. Alternatively guests can sample a selection of appetisers inspired by Turkish cuisine at the Vodka-Caviar bar. The spacious lounge terrace is perfect to relax and enjoy stunning views over the gardens and the private beach. Set in the very heart of Shamana Bodrum, the spa brings therapeutic traditions of Ottoman hammam culture together with Indonesian massage.

Cavalieri Hotel, St. Julians, Malta
Cavalieri Hotel is located in a quiet area directly overlooking the popular and picturesque St. Julian’s Bay. The 258 rooms are modern and stylish, with comfortable furnishings, and most of them have balconies where guests can enjoy the open sea views.

The hotel offers a variety of high quality dining and catering options. Ottocento is a panoramic restaurant which serves a variety of cuisines ranging from Maltese and Caribbean to Italian in a unique atmosphere. During the warmer months, Pommarola restaurant offers an original à la carte menu with the essential fresh ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine, on the pool deck. The Baconoir lounge bar is the ideal venue for a special night out. It brings together a unique setting, cocktails and an amazing wine menu. Cavalieri Hotel has its own private lido with a large outdoor swimming pool as well as large sundeck with sun beds, parasols and a children’s padding pool. An indoor swimming pool is heated during winter and a sauna and solarium are available.

Hotel Santos Porta Fira, Barcelona, Spain
Situated in one of Barcelona’s areas of greatest economic expansion, Hotel Santos Porta Fira is considered the best skyscraper in the world and has been awarded the prestigious “Emporis Award 2010” architectural award. Designed by the famous Japanese architect Toyo Ito, the modern and cutting-edge building has 24 floors and a height of 110 metres, making it one of the architectural icons of the city.

The 320 rooms and suites are modern and equipped with the latest technology. The Spiral Restaurant offers a menu designed specifically for each diner in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. An exclusive Wellness Centre is located on the 17th floor offering impressive views over the city. With two sensation showers, a gym, a sauna, an ice fountain and two treatment cubicles, guests will have a chance to relax and rejuvenate. The hotel also features a Japanese garden where private events can be organised.

Iberostar Son Antem Golf Resort & Spa, Majorca, Spain
Majorca’s south coast is the setting for the sublime Iberostar Son Antem Golf Resort & Spa. Built in a traditional Mediterranean style, and imbued with a peaceful atmosphere, this resort has it all. Facilities include two golf courses, a beauty parlour, kids’ pools and playgrounds, an indoor pool, a spa with massage therapies, watersports and more. The El Olivar restaurant serves delicious local and international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there are two bars.

Iberostar Mencey Hotel, Tenerife, Spain
Old school glamour and modern luxury live side-by-side at the Iberostar Mencey Hotel. Located in Santa Cruz on the popular island of Tenerife, the Iberostar Mencey has been a favourite with celebrities and high fliers since the 1950s. There is a spa with a range of treatments to pamper and relax, and the hotel offers cookery lessons and other entertainment.
There are two renowned restaurants, a casino, and three bars.

Grace Hotels, the privately owned luxury boutique hotel group, has recently announced the official opening of the latest addition to its portfolio, Grace Cafayate, a hotel, spa and residential villas development located in the Salta province of north west Argentina. Marking the group’s first hotel opening in Latin America, Grace Cafayate lies high in Argentina’s Calchaquí Valley, famed for its spectacular backdrop of The Andes and for some of the finest wines South America has to offer.Situated on La Estancia de Cafayate, an exclusive golf, equestrian and residential estate, the hotel comprises 52 elegantly appointed rooms and suites within the hotel’s main building and its 20 residential villas. Each villa features two bedrooms with large en-suite bathrooms, dressing room, living room with an integrated kitchen, cellar and fireplace, plus outdoor hot tub, terrace and grill. Villas can be occupied as one-bedroom or two-bedroom suites. The architecture throughout the development draws inspiration from local traditions.

Grace Cafayate offers exquisite gastronomy with flavours, textures, colours and aromas that harmoniously combine the best of international cuisine with characteristic local traditions. Outdoor dining is offered at the Pool Bar & Grill whilst Muse by Jonathan Cartwright sees modern European cuisine pay homage to Argentine culinary traditions, together with carefully selected wines. The menu has been created by Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux Jonathan Cartwright, who has been in charge of the culinary offering across Grace Hotels since 2011. This is the second ‘Muse’ restaurant for the group, following its success at The Vanderbilt Grace in Rhode Island, United States.

Wellbeing and relaxation form an integral part of the guest experience. In addition to the outdoor heated pool there is a spa with five treatment rooms and an innovative wellness menu that calls upon local therapeutic traditions. The heated indoor pool with integrated whirlpool offers views of the mountains and a gym with Life Fitness equipment is ideal for an early morning workout while sunrise illuminates the vineyards and the mountains.

Guests can also enjoy the facilities of La Estancia de Cafayate, including an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Bob Cupp, two polo fields, the Clubhouse and the magnificent Athletic Club & Spa that features an indoor counter-current heated swimming pool, a 300 m² gym, three tennis courts and a squash court. Cycle and hiking trails along the extensive paths around the valley provide an added recreation.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) is gaining an increased foothold in the UK’s extended stay hotel market with the signing of its second property in the capital – Staybridge Suites London Vauxhall. The hotel is due to open early in 2015.Operating under a franchise agreement with new owner Spring Mews Ltd; a subsidiary of CLS Holdings plc, the 93 suite new build hotel will be managed by Cycas Hospitality, extended stay hotel specialists, who also manage Staybridge Suites London Stratford City and Staybridge Suites Liverpool.

Part of the Spring Mews development project, the hotel will be situated on Albert Embankment, one of London’s key regeneration areas. The hotel has excellent transport links with major rail stations: Vauxhall Station, Waterloo Station and Victoria Station are all located within a two mile radius.

In a city dominated by short-stay hotels, Staybridge Suites aims to provide guests with a home away from home. The spacious apartment-style suites feature fully equipped kitchens, LED TV’s, large work areas and free Wi-Fi. Guests have use of the fitness room, business centre, laundry room (an industry first) and The Pantry, the brand’s own convenience store that is open around the clock. Staybridge Suites Hotels also offer a complimentary full breakfast buffet and a social evening reception three days a week.

Robert Shepherd, IHG Chief Development Officer, Europe said: “We’re seeing increasing demand for extended stay properties in a market driven by corporate business. Staybridge Suites is a distinctive part of our growth story in Europe and we’re delighted to be working with our new owner partner Spring Mews on this project.”

Sten Mortstedt, Executive Chairman of CLS Holdings plc commented: “IHG is one of the top hotel companies in the world and its Staybridge Suites brand perfectly meets our aspirations for a hotel in this area. We very much look forward to working together with IHG.”

“Extended stay hotels are beginning to make their mark in the UK and the Staybridge Suites concept from IHG is proving very popular,” reports John Wagner, Director of Cycas Hospitality. The homely Staybridge Suites experience appeals to both public sector and corporate business travellers working on projects and longer-term assignments.”

Staybridge Suites London Vauxhall will be the fourth Staybridge Suites property in the UK alongside Liverpool, Newcastle and London Stratford which opened in 2008, 2009 and 2012 respectively. Staybridge Suites Birmingham opens later this year.

Not content with cementing its position as one of the fastest growing budget hotel brands in the UK, earlier this year Travelodge embarked on a £57m refurbishment across the estate to be carried out in just 18 months. The refurbishment programme is set to transform the look and feel of more than 30,000 rooms as part of a wider company investment to further grow the business and strengthen the Travelodge brand.Along with changes to the restaurants and public areas, a key part of the refit is a brand new guestroom created by Travelodge customers following an extensive research project. The in- house design team led by Francis Whitley were tasked with creating a stylish, relaxing and functional environment and a customised version of the Chelsom ‘discus’ desk light was commissioned as part of the interior scheme. Finished in soft white for a clean contemporary look, the shallow curved weighted base and integrated rocker switch of the standard ‘discus’ fitting have been replaced with a flat circular alternative featuring an inline switch located on the cable. The base shape is mirrored in the stamped flat cylindrical head which contains a fluorescent GU 10 lamp providing excellent light level sustainability and efficiency.

Chelsom has worked closely with the Travelodge design team from the outset to value engineer the standard version of the product to ensure it met the exacting design requirements and budget limitations involved without compromising the overall design aesthetic. Given the scale of the refurbishment and limited time frame in which it is to be completed, the logistical practicalities are critical and all product has been stocked at Chelsom’s warehouse in Lancashire to maximise efficiency of despatch and help regulate stock control for the duration.

Company Director, Will Chelsom said: “Travelodge is without question one of the UK’s most recognisable hotel brands and to be associated with such an extensive refurbishment programme is a great opportunity and one which reflects the scope of work we can and do deliver. The sheer scale of the refit means that it certainly isn’t without its challenges, the logistics involved in order to deliver such large volumes of product on time are instrumental to its success especially given the ambitious 18 month project window. It’s testament to Chelsom that we are able to maintain such high quality levels whilst achieving the competitive price points required on such a large scale project”.

Travelodge plans to have refitted more than 50% of all its rooms by the end of the year. By autumn 2014, almost 90% of Travelodge’s hotels will incorporate the new room design, meaning the makeover will see an average of more than 50 rooms refurbished every day for the next 18 months.

IHG announces the opening of the Crowne Plaza® Lansing West hotel following conversion renovations to the guest rooms, reception and entrances, funded by the hotel’s ownership. The opening of the Deadwood Mountain Grand, a Holiday Inn Resort® hotel located in Deadwood, S.D., follows an approximately $50 million renovation by the ownership to the sprawling over 245,000 sq. feet property. Crowne Plaza® Lansing West
The hotel has 212 guest rooms, including two Junior and two Premium suites. Additionally, travelers can take advantage of more than 17,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space which includes 15meeting rooms and an 8,600-square-foot Royale Ballroom that can further be partitioned into additional meeting spaces to suit different occasions.

Guests can take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public spaces as well as varied food and beverage options. The hotel has a new, vibrant dining experience in “Bordeaux,” a full service restaurant with a wine room, full bar and three private dining areas, serving dishes with global influences, and “Cravings,” a coffee and snack shop with a variety of locally-made snacks and beverages.

Holiday Inn Resort Deadwood
Formerly an historical mining building, the hotel includes nine floors comprising 98 guest rooms and five beautifully appointed suites. The casino and event center, as well as the hotel itself have an overall theme focused on an upscale Western atmosphere and décor, and with historic Deadwood artwork featured in the guest rooms.

The hotel has a well-equipped fitness center, business center, and meeting facilities, as well as an indoor pool, spa, casino, and event center that can accommodate over 2,000 people.

Additionally, the property’s Kids Club – “Seth’s Lil’ Sheriffs Club” – features activities themed around the town’s historical roots and its Wild West past. Formerly an independent property with strong roots in show business and entertainment, the hotel will continue offering a diverse comedy and music line-up at its Event Center. Guests can enjoy an upscale dining experience at the Aught Six Grille and live entertainment at the Slime Plant Bar & Lounge.

Jumeirah Group, the global hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, has signed a management agreement with IFG Basis Proect LLC to manage a luxury hotel on Nevsky Prospect in St. Petersburg, Russia. The hotel is currently under development and is expected to open within the next three years.The hotel will be developed within the structure of Wavelberg House, a building of national cultural importance built in 1912, which stands on the corner of Nevsky Prospect and Malaya Morskaya Street, one of the most exclusive addresses in St Petersburg, close to the Hermitage and just 30 minutes from the city’s Pulkovo airport. The interior design by The Gallery, HBA London office, preserves many of the original features of the building, including its distinctive façade and marble floored banking hall. When completed the hotel will consist of 74 rooms, including 18 suites, three bars and restaurants, meeting facilities, a spa and rooftop hydrotherapy pool and prestige retail space fronting onto Nevsky Prospect.

Ilya Sokolov, Director General, IFG-Basis-Proect LLC, said: “We are very proud to be transforming this historic building into a luxury hotel and especially pleased that Jumeirah Group will manage it when it opens. The demand for high-end luxury hotel accommodation in St. Petersburg is strong and we are confident that this new property will capture the imagination of discerning travellers coming to the city.”

Gerald Lawless, President and CEO of Jumeirah Group, said: “Jumeirah’s hotels and resorts in Dubai have always been so popular with Russian visitors that we are delighted now to be able to bring the brand to Russia itself. The good news is that our first hotel in the Russian market is in such a prestigious location at the heart of St. Petersburg in a building that has such a rich heritage. We look forward to working with IFG to ensure a successful completion of the project and a spectacular launch of Jumeirah in Russia.”

Amari Coral Beach Phuket has been a favourite for holidaymakers since it opened 29 years ago. Following an 18 month enhancement period, the popular family resort is proud to introduce its new look guest rooms, public areas, spa and restaurants. The property has also changed its name to ‘Amari Phuket’.Guests visiting the property from November 2013 onwards will be able to see the new contemporary design in all areas. The changes include a fresh look for all superior and deluxe guest rooms and suites and a new design for the lobby. The restaurants have also received a makeover; La Gritta, Amari Phuket’s fine dining Italian always boasted an impressive position overlooking Patong Bay but has been reimagined to become a chic destination restaurant sure to wow the senses. La Gritta Terrace has come to be a stylish venue for enjoying creative cocktails, premium wines, and accompanying tapas. Whilst, Rim Talay all day dining restaurant and Breeze Spa have also undergone the makeover treatment and are showcasing their new fresh design. A new guest lounge, Voyager has also been introduced offering snacks and light refreshments, wash and change area, library and selection of games to keep minds active.

General Manager, Warakorn Jarusirikul said:

“We are very proud that our resort attracts a large number of repeat visitors year after year. We recognised that it was important to reinvest into the physical product we offer, and provide an enhanced overall experience for our guests. The finished look is fantastic, very contemporary and above all comfortable and functional. Amari is about offering guests warm and friendly service and quality accommodation, I hope we exceed at doing both.”

In 2015, in conjunction with the property’s 30th birthday, a further 160 units, comprising 148 residences and 12 pool villas will be added to Amari Phuket, bringing the total inventory to 357 rooms. The additional 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units will also offer an investment opportunity to buyers who will have private use of the residences but also the option to pool the units back into the hotel inventory, generating a rental return.

Travelodge has recently started work constructing six new hotels (579 rooms) across the UK. These development projects represent an investment of £41.5 million and will create 500 new jobs, which equates to 405 construction jobs and 95 Travelodge hotel team member positions.Anglo Holt is the contractor for four of the properties that are being constructed.

These six properties will boost Travelodge’s portfolio to 517 hotels and 38,359 rooms.

The largest hotel development in today’s announcement is being built in the heart of Glasgow city centre on Queen’s Street. The 171 room hotel is being funded by Business Premises Renovation Fund and represents an investment of £12 million. This development is an office conversion of the former Charlotte House building. Anglo Holt are aiming to have the hotel ready for the start of the Commonwealth Games in July 2014. This opening is also Travelodge’s biggest hotel in Glasgow and will boost its portfolio to six properties in Scotland’s biggest city.

The second property is a 104 room hotel in Greenwich, London. This is the Company’s second hotel to open in Greenwich within the last 18 months. This hotel will form part of Cathedral Group’s ‘The Movement’ development. It is being funded by R&D LLC and the contractor is Anglo Holt. The hotel represents an investment of £8.3 million and is scheduled to be opened in September 2014.

The third development is an 86 room hotel in Raynes Park, London. Located in Raynes Park Village and yards from the station, this hotel will be Travelodge’s second property in the London Borough of Merton. It is being funded by a private investor and the contractor is Anglo Holt. The hotel represents an investment of £6.9 million and is scheduled to open in September 2014.

Greenwich and Raynes Park Travelodge hotels will ensure the company maintains its title as London’s biggest hotelier with 62 hotels.

The fourth property is a 41 room hotel in Ryde. It is Travelodge’s second hotel on the Isle of Wight and is ideally located on Lind Hill with easy access to the ferry terminal. The hotel has been funded by Barclays Bank and represents an investment of £2.3 million. The hotel is scheduled to open in April 2014.

The fifth hotel is an 84 room property in the heart of Southampton’s city centre. It is Travelodge’s second hotel in the city centre and represents an investment of £5.5 million. The development is a converted office block previously occupied by Lloyds Bank. The hotel is being funded by Downing Finance and the contractor is Anglo Holt. It is scheduled to open in July 2014.

The sixth property is a 93 room hotel in Winnersh and represents a £6.5 million investment. It is located adjacent to Segro’s large HQ Winnersh office development and is perfectly located for the Thames Valley business community. Parks Trust has purchased the site and will fund the development. The contractor is Marshall Building Construction. The hotel is scheduled to open in December 2014.

All of the hotel rooms in the six properties will incorporate Travelodge’s new room design which is currently being rolled out across the estate. This is part of a £223 million brand refresh programme to help the Company grow its business, strengthen its product offering and make Travelodge the best value hotel chain in the UK.

The refit programme kicked off in March 2013 and to date 153 hotels and 13,331 rooms have been refitted.

Paul Harvey, Travelodge Managing Director for Property, said: “We are very excited to be starting on site to build six hotels today in prime locations across the UK. These developments represent a total investment of £41.5 million and will create 500 new jobs. They will be a great addition to the Travelodge portfolio and offer consumers more choice for good value accommodation.

“All of these six hotels are scheduled to open throughout next year and we are hopeful that our Glasgow hotel which is our largest hotel in the city will be ready for the Commonwealth Games.”

Andy Elwell, Managing Director at Anglo Holt said: “Anglo Holt has worked with Travelodge for over a decade now and during this time we have built 64 hotels for the company across the UK.

“We are delighted to be starting on site to help build four more Travelodge hotels today and be creating lots of new jobs in local communities for bricklayers, plumbers and electricians.”

Travelodge, the UK’s leading budget hotel chain, has today announced the appointment of Peter Gowers (41) as its new Chief Executive Officer to succeed Grant Hearn. Peter will start on the 25th of November 2013.Peter Gowers joins Travelodge from Safestore Holdings plc, the UK’s largest self-storage operator, where he has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2011. Previously he held the role of Chief Executive, Asia-Pacific for InterContinental Hotels Group (“IHG”) where he oversaw more than 250 hotels with more than $1.5bn in annual hotel turnover and 60,000 hotel employees. Prior to being CEO of Asia-Pacific Peter was Chief Marketing Officer of IHG from 2005-2007 where he led the worldwide marketing and sales team.

Peter spent his early career at Bass PLC and has gained a broad experience in the leisure industry holding senior positions at IHG as well as its predecessor, Six Continents Hotels.

Brian Wallace, Chairman of Travelodge, said; “I am delighted to welcome Peter as the new CEO of Travelodge. Peter is a highly regarded senior executive, with extensive industry and market experience and expertise. His skills and knowledge will be a great asset in helping to further grow our business and to make Travelodge the best value hotel chain in the UK.

He added: “Since joining Travelodge in 2003, Grant has done a tremendous job in more than doubling the size of the Company’s portfolio and establishing the brand as a household name with an exceptional digital presence. Grant has built a remarkable team that, led by Peter, will now take the business on to even greater levels of success driven by meeting and exceeding guest expectations. On a personal level, I am extremely grateful for Grant’s support since I became Chairman earlier this year.”

Peter Gowers said: “Travelodge is an iconic hotel brand and I am hugely excited by the opportunity to lead such a great business. I am delighted to be returning to the hotel industry and I look forward to working with the excellent team already in place to build on our current momentum and further grow the Travelodge brand.”

Peter is married and has two children. His hobbies include playing goal keeper for the Beaconsfield Strollers and he is currently learning to fly a light aircraft.

Grant Hearn will remain in the post for a further two weeks to assist the changeover.

Korn Ferry handled the executive search.

With 400 hotels in 60 countries under its belt, Novotel continues to rise in the Asia Pacific with the unveiling of a hotel in Phuket, Thailand – its 100th in the region.

The history of Novotel in this part of the world began in 1982 in Singapore, where Novotel immediately attracted many travellers. Thirty years later, a quarter of the brand’s hotels are in the Asia Pacific region.The Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach boasts unobstructed views of the azure Andaman Sea. The resort, located on the idyllic island off the west coast, has 166 rooms, suites and villas, as well as a lush garden. Its three restaurants and bars, fitness centre, spa and swimming pool will delight travellers in search of relaxation. The hotel is ideally located, just a 10-minute walk from the epicentre of the Phuket scene: Patong Beach.

This is just the beginning of plans for the brand. Over the next five years, Novotel intends to open 50 new hotels in the Asia Pacific region.

Raag Hotels Limited, which has a strategic franchise partnership to operate international value hotel brand Tune Hotels in Central London, announces the formation of a new Joint Venture with the Wellcome Trust and the acquisition of a site for a new Tune Hotel in Canary Wharf.The Wellcome Trust has acquired a 50% shareholding in Raag Hotels alongside the remaining shareholders, a company associated with the Jivraj Family and a company owned by Naguib Kheraj. The shareholders have committed additional equity to fund the future roll out of more Tune Hotels in London, taking the portfolio from the current 616 rooms to a target of 1500 rooms.

Having provided the majority of the capital to back the initial start-up and successful development of the business over the past three years, Mountgrange Real Estate Opportunity Fund is realising its investment in full as part of the transaction.

Raag Hotels has also acquired a site in Canary Wharf which has planning consent for the development of a 130 room hotel. The Tune Hotel Canary Wharf is expected to open in early 2015.

Raag Hotels was set up in 2010 as a joint venture between interests associated with the Jivraj Family, Naguib Kheraj and Mountgrange, to develop a portfolio of Tune Hotels in London. Tune Hotels are operating in key business and leisure locations in Westminster, Liverpool Street, Paddington and Kings Cross. Under the management of Queensway Hotels, part of the Jivraj family interests, the Tune Hotels brand has established a fast growing presence in the London market, providing high quality accommodation at affordable prices. Customer response to this innovative concept has been very positive resulting in very strong occupancy levels. The hotels have won wide recognition including the Sunday Times Magazine award for London Budget Hotel of the year in 2012.

Bank finance for the development of the Raag Hotels business has been provided by HSBC and RBS.

Naushad Jivraj, CEO of Queensway Hotels said:
“We are delighted to form this new joint venture with the Wellcome Trust, an institution which has a most distinguished track record and reputation as a long term investor. Mountgrange have been an excellent partner to work with and we are pleased that the confidence they showed in backing the start-up of this business has produced a successful outcome for their investors.”

Peter Pereira Gray, Managing Director of the Investment Division of the Wellcome Trust said:
“The Tune Hotels concept is innovative and provides consumers with an offering which is high quality and very good value for money. The business produces an attractive cashflow profile with the potential for long term capital appreciation. We see the opportunity to expand this business and add to its portfolio of well-located properties in London.”

Mark Lankester, CEO of Tune Hotels Group said:
“London has been a fabulous market for Tune Hotels and with this new investment by the Wellcome Trust in the Raag business, the wheels are in motion for the exciting times that we know lie ahead.”

Manish Chande, Senior Partner of Mountgrange commented:
“We are delighted with the performance of this venture and our operating partner Queensway Hotels. Having supported the early stage development of this business, now is the right time for a new investor to be part of the next stage of growth. We look forward to repeating the formula of applying our property expertise to other sectors in the future.”

A new Cense by Spa Cenvaree has opened at Centra Central Station Bangkok, the Centara Hotels & Resorts property that has recently soft-opened near to the city’s Hua Lamphong mainline railway terminus.Cense by Spa Cenvaree is Centara’s own spa brand, designed for busy people who may not have time for a full-scale spa programme, and complements the Centra brand of value hotels.

An urban escape spa that will be greatly appreciated by travellers and also by guests who have been shopping or sightseeing at Chinatown, for which the hotel is also perfectly located, Cense by Spa Cenvaree has four multi-function therapy rooms, a Thai massage room, and a foot massage salon.

Signature treatments include the Chrysanthemum Soothing and Sweet Almond Massage, the Goji Berry Body Scrub, Centella Asiatica Body Scrub, and Black Dragon Tea Body Wrap. A full-day Cense Blissful Day Spa Package is also available.

Cense by Spa Cenvaree is operational from 10.00 to 21.00 hrs daily.

The newly built Centra Central Station Hotel Bangkok features 150 stylishly appointed rooms and suites catering to the needs of individual travellers, small families and groups of friends. Located only a short walk away from Hua Lamphong mainline railway station and MRT underground, the hotel provides easy access to Bangkok’s Chinatown district.

Following the success of the Panaz Premiere in recent years, Panaz will again be introducing their new luxury, contract flame retardant drapery, furnishings and upholstery collections on 20th and 21st November from 10.00am each day at the Hilton Islington, 53 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH adjacent to the Business Design Centre.For more information about the event or to book an appointment, please contact Panaz on panazpremiere@panaz.co.uk.

Details of the new collections launched at the Premiere will appear after the event on the Panaz website www.panaz.com.

IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) is proud to announce the groundbreaking on a 20-story, 225-room InterContinental® hotel located in the Piantini neighborhood of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Real Hotels & Resorts, a hotel division of Salvadorian-based Grupo Poma, will own the new development and invest US$70 million in the project. Scheduled to open in 2015, the Real InterContinental® Santo Domingo hotel will be located on the Avenida Winston Churchill next to the Acropolis, a popular shopping center with luxury restaurants, shops and a sophisticated nightlife district. An upscale residential neighborhood with several apartments and office towers are also nearby. The hotel will appeal to local residents and international travelers alike with a stylish lobby bar atmosphere and various restaurants, meetings rooms, business center, an outdoor pool, fitness center and spa.

This development further strengthens IHG’s relationship with Grupo Poma, owner of seven InterContinental hotels throughout El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica and the InterContinental at Doral Miami. The Real InterContinental Santo Domingo will be the third IHG-branded property in Santo Domingo already home to a Crowne Plaza® hotel and a Holiday Inn® hotel.

The St. Regis Bangkok has unveiled a new Penthouse Suite located on the hotel’s highest floor, 44 storeys above street level. The space combines signature St. Regis bespoke services and elegant Asian décor with floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a double-storey three-bedroom residence with unparalleled panoramic views of the city.Throughout both floors, unique memorabilia from The King And I, the famed Broadway musical set in Bangkok, adorns the walls, including costumes worn by Yul Brynner. This and the elegant decor creates a subtle expression of east meets west and a sense of stateliness for suite guests.

On the balcony, a private 7-metre infinity pool overlooks the greenery of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and the magnificent city skyline, while a private home theatre includes a 65-inch high definition television and larger pull-down projector screen amongst the host of state-of-the-art equipment.

A private dining room overlooking Bangkok’s famous Sukhumvit stretch is perfect for private dinner parties, accommodating up to 16 guests and is adjacent to a fully equipped kitchen, which can be stocked with the freshest produce and choicest ingredients to order. A wine room offers a fine selection of old and new world vintages, specially chosen by the house sommelier from the hotel’s cellar.

The bespoke 24-hour St. Regis Butler service is redefined to offer two personal butlers ready to cater to a guest’s every need. From packing and unpacking services to serving in-residence breakfast or assisting with arrangements for a fully-catered dinner party, no request is too big or too small.

In the three bedrooms, a signature St. Regis king-sized bed is layered in 300-thread-count linens, a down comforter, plush pillows, and a sumptuous throw blanket. The master bedroom with lush green parkland views also incorporates a study area with a generously sized desk that provides a comfortable place for crafting a letter or catching up on email via the residence’s High Speed Internet Access and Wi-Fi. An en-suite walk-in closet leads to the lavish marble bathroom, where double vanities reside alongside a large freestanding bathtub and separate custom shower with Remède bath amenities.

For those not wishing to stray from their usual fitness regime, a private exercise room outfitted with TechnoGym® equipment and a full range of free weights will ensure guests can enjoy their exercise session while taking in the far-stretching city views. Adjacent to this, a private spa therapy area with two treatment beds offers guests the opportunity to indulge in a pampering Elemis Spa treatment from the comforts of their lavish accommodation.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that its Le Méridien brand is picking up even more momentum in North America with a new hotel planned for Cleveland, Ohio. Le Méridien Cleveland will open in January 2016 following the completion of a highly anticipated, adaptive re-use project that will join together and transform two adjacent, historic buildings on Euclid Avenue. Owned by JHB Hotel, LLC, Le Méridien Cleveland will be the brand’s third historic adaptive re-use project in North America, following Le Méridien Philadelphia and Le Méridien Tampa, showcasing a timeless chic design ethos that juxtaposes traditional architecture with contemporary style. Formerly known as “Millionaire’s Row,” Euclid Avenue was home to the city’s most affluent citizens and a must-see destination for European travellers in the early 1900s when Cleveland was a major manufacturing hub. The new Le Méridien Cleveland will be developed at 1001-1101 Euclid Avenue as part of a visionary project that will connect and transform two adjacent buildings – the John Hartness Brown Building (JHB Building), originally constructed in 1901 as a multi-story office building with retail space, and 1101 Euclid Avenue, built in 1915 as an office building. The development will also include 10,500 square feet of ground-floor retail space and a 125-space parking garage.

Situated in the heart of the city’s bustling theatre district, Le Méridien Cleveland will be adjacent to Playhouse Square, the second largest theatre complex in the United States, and walking distance to the newly developed Horseshoe Casino and Cleveland Convention Center. Nearby attractions include the city’s vibrant East 4th Street entertainment district, Progressive Field and Cleveland Browns Stadium. Guests will enjoy easy access to the rest of the city via the HealthLine Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and Cleveland’s RTA Free E-Line Trolley.

In addition to 206 modern guest rooms and suites, Le Méridien Cleveland will feature a full-service restaurant, signature bar, 3,000 square-foot lounge, indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and more than 12,000 feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space, perfect for social occasions and business functions.
Le Méridien Cleveland will feature the brand’s signature Le Méridien Hub™ experience, which re-interprets the traditional lobby into a social gathering place for creative people to converse, debate, and exchange. Le Méridien Hub further builds on the brand’s award-winning arrival experience and coffee culture. Le Méridien arrival consists of four elements: large-scale artwork in high impact areas to reset the mind and stimulate dialogue and curiosity; the sensory experience, illustrated through Le Méridien signature scent, sound and use of light, creating a unique and distinctive atmosphere; UNLOCK ART™ programme, featuring LM100 ™ artist designed key card collections that not only offer access to the guestroom but also to Le Méridien affiliated contemporary cultural centers in the city; and a 24-hour curated soundtrack. The Hub at Le Méridien Cleveland will also feature the signature Master Barista, a recently launched initiative to meet the growing demands of coffee lovers at every Le Méridien hotel worldwide. Master Baristas lead coffee-related initiatives at each hotel, serve as a coffee cultural ambassador, and maintain knowledge of current coffee trends within the destination.

When I was in Hamburg to create the Review of Accor’s Sofitel the adjacent Steigenberger was pointed out to me as belonging to the brand that was the leading German five star hotel group. It was described as an old fashioned Sleeping Beauty waiting awakening. Steigenberger found their prince in Puneet Chhatwal, one of Kurt Ritter’s so successful team who drove the expansion of SAS Hotels through various liaisons of increasing passion and intensity until consummated with US suitor Carlson. Taking a dozen 1990’s SAS Hotels through Radisson into Rezidor now to the full embrace of Carlson, Ritter fell a little short of his self – proclaimed target of 700 hotels by the end of 2012, but he came damn close, and instrumental in realising his targets as his Director of Development from 1998 was Puneet Chhatwal.
Chhatwal speaks fondly of Ritter, who he still sees on a regular basis. The whirlwind development of the group is not on the cards for Steigenberger though, he says. Steigenberger is a part of the group of hotels which includes 35 Intercity Hotels and 3 cruise vessels operating on the Nile and Nasser Sea. The 49 individual luxury hotels that are the Steigenberger’s face change, but defined by Chhatwal as defining themselves around those parameters that epitomise German engineering vis-a-vis BMW and Mercedes – quality, leadership, reliability. Steigenberger will be a purely management group, and will remain German based. However as it has a former finance director of Thomas Cook on the board I would expect to see major overseas expansion from their German homeland.

Whilst staying German based the group will seek to keep the best of German qualities whilst developing an international character. Chhatwal will look to the international design community much as Rezidor did, remembering with affection Joseph Ransley of the now alas defunct Ransley Associates (see NH Brussels as an example of his work, one of my very early Reviews) but also speaking well of Peter Joehnk of the eponymous Frankfurt JOI interior design practice.

There are ten or so Steigenberger’s that Chhatwal sees as the equivalent within the group of the Mercedes ‘S’ class within the car groups portfolio, and is grappling with how to differentiate them. Rezidor always in my view had a problem differentiating the Missoni and Regent brands as up-market brands within their portfolio and never really got their minds around the issues of this up-market differentiation, indeed I don’t think Radisson management grasp 5 star. Chhatwal has identified this as an issue to be resolved in Steigenberger and it will be interesting to watch the group development to see how he applies his solutions.

Like Sternlicht did when in charge of Starwoods in growing the ‘W’ brand out of Westin, Chhatwal sees an opportunity in the differentiation, but, as he says “it is a different world from when Sternlicht did ‘W’”. Agreed but that is the nature of opportunity and as we come out of recession and look ahead to a possible six years of growth, now is the time to be doing it.

I will watch with interest how Chhatwal addresses the issues, develops design identities and moves the group ahead. The first of the new and refurbished hotels competed on his watch have now been completed and I am off to Dusseldorf to see the refurbished Steigenberger Park in my first look at the new iteration of the brand. Watch this space…

©Patrick Goff Interviewed Puneet Chhatwal at the WTM on the 4th November 2013

Hotel Indigo continues to expand in top-tier U.S. markets, with plans for a hotel in the Chicago suburb of Naperville. The hotel, planned on the Naperville Riverwalk, an award-winning riverfront walkway and park, is expected to be a significant anchor for the mixed-use retail, restaurant and office development on the south end of Naperville’s central business district. This is the second Hotel Indigo signing in the Chicago market this year, with a hotel expected to open in the Millennium Park area in late 2014. Slated to open in 2015, the hotel will be located in the Water Street District, a vibrant neighborhood with a variety of restaurants and shops. It will be conveniently accessible to downtown Naperville businesses and will benefit from planned expansions to the Riverwalk that will include an art wall and a staircase patterned after the Spanish Steps in Rome. A large public and private parking facility with more than 500 spaces will be adjacent to the hotel, providing parking for the Water Street district and additional downtown visitor parking.

The Hotel Indigo Naperville hotel will have 160 rooms, including Riverfront King Suites and Honeymoon Suites. The second floor lobby will feature a great room with fireplace, a bistro-style dining area and wine bar. The hotel will offer a well-equipped fitness center, banquet accommodations, three meeting rooms that can accommodate from 15 to 60 people, and a rooftop restaurant that overlooks the river and extraordinary panoramic views of downtown Naperville.

Marquette Companies plans to involve the Naperville Heritage Society in bringing the area’s history and culture to life within the hotel space via unique interior designs and signature murals. The Hotel Indigo Naperville hotel, owned by Marquette Companies LLC, will be managed by IHG.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has recently announced its iconic Sheraton brand has reached the 100th hotel milestone in Asia Pacific with the opening of Sheraton Shantou Hotel in China, owned by Logan Group. Sheraton Shantou Hotel features 306 guestrooms, as well as 24 suites with views of the South China Sea. Rooms are equipped with all the brand’s signature amenities and services including the plush Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, rainforest shower, ergonomic work area, High Speed Internet Access, and LCD flat panel television. The heart of the lobby is the Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft®, – a relaxed space with complimentary wireless broadband where guests can socialize and connect with friends, both old and new.

Additional facilities include a gym, an outdoor swimming pool and Shine Spa for Sheraton™.

Sheraton Shantou Hotel also offers three distinctive dining venues, a Sheraton Club Lounge, and 1,800-square meters of versatile, state-of-the-art function space.

Jumeirah Group (‘Jumeirah’), the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, announced today that it has successfully raised a US$1.4 billion unsecured syndicated loan priced at 2.75% above LIBOR due 2019.The facility was lead arranged by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, HSBC, Mashreq and Standard Chartered. Jumeirah Group was advised by Rothschild on the transaction.

The loan will be used for expansion plans as Jumeirah continues to grow in the years ahead as well as for general corporate purposes, at the parent level, for Dubai Holding Commercial Operations Group.

Gerald Lawless, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah Group said; “The pricing we have been able to achieve for this syndicated loan is a testament to the Company’s financial strength and future prospects. This financing will support our focus on driving profitable revenues from the existing portfolio while giving us the headroom to continue our local and international expansion. This is the first time we have raised funds through a syndicated loan and we are pleased to be supported by the highest calibre of international and local banks.”

Year to date September 2013, average occupancy in Jumeirah’s portfolio of hotels has increased by 8% globally, compared to the same period in 2012. In the same period the revenue per available room, an industry standard for measuring performance, rose by 15%. The performance data is based on hotels that had more than 18 months of operations under the Jumeirah brand.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced its sizzling Aloft brand has made its debut in Orlando, Florida. Aloft Orlando Downtown is located in the former OUC building and sits adjacent to Orlando City Hall. Owned by GDC Properties and operated by Yedla Management Company, this new hotel offers a prime location in the revitalized downtown business district. Featuring Aloft’s signature W XYZ bar, with a buzzing, social atmosphere, significant outdoor dining space and urban-influenced, modern design, Aloft Downtown Orlando is a welcome addition for guests and locals alike.Design innovation is key to Aloft Orlando Downtown’s architecture, as some of the original building’s features have been preserved in the lobby such as the terrazzo flooring, marble walls and teak wood paneling. An L.E.D. backlit staircase leads from the lobby to the lower level where the meeting space is located and there are seven boardrooms located on floors 2 to 8. The spacious loft-like meeting rooms feature 10 ft. ceilings with floor to ceiling windows that offer fabulous views of downtown Orlando. The building’s exterior illuminates at night with its vibrant L.E.D. lighting.

The Aloft Orlando Downtown follows the opening of three other adaptive re-use projects including Aloft Miami Brickell, Aloft Tulsa Downtown and the award-winning Aloft Dallas Downtown, which transformed a historic railroad depot into an Aloft hotel. Aloft will complete two more adaptive re-use projects in 2014 – Aloft Detroit Downtown and Aloft Tampa Downtown. Looking toward 2015, Aloft New Orleans Downtown and Aloft Amsterdam Airport will also open as adaptive re-use hotels.

The last weekend in October had the Steigenberger Hotel Group celebrating the completion of the renovation works at the Steigenberger Parkhotel in Düsseldorf on the Königsallee 1a with 600 invited guests.Since 2011 more than ten million euros have been invested in the reconstruction and conversion of the lobby, terrace, winter garden, restaurants, rooms and suites.

“For us, the Steigenberger Parkhotel in Düsseldorf is a showpiece, which combines both, the classic elegance of a Grand Hotel with a rich tradition and the luxury of a modern Five Star Hotel”, says Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of the Steigenberger Hotels AG.

“Its prime location on Düsseldorf’s glamorous grand boulevard, the ‘Königsallee’, directly opposite to the so-called “Kö-Bogen” underlines the individuality and exclusiveness of the object, and we are very proud that it shines in new splendour now”, Chhatwal adds.

That is the reason, why the “Grand Opening” became such a shining, varied and exclusive event. According to the motto “Steigenberger Parkhotel Düsseldorf in its new look” guests from economy, politics, the show-biz and the entertainment industry ambled through the new premises.

During individual tours, the invited guests could get a personal impression of the newly designed rooms and suites.

An event for all senses – The outdoor multimedia show arranged by Frank Alexander (Paranoid-Art) with lasers, beamers and flame throwers, projected on water surfaces, and the illumination of the outer facade of the Parkhotel provided a spectacular performance and left a lasting impression on the guests and hundreds of spectators.

The chef de cuisine of the Steigenberger Parkhotel in Düsseldorf, Michael Görres, his colleague and starred-chef, Patrick Bittner, from the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof and the starred-chefs Yoshizumi Nagaya and Jean Claude Borgueil (“Im Schiffchen”, Kaiserwerth) were responsible for the culinary delights. Show-chef René Kalobius impressed with his molecular kitchen.

The revenue of the charity activities of 5,000 Euro were donated to a project of the German Red Cross called “Herzwerk”, brought into being by actress Jenny Jürgens. During the presentation ceremony, she thanked the organizers and guests personally for the excellent result.

“The evening was a full success for us, as our guests enjoyed it and they are all impressed by our “new look”. It was an eventful and successful start and we are looking forward to a bright future”, as Michael Kain, Director of the Steigenberger Parkhotel in Düsseldorf puts it.

Hilton Worldwide has recently announced the introduction of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand into New Caledonia with the signing of a franchise agreement with GLP Hotels New Caledonia and the opening of Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residences. Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residences features 154 spacious and modern, self-catering apartments, that offer uninterrupted water views over the New Caledonia lagoon, which is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO.The three tower Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residences is located on Anse Vata Beach in the centre of the main tourism and accommodation district in Noumea and is an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel’s 154 apartments range from King Studios to one, two and three-bedroom apartments – all of which come equipped with a kitchen and laundry.

The hotel will open with a newly renovated main entrance and lobby area which will include a dedicated Hilton HHonors desk, as well as a library and a spacious and welcoming lounge area. Facilities at the hotel include a heated swimming pool, restaurant serving Pacific Rim cuisine, a business centre, gym and wellbeing centre for women.

A glass-walled chapel located in the gardens of the hotel with panoramic views over Anse Vata Bay has recently been inaugurated for intimate and unforgettable wedding celebrations. Numerous boutiques, cafés and tourist attractions are within walking distance of the hotel.

Business guests and conference delegates can plan their meetings in the conference room located on the first floor of the hotel, or for larger groups, at the conference facilities located at the hotel’s sister property.